I Like Me Better

by pantheradraconis

Bella, after graduating high school in Florida under the roof of her mother and stepdad, moves to Forks, WA for her first year of college. She arrives the summer before and spends most of her time at the res with her friends Jacob and Leah, learning about the wolves and taught to fear the cold ones.

8. Slow Dance

Title: I Like Me Better

Author: Pantheradraconis

Rating: M

Pairing: Bella/Rosalie, Edward/Leah, Emmett/Angela

POV: Changes, 3rd Person

Summary: Bella, after graduating high school in Florida under the roof of her mother and stepdad, moves to Forks, WA for her first year of college. She arrives the summer before and spends most of her time at the res with her friends Jacob and Leah, learning about the wolves and taught to fear the cold ones. On her first day of classes at Peninsula College, Bella runs into the most gorgeous girls she's ever seen and immediately becomes infatuated with her.

Chapter 8

Angela

The young teen looks out over Sigmar Field and pulls her jacket a little closer around her shoulders. The field, usually filled with the two major soccer teams (the womens and the mens), is filled with an assortment of college students all in various degrees of inebriation. Perhaps it wasn't the best idea to come to this party.

It wasn't like Angela was a prude, she knew how to have fun and she knew that a few drinks were rarely a bad thing, but there is something uncomfortable about the field tonight. Her eyes search the grounds for someone familiar. It's very likely that she simply feels uncomfortable because she is sticking out like a sore thumb; the only one in her immediate vicinity that isn't a part of a group.

Across a cluster of Seniors betting on two guys doing handstands, Angela notices Eric hanging around a few guys they went to high school with.

"I didn't know you were coming to this party," Angela says as she approaches the group.

"Hey! Ang!" Mike shouts out. "I haven't seen you in ages, Ang."

Angela gets pulled into an awkward hug and she thinks Mike tried to kiss her cheek but missed. She's not entirely sure, but she wouldn't be surprised if Mike was well into his 3rd cup of beer.

"Hi Mike, Tyler. How are you guys doing? How is basic training?"

"Oh, it's miserable," Mike answers with a grin. "I've got just this weekend before I go on to AIT and then I'm sent to my base. Not sure where that will be yet, but hey, you gotta live in the present! Am I right or am I right?" The short boy downs what's left of his drink before crunching the cup in his hand.

"You're gonna want to loosen your grip there," Tyler laughs. "You pay for the cup, remember?"

"I'll buy another!" Mike laughs and throws the cup over his shoulder. "Ang, let me get you a drink."

He disappears into the crowd before Angela can reply so she turns over to Tyler and gives him a quick, soft hug.

"How about you? What are you doing in Port Angeles?"

"Mike messaged a bunch of us guys saying he'd be in the area," Tyler shrugs. "I figured it couldn't hurt to come check up on you guys."

"We've definitely reduced in size," Eric smiles before taking a sip of his own drink. "I don't think I've spoken to Lauren once since she ran off to NYC."

Angela nods and adds, "I've heard from Jessica a few times, mostly social media updates, but she checks in from time to time with a phone call."

"How are you liking life in Seattle?" Eric asks Tyler.

"Haha, I mostly stay away from the city but it's fun to check out the restaurants."

"I still can't believe you went to culinary school," Angela laughs and shakes her head. "When are you going to cook for us?"

Tyler smiles a bit shyly. "You'll all be invited when I open my first restaurant, don't you worry."

"Here we go! Skald!" Mike yells as he walks up with three plastic cups full to the brim with frothy beer. He pushes one toward Angela and she grabs it before he's able to spill it all over her shirt. The second goes to Tyler who isn't quite as successful at keeping it off his shirt.

Angela laughs as Mike downs half his cup before anyone else replies.

"Cheers," Tyler laughs and taps his cup against Angela's. They smile and both take a long sip.

"So, where's the Cullen bodyguard?" Mike asks, starting to show a slight slur in his words.

Angela is about to ask what Mike means, when Eric says, "Emmett and Angela broke up near the end of last year, remember?"

Mike flails his hand in the air and shakes his head. "I know, I know, I just figured they'd be back together by now. They're end game."

"Right," Eric says before taking a large gulp. "Angela is actually dating me right now."

Mike starts laughing very loudly, drawing a few strange glances from the others around them. Unsure what to do, Eric gives Angela a weary look before shrugging.

"I didn't know you two were dating," Tyler says, just barely loud enough to hear over Mike. "Congrats, you two."

"Thanks," Angela says shyly, rubbing her hand against her shoulder. Mike's reaction feels incredibly uncomfortable but she has no idea how to react or change his opinion. Is the idea of her dating Eric really that funny? She looks over at Eric, who quickly finishes off his cup before shaking it and nodding towards the center of the field. She nods and he disappears into the crowd.

"You two don't exactly act like you're dating, you know," Tyler says softly from the other side of her and Angela merely nods in reply.

"Hey, Angela!" A voice calls out from behind the brunette and she turns to see Bella completely decked out in Pirate memorabilia.

The taller girl has to cover her mouth to keep from laughing too hard. "Bella, what on earth are you wearing?"

Bella looks down at her Pirates t-shirt, her Pirate's running shorts, and knee-high Pirate's socks before looking back up at Angela. "What do you mean? It's a Pirate party, right?"

Tyler leans closer to Angela and says, "I like this girl's style!" He reaches forward for a handshake but once Bella touches his hand, he pulls her closer and whispers, "Ahoy and shiver me timbers."

The shorter girl turns to look at Angela but the rim of her Pirate's baseball cap hits Tyler in the forehead. As the girls ask Tyler if he's ok, Mike finally stops laughing and looks over at the new arrival. Without missing a beat, Mike downs the rest of his drink and takes the few steps between himself and Bella but trips and ends up pushing Tyler to the ground.

Eric arrives back with two drinks in hand; he nonchalantly passes one over to Bella before saying, "I see these two have already fallen head over heels for you."

"It would seem so," Bella laughs a little awkwardly. "Should we help them get up?"

"No, no," Eric says, taking a slow drink of his beer. "They always manage to find their feet. Here comes Tyler now!"

Tyler stands up and brushes grass off his button down shirt. He looks back up at Bella before smiling confidently and asking the girl 21-questions about her life. Angela feels bad for Bella but at the same time strangely amused at the older girl's responses. It makes Angela realize just how much she didn't know about Bella's life before she came to Port Angeles. Was she that elusive or was Angela just that bad at asking personal questions? It must be the latter given how easily Bella responds to Tyler and Mike as they seem to compete on who can be more attentive and interested.

"So, what do you think of the party?" Eric asks, looking off into the crowd.

It takes a minute for Angela to realize he's talking to her. "Oh, well, you know. It's a party." She shakes her mostly full cup and frowns as it splashes over the edge. "I've never been much for parties."

"I didn't expect to see you at this one. I guess I could have given you a ride."

"It's okay," Angela shrugs. Did she always feel this uncomfortable when talking with Eric? Or does it have more to do with the large, loud crowd around them. "Bella asked me to come, and Josh and Isaac are at a sleepover." She shrugs again, suddenly unsure what to do with her hands.

"I like Bella," Eric says with a small smile. "She seems to be a really great friend to you." He takes another slow sip. "I'm glad you met her."

Angela smiles back and looks over at Bella. The shorter girl is playing a game with the two boys to figure out what zodiac signs they are. "I'm really glad we became friends too," Angela says, realizing just how true the statement is.

Eric sighs and points out over the crowd. "It looks like they're setting up the bonfire. I'm going to go check it out. I'll see you later?"

"Yeah, ok. Have fun," Angela replies with a strained smile. She watches as Eric easily moves through the crowd until he disappears in the masses. She wonders if she could pick him out from a crowd before wondering why that thought crossed her mind.

A strange tingle touches the back of Angela's neck, her hairs standing up at full attention. She smiles without realizing she's smiling and turning without realizing she's moving. When her eyes reach his, she knows without a doubt she will always be able to pick Emmett out of a crowd.

"Hey, Ang!" Emmett says in his boisterous voice. Off to the side, the bonfire is lit in a giant explosion of light and the DJ starts up with a pop song Angela doesn't know. "I love this song!"

There isn't a thought involved when Emmett grabs hold of Angela's hand and pulls her into a crowd of dancing bodies. There isn't a thought when he holds her too close, lifts her feet slightly from the ground, and twirls her around. There isn't a thought as one song leads to another and another and Angela keeps moving, not with the songs, but with Emmett.

"May I cut in?" A soft, timber voice calls from behind Emmett. For one quick moment Angela remembers Eric and looks for him, but instead finds Edward.

"Edward!" She calls out and pulls him into a hug. "I haven't seen you in ages. How have you been? How is the ONRC? You're doing a study along the Oil City trail?"

"Excellent memory, as always," Edward says with his disarmingly smug smirk. Angela was always amused by Jessica's reaction to the tall vampire and his crooked grin. Edward holds one hand up and Angela takes it, allowing the taller teen to twirl her in place. They then start swaying in perfect rhythm with the next song.

"Did Alice tell you what the next song would be?" Angela smiles up at her dance partner.

"Would it be so hard to believe that I simply have excellent timing?" Edward looks down to see Angela smiling and nods. "You are as perceptive as ever. The DJ merely happens to think of her set list every few songs."

"This is a lovely song," Angela says as they continue to sway. "But you didn't answer my first questions. I haven't seen you since your family's graduation party."

"That was definitely something else," Edward laughs. "Leave it to Alice to turn our home into a nightclub."

"Jessica still mentions it from time to time."

"The study is going very well, I have learned quite a lot about the local flora and fauna."

"That's really good to hear. I'm glad you had time to come to this party, I was surprised you didn't go to the car show earlier this week."

Edward pushes a free hand through his hair and shyly looks down at his feet.

"What is it, Edward? What aren't you telling me?"

Laughing, Edward twirls Angela one more time before pulling her softly away from the dancing crowd. They move through the swarms of people, so many more than just a few moments ago (Was it only moments? How many songs did she dance to?), and find the open keg. Edward procures two cups and passes one to Angela (Whatever happened to her last cup? Did she finish it?) before slowly moving to the edges of the field. They stand back and simply watch the party from the brim, observing the teens live their lives in blissful existence.

"I've met someone," The words are practically a whisper but once Angela's brain processes them, she jumps into Edward's arms, spilling beer on both their shoes. "It's new, it's strange, but it's also very right."

"I'm so happy for you, Edward!"

The vampire smiles at Angela and admits, "I know," while tapping his forehead. "I've always enjoyed your company, Angela. I've always found your thoughts as pure and sincere; they were often a bit of comfort during the chaos of Forks High School."

Angela blushes and looks down at her shoes. She remembers a time when Emmett and her first got together, a time when Rosalie was furious and Jasper was scared. It feels like a lifetime ago, having to live through all the secrets and lies, the protectiveness of the family, and the fierce loyalty as well. She shivers as she remembers the fear.

"It may be remembered as a mistake now, but there was a time when it was incredibly right," Edward whispers.

Angela looks out at the crowd and finds Eric watching her. She lifts a hand and waves, which he returns with a small smile. When he turns away, Angela realizes she wasn't searching for Eric, but for Emmett. She immediately feels sick.

"Do you require a ride home?" Edward asks, respectful as always. "I believe Alice and Jasper are thinking of leaving."

"No, I think I just need some space."

"You should tell him as much."

Angela nods, knowing Edward is speaking about Eric, and leans into Edward for a comforting hug. "I hope things work out with your someone."

"I hope so too."

Edward

It's the first college party Edward has graced with his presence in at least two decades. He never was one for large gatherings of oversexed teenagers, but every once in a while it can contain a bit of fun.

I wonder if there will be a wet t-shirt competition. Emmett's thoughts hit Edward's brain before they even make it through the quad. Edward merely rolls his eyes at his brother, knowing he's doing it on purpose. My Calculus professor could definitely win.

Remembering that Emmett's Calculus 3 professor is in fact an older male, Edward chokes on a bit of laughter. The image of Professor Dewey in a speedo and oversized, soaking wet, white t-shirt enters his brain without his permission. He punches Emmett in the arm but the burly vampire barely registers the attack and just laughs it off.

The family of vampires enter Sigmar Field as easily as a movie star walks into a premier. The masses part to allow the beautiful to move uninhibited. It's almost as if the human's believe the physical space deserves to be graced by these mythical gods rather than of their own ordinary existence.

They're absolutely stunning.

I wonder if they're models.

There's something almost eerie about how attractive they all are.

I'm definitely going to ask for his number, maybe even just take him around the side of the building.

I wish I could be that beautiful.

Edward was used to the thoughts, used to the discomforting effect his family has on the humans, but it didn't make it any easier.

Alice, Jasper, and Rosalie move toward the beer keg to collect enough cups for each of them. Edward watches as the teen handling the cash almost forgets to ask for payment before apologizing for even asking. Rosalie hands over the exact amount to avoid any more interaction and the teen just stares at her while she picks up five cups and passes them over to Jasper.

Keep wishing little human. Rosalie thinks. When she notices Edward staring at her she curses at him in Ancient Greek. Bdelyròs [bastard].

Shaking his head in amusement, Edward takes his cup from Jasper and turns toward the crowd. To the left of them is a group of five girls, all brunette, all wearing snazzy tops you'd normally see in a club, all wearing tight fitting jeans, all with a cheek tattoo of the school's pirate and matching make-up. If not for the minute details seen by the vampire, he may have trouble distinguishing the pack as separate girls. Three teen boys make their way toward the group and begin discussing the all important, what is your major?

Jasper walks over to Edward's side and looks down into his cup. He takes a sniff and nods. "Rainier. How original."

"This is Washington," Edward replies sniffing carefully.

"Mmm," Jasper agrees.

The two brothers watch the movement of the teens around them. A pair of girls with dark features crosses in front of them four times but never get up the courage to stop and talk. The girls soccer team arrives in a large group bringing two large crates of wood for the bonfire and a crowd follows them toward the makeshift pyre. Edward sees Eric in the group and focuses in on him.

Distant as a falling star, Lost just left of Neverland, Her mind in a land too far, Was I ever enough to be her man?

Edward didn't realize how much he missed Eric's makeshift lyrics. He should have told the teen back when they were in school; should have said something inspiring or even just left a lyric writing competition entry form. There have been so many times in Edward's life where he wished he had done more for those around him.

A wave of calm washes over him and he smirks down into his cup of beer. "Thanks, Jasper," He whispers so quietly only the two brothers could hear. Jasper merely nods in rhythm with the music.

When did the music start?

God I hate this song, Rosalie thinks and rolls her eyes. She turns to walk closer to the bonfire in hopes of some comforting heat from the blaze. Edward watches her and wonders if her love of fire has anything to do with her hatred of her current life. To trip and fall into the flame and be nothing but ash. He shakes his head before the feeling becomes overwhelming.

"Are you ok?" Jasper asks while watching Alice talk to two guys from the basketball team. The pixie-height girl barely comes up to their chests yet they seem just slightly afraid of the beauty.

"I'm not sure why, but I feel a little off tonight. Perhaps I merely need to get used to being in such a crowd." Edward pretends to take a sip of his beer while he contemplates his mood. There is something in the air putting him on edge. He takes a sniff but the reek of the beer messes with his abilities. "I'm going to take a walk around."

Jasper nods and moves over to Alice. The two basketball players immediately stand up straighter and move their hands against their sides as if afraid to be caught too close to Alice when Jasper appears. Edward shakes his head and moves around the edges of the crowd. He carefully sniffs the air and allows the mixture of beer, sweat, and hormones wash through him. He searches the minds for something to focus on but feels he needs to clean his brain after walking past two girls flirting a little too sexually for still being within the crowd.

I could die right now and be content with my life.

Edward hears his brother's thoughts before he sees him, but isn't surprised by what he sees. Emmett is dancing with Angela, arms wrapped around one another, hips swaying just a little bit slower than everyone else.

He knows how much Angela means to Emmett; how the burly vampire still thinks of the human every day, still worries over her safety, still hopes for the day she returns to him. The older vampire can hardly fault his brother for his feelings; if it had been him, wouldn't he yearn the same way? Edward thinks of Leah and a smile immediately comes to his lips.

Shaking his head, Edward asks to cut in. Emmett, at first angry and annoyed, sees the look in his brother's eyes and lets Angela go. I know, truly. I just…

"It's ok," Edward whispers back as he dances Angela away. It isn't long before the two are standing side by side, watching the crowd, both lost in thought. Both wondering what Angela's next step will be.

As Angela moves away, Edward checks on his siblings. Emmett is twirling Alice around the bonfire, the small vampire practically gliding over the grass. Jasper is watching the field carefully, something has caught his attention.

"What is it?" Edward asks loud enough for his brother to hear over the crowd.

"Nothing yet," Jasper says without looking in his direction.

Edward looks across the field and makes out two guys crowding over a freshman girl. She's wobbly on her feet, obviously too drunk for her own good, and not laughing. Jasper and Edward watch carefully while Edward searches the minds of the two boys.

I wouldn't mind adding her to my belt notch. Check out those boobs.

There's gotta be something here, someone. She needs a friend.

Just one more drink and she'll be begging to be brought home. Don't worry, I'll put you to bed, you little slut... when I'm done with you.

I'll just pretend she's mine. Claim her, then I can drop her off home safely.

The second boy steps forward and grabs onto the girl's arm. He looks back at his friend, the one Edward can't help but growl at, and says, "This one is mine. Find your own."

"Oh come on, man. We can share." A sharp sneer spreads across his lips and Edward takes an involuntary step forward. Before he can move any closer, Rosalie slides in and punches the guy in the stomach. She's gone before anyone knows what happens but the force knocks the wind out of him. He bends down on the ground and the other guy walks away with the girl. Edward and Jasper both laugh, leaving the sorry excuse for a male on the ground.

Wanting to congratulate Rosalie on her perfect timing, Edward goes to follow her through the crowd. The blonde moves too quickly for most of the drunken rabble to even see her next to them, but she slows as she comes across a brunette talking with Mike Newton and Tyler Crowley. What were those two doing here?

Edward heaves a breath and leans forward, as if he had been struck by a battering ram. He closes his mouth and holds his breath but the scent lingers in his nose. The beautiful, sweet, delectable scent of blood. But it isn't just blood, it is so much more. At that moment Edward is no longer a member of the crowd. He is a predator staring down his prey.

He moves with purpose, with a plan. He will draw the girl away from the crowd, convince her to walk away with him. He will cater to her human interests, he will become the perfect gentleman, the perfect catch. The second they are away from the sight of others, he will consume her.

A flash of blonde glows in his peripheral vision and he crouches. This one is mine! You cannot have her; she is mine. Only mine! But the blonde hair reaches the brunette, his brunette, his prey. The blonde hair causes him to pause. He blinks several times and shakes his head.

"Are you okay, man?" A boy asks him and Edward suddenly realizes how ridiculous he looks. He's crouched down and baring his teeth at a girl whose back is facing him. He stands up straight, runs his hand through his hair, and looks at the boy. He opens his mouth to speak but the taste of the scent hits his tongue. He closes his eyes and grinds his teeth together. The sound is like a train screeching along the tracks.

Without answering, without opening his eyes, Edward moves away. He leaves the crowd at a speed that would be hard to explain if anyone could reach him to ask. He leaves the field and circles around the buildings. He's in the middle of Port Angeles but he needs to run, needs to escape.

A part of him begs to turn around, to run back and devour the human. He could destroy anyone that got in his way, the entire crowd if needed. It would take time, it would be tedious, but not entirely impossible. The bloody aftermath would end up in the news but he'd be gone long before anyone could truly explain what happened.

The sight of blonde hair next to the girl comes back to memory. He holds his head in his hands and shakes it back and forth. He needs to run. It's dark, he'll stick to the edges of the buildings, stay in the shadows of the alleyways. Through the woods, across the water, along the edges of the population. The night is dark with no moon to help light the way but he moves on instinct alone. He's already skirting along Ts'il-os Park when he hears the first howl. A wolf, crying out into the night, her feet keeping pace with his own. Leah.

Edward breaks down and slams his hands into the ground. His crumpled body bent in defeat and guilt is what greets Leah. The wolf, grey as the shadows around them, steps cautiously closer. She leans her shaggy haired body against the cold vampire and lays his head down across his hands, hiding the craters beneath them. If Edward could cry, he would.

Rosalie

If Rosalie could successfully coat the inside of her nose with the most flowery, most disgustingly girly perfume she could find, she would, simply to avoid the reek of human teenagers. There is something inertly real about the increase in hormones when adolescent youths congregate with the intention of copulation.

Even without a single attempt on her behalf, the boy in charge of the beer cups has managed to physically drool in her presence. The blonde can't even imagine what the result would be if she bothered to try. No, when surrounded by this much alcohol, it was the rare few that could keep themselves composed around her. He rolls her eyes, tosses the boy some cash, and grabs the cups herself.

Once Jasper has successfully filled each to the brim with the malty concoction, and Rosalie finds herself wishing the contents could relax her nerves, she searches the crowd discretely for long, brunette locks that shine with golden highlights and calming chocolate eyes. The vision is nowhere to be seen. Before her thoughts can get the better of her, or the better of Edward, Rosalie moves.

Each step is slowed by the masses of bodies. Each individual fades into the next and Rosalie can't be bothered to remember the details but the smells linger. This one wears a strong odor of Nautica, this one bathed in sandalwood. The next forgot to put on deodorant but at least they seem to be realizing it as they keep sneaking a smell check.

Slowly spilling her beer on the ground every few steps, Rosalie is down to half a cup when she notices Eric walk past her. He smells like metal and plastic, freshly laundered cotton and faint Axe body spray. She watches him bopping his head to a song no one else can hear and following a group of girls from the soccer team. Rosalie decides to join the flow and finds herself standing just a little too close when the bonfire is lit. At the same time a new popular song begins to play and Rosalie rolls her eyes. This is one of Emmett's favorite songs and maybe if he didn't play it constantly, she could have enjoyed it too. Instead it was like a never ending earworm.

The tall blonde finds a group of teens playing beer pong on the other side of the bonfire. She decides to step up alongside the participants and watch the game unfold. There is a girl who has very long fingernails and even longer fingers. She holds the ball with an awkward sort of precision, one that most can't make out as being between her nails instead of her fingertips. The girl bends her wrist back and gives a quick flick just as she releases, causing the ball to spin backwards. It hits the edge of a cup before splashing in and the crowd around them cheers. Her opponent spills the beer while bringing it up to his lips and throws the ball back in the same motion; it clunks off the edge of one cup but manages to sink into another. These two will be drunk before the game is over.

"Rosalie, enjoying the party?" The blonde looks over to see a tall, lean boy with thin lips standing next to her. He takes a slow swig of his beer and tries to look nonchalant as he constantly sneaks looks in her direction, making sure she heard him.

"It's entertaining," She says slowly, trying to remember if she should know the boy. He knows her name but that rarely means anything; most people know her name.

"Entertaining is a good word, yeah," He turns more toward her, his free hand tapping out the beat of the song against his pocket. "Do you need a refill?"

Rosalie looks down at her cup and leans it toward him to show it still has half its contents. She sees a flash of long, brown hair and looks over his shoulder. A boy pushes his long locks behind his ear and smiles as he joins a cluster of teens.

"Cool, cool," The boy in front of her says, nodding his head with the music. "Do you, uh, want to dance?"

Instead of answering, Rosalie walks away. Sometimes it's easier to just remove herself from a situation than to worry about being rude. She wishes Emmett was with her, he made the perfect wall against these confident humans. The two of them had a good thing going, even after they realized they weren't in love, weren't mates; they shielded each other from unwanted advances. Why did he have to go and fall in love with Angela? The wasted time spent ended in his anguish; Rosalie hated to see him hurt so.

A strange feeling of discomfort causes Rosalie to look up from where she is walking and notice Jasper glaring in her direction. She raises an eyebrow but realizes he is looking past her, prompting her to turn and watch the horrible event unfold. It only takes her a second to realize the girl is in danger of this human monster. Rosalie growls and wishes to rip the man's head off; his entire demeanor presents itself as predator staring down its prey.

Without a second thought, but able to contain herself from true aggression, Rosalie knocks the wind out of the predator. He bends over, huffing in pain, and she whispers into his ear, "Next time, you'll be castrated, wisix [dirty, soiled - Egyptian insult]."

Rosalie walks away briskly, not bothering to look back at the display; she had managed to move fast enough that humans wouldn't have seen her involvement. She checks with Jasper to make sure the situation has been settled and he nods in satisfaction, laughing.

Then she smells it. The sweet scent of cool citrus and wild chamomile, the mixture of freesia and peony, and finally, the deep, mysterious scent of patchouli, amber, and musk. Rosalie inhales deeply as she flows through the crowd, almost as if they are pulling her toward her destiny. She stops as she sees the beautiful brunette hair, flowing freely down the human's back. Bella, her Bella.

Inhaling deeply once more, her eyes close and her hands clench at her sides, Rosalie composes herself. She can feel the darkening of her eyes, the tension in her muscles, and the lead in her stomach as she listens to the conversation before her.

"I could cook you a meal to die for," The tall boy's voice says smoothly. "We could eat oysters together."

The short, blond cuts in, "Forget cooking at home; you and I could do something wild. Let's go to LaPush and ride the night waves. Or we could go cliff diving, be spontaneous and intense."

"At least dance with me, here at this party," The tall one says, stepping in closer.

"I'm the better dancer. Try me on for a song or three."

"Do you need another drink?"

"We could grab some real liquor at the store just a few blocks from here."

Rosalie steps up next to the brunette and Bella immediately smiles at her appearance. "Rosalie, hey! You came!" Bella leans into the blonde, giving her a half hug with her free arm, but the blonde merely sneers down at the two boys.

"You, uh, know Rosalie?" The tall boy asks while the blond merely stares open-mouthed.

Bella looks back at the two boys and nods, "Yeah, she goes to Peninsula college too. I actually met on the first day."

"Say, uh, Bella," The blond says with a squeak, still afraid to look away from Rosalie. "Why don't we head out together?"

Rosalie lets her lip rise and shows her teeth, glistening with venom (not that the short boy knew exactly why he was barely holding himself back from pissing his pants in fear).

"We'll just, yeah," The tall boy says, grabbing the blond's arm and tugging him toward the beer keg.

"Oh, right, okay," Bella says, confused. "I guess I'll see them later." She turns and looks up at Rosalie who is watching the two boys leave and debating whether she should follow. She just wants to give them a little scare. "Do you not like Mike and Tyler?"

Rosalie blinks a few times and composes herself once more. She looks down at Bella and raises her eyebrow. "Is that what they're called?"

Bella laughs and says, "I thought you went to high school with them. You don't remember their names?"

"Most people aren't worth remembering."

"Well then, I guess I should feel honored," Bella blushes and Rosalie finds herself smiling softly.

"Yes, you should," She says. After a beat, Rosalie looks into Bella's cup and asks if she wants a refill.

"That might be nice," The shorter girl nods. "Those two were talking so much I barely had a moment to realize my cup was empty!" The two travel over to the beer keg and Rosalie smirks as she watches Tyson and Ned run away from them. Good, maybe they'll stay away from her Bella. "Do you need a refill too?"

Rosalie looks down at her cup and realizes she must have lost quite a lot during her skirmish with the exploiter from earlier. She passes her cup to Bella who fills it too much and has to pull back to keep the foamy liquid from getting on her clothes.

"Oh dammit, I got some on my shoes," Bella huffs. "Ugh, I can feel it soaking into my socks already."

"Do you need another pair?"

"Yeah that would be great, do you have a pair in your pocket?"

Rosalie looks down and almost starts patting her pockets to check, even knowing she isn't carrying an extra pair of socks. She's not even wearing any herself. Bella begins to laugh and if she could, Rosalie would be blushing. Instead, she rolls her eyes and turns away from the keg. Tentatively, Bella reaches her shaking hand out and grabs hold of Rosalie's; the taller blonde allows their fingers to intertwine and gently pulls Bella forward, through the crowd.

When they've reached the edges of Sigmar Field, their backs facing the field, Bella asks what the building is in front of them.

"That's the welding and automotive building."

"Have you taken any classes there?" Bella asks, turning toward Rosalie, letting their hands drop and taking a sip of her beer.

"What makes you think I've taken a welding class?" Rosalie asks, mimicking the action but letting the beer bounce off her closed lips. When Bella looks back at the building, the blonde dumps some of her cup on the ground behind them.

"You like cars, right? Didn't you say you've worked on some before?"

"I did mention that, yes. I'm surprised you remembered. Or even believed me."

"Why wouldn't I believe you?"

Rosalie again fakes taking a sip to give her a moment to construct her reply. "Most people have trouble seeing me in a mechanics setting."

Bella blushes and when Rosalie asks her why, the brunette admits, "Overalls, hair up in a messy bun, grease streak across your cheek. I don't know why someone wouldn't want to see that."

The blonde raises her eyebrow and asks, "Me in messy clothing and dismantled hair is something you want to see?"

"Oh god yes," Bella whispers under her breath, not realising Rosalie can hear her. The brunette clears her throat and says, "I think that people are most attractive when in their element." She coughs again and takes a large gulp of her beer. Some splashes over her lips and she quickly wipes her mouth with the back of her hand.

"Ok," Rosalie says, grabbing Bella's hand again and pulling the brunette toward the building.

"Ok what?"

Not bothering to reply, the tall teen opens the door to the building and pulls Bella inside. The building is quiet and dark, a stark contrast to the average day, but Rosalie moves through the hall and into the garage with ease. When she realizes Bella is staring out into blank space, the blonde finds the correct switch and the classroom garage lights up. The brunette blinks before smiling and moving toward an old Chevy Impala, probably a '96.

"Alright, what's wrong with this car?" Bella asks, leaning into the driver's window.

Rosalie laughs and says, "There might not be anything wrong with the vehicle. As part of the mechanics classes here, you have to learn how to rotate tires, change the oil, and even just follow basic inspection checklist criteria."

"Oh, right." Bella says with a sigh, but then she leans into the window, feet dangling out in the air, and pulls on the hood latch. With some struggle, the brunette finally finds her feet back on the ground and pulls her head out of the window. Her cheeks are flushed, her hair in disarray, and her breath heavy. Rosalie has to take a step back, unsure what her own quicken breaths mean. She's not thirsty, she shouldn't be this on edge.

"Rosalie? DId you hear me?" Bella says while she unlatches the hood and pulls it up over the engine.

"Sorry, no," Rosalie clears her throat and steps up next to the brunette. The sight of the engine helping her focus on something other than her strange feelings. "So this is a Chevy Impala, most likely late 90s. It's a 4-speed automatic with a V8 engine. Most likely rear wheel drive and probably about 150 horsepower, maybe 300 lbs torque."

"Wow," the brunette says, leaning over the engine. "You can tell all that just from staring down at this thing?"

Rosalie shrugs, "That and general knowledge about automobiles."

Bella laughs and points at various pieces of the engine, asking Rosalie what each part is. The blonde can't help but laugh when she has to say, "That would be the window washer fluid tank."

The shorter girl merely smiles up at Rosalie and leans her hip against the car. She reaches out and holds Rosalie's hand in her own and admits, "I like seeing you like this."

"Like what?"

"At ease."

Rosalie laughs, feeling overwhelmed by the closeness of Bella. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"What do you mean?" Bella asks, taking a step closer. Their bodies press up against one another and Rosalie starts to realize that Bella might just know how she makes the blonde feel inside.

Instead of answering, Rosalie raises her hand up to Bella's cheek and pulls the brunette closer. She allows their lips to ghost against one another for a short moment, before feeling the brunette push up on her tippy-toes. There's a split second where Rosalie debates pulling away, knowing it would be the smarter choice, but instead she allows their lips to crash against one another.

Rosalie smiles as she feels Bella gasp, taking the opportunity to slide her tongue along the inside of the shorter girl's lips. She is welcomed by the warm tongue and arms reaching around her waist and pulling her incredibly closer. The blonde is flooded with sensations, both physical and mental. Her body tingles with excitement and her brain screams out delirium. Then it silences for a small moment before she remembers the car full of her siblings raising their hands in confidence of her crush on Bella. She frowns and the brunette pulls back, concerned.

"Are you alright? Did I do something…"

Rosalie cuts her off with a quick kiss and says, "It's not you, it's my siblings."

Bella raises an eyebrow and quickly looks around the open garage.

The blonde laughs gently and says, "They're not here. It's just something they said. Earlier. It's nothing really."

"What did they say?" The brunette leans into the blonde and swings their intertwined hands back and forth.

Rosalie looks down at the shorter girl and smiles at her patient gaze. "Oh, just that I may have an infinitesimal, possibly even microscopic crush on a kind brunette…" She almost says human but manages to gulp the last word down.

"I think I can work with those odds," Bella says, leaning up to kiss Rosalie again.

A buzz in the blonde's pocket catches both of their attention and Rosalie pulls out her phone. "Speak of the devil and he doth appear."

"Is everything alright?" Bella asks, Rosalie's own frown matching on her face.

"No, I've got to go," Rosalie admits but looks back into Bella's eyes. "I would like to do this again, though. Maybe try another date?"

Practically glowing with excitement, Bella agrees and the two leave the building together before parting ways.

Bella

Sneaking quietly up the stairs, Bella finds her way to her bedroom in the dark house; only tripping on one step on her way up. She opens her bedroom door, flinching as it squeaks, and slides her body inside while closing the door just as silently. She turns around to find Jake sprawled out on her bed, legs dangling in every direction and snoring loudly.

The scream pops out of her mouth before she realizes who it is. Jake jumps up on his feet and looks out in every direction looking for the threat. Bella covers her mouth and listens to her Dad's loud snore cough before it settles back down into his regular rhythmic snores.

"Ugh, what is that smell?" Jake asks, clutching his hand over his nose and looking like he's about to gag. He leans closer to Bella before his confusion turns to anger. "You reek of vampires!"

"And do you mind if I say it?/Just wanna have you around, ooh/We take, then we give it/Something lifts us off the ground, baby.../I wanna slow dance if you feeling me now/If we don't hold hands you'll be killing me now/I need a romance, one chance/I just wanna know, will you slow dance?" Slow Dance [Sam Feldt Remix] by AJ Mitchell f Ava Max

A/N: And now the secret is out! Or about to be… Normally I would try to avoid overlapping points of view during a specific event but I felt like this party is really the jumping off point of several events; Angela's inevitable choice between Eric and Emmett, Edward's impossible reaction to Bella's blood, and Bella learning what true vampires look like. Let me know if the overlap was too tedious or repetitive. I greatly dislike when a story just keeps telling the same thing from different POVs, especially when it could have just been told in 3rd person at the same time, haha.