Disclaimer: All Twilight characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.

This story is not to be reproduced or translated without the expressed consent of the author.

A/N: Thanks again to those who have read so far, and those who have added and reviewed my story. Here's Chapter 3, hope you enjoy it!

Together at last at Twilight Time

Chapter 3

Bella's POV

There were no other sounds except for the turbulent waves crashing onto the shoreline. I was barely able to make them out in the distance. Twilight had already passed, taking with it any remnants of our long and drawn out day on the road. Aside from the faint glow coming from the kitchen, my only other source of light was the luminous full moon above. I stared at it for a minute, noting the different shades of grey where I imagined all the dips and craters would be scattered across the surface. The moon always looked so vivid from this beach. I forgot exactly how beautiful it was, having not seen it from this viewpoint in eight years. But seeing it now, I was comforted by the fact that it was just how I remembered it.

I closed my eyes, basking in the moon's comforting radiance, memories of my nights on this beach slowly creeping back in. My hair ached to feel the ocean breeze once again and I freed it from the confines of my hair clasp. I inhaled deeply, tasting the salty air, feeling the wind whip around me, hearing wave after wave break upon the sand. It was tranquil and unforgettable…it was home. With that overwhelming realization, I quickly opened my eyes to the reality before me. The surrounding darkness reminded me that I haven't considered this place home in a long time and it would never be the same home as I knew it to be.

Suddenly something to the left of my periphery caught my attention. I was slightly startled by the movement at first, but then I noticed it was a person walking towards the house, towards me. Realization struck me; even in the faint light I knew exactly who that person was. Edward. A rush of heat soared through my body while a flood of butterflies assaulted my stomach. I willed myself to keep breathing. Am I ready for this?

The closer he got, the more I was able to make out his distinguishing features—strong, muscular legs accentuated by beige linen shorts, broad shoulders and a lean torso enhanced under a form fitting forest green t-shirt. Christ, he's so gorgeous…shit. Not the time, Bella.

I couldn't help but stand motionless at the railing and gawk as he walked up to the deck and slowed his pace once the distance between us reached a only few feet. He placed the two champagne bottles on the railing next to me, never breaking eye contact. I could see him more clearly now and was stunned by the intensity in his eyes. Although it was too dark to see the vibrant green which continuously haunted my thoughts and dreams, I was still taken aback as I helplessly stared into them. A nervous tension swirled between us, thick and palpable in the air. It was quiet for a moment, each of us wondering what to say and who would say it first.

"Hey…" he finally said.

"Hi…" So…it's going to be like this?

"Bella…you look…amazing… It's so good to see you."

"Thanks, Edward… It's really good to see you, too."

Fucking awkward as hell!

We paused for a few seconds, unsure of what came next. Then I saw him hesitatingly move towards me, presumably for a hug or a kiss, maybe both. I wasn't sure what the correct protocol was for situations like these. Where was the fine line located? Without any more time to consider my options, I decided to go in for a simple and polite hug.

He slowly wrapped his arms around my waist and I obliged him by wrapping my arms around his neck. He gently pressed my body further into his, our chests coming into full contact with the other, as his head dipped into the crook of my neck. My head had nowhere else to go except to rest against the crook of his neck as well. It was then, suddenly comprehending the fact that I was back in the arms of the only man I ever loved, that I felt that unique electricity between us once again. And it only drew me in all the more.

Instinctively, I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath to fill my lungs with all that was Edward. My senses were accosted by a mixture of ocean, sand, soap, detergent, Acqua Di Gio cologne, and the ever present and unmistakable inherent scent of pure Edward. All of a sudden this seemingly courteous hug felt more like a familiar embrace shared by long lost lovers. It felt so natural…so fitting. We both responded by tightening our holds on each other. I was taken out of my brief haze when he spoke again.

"God…Bella…you smell exactly as I remembered," he murmured into my neck.

My eyes flew open. I wasn't exactly sure how to respond to that. With the close proximity to him, his comfortable embrace and that nostalgic remark—my traitorous hormones would've responded with an "Oh, God…so do you" followed by a fervent kiss if it could. But with all these conflicting thoughts and emotions whirling through my mind, I knew better than that. Instead, I chose to remain silent, loosening my grip on him, and attempting to disentangle myself from our embrace. Edward noticed and slowly let go of me, backing up to a safe distance as I leaned back against the railing, my body now facing towards him and the house.

"Um…so, how was your trip? You guys just get in?"

"Yeah, we got in about half an hour ago. It wasn't too bad. Long…but a good time."

"Nice… So I guess everyone is getting settled then?"

"M'hmm, they're upstairs unpacking."

There was another slight pause; I nervously swallowed as he looked down at his bare feet.

"Whose room are you staying in?" His eyes looked up to meet mine.

God, of course Edward had to ask.

"Um…yours. I guess."

"You guess?" His brow furrowed as he looked away. What, was my reluctance too painful for him to hear or something?

"Well, staying in your parent's room or your aunt and uncle's room would be too…weird. Not that staying in your room wouldn't be. But it's not like I've never slept in there before."

A sly smile formed on his lips as he idly stared into the distance, hiding whatever thoughts that materialized in his mind. I crossed my arms over my chest and shuffled my feet to hide the slight irritation building inside of me. Not to mention my irritation at my racing heart, which I swore he must've heard over the crashing waves.

"Did you get a chance to look around the house yet?"

"No, not really. Jazz took my bag up to your room so I haven't been upstairs. I came out here after walking around the first floor."

He gave me a wistful smile before looking away, searching for something else to gaze at, finally settling on the moon.

"You always did love it out here…"

"Mhmm…," was all I could reply. I felt a tinge of annoyance at his affirmation.

"A lot of fond memories coming back to you?"

What the hell kind of question was that? Was he trying to torture me? I need to go the fuck inside.

He sounded almost pensive, and for me, this wasn't the right time for us to delve into anything or revisit old times like nothing unfortunate ever happened to us. This was the first time we've spoken to each other in four years—technically seven, since I hardly count the wedding as talking—and he expected us to just start reminiscing? Slow it down there, buddy. That is not how I operate.

"What do you think, Edward?" I retorted back at him.

"Jesus, Bella. Relax…it was just a question." He huffed defensively. Okay, that's better. I'd much rather see him tense and frustrated right now. At least we'd be on the same page.

"Edward! Guys, come down! Eddie's out on the deck," Alice yelled to the others in the house. She spotted us from the kitchen and hurriedly slid the screen door open, bounding toward Edward to hug him.

"Oh my god, it's so good to see you," Alice squealed as she squeezed his ribcage.

"It's good to see you too Al. I missed you," Edward chuckled as they released each other from their hearty greeting.

Alice briefly glanced over at me, her excited smile still present on her face, then back to Edward to examine him as if he were a display mannequin at a store. That is so like Alice.

"So what's it been, Eddie? Over two years since I last saw you? You're looking good there, buddy," Alice playfully teased. If this good-humored pixie wasn't Alice and was just some random girl, I'd be inclined to punch her in the face. What the fuck is wrong with you, Bella?

Edward was nervously laughing at her gracious remark. "Yeah, Christmas of 2007. You and Jazz should definitely come out more often to LA."

"I know. But you know how it is…with work and everything. Besides, who would keep Bella company in Seattle?" Alice came over to my side and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, her giant and now aggravating smile still plastered on her impish little face. I'm going to throw her tiny ass into the ocean. Thankfully, the rest of the crew came out, effectively saving both Alice and me.

"Eddie!" Rosalie practically bounced through the door and across the deck towards him. Emmett and Jasper were right behind her, snickering at Rosalie's reaction to seeing her cousin again. She fiercely hugged him, laughing as he picked her up off the ground with his familial bear hug.

"Jesus, Rose. You seem heavier than last time. Must've put on a few." Edward uttered as he feigned physical exertion.

"Fuck you, Eddie! I missed you!" Rosalie halfheartedly punched his stomach and then wrapped her arm around his waist. He kissed the top of her head in response.

"Em, it's good to see you, man." Edward released Rosalie to give Emmett a typical "man hug," both clasping each other's hand and slapping each other's back.

"Same here, bro. About fucking time we see your sorry ass!" Emmett joked back.

"Hey, I'm a busy man in LA. Gotta keep the groupies happy." The three guys chuckled at Edward's mindless joke while us girls rolled our eyes. He could be such a freakin' moron.

"Eddie, my boy," exclaimed Jasper as he took Edward's face in his hands and humorously kissed his forehead.

Both laughed at Jasper's amusing welcome and greeted each other with a genuine hug.

"Fucking Jazz. Missed you, you lil' shit."

As simple conversation followed after all the hugs and sentimental expressions had died down, I couldn't help but look at our group, all finally reunited. There was laughter and happiness, and as much as I tried to keep my smile from fading, the truth was I was saddened by my present situation with Edward. How did we let it come to this? Why did I have to be so stubborn all the time and not call him, even once, these seven years? When will I ever forgive him? Or forgive myself?

I needed a moment to breathe. Remembering that Rosalie wanted to have a toast and that we needed glasses, I decided to slip away and look for some in the kitchen. Her hand stopped me as I pushed off the railing to walk inside.

"You okay?" she quietly asked.

"I'm fine. I was going to get glasses for the champagne."

Rosalie nodded, understanding why I wanted and needed to leave the deck. Quietly walking around the group to avoid any attention, I could see through the corner of my eye that Edward had turned his head to watch me. I glanced over at him as I passed, the forlorn expression in his eyes contradicting the affable smile on his face meant for everyone else.

I quickly looked away, allowing myself to calm down and regroup once stepping foot into the kitchen. Looking for the champagne glasses proved to be more of a mission than I thought. However, any distraction at this point was certainly welcome. Unable to find the glasses in the kitchen, I spotted a stack of plastic cups in one of the cabinets. These will have to do for now. Since it was safe to assume that everyone knew I went back in the house, I wanted to make sure they all knew why I left in the first place.

"Alright people, enough with the chit chat. Let's pop open some bubbly and have ourselves a toast." I yelled out, holding up the cups in my hand.

"Plastic cups?" Rosalie asked in disdain.

"Sorry, Rose. I couldn't find the glasses. This is cheap, yet effective."

Emmett popped the bottles open, the corks flying off as us girls stifled involuntary shrieks. He poured each of us a good amount, the plastic cups allowing for more champagne than actual glasses.

"Aww, we're drinking alcohol in Solo cups…just like old times," Alice remarked as she took her cup.

Once we all had one, Edward raised his cup and addressed the group.

"I'd like to propose a toast. To Rose and Jazz. You guys are incredible. I couldn't ask for better cousins, or rather, a better brother and sister than the two of you. We love you and we're all honored to be here to celebrate your dirty thirty back at the Balboa House where it all began. So here's to the next two weeks of fucking mayhem… To old friends and to new beginnings."

He looked directly at me as he spoke the last line of his toast and raised his cup in a salute. I kept my eyes on his as we all raised our cups to cheers Rose and Jazz.

Our light and casual conversation continued after Edward's toast. We mainly talked about the latest news regarding our work and personal lives.

Alice gushed over still loving her job as a fashion buyer for a boutique store, having recently secured a deal with two of Seattle's up and coming fashion designers. She and Jasper apparently just decided on their wedding invitations, even though they still had over a year and a half to plan. At this point it seemed like all she needed now was her wedding dress.

Rosalie's job as a sex therapist was always keeping her busy. Although she wasn't allowed to name names or spill any juicy details, she frequently stated that there were tons of either seriously kinky or seriously deprived people walking among us. She and Emmett's wedding planning was well under way, with seven months left to go. The next thing on her to-do list was to register once they got back to Seattle.

Emmett and Jasper announced that McCarty and Hale's, their sports bar and live music venue, will be featured in Seattle's Line Out as one of the city's top "staple bars." They skipped over their personal lives, figuring Alice and Rose had given more than enough information about their upcoming weddings to suffice.

Edward claimed that it was business as usual over at Cedars-Sinai. The only exciting piece of news he offered was about a medical seminar he would be attending in Colorado, allowing him to get in some snowboarding time while he was there. Not surprisingly, he completely avoided the subject of his current love life. Whether or not he had one was still unclear.

As for me, my love life was pretty much nonexistent, which I'm certain everyone knew, so I chose to avoid that topic altogether as well. Instead, I informed everyone that I would be switching to teach AP English Literature in the fall. They automatically named Romeo and Juliet and Wuthering Heights as two of the works I'd be discussing with the class. Am I really that predictable?

Over a half an hour later, it was already past midnight, the bottles of champagne had been finished and we were all exhausted. We decided to call it a night and resume our little gathering in the morning over Sunday brunch. Before stepping back into the house, Edward stopped me and motioned me over to the side of the deck.

"Bella, I just wanted to…say goodnight." We were practically face to face, our bodies too close for me to feel remotely at ease, and yet I couldn't move away. He looked down and slowly moved to touch my forearm with his fingertips. I swallowed hard, my breathing starting to accelerate from the spark that ignited as soon as his fingers came in contact with my skin. They skimmed down my wrist, his palm gliding over the top of my hand, until his fingers met mine with a gentle grasp. He raised our hands up to his mouth, tensely licking his lips, our eyes intently looking at where we were connected. I felt his warm breath as he exhaled and placed a reverent kiss on my knuckles. I closed my eyes, overwhelmed and unable to process what was happening. I felt him lower our hands and release them, his head now moved to the side of mine.

"Tomorrow?" he timidly murmured into my ear.

I simply nodded, with eyes still shut, unable to look at him for fear of breaking my façade. I knew what he meant when he asked, and he knew what I meant when I didn't speak. We would talk tomorrow, since I couldn't bear to talk anymore tonight. Satisfied with my response, Edward lightly rubbed his cheek against my hair and kissed it with the same tenderness I had already committed to memory. I opened my eyes to watch him turn away, his presence fading as he walked across the sand, three houses down, and into his house.

As I walked in to the kitchen, it dawned on me that I still had yet to go upstairs and see Edward's bedroom. Knowing every single piece of furniture, every object, every souvenir, every photograph—everything in that room would evoke some faded memory of my life with Edward, I chose to sleep on one of the living room couches instead. Tomorrow. I can put off everything until tomorrow.

I grabbed the first blanket from the large basket in the corner of the room—ironically, a UW blanket—and collapsed onto the longest couch. The day had taken its toll on me, in every way, shape and form. I desperately yearned for sleep, but was also anxious of what sleep may bring.

Please…no dreams tonight. Just one night without Edward.

Musical Muses:

Sand in Your Shoes – This Providence

Wait – Sarah McLachlan

Reviews are welcome!

Chapter 4 will be posted ASAP! I'm toying with the idea of alternating POVs for the next one. Not to worry, they finally start talking, and their progress will be gradual, but some sexual tension will be mixed in, too. Remember, they may feel angry, hurt, guilty and confused, but they're still insanely attracted to each other. So it's lot of push and pull with them…keep reading for some sexy times ahead. :-)