SM owns. NOT BETA'D.

Witfit Prompt: Bistro

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"I want to take you to this little bistro a few miles from my place. Seriously, the best food I've ever had," Bella rambles as we enter her apartment.

As expected, her roommates are prepping for their little Christmas Eve gathering. A part of me feels bad she'll miss this. The other is damn happy she'll be with me instead.

"Hey! You two lovebirds coming up for air enough to join us tonight?" Ian asks, almost singing. He's placing garland on their tree.

"Actually, Ian, I'm not going to be here tonight, we kinda..."

"Oh, Bella Baby, say no more. I'd do the same thing in your shoes. So how long are you gonna be a stranger?" Ian climbs down the step stool and saunters over to her.

"Um, I won't be scarce, but we'll be staying at his hotel for the next week or so," Bella says as her voice echoes in the hall and into her bedroom.

Ian eyes me.

"So you're the fool who didn't know what was in front of you in time, eh?"

I chuckle and look down, nodding. "Yep. That would be me."

"Well, you're here now, so that's a grand gesture if I ever seen one. We've grown to love Bella here, so I will not be averse to kicking your ass if you hurt her again." Ian's perfectly groomed eyebrow arches, making his point very clear. He's a big guy. He probably could kick my ass.

"That's no gonna happen, but thanks for caring. I'm glad she's got friends keeping her company."

"We're all here for her, Edward," Maria suddenly exclaims, waltzing in from the kitchen.

"She told us the whole story one night when we all got different levels of wasted. I know how long this took to become a reality. And as much as think you were a moron for not seeing what you two could be, I gave it to her straight and told her she was just as much at fault as you..."

Just as I'm about to argue, Ian gestures for me to zip it. I quickly clamp my lips shut.

"She expected for you to just know she felt something for you. You can't read her mind, Edward, and I told her so. She should've put on her big girl panties and told you a lot sooner. That's all I'm saying." Ian shakes his head and walks over to help Maria.

"She was a mess when she first arrived. I felt terrible for her. She was sad, always moping about. I think she'll be happy now, no?" Maria said in her thick, hispanic accent.

That was a promise I could keep. "I certainly hope so. I intend to keep her happy. Always."

I look over to find Bella standing still, bag in hand and wearing a watery smile.

"How much did you hear?" I asked, fighting the urge to smirk.

"Enough," she says walking towards me and kissing me gently.

"Let's go."

"Yes, ma'am." I smile as she takes my hand and waves over her shoulder to her friends as we walk out.

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A/N: Another one tonight ;)