Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or any of the characters, I just like playing with them.

(EPOV)

Bella let go of my hand after we entered her bedroom. I closed the door and leaned up against it as she sat on the bed, deep in thought. As much as I wanted to rush to her side, I knew I had to keep my distance until she asked me for more.

She turned her face towards me, her wide chocolate brown eyes flickering over my face. Eyes that were so full of emotion, I couldn't distinguish one from the next. Finally she took a deep breath and her lips parted to speak.

"Edward, I need to say a few things, and I don't want you to interrupt me. Can you just listen?" I nodded.

"Marcus is right. Regardless of everything that has happened, I love you. I always will. You saw what your leaving did to me. Even now, I physically ache when you're not next to me. It's like a giant hole opens up in my chest as soon as you leave the room. Being near you is the only thing that eases the pain I feel, but I can't give you anything right now. I just need you to be by my side."

She loves me. If it were possible I would have sworn my heart began beating when I heard those words cross her lips. Of course I would be here for her, I would never leave her side if it were my choice.

Bella dropped her head and chewed on her lip for a moment before continuing.

"I'm not the same Bella you left behind in the forest. I have absolutely nothing to offer you right now. I'm so lost Edward, and I don't know how I'm ever going to find my way back. All I can do is take it one hour at a time. I know it's selfish of me to ask, but it's about what I need right now. I need you to not have any expectations of me. I'm in no place to even think about us...but I still need you. I don't even know if this is making any sense..."

She covered her face with her hands. When she didn't look back up, I crossed the room and gently tipped her face up until I could look into her eyes.

"I understand Bella. After everything I've put you through...I don't expect anything from you. Everything that has happened to you is my fault, and I would understand if you never wanted to speak to me again. I'm here, and I always will be. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me for it. I want to be there for you. I'm willing to do whatever you need, even if you want me to stay away, as much as it pains me, I will. All you have to do is ask, love."

Bella gulped and nodded. She let out a forced empty laugh. "For once you are right Edward Cullen. It is your fault."

"I know." I whispered before wrapping my arms around her shoulders and kissing the top of her head, breathing her scent in deeply.

Her soft voice invaded the silence. "Will you stay with me while I sleep?"

"Of course Bella." She took a deep breath and got up, picking out some clothes and heading to the bathroom for her human moment.

I hesitated, not knowing if she'd want me to lay with her on the bed or just to sit across the room. Any time she'd asked me in the past, she wanted me in the bed. I decided to wait in the chair and not assume too much. When she came back out she slid into the bed and looked at me expectantly, patting the bed beside her. I leapt up and tucked her in, before laying down beside her, making sure the covers were between us in order to keep her warm. Bella scooted backwards until her back was pressed against my side, my presence giving her the comfort she needed. In her exhausted state, she fell asleep quickly and I smiled as I listened to her even breaths and heartbeat. If I closed my eyes, I could almost believe we were back in her bedroom in Forks, before things went so horribly wrong. It wasn't long before Bella turned over in her sleep, her head finding my chest while her arm wrapped around my waist. She sighed softly as she nestled in close to me and spoke those same words that changed me so entirely all those months ago.

"Edward" She mumbled softly. "Stay. Don't go. Please...don't go."

I gently caressed her soft, flushed cheek with my fingers and pulled her in a little closer. "Never again, love. I will never leave you again." I promised.

A/N: It's a short one, but more to come soon. It was just at a natural ending point. Thanks for reading!