A/N: Sorry for the delay in updates. I'm going to try to be more prompt for these last few chapters. As always, thanks for all the lovely reviews, they keep me motivated!

…

The end of August brought with it the start of classes at Columbia for both Theo and Ed. Chuck and Blair had given Theo an apartment only a few blocks away from the campus and he quickly earned a reputation for throwing the most lavish parties the school had seen in years, both at the apartment and at various Bass-owned clubs.

Ed, on the other hand, was more of an enigma at Columbia. Everyone knew Theo had a twin brother and many of them had seen him in classes or on campus, but they all knew he didn't live with Theo and they never saw him on the weekends or at Theo's parties.

This wasn't because of Theo's lack of trying. Both boys were pre-law at Columbia, so they shared most of their classes and were able to spend a good deal of time together through the week, which provided Theo with multiple opportunities to invite his brother out and scold him for being anti-social.

"I hate to break this to you, brother, but you are quickly gaining a reputation around here for being a bit of a prude." Theo said as they walked to their afternoon class, "I'm telling you, an appearance at my party tonight will be more than enough to prove that all the legends about the Bass brothers are true and that you aren't a complete nerd."

Ed rolled his eyes, "I don't give a fuck what any of the social-climbing pricks here think of me. Plus, you know I can't come. Emily could go into labor at anytime. I need to be there if-"

"Come on, Edward," Theo threw his head back and groaned, "I know you've been reading those baby books you have hidden under your mattress, and even if you haven't, I even know labor can last for hours. If precious Emily were to suddenly have her water break while you were out, you would have plenty of time to get there and hold her hand as she pushed out your inevitably good-looking child."

Ed chuckled and shoved him, "Shut up, man."

Theo smirked, "What? It is true, and you know it," His face sobered as he looked at his brother pointedly, "Besides, you need to stop hiding behind her."

Ed's eyes narrowed, "What are you talking about?"

"I talked to your little girlfriend when I was over for brunch Sunday, and she told me that she has never once forbidden you from going out, in fact, she says she has encouraged it. Look, I know you are in love with her and all, but even she knows an exclusive relationship is foolish. Remember me and Anne last year? We were practically dating and now she fucking hates me," Theo looked down and ran a hand through his hair, "If only that bitch wasn't such a good lay…" He sighed and shook his head, "Regardless, the point is, you are pussy-whipped which seems like a huge problem to me."

"It's not-"

"It is and don't try to deny it. I may be the king of this fucking school, but you are my brother and my best friend, and yet you are never around. The only time I see you anymore is when we are in class. I miss going out, having drinks, mocking skanks…and then fucking them."

Ed smiled fondly but then shook his head, "I can't do those things anymore. I'm having a baby. I have responsibilities-"

"No, you will have responsibilities," Theo corrected, "Which is all the more reason for you to enjoy yourself while you still can." He saw that Ed was still hesitant so he softened a bit, "Come on, Ed. You don't even have to drink or get trashed, just show up. I really do miss hanging out with you."

Ed pressed his lips together and exhaled sharply, "Fine. I'll talk to Emily-," Theo's brows rose dubiously but Ed ignored him and continued, "And I'll try to make an appearance, but I won't guarantee I'll stay very long."

Theo's smirk returned as he threw his arm around his brother's shoulder, "Oh, we'll see about that."

…

When Ed arrived home a few hours later he went up to Emily's room and found her helping Lexie with her homework.

"Hey Lex, get out of here. I have to talk with Emily," Ed told his sister as he sat down on the edge of the bed next to his almost-girlfriend.

Lexie only scowled and refused to move, "No. She promised that when I finished my math problems she would watch a movie with me."

Ed's eyes narrowed dangerously, "I don't care. Now get the fu-"

"Ed!" Emily yelled; her eyes narrowed warningly as she tried her best to sit up with her very pregnant stomach. Finally, with Ed's help, she managed to sit straighter and she turned to address the younger girl, "Lexie, why don't you go downstairs and finish the last few problems and then pick out what movie you want to watch. By the time you do all of that, I'm sure your brother and I will be done talking, okay?"

Lexie pouted but gathered her schoolwork and stood up, "Okay, but I'm going to be done really soon."

Emily smiled, "That's fine. We won't be long."

Lexie ran out of the room and Emily turned back to Ed, "You really need to learn to watch your language."

Ed rolled his eyes, "Oh please, have you met my brothers? Lexie has definitely been exposed to the word 'fuck' already."

"Regardless, you won't be able to talk like that around the baby."

He nodded, "I know. I would never-"

"Okay," Emily cut him off, "Lexie really won't be gone for too long, so what did you want to discuss? Your brother's party tonight?"

Ed reeled back in shock, "How did you know?"

"Anne is going, so she told me about it. Plus, Theo texted me to make sure you didn't bail on him. I think his exact words were 'make sure the pussy shows up tonight.'"

Ed laughed and shook his head, "He is ridiculous."

When he glanced back up, Emily was looking at him seriously, "Ed," she said, "Why do you keep using me as an excuse? I would never stop you from going out. I-, I couldn't. I have no hold over you."

His eyes narrowed, "What are you talking about? Of course you do. You're-"

"I'm nothing. There is no label for me. We're having this baby together, but that's it. We're not married, we're not engaged; we're not even in a relationship. You are free to do whatever you want." She had looked down at her lap when she finished speaking, and while she had tried her best to hide it, Ed was still able to detect the hint of regret in her voice.

"The only things that go on at those parties are drinking, drugs, and sex. Why would I want to do any of that?" He asked.

Emily met his eyes looking confused, "You used to love going to those parties and doing those things. Why wouldn't you want to go?"

"Because I love you," Emily's eyes instantly widened and she tried to shift away from him, but he grabbed her hand and moved closer before he continued, "And I know you love me too. You think you can change my feelings by ignoring them, but you won't. I'm in this for the long haul."

She didn't say anything in response, but Ed could read the fear all over her face, "Look, I know your family is fucked up," He told her, "And I know you're scared of being vulnerable and getting hurt because of it, but I would never do that to you. I've loved you my whole life and nothing is going to change that. You may think that because there are no labels between us that means there is no relationship, but as far as I'm concerned we are together, and that is why I'll always consult you before making decisions." He leaned forward, placed his hand on her cheek and kissed her, "I love you and I am going to keep telling you that until you believe it."

"Ed-," She began before she paused when they both heard the sound of Lexie running down the hallway towards the room.

Ed knew his time was up, so he kissed her one more time and stood, "I won't be gone long tonight, I'll probably only stay for an hour or so, but you don't have to wait up for me," He smiled, "You're probably exhausted. And if anything happens or you need me or just anything, you can call me and I'll be home as fast I can."

He had only taken a single step towards the door when Lexie burst in clutching her much-used DVD of 'Beauty and the Beast,' "I'm all done, Emily, let's watch the movie!"

Ed sent Emily one last smile before he left the room, chuckling to himself as he heard her respond to his sister, "Now how did I know you would choose this one? Don't you ever get sick of it?"