Disclaimer: Don't own it, just get a kick out of writing about it. Thanks Stephenie!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to my beta, Emilie Fauve. Thanks for the "Rawr" pins!


It was weeks before we spoke again. Spring was turning to summer, and the temperatures drastically alternated between muggy days and cool, damp nights. Although the climate changes had no effect on me physically, the sweltering humidity seemed to increasingly dampen my mood, trapping me in a deep melancholy as the fracture within our family refused to mend. I consciously avoided Rosalie whenever possible, and thankfully, she seemed to steer clear of me as well, which worked out well since I had no desire to address our last quarrel.

I began hunting for days at a time, listening carefully upon my return to Carlisle and Esme's thoughts to determine when I could snatch a few welcome hours of alone time at the house. Once more, Rosalie's mind was completely walled off from me; I wouldn't even know she was living with us if it were not for the memory of that one night playing over and over in my traumatized head.

One particularly warm afternoon, I quietly snuck out the backdoor to escape for the evening. My wanderings led me south of the house, in a direction I did not normally travel. Heading up the side of a steep mountain, I eventually found myself on a plateau overlooking the vast range of the Smoky Mountains. The sun was still rather high in the sky, so I perched myself upon an outcropping of rock and removed my shirt, basking in the tepid rays.

"Edward." A soft, feminine voice sounded from nearby. It was devoid of emotion, but contained a guarded tone that was somewhat flat and most definitely meek. Reluctantly, I opened my eyes, squinting slightly in the bright light, but remained still on the rock.

"Rosalie," I acknowledged, carefully detached.

I continued to stare at the sun, listening closely as her quiet footsteps treaded across the leaf-littered ground. She approached gradually, each step deliberate. Scanning her mind quickly, I heard nothing, as usual.

"If I tell you I'm sorry, will you answer something honestly for me?"

My brow unconsciously furrowed at her request. "Maybe."

Suddenly, she was next to me, shoving me easily across the rock to make room for herself. I whipped my head towards her, shocked at her boldness. "What do you think you're doing?"

"There's room for both of us." Pleased with herself, she gracefully leapt upon the rock and settled alongside of me, much too close for my comfort.

"What do you want?"

She dropped her head, glancing down at her lap briefly before looking over to meet my annoyed stare. "I told you I'm sorry. Will you answer something for me?"

"I already did."

Maybe doesn't count. Edward, why do you hate me?

I sighed exasperatedly, already sick of her company. I had been seeking a rare few hours of serenity – not a game of twenty questions.

"I don't hate you, Rose."

I disagree.

I turned my head back towards the sky, closing my eyes and trying my hardest to ignore both her physical and mental presence. She had stretched out across the rock, mimicking my position exactly, laying mere inches from me and clad in a casual blouse and skirt that she unabashedly hiked up to reveal her slender legs. I uttered an almost inaudible groan at the sight, trying not to encourage her or let on how much it bothered me, but her newborn ears picked it up immediately. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her flinch.

"Why are you following me?"

We haven't talked in weeks.

"I'm well aware of that."

She turned her head to appraise me. "Edward, if you don't hate me, then why are you ignoring me?"

I refused to turn and meet her gaze, instead, continuing to focus on the sun that was beginning its descent to the valley below.

Will you let me make it up to you?

I heard her body start to turn towards me, her arm moving ever so slowly in my general direction. This had to stop – now.

"No! Just….leave me alone. Don't touch me." I flinched, then gave her a menacing glare before scooting further away. There wasn't much rock left – if she continued to press towards me, I'd be forced to abandon my warm haven.

"I'm sorry." Her voice dripped with remorse, perfectly matching the compunction that swirled through her mind. I felt her weight shift as she moved back a few inches, allowing me more personal space. "I meant it, you know."

I eyed her warily. "What, exactly? How you would make it up to me, or that you'll leave me alone?"

I'll leave you if you want…but please, don't chase me away.

"What exactly did you want, again?" Bitterness peppered my tone before I could stop it. Her sorrowful expression brought on a bout of regret for my own viciousness, but I quickly reminded myself that I could not allow her to gain the upper hand. The moment she sensed weakness, she'd take full advantage.

Rosalie sucked in her plump, bottom lip, holding my gaze. "I just want someone to…" Releasing a pent-up sigh, she first rolled her eyes, then her entire body, so that she was lying on her back, staring at the darkening sky.

I hate being alone, Edward. And I feel like I'm intruding on Esme and Carlisle whenever I'm with them.

I smiled despite myself. Having spent more than a decade with the ardent couple, I knew exactly what she was referring to.

Don't push me away. Please?

For a moment, I debated whether I could truly honor her request. I knew perfectly well what it was like to be alone in the world – despite Carlisle and Esme's company, I had become forcibly used to solidarity. Yet, when I was born into immortality, I had Carlisle's undivided attention. Prior to that, I was the only child of two doting parents. How would I have felt if I had entered this new life as she had - accustomed to a large family, with siblings, parents, friends, and even a fiancé? Finally, I began to realize just what she was seeking – camaraderie and fellowship. Was that too much to deny her? One more chance, but that's it, I silently promised myself.

Taking a deep breath, I composed myself before replying. "Just friends."

Rosalie turned to look at me, her face aglow with happiness.

"Yes. Friends."


We lay peacefully, in silence beside one another on the rock, watching the sun set across the valley. When its last beams retreated over the horizon, Rosalie sat up.

"Do you want to see something?" she asked.

"Sure," I replied easily. She had remained true to her word for the past few hours, keeping her thoughts open and devoid of any romantic or scheming notions. The tranquility between us was quite idyllic – for the first time in over a month, I was able to completely relax while in the same vicinity as she.

Tentatively, she reached over to take my hand. I swallowed once before allowing her to touch me in such an amicable gesture, her thoughts indicating no malice or conniving. Rosalie only wanted to lead me to her surprise.

We leapt off the rock, racing back down the slope and into the valley. She was fast, but not as fast as I. However, she was noticeably stronger – every time I slowed my pace in hesitation, she jerked me forward. I thought back briefly to her actions on the rock, and how easily she had pushed me in an attempt to make more space for herself. Carlisle had told me, years prior, about a newborn's strength their first year - Rosalie was, apparently, no exception.

After sprinting for several miles through the darkening undergrowth of the surrounding forest, we eventually arrived in a small clearing. Twilight had descended during our journey, and deep shadows shrouded the mysterious building that lay before us.

I glanced over at Rosalie as she simultaneously answered my questioning look.

It's Esme's cabin.

Silently, we crept forward to investigate the ruined structure. It had been built decades prior, having long since succumbed to the power of the elements. The wooden roof sagged near its peak, and the door lay broken across the entryway, no doubt destroyed by some large predator. Rosalie moved ahead of me, leading us forward, presumably into the building, but I instinctively pulled her back. Although my senses detected no danger inside, I still felt compelled to enter first.

She squeezed my hand once in protest, hard enough that I visibly grimaced in pain.

What are you doing?

I turned back to her, frowning in aggravation. "Just…follow me." Even if I had wanted to, I couldn't begin to explain the impulsive need that I suddenly felt to confront any potential danger first.

Rosalie scowled, but remained silent as we moved, single file, through the entryway. Clearly, there was no imminent hazard, but still, I felt the slightest hint of doom lurking in the shadows of the rundown cabin.

Once we were both inside, she stepped forward to stand abreast of me, still clenching my hand tightly. Together, we let our eyes trace over the rotting ceiling and walls, watching the nearly invisible termites gorge on the oak and pine floorboards.

Such a shame that it's been abandoned.

I nodded in agreement, still mesmerized by the miniscule insects feasting below our feet. The termites were the first life form I had encountered that wasn't instantly fearful of my close proximity. How curious.

Esme wants to renovate it – turn it into a retreat for us all.

Her movement distracted me from the activity beneath us, and I glanced up, meeting her wondering stare. Suddenly, I was unable to move, cast in the same spell as that night she kissed me. Only this time, her mind remained open, and I was completely astonished when I realized that it too, like mine, had gone completely blank. Her grasp tightened even more painfully, as her jaw became lax and her unnecessary breathing grew more labored. What was happening?

Just then, with absolutely no warning, a heavy timber broke free from the dilapidated ceiling and hurtled straight down upon us. Instinctively, I reached up with my free arm to deflect the falling beam. But I was too slow – Rosalie had already lifted her unoccupied hand above her head, clenched in a fist, obliterating the plunging timber with just the slightest flick of her wrist. Shards of wood splintered in all directions, showering both of us with razor-sharp daggers. Reacting impulsively, I reached for Rosalie's waist and slid her underneath my own body, sheltering her from the falling shrapnel.

The racket lasted longer than the plummeting shards of debris. It was several seconds before the echo of the crash finally escaped the confining walls of the cabin, leaving us in peace again. My body still hovered precariously over hers, now shielding her from the bits of dust that continued to trickle down from the broken ceiling. Sensing that the danger had finally cleared, I looked down to Rosalie, who remained tensely frozen beneath me, her hands firmly griping my sides. Neither of us spoke as we continued to stare cautiously at one another. To me, our compromising position had not gone unnoticed – and I was quite sure it hadn't for her either. But still, chivalry won out for the moment.

"Are you all right?" I asked urgently.

Well, that was…interesting.

I snorted in response, unable to control a sudden fit of laughter. Rosalie began to smile, my amusement apparently contagious.

"You managed to disintegrate that beam quite nicely," I snickered.

"And you did rather well, throwing me underneath yourself in…what, exactly? Protection?" Rosalie chortled loudly.

We both chuckled for a moment; that is, until the carefree atmosphere began to dissipate as we both became acutely aware of the other's close proximity.

Thank you.

I opened my mouth to reply, but the words refused to come out. She released her hold on my waist with one hand and slowly brought a finger up to my lips, shushing me.

"Don't ruin this with your snide retorts, Edward." I could feel her warm breath rushing up to my face as I tried to shake my head in complete incongruity.

"I said, no." Rosalie pushed herself up towards me, wrapping her other arm securely around my neck to prevent any escape. The hand that had been against my face finally moved away, quickly replaced by her searing lips as she kissed me for the second time.

Before I could protest, she pulled away, even faster than before, effectively scooting herself out from beneath my hovering body. I looked up to find her standing stoically next to me.

I was just thanking you.

Scrambling to my feet, I nodded slightly in acknowledgement before prying my eyes away from her. It was nothing, I told myself. It didn't mean anything…she's just happy to have a friend in this world. But no matter how hard I tried to convince myself of that, my mind kept circling back to the sensation of her lips pressed to mine. It felt – good? No - I refused to believe my body's reaction. I would not submit to everyone else's well-meaning wishes as they pertained to my bachelorhood; after all, I was happy alone. Who needed a companion?

What are you thinking about?

I glanced back at Rosalie, who now stood perfectly still near the doorway, across the room. When had she moved? Her hair was covered in bits of wood and debris, yet she still looked stunning. Stunning? Sure, she was beautiful, but physical appearance meant nothing to me. Or at least, I attempted to convince myself that it didn't.

"Nothing," I muttered, running a hand through my disheveled hair to rid it of any fragments from the falling beam.

Didn't we decide to try and be honest with one another? I know I've been nothing but truthful with you – why are you lying to me now?

I fought back the urge to smirk. "I'm not lying."

Fine – refraining then.

My eyes rolled of their own accord. Suddenly, she was directly in front of me, her crimson irises dancing with some inexplicable fire. "Tell me."

"No." I waited for the usual annoyance within me to flare - my typical reaction whenever she decided to push my buttons. But it didn't rear its ugly head; rather, I realized, I found this little game amusing.

Rosalie reached out and grasped my arm tightly. "I mean it." I started to laugh as I realized that she was the one getting annoyed. That only strengthened my resolve to remain mum.

Suddenly, I found myself up against the far wall of the cabin, Rosalie pinning both of my arms down at my sides. I couldn't move – she was much stronger than I had estimated, especially as she seethed in anger. Slowly, the mirth of the situation dissipated from the room with my laughter, replaced immediately by palpable wariness. But as quickly as the circumspection had arrived, I found it overshadowed by a fresh, new emotion. My mind began to flail like a drowning swimmer as it struggled to make sense of the surge of nervous energy that ripped through my body. What was that?

"Tell me now, Edward," she growled, her eyes narrowing. As I held her stare, I realized that I could no longer answer her. Like a month before, the night she had found me alone in the woods, my body began its fight against rational reason. Only now, even if I wanted to, I couldn't reach out to touch her – she still had me pushed against the wall, her hands shackled around my wrists.

Do you have any idea how annoying you are at the moment?

I tried to shake my head, but it wouldn't move. My jaw hung slightly open, unnecessary breaths racing in and out of my lungs.

I just want to…

My own mind finished her thought for her…incorrectly, though. I heard the word scream ring out, and thought she had actually said it. But I was wrong – very wrong. In the same instant that I imagined her supposed answer, she pressed into me, her mouth on mine once again. Only this time, she did not pull away like before.

This kiss was different than the others. Before, I was so startled by her forwardness that I refused to really experience the embrace. But this time, it had my full attention. It was not what I had expected – she tasted sweet, like the distant, human memory of warm honey, or maybe fresh molasses. And her lips were terribly soft, softer even than her hands, which I had held on countless occasions.

Admittedly, I had only been kissed once before, and fleetingly, by a classmate when I was just thirteen. The persistent girl had chased me home after school, trapping me against our wrought-iron fence before sloppily pressing her mouth to mine. I had tried to push her away, but I didn't want to hurt her. My father had erupted from the house when he saw us, yelling my name once and effectively scaring the wanton girl away with his menacing tone. After dragging me back inside, I had received a mortifying lecture on how gentlemen never acted that way in public. It didn't seem to matter to him that she had been the one to kiss me.

The memory faded out quickly as I realized that my only experience with the act had been soiled by my father's outrage. How could something that felt like this be wrong?

Her lips lingered on mine, hesitant, yet desperate as they awaited my response. Before I could stop myself, my mouth began to move on its own, kissing her back, even as my mind sent out urgent orders to stop this madness. But I didn't listen. The warmth of her skin against mine sent another wave of sensation down the length of my body, all the way to my feet.

I was now kissing her.

After a few seconds, she pulled away slightly, opening her eyes to look at me. Instantly, I felt compelled to lean forward and kiss her again, to savor her taste and push my lips tightly against hers, but my mind had finally regained control, preventing me from acting on my primal urges. We both stood there, breathing rapidly, only a half inch apart, our minds reeling in confusion.

I'm sorry…I shouldn't have done that. But I couldn't stop myself - couldn't control myself.

I blinked and nodded once, her thoughts running concurrently with mine.

But that was different than before – it felt more…right? Did I like it? Was Edward kissing me back?

My eyes inadvertently dropped to her lips…her full, red lips. They looked exactly like they had tasted, sweet, scrumptious, edible. My breath continued to labor as my body refused to calm.

What are you thinking?

This time I did not hold back. "You're still holding my arms," I whispered.

"Oh!" Instantly, she released her grip, her eyes growing wider in response to something she saw on my face. I tried to see myself in her mind, but it was blank. Not locked, like before – absolutely blank.

"Edward, I –"

I responded instantaneously as she began to speak, my hands on her shoulders, pushing her across the room and against the opposite wall in a fraction of a second. Another shower of disintegrating wood particles drifted down upon us, like glistening snowflakes, as our collective momentum caused the building to shudder from the impact.

Before she could finish her sentence, my lips found their way back to hers.


There's a few new songs on the "Betrothed" playlist, found on my profile. Check them out! And as always, reviews are greatly appreciated!