Having updated my journal, I was quite lost in the process of burrowing when Bella suddenly appeared after her shower. FINALLY!

"What are you doing? Why are you wiggling your butt in the air Edward?" She giggled quietly as I gave her a sheepish look and tried to 'act natural'.

"Um... I was looking for something."

"Oh really?"

"Mmhmm." My ruse was working!

"What?" Curses!

"Er..." My ruse disintegrated.

Bella gave me a knowing look and gathered her pyjamas. Despite being caught in such an indelicate position with her bed, Bella gave me a little kiss before promising to be back quickly. I re-made the bed. Those sheets had had quite the workout! I positioned myself atop the covers with my arms at my sides, my muscles locked from head to toe in anticipation of my treat until Bella reappeared smelling of toothpaste and strawberries.

Upon her reappearance, Bella gasped my name and blushed deeply. I realised what she must have seen and immediately hid under the bed. It seems my muscles had not been the only thing about me that had been rigid. I considered making a permanent home there amongst the forgotten socks and dusty boxes. I would miss my old life and it was crowded, but Bella was still nearby and that was the most important point.

"Edward. It's ok. Honestly. Please don't be embarrassed."

I squeaked softly.

"Come on. Don't you want your treat?"

"I would really like a cuddle Edward. It's been a long day and you've worked so hard. You didn't even hiss once during dinner. You let me drive you in my truck this afternoon, you went in the dumpsters even though you hated it, you cooked and you talked to dad." Bella peered under the bed. Her face was upside down, but still lovely.

"You've definitely earned your treat. Two in fact."

"Two?" I whispered.

"That's right. If you come out before I fall asleep that is." She was lying on the bed now, but let her arm hang down so her fingertips were visible, tempting me. I reached out to stroke her hand.

"I don't know if this is going to make things worse, but this isn't the first time I realised you were, you know...excited." It did make it worse. My shame deepened.

Bella continued, compassion exuding from her voice. "I think it's normal, in fact, I think it's nice to know you find me attractive in that way. I like you in that way as well. I think you know that." I had never heard her say it before. "I think you're so gorgeous and I can't believe how lucky I am that you'd even give me a second glance. I want to make you feel good in that way. I know you're embarrassed and I never want to push you, but I want to do things to make you feel good too Edward." This was news to me.

"You do?"

"Of course. You're really fucking hot! I love kissing you and all the ways you make me feel good, but it's very one sided. I wish I could do something for you too."

"But you give me scritches. They are very nice."

"Well, I guess, but I mean... well something a bit more... Something like last Saturday?" She had removed her shirt and let me fondle her wantonly last Saturday. My interest was piqued. So was my penis.

I gasped. Surely she must be lying about wanting to lower herself and do something in the proximity of my accursed nethers? Bella is far too good to want to see such ugliness, even I am, I never look at what Emmett refers to as my 'marriage vegetables'. In fact, I try to entirely forget about them. I sadly cannot claim to have been altogether successful in that endeavour.

Bella cooed at me, "Edward? Please come out, Edward. It's lonely up here without you. Please."

I slowly emerged from under the bed, leaving my face for last. I had given the under bed area a thorough cleaning with my handkerchief during my sojourn, but had apparently missed the dust bunnies now nestling in my hair. Bella brushed them away with her fingers and pulled me onto the bed with her.

After a passionate kissing session that worked well to remedy my residual shame, Bella asked me if I was ready for my treats. I nodded and grinned.

"Remember, I know you're embarrassed, but it's ok if you, you know, get excited or whatever." She whispered as she kissed my ear.

She moved so she was sitting with her legs crossed, the pillows behind her, and I mirrored her position. "Now, close your eyes and hold out your hands." I did as I was told and waited. Bella gently placed her ankles into my hands.

I gasped and opened my eyes. How did she know?! I looked at her and she was smiling, she leant towards me, running her finger down my jaw and gave me a sensual, lingering kiss. This sixth, previously unconsidered, option for my treat was excellent. Very excellent.

Bella moved herself so she was reclining comfortably and said "I don't know why you like my feet, but I catch you looking at them all the time, so I thought you might like free reign to investigate a bit more."

"It's your ankles."

"It is?"

"They're so delicate and beautiful." I stroked them reverently. "They are perfect."

Bella chuckled under her breath. "Well consider them yours. Go to town! Enjoy your treats!"

I didn't really know what to do with them now I finally held them in my hands. After jiggling them about a bit, I opted to lie down, curling around her feet at the end of the bed and nuzzling them. They smelled like Bella's soap and I could tell she'd paid special attention to washing them for this most monumental occasion.

After an assiduous half hour of scent marking, ankle kissing and purring, I moved up the bed to give Bella a proper cuddle and thank her.

"You really like them, huh?" She whispered shyly.

"They're so lovely."

"I think you're lovely Edward. So lovely." She snuggled until she was pressing her full body against me and kissed me.

We kissed and embraced until Bella started to drift off into sleep. As she did she murmured, "All of you is lovely. Even the parts you want to hide."

Those parts?! Surely not! I can only assume that Bella knows not what horrors lie in a man's underpants. Thank heavens for that! She would be thoroughly revolted. She must never find out!

Commenters get their ankles assiduously scent marked for half an hour.

A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who's been reading, reviewing and laughing along with these new chapters. To the commenter who asked what the 'sticky stuff' food was in the last chapter: it is literally any and all food in a sauce, from bolognese to curry to hoummus to nacho cheese sauce. Edward thinks these are all the same thing, because, to him, they are all unspeakably foul and he is terrible at paying attention when it comes to food and cooking in this fic. I like the idea that this very intelligent person can't tell the difference between a casserole (hot pot) and mayonnaise.

For N, I love you so much and feel so honoured that I have been able to brighten your days by finally updating this fic. Thank you for making me feel valuable, for loving me just as I am and for always being the most incredible friend. Rest up and I'll speak to you very soon xxxxx