A/N: This whole story is for the theladyingrey42's big birthday. Big thanks to ahizelm for all the beta-goodness and .Louise for keeping Edward British. SM owns all things Twilight.

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The Setting: Hobart, Tasmania

The Music: Don't Wanna Fall in Love, Green Day

Terms: Backpackers = youth hostel

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EPOV

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I settle back into the corner of the couch, keeping myself isolated from the others in the lounge room. I pull out my much abused and dog-eared copy of The Lord of the Rings, planning on reading until I am too tired to keep my eyes open, and sip my tea.

I spent the whole day on planes, first from London to Sydney and then to my final destination, Hobart, Tasmania, and I am exhausted. My family gave me some spending money for my once-in-a-lifetime holiday, and I had decided on Australia. Tasmania is only the first leg of my six weeks off and I would be returning to the mainland in a week.

Now, I am trying to relax in this backpackers for a day or two before I figure out how to explore the island. There are people always looking for rides to share and some bus tours, but I haven't decided yet.

I look up briefly as a group of four gents push and shove through the door, laughing and teasing each other relentlessly. I recognize a couple accents, but the others I have trouble placing. They set up the video game system and begin playing some kind of fighting karate game, taking turns against each other. A tall, lanky blonde in tight jeans and a green button-up shirt immediately grabs my attention, but I know I just need to relax tonight, and quickly return to my book.

There's no need to complicate this trip. Home is complicated enough.

I sit for what seems like hours, paying less and less attention to the words in front of me and more and more to the tall American in the group. Every time I hear a Southern drawl, I couldn't help but glance up from my pages. I hear an unmistakable "y'all" and look over my book to meet ice blue eyes turning to face me.

I barely blink as I watch him watching me. The noise of the room fades away and there's only this beautiful man before me, stealing my very breath.

His shoulders slump as he releases a large sigh, and he rakes his fingers through his hair before shaking his head and turning back to the game.

I stay for a few more minutes, wondering what kind of spell this man from the other side of the world has put on me.

Eventually, I can't resist the pull of sleep and decide I've stayed up late enough to be less jetlagged tomorrow. I wander past the bulletin board in the lobby, looking for postings for rides. There are several offers, but most seem to be heading to Cradle Mountain. I have a tour booked to see the parks, so I'm more interested in exploring the east side of the island.

And then I see it.

"Wanted. Man or woman to ride share to Bicheno Backpackers, leaving Tuesday, returning Friday. If interested, please text at +01 697-555-9431."

Tomorrow. Bicheno is on the eastern shore and near to Freycinet National Park, one of the must see sights on my list.

I take the post with me and text the number from my room that I share with five other people. My other sharemates aren't there, so I get ready for bed, changing into pajama pants and brushing my teeth while waiting for an answer. When I return from the loo, I have a text waiting.

Meet downstairs in the lobby at 8am tomorrow? ~J

I text back immediately, happy to have a plan and a destination for the first part of my trip.

Sounds good. See you tomorrow. Cheers, Edward

I fall asleep quickly, dreaming about long legs, blue eyes and soft Southern drawls. I dream of tasting him, feeling the flush of his skin against mine, his body writhing in pleasure below me.

All too soon, I jerk awake as my alarm buzzes in my ear. I take a few minutes to catch my breath and slow my heartbeat before opening my eyes.

The other two gents in the room are still snoring softly, seemingly unaware of my night-time fantasies. After my eyes adjust to the muted light slipping around the shade, I quickly pull on jeans and grab a button-down shirt and clean boxers before wandering down the hall to find an open bathroom. After showering and changing, I return to my room to pack. I throw all my belongings into my backpack and sling it over my shoulder, noticing it is almost eight.

Not one for breakfast, I'm hoping I can convince this J person to stop at a cafe for tea and a biscuit. Just a little touch of home would be welcome.

I descend the stairs and wait in the lobby, realizing I'm a few minutes early. I casually look through some pamphlets about other attractions in the area and shove my hands in my pockets as I rock on the balls of my feet.

Someone behind me thunders down the stairs and calls out a cheery "Good morning!" to the staff at the front desk.

I freeze. I know that accent, that twangy, soft American drawl that plagued my midnight musings. In my heart, I hope that he is the mysterious J at the same time I almost dread being in a car with him for any length of time. This slight obsession after watching him for a couple hours cannot be healthy.

I turn to see him joking with the lady at the desk. He winks at her and she blushes furiously and I am instantly jealous.

I roll my eyes. Good grief, I need to bloody settle down before I make a complete ass of myself.

He turns and starts walking towards me, and I wave hesitantly. "Are you J?"

"Edward?" His smile is brilliant and blinding as he reaches forward to shake my hand.

"Yeah. That's me." I try to keep my voice normal as I grasp his hand firmly and love the warmth that spreads through me at this brief touch.

"Well, great!" he begins, but then looks hesitantly at our still connected hands. I hurriedly pull mine back, willing myself not to blush. "Uh... my car's just out front if you're ready to go?"

His last statement sounds like more of a question, but I just smile reassuringly. Really, I'm not a psycho.

"Sure, I'm ready. Do you mind if we stop at a cafe to get some liquid caffeine for the road?"

He laughs loudly, visibly relaxing. "Not at all, my man. There's a great place on the way."

I nod and follow him out the door, and we load our bags into the car. I notice a guitar case in the back seat and can't wait to question him about it. Actually, perhaps it's better if I didn't. If he actually plays and sings, I couldn't be held responsible for any reactions I may have.

I shake my head to clear the thoughts about him strumming the strings and crooning huskily in his southern drawl. I need a distraction before I embarrass myself any further. Or make my trousers any tighter. Sighing heavily, I climb into the front seat and he hands me a set of maps.

"Part of the deal is you have to be the navigator on this adventure. I'm too much of a Yank to be able to read the maps and drive on the left side of the road."

I laugh with him and readily agree. He pulls cautiously into traffic and I smile as I begin this next chapter in my life.

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A/N: Thank you all for the kind words and I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into Edward's head. I know the chapters are short, but the story will move along. Promise. Now, leave me some sugar...