Disclaimer: Once again...Me Own Nothing

When I woke up I felt groggy and very disoriented.

I noticed that I was still on the couch and someone had placed a blanket on me to keep me warm. Whoever it was must have noticed the chills that were creeping all over my body. Even with the fire blazing in the fire place, I still felt deathly cold. I noticed that I had no shoes on as well, and everyone had left the room.

I put my shoes back on and wrapped the thin blanket around me. I thought about going home since no one was probably around, but I was wrong when I opened the front door and saw all of their cars. Plus, I couldn't see straight so I knew I was in no condition to drive, I would have to wait until later and have someone give me a lift.

I closed the door, making sure to lock it. I tossed the blanket back on the couch, not caring that I left it messy. I looked at the side table and noticed a glass of water and a couple aspirin. My heart skipped a beat when I thought of the person who was looking out for me. Was it Damon or Matt, or even one of my cousins? Either way it made me smile to think someone was watching out for me when it was foggy to take care of myself.

After taking the medication and drinking the entire glass of water, I went to check the house for everyone. I didn't trust myself on the stairs, so I didn't go up to the second floor. I did pause though and tried to listen carefully in case I heard a voice. When I was sure no one was up there, I continued my search. I couldn't find anyone on the main level, so I looked in the back yard and still found no one. This was almost de ja vu for me, except this time no one was outside. I debated with myself to go back to sleep or to follow the path our back into the forest.

I stopped in the kitchen and grabbed an apple from the bowl on the counter. I was hungry, but I knew if I wanted a real meal I was going to need someone around. If I didn't trust myself driving, I sure as hell didn't trust myself to cook anything. I was going to have to stick with the apple for now, at least this will give me some energy until I can find someone.

I called Matt's phone and heard a ringing coming from the forest behind the house. I couldn't bring myself to call Elena or Damon because I was still upset with them and deeply hurt about what I saw earlier. If they wanted to be together they could have just told me, I wouldn't have been so hurt or shocked. I could understand why they would want to be together and I know before I got here, them becoming a couple was going to be the result.

Poor Stephan must be going out of his mind since I knew he really loved Elena. And I mean… Damon is his brother, his own flesh and blood. I wouldn't be surprised if a fight happened or the gang split up because of this. To think that he was going to lose to his brother was gut wrenching since Stephan was such a nice guy. I always believed nice guys deserved a chance, but I also knew girls loved dark and dangerous. Though I never expected my nice, sweet cousin, to lose her heart to the bad boy.

I started walking toward the ringing to keep my mind off unpleasant things when Matt came into view. He smiled his little boy smile and crushed me in a gentle hug, a hug that reminded too much like the ones Edward and Jake both use to give me. I used to love being hugged like this from but then I hated contact altogether, but in Matt's arms I could grow to love hugs. I cuddled into him and told him I was wasn't in as much pain as before, I was just a little sore and cramped when he asked if I was ok.

I showed him the apple I was eating, and he laughed as we headed back toward the house.

"Where is everyone?" I asked as he led me back inside to the kitchen. While he grabbed some beers and sodas he answered my question.

"There's a hot spring somewhat of a walk from here. After you fell asleep we decided to go for a dip to let you rest. Everyone felt bad about leaving you, but we knew you needed to rest. I was on my way back to check on you and grab drinks when you called."

"That's why I couldn't find everyone. I woke up a little confused and kind of hungry, but I didn't trust myself to cook anything. So, what did I miss?" He raised an eyebrow at me as we started walking through the woods. "When we first got here I saw someone tied to a chair. I think it was a woman by her laugh." He looked upset for a minute before smiling at me. If I hadn't been watching him I would have missed it. We started walking into the forest as he answered my question.

"Damon and Stephan caught her breaking into the house. You know how Damon is and went overboard with the questioning." I knew it was a lie the second it was said but I wanted to believe him, so I said nothing. I could hear laughing in the background and knew we were close to the others. I hoped he could trust me enough to tell me the truth eventually, but for now I was going to let it slide.

"Matt wait." He stopped walking and I reached up on my toes to plant a soft kiss on his cheek. "Thank-you again for earlier. While I slept I was thinking...maybe...you'd want to go out sometime?" He looked shocked at first but quickly recovered with a shy smile. I knew I was blushing by the heat in my face, but this was Matt and he was blushing just as hard.

"I thought you and Damon..."

"So, did I but...things have changed. I mean you're not second choice or anything I just realized you're the better choice." He leaned down and lightly brought his lips to mine.

The kiss was soft and loving. It was tender and not at all bad, Matt was a great kisser. He didn't try to force me to do anything I didn't want to do, and I don't think I was ready for more than he was willing to give on his own. He came a little closer to me and I took the final step that closed the gap between us.

I felt warm and fuzzy inside, like this was something I could get used to. Like this was something I felt I could do every day and not grow tired of it. It wasn't like any kiss I ever had, there was no need for anything more. There were butterflies in my belly and my head fogged over, it was amazing. The sad thing though, is there was no passion, no need, no crazed lust. It was almost like I was kissing him just to get it out the way, but I knew there would be nothing more any time soon.

With Edward, Jake, and Damon it felt more like lust and wishful thinking. When I kissed them, all I wanted to do was jump their bones the second our lips touched. Of course, they meant something to me, but this kiss was different. I wanted the romance Edward brought. I wanted the familiarity Jake gave me. But most of all I wanted the passion and longing I felt with Damon. Nothing would ever be as good as when I kissed Damon.

I could tell he was affected by how his heart was beating faster. I had both of my hands on each side of his neck as I held him to me. Of course, the cast on my right hand made it a little hard to really hold him but he didn't seem to mind. This kiss was the kind of kiss you saw in the movies, the kind that you dreamed of. My toes curled as he slowly pulled back, planting his forehead against mine.

Even though the kiss was amazing, I felt Matt needed to explore things on his own. He needed someone better than me to fall in love with. Matt would always be the big brother I never had. I mean if I had a brother I would never make-out with him or anything like I do with Matt. But I didn't want to have sex with Matt and it was going to be awkward when I tell him so.

We stayed like that until we could catch our breaths. He chuckled and leaned in for a peck and I gladly gave him one. Matt was an easy person to love and I knew, deep down, that I could trust him wholeheartedly. I also knew I had to be careful because I could easily hurt him. We were good for each other in a way we would never want to hurt each other but we were also bad for each other because no matter how wrong we were for each other, neither of us would admit it and break the other's heart.

"I would gladly go on a date with you. I'll call you tonight with the details, so for now, let's enjoy the rest of the day." I nodded, and we finished the walk to join the others.

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Of course, I was surrounded by everyone the instant they spotted us. I told them I was fine, and they don't have to worry about me. Then I told them what Jake did and they were confused and angry. I knew I would have to tell them about Jake eventually, but right now I just wanted to enjoy the sun on my face. I don't know why I didn't tell them about what I walked in...out...on.

Damon looked murderous, but I didn't care now. Because nothing mattered more than what Matt felt. His face said he was angry, but his features told me he was sorry. I leaned into him for support and he put one arm around me as he guided me to where they laid all their things.

"I'm glad you're ok Bella." Bonnie said as she lightly patted my good arm.

"Yeah. I was so worried when you came inside with the cast. I thought the Cullen's did something to you and I was ready to kill them."

"Did you really Elena?" She looked shocked and so did everyone else. "If you really cared, this afternoon wouldn't have happened." She looked at me with curiosity and she genuinely looked surprised. The new me would not take shit from anyone.

"What are you talking about?" She asked looking from me to Matt to everyone else in the group.

I was handed a plate with a burger and baked potato. I was so happy to have food in front of me, I didn't even care who made it. I took a big bite of the burger and was shocked to find it juicy and not burnt in the least. The fact that it was the kind of burger you would find in a restaurant did pique my interest on who was the amazing hidden chef.

"I think she meant when she saw you and Damon going at it in the backyard earlier." A slightly accented voice said from behind us. I knew that voice somehow, but I don't know from where.

I turned around to find Elena, wearing nothing. I whipped my head back to find Elena wearing a black bikini with purple polka dots. I kept whipping my head back and forth. I was getting whip-lash from the force and I started to feel very dizzy. Elena A was groaning, and Elena B was laughing. I felt warm hands catch me before I passed out.