Hey guys! I decided a day was long enough to keep you all waiting and thanks for all your reviews! I got 30, the exact number i wanted (Even though I always say that at least i GET reviews lolz). So thanks! I do love those reviews, they make me happy!

I hope none of your brains have melted - though you all assured me that they wouldn't if I updated - but still. It can happen!

Hope you enjoy this chappie! EDWARD AANGSTY! EDWARD IS CONFUSY!

Of course you all THINK You know what's going to happen...bw2ahahahahahahahah!

DISCLAIMER - yeah, SM is still in my good books, so she still owns twilight.

Read on, my brave warriors!

Edward's POV

"Kiss Bella or Jessica. Your choice. And whoever you DON'T kiss…Jacob gets to."

What was Alice trying to do? I couldn't kiss Bella, not now. Not when she'd refused to kiss anyone when she'd been given the choice.

Alice was smiling at me as if she knew exactly what I was going to do and was very pleased with herself. She'd been rooting for me and Bella from the beginning.

God knows I wanted to. I wanted to more than anything in the world. But I couldn't.

I glanced at Bella, who had curled up in a ball and shuffled back so she was completely immersed in shadow. She looked completely miserable, and her face wasn't red…her eyes were closed and her normal smile was gone, replaced by a flat line. Jessica, on the other hand, looked flushed and excited – as if she knew exactly who I was going to choose.

Everyone else was grinning at me, save Jacob, who looked murderous. I bet he wanted to be the one who could kiss Bella…and that was one thing I just couldn't let happen. To watch him kiss her, all the while knowing that I could? That would be deliberately spiting myself.

You could always just say no.

But what would that make me? I knew I was now totally and completely in love with Bella – I'd known this from the second I saw her. And backing out now would be giving up on myself, and giving up on her.

I also had to protect her from Jacob.

My decision was made. I knew who I was going for, but I was only doing it to protect her.

Yeah, right, my annoying inner voice said, that's why you're choosing her.

Slowly I stood, feeling everyone's eyes on me. I didn't look at anyone but Bella and she didn't move her gaze from her hands, her eyes shut and her mouth still set. I desperately wanted to know what she was thinking.

I walked over to her, glad of the darkness she had shuffled into. I sat down and whispered in her ear.

"Bella."

Bella's POV

He wasn't going to choose me. He wasn't going to choose me. He wasn't going to choose me.

I wanted him to, so much. I desperately wanted him to be the one who pressed his lips to mine, but I knew it wasn't going to happen. He was going to choose her and I would have to kiss Jacob.

I totally should've guessed this was coming.

I struggled not to burst into tears and I shuffled back, hiding myself next to the arm of the sofa where the flickering light from the fire was overpowered by shadow. At least I could hardly be seen now. Closing my eyes, I pulled my legs up and wrapped my arms around them, hoping I would be able to go home and cry in peace after this.

I didn't hear Edward move; I was too busy blocking everything out, but then I felt his warm voice in my ear.

"Bella."

I started…that was unexpected. I opened my eyes and turned my head, trying not to let myself hope. "Edward?" I whispered, hardly able to believe it. His green eyes seemed to be glowing.

"Your lips are blue," was all he said, then he leaned down and kissed my cheek softly, keeping his lips there for an immeasurable amount of time. My breathing was shallow, and I wondered wildly whether that was it. There was an offended squeak from the other side of the room, and I would've smiled satisfactorily at Jessica's disappointment if Edward wasn't occupying every corner of my mind.

Then the fire sputtered out completely, and the room went pitch black.

Immediately I stiffened - I was terrified of darkness like this. I couldn't even see Edward's face. He pulled back and I felt one of his arms at my waist, holding me tight as he said, "What's wrong?"

"It's dark." Everyone else was shouting, calling for someone to find the light switch. I could hear Emmett crashing around, and Jasper laughing.

"Bella, you're freezing. Here," Edward pushed what felt like his jumper over my head, and I let him pull it down and obediently put my arms through the holes. "There, better?"

I nodded, and Edward chuckled, "Bells, remember, I can't see you."

"Oh, yes, thanks. I'm fine. Aren't you cold?" I asked nervously.

"I can't find my shirt at the moment."

Then Emmett found the switch, and the lights flicked on. I sighed in relief and picked up Edward's shirt, "Here."

He smiled, "Thanks. And," he bent down close to me again, "I'm going to need to talk to you."

I shivered at whatever that implied, and nodded, "Um, ok. When? Now?"

"In a little while. Ok, guys, I think it's time you all go home now," he called, "Don't complain Emmett, go home." Emmett crossed his arms like a grumpy child while Rosalie tugged his shirt back over his head, grabbed his jumper and pulled him out, just like my mother used to. I could see why everyone said they were perfect for each other.

"Come on Emmett, time to go. Come on, Em, come on."

"Bye Bella!" Angela waved and disappeared around the corner, "I'll get Ben to call in sick for us. Call me if you want to go get a Starbucks!"

"I will, Ang, bye. See you Ben," I said, nodding to him.

He smiled then followed Angela quickly out of the room, calling after her, "Ang, wait up! Be careful, those steps are steep!"

I stood up and stretched, wondering what time it was. Jasper and Alice were pulling their clothes back on, both of them yawning. Alice jumped over to me, "Bells, look outside." I did as she bid me, and found that it had snowed about two feet.

"We can't get home in that," I said, biting my lip, looking down at my boots which had barely made the walk here. Alice nodded, but she didn't look worried.

"Edward," she said, tapping him on the shoulder as he handed out coats to the remaining people.

"Yes?"

"Can we stay with you tonight, we have to walk home, and it's late, and Bella's tired."

He smiled, "Sure you can. You don't mind sleeping in here, do you?"

"Actually…I was planning to go talk to Jasper for a bit…in his room."

"Alice…"

"Thanks Edward!" she kissed him on the cheek and giggled, then picked up the shot glasses and disappeared into the kitchen with Jasper, leaving me and him alone.

I fiddled with the bottom of his jumper, refusing to meet his eyes, "Well…that was fun."

He sighed, "Bella…"

"I…I think Alice needs help." Without looking at him, I escaped to the kitchen.

Alice turned and grinned at me, "I think that went well, don't you?"

I shook my head, "I don't think so."

"What's wrong?"

I bit my lip and looked out at Edward, who was gathering up the games, running his fingers through his hair incessantly; a trait I knew meant he was nervous. "He wants to 'talk,'" I whispered to Alice.

She clapped her hands, "Goodie! I think we're finished here, don't you, Jasper? Let's go! I smell wedding bells!" She grabbed his hand and towed him out, sticking her tongue out as I glared at her.

"Goodnight, Bella," Jasper said to me as they rounded the corner. I heard Alice giggle as they went up the stairs, then Jasper's door closed and they were gone. Rolling my eyes, I wrapped my arms around myself and shivered again, trying to get warm but failing miserably.

"Bella?" Edward appeared by my side in a flash and I jumped.

"Jeez, Edward, don't scare me like that."

"Are you still cold?"

I shook my head, but he sighed, "I know you are, Bells. Come on, it's warmer upstairs." He took my hand and led me out, just like Alice had. I wasn't exactly sure what was happening, but I followed him anyway. Edward took me up two flights of stairs to the room right at the top of the house, the one Alice and I used for an attic. My sleepiness was beginning to catch up with me, and I stumbled, my eyes drooping. Edward caught me and picked me up in the same moment, carrying me through the one door and sitting me on a bed in the corner. "You ok?" he asked.

"Edward, I'm fine, really." It was true, I wasn't so cold now, and I was in his room. I looked around with interest. It was cluttered, just like my room, but cosy at the same time. There were bookshelves on the far wall, filled with books and CDs and DVDs, there was a desk, chair and computer next to them, and a sofa sat by the bed, facing a small TV which was on top of a small table.

His bed was a double, with white sheets and a dark gold blanket on top. It was immensely comfortable, much like my own. It made me feel like curling up under the blankets and never coming out, as did the whole room.

I felt completely at home here.

Edward opened his cupboard and handed me a pair of sweats, "Here, Bells, those jeans will be uncomfortable if you stay in them too long." He gave me a pair of socks too then left the room, "I'll be back in a second!"

I stared after him, feeling as if I should have those little question marks circling around my head as I wondered what was going on. One minute he was asking if we could talk, and the next he had taken me to his room, given me his clothes…was he implying that I should stay here for the night? This was all too much for me to take in.

I changed my trousers, folded them up neatly and walked back to the bed and sat down, trying not to trip over the ends of the sweats which were trailing along the floor. Sliding to the middle, I curled up in a ball and let my hair fall over my shoulders, playing with a strand which hung over my eyes. Then I went through tonight's and yesterday's events in my head, trying to figure out what on earth was going on.

I was in love with Edward Cullen, that much was certain…and his behaviour towards me, reluctant as I was to admit it, was teetering on that of a boyfriend than just a normal friend. Ben or Jasper didn't stick close to me all the time; Ben and Jasper didn't always ask me if I was ok. I'd watched Ben and Angela together countless times, and Ben always made sure he had at least one arm over her shoulder or one hand in hers.

But still, the thought that Edward Cullen could actually like me was still inconceivable…I just couldn't make myself believe it was true.

Edward stuck his head round the door and smiled, "You alright?"

I smiled wryly and gave him a thumbs up, "Toasty warm, thanks." He was wearing pyjama bottoms and a vest top now, and it was a struggle to keep my eyes on his face.

"Here," he handed me a thermos and I wrapped my cold fingers around it, "hot chocolate," he smiled, "I figured you might like something to help you wind down."

Was there anything he didn't do? "Thanks," I said simply, taking a sip and smiling again, "this is really nice of you."

"It was no problem, I wanted to do it." Even that simple statement had me struggling to keep my breathing steady. I wondered if he did this to me on purpose. A while ago I would've scoffed at that notion, but now anything seemed possible, after what had happened today.

Edward came and sat next to me, crossing his legs and leaning against the wall. "It was nothing at all." Then he took a deep breath, "Ok, Bella, can we talk?"

Those few words made me cold inside again, but I nodded mutely, my knuckles turning white around the thermos. "S-shoot."

"Ok," he said, running his hand through his hair yet again, "Bells, here's the thing." He sprung forward and smiled at me earnestly, then bit his lip and looked away, "Erm…ok." He nodded, bouncing his fisted hands on his legs. "Right."

"Edward?" I whispered, cutting him off.

"Yes?"

"Just to say…before you start…I'm sorry."

"Bella?" I looked away, refusing to meet his eyes, but his warm fingers pulled my chin back up gently, forcing me to look at him, "What do you mean, sorry?"

"I'm sorry about today…I'm sorry that people keep forcing me on you. Or you on me, whichever way you see it-"

"I'm not." Edward interrupted me, and I snapped up sharply, our gazes meeting again.

"What?"

"I'm not sorry for that."

"Bu-"

"Bells, can I talk now? Please? There's some things you really need to know. Ok?" I nodded mutely, feeling as if my heart had completely frozen, then melted, then frozen again, and was now stuck in some sort of limbo where it had no idea where it was going to go next. Pretty much like this conversation.

"Bella, I don't know what's going on inside your head, no matter how much I wish I could, so, no matter what I say now, promise me, whatever happens, we'll still try to be friends? I couldn't stand losing you." He took my hands and grasped them tightly, and I nodded again.

"I don't want to lose you either."

He groaned, "But what does that mean, Bella? What does that mean? Do you really understand what I mean when I say that I couldn't stand losing you?"

"I do?"

"No, you don't, Bells," he laughed hoarsely, "when I say that I couldn't stand to lose you, I mean that I have to have you with me, no matter whether we're friends…or more than that." I shook my head sadly, wishing he knew how much he meant to me.

Edward sighed, "No, no, that's not right either."

I put my hand to his cheek, "Edward, it's only me…Bella. You know you can tell me anything."

"I can. And that's why I need to say this. Bella," he gulped, "I've known you for…three weeks and five days, and I just feel this…connection with you. I don't know how it happened; I don't even know if you'd understand, but I hope you will. The thing is, Bells, at the moment…I've found myself in a rather awkward position. I've found myself liking you more than I should…to be completely truthful, I think I...that I've...fallen for you." He whispered this last part and stared at me, his eyes solemn, waiting for me to say something.

My though processes froze completely after he said this. I couldn't make head nor tail of it...my brain wouldn't let me understand. All I could do was stare at him, and whisper, "Fallen…for me?"

"Bella," he said, "you remember where we were before the fire went out?" Without letting me answer he took the thermos out of my hands, moved me so I was sitting against the headboard, then pressed his lips to my cheek. "You remember?" he whispered. I nodded, completely unable to do anything but that.

"Well, Bella…I wasn't exactly finished." Slowly he turned his head, his lips skimming across my cheek until we were both face to face, and only an inch apart. My head was spinning, and I was completely still, my eyes wide. Edward was the only thing I could see. I wasn't even aware that I wasn't breathing until Edward shook me gently, "Bella? Breathe, Bella."

"What?" I shook my head a little and looked at him groggily, "I'm sorry…um…carry on?"

He sighed, the intensity in his eyes fading away, "And that's where I should stop."

Edward sat back on his heels, the corners of his mouth turning down – I knew him so well I knew that he was sad and somewhat disappointed - and swung himself around; I couldn't stop myself from squeaking, "No!"

I had to do something; the man I was completely in love with had just admitted he had feelings for me! I blushed furiously as he stopped short and twisted round slowly, "No?"

Abruptly he jumped forward again, catching my hands and pulled me to him again, pressing our intertwined hands against his chest, "Bella, there's a hospital party for all the staff and friends of Thomas' on Saturday night. Would you like to go with me?"

Go with him? To a party?! "As in…?"

"As in my date, yes," he clarified, smiling nervously; I felt him twitch his hand as he reflexively tried to pull it up and muss his hair. Of course it would be completely inappropriate for me to muss it for him…

His date?

Me?

I couldn't keep from grinning ecstatically, my heart singing, "Yes, Edward, I love to."

And with that I tore my hands from his and wrapped them around his neck, hugging him tightly and burying my face in his shoulder. In that moment I was so happy I could've started jumping around the room, screaming like Alice did whenever she got excited.

Edward sighed heavily and then chuckled into my hair, his warm hands gripping me to him tightly, "Oh, thank god."

"To tell you the truth, Edward," I whispered happily in his ear, "I know I've fallen for you too."

Awhnneessss. I love this! You know what you should do, is find some nice, slow, romantic song and PLAY IT whilst you read! The atmosphere is sooo much better! Well, I thought so anyway.

I hope i did it right! This was meant to be the main plotline, like them falling in love and all that, but it seems to have come a little early, so i'm going to dig around my brain and find some more things for to happen!

Anyway, did you enjoy it? Review if it so pleases you!

TTFN, folks!

Love, ATO xxxx