Hey darlings, I know I said this would be the last chapter but I just realized that this would be Chapter 65, which makes it uneven and I kinda have an obsession with even numbers, so guess what? You'll get ONE more chapter before the epilogue making it an even 66, or 68 if you count the pro/epilogues :D I'm sure none of you are upset about that right?

And now on with it. It's Jaward time.

Warnings: m/m fluff, kissing. If this isn't your cuppa, I totally understand and will see you next chapter :)

Disclaimer: I ain't SM. We know this by now. *kisses*

Chapter 65.

*JPOV*

I never actually thought Edward would muster up the courage to finally ask me out.

Yes, there were tons of things that had to be settled and I wanted to do that, but I wanted to explore the feelings I had for him, that had grown in the short space of time we had known each other.

I owed it to myself and to him, to see where this could lead.

Honestly, Edward and all the feelings he had caused to surface, were terrifying.

No one had invoked these feelings in me before and I was scared shitless as to the reason behind it all.

Could it be love?

I ignored the voice in the back of my head.

I didn't want to entertain that thought.

He could be 'The One'.

Jesus. My inner self was being uber chatty today.

"Shut up," I muttered under my breath, causing one of my co-workers to glance over at me worriedly.

I gave them a small smile and buried my head in my desk, trying to look engrossed in whatever I was supposed to be doing.

Pfft. The only thing I had been doing was daydreaming.

What the hell was I going to where?

Where were we going?

Do I have time for a hair cut?

Jesus, I was turning into a chick.

I've never worried about this crap before, what the hell?

There was no way I could concentrate on work now. I grabbed my bag and hightailed it out of there. I would mention something to the HR manager on my way out. I grabbed my phone and went to my last dialed and tapped it.

"Hello?" a sleepy sounding Emmett answered after the third ring.

"I need your help," I said, feeling only minutely sorry for waking him.

"Bella's gone over to Edward's with the twins," he said and I could hear as he stifled a yawn. "Come over, I should be partially awake by then."

I hung up and headed to my car. It was almost noon, so I made a quick stop and grabbed us some lunch. If I came baring gifts, the bear wouldn't be so cranky. I did after all know my best friend rather well.

Twenty minutes later I killed the engine and got out of the car, grabbing the bag with the food and headed towards the door. I slid the key into the door and walked in, kicking the door shut with my heel.

"Honey, I'm home!" I called out to the quiet house.

I heard a muffled reply from Emmett which sounded distinctly like 'fuck off', I shrugged it off and headed in the direction of his voice.

I found Emmett stretched across the couch in a pair off black boxer briefs, his head buried in a cushion, which explained why his voice sounded muffled a few moments ago.

"I thought you said you'd be awake," I said slapping his butt before flopping down in the chair across from him, the food safely on the coffee table.

He didn't so much as move his head, just slowly raised his hand and gave me the finger.

I chuckled and nudged him with my foot. "Wake up sour-puss, I brought food."

That got him moving, "Why the hell didn't you say that from the beginning?" he said moving to a sitting position, stretching his arms above his head.

My gaze followed the play off muscles rippling and oddly enough, if this moment had happened a year ago, I would've been salivating at the sight. Now I found myself thinking about how Edward's slim frame would look in a setting like this.

Emmett's voice broke me from my reverie and I blinked at him foolishly.

"Would you stop ogling me and feed me?" he said grumpily.

I rolled my eyes, "I wasn't ogling you," I said.

"Then why are you blushing?" he asked raising a brow.

Shit.

"Um, I was thinking about something else," I tried to hide the blush that deepened across my cheeks.

Emmett smirked at me and grabbed one of the food containers, "Or is it someone else?"

"Go fuck yourself," I muttered giving him a nasty look.

See, that was the only drawback of having a true best friend. The same way you knew them, they knew you.

Ugh.

Emmett laughed and started eating, I didn't have anything else to say at the moment, nerves getting the best of me, so I joined him. After a few minutes of silence, Emmett burped loudly and rubbed his stomach.

"If I weren't in love with Bella, you'd have a shot," he said throwing me a wink. "You do know how to keep a man content."

I scoffed at him, "Whatever."

"So what's the problem?" he asked sitting back and regarding me thoughtfully.

"I'm going out with Edward tonight and I have no idea why but it's freaking me out," I said in a big rush.

I half expected Emmett to laugh but he surprised me when he leaned forward and patted my knee.

"Hey, relax yeah?" he said and I sat back and took a deep breath.

"Now tell me what exactly is freaking you out about going out with Edward," he said.

What freaked me out about this?

Everything.

"I don't know," I said sighing deeply. "There's nothing to be afraid of right?" I looked at him questioningly.

Emmett nodded, "How do you feel about Edward?"

Way to go buddy. Go straight for the heart of the matter shall we?

"He scares me," I blurted out, causing Emmett's brows to almost touch his hairline.

"Explain," he said.

"Not scares me like that," I said trying to gather my thoughts. "Ok, let's try this again. What I feel for him scares me."

"Hmm," came the reply from Emmett.

"That doesn't help," I snapped.

"What do you feel for him?" Emmett continued, ignoring my outburst.

"I...I like him," I said quietly.

"And what's wrong about liking him?" Emmett asked. "You've liked people before."

"I like him...a lot."

Emmett nodded, "Ah, I see. Are you afraid he doesn't like you back?"

Oh I know he likes me back.

"No," I said shaking my head.

"Then what is it?" Emmett asked grabbing one of the sodas I had brought with me.

"I really, really like him," I half whispered. "And I don't even really know him."

"Get to know him then," Emmett shrugged. "Isn't this what the whole going out thing is about?"

I mentally rolled my eyes at the moron sitting across from me.

If only it were that simple.

"Everyone has a story," Emmett went on. "It's about getting to know that story and the person behind the story."

"I guess you're right," I said.

"Do you want to get to know Edward?" he asked, his scrutinizing gaze returning to my face.

Yes.

"Maybe," I replied.

"You're so fucking full of shit," Emmett said with a laugh. "You're so far gone, you couldn't bring yourself back if you wanted to."

Sometimes I really hated him.

"I've never felt this way about anyone Em," I said, my voice shaking.

Emmett gasped and placed his hand over his heart dramatically, "Not even me?"

And just like that, the tension broke and I burst out laughing.

"I can't believe it!" Emmett said rising to his feet. "You'd rather have that skinny dude, with the weird colored bed hair over this?" he said flourishing his hand over the front of his body.

I choked on my laugh, "You were just a crush. I'm moving on to bigger...well okay better things."

Edward was skinny.

Emmett's eyes widened comically and then he pretended to sob wildly into his hands.

I was practically on the floor at this moment. Emmett stopped and pretty soon we were both on the floor hanging off each other, tears of mirth streaming down our faces.

When we sobered up I hugged him, "Thanks."

He shrugged, "You did the same for me."

We rested out heads back on the couch, silence settling over the room.

"What am I going to wear?" I asked breaking the silence.

"You're definitely gonna be the chick in the relationship," Emmett said with a loud laugh.

I slapped his shoulder hard, "Fuck off. Now get your lazy ass up and let's go find me something to wear."

-TA-

*EdPOV*

Bella was nursing Lux and I was currently rocking Zayn in my arms. I still couldn't believe that my Bella was a mummy.

"Edward Masen are you staring at my breasts?" her amused voice broke into my thoughts.

"W-what?" I stammered. "Of course not!"

Bella laughed, "You're way too easy," she said. "What you thinking about so hard?"

"James," I answered honestly.

"You need to relax, everything will be fine," she said.

"I'm going to tell him about what happened with Aro," I said quietly, laying the baby in his basinet.

I turned back to watch Bella burp Lux before settling her on the other breast.

She was such a greedy little girl, must take after her father.

"You up for that?" Bella asked as Lux settled into her nursing.

I nodded, "I want to be honest and open with him."

"This sounds serious," Bella said, a soft smile on her face.

I shrugged, maybe it was. I don't know. I just knew that I felt something powerful for the man and I would be damned if I let him get away with exploring this further.

"Sometimes you just have to take the risk Eddie," she said softly.

I knew she was right.

Of course I'd never tell her that, she was already hell to live with.

"Love you," I said blowing her a kiss.

"Love you more," she replied. "Now don't go getting all sappy on me."

I rolled my eyes and grinned, "You're the sappy one not me."

She gave a very unladylike snort, "Keep telling yourself that buddy."

Finally Lux was content and Bella put her down, making sure both of them were resting peacefully before grabbing my hand and dragging me down on the couch.

"Rub my feet," she said with a small pout.

"So bossy," I said already pulling her feet into my lap.

"I'm in love with Emmett," she said suddenly.

Well duh.

"Wow, you just realized this?" I asked sarcastically.

She slapped my hand, "No...well yes. I don't fucking know!"

I laughed at her for a moment, "He's in love with you too."

She sighed wistfully, "I know."

"Then what's the problem?"

"Nothing," she replied cheekily. "I just wanted to say it out loud."

"You are a terrible liar Isabella," I said knowing that using her full name would get a rise of out of her.

"Fuck you Eduardo," she said her voice saccharine sweet.

I flicked her nose with my finger before resuming the foot massage.

"You backed off of him," I stated.

"I hate that you read me so well," she grumbled.

"Any reason why?" I said tugging on her toe.

She shrugged, "I was scared I guess."

"You're so dumb for someone so smart," I told her.

I received a glare, didn't care. She didn't scare me one bit.

"I bet you were thinking that he only had feelings for you because you were pregnant," I said shaking my head.

When I didn't hear her respond I turned to find her sitting there with her head lowered, trying to cover the redness of her face.

"Oh my God you ass!" I said shoving her feet out of my lap and jumping to my feet. "You honestly believed that!"

"I was pregnant and hormonal you dick," she hissed.

I shook my head at her, "I'm almost ashamed to know you right now."

"Oh go fuck yourself," she said slapping my shoulder. "Point is I've gotten over that now."

I gave her a pointed glare and then sat back down, "Fine, I love weddings. So your ass better sort your shit out and get on it."

"Jeezus Edward, I'm just coming to grips with being in love with the man and all the scary shit that comes along with that, and already you're talking about weddings?"

I shrugged, "I like to plan ahead, and it's not like you're going anywhere, what popping out two kids for the guy. He's already on the ball and chain, if not officially."

"I hate you," she grumbled grabbing a cushion and screaming into it.

"No you don't," I said tickling her sides. "Now let's get me ready for this date tonight."

-TA-

*JPOV*

Turns out I had been nervous for absolutely nothing.

The date was wonderful.

We talked, laughed and shared little tidbits about each other.

Learning about each other in a very relaxed way.

Edward was absolutely charming, and I found myself falling more and more under his spell.

The way he tugged at his hair when he was nervous, or just for any reason really. And those moments when he would flash that crooked grin at me. Christ, if I were a woman, my ovaries would've self-destructed by now.

After the lovely dinner at some fancy smancy seaside restaurant just out of town, we strolled along the boardwalk.

"I have something important to tell you," Edward said softly, as the wind whipped through his hair.

I turned to look at him, "Sounds heavy."

He sighed and nodded, "It kinda is."

"Is this about Senor Creepo?" I asked reaching for his hand.

I felt the small shiver run through him when our fingers intertwined and I had to bite back the smile that was threatening to break through.

I could hear him laughing softly at my alias for the creepy man we had met back at the penthouse and then again at the court.

"Yeah, it's about him."

"You don't have to..." I began.

"I want to," he said, cutting me off.

I nodded and we walked a ways down, where there wasn't a lot of traffic and I supposed it was sort of late too, so we were basically alone. I found a bench and we sat down.

Edward fidgeted with his shirt sleeve for a while and I figured that he was just getting himself psyched up for the tale he had to tell.

By the time he was finished telling me the story he was in tears, and I wasn't far from shedding a few of my own, but the thing that shocked me most was the anger that bubbled up inside off me. No wonder Bella clocked the motherfucker. I wish I could get my hands on him myself.

Everything was suddenly so clear.

The way he was in relationships, or his lack of relationships as it went around the grapevine.

To be honest, if I had been put in his position, I don't think I would've been able to come out of it shining, the way he had.

"Want some icecream?" I asked, tapping his knuckles with my free hand.

He looked up at me, and I could see shock in his gaze.

Did he think that I would've run screaming for the hills after his sordid tale?

Poor thing probably did, well we couldn't have that now, could we?

"Come on," I said tugging him to his feet.

"It's ok," he said as we walked back to his car.

The gentleman that he was picked me up from home.

Utterly proper.

"What's ok?" I asked as I spotted the car and turned our bodies toward it.

"You don't have to pretend to be okay with this," he said voice flat.

I didn't answer him, just grabbed the keys from him and hustled him into the passenger seat before going around to get in and drive us away. When we reached my house I shut off the engine, got out and slammed the door.

"Get out," I said to him, flinching when I saw his look of hurt.

I took a deep breath, "I'm sorry. Please just come inside with me."

I watched as he warred with himself before finally giving in and getting out.

Not a word was said as we stepped inside the house, and when the door closed behind us I grabbed him and turned him around to face me.

"I'm not okay with it. I want to find that bastard and kill him for what he did to you," I said pushing him up against the wall.

"I'm not okay with the fact that I can't do anything about it now."

"No one could," he said, his voice soft and shaky.

"But someone should have."

His gorgeous eyes closed briefly before he reopened them and spared me with his gaze.

His eyes aren't green.

Yes, I know. What an odd thing to think about at that moment.

Still, I couldn't help but notice that now. His eyes were a bluish grey.

"You really aren't disgusted by me?" he asked, and suddenly he looked extremely young.

"Edward?" I said.

"Yeah James?" he said, voice whispery.

"I'm going to kiss you."

And I did.

And it was perfect.

It was as though his lips were made for mine. Yes, we had kissed before but those couldn't begin to compare to the kiss we were sharing now. I was transported to the heavens in those brief moments. I pulled him off the wall and walked us towards my living room, our lips never breaking apart.

Air. My lungs need air.

This was true but I was really loathe to release his lips, so I didn't.

At least not until we had sunk down onto the couch.

Hands explored bodies and then fingers delved into hair. Moans were echoing throughout the room and I couldn't be bothered to try and discern which of us they were coming from.

I was getting hot and bothered, well even more hot and bothered, and my pants were getting uncomfortable.

I took a deep breath, and sadly ended our make-out session.

"I don't put out on the first date," I whispered, our foreheads touching and noses brushing.

Edward's grin was breathtaking and I couldn't resist pressing another kiss against his soft lips.

"Want to watch a movie along with our icecream?" I asked.

He shook his head, "It's getting late. I should be getting home."

No!

I didn't want him to leave yet.

And then I found myself doing something that I had never done in my entire lifetime.

"You could stay tonight. Here, with me."

Edward's eyes widened, "Really?"

Really?

I nodded, "Let me get you something to sleep in and then we get the icecream and watch a movie."

Halfway through the movie I looked down at Edward, who had cuddled close to me with his head on my chest, to find that he was fast asleep. I turned off the tv and draped the blanket around us and settled in to the couch. And for a while I just lay there thinking about everything that had happened and about Edward himself.

And just before I was lulled to sleep by his steady breathing, my last coherent thought was, how right it felt to be there with him in my arms.

A/N: I love James and Eddie. *sigh* I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I swear in the middle of Em's dialogue I broke down laughing. LOL Anyways darlings, I'm off to bed now. See you guys soon. ~ Riney.

Guest #1: Glad that you did.

manda2784: Thanks babe x

tee hill: Thanks hun x :)

Toxic Angel: Awww babe. Who knows ? :)

WestCoastGirl16: Don't cry...you'll make me cry...and then...oh wait. Then Emmett can comfort us! *fist pumps*

it's simply me n you: I love his ramblings lol and yes, she will :)

Mickeyluver33: I inboxed you on here, but in case you missed it: Alec and Eddie were together before. at the beginning of the story, but they broke up cuz of Alec's clingy drama. still in love with Ed so I guess he just needed closure. He'll apologize to James too dont worry lol

Lalina92: Yay!

Bugsmamawolf: Yes! I love that about her too :D x

ladyelmo323: I am too, and I'm glad you enjoyed xx

Stephannie1014: Thanks Sam xx :)

Nonita: Thank you dahling :)

lissie boo: *hugs* I know...*sigh* Thank you. Love you chicky xx

MiccaF: Thanks hunny xx

teamhotmen: Thank you Nicci. Thank you so much. I love you x

tawelephant: Yes, and they will get their happiness. Love you xx

Okay my lovelies, I'm off to bed. See you guys soon. *Pixie hugs and kisses* ~ Riney