All copyrights, trademarked items, or recognizable characters, plots, etc. mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. No copying or reproduction of this work is permitted without their express written authorization.

not beta'd

storyline - Sultry

prompts - pure, lure

I'll never look at key lime pie the same way again. It's clear now the ones I had before were cheap imitations and that if I want to enjoy it I must have the best. Edward knows his pie.

There's this pie place in Oakland called Lois the Pie Queen. Bathed in movie flicker, I lick the last of my slice off my fork and vow to bring Edward there for sweet potato pie. That's my favorite.

The movie ends, and people start to pack up and leave. I wish we could stay, but it's getting colder and not so cozy now that the crowd has dissipated. We roll up our blankets and collect our trash and wander back toward Edward's car.

"Thank you for bringing me here."

He nods. "No problem. Friends introduced me to these years ago… I've been coming ever since."

"You said it was the kind of thing you thought I'd like. How'd you know?"

His car is right up ahead; he pops the trunk open with a fob. "Seems like something girls in general like."

I get in to the car, keeping my face expressionless. This is not the answer I wanted, but Edward is good at keeping me at arm's length. Sometimes he comes closer, and for a second I think that maybe he wants to try what I want to try. But then he pulls back. I'm always relieved.

And a little hurt.

I wonder if maybe he asked me out tonight because he feels sorry for me, like he has some weird misplaced sense of responsibility to take care of his brother's girl or to make up for Masen's infidelity. Either way, pity is the last thing I need.

The city is gorgeous at night. I'd spend more time here, but I'm always so busy.

"You okay?"

We're crossing the bridge, passing over Yerba Buena. I've been zoning out to the mellow music he's got playing. Keeping my gaze on the passing lights outside, I nod. "Just a little tired."

The rest of the ride is quiet.

He looks uncomfortable. I think he knows I get it now.

That's okay. This is the way it should be. Even being friends with Edward Cullen is proving to be an emotional experience I probably can't handle, so forget about being anything more.

If I'm going try dating, it needs to be with someone where we're starting from scratch. A situation unfettered by weird connections and memories and pain. I need something brand new and without boundaries.

Pure.

"Well, it was good seeing you again," I say, giving Edward a cheerful smile. It's not totally fake, even if I do feel like going inside and crying.

He scratches his head, frowning. "Did I… say something wrong?"

Ha. He knows. He knows he's been inconsistent, and he knows I've noticed. Should I play along or cut the crap?

"Not at all. You say exactly what needs to be said, and I appreciate that. I like knowing where I stand with people." I tilt my head back and look at the sky. Despite the orange glow of the city, a few stars are visible.

"Where do you stand with me?" he asks.

I smile, finally looking at him. "Good night, Edward. Thanks again."

"Bella."

I ignore him and start walking up the stairs. He joins me, but I stop him from coming any further.

"You might know exactly what to say and what needs to be done, but it's harder for me." I pause, breathing deeply. "I thought we could hang out, but I'm beginning to think it's not the best idea. It's not good for you or me."

He searches my eyes and then looks away.

"Why did you give me that note?" I ask.

"Because it was yours."

"You could have sent it to me. My address was probably on one of the envelopes or something. Or you could have just tossed it."

"I knew I'd see you at the funeral."

"I didn't even belong there."

"You did belong there. He loved you."

"Is that why you were the one to call me and tell me he'd died?" I ask, swallowing back the urge to cry.

He reaches for me but I push him away.

"I need you to leave me alone," I whisper. My face is wet, and I want to be upstairs, where it's safe and warm. "You're a good guy, but being around you hurts."

"Why?" His voice breaks.

"You lure me out with your kindness and your handsome face and you're just like him but also nothing like him, the best parts of who he was with whoever you are and it's too much. Actually, forget that – you're a better man than he ever was." I'm crying openly now, eyes closed so I don't have to see the hurt on his face. "I can't do this… it's not right and you know it. That's why you keep up the push and pull, like you can't make up your mind. And I don't blame you, but I can't do it anymore."

"I want to. I've always wanted to, but it's hard," Edward says, shaky.

"Wanted to what?"

"Know you."

I stare at him, slightly shocked.

"I saw your picture a long time ago, on his fridge." He sticks his hands in his pockets, his default stance. "He said you were a friend until I asked him to hook me up and then he told me you were his."

It hurts to breathe.

"I wanted to know you. I hate what he did to you… and I just… I wasn't going to call. I didn't want to step over the line, you know? But I couldn't help it. I needed to know."

"Needed to know what?"

"If there would be something."

I don't know what to say. It's too much, more than I ever expected. I wanted him to want me, but now that he admits he does I'm overwhelmed.

Slowly, I turn to leave, but he grabs my arm.

"There is something, isn't there?"

thanks for taking the time to review, guys! i'm sorry i hardly respond. as if Tiny wasn't already time consuming enough, now he's a bit sick. siiiigh.