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not beta'd

storyline - beginning

prompt - coop

So she loved him.

Honestly, Edward had to wonder if the love Bella had spoken of was romantic or platonic. He'd gratefully accept either one from her – she was special and people like her didn't come around often – but in his heart, he hoped she'd meant it the way he had when he'd said it.

His mind lingered on her long after she left, long after his sandwich was gone and he'd resumed the frantic pace of work the office was so used to.

Later, Edward stopped at the local coop to stock up on the items he wanted to have for dinner with Bella. He couldn't cook, but he could provide a nice spread. They could have an indoor picnic or something.

As if she was mentally right there with him, Bella called right as Edward put a bouquet of flowers in to his cart.

"Hey… did you want me to bring anything?" she asked. "Dessert? Beer?"

"Just you."

She laughed a little. "I'm already at the store, Edward. Just tell me what you need…"

"I'm at the store, too," he said, smiling.

"Which…"

Edward waited for her to go on; frowning when he realized the call had been dropped. He glanced at the screen and pressed call, hoping to reach her again.

"Boo!" Bella's voice came out of nowhere.

Edward spun around, clutching his cell in one hand and a box of overpriced, organic chocolates in the other. "Hey!"

"Fancy meetin' you here," she said, her eyes flickering to the flowers and chocolate. "If I didn't know better, I'd think we were having a date."

Edward shrugged, tossing the chocolate in to the car. "Maybe we are."

"You romancing me, Cullen?"

"Cullen?" Edward snorted. "You sound like Jasper."

"I know." Bella grinned, nodding. "So… don't dodge the question. Is this a date?"

He shrugged, continuing on down the aisle.

She kept up with him, bumping her hip against him. "We can finish shopping together. Want me to make cookies later?"

"You're supposed to relax this time."

"Baking is relaxing."

He gave her a look. "I just want to chill tonight, Bella. With you."

Bella nodded, seeing the seriousness cross Edward's face. He obviously needed her; it had been a tough couple of days for him. She wanted to be there for him, too, however he needed.

"Okay. But I'm bringing these." She showed him the six pack in her basket.

He cracked a smile. "Go for it."

Even though things were the same between them, technically they'd shifted. Bella felt it, and she had a feeling Edward did too – hence the date-like feeling of the evening.

Feeling slightly anxious, she finished getting ready and then left a note for Alice, letting her know she might be out late.

Edward answered the door, barefoot and perfect in the jeans Bella loved most on him. She thought about past times she had seen him in them, back when things were tense and smoldering between them. She had to admit that much: even when their status was unsure and she didn't know how Edward felt about her, their chemistry had always been on off the charts. She'd always been so wickedly attracted to him, even during the months she'd pulled away.

She liked that she'd gotten to know an inside part of him that rivaled the attractive outer packaging, though. That made a big difference.

If Edward noticed her nervousness, he didn't mention it. He welcomed her inside with a light hug and kiss on the cheek, and then led her to the dining room, where the table was covered in all sorts of yummy looking food.

Midway through their meal, the conversation veered from light hearted topics to heavier ones, and Edward finally told Bella of all things he'd felt and experienced during his visit to see his father. There wasn't much Bella could do beside listen, but that was all Edward needed and wanted from her anyway. For the most part, he'd come to peace with the situation. He knew that there were some old wounds that might take years to heal, but he was no longer as bitter as he had been once.

Soon, their bellies were full and their conversation mellowed.

"Let me help you carry this stuff in," Bella said.

Edward shook his head. "I got it."

Bella smiled and followed him in to the kitchen anyway.

Edward pulled the box of chocolates out and opened them, popping one in to this mouth and then one in to Bella's.

Her eyes practically rolled back. "Mm… oh jeez. This is good."

"Yeah?" Edward smiled slowly, chewing another one.

"Mm…" She reached for another.

Edward waited until the chocolate was in mouth, and then he kissed her lightly on her lips. She blinked in surprise, touching her mouth.

And then, heart pounding, she reached up and kissed his back.

between a rather spotty internet connection at our new house, the exhaustion that moving brings, and the ongoing ff net fail, rochelle has been rather fail herself with updating ye olde witfits. but, things should be a-ok from now on. thanks for the love and patience, guys! xoxo