Disclaimer: It is very unfortunate that I have to keep repeating this disclaimer. You should know that I'm not cool enough to own the Twilight characters. -shakes head-
PS: See if you can find anything familiar in this chapter...
Chapter 17: Proclamation (M)
The rest of the week passed virtually without incident. I caught a few glares from Lauren and Tanya; nothing out of the ordinary.
Friday dawned, bright and cold. I peeked at Edward from between my lashes, and caught him gazing intently at me. He grinned sheepishly, and then kissed me contritely on the lips. I pulled away after less than five seconds. His pout was one that would give Alice a run for her money. I flounced over to my closet, picking out a simple white cotton long sleeved shirt and dark wash jeans. With a wink at Edward, I pranced out of the room. I caught the look on his face, and almost burst into a fit of hysterical laughter—the half amused, half agape expression was absolutely priceless.
It took him a few moments to compose himself, and I was pushing the bathroom door open when he burst out of my room, and flew towards me. He scooped me up bridal style, and returned me to my room. I faked irritation as the door clicked closed behind us. He set me down in front of him, but placed his hands on my shoulders.
"Did you honestly forget our newly installed morning tradition?" Edward asked, making his voice alluring… well, more alluring than it normally was. "A good morning kiss, you strutting over to your closet with your hips swaying irresistibly—it makes me wonder why I haven't taken you yet. And then you return to me with another kiss, still soft and sweet. My fingers play at the hem of your shirt, until it's too much for you to take. You refuse to kiss me again until it's off. When I oblige, I don't let your lips meet mine. I inch your shorts down your legs, nearly causing you to moan in ecstasy. And there's a new part that I planned to try." The very same devilish smirk that graced his full lips so regularly was present again. "Would you like to know what it is? I can only show, not tell…" he trailed off suggestively. I hesitated; what was better? Teasing boyfriend and being selfish or letting boyfriend show just what he wanted to try.
"Okay." I decided on the latter. I could feel the blush starting to creep onto my cheeks as Edward's fingers trailed lightly down my arms to the bottom of my nightshirt. But he didn't stop there. His fingers stopped at the waistband of my shorts, and he started to inch them downwards. He planted his lips tenderly on the newly exposed skin of my upper thigh, right near my heated center. After each unit of skin was unveiled, he kissed it softly, until his lips were at my ankle.
He straightened up, and smirked at me, before starting to work on my shirt. He repeated the process of butterfly kisses from below my navel to the center of my collar bone. When he tugged the shirt over my head, he paused, resting his cheek on the left side of my torso. Listening to my heart.
I looked down at him questioningly, and he had a strange look on his face. Almost like he was listening to something he could never have. But he was wrong—Edward's heart beat was normal, and he was healthy. Right? Right, I assured myself. You're just too worried, Bella. I nodded immediately, sighing deeply. Edward looked up, and smiled sheepishly.
"Is this uncomfortable for you?" he inquired, lifting his head off of my body. I vigorously shook my head no. Of course it wasn't uncomfortable—if I were to be totally honest with myself, it wasn't quite comfortable enough. He chuckled musically, before pressing his lips to my sternum, and then to my own. He finally shifted away, and I frowned at the loss of contact. There was a smirk gracing his full lips, and my brows knit together in suspicion. He was rummaging in my closet, and before I had the chance to ask him what the hell he was doing, he was loping back to my side, the smirk more obvious than ever.
"That bra will show through your shirt," he pointed out, holding a lacy white panties set. Why, oh why, did I choose a navy bra? I mentally cursed myself for lessening my morning time with Edward. I sighed again, holding out my hand to take the garments from him. He dropped them in my outstretched hand, and I trotted over to my desk to retrieve my toiletries bag.
"I'll meet you back here in about ten minutes? Will that give you enough time to get ready?" I called over my shoulder, heading for the door. But before I could take another step, I could feel his hand, strong and protective, closing over my wrist. I turned, completely disconcerted by his sudden action. The green of his eyes was more prominent than the gold right now. I was growing accustomed to see more topaz than emerald lately, but this was not the case. Again, I wondered the cause of the change.
"I don't think that's necessary," he purred, while simultaneously pushing me up against the wall. His fingers trailed up my arms, resting on my shoulders. My breathing hitched, and my fingers unclenched around the items I had been holding. His hands slowly slid down from my shoulders, taking the straps of my dark bra with them. Instinctively, I reached out and clasped my arms around Edward's middle, pulling him closer to me. He obliged, sandwiching my body between the wall and his own, his lips pressing passionately to mine as he continued inching the straps of my bra down my arms.
And then, it clicked. I remembered where I was, what time it was, everything. I especially remembered how tempting Edward was, and that the first time I was completely nude around him, I would crack and throw him onto the bed. And that was not what I wanted at about six thirty in the morning. Well, I did want it, all the time, but I didn't want the first time to be this early in the morning, and then have to go to classes afterwards, fantasizing about what would come that night. Not that I didn't already fantasize about Edward in that way…
"Edward," I moaned, pressing my hands to his chest in an attempt to push him off. Edward, being the gentleman he was, placed a chaste kiss on my lips before taking a step back. He looked ashamed of his actions. I shook my head slightly, turning bending down to pick up what I had dropped. Only when I heard a quiet groan from behind me did I realize I was giving Edward a full view of my barely covered cheeks. I straightened slowly, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. Not like I was going to turn around and let him see that, though. "Ten minutes," I promised, darting from the room without a backwards glance.
I rushed to the bathroom, and quickly changed into the lighter colored bra and panties, before tossing my shirt over my head, and pulling my jeans over my hips. I tugged a brush through my hair, before mussing it slightly with my fingers. I quickly but thoroughly brushed my teeth, then checked my reflection in the mirror before galloping back out the door and to my room. I slung my navy backpack over my shoulder and waited, bouncing slightly out of some Alice-like excitement, for Edward to return.
During my waiting time, I heard a door open, and I whirled around to smile brightly at Alice, who was eyeing me dubiously. Rosalie followed her out, and smirked.
"I'm surprised you didn't wake us up last night," she said wryly, crossing her arms. I scowled at her, the bounce leaving my body as soon as it had come.
"For your information, Edward and I didn't have sex last night, but this morning was a close call," I replied dryly. Alice's dark brows shot up into her hair, and Rosalie's smirk grew more pronounced.
"Well, we'll know when the time finally comes. Where are you meeting Edward?" Rosalie asked, trying to straighten out her face.
"Here," I responded quickly, a goofy grin spreading across my face; the bounces returned. Rosalie sighed, shaking her head slightly, while crossing her arms to wait with me as well. Alice was unusually silent the entire exchange. I noticed her sigh slightly, and I turned.
"You okay?" I asked her quietly. She shook her head lightly, snapping out of a reverie.
"I don't know," she admitted, much to my dismay. Her eyes met mine, and they had a curious expression. But that wasn't the first thing I noticed about them—they had the same golden hue as Edward's. The two were definitely connected, but how? I was about to ponder this when Alice interrupted my thoughts. "Bella, can I ask you something? It might seem a little… invading, but still. I think it's important." She paused, and I nodded, waiting for her to continue. "If Edward asked you to--" The elevator dinged, cutting her off. If Edward asked me to… what? I thought desperately, searching her eyes for the answer. But they were focused on the sliding silver doors, where three people stepped out. Speak of the devil and the devil shall appear. I glowered at him as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, and gave me a light squeeze.
"I just had the most… nauseating… discussion with two nuts over there." He nodded his head in the direction of Jasper and Emmett, who were otherwise occupied. Edward seemed to be oblivious to my glare. "It makes me wonder if you got the same treatment. Rosalie and Alice asked you if we had sex last night, didn't they?" To be honest, I wasn't completely surprised by that. Well, I wasn't surprised about Emmett. Jasper didn't really seem the type to be… up front about this sort of thing. But I didn't really know Jasper all too well. He seemed to be more distant with me than the others. I vowed to try and change that.
"You call sex nauseating? I call it refreshing," I retorted with a smirk. Edward puckered his brow, before shrugging, and pressing a kiss to my lips. A memory flashed across my mind, from not even five minutes ago. "So, Edward, let's discuss your horrific timing," I poked him hard in the stomach, scowling again. He gasped, and then started to tug me forward. I hadn't noticed that everyone else had left as soon as they had appeared. I trudged by his side, resting my head on his shoulder and locking my fingers on his shirt. A blue and white striped button down with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows and the top three buttons left undone, giving a peek of his pale, chiseled chest… If Edward asked me to… what? I wondered again, sighing angrily. Edward abruptly stopped walking, and turned to face me, placing both of his hands on my shoulders. They slipped down my arms, and round my waist, holding me closer. Once on my back, they split, one moving to knot into my hair, the other to cup my bottom.
"You are so tempting," he breathed, before crushing his lips to mine. My hands mechanically moved to the shock of silken copper atop his head, my fingers curling around the individual locks. My tongue traced tantalizingly along his lip, before retreating back into my mouth. He groaned trying to work my lips apart. He tasted even more amazing when he was agonized, but I wouldn't let him in. After this morning…
I lightly untangled my hands from his hair, and let them drop to his chest, applying the slightest amount of pressure. He sighed one last time against my lips, before pulling at me. There was an accusing expression on his features—I couldn't help but smirk. Who knew I was such a tease?
"Bella, did I mention just how tempting you are?" he groaned, kissing my neck hungrily. I pushed him back lightly, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
"We really shouldn't do this," I sighed, my eyes raking up and down his luscious body. "Not that I don't want to," I hastened to add after receiving a skeptical look from Edward. I felt my cheeks heat up slightly as I continued. "We should be eating, though." When Edward's brows rose incredulously, I realized how sexual that last statement could have sounded. I made a retching sound, turning around so he wouldn't be able to see my crimson cheeks. "Edward, please, have some class. It's breakfast, and I want to have a waffle. No more sexual innuendos, alright? We have a party to go to later; we should save those for… then." I turned around slowly, only to find Edward standing very close behind me. He was still smirking when he took my hand, and led me towards the food court.
Once we ordered our breakfast, I dragged Edward around the seating area to find our group of friends. I immediately spotted Alice, who was bouncing up and down in her chair, attempting to get my attention. I snickered, plopping down into the seat next to her, while Edward took the vacant one on my other side. Rosalie was eyeing my tousled hair warily, eliciting a glare from me.
"No quickies?" Emmett asked loudly, resulting in the return of my viral blush. I turned to glower at him, knowing that the effect wouldn't be as powerful because of my blush, but Edward was already on the job. My eyes flicked towards the gold like creature that amazingly chose me over all of the other beautiful girls in the world. Perhaps the universe—I didn't know if there was life out there, because it wasn't proven either way. But I had heard of a theory a few years ago that there was a system much like that of the Earth and Sun…
"Nope, with Bella, I could never get enough," Edward responded pompously. I snapped out of my thoughts of the universe, before looking down at my waffle, blushing even more furiously. Surely I would turn into a tomato. My head would, at least. I picked at my breakfast, and was unable to stop a thought from flitting to the forefront of my mind. Well, at least I know that he wants me. A stroke of good luck, I would say, I thought wryly.
"You two seriously sound like you've been at it like rabbits," Emmett decided, gulping down some hot chocolate, sliding his other arm around Rosalie, who leaned into his touch.
"You mean like you two?" Jasper rebutted, evoking a bout of laughter from everyone at the table, including Emmett and Rosalie.
"Yep," Emmett agreed, popping the 'p' on yep. A fresh wave of laughter washed over us. Once we regained some composure, Emmett spoke again. "Well, everyone knows that she's mine. They can hear it." He wiggled his brows suggestively, and I felt my stomach drop.
"Uh, time for class, bye." I stood up abruptly, and nearly sprinted away from them. I sensed when Edward caught up to me, chuckling quietly instead of panting and gasping wildly like I was. I slowed to a walk after that, trying to catch my breath somewhat. When we finally reached my English classroom, there was a small mob of students waiting outside. Mr. Hall obviously was not present yet. And then Edward tilted my chin up for my mouth to meet his in a heated, but quick kiss. His fingers managed to slither underneath my shirt for a moment, before they were gone.
"Have a nice morning," Edward saluted me with a wide smirk before loping off. I simply stood there like an idiot, while the class gaped at me. Needless to say, I was completely mortified by the time Mr. Hall unlocked the door to the classroom, and we filed in. I made a beeline for the back of the room, and let my hair fall around my face, acting as a shield, as I bent over my notes.
.:.
"BELLA!" Alice crowed, rushing over to me. "Bella, Bella, Bella, Bella, Bella…" she chanted, latching on to my slightly sweaty arm while Rosalie followed behind us, chuckling. I shot her a withering glare. She didn't have to be dragged by a certain pixie just after putting lives at risk. Gym class had just finished—why did I have to take the pointless course?—and Alice had ambushed us as soon as I pushed the door to the locker room open, and a gust of wind caught me off guard. I stumbled, catching myself before I could damage myself even more. Alice didn't notice. "You can eat a little bit, and then we're going to my room to get ready!"
I groaned internally. The party. Right. I just hoped it wasn't a repeat of the last one. Had it really been only a month? It felt like so much longer…
"Look, it's Bellski!" Emmett rushed over to me and scooped me into his embrace, and squeezed the life out of me. I gasped, and he loosened his grip a little. After taking a look at my red cheeks and mussed hair, he guffawed. "Fall down again, Bella?" I glared at him fiercely.
"No, Emmett. I just had the life squeezed out of me." Edward managed to pry me out of Emmett's hands, for which I was thankful. I didn't think I would be too happy if I took a few swipes at him—it would probably result in a broken bone… of mine. I deeply inhaled Edward's heavenly scent, a smile crossing my lips. I closed my eyes, and rested my head on his chest, wrapping my arms around his waist. I could stay like this forever without complaint. I had a feeling Edward could as well.
"Okay, say goodbye, Bellski!" I felt a small hand on my shoulder, before I was yanked from Edward's embrace.
"Hey!" I complained, but Alice's fingers were already clasped tightly over my wrist.
"We have to get ready for the party!" She chirped in explanation. Personally, I didn't think it was a legitimate reason, but Alice was not about to let go. I mouthed 'sorry' over my shoulder at Edward, who looked slightly dumbfounded, but he managed to give me a wave goodbye and a crooked smile before he was out of sight.
I rounded on Alice. "Excuse you," I pouted, wrestling my grip from her. She was hesitant about letting go. "I won't run away," I promised, rolling my eyes. She nodded, seeming to trust me. Rosalie watched us, a smirk apparent on her beautiful features. I sighed, and as Alice released my wrist, I crossed my arms indignantly, but continued to follow them.
I was walking in a daze, and therefore was surprised when we were in Alice and Rosalie's room so quickly. I furrowed my brows in confusion, and Rosalie laughed at me. I glared at her, wondering why she was always laughing or mocking me lately. I didn't want to push the matter, so I sat down at Alice's desk, waiting for my torture to begin.
It wasn't as bad as the first time they prepared me for a party. Rosalie started on my hair, and didn't make any wry comments. She applied some sort of straightening balm to my hair, and then parted it to the right. A large radial brush was curved through my waves, as she unleashed the blow-dryer on me. Finally she tucked a silver satin headband into my hair, before running their fingers through my tresses with smoothing shine and lacquer. I stared open mouthed at myself in the mirror. Was that really me? Before I had a chance to get a really good look at myself, Alice was shoving the silver dress they had picked out for me on the shopping expedition. I unfolded the dress, and moaned when I saw two articles of clothing tumble to the floor.
"I'm not wearing those," I declared. The lingerie was essentially the same as what I was wearing now, only more… risqué. The main difference was the absolute sheerness of the lace. It barely covered the parts that I really wanted to remain hidden. There were no straps on the bra either.
"Yes you are," Alice retorted firmly. "We won't look while you change," she promised, turning to face the blank wall, and tugging Rosalie next to her. She stood on tiptoe to whisper something in the lithe blonde's ear, before smirking, and turning back to the wall. Rosalie laughed quietly, following suit. I groaned, checking the curtains to assure that they were closed, before quickly stripping out of all of my garments, and pulled the barely there panties on. I was having some difficulty with the bra though. If Edward came in right now, I would be… mortified.
Of course, speak of the devil and the devil shall appear. There was a light tapping on the door, before someone opened it.
"Alice, Jasper wants to know if--" Edward froze, his eyes glued to my bare chest. I blushed furiously, turning away from him. I vowed to never forgive Alice for this… bra. If I could even call it that. It was more of two doilies connected with a teensy piece of cloth. I was fuming by the time I managed to make the clasps come together, and I pulled the bra around and covered myself. I turned back around to search for my dress, finally locating it in a far corner. Edward hadn't moved since he entered the room, his eyes still glued to my chest. Alice stepped forward, and smacked Edward on the bum.
"Edward, eyes up top," she trilled, before dancing to her closet to find her dress. My eyes met Edward's for a moment, and they were dark green with lust. He seemed to snap out of his stupor, and offered me a sheepish smile. He loped over to me, kissing me gently on the list.
"I apologize for being such a monster then," he murmured into my lips. I nodded, breathless from his gentlemanly ways. He smirked and waltzed out of the room, and I was still frozen. Damn him for dazzling me.
"Bella, no need to drool," Rosalie said airily, picking up my dress from the floor and tossing it to me. Amazingly, I caught it, and pulled it tenderly over my head. I returned to Alice, who then started on my makeup. Amazingly, she and Rosalie were already completely ready.
"How did you…" I started, but was hushed by Rosalie and Alice. They brushed slivery shadow on my eyes, and dragged a mascara brush over my lashes. They finished off the look with frosted pink gloss. I had to admit, I looked pretty nice. When I vocalized this thought, Alice and Rosalie scoffed.
"So modest," they chorused, before bending down to slide the sandals they had gotten me with the chunky crystals on my feet and buckling them quickly. They straightened, examined my composition, and then ushered me out of the room, deeming me perfect. Emmett, Jasper and Edward were waiting for us. Edward had picked up a flower since our last encounter. It was white with red edges. He handed it to me, smiling slightly.
"It's a ruffled tulip," he explained. "I thought a rose wouldn't be… suitable for the occasion." He watched me as I examined it closely. An idea sprung to mind, and I looked up at Edward in what I hoped to be a slightly irritated manner.
"You mean the 'I finally saw my girlfriend's boobs' occasion?" I asked lightly. Edward's jaw, along with everyone else in the surrounding area, dropped. Had I said that loudly? Dang. I managed to keep the viral blush under control.
"I didn't mean… I said… just an accident… sorry," he stammered, his cheeks turning pink. I shook my head slightly.
"I'm only kidding, Edward." I turned my attention back to my tulip. It was something I had never seen before, and I wondered mildly where he got it. I shrugged, bringing the flower up to my nose and peeking at him from under my lashes. I giggled slightly, before kissing him gently on the cheek. I wrapped my arms around his waist, then smirked. He returned the gesture, mimicking my facial expression exactly—except, he looked much more devious.
"It's beautiful," I stated, looking anywhere except his eyes. I would blush furiously after that little act. I settled for his luscious, full lips.
"It pales in comparison to you," he argued quietly, before dipping me in a passionate kiss. Only when Emmett's wolf whistles grew obnoxious did we break apart, smiling like idiots. Emmett swooped over to me, grabbing my around the center, and sprinted towards the stairs, carrying me like a football.
"Emmett! Put me down!" I whined, kicking my legs in an attempt to get free. Everyone else was following, a few steps behind, laughing raucously. I shot a pleading glance in Edward's direction, but he simply looked amused. My desperation quickly turned to anger. "Emmett McCarty, put me down right this instant or I will personally make sure you will not enjoy your next time alone with Rosalie," I hissed venomously. He quickly obliged, setting me gently on my feet, and backed away a few yards, holding up his hands in surrender. I stomped over to Edward.
"Yes, milady?" He drawled, offering me his arm. I didn't take it, but continued to glower at him. I heard Emmett, Rosalie, Alice and Jasper's voices fading away down the stairs. I didn't move. "There a problem?"
"I'm going to deck you," I growled. We were frozen on the second floor landing, staring at each other.
His eyes were intense, but also mixed with another emotion. Regret? Fear? I hoped that it was a summation of both. Regret that he refused to help me, and fear that I could actually beat him… if I set my mind to it, and I didn't trip. Perhaps it was just the fact that I was a girl, and it would sorely bruise his ego if he was hurt by me, his girlfriend. I narrowed my eyes slightly, scanning his body for a point at which I could attack.
To be honest, I didn't really want to hurt Edward. He was… well, Edward. I loved him with all of my heart, but would I let that get in the way? I generally wasn't the most violent person, but lately, I had been feeling volatile. Was this also a result of that?
"I knew you wouldn't be able to hurt me," he taunted. I balled my hands into fists, my eyes locking on his cheek. The last time I had gotten in a fight, that spot had been a fatal blow. Well, not necessarily fatal, but it was the most damaging. I would use my right hand, and make contact with his left cheek… yes, perhaps even get the eye. A little facial bruising never hurt anyone, did it? No…
As these thoughts went through my head, I didn't notice my body instinctively lower into a crouch. He was doing the same. As soon as I registered my position, I prepared to spring, but Edward was faster. He lunged towards me, and I finally placed the look in his eyes.
Amusement? I was against the wall in a second, Edward's arms restraining me. He was chuckling musically as he grasped my right hand.
"Come on, Bella. We should get going." He looked down at my hand, noticing the ring. He smirked, taking both of my hands and standing in front of me. He slid the ring off my finger and onto the third finger on the left, the crown pointing towards me.
"That means we're married," I clarified for him. He smirked, and dropped my left hand. He was about to answer, when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He checked it quickly, noting that it was a text from Alice. I looked over his shoulder to read the message.
Take the Volvo. Sort out your diffs. Xo, Alice
"Guess we're taking the Volvo," he announced, shoving the phone back in his pocket. We finally emerged from the building, swinging our entwined hands. A gust of cold air lapped over me, and I let out a small 'oh' of surprise. Edward quickly shrugged the jacket from his back. I flat out refused for him to freeze because of me, though I did admire his shirt. It was a simple green button down with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, flaunting his toned forearms. The top few buttons were left undone, as they had been this morning, offering a peek to what was underneath. He wore black slacks and simple black shoes. I tripped over air, and almost fell flat on my face. But Edward was there to catch me. And I repeated the same routine—stare at chest, trip and fall, get caught. I stared guiltily away from Edward, trying to think of a way to change the subject.
"What did Jasper want with Alice earlier?"
"He just wanted to know what color dress she was wearing." He sighed. "He was stressing because he didn't want his rose to look strange with whatever she was wearing. Nothing of importance…" I could tell he wasn't giving me the whole truth, but I decided it would be better not to press the matter. I didn't want to explode at him again. I twisted the ruffled tulip between my fingers as he held the door open for me. I thanked him, my mind on other things. He started the car, and we were peeling out of the parking lot within seconds. My ring caught the reflection of the moon.
"And this whole Claddagh ring thing? Are we married now?" He looked slyly at me, taking my hand before turning back to the road.
"We're as good as, don't you think?" I sat back in my seat, unable to hold back a smile. "Think of it as a promise. I'll always love you, and only you can hold my heart in this way." He brushed my knuckles against his lips, before returning his concentration to the road. I felt smug—Edward Cullen had just proclaimed that he would always love me.
I could get used to always being loved.
Author's Note: GOOD MORNING SUNSHINES! IT IS CURRENTLY 6:41 AM EST. I AM POSTING THIS FOR A GOOD REASON THIS EARLY IN THE MORNING. Today... IT'S MY BIRTHDAY. So as a gift for you, I give you a chapter. As a gift for me, I want reviews!
Please?
PS: I WAS going to put the party in this chapter. But... I didn't. Next chapter. Sorry. And the whole prologue-- when I wrote it, it was supposed to be Edward and Bella while she hated him, and Edward kisses her for the first time. BUT THAT DIDN'T WORK OUT. Sorry if it is not up to your standards... it's good enough for me.
