Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight, and no copyright infringement is intended.

The Art of Love

'Such is the inconsistency of real love, that it is always awake to suspicion, however unreasonable; always requiring new assurances from the object of its interest.'- Ann Radcliffe

EPOV

This place was heaven and fucking hell at the same time. The Harvard tour was great; the library was massive and the school grounds were calm and peaceful. This was where I wanted to go, but I knew I had to consider my girl. We had both gotten into Princeton and Dartmouth. I don't worry too much about which college she was going to attend because getting in was one of the proudest achievements she had to date. Even if it wasn't far from where I was going to.

The courses at the university were demanding and it was hard to keep my head above the water already, but I wanted to be a doctor and I wanted to save lives. That was what Carlisle had taught me all these years since I saw my mother and father die in front of my frightened eyes.

I felt a little bit relieved that Bella had received my note and had understood it. At least I hoped she did. I had written that I loved her, and I prayed that she took it to heart- she had my heart. There was never going to be another person for me. She was it. I had found my girl.

I flipped my pen in my hand, trying to figure out how to sum up my essay, but my head was filled with anticipation and Bella. There were only a few more days, and she would be back in my arms, safe and happy. We would celebrate Christmas together, and New Years.

I sighed and slipped my papers back into my bag. I would finish them later.

I took out my phone and dialed Bella's number, hoping she would fill the emptiness in my heart.

"Edward?" Bella breathed.

I sighed. It was so good to hear her. "Hey, beautiful. How are you?"

"Okay. Not really, actually. I miss you so much." Her voice sounded miserable and it made my heart hurt. I couldn't let my girl be miserable. She doesn't deserve miserable.

"Oh Bella, I'll be with you in four days," I promised. There was nothing I wanted more than to spend the whole day with her.

"I'm scared," Bella whispered.

I could picture tears rolling down her face now, and I suddenly had the urge to fly back to Forks and comfort her.

"Bella," I whispered back, "don't be scared about anything - anything. You're fearless."

She breathed in deeply and sighed. "With you I am."

"I'll come back, Bella." My voice wavered and cracked and I was scared I would start crying myself. 'And we'll make the most of our time together.' The three words that have been burning inside me almost made it out of my mouth before I shut it abruptly. I needed to see her reaction the first time. I had to see her face light up with happiness as I said it.

"Okay."

"No more tears," I repeated.

She sniffled. "No more tears."

"I'll talk to you later today."

"Busy with coursework already?" I could hear the smile in her voice.

"Yeah." I laughed. "Sucks like hell."

And then I heard her laugh – the most beautiful sound in my world.

"I have to go now," I told her, tensing as I saw Tanya walking towards me.

"Bye." And she hanged up.

Tanya stalked towards me with a smug expression on her face. I cringed inwardly as she stood next to me and touched my arm.

"What do you want?" I muttered through my teeth. I had enough of Jessica and Tanya's bitchiness and flirting already. I couldn't believe I would still be stuck with them for the next couple of years.

She batted her fucking long eye lashes and took a seat next to me, still touching my arms. "I was wondering if you could help me with my work?" I wasn't going to fall for that bullshit. She had as much brains as I had but just didn't use them.

I rolled my eyes. "Ask the professor."

She sighed. "He's at a meeting."

"I'm busy with my own work. Sorry." I said with as much politeness as I could possibly manage.

She laughed and twirled her blonde hair. I could only imagine how concentrated the peroxide was.

"Who were you talking to on your phone just then?" she asked me, faking her curiosity.

"That's none of your business," I snapped.

She smiled coyly at me. "Perhaps it's your girlfriend?"

I groaned and she took that as a yes.

"But she's not here in Boston, is she? I heard you were from Forks."

I tensed and changed the topic. "What do you need help on? Bio, Chemistry, Physics….what?"

Her eyes flashed with surprise. "Oh! Well, all of them I think. But I left my books at the library, so maybe next time."

"See you later then."

"Okay, Cullen. But just remember," she whispered in my ear in what she thought was a seductively voice. I shivered and felt goose bumps in my scalp. "I'm in Boston and I'm single. Don't forget that." She laughed and left.

I felt my ears with my hand and hoped that there was no sticky lip gloss or any crap she wore left on my ears and felt disgusted with myself for letting her get that close to me.

I couldn't believe I used to think girls with makeup and fake boob jobs were attractive and pretty. I thought about Bella, and how she hated dressing up and using makeup except for mascara. She was the beautiful one. People had called her plain, but she was perfection. Nobody else was. Not me, nor anyone. No one.

Fucking focus on your work, Edward. This is your future, I told myself firmly. A solid foundation was what was needed for a successful career.

My stomach felt nervous, and I was sick with anticipation. Tomorrow I was going to catch a late flight back to Forks, where my girl would be waiting for me. It would be Christmas, and I still hadn't gotten her a present yet.

"Ben?" I asked my roommate.

"Man, what's up?"

"What are you getting Angela for Christmas?"

He laughed at me. "I got her a book."

I blinked at him and stared.

"Are you fucking with me?" I asked him in disbelief. A fucking book for Christmas?

"Okay. Well, I didn't buy that, but you can't tell her," Ben told me seriously.

"Just get on with it. I don't do that gossiping bullshit with girls," I said impatiently.

"I'm getting her a ring," he told me proudly.

"No way!" I grinned real big. "You're proposing? Good luck with that."

"Don't you dare fuck with Angela!"

I shook my head. That was not what I had meant at all. "No. I meant that isn't it too soon? How long have you fucking known each other?"

Ben shrugged. "Four years."

Four years. I'd known Bella for four years as well, but I wasn't ready. I was pretty sure she wasn't either. We hadn't even told each other how we actually felt yet.

"Wow." That was all I could say. "Where did you get the ring?"

"Tiffany's."

My eyes widened in shock. "Tiffany's? Wow. She must be something."

"Yeah." Ben grinned.

I felt like an idiot going to Tiffany's in the late afternoon, but I had to get something special for Bella so I decided to look around for something.

I walked aimlessly in the store, looking at everything that was displayed. Then I saw something that caught my eye. Displayed in the glass cabinet laid a beautiful and delicate diamond bracelet. Forever was engraved on the inside of it, and I realised it was perfect. Perfect for my girl.

Money had never been a problem for me and my family, so even though it wasn't on sale or anything, I bought it, feeling some of the weight lifting from my heart.

I fingered the box nervously as I made my way from the airport to Carlisle's car. I hadn't brought much luggage over, and I was sure Bella was likely to be alarmed by that, but I was staying at Harvard and yet I wanted to be with my girl at the same time. Life was fucking tough.

I had no idea who was picking me up, or if I was to catch a cab home, but I scanned the crowd with an odd sort of thumping in my chest.

Suddenly, I caught a glimpse of shiny brown hair and my breathing stopped.

"Edward!" I heard Bella scream in excitement as she ran to me, almost knocking me over.

She crushed her body to mine and I breathed in the unique sweet scent of her. "Bella," I whispered into her hair.

It felt so good to have her back in my arms. I felt at home.

"Edward," she whispered back into my chest. I felt my shirt dampen and realised Bella was crying.

"Don't cry, baby. I'm here." I soothed her.

She looked up at me with her beautiful brown eyes, which were now clouded with tears. "They're happy tears. I missed you so much."

"I missed you so much, too," I replied softly and leaned down to kiss her tenderly on the mouth.

"Alice is waiting," Bella said against my lips.

I sighed and dropped my hands away from her face and took her hand instead.

My eyes dropped to our joined hands, and I felt my heart swell at the simple gesture and all it meant to me.

"Alice," I greeted my sister.

"Edward," she responded. I was thankful that she had finally trusted me with Bella.

"Bella's been a wreck without you," Alice told me like it was the most obvious thing.

My girl looked up at me and flushed red with embarrassment, and my stomach felt sick. Alice must've been correct. How could I tell Bella my decision?

"I'm sorry," I whispered, feeling like a massive dick.

"It's my fault," Bella told her hands.

BPOV

It really wasn't Edward's fault. It was mine. I didn't make enough effort to be happy and that was the problem.

Even Alice wasn't enough to calm me down and keep my mood cheerful.

It was already dark when we had arrived home, and Carlisle greeted Edward with a "Merry Christmas" as we came through the hall. The grand Christmas tree now stood, with piles of silver wrapped presents lying underneath.

We all sat down at the dinner table, and I ate roast turkey for the first time in my life. There were plates of chipolatas, which were mostly gone by the end thanks to Emmett's big appetite. I was eating well for the first time since Edward left, and I didn't feel like vomiting it out. It was a miracle, and Esme smiled at me warmly.

I sat next to Edward, who was talking to Jasper about microbiology. That wasn't my topic, and I decided to move on to Alice's conversation.

"Did you get Edward anything?" Alice asked me nonchalantly.

I grimaced and wondered how she had possibly came to this conclusion. "Yeah I did," I admitted.

"Something he'd like?" She eyed me suspiciously.

"I don't know," I replied truthfully.

All these months when I had gotten the chance to know Edward, I had never gotten to know his interests to know what to get him,

Ever since that day I saw him hug Jessica, I had been wrestling with the conception that I was in love with Edward. I never knew what being in love would feel like, but I knew that the special spark I always felt when Edward was near me was as close enough as I could be capable of feeling. It was scaring me that I had fallen for Edward so soon, and I had prepared myself every day to be able to let him go, to let him find who his heart was searching for, because I knew that someone like Edward could quite possibly never love me back. I would never deserve his love or attention.

I had constantly reminded myself that I was only one of his flings. He would get bored of me soon enough. I would have to let him go, and he would take half my heart away from me. Forever. Because I love him.

We all sat in the living room after dinner, feeling comfortable near the cosy fireplace, opening our presents. Alice and Jasper had given me a make up kit and a pink dress I knew I would never wear for Christmas. Esme and Carlisle had given me new quilts for my plain bed and books for my empty bookcase up in my room, and Em and Rose had given me a set of perfume. It was all very sweet.

I didn't want to give Edward his present in front of everyone. It felt too private.

Edward, sensing my discomfort when Alice asked where my gift for him was, smiled at me and mouthed 'later'. I smiled back. He knew me too well.

I fidgeted with my zipper when Edward led me up the staircase into his room.

As soon as he closed the door behind him, he reached up to brush my hair away from my face and smiled crookedly at me before cupping my face gently in his hands and leaned in to take my bottom lip between his.

I felt my knees weaken as soon as his lips met mine, but I snaked my arms around his neck and tangled my fingers into his messy bronze hair. His hands massaged my scalp as I slid my tongue into his mouth without hesitation. His tongue swirled against mine lazily, and he moaned into my mouth. He pressed me up against the wall, and I could feel his steel in his jeans.

He pulled away and smiled back at me.

"I got you something," he said, chuckling nervously.

"I got you something too." I flushed as I said it.

We both sat on his large bed and he handed me a square box wrapped in silver. I frowned, wondering what it was.

I peeled the tape off and the box was green. Tiffany & Co. was printed on the top. I gasped. It must've cost a fortune.

"Edward," I said almost inaudibly. "I won't be able to pay you back for this."

"I don't want you to," he said while watching me intently.

My hands started to shake as I opened the box and peaked inside. I felt my breath catch at the sight of it. Nestled inside was a delicate silver bracelet, with a diamond heart dangling off it. I took a shaky breath as I saw the word forever engraved on the inside of it.

Edward took the bracelet from me and slipped it onto my wrist. It was perfect.

"Thank you, Edward," my voice broke as tears slid down my face. God, I love him.

"You're welcome."

I took a deep breath. "I…I have something for you, too."

"Bella, you didn't need to." His voice sounded disapproving and he narrowed his eyes at me.

"It's not as expensive as your gift, but it's more…I hope you find a meaning in it," I suggested tentatively.

I hope he wasn't going to be mad at me.

I handed him the white box with a silver bow tied around it and blushed deep crimson.

I had to sneak into the mall without Alice noticing and went off on my own for a while. I had felt like a dick walking into the jewelery store, but as soon as I saw it, I knew it was perfect for Edward.

The little silver heart in the box summed up all the things I felt for Edward, and I was tense and ready for his rejection.

My heart thudded loudly in my chest as I watched his long fingers open the box. His eyes opened wide and he touched my face gently.

"Bella?" I could feel something brewing underneath his calm façade.

"It's a heart, and…you know…" The words were on the tip of my tongue and I wondered why it took so long to get it out.

"Yes?" His face was unreadable and I suddenly felt like taking it back.

I was drowning in his green eyes, and I realised there was no backing out now.

"I love you," I said. It sounded completely and absolutely true. Just right. 'There's…there's no one else for me now. It's you."

"Oh Bella," he sighed and he held my face in his hands again. "I love you, too. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you."

Tears spilled over again, and Edward crushed me to his chest gently. "I love you so much."

We lay there on his bed, and as he looked at me, his eyes were filled with so much love and joy. He leaned on top of me and crashed his lips with mine.

I needed his loving touch, and his body to remind me that nothing else mattered.

His hands gripped my hair tightly, and our bodies molded together as our lips parted. I whimpered in his mouth, and he groaned, pressing his erection where I wanted it most. His leg moved down between my legs, and I spread them wider as he lowered himself onto me. A deep groan came from his throat and caused my body to a near frenzy.

I wrapped my legs around his waist, and my desire increased as I reached down into his jeans to feel him. I was fully wet by now and was starting to ache between my thighs.

His lips left mine and moved towards my jaw and neck, planting delicate kisses along. He licked my collarbone with his tongue, and I felt loved and special. He loved me.

I arched my body against his, and he reached down to tug my jeans and panties off. I worked on his fly buttons, and he placed his mouth back on mine, taking in my bottom lip.

I lifted my shirt off and slid my hands under his shirt so I could feel his hard defined muscles.

"Take it off," he growled.

Pulling his shirt over his head, his hand began to rub over my hardened nipple.

"Edward, please," I whispered. I needed him so badly.

He licked the crevice between my breasts and I arched towards him, our hips rocking together.

"Look at me. I want you to look at me," Edward whispered into my mouth.

I turned my head upwards, and our gazes met as he slid his cock into my wet, aching slit. He thrust inside me in one full stroke, filling me, consuming me. We gasped as our bodies began to move together. His cock pumped in and out of me, hitting all my sensitive areas inside me.

This wasn't just sex anymore. This was us; making love. There were no frantic movements, and no dirty talk. Only our moans filled the room.

I began to clench my walls around him, tightening, and he sensed my climax coming.

"Cum with me," he whispered against my lips.

I wanted to scream out in pleasure, but his mouth returned to mine and silenced my loud cries of pleasure and love.

He shot deep and warm inside me and collapsed on top of me.

I held him to me, my fingers still in his hair.

"I love you," he said, his eyes a warm green, yet electrifying.

"I love you too," I replied, my eyes full of love and tears.

He brushed away my tears with his thumb and planted soft, sweet kisses on my lips.

Edward rolled over and lay next to me, holding my hands to his stomach.

I reached down to grab his blanket and spread it over us.

"Did you like my gift?" he asked quietly.

I shook my head and grinned at him. "No. I loved it."

He chuckled. "Thank you for yours too."

"Thank you for giving me your heart," I said, placing my hand onto his chest, where I could feel his heart beating hard, but not fast.

"It's already yours."

"Mine, too."

I thought he was going to say something, but he thought better of it.

"What's wrong, Edward?" I turned to look at him.

He smiled. "Nothing." He turned and put another soft kiss below my ear. "But you deserve better."

I shook my head violently. "No," I said firmly, grabbing his face in my hands. "Nothing is better than you."

He laughed and sighed, rumpling my hair. I pressed my forehead to his, and our bodies fitted together like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, like we were made for each other.

Edward thought he wasn't good enough for me. I would show him, and I hoped he would see it one day.

EPOV

She had said she loved me. Bella loved me. That was probably the best gift I had ever gotten in my life. Her heart.

I had made love to my girl, hoping she would understand my commitment to her, but I knew I wasn't good enough for her. Somehow, one day, she would realise I was not enough for her. She deserved better. She deserved someone who had a heart of gold and had a clean history.

I didn't.

But she was still my girl, and nobody was going to change that until she pushed me away from her.

I would let her go because she deserved happiness and peace.

But right now, she was my girl, and that was all that mattered right now.

"Edward," she whispered in her sleep. She was dreaming of me again, and my heart swelled with my love for her.

I pulled her closer to my side and breathed in her strawberry scent.

"I'm here," I whispered back.

I would be, whenever she needed me, wherever she needed me. As long as she wanted me, I would be by her side in a heartbeat.

Wow. There was quite a response to my last chapter!

Thanks to all who reviewed and read this story and massive hugs to my two lovely betas robbsweetangel and remylebeauishot for all the help and advice.

xx