Twilight and its characters belong to SM. I take full responsibility for the opinion that they needed improvement, or that this timeline required investigation.

The following contains mild descriptions and references to M rated reading material. If you'd like to skip this, and carry on with the story, you may skip the first section, and continue after the second row of Xs. Or, if you'd prefer, you may pm me and I will send you a T rated chapter.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

It was the most unreal moment of my long and, until now, ridiculously beige life. Here I was, staring into my Bella's eyes, after experiencing something so new and incredible. I'd had more than an inkling of what we'd just engaged in. However knowing what it is and experiencing it were wholly different, I'd just realized. As I held her face in my hands and stared into her eyes, I couldn't imagine what it might be like to actually make love to her, but I was absolutely excited to try.

I found that it was less dangerous when I focused on her ministrations, and not the sound of her heart, or the smell of it pumping blood. The feel of her delicate silken top was enough to remind me to be gentle with my hands on her skin. I continued to breathe through my mouth until she let out a quiet cry. The second I'd scented her arousal and climax, I'd felt wild abandon. The monster in me was absent, but my animal instincts took over, and I couldn't help the hiss that loosed from my throat as I'd released along with her. It was the most intimacy I'd ever experienced with another being in my existence.

She let out a soft, unsteady breath, which brought me back from the memory of just moments before. I then realized where we were. In our room, on our bed, fooling around. I felt the side of my mouth curl upwards, and I quickly looked between us and back at her lovely face, hinting at the beautiful insanity we'd just engaged in. We slowly began laughing together, whether from joy or disbelief, who knew?

I rolled off of her and got up, reaching for her hand. She grabbed it and I pulled her close. "I think you need a new outfit."

"It appears that way," she blushed. I kissed her and opened the closet, then gestured for her to precede me. The view of her back was sinful, the way the muscles dipped in the middle to frame her spine. My fingers burned to trace it, but I kept my hands to myself.

While she sought a new pajama set I grabbed another set of sleep pants, ran to the bathroom, cleaned up and threw my soiled clothes and towel in the laundry. She walked out of the closet to me as I was opening the bathroom door; hair wet, having showered in the time it took her to open and close a drawer. Across the room she still looked starry-eyed. I bit my lip and watched her smirk as we crossed each other, squeezing hands as we passed. By the time I got back to the bed I was full-on grinning at her and she turned around and giggled seductively. As she shut the door I rubbed my face in disbelief and pulled at my hair, because she'd brazenly walked through our room, from the closet to the bathroom, topless. Not that I hadn't just experienced her beauty, but the way her hair bounced, her breasts undulated, her body swayed, it was maddening, and incredibly sexy.

Twenty minutes later the bed was warmed, and her skin looked pink and supple from her shower. She climbed under the sheets and into my arms with a contented smile on her face, but said nothing. Words escaped me as well as I held her to me and kissed her hair. Soon her breathing evened out, and she showed the tell-tale signs of dreamless slumber. I wondered what she'd dream about tonight, if anything.

It seemed the others were similarly distracted, and paid us no mind. Whether by chance or design, I couldn't find it in me to care. After decades of spending nights alone with my books, my piano, the television, and other media to hold my attention, my family whiled away the hours paired-off. I would trade every distraction from those days in exchange for the quiet nights of counting this tiny human's breaths. The hours passed, and I was contented to replay my mischievous vengeance turned pleasure-seeking. When she poked fun at me on the way upstairs, I formulated a plan and sought revenge, both for her remark tonight and what she said about my wanting to chew on her the night before. Her wit fueled my attraction for her, and I couldn't resist an opportunity to see her smile again. I wasn't counting on the way her body wriggled as she tried to escape; the silk under my hands, the way her backside bumped against my groin. Thoughts of the tiny noises I was able to elicit from her lips kept me company until her sleep-talking began. I couldn't make sense of most of it, between jumbled up words I caught apologize, e-lec-tri-city, with pronunciation of every syllable, but once she said, come on Edward, into the woods, I became intrigued. I wondered what we were doing in the woods, perhaps more cat and mouse? I smiled to myself at the thought.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

She didn't seem as nervous in her sleep tonight, which was a welcome change from the previous few nights. Hopefully, her calmer dream state would stick. The rain picked up in the early morning, but it wasn't expected to last. Alice promised at least partial sun today. A deep rumble of thunder sounded from far away which seemed to pull her from sleep for a moment, but she merely rolled on to her side and scooted her back against me. Another hour or so passed, the sky brightened a bit more, and the rain lightened up. Her change in breathing signaled her oncoming consciousness.

The rest of our family was also preparing for the day. I heard them speaking quietly through the house about the timeline and plans, both here and on Bella's side trip. Rosalie planned to take her to the outskirts of town and circle back to go to the shops. The thought of separating for Charlie's visit today was already causing a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach. We'd had a leisurely few days together, and that would have to sustain me. It seemed a side effect of our separation was an increase in the intensity of our feelings. I wondered if Carlisle had any information about the reunion of mates, and made a mental note to ask. I couldn't and wouldn't clue her into my anxiety, however. I had a feeling that I wouldn't need to do much acting today, and I tried not to think about what I would have to actually say to Charlie.

Her little movements followed by a big stretch pulled me from my anxious brooding. "Hmm," her tiny hum at the end of that stretch made me smile again. I couldn't resist kissing the crook of her neck where it met her shoulder. "Mmmm," she sounded, and stretched her neck to give me better access. I blew behind her ear which earned me a breathy chuckle. "Don't start, you're still in trouble from that little game you played last night."

"Really? I was under the assumption we were even, after your breezy walk to the bathroom?"

She turned to look at my raised eyebrows and feigned innocence before conceding. "Touche. What's our timeline for today?"

"I'm not sure. I think Carlisle is wondering if you might be interested in guiding this mission."

"Ok, but, I don't know where I am, how to get to town, how long it takes…"

"Exactly. Alice will be monitoring you to make sure you stay on schedule before you leave, and Rosalie knows the amount of time she will be able to stay at each location before the sun comes back out. It will be interesting to see if you feel a pull in any direction and at any particular time."

"Oh, alright then, I guess. As long as I have a safety net, I'm up for a little experimenting."

"Excellent." I said, and stretched my body along the length of hers. Because feeling her closeness, her lips against my own, was just too tempting. It didn't last long before Esme wondered if Bella might like pancakes for breakfast for a change, and we were reminded that we were not the only two people in the world. Reluctantly, we got up. While Bella dressed I removed any evidence of her in the room; her clothing, hairbrush, and so on. I didn't bother to change, as my mission didn't require any particular attire. She quirked an eyebrow, but didn't question it. Esme had a spread of pancakes, bacon, and strawberries with a bottle of maple syrup laid out at our usual spot at the counter. She placed her hand on my shoulder and kissed the back of Bella's head before heading toward the great room, with thoughts of fluffing pillows and staging the tall draperies to hide our skin to the best advantage, should the sun come out.

"This looks great, do you think there's any coffee in the kitchen? I haven't had any since I left Forks, and it sounds good with a breakfast like this."

"Hmm, let's check, shall we?" I sniffed around the pantry and found some k-cups, and the coffee maker wasn't hard to find. "I'm not sure how you make it though," I admitted.

"I'll show you, it's easy.'' She proceeded to show me how it was done, then continued her meal.

"Good morning you two! How's breakfast?" Alice chirped as she breezed into the kitchen.

"Delicious," Bella said between bites.

"Don't bother with the dishes, " Alice said, "I'll do them. I was shooed out of the great room by Esme, and out of Jasper's study for pacing. I need something to fiddle with."

"Are you nervous over my dad?"

"Not exactly. I'm feeling a little out of place. I was asked not to press our itinerary so that we can test your abilities." She then thought, "That's a half truth Edward, these dishes are going in your room."

I looked from Alice to the counter and back at Alice in acknowledgement. Our silent way of communicating came in handy once again.

"I'm sorry for putting you out Alice,"

"Oh, it's alright, after you leave I'll be back to the same meddling." She winked.

"No changing your spots," Bella smiled, and took another bite.

"So after tonight things will have calmed down, I was wondering if you'd pencil me in for tomorrow?"

"Sure, anything specific in mind?" she asked, spearing her last bite of pancake and strawberries.

"Well, I'd like to take some measurements so I can make you some tailored pieces for fall. Nothing crazy, I promise. Afterward, maybe we can catch a matinee, or just catch up?"

"Alice, I've been neglecting you havent I? I've barely seen you."

"Just a little, but it's understandable. You've been reunited with your mate, I would have done the same were me and Jasper separated for any length of time. Besides, it will give Edward a chance to hunt with the guys, while Rosalie and Esme are preoccupied with their projects."

"What project does Rosalie have?" I asked, brow furrowing, she hasn't mentioned any plans.

"Never-you-mind, gah. Rosalie is right, you are a busybody." Alice skipped off leaving me, mouth agape.

I was shocked for a moment, and about to retort, when Bella said, "You look like a fish." She covered her mouth trying to hide her laughter.

I snapped my teeth shut at her and grinned at her wickedly, "You'll pay for that one."

"Can't," she said, backing away, leaving her empty dishes and searching for a way to escape. But then her face fell; she'd sobered up because she realized, "I have to go, if you distract me now I'll never leave."

"You're right," I admitted. I straightened up and took her hand, kissing it.

Her mouth turned down and trembled slightly, "Is it too much if I say that I wish we didn't have to separate today?"

I merely shook my head and opened my arms, before she closed the distance between us, tucking her head under my chin. I kissed her hair and laid my cheek against it. "It's only for a little while. Try not to dwell on our task. You'll have Em and Rose to keep you company. Don't forget to stop for lunch, and for that favor I asked of you, ok?"

"I promise." She whispered, then took a deep breath and said, "I wish I could tell you to pass a message along, to just… to let him know…"

"Shhh, it's ok." I pulled away and took her face in my hands, "I'll do what I can." She nodded and I kissed her lips.

"Emmett? Rosalie? Are you ready?" she called quietly, knowing they'd hear.

Esme and Carlisle appeared at the same time as Em and Rose, just before Alice and Jasper. "Don't worry about a thing," Carlisle reassured her, "we'll take care of him while you're gone." He didn't specify whether he was speaking of Charlie, or myself.

Bella turned to Jasper, "You're going to help them, help him, right?" I noticed she also didn't bother to clarify.

"I'll be monitoring the entire situation from my study," he confirmed, placing a hand on her shoulder and sending her a wave of confidence.

"Alright, then I guess I'll see you guys later." She hugged Esme, and offered a tight smile to the rest of them before she whispered to me, "I love you." I kissed her forehead and walked her to the door, watching her climb into the back of the rented SUV.

Emmett cranked the engine and pulled away. At the end of the drive he punched the code and asked, "Left or right, Bella?"

"Umm, right, I think?"

From their minds I saw Rosalie and Emmett smile at each other before I caught a glimpse of a junkyard in Emmett's mind.

Before I could put much thought into their destination, Alice was at my side, "Time to set the stage, brother of mine."

Obviously I had to add Edward's take on their scandalous behavior. He has the luxury of never having to edit or withhold his thoughts and romanticism because someone might hear.

One thing I've always appreciated was Bella's ability to stay cool under pressure. It's something I think SM did right by her. She made her decision, and now all that's left is to stick by it. Its a trait she and I share. She still cares for her dad, she always will, which is half the reason we see her become upset. The other is her separation from Edward. Maybe her instinctive pull toward him is trying to tell her something?

Please review, as usual! I love hearing your opinions!!