Disclaimer: I don't own things Twilight-esque. They belong to Stephenie Meyer, much like the copy of Midnight Sun that was leaked through the internet. Now she doesn't know if she's going to continue it, and she was on chapter 13!! For those of you who don't know trite things like I, Bella and Edward share their first kiss on page 282-- chapter 13. So yeah, depressed child here.

And now, I give you...

Chapter 7: Twilight

My feet pounded against the pavement as a light mist began to fall from the sky. I wove through the students heading back from dinner, racing towards the gardens. The concealed sun was falling just below the horizon, and the sky was darkening quickly.

When I reached the gardens, I stumbled. He was calmly looking up at the sky, watching the rain fall. His clothes were simple, but they made him all the more beautiful. His jeans hung around his hips, with his button down shirt layered over them. His shoes were almost identical to my own, the only difference being his were black. He was wearing his leather jacket, the one that I had forced upon him last night when I saw him with Lauren. I shuddered slightly at the memory, and took a cautious step forward.

"Hi, Edward." I said very quietly, watching his facial expression. He kept the calm mask on as he turned to me. His eyes roamed over my body.

"Hello, Bella." Edward greeted formally. I continued towards him, finally stopping at his side. His chin was tilted upwards again, his eyes glued to the sky. Droplets of rain spattered onto his forehead, but he didn't move.

"Um, Edward?" He looked at me, and I felt the viral blush return once again. "I'm sorry," I whispered, wrapping my arms around myself. His eyes searched mine.

"Why?" He asked, his tone equal to mine.

"For saying I couldn't forgive you when you did nothing wrong." I answered. I could feel the burning behind my eyes, and I lowered them to the grass so he wouldn't see the first tears fall. I heard him heave a great sigh, before slipping his finger under my chin, and tilting it upwards.

"Bella, it was very ungentlemanly to kiss a girl who wasn't the reason for my existence," Edward pointed out. He dropped his hand from my chin to my own hand, and gave it a light squeeze. He turned away from me. "Will you come for a walk?" I agreed, and he started to lead me deeper into the gardens. He plucked a single red rose as we passed. I looked around, trying to figure out where our final destination would be. I soon recognized the tree with the vibrant red apple on it. Edward dropped my hand, and reached out to pluck the fruit from the tree. He turned it over in his hands, examining it.

"I see what you mean," He murmured, before offering the apple to me. I took it, and cradled it between my two hands. An idea struck me. Edward watched my hands moving, not seeing or questioning exactly what I was doing. After a minute, I offered him the apple. He hesitated before taking it. When he discovered what I had done, my favorite crooked smile passed over his features.

Engraved in the red skin of the apple was a simple heart. But the meaning went deeper than that. He realized that I was willing to give in to temptation. And ultimately, giving in to him. He pocketed the apple– which wasn't a feat since it was on the small side– and took a step closer to me. His arms extended towards me, and I thought he was asking for an embrace. But before I could move, his fingers lightly touched my shoulders, and he slid them down my arms. His viridescent eyes met my brown ones, and his lips brushed together to form words.

"You are my everything," He murmured. I nodded, not letting my eyes tear away from him. He leaned forward slightly, his movements hesitant. But I knew what was happening.

I stood on tiptoe, my feet inches away from his, and took a deep breath. I grabbed the front of his jacket, and crashed my lips to his. It felt like our lips were made for each other– they molded together perfectly. My eyes closed as he lightly wrapped his arms around my waist, tugging me gently closer. My heart fluttered wildly, the hole disappearing. I was growing light headed, and would need to break this immaculate first kiss soon.

I gently pulled my lips away from him, my eyes slowly opening. His green eyes were locked on mine again, the corners of his mouth tugged upwards in a grin. I returned the facial gesture, blushing lightly.

"I told you, you look so lovely when you blush," Edward reminded me, and my blush deepened. He chuckled, lightly pressing his lips to mine again. "There's only one problem." He sighed when we reluctantly separated. I raised a brow, allowing him to continue.

"Lauren asked me to the Sweethearts Ball last night at the party." He looked up at the nearly dark sky.

"The Sweethearts Ball?" Why hadn't I seen posters for this? But then I remembered– the fuschia posters that were plastered on the walls when Rosalie and I were walking back from the gym. "Oh. That..." Edward sighed. "Well, I suppose it's okay. Just promise me one thing." He looked at me, confused slightly.

"You're not mad for me accepting her offer?" I shook my head.

"You have every right to go to a dance with whomever you like. You don't belong to me," I noted.

"Yet. Now, what am I promising you?" His eyes twinkled in the last light of the day.

"Save the last dance for me." He chuckled, and nodded before returning his gaze to the sky. I looked up as well. "It's twilight," I commented. Edward nodded.

"The end of another day, the return of the night. Darkness is so predictable, don't you think?" He glanced over in my direction. I shrugged.

"I like the night. Without the dark, we would never be able to see the stars." (A/N: Quotation from Twilight page 233.) The light rain ceased, and the clouds slowly moved away to reveal a spattering of stars. "But I think... I think twilight is my favorite time of day," I continued, not looking at him.

"And why is that?" He inquired, his eyes glued to my face. I felt my cheeks burn.

"Promise not to laugh?" He vowed that he would never laugh at something important to me, oblivious to what I was about to declare. "It's the first time we kissed," I breathed, finally shifting my gaze to watch his facial expression change.

"Then twilight is my favorite time of day as well," He declared, tightening his grip on me. I rested my hand against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Edward put his chin on top of my hair, and I felt his diaphragm expand as he inhaled the smell of my shampoo. I snaked my arms around his rib cage, taking an inhale of my own. I could stay in his arms forever.

But the fates obviously had other plans.

"Edward!" A shrill voice broke our comfortable silence. I knew who it was, but I turned to look at her anyways. Lauren was prancing towards us, oblivious to our close proximity. Edward moaned, turning his head slightly to Lauren.

"Go away," He murmured, but she either didn't hear, or didn't listen. She pried his arms off of me, and flung her long limbs around his shoulders. I took a step back, holding in a snicker. Edward shot me a horrified look, and I burst out laughing. Lauren was unaware that I was laughing at her.

"I've been looking everywhere for you! Now, I've decided to wear orange, because I'm obviously the only person who can pull it off. So you should get me a blue corsage, and I'll get you a blue boutonniere. Orange and blue are complimentary colors, you know. Then, I was thinking that you should get a black bow tie..." And on she went, babbling about other insignificant details. Edward managed to slide out from her grasp, and wrapped an arm around me. A quick, low pitched hum issued from his mouth, a few notes playing over and over again. I looked at him curiously, wondering what on Earth he was doing, but he shook his head infinitesimally, his eyes glued to Lauren. I sighed impatiently.

"Oh, Swan, how long have you been standing there?" Lauren snapped, her eyes shifting to me. Did she honestly not notice me and Edward intertwined before she interrupted? "And get your filthy paws off my date." I shrugged, tightening my grip on Edward. He chuckled quietly, and Lauren glared at him. "What the hell Edward. Whatever." With that, she turned on her heel and stalked off.

"You really know how to push a girl's buttons," I informed him. He laughed musically, squeezing my shoulders.

"Do I push your buttons?" Edward questioned, looking at me innocently.

"Yes." I replied firmly, sending us both into fits of laughter.

"Do you mind if I do something?" I shook my head no. He slipped his arm off my shoulder.

"Anything but that," I mumbled. He chuckled again, before taking me and hefting me into his arms, bridal style. "Oh!" What was this? "Why are you carrying me? Edward, I'm perfectly capable of walking." But he wasn't listening. He had already started running back towards the dorms. Rosalie was right– he was the fastest person I'd ever seen, regardless of the fact that he was carrying a hundred and fifteen pound girl in his arms.

"I worried that you would trip," Edward whispered into my ear, and I huffed indignantly, crossing my arms and turning away from him. He pushed open the glass doors, and called the elevator, all with me still in his arms, looking away from him. The elevator carried us to the third floor, and he stopped outside Rose and Alice's room.

And still, he didn't let me down.

Edward opened the door, and carried me over the threshold. I felt like I was married to him– not that I had a problem being with him forever. But I wasn't sure how Renee would take that. Alice and Rose sprang up from Alice's bed, where they were reading a fashion magazine, waiting for my return. Edward set me gently on the feet, and gave me a swift kiss on the cheek, before walking out of the room. Rosalie screamed– something I was expecting from Alice.

"You took the words right out of my mouth! Or noise, shall I say?!" Alice exclaimed, clapping her hands wildly.

"Okay Thing One and Thing Two. What do you want to know?" I already knew their answer.

"Everything!" They were so predictable. I sighed, and began reliving the past glorious hour.

"Remember that apple, Alice? Well, he picked it, and then he gave it to me. I carved a heart in it–" She squealed excitedly. "Alice, enough with the interruptions. Anyways, I carved a heart in it, and gave it back to him. Then he said 'You are my everything,' and then I kissed him. And I have to say, experience helps. That was the best kiss I've ever had." I proclaimed dreamily, while they giggled. "And then Lauren comes and starts talking about the sweethearts ball–" Rosalie cut me off.

"Ugh, she's so desperate. Did she try and convince Edward to go with her instead of you?" She scoffed and rolled her eyes.

"Actually, Edward was already going with her." Their jaws dropped. Alice's eyes flashed in anger. "She asked him earlier, and being the gentleman he is, he agreed to go. He didn't know I would forgive him... I made the whole ordeal so much bigger than it actually was. So Lauren went up to him and told her the color of her dress. Take a guess at what it was..."

"Green?" Guessed Rosalie.

"Chartreuse?" I shook my head.

"Orange." They stuck their tongues out in disgust. I giggled, before continuing on. "And her corsage color isn't orange... it's blue." I finished, crossing my arms. Alice's eyes lit up. "What is it, Alice?"

"Well Bella, while you were gone, we kind of were looking at dresses. And we found the perfect one for you... and it's blue." She grinned cheekily at me. I rolled my eyes.

"Alice, that's way too obvious." I stated.

"Don't you want to see it?" Alice asked, ignoring my statement.

"No." I said firmly. She pushed her lower lip out, giving me the puppy dog face. "No Alice, I don't want to see it." She sighed, turning away. I felt the sudden urge to see the dress, but suppressed it. There was a light knock on the door.

"Come in," Rose called, not taking her eyes off me. She resembled a proud mother. Emmett burst through the doorway, with Jasper gliding silently in his wake. He spotted me immediately, and bounded over, gripping me in a bear hug.

"Well done, woman! You've got him crazy," He announced proudly.

"Emmett... can't... breathe..." I gasped. Jasper smiled slightly, drifting over to Alice. They sat on her bed, and he pulled her on his lap. Jasper and Alice were complete opposites, but they complimented each other perfectly. Emmett quickly dropped me, and I collapsed on the edge of Rosalie's bed.

"Who?" I inquired, rubbing my side. Did he break one of my ribs? Emmett shook his head in disbelief.

"Edward, that's who. He came to our room, and was all 'Wow.' He was even shaking slightly. I've never seen him like that, and all over a woman? I've never seen anyone react to a chick in that manner." He guffawed loudly. Emmett walked over to Rosalie's computer, and opened her iTunes. He squealed, a noise worthy of Alice, and the new song from the Pussycat Dolls started playing.

"Emmett, please, please don't..." Jasper pleaded, but he was too late.

"Now I've got a confession. Come on guys, sing with me! Live a little!" Emmett commanded.

"Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha." I replied half-heartedly.

"THANK YOU, BELLA! When I was young I wanted attention."

"Ha ha ha ha." Rosalie joined me this time.

"And I promised myself that I'd do anything,"

"Ha ha ha ha."

"Anything at all for them to notice me."

"Ha ha ha ha."

"But I ain't complaining. We all wanna be famous. So go ahead and say what you wanna say. OH! You know what it's like to be famous. Want them to know what your name is. Cause see, when I was younger, I would say–" Emmett boomed, and I burst into laughter.

"When I grow up, I wanna be famous, I wanna be a star, I wanna be in movies. When I grow up, I wanna see the world, drive nice cars, I wanna have BOOBIES!" He cried, cackling. Rosalie rolled her eyes while the chorus continued.

"Emmett, it's groupies. Not boobies. Get it right," She lightly smacked him upside the head.

"ABUSIVE GIRLFRIEND!" Emmett screamed, and Alice and Jasper joined me in a fresh round of laughter.

"I'm going to pretend you didn't do that and keep singing my favorite song," Emmett announced. "Be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it." I covered my ears, and screwed up my eyes, trying to block out his voice. After a few seconds, I chanced a peek at Emmett. His lips were chanting a different part of the song. Rose, Jasper and Alice were in the same position as I was.

"I always wanted to be a superstar!"

"Ha ha ha ha?" A velvety voice said from the doorway. Edward was leaning against the frame, watching Emmett in horror. I smiled brightly at him, and he returned the gesture. He sauntered over to Rose's bed, situating himself next to me. He wrapped one arm around me, and I leaned into him, taking a deep inhale. He did the same.

"So this is how we greet each other," Edward murmured, smirking. I nodded, closing my eyes. Now that he was here, I wouldn't have to deal with Emmett's off-key "singing." Edward stood up– I furrowed my brows, but he offered me his hand. I took it, and he led me to the window, opening it all the way, screen included. I watched him curiously. He placed his hands on the windowsill, and ducked his head out. I followed suit.

"It's nighttime," He noted.

"Thank you, captain obvious," I replied, smirking. Edward rolled his eyes, before looking up at the sky.

"How many stars do you see?" He asked quietly. I looked at the sky, and started to count.

"Too many to count." I sighed, giving up after about twenty five. He chuckled, bringing his head back into the room. I took a last, longing look at the sky, before copying him. I was on the verge of asking what song was playing next, when I looked at Edward, and was immediately lost in his eyes.

Everything else in the world disappeared. The only things remaining were Edward and I, lost in each others gazes. He wrapped his arms around my waist, that perfect half smile gracing his full lips. I slipped my arms around his neck, and pulled my mouth to meet his. The second time was just as good as the first. My fingers knotted in his hair, keeping him close to me. In response, he drew my waist closer to him. My lips parted slightly, taking in his heavenly breath.

The moment was broken when Emmett wolf-whistled, and I heard what song was playing for the first time. I reluctantly pulled away from Edward, my breathing ragged. He gave me his half smile again, as we listened to the song.

Stop and stare.

I think I'm moving but I go nowhere.

Obviously, they were listening too closely to the lyrics. Everyone was virtually frozen, staring at us. Alice and Rosalie were beaming, Jasper smiled softly, and Emmett was recovering... slightly. I blushed furiously, hugging myself closer to Edward. Emmett leaned over towards Jasper, and stage-whispered "Now I see what he means by wow." Well, that was embarrassing.

"Emmett, that is so uncalled for," Rose scolded. He shrugged.

"What? It's the truth. That was the hottest thing I've ever seen in my existence. Well, one of them at least," He wiggled his eyebrows at his girlfriend. Alice gagged, and Edward and I burst into laughter. The movement of our bodies during this act was so appealing to me, it took all of my willpower to press my lips to Edward's again.

Damn hormones.

Edward withdrew one of his arms from around me, and shoved his hand in his pocket. I sighed, glaring at Emmett. Naturally, he had to ruin everything.

"Thanks a lot," I hissed, pressing my shoulders down my back, and gripping Edward tighter still. Emmett guffawed.

"Someone's angry," He noted. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"And she has every right to be." Edward pointed out. I huffed angrily, moving my arms so I could cross them in front of my chest angrily. I leaned against Edward, taking deep breaths, trying to calm down. I was certain that I would regret hurting Emmett. Edward's sweet aroma quickly soothed me, and my eyelids drooped. The lack of sleep I had received was hitting me– hard.

"Bedtime." Jasper deduced. I had hoped that no one had noticed my sudden fatigue, but I should have known better. Nothing got passed Jasper. I nodded slowly.

"You can stay here again, Bella," Alice offered. I was too tired to argue, so I simply kissed Edward lightly on the cheek, afraid that if my lips met his again, I wouldn't be able to tear myself away.

"Goodnight, Edward. Goodnight... everyone else," I yawned widely, collapsing on Alice's bed, and kicked off my shoes. I heard vague voices wishing me goodnight as well. Then everything washed away, as if being pulled away by the ocean current.

I didn't have any nightmares that night, which was a welcome change. It would have been nice if I dreamed of kissing Edward, but I accepted the blackness which prevailed over dreams. I awoke, feeling more refreshed than I had since I arrived. I checked the clock, rubbing my eyes. My mouth opened in surprise.

"You let me sleep until noon?" This must have been hard for Rosalie and Alice. They always seemed so excited in the morning. Alice nodded from her desk, where she was playing a game of virtual solitaire. I stretched, tossing the covers back. "Thank you, for letting me sleep over and for letting me sleep in general." Rose laughed quietly, before returning to her book. Why were they being so quiet? I vowed to find out... as soon as I freshened up. I was still in my skirt and shirt from yesterday. I padded out of their dorm, and next door. Tanya had already left for the day, which I was thankful for. I pulled a pair of sweat pants and a simple fitted tee shirt from my drawers, before snatching a green zip up sweatshirt from a hanger in the little nook that was supposed to be considered a closet. I trudged to the bathroom, grabbing my bag of toiletries on the way. I changed quickly, and brushed my teeth thoroughly. I pulled my comb through my dark brown tresses, before packing everything back up, and returning to Alice and Rose's dorm. I lunged across Alice's bed, covering as much space as possible, before turning on my back to look at them. Their eyes met mine, before looking away quickly.

"So, what's up with all the quiet-ness?" I inquired. Alice and Rose exchanged a glance before Alice explained.

"Jacob needs to talk to you," She spat his name as if it was a spider she was forced to eat. I wasn't aware that their relationship had failed so rapidly. "His dorm room is Seymour 112. He'll be waiting for you." I nodded slowly.

"Did he say why he wanted to talk to me?"

"Why would he confide in us?" Alice's dark eyes narrowed in dislike. I shrugged quickly.

"Oh, okay. I'll be back in no more than an hour." With that, I raced back to my room, sliding my feet into flip flops. As soon as I was outside, I scolded myself for the stupid decision– it was January and I was wearing summer shoes.

In a minute, I was knocking on room 112's door. Jacob's roommate answered.

"Hi. Is Jacob there?" I asked the boy. He was built along the same lines as Jacob, large and muscular, with dark eyes, russet skin and cropped black hair.

"Hi Bella!" Jacob pushed his roommate out of the door. He hissed something that I didn't understand, but Jacob ignored him. He closed the door behind him. "Come for a short walk with me?" Jacob inquired. I nodded, and let him lead the way back outside. We walked towards the lake behind the dorms. Jacob stopped at the intersection of the lake and the trees of the forest surrounding the campus.

"Bella, I was wondering..." He began nervously, looking past me towards the trees. I waited anxiously for him to continue. "Well, I guess you know about the Sweethearts Ball coming up soon... and I was... I was wondering..." He gulped, looking back at me. "Would you um... would you want to go with me?"

Author's Note: Aw, Jakey is so nervous. But to be honest, this definitely isn't one of my better chapters. I had trouble pacing it just right. I wanted them to share their first kiss, and I wanted them to do it fast. I think this chapter climaxed too quickly, but I managed to pick it up again at the end with Jacob, or so I think.

I want to thank mudpie94 for coming up with the idea for my calling Alice and Rosalie Thing one and Thing two!

Thanks to everyone for reading and reviewing! Keep it up, it makes me feel better about my writing ;)