There's some smut towards the end of this chapter :) Also, I reached 50k! I'm so happy and can't believe I've written so much. I'm also still going as there's just one more chapter to write. Please enjoy and excuse the typos :)

Leilani

By the time March came around, I had been discharged from therapy but had to face the reality that I wouldn't be handing in my dissertation for my Masters for another six months. After several more doctor appointments, a letter signed by Carlisle, and a few emails and forms, I had taken a break from Uni to return a few months later and finish my dissertation then. I'd be graduating a year later. I had no idea if my grade would be any good, but at least I had the extra time to finish my work.

The best thing was that I hadn't had a panic attack since January. I was still crying occasionally, but not every day. And I didn't feel nearly as miserable and hopeless as I did months ago.

On the morning of Evie's wedding though, I could feel myself falling apart. I'd planned to wear a purple and black dress, but when I was trying to do up the zip, the material tightened around my hips and I couldn't pull it up.

My heart rate picked up, as I took it off and picked up the next option: a sea blue flowing dress which went well with my dark blue hair. I still kept it short, covering my ears in the same pixie style.

When I tried pulling the dress up my thighs, it stopped. It wouldn't budge, cutting into my skin. Shit.

Option number three, another purple dress of a different shade was no good.

Fuck. I had just imagined myself wearing the first one, thinking it would still fit me. I hadn't even thought to try it on to make sure. The meds had said weight gain could be a side effect. I looked down at my tummy and thighs, touching the skin and realising my larger size.

My eyes picked with tears and I swallowed as my phone went off.

"Don't panic!" Alice exclaimed at the other end. "I'm coming to save you."

"Alice, thank you," I said, relief flooding through me. "I'm too fat for my clothes!"

"You mean your clothes are too small for your body," she corrected. "I'll be there in a minute."

Alice arrived as I was wiping my face with a tissue, trying to stop crying. She gave me a one-armed hug, a black bag draped over her other arm.

"This is just the perfect excuse to do some shopping," she said.

I sniffed. "I'd really like that."

She unzipped the bag and held the hanger up, showing me the dress. It was beautiful and purple with thin straps. "This is great, Alice. Thank you. Will it fit though?"

Alice tilted her head with a smile, raising her eyebrows. "Leilani, it's me you're talking to."

"True," I smiled.

We rushed upstairs and I got changed into it, letting out a breath of relief as it glided over my thighs and Alice zipped up the back for me. I turned around in the mirror, checking out my reflection. It looked so nice, the layers in the fabric hid my extra weight on my tummy. The dress flowed outwards too, so I wasn't so conscious of my legs.

"You're a lifesaver," I gave her a hug. "If you ever need anything, please tell me."

"I'll remember that," she grinned. "Now I need you to sit down so I can do your make-up."

Alice expertly helped me look amazing, applying some purple eyeshadow and pastel pink lipstick. She made sure to use waterproof mascara and eyeliner.

"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you?" she asked.

"Yeah, it's ok. You've done so much already." One of my friends was picking me up at the train station at the other side.

"I'll at least drop you off at the train station."

There wasn't enough room at the venue, or money in the wedding budget, so Jasper would be meeting me there in the evening for the reception.

"You look great," Alice said, giving me one last hug goodbye outside the station. "Take this." She handed me the lipstick, and a packet of tissues.

I laughed. "Thanks. Thanks for everything, Alice."

"You're welcome." She touched a strand of my hair that had fallen out of place. "I know you'll have a good time, Leilani. But enjoy yourself anyway."

"I will," I nodded and turned to go inside, giving her a wave.

"Did they find my earring?" Evie cried, grabbing my shoulders as I entered the hotel room.

"What earring?" I stared at her, startled.

She was wearing the long, white, strapless dress I'd seen in photos she'd sent me. Her red curls were braided into a lovely updo, and she was wearing a silver tiara. A single earring dangled from one ear with a sapphire.

"My earring," she sighed. "My grandma gave me them and I can't find one."

"It's ok. She'd understand," I tried to comfort her, touching her shoulder. "You look incredible by the way."

"I know," she hugged me.

There was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Evie said.

"We found it!"

I recognised the voice before the door opened. Taking a deep inhale, I braced myself. He was holding the lost earring, and swallowed when he saw me.

Evie didn't seem to care, swooping in to grab the earring with a squeal. "Thank you, Lewis, thank you, thank you!" She rushed to the mirror to put it in.

Lewis and I glanced at each other with awkward smiles.

"Hey," I said.

"Hi, Leilani." He paused, "You look nice."

"So do you," I nodded.

Evie was still at the mirror, checking her reflection. I wished she would hurry up.

"I didn't know you were coming." I said, trying to make conversation.

"Darren and I hang out quite a lot now." He replied.

Lewis looked different in a suit. I hadn't seen him looking that smart before, his brown hair styled back with gel. He'd even shaved which had been pretty rare for him when we were together.

Evie turned around and I saw her eyes widen as she realised Lewis and I were standing together in the same room. "Oh, you should probably go and help Darren," she said to him, ushering him out of the room.

She closed the door behind him, sucking in a breath and glancing at me with a grimace. "Sorry."

"It's fine." I assured her. "Don't worry about me. Today's about you."

The ceremony was lovely. It took place on the ground floor of the hotel. The chairs had been arranged to face a raised platform at the end of the space. Evie had two bridesmaids – her sisters. As she stood next to Darren to say her vows, he cried, along with half the guests.

Lewis was sitting a few seats away from me and I saw him looking at me out the corner of my eye. I ignored him, watching as Darren placed a golden band on Evie's finger.

As the two of them kissed, I stood up, clapping and cheering with everyone else. I kept looking up at the ceiling, blinking as tears clouded my vision.

I was so happy for them.

At the wedding breakfast, the tables had been arranged so I was sitting with people I knew from my old uni. We chatted a little, but I mostly sipped water just so I'd have something to do. I wasn't very close to anyone there and I kept checking the time. It was only five and the reception wasn't for another two hours.

After the food and the speeches (Darren cried again while Evie listed a hundred reasons how he was the love of her life), everyone posed for some more photographs outside the hotel in the garden.

Just as it was getting dark, everyone was sitting in the comfy chairs and sofas while they were setting up for the reception. I had finished my tea and was walking towards the bar to get myself a drink when the door at the entrance to the lobby opened.

I turned my head and saw Jasper walking in. He was wearing a black suit with a purple tie that matched my dress, and his chin length blonde hair was tucked back.

I stopped in my tracks, the biggest smile on my face. "Jasper, you look so handsome!" I cried, my heels clicking on the floor as I rushed towards him.

He reached out for my hands and I held onto his. "I'm nothing next to you, beautiful."

"Come on, let's go and meet everyone," I let go of one of his hands, pulling him behind me between all the chairs in the lobby.

"Evie," I called out.

She had been talking to her parents and turned around, her eyebrows rising at the sight of Jasper.

"Evie, this is Jasper." I introduced them, giving Jasper's hand a squeeze.

"Congratulations," he said to her. "It's nice to finally meet you."

"Likewise," Evie smiled. She glanced at me, giving me a look as if to say well done,and then excused herself to go to the bathroom.

"I'd really like to go and get a drink," I started. Looking towards the bar, I cringed. Lewis was there and I had missed my chance to go there without encountering him.

Jasper followed my line of sight. "Who's that?"

"Lewis, my ex," I said. "It's fine. I'll just wait."

"Actually," Jasper smirked. "I'm feeling a little thirsty myself."

"Wait, no-," It was too late. He let go of my hand and had began approaching the bar. Oh fuck.

Of course, I knew Jasper wasn't going to eat him, but I really hoped he wasn't going to stir up some drama with a confrontation. Not on Evie's day.

I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I saw them shake hands. Lewis laughed and patted him on the back. Then the barman set down Lewis' drink and he picked it up, taking a sip and then walked away. He saw me watching and gave me a wink.

Taking a deep breath, I walked over to the bar.

Jasper

It wasn't that I wanted to cause any trouble. I just wanted to meet the guy. Leilani had taken a long while to talk about him, and when she finally did, it wasn't great.

From what I'd learned, he'd be the one to bring out some of her insecurities about being intimate. It sounded like he had expected a lot from her, even when she didn't want to do anything. She said she had always consented, but usually out of feeling obligated, and worry over him being annoyed or upset.

He'd also, as she put it, gotten sick of her shit, which frankly, pissed me off.

I walked up to the bar, standing a few inches taller than Lewis, especially since he was leaning against it on his arms.

"Hey, I'm Jasper." I said to him, holding out my hand for him to shake.

He peered at me, surprised. Still, he shook my hand and nodded. "Lewis. Who are you here with?"

"Leilani," I answered. "I'm her plus one."

Lewis stared at me. His expression didn't betray him, but his emotions certainly did. "How about that," he said, jealousy flooding through him. So, he still liked her?

I smirked.

He forced a laugh, patting my back.

"There you go," the barman gave Lewis his drink and he was out of there.

"Jasper," Leilani came up to me, a hand on her face, stress clinging to her. "What did you say to him? What did he say? What happened?"

"Don't worry, darlin'," I touched her back. "I was just saying hello."

"That was the worst 'hello' I've ever seen," she said.

I ordered her a drink. "It's alright. Well," I paused.

She widened her eyes, impatiently waiting for me to continue.

"He still likes you."

"How do you-," Leilani exhaled. "Oh, of course you know." She frowned.

I watched her, wondering what she was thinking.

Leilani shook her head and gave me a look. "You're not worried, are you?"

I raised my eyebrows. Her emotions weren't alerting me to that. "Should I be?"

"No, Jasper." She licked her lips, slipping her hand into mine and looking up at me.

"Good," I said, my eyes fixed on her irresistible lips.

The barman put Leilani's drink down in front of us.

"Thank you," she said, picking up the glass and taking a sip.

Two large doors opened nearby and the other guests started to make their way inside where the reception must be taking place.

"Oh, they'll be doing the first dance!" Leilani smiled, filling with excitement.

We followed the guests inside. I could see Evie and her new husband standing in the middle of the dance floor, holding hands while everyone stood around. Leilani put her drink down on the side and I noted where it was, making sure to keep an eye out just in case.

The music started. All the love and happiness in the room gained in intensity as the couple began to slow dance together.

"I love this song," Leilani whispered. She started swaying a little to the music.

I squeezed her hand, rubbing my thumb against her soft, warm skin.

A few minutes later, the song faded into another slow one and I lifted her hand. "May I have this dance?"

"God, yes," she said, letting me take the lead onto the dance floor.

One hand on her waist, and one hand holding hers, we danced together amongst all the other couples. I wasn't looking at any of them, though. I only had eyes for Leilani.

"You look so beautiful." I murmured in her ear.

She giggled, happiness and gratitude floating off her. And love. "I love you."

"Not as much as I love you," I said.

"Not possible." She tried to get closer to me, which didn't work as she almost tripped.

I took a hold of her waist, lifting her onto my feet and letting her put her arms around my neck. My mouth met hers in a long passionate kiss.

I would have liked it to be longer, but the music changed again to something more upbeat and she let go.

Evie and her other friends were coming to dance with us so Leilani picked up her drink and sipped it whilst moving her hips to the beat.

It seemed Lewis was good friends with the groom, because he joined in as well.

Leilani tried to ignore him, dancing next to me while Lewis was on the opposite side of the circle. The bride and groom left to go somewhere and Leilani's other friends started to disperse, leaving the two of us and Lewis.

Suddenly he reached over and touched her shoulder, speaking in her ear. "Can I get you another drink?"

I felt her reluctance and uncertainty, but she agreed, nodding. "I'll be back," she said to me, touching my arm.

I watched them depart, frowning, going to sit down on one of the chairs by the wall. I could still see the bar from where I was, and still hear them. It wasn't a breach of privacy if they were in a public space, I tried to reason.

"What are you drinking?" Lewis asked her at the bar.

"Rum and coke, please," she answered, folding her arms.

They stood in silence for a moment.

"I met your boyfriend earlier," he said, leaning against the bar. "Seems a bit cocky to me."

Leilani said nothing. Part of me wanted her to defend me, but I was also glad she wasn't wasting her breath on that waste of oxygen.

She wasn't quiet for long however. "He's great," she said.

"Does he do what I do?" Lewis asked, nudging her with his elbow. "That thing with my tongue." He stuck it out and moved it around his teeth and lips.

I grimaced. They were too far away to feel their emotions, but I could tell Leilani was uncomfortable as she fiddled with the strap of her little black bag.

"That's none of your business."

"Do you ever think about me? I think about you. A lot." Lewis admitted.

The barman put the drink down and she immediately picked it up, taking a mouthful. "Nope. Sorry."

I almost felt bad for him as she shut him down and quickly walked back over towards me. He stood there, looking stunned.

I stood up to meet her and felt her disgust, awkwardness and guilt. She'd already had several mouthfuls of her drink. "God," she muttered.

"Darlin', you straight up murdered him." I laughed.

"Good, maybe then he'll leave me alone."

I took her hand. "I hope you never despise me this much. I never want to leave you alone."

Leilani relaxed and smiled at me. "And that will never happen."

We danced long into the night. Lewis definitely knew to back off as he kept his distance from us. Leilani had a few more drinks, grumbling when I persuaded her to drink some water occasionally.

In the early hours of the morning, several of the guests had already left and Leilani said goodbye to her friends.

"I'm so happy for you," she said, hugging Evie.

Evie looked at me and then back to Leilani. "You two are next."

The girls both giggled.

"Congratulations, again. Thanks for inviting me," I said to Evie.

"It was great meeting you," she smiled, waving goodbye.

Outside, I had my arm around Leilani. Her coat was hanging off her shoulders and she shivered.

"Oh, thank goodness you didn't bring your motorcycle," she laughed.

I chuckled. "In this outfit?"

"You never know," she said.

I opened the door for her and she picked up the blanket that was on the seat. "Eh? What's this for?"

"For you," I answered. "It's a two-hour drive back."

She snorted. "You mean six hours."

"Ok," I shrugged. It wouldn't take us six hours.

Leilani sat down and hummed, happily, feeling the blanket.

I got in and she turned to me, leaning back in the seat. "I love you."

"I love you too," I replied, putting a hand on her knee and starting the car.

By the time we got back to my house, the sky was beginning to lighten up. We couldn't really go to hers since it should've taken us a lot longer to get back. Leilani had long since fallen asleep, her face angled away from me and the blanket in her lap.

When I stopped the car, she stirred. I flitted to her side, opening the door.

"It's ok," I whispered, touching her cheek. "Go back to sleep."

"I don't want to go back to sleep," she moved herself up in her seat and unbuckled the seatbelt. Leilani looked up at me, straight into my eyes. "I want you."

I smiled, "You're still drunk."

"I don't care." She hummed, stretching. Then she reached her arms up towards me. "Take me to bed, Jasper."

"Alright," I picked her up, letting the blanket fall. I shut the door with my hip, carrying her up to my room.

I placed her down on the bed. She sighed, staring up at me.

"Tired?" I asked, knowing the answer anyway.

"Nope. Wide awake." She slid out of her cardigan, pushing it off the bed and onto the floor.

Next, Leilani sat up, trying to unzip the back of her dress, struggling with the angle.

I circled my hands around her, touching hers. She lowered them and met my eyes. Keeping eye contact, I unzipped her dress and moved my fingers up to the straps, delicately pulling them down over her shoulders.

There was no bra, and I listened to her heavy breathing, watching as her breasts slowly moved up and down to each breath of air.

My hands lowered further, cupping her breasts. She leant forwards, reaching up a hand to my neck and face, moving in to press her lips to mine.

Her other hand slid down my shirt and to my belt where she started unbuckling it one handed. I decided to help her, removing my belt. Leilani pulled at my shirt, untucking it and fiddling with the buttons. I took over, taking off my jacket and shirt while she shimmied out of her dress and dropped it on the floor. She discarded her underwear, too, diving under the covers with a giggle.

I grinned, removing the rest of my clothes and following her. I could smell her and her excitement and lust were adding to my own, making me want her even more.

She lay on her back as I kissed her more, one hand massaging her breast. I stroked my thumb over her nipple, earning a small moan from her already. Her desire was building even higher.

My kisses ran down from her mouth to her neck as her pulse increased beneath my lips. I was so close to her vein, and I could feel the venom pooling in my mouth, the acid in the back of my throat. I swallowed it away, moving further down to lick her other nipple.

I trailed my fingers down to her soft folds, hearing her gasp at the cold touch, and caressing the area, her wetness sticking to my fingers. She moaned again, arching her back and then relaxing into the sheets. Leilani put her fingers in my hair as I sped mine up, rubbing her clit. She was breathing heavily, feeling so much excitement and tension as she got closer.

Leilani gasped, letting out a long moan as she reached her orgasm. Waves of pleasure ran through us both as I released a moan myself, continuing to stroke her as I moved my head up to see her relaxed face.

She squirmed under me, trying to get away from my hand, but I kept it there, feeling her continued pleasure as I rubbed her soft spot. After another minute, Leilani grabbed my wrist, pulling my hand away. Her eyes were still closed and she was smiling, so relaxed. She rolled onto her side, touching my chest and snuggling up to me.

"I love you," she sighed.

"I love you too, Leilani."

I thought she would go to sleep after that, she was so tranquil. However, after a little while Leilani sat up and put her leg over mine, sitting on them, glancing down at my errection. "Your turn," she murmured.