A/N- Hey everyone! Sorry that this update has taken so long to get up, but I've been busy with school and I wanted to get the first part of Emmett vs. The smelling salts out first. If you haven't checked it out all ready please do. So ya, here it is! Enjoy and review review review!!!!!!!! Ideas plz!
Disclaimer: No, I don't own Twilight. Duh! And you call yourself a fan... tut tut, Stephenie would be ashamed…
Chapter 6: Dead Man Walkin (no pun intended)! Punishment day
EPOV:
Success! I was jubilant as I took Bella in my arms and ran up the stairs to her room at vampire speed. My plan had gone better than expected, and we had the whole rest of the day to ourselves. Part One of Emmett's punishment was complete, we had gotten back at Charlie, and Bella was safe in my arms. I smiled crookedly and watched with pleasure as her eyes suddenly glazed over and she melted in my arms. I laughed boisterously and hugged her closer, kissing her gently on the forehead. Now the only question was what to do for the rest of the day. I had already done our homework and we weren't expected at my house until Charlie went to bed. Tonight we would issue Emmett and Jasper's punishment for what they did to Bella and I. Well mainly Emmett, but Jasper would get a taste too!
The thought brought me mixed emotions, the first was of disgust and pure anger for what they had put Bella through, the other was of pure joy. The thought of the punishment brought the smile back to my face as I looked back down at my angel.
"What's so funny?" Bella asked annoyance winning out in her voice.
"Oh nothing, I'm just thinking of tonight's activities" I said lightly, looking deeply into her eyes to try and make her drop the subject.
"Ugh, no fair! Stupid dazzling vampire!" She ranted at me, shaking her head to clear her thoughts, all the while glaring furtively at me. I just smiled back. She was just so cute when she was angry. I brushed my hand across her cheek as I sat down on the bed cradling her in my lap.
"I love you" I said as intensely as I could, staring into her eyes again. There was no way she could fight it this time, and she knew it. So she just reached up and kissed me with all her human might, which wasn't very much, but I appreciated the effort behind it. I laughed again, breaking the kiss.
"So, what would you like to do love?" I whispered into the hollow beneath her ear.
"You know…" she whispered back, her breathing was ragged and her meaning transparent in the seductive tone she used. That triggered a memory, long ago it seems, as she admitted to knowing what I was, and how she had not believed how seductive and attractive she was, without trying to be! Poor Jacob Black! I had said back then, now the growl resonated deep in my chest. Poor Jacob Black indeed! The anger coursed through me, I stiffened, feeling Bella stiffen nervously in reaction. I looked back at her.
Yes, there was that worried look on her brow. Damn! I forced a smile on my face and leaned down to brush my lips against her jaw.
"What's wrong Edward?" she demanded trying hard as she might to not succumb to my efforts.
"Nothing love, just some bad memories." I said quietly against her neck.
"You know I hate it when you do that? I hate to see you hurting. Please tell me what's wrong so I can make it better!" She pleaded with me, pulling my face to look at hers with her soft, warm hands. "Please Edward, I love you, you know how much it hurts. Please…." She trailed off; dropping her hands from my face and a look of pain crossed her face. Immediately I had my hands against her cheeks, stroking, holding, my lips against her hair, remorse and guilt coursed through my veins.
"Bella, I'm so sorry love. I know, I know... I'm sorry." I kept stroking her face and began to rock her. Then, the most hilarious thing happened. Her stomach growled so loud that I thought I had growled unconsciously. I froze, immediately looking to Bella's face to see if I had frightened her. A look of embarrassment filled her face, as the deep red color ran across her cheeks.
"Oh, sorry" She whispered. I just laughed, as loud and as hard as I could. She slapped my face gently, trying to get up. I just held her tighter and continued to laugh as I walked her down to the kitchen at human speed.
"What would you like for lunch, love?"
EMPOV:
I'm gonna kill Edward. I chanted over and over in my head, as I walked with Carlisle out of the police station to his car. He had my mug shot in his hand and was trying as hard as he could not to burst out laughing. Apparently he liked my costume… I climbed into the passenger seat as quickly as *humanly* possible, reaching up to tear off the wig.
"No Emmett, you know the rules" Carlisle said sternly, grabbing my hands in his and handcuffing them together in my vampire proof handcuffs. I shook my head and growled quietly at him. He glared death rays at me in return, and I turned my head towards the window to hide the fear that sent through me. Carlisle never, and I mean never... well I guess there was that time with the smelling salts, and the time with Esme's kitchen, and the time with the.. oh never mind. Carlisle hardly ever got mad at me, at least this mad. He was the calmest vampire in history, probably the calmest being in existence past present and future. This was unlike him and meant I was in for big trouble.
I thought that this little prank of little Eddie's meant that he had forgiven me, I thought that this WAS my punishment. Carlisle's death glare told me the truth of it… this was far from over. Crap… I hung my head and was quiet for the short drive home.
"Thanks for bailing me out dad" I said quietly trying to sound genuine so that at least Carlisle might forgive me again. He glared at me at first, then his features softened slightly and I knew I had him. I put on my best puppy dog face, the one that I knew Rose couldn't stand. "I'm really sorry about what I did to Edward and Bella Carlisle. It was stupid and immature but I…" I cut off suddenly seeing the anger return to Carlisle's face with a vengeance!
"You have done some bad things Emmett, but this has to be one of the worst. You will take the punishment the family decides for you with grace. And you will NEVER and I repeat NEVER do anything like this again, and you WILL go back to rehab. You need help Emmett."
Wow…. He didn't even say son once. I mean I knew Eddie was Carlisle's prodigy but he usually wasn't like this. Like he said though, and I couldn't deny it, this WAS the worst thing I had ever done… well besides the humans I killed, but I couldn't really help that. My la tua cantante's weren't as lucky as Bella. I hung my head again, and trudged behind Carlisle into the house, like a prisoner on death row. Rose met me inside and instantly grabbed my earring'd ear.
"Ow Rose" I shouted at her. She glared daggers at me, this hurt worse than Carlisle's glare…
"I will handcuff you to the boulder in the forest until the meeting tonight, where we will decide your doomed fate. You will NOT complain, you WILL take the punishment with grace, and will never even THINK of doing anything like this again. AM I clear?" She snarled at me. I nodded quickly not looking at her face. She drug me to my boulder and I complied silently. It wasn't my style, but I knew they'd go easier on me if I went quietly. So there, I stood, on top of a boulder, handcuffed to a monstrous fir tree; in drag…… this was a nightmare.
APOV:
What to do what to do… Some many ideas, so many possible futures. I had heard Edward tell Rosalie he had a plan for Emmett's punishment, but I couldn't see for some reason. So frustrating! I pouted. Rosalie came in, a smile replacing the glare she had reserved for Emmett.
"He'll be no problem" she assured me. I was surprised at Rose. She didn't even like Bella, and yet, she was truly mad at Emmett, truly disgusted by his behavior. It was truly amazing!
"I know" I said tapping the side of my head. "Let's go talk to Carlisle and see if he knows what the plan is for tonight. We both ran up to our "father's" office and gently rapped on the door.
"Come in" Carlisle said in a strained voice. Wow he was really taking this hard… I danced over to his desk and patted his shoulder.
"Bella's fine Carlisle and Emmett will cooperate tonight. Everything will be fine" I chimed at him smiling encouragingly.
"I get so worried about Bella! She's just so fragile! Did you notice how much blood there was? That girl must have a bleeding disorder; I'll have to test her tomorrow, after she's recovered some. No one should have bled that much from a simple razor cut." He shook his head as he talked.
"Yes Carlisle, she IS human. But she has US to protect her now. She's the safest person in the world. Especially with mister over-protective as her boyfriend... well soul mate, whatever. She'll be fine Carlisle." I tried to assuage him again. His brow furrowed again.
"Just look at what happened with Emmett Alice! This could happen again! As much as I'd like to not believe it, Edward COULD have gotten to Bella. That would tear this family apart, and kill Edward…. I can't even think__"
"She'll be fine Carlisle! It was an accident and Emmett WON'T do it again!! I've seen it!!!" I nearly shouted at him now.
"Trust us Carlisle, as much as I hate to admit it, we all love Bella, and want to protect her. She won't be harmed." Carlisle's and my jaw dropped as Rosalie said the words…. "Don't look at me like that; it's not as if you didn't know already!" She protested, crossing her arms across her chest. "Now Carlisle, Alice and I were wondering if Edward told you the plans for tonight yet?"
"No, no he hasn't"
BPOV:
"What would you like to eat love?" Edward asked, his face jubilant in his amusement at my humanness. I scowled.
"How about some irritable grizzly" I asked him sweetly, working hard to mask the annoyance in my voice. That stopped him short. He "humphed" and I smiled back victoriously.
"That's not funny Bella" he told me seriously.
"Then don't make fun of me" I said back, the annoyance creeping back into my voice. "You know I don't like double standards" and I was sure that he did. Stupid infallible vampire memory.
"I'm sorry Bella, now what can I make you for lunch? You're starving… please... let me take care of you... that's all I ever want… is to make you safe and happy." He stated, the love and transparent honesty oozing out in his tone. I melted.
"How about a grilled cheese sandwich?" I asked, feigning enthusiasm. It worked, but he still gave me that look.
"How about an albacore tuna melt? You need protein; it'll help you recover quicker from all that blood you lost." His voice was almost a whisper at the end, his face hid the pain well, but I was so adept at picking it out, that my heart stopped and I ran recklessly to him, wrapping my arms around his waist tightly.
"Whatever makes you happy Edward, all I want is for you to be happy." I cried into his marble chest. He collapsed into me.
JPOV:
Ugh… the emotional clime around here was so crazy today... I had to get out. I gave my Alice a quick peck on the cheek, her eyes turned to mine immediately. I just stared into her eyes for a moment and she nodded mouthing "I love you, see you later tonight". I smiled back, racing out of the house. How I loved her, she always knew…. Being an Empath was hard, feeling everyone's emotions. But having this ability drew me to Alice even more; she could sense my feelings and was always sending me waves of love, adoration and happiness. What a positive emotional clime she created for me.
I smiled to myself. I would hunt for a bit, it would make it easier when Bella was around tonight. Despite the frustration and anger I felt toward myself for that time I had tried to kill her, her blood still called to me. Edward knew this and would be thankful for my preparation. I wasn't sure if I would be punished with Emmett tonight or not, so it was a good thing to do to keep my mind off of it. I ran past Emmett, handcuffed to a tree on top of his "special boulder". I ran backwards waving at him, laughing at his ridiculous costume. I really hoped that they wouldn't punish me too. Edward's prank hadn't been easy, but I knew that he was reserving something for tonight.
I couldn't wait to see how it would work out. And then I caught a scent, and was off to satiate my thirst…
EPOV:
"Edward!? Edward? Please Edward, please! Talk to me, what's wrong?" my angel was calling to me, fear and panic clear in her voice. I straightened up, trying to put my face back together. Her words before had crushed me. The joy and pain I felt had over powered even my vast senses. I had literally collapsed under the weight of them.
"I'm fine Bella, I'm fine" I assured her, recovered now, the joy permeating my being. I picked her up and sat her on the chair closest to the stove. I wiped away her tears and gave her a chaste kiss on her beautiful lips. Then I started gathering the ingredients for her lunch. The sandwich was ready in 10 minutes, she ate it appreciatively and I just smiled at her, staring into her deep brown eyes. There were only two hours until Charlie would be home, so I helped Bella start on his dinner. We made Grandma Swan's stroganoff because Bella said it would soften Charlie up, hopefully enough that he wouldn't shoot me for our prank today.
Bella was asleep in my lap when I heard Charlie's cruiser pull into the drive. I pulled the stroganoff and set the table at vampire speed, all the while keeping Bella cradled in my arms. Then I sat us back down on the couch as Charlie opened the door. We had been watching 'A walk to remember', and Bell had cried herself to sleep as I stroked her hair, and kissed away the tears.
"Hey Ki__" Charlie started to say, but as he saw Bella asleep on my lap, he stopped. Then frowned as he tiptoed to take off his boots and jacket. I noticed he left the gun belt on… Charlie continued to tiptoe across the floor; I noticed his face soften as he caught sight of Bella's face, deep in sleep. I knew what Charlie was seeing in her face, the beauty, the fragility, and vulnerability in her expression. Adoration poured from us both, our faces smiling at the sleeping angel.
"Is she ok?" Charlie asked wearily
"Yes sir. She just needs her rest. We made you dinner, it's on the table. I think I should take her up to bed so that she can sleep in peace" I whispered, hoping to skip out on the lecture I could hear forming in his head.
"You can go put her in her bed, and then I want to talk to you down here for a minute." Charlie said back sternly.
"But Carlisle told me to watch her." I said back
"She'll be fine for 5 minutes Edward." Charlie hissed at me. Wow, that made me back up a second. Apparently I hadn't judged his level of anger properly. The emotions Bella's angelic face had brought forward had masked the rage I heard now.
"I can call Carlisle" I warned. I wasn't in the mood for this right now, and I knew it would wake Bella up. Charlie glared back at me, but I saw his mind waver, and smiled as he said
"Fine, later, but you watch yourself Edward Cullen."
"Yes, sir. I only have Bella's best interest at heart Charlie. You CAN trust me."I tried, perhaps a little too hard, to make those last words convincing. Then I carried my sleeping angel up to her bedroom, and laid her under the covers, climbing on top of the faded quilt and placing my arms around her.
"Sleep my Bella, sleep my only love."I cooed softly. She slept soundly, and to my pleasure, said nothing but "I love you" and "Edward" all night. She had flipped over, hugging herself to me at one point. I kissed her forehead and her eyes opened slowly.
"What… what time... is it?" She yawned.
"It's time to go, are you ready?" I asked the excitement and enthusiasm breaking through my voice. I had been refining my plans as she slept, and now I couldn't wait!
"Yes, let's go" she said sleepily. I laughed as I picked her up gently.
"Can you hold on?" I asked dubiously.
"un-uh" she tried to say. I laughed again, and cradled her tightly in my arms as I leapt from her window. I was jubilant already; the thrill of running like this with Bella only exacerbated my good mood. We were to my house in seconds. Everyone but Rose, Jasper, and Emmett were standing around my piano platform, waiting for us.
"Good evening Edward, Bella" Carlisle said nodding to us, and grinning once he saw my expression. I smiled back.
"Thanks for the help earlier dad" I replied. I was smug in knowing that I WAS Carlisle's favorite.
"Hello dears" Esme said cheerfully. Bella was still waking up or she would have responded already.
"Hello Esme" I said back happily. How I loved my adoptive mother.
"Edward Bella!" Alice chimed, dancing over to hug Bella and me. I raised my eyebrow at her
Everything is fine Edward, calm down. Emmett will give us no problem tonight. Rose and Jasper are out getting him from where I handcuffed him in the forest,I groaned as she thought that no worries. I rolled my eyes. Over- react much? I growled at her, which brought Bella into the world of the living at last. I smiled down at her apologetically. She smiled back.
"Hi everyone." She said quietly, trying to sit up more in my arms.
"So are you going to let us all in on the plan now or do we have to wait just like Emmett?" Alice demanded inpatient now.
"You can wait two seconds Alice, and Emmett isn't the only one on trial tonight. Jasper holds part of the blame therefore I think it's only fair that he bear part of the punishment." I stated calmly.
"I had a feeling you were going to say that" Jasper replied from behind me in a solemn voice. He had Emmett's right arm, and Rose held Emmett's left ear. Man that looked painful. His face showed only the pain of his disgrace though.
"Emmett" everyone said together.
"Ya, I know, I know. I made a mistake and now I'm gonna pay for it. I got it, I won't mess around. Lay it on me executioner" Emmett said, surprisingly calm for someone on death row. I could tell the last comment was aimed at me, I smiled. Bella did too, but her smile was one of vindictive joy. I laughed at her expression; it was that tigerish-kitten fury that I loved so much. The rest of the family smiled and laughed too, all except Emmett. He didn't even crack a smile on that idiotic face of his. I really didn't care at this moment.
"Ok, let's get to this" I said, all business now. I laid Bella on the couch Alice and Esme each taking a side of her. Rose and Jasper walked Emmett to the center of the room, making him kneel before me, like I was actually executing him. I already knew I had a God complex, but this just fed it. I laughed almost manically at the site of Emmett kneeled before me in drag. Everyone looked at me like I had just grown a second head.
"Edward" Esme chided, I bowed my head.
"Sorry Esme" but the same feeling still coursed through my body. Then something unbelievable happened…. Rosalie released Emmett's ear, giving him a warning glance and Jasper a smile and a nod, then she crossed the room to the couch and folded herself neatly on the floor in front of Bella… My jaw dropped and I couldn't think for a minute.
"Shut your mouth and get on with it you idiot! Yes, I love Bella too. I want this just as much as you all. Ask Alice if you don't believe me." Rosalie thought to me. I quickly glanced at Alice and she nodded fervently. Wow... that blew my mind…. Anyways, back to the trial.
"Emmett Paul McCarty Cullen, on the charges of idiocy, stealing, assault, sexual and physical harassment and holding up the Newton's store" I couldn't help adding that last bit. "We find you guilty as charged and will sentence you as we see fit." He sighed and nodded. "Jasper Whitlock Hale, on the charges of sidekick idiocy, stealing, assault, and intent to aide in sexual harassment, we find you guilty as charged and will sentence you as we see fit." Jasper kept a calm face and also nodded.
"Jasper Hale, we sentence you to let Bella direct Alice in choosing your clothes, and style for the next week, and one menial task for every other member of the family except for Emmett." His face sunk, and then brightened as he realized how easy I had let him off the hook. I head Bella laugh, her face full with the smile my edict had caused her. I smile back, jubilant again.
"Emmett Cullen, we sentence you to a six part sentence. One, you will continue to wear the drag costume for the next two weeks, or change into the maid costume I picked out." *Evil smile* "Two, you will cook to order anything Bella or the rest of the family wants, no surprises no substitutes, to order for the next month." I looked down at him to make sure he understood. He nodded. "Three, you will not get to be within five feet of Rosalie for the two weeks following your costume stint."
"Please say you were kidding about the last part." He pleaded, hands folding like a little child in prayer.
"No, I definitely wasn't kidding" I said back emotionlessly. " Part four, you can't make any cracks at either Bella or I for the next month. No innuendos, now clumsy jokes, not "human" cracks, no sexually repressed, or over-protective cracks. If you even think one, every part of your sentence will be doubled and two new parts will be added by Alice and Rosalie." Everyone smiled at my list, but Bella's was the brightest. 'Thanks Edward' she mouthed enthusiastically. I smiled back crookedly.
"Part five I said my lips pulling into a fierce smile, showing all my teeth. "You have to go on three dates with Jessica Stanley. And I mean real dates; you have to make her believe that you like her."
"Nooooooooooo" Emmett screamed.
"Emmett" Rosalie snarled a warning at him from her place at Bella's feet. It was still so weird to see her there.
"But Rose!!!!!" He wailed.
"No, Emmett. This is what Edward has decided, this is how it shall be." Carlisle commanded him sternly. I snickered at his words. He shot me a look, and I immediately quieted and wiped the smile off my face. "Let's finish up here Edward; you've given Emmett quite a bit to think about." He said this calmly but his face and thoughts had a slight warning to them. "I have veto power Edward. Go easy on this last one" Easy! Ha, like I would do that. I didn't care at this point what he did; all I wanted was the one last demand… The one that Emmett would remember forever…..
"Part six Emmett" I started
"Just kill me now man, just spare me" he moaned
"Shut it Emmett" Rose hissed again.
"Part six Emmett; you will be the dogs and Bella's servant for one week."
Dun-Dun-Duh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A/N- Epic finish to this chapter don't you think? It took me a little while to think up a worthwhile last part to the punishment. Thanks to everyone who gave me ideas, which was only a few of you, eh-em... *hint hint*. So hope you liked it, I'm pretty happy with it. Look forward to a surprise next chapter! Please review as always and the chapter will come quicker!
Thanks!
-My Vampire Sparkles