Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. Blah blah blah. Plagiarism or redistribution of my story that isn't authorized beforehand will land you in hot water, and if you do I reserve the right to kick your arse. The usual stuff, etc. Respectively in this chapter the song by Lifehouse belongs to it's rightful owners as the quote belongs to its rightful owners as well.
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A/N: These author notes are long but important. If you're super lazy then just read the bottom one as it is vital, which you should read and respond to. If you don't, don't say I didn't warn you.

Thanks to all the readers & reviewers. I look forward to the new ones. To the people that have reviewed keep it up. I love it! Thanks go to the favourites and alerts. But, thanks especially to the reviewers as what you inspire and the motivation your words give are priceless. And to the people that don't, hit that button and make my day.

To SapphirexLovely, whose newfound friendship/readership, I guess you could say is appreciated. You actually have her to thank for this chapter. And Sapphire, you don't yet know this but upon reading your review tonight (or I guess last night, it's past 1am here now) your genuinely kind words, critique and encouragement were the reason I went back and finished this chapter which had been started and left as I was in a serious rut.

The next few chapters are going to be really hard for me to write and I no doubt will have serious writer's block throughout but will try my best to get it out to you. With my current readers, reviewers, friends and hopefully new readers and reviewers, inspiration hopefully won't be far away. But if it takes a while, be patient with me, please. RL sucks.

Any questions, comments, enquiries etc. can be reviewed or PM'd to me.

And last but not least, especially now because the story is on its final stretch, REVIEW. Your words of encouragement and critique are like receiving a present. I read and respond to each one. So, make sure to let me know your thoughts and as a result, make me grin like the Cheshire cat.

CHAPTER 8: TIME MAKES AND BREAKS/TIME KILLS

What day is it? And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time

Cause it's you and me and all of the people
With nothing to do, nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you

All of the things that I want to say
Just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping on words, you got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here

-You and Me by Lifehouse

~/~

BellaPOV

"They. Are. So. Cute!"

"I know right, when will they just wake up and see? Literally and figuratively."

I stirred from my comfy sleep when restrained laughing, squealing and a shutter opening and closing seeped into my consciousness. That wasn't normal. Maybe Alice had decided to give me a makeover while I was asleep. God knows it wouldn't be the first time.

I slowly opened my eyes, only to snap them shut quickly, because of a blinding light flashing in front of my eyes.

After a few seconds of silence, I opened my eyes again cautiously, only to find the gang minus Edward all standing in the bedroom and whispering, though not very effectively.

They were hovering around me and I noticed the evil pixie with her digital camera in hand.

Before I could question what she was doing with the item, I was distracted by my moving pillow... it appeared to be chuckling. Pillows don't laugh.

Panicked, I twisted my face around to come face to chin with something that looked remarkably human.

I'd know that jaw anywhere.

Mortifyingly embarrassed, I lifted my head to find Edward's sparkling emeralds staring back down at me with mirth dancing in them. As soon as I saw his angelic face it all came rushing back to me.

I had given into the overwhelming temptation and snuggled under the doona and into Edward's side, burrowing in his warmth and smell, promising myself that I'd only lay there for a minute or too.

I must have fallen asleep with him, without him knowing. God, how embarrassing. What must Edward think of me?

He probably thought I was some creepy stalker.

With a creeping sense of dread and burning cheeks I chanced a glance up at his beatific face only to now be blinded by his wide smile, just for me. Relaxing after realising he wasn't going to kick me out of his bed I burrowed my face into his neck, sneakily inhaling his delicious scent while there and forgetting everything else in the world.

The moment was broken when I head Emmett erupt into loud, boisterous laughter. Immediately, I remembered that we weren't alone and turned back around to tell him to go away when I noticed for the first time that me and Edward were deliciously tangled together. All our limbs entwined like my heart and soul was with him.

My face was on fire as Edward grumbled to Emmett to 'shut his trap' and he sat up leaning against his headboard and pulling me up with him so that I was cocooned by his arms and trapped with his legs around mine. He buried his nose in my hair and peppered my hair with kisses that made me tingle. Feeling completely safe and content but remembering we weren't alone I groaned, looking up.

Now facing the knowing grins on our friends' faces, I shot a glare at Alice first.

"What on earth are you doing with a camera at this time of day?"

"Hmmm, just taking photos of the scenery for my scrapbook." Alice answered innocently and in a way that I did not trust, at all.

Ignoring my suspicions, I asked again, "Alice. What scenery? Tell me now. Or I'll burn your bloody Gucci."

Panicked, Alice lifted her hands in surrender before blurting her words out in a rush, "Alright, alright. No death threats. I'll cooperate. Well, we came in here to see Edward this morning and imagine our surprise when we walked in on you two, all tangled up like a pretzel and cute and looking post coital. I couldn't resist taking a few snaps."

I hadn't thought I could be any more embarrassed but the fairy just loved to prove me wrong. My cheeks' colour deepened about seven shades to something I would akin to crimson coloured. Thank God for Edward interjecting.

"Post coital? Alice, you kn-"

Emmett interrupted before Edward could get more than five words out in that heavenly husky morning voice of his. And when Emmett spoke Emmett yelled.

His voice, booming out into the room, nearly shattered my ear drums, "I so knew it. Were you doin' the horizontal mambo the whole time we've been here? Oh, what about when you two 'hated each other'? Puh-lease. It was so obvious. You guys make goo-goo eyes at each other all the time and are always together. Joined at the hip. Like, like, Siamese."

Emmett stood there looking pretty pleased with himself for likening us to Siamese cats and therefore not seeing that everyone stood gobsmacked. He was actually very observant and I hadn't expected that. I also think that after Emmett's spiel, it had only just absorbed for everyone- including me- that Ally and Em had insinuated that Edward and I had had sex.

I turned around and burrowed back into Edward's neck, sure that my face was in flames currently.

I wanted to melt through the floor in my embarrassment, but even better, I instead stayed bundled in Edward's arms like a pet kitten or something, more than content to stay there forever.

~/~

EdwardPOV

After successfully cursing them out of my room, I turned Bella who was cocooned in my arms to look at me. I manoeuvred her so that I was propped up against my headboard with my knees up and Bella seated in my lap, essentially straddling me.

Before my thoughts could stray or she could reject the intimate position, I returned myself to the problem at hand. Thanks to the twerps we lovingly called our best friends. Though I had to admit they were pretty funny this morning.

I decided to try pleading with her, as she wouldn't look me in the eyes, "I'm sorry about that Bella. But, you know how they are. Good news is I got rid of them. Bella? Please look at me?" I got whiny towards the end but I was desperate to know what was wrong.

My stomach dropped and rolled as I realised she didn't like them alluding to us having sex.

Well, Bella is probably in love with someone else, remember? My inner monologue snarked.

She finally looked up at me apprehensively and I started to apologize.

"I am really, really sorry. I know you probably didn't dream of them finding us together, looking so.. intimate and stuff." Though I wished you dreamt of that. "But it was you that jumped into bed with me after all."

She interrupted before I could continue, "Edward. It's not that at all. I mean who wouldn't want to wake up in bed with you. You're gorgeous." Her blush intensified, as she obviously let secrets slip unbidden from her buttery lips, whilst she rambled nervously.

"Bella, it's okay. I think you're beautiful too," I smiled the grin I reserved for her, hoping to lighten her mood.

She only blushed harder, looking down, before peeking up at me through her long lashes. She continued her rambling.

"Anyway, I'm sure you want to know why you woke up with me. I'm not a creepy stalker or anything, I swear, it's just-"

"Hush. Calm down. Though I am curious as to why you were here?" Seeing her face fall, I quickly added to my words. "Not that I minded." It was truthful, at least.

And much to my delight I had learned she didn't mind waking up in bed with me.

She smiled reassured, but looked down again and began to twist her fingers in her lap nervously, while gnawing on the corner of her bottom lip.

I lifted my hand and pulled her lip away from her teeth unthinkingly. I quickly snapped my hand back to my side, trying to ignore the familiar jolt her skin sent to mine, when her head snapped up lightning fast to stare at me with wide eyes.

Right, cause touching your friends' lips was so normal. It was an intimate gesture. Even in this circumstance. It was for couples to do. Hands to yourself, Cullen. The inner voice reprimanded.

Christ, I was going crazy. Who has an inner monologue?

"You shouldn't bite on your lip all the time. It'll bleed. And you know how well you cope with blood," I took a jab at her more confidently then I was feeling and luckily it finally lightened the tense, electric mood that had taken over the room.

She released her lip from her teeth and began explaining why she'd come to find me at the crack of dawn.

"Um. Well, I couldn't sleep. I woke up early. And took a shower. But stopped putting it off as I was worried about you and wanted to be near you. I love being in your presence," she glanced at me shyly at her last admission, while I internally happy danced at, before continuing, "I noticed that you seemed pretty shaken up after Tanya popped over and I guess I mainly wanted to see if you were okay and if you wanted to talk then that too."

"Yeah. No, truly, I am fine. Tanya was not expected at all," I chuckled nervously. "I was kind of in shock and didn't really know how to act around her. It's been a long time."

"Alice said you two dated?" Bella questioned, with something lurking in her chocolate brown depths that I couldn't identify.

Her interest in my past with Tanya seemed strange and I pushed the odd, unidentifiable emotions swimming in her orbs out of my head, as I knew if I asked her, she wouldn't tell me and if I pondered it, I'd drive myself up the wall. I was at ease with her and it would be good to vent. But, I also felt it important to let her know where I stood too.

"Yeah, a long time ago. A little after we didn't see you for that period with your parents." Coincidental much. "She's, like, my only ever relationship. If even that." I shook my head, reminiscing. "It was out of obligation to stay together as Eleazer and Carlisle were such good friends. We were kinda set up by the old men. I think they were hoping we'd fall in love, have babies together and unite our families or something. I only ever felt platonic feelings for her, though."

Bella seemed limp with relief for some reason and I decided to push her further and see if what I suspected and dearly hoped was true. My sneaking suspicions were confirmed.

"Don't worry, Swan. You're still the number one girl in my life." I flashed a smile at her, hoping to convey my feelings without words. There was no mistaking my feelings and emotions, and no second guessing hers through her response either.

She seemed to understand and her face lit up before her next words stopped my heart.

"Cullen, you were always the number one boy in my life," she whispered quietly, but genuinely.

I think we both realised that the other had feelings for each other and I was ecstatic. There was no mistaking my words and expression nor hers. She didn't run away screaming. She wanted me.

Who knew the pixie and the bear would start the ball rolling for us? Not me. But, I sure as hell would have to thank them for their meddling for once. They saw what Bella and I were too stubborn to admit- we liked each other, as more than friends.

Bella's reactions to Tanya and climbing into my bed started to make sense and I wondered how long she had felt this way.

The impossible was indeed possible. It was a reality. My first kiss wanted me. My love wanted me. Maybe like me, she always had.

Interrupting me from my train of thought, Alice yelled for us to come out for breakfast, but most likely wanting to know the 'goss' on what went down with Tanya last night. Nosy, meddling little imp.

I groaned but replied, shouting out so she could hear me, "Just a minute, you little witch."

In response to my jest, I ironically heard Alice's roaring loud cackle. That's right, she cackled- like a witch! I love my sister, I thought as I smiled fondly to myself.

Everything was beginning to fall into place. I guess time and patience really does pay off, huh!

We got up, out of bed and I noticed that Bella shivered upon feeling the cool air and I realised she only had on a tank top and shorts. She must have been in a hurry to see me this morning. Her hair was also still damp from her shower. She was beautiful and I smiled at the thought of her being anxious to see me again.

She noticed me staring and asked me what I was gazing at.

My answer was, "A pretty face with a beautiful soul."

You're a smooth but cheesy fucker, Cullen. What could I say? It's what Bella turned me into. It was true.

She blushed as expected and grinned a small, tentative grin before shivering lightly again. I couldn't have that, now could I?

I walked over to my cupboard, knowing what I was looking for before I reached it. I rooted around, ignoring Bella's questions before finding the monumental significant piece of material. I walked over to Bella and showed her the front and back of my old Seattle football jersey with my name and number printed on the back. I had never let a girl wear my jersey before, not for lack of people willing. Just never the right one.

I know Bella saw the name 'Cullen' printed above the number '13' as her eyes widened and something akin to hope started shining brightly in them.

"Would you like to wear this?"

The symbolism of my name printed on the back of it didn't go unnoticed and Bella seemed to understand that I was really asking 'Would you be my girl?' We were always so in tune with each other. We just knew what the other was thinking.

She smiled a smile that lit the room up and set my heart on fire before shaking her head and letting me help her slip into the too big sleeves.

Cullen's girl. It did have a nice ring to it. Oh hell, who am I kidding? I liked it. No, I loved it.

"Hey! Why the number thirteen?" Bella asked, evidently puzzled.

I felt my cheeks heat. I, Edward Cullen, just blushed. What was this girl doing to me? I secretly loved it.

"It's a special birthday number." I hinted at her sweetly, hoping she'd pick it up.

Maybe it seemed like we were unrealistically cliché already and all cutesy but we'd been this way our whole lives. We were natural and comfortable in our own skin. We fell into the step of something with each other like we'd been doing it forever and this wasn't any different. We were at home. It had always been like this.

I grabbed Bella's hand and she smiled adoringly as she gazed up at me, clearly thrilled as to why I'd chosen that jersey number when I made quarterback all those years ago. I probably solved a mystery she'd wondered about for years.

It had been freshman year, quite record breaking actually. Seattle had never had a team captain so young and my audition had been talked about for years. I'd just made captain of the track team and the P.E teachers were thrilled that we would probably take out Port Angeles that year with me in the pack.

Bella had only ever heard of the famous auditions and no one knew why thirteen was my number. It was wildly speculated about and little did they know the answer was right under their noses in the form of the person I 'hated'.

We'd stopped talking by that point and I hadn't seen Bella for over a year. I chose the number to honour to girl I had loved so long ago.

My first kiss.

We began our trek outside, to face the firing squad. No doubt Bella's attire and our newly improved mannerisms would set a thing or two off. They'd all have a field day and Alice and Emmett would be smug as all hell as they undoubtedly opened our eyes to everything this morning with their crass comments, and everyone knew it.

But I didn't care. I had her beside me. Where I'd always wanted her. That was all that mattered. Anything else could come. We'd weather any storms. Now that we were together there was no chance I was ever letting go.

I was filled with butterflies like a lovesick fool and couldn't wipe the gigantic smile almost breaking my face in half off of my face, before the butterflies dropped like dead weight in my stomach and my exuberant mood plummeted, as I remembered.

Time seemed suspended and I tried to kill it by slowing my steps to the living room but all too soon we were there and as expected 'the Gang' were spread over the butter-soft couches awaiting an explanation.

Fuck.

And Bella would be too.

Double fuck.

Things seemed to be finally progressing for us. Maybe we could move past some uncrossed line into new territory- together. That was a naive thought though. There were new obstacles for us, in play now. Guilt wracked me. I began to squirm as I wondered how I would explain. And to Alice. They always left me the dirty work.

My previously forgotten and suppressed reality- no, our reality- rushed back at me, forcing me to acknowledge it.

Thanks to Tanya's enlightening and unexpected appearance, it seemed very unlikely that anything would get a chance to bloom. After the bomb Tanya dropped on me, it looked like we had little time left.

~/~

'In reality, killing time is only the name for another of the multifarious ways by which Time kills us.'
~Osbert Sitwell

A/N: IMPORTANT = READ

Good response last chapter and I wanna hit 70 reviews this time at least before updating. You need to get reviewing, especially if you haven't yet. There's not much time left for you to do it. The story is ending! Alot of you have never reviewed and its very disappointing. Even if for your first and only time, you review this chapter. Just let me know what you think, your opinions are very important to me. Whether good or bad.

We're nearing the end of the story and we only have a few chapters to go. It was at the beginning going to be a regular length story but I realised it would be unnecessarily and boringly drawing things out and I don't want to do that to the readers, myself but most importantly the story. It's generally just supposed to be a nice, short story.

Note that while I do intend to finish this but my updates may be erratic as school has just started back up again and RL kicks my arse.

Something really important that I need all the readers to voice their opinions on: would you guys be opposed to a semi-lemon eventually?

You should definitely review this chapter as their are a mountain of reasons why you should, the least of all being that I won't update until I hit my review target of 70. I have tonnes more readers the 24 reviews to get there, so come out of the woodworks, if even to only say 'good' or 'bad'.

And I'm very interested to know your thoughts: what do you think will happen? What do you want to happen? What went down with Tanya? What do you think will be the climax of the tale? ETC.

Reviews=update
Let me know. Leave me love or hate- whichever applies. I'm holding my breath on this one.