Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer

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Where the Lines Overlap

Season 2 - Looking Up

Flare

Half a week passed, and things returned to our ordinary routine.

Edward was back to normal, but I still felt like something was a bit off between us; I just couldn't pinpoint it.

He was late that evening, and although that was uncommon, I did not think much of it. I just got busy preparing dinner while waiting for him.

My cellphone rang and I answered it automatically.

"Hey, Jay!" Bella's voice was refreshing.

I smiled.

"Hi, sweetie. So nice to hear your voice right now."

She giggled.

"I know you love and miss me but, why do you sound kinda… relieved?"

I sighed.

"Actually, I am a bit." I confessed. "I'm feeling anguished and hearing your voice kinda soothes me."

She took a moment longer than I expected to reply.

"I take it Edward is still weird." She said pensively. "You two haven't talked?"

"I tried to…" I stopped what I was doing and leaned on the kitchen counter. "but he just changed the subject and got busy with his books, I didn't wanna pressure him."

I heard Bella sighing and sighed again myself.

"It's pretty clear he doesn't want the confirmation and I understand, considering where he's coming from."

"I know but…" I squeezed my eyes and exhaled heavily. "I think the best way to deal with it is with him. This isn't something I have control over and I don't want it to escalate."

Bella gasped quietly.

"Jay… are you sure this is just infatuation?" She asked carefully. "You sound really affected…"

"I love Edward." I affirmed a bit harshly.

"I know that well." Bella's reply was gentle. "But I don't think you would be this perturbed if it was just a crush."

I was silent for almost a whole minute, reasoning with myself.

Bella broke the quietness softly.

"Look, maybe you should just give him more time." She rationalized. "He's already aware, that much is certain, so let him assimilate and deal with it on his own terms. Give him space. I'm sure he'll come to you once he's ready to discuss it."

I heaved another sigh.

"I'll try to do that." I replied heavy-heartedly.

"Is he home?"

"Not yet."

"Do you want me to make you company till he arrives?" Her voice was kind and caring.

"Always." I chuckled.

"So put me on speaker. What you're doing?"

I returned to cooking while we discussed what had been happening with her. Bella knew how to distract me, and soon I felt a little better.

When Edward arrived almost three hours later than usual, I was already in bed. I pretended to be asleep as he tiptoed into my room.

I heard him sighing as he lay down behind me.

"I missed you," he said softly before snuggling closer and spooning me.

I allowed myself to relax in his embrace and drifted off to sleep.

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As Edward stirred next to me, effectively waking me up, I focused involuntarily on his peaceful face—-a stark contrast to the turbulent thoughts that had been disturbing me—-and allowed myself to savor the moment.

We lay intertwined, basking in the warmth of our shared affection.

I sighed, mesmerized by the beauty before me… there would never be a better way to wake up than that, opening my eyes to the most gracious view I could ever meet.

The pale light of the morning sun was playing with the various golden tones of his messy hair, making the strands shine and scintillate, like a halo…

His face was serene, his eyelids closed softly over the stormy grayish blue I adored, his plump lips, so enticing, were slightly parted and beckoning me…

Whenever I looked at him like this—so oblivious to my staring and so vulnerable—I could feel his deep hold on me.

My eyes closed of their own accord as I tried to rein in the potent emotions running through me. I loved him so much that sometimes I felt like I could completely lose myself because of it. The thing was, I didn't think Edward had the slightest clue about it.

After heaving a deep sigh, I opened my eyes again and gazed at him.

He looked like a god, physically strong and perfect, so damn beautiful and sexy and desirable… but in his sleep, he showed his true self—the one I had known from eighteen years of close interaction, from all the difficult and sensitive moments we had gone through together or shared, from the intimacy that only a true friendship like ours could nurture. I knew his soul, how fragile and delicate it really was. I knew the real Edward behind the stable, confident facade. He was pretty mature and rational for a guy our age; he usually was very good at being logical and reasonable. But it all worked as armor to protect his precious and caring heart.

He looked like a god indeed, but in reality, he was a more frail creature. He was an angel. Even in his attitude, he was always trying to take everything upon himself, always protecting the ones he loved.

My angel…

I threaded my fingers carefully through his hair so I wouldn't wake him up. I wanted to hold him in my arms and never let him go.

"Jazz…" Just a whisper, he was still sound asleep.

I loved that he dreamt about me and called my name in his sleep, that he needed me as much as I needed him.

"I'm here, angel…" I murmured, allowing the term of endearment I'd never thought of using before to naturally, effortlessly, pour out of me through my lips.

Edward stirred up a little but didn't wake up. He moved his body closer, his left hand, which had been resting on my stomach, coming to my neck and pulling me to him.

I smiled when he brought his head to lean next to me and then nuzzled my shoulder unconsciously. I glided my hand slowly along his arm, relishing in the sensation of his soft skin under my fingers.

"I love you…" The statement simply slipped. And it made my heart accelerate a bit more, and my cheeks warm up.

"I love you more…" It was his sweet reply in a whisper.

"You're awake, babe?" I asked using the same tone so as not to startle him.

Edward smiled subtly and nodded.

"For how long?"

My question was followed by a kiss on his hair.

He tilted his head back a little and opened his eyes to me.

"I'm not sure… I could feel your touch, your hand in my hair… I could hear you… but I couldn't make up the words." He sighed softly. "When you said you love me I heard perfectly, though."

We chuckled lightly and I cupped his jaw before kissing his lips with tenderness.

"I think you can't sleep without me anymore…" I teased him a little. "Maybe you should consider leaving your room and move in here."

He looked at me with clear mirth glinting in his eyes and I tried not to laugh but it was impossible once he sneered.

"What makes you say that?"

"I don't know… maybe the fact that you were kinda calling for me in your sleep…?" I provoked him playfully sporting my best smirk. "Just confess that you need me around all the time."

"You little cocky prick." He said while pulling me closer. "I can't sleep without you anymore, that's true, you spoiled me."

Suddenly he was on top of me, straddling my hips and holding my arms above my head while we laughed.

"But do you know what else is true?" he asked and arched one of his eyebrows. "You're too cocky about it, so I should punish you. Teach you a little humility…" His facial expression was defiant.

I just laughed more.

"You can't punish me, you love me too much for that," I defied right back. "I bet you're dying to kiss me right now."

His strong laugh filled the room with joy and my heart with a warm feeling. It was so good to hear the sound of his contentment.

Edward leaned his body until his face was only inches from mine.

"I bet you are dying for me to kiss you right now," he said, staring at my lips. "I can feel your body urging for me…"

He thrust his groin against mine to prove his point, and the feeling of his hardness made me moan quietly.

And then, as suddenly as the playfulness had arisen, it was gone. A dense aura of lust enveloped us.

He gazed at me seriously.

"Can we do this?" The words came out of his slightly parted lips as a sensual whisper. "I don't wanna hurt you."

We were both breathing heavily at this point, my heart was already thundering in my chest.

"Doctor said I shouldn't have sex…" I murmured while pushing my hips up against his body. He sighed heavily. "He didn't say anything about fooling around."

That was all the answer he needed because, a split second later, his mouth covered mine in a searing kiss.

And then there were anxious, impatient groping and touching and moaning. Sleep pants and t-shirts flew to the floor where the blanket had landed in a crumpled mess seconds before. Amid groans and gasps there were hands on cocks jerking fast and hard, lips smashing and tongues wrestling, bodies writhing in synchrony with each other.

It would end really fast… it was eager and rushed. We were in a frenzy. There was nothing sweet or romantic about it, just our primal desire for one another being fulfilled. But it was a result of our need to be together, to be as close and connected as possible…

So, in a way, it had everything to do with love.

Edward released my lips and sat on my thighs, his left hand securely around my shaft, moving so fast I could barely see it.

His skin was all flushed and gleaming with tiny droplets of sweat, making a new urge arise in me…

I wanted to lick him, lick his whole body, feel his taste flooding my mouth…

I swallowed hard. My right hand was stroking his length with the same speed he was jerking me off, but I grasped him a little more intensely, a natural reaction to the orgasm that was fast building in my core due to all the stimuli.

"This way, I can't hold off..." His strangled voice reached me. I looked into his eyes just in time to see his pupils dilate impossibly wide.

"Don't hold off," I kinda pleaded. "Cum. Right now with me…" It was just a weak murmur 'cause I was already gone.

Sparkling dots overcast my vision as I heard Edward gasp my name, so I closed my eyes while pure energy rushed through my body, making me tremble and squirm beneath him. I could feel him spasming over me, and I wanted to look at his alluring climax face, but I was too giddy, I couldn't make my eyes open, so I just let go of his softening cock and circled his waist, bringing him to me.

Then my boyfriend was lying on top of me, his head resting on my shoulder as he nuzzled my neck slowly and I caressed his back. Our breaths were evening out but our hearts were still racing. I could feel his heartbeat over my chest, just as I knew he could feel mine against his. We remained silent for long minutes, relishing the feeling of being together this way.

"I can't sleep without you either," I said simply. "And waking up with you by my side, in my arms… that's something I need too."

He chuckled softly but didn't say anything, and I felt that words were unnecessary anyway. They would only disrupt our moment. We were exactly where we were supposed to be...

In each other's arms. There was no need for anything else.

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"I'm gonna make you breakfast." He said after kissing me tenderly and opening the glass door of the shower stall.

I smiled, touched by his thoughtfulness. As he wrapped the towel around his hips I held his face between my hands.

"You spoil me." I said while nuzzling his nose with mine. He was smiling sweetly.

"Is there something you want?" He asked in a soft tone.

"Peanut butter sandwich with bananas. And a bowl of cereals." I replied and left a chaste kiss on his lips.

Edward laughed a little and nodded before getting out.

"Maybe you should eat some eggs too, to compensate for the energy you just spent with me." His eyes were twinkling with mirth, it was impossible not to respond in kind to that joyful face.

"Very well spent energy…" I replied suggestively as I left the shower stall with my towel hanging low around my hips. "You can add the eggs. I'll eat whatever you prepare for me."

He chuckled.

"Okay…" He mumbled while trapping his lower lip between his teeth.

"Don't do this…" I asked, my eyes intently gazing at the enticing gesture. "You'll force me to grab you and pin you on the wall."

He said nothing else as he shook his head slowly, still chuckling, and left the bathroom.

I sighed heavily while thinking that my worries from the night before were actually unfounded and smiled as I went to my wardrobe and Edward went to his room.

I got dressed pretty quickly and found him in the kitchen as he was putting the plate full of scrambled eggs on the table. I wrapped my arms around his waist from behind and kissed his neck. He turned in my arms and held my face between his hands, effectively making me tilt my head a little.

He kissed me, sweetly at first, but deeper seconds later. We kissed unhurriedly then got apart and smiled lovingly at each other, sitting at the table side by side.

We had breakfast in a peaceful atmosphere, talking about harmless things and exchanging smiles, looks, and touches. It was soothing to have a moment like this.

I looked at my gorgeous boyfriend, simply absorbing how serene he seemed. He was concentrated on our hands, entwining our fingers and caressing my palm sporadically. I wanted so much to keep him unafraid and happy. In just a few seconds I considered things I could do to achieve that.

"We've never been on date." I commented spontaneously as the thought came to my mind. "With each other, I mean."

Edward's eyes were surprised when he hastily looked at me. He didn't say anything, probably speechless, so I went on.

"Would you like to go on a date with me?" I made it sound formal because I thought it was appropriate.

He chuckled, but he seemed kind of lost. I waited. He blinked repeatedly, pretty much like a cartoon character, and it was somewhat funny but I controlled the impulse of laughing. This was a serious matter.

"Like… on a real date?" His voice attested he was beyond amazed. "Like… going out as a couple? On a public place?"

It was amusing to see him so bewildered. I liked the sensation of surprising him.

I interlocked our fingers and pulled him closer by his hand. Once he was near enough I cupped his chin and smiled at him.

"A real date, our first date. As a couple. On a public place." I confirmed everything, feeling nervous all of a sudden, but decided nevertheless. "You can choose when and where, but I'm the one who's gonna take you, so I'm gonna pay for everything."

He chuckled again, still looking all kinds of skeptic.

"Where is this coming from?" He was grinning like a fool, and I loved that expression on his face, it suited him, made him even more beautiful.

"I just want to please my boyfriend." I was sticking with honesty. "I want to do something nice for you, this is what boyfriends do, right?"

His smile weakened and he backed away a little.

"So, you're doing this just for me?" There was a hint of apprehension in his voice.

"No." I sighed. "I'm doing this for me too. Mainly for us. I have to take some steps, to start trying…" I exhaled heavily this time, assuming what I needed to do. "I won't ever get comfortable if I don't get used to being out in public with you."

Relief was clear on his face and eyes. His smile got sweeter.

"You don't need to rush things, or do something you don't feel prepared to."

"I'm not rushing things." I assured him. "We can do this slowly. I'm not sure if I'm prepared but… I need to try. I need to start from somewhere."

Edward nodded, seeming to understand what I was trying to do. He kissed me briefly and sweetly then looked at me with dazzled eyes.

"So… do I get an answer?" I encouraged him. "You still didn't say if you'd like to go out with me."

"Can I think about it?" He asked with a crooked smile, his mocking tone very present.

It was my turn to chuckle and then he held his chin and looked up as if considering the idea. I laughed.

"I think I'll accept your invitation, Mr. Hale." He said in a mocking serious tone. "But know that I'm not the type of guy that fools around. I'm a serious dude, so you'd better have good intentions towards me."

"I have the best ones." I affirmed in the same tone, but I think he could see in my eyes that I was true about it.

"Good." He smiled and held my neck, pulling me to him.

"Good." I replied just before I closed my eyes and kissed him.

It wasn't that much yet, but I was taking small steps. Baby steps, actually… But steps, regardless.

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I had been planning the perfect date. I had also been preparing myself psychologically for what I wanted to do during the date. I'd felt pretty anxious and excited about it. I just wanted to make things better for us, for our relationship. I wanted to be better for Edward, to be what he needed and wanted, to fulfill his yearnings.

I just wasn't counting on what happened next.

Two mornings later, I was almost off campus when a strong, unmistakable laugh caught my attention. I would've recognized that sound anywhere on the planet.

I searched around with my eyes and quickly spotted him. He was on a bench in front of the fourth building, talking with a guy. He had his back to me, so he couldn't really see me unless he turned. I was getting late for work, but saying hi to my boyfriend wouldn't put my job in jeopardy. So, I walked toward him with a big smile on my lips.

It just flickered and died as I saw the guy he was talking to straddling the bench and getting too close to him. But what stopped me cold in my tracks and made me squint was Edward's reaction, or better said, lack thereof. He didn't back away, which was what I expected from him; he actually turned to the guy, folding his left leg over the bench, his best crooked smile gracing his features as he talked joyfully with him.

I had no idea who the guy was. I had no way of knowing if he was gay or if he was interested in my boyfriend. But from where I was standing, he definitely seemed to be hitting on my man, and the worst part? Edward seemed to be enjoying the attention.

I curled my hands into fists at my sides, and I saw red. Jealousy flooded me, flaming my whole body and immersing me in rage.

I took a deep breath, telling myself I could not react impulsively. My impetuosity had driven me to terrible actions and even worse consequences in the past. I had to calm down and go there, see what was really happening before jumping to conclusions. I owed Edward that much.

However, as I took two large strides in their direction, Edward's "friend" touched his knee, and he blushed. He fucking blushed! Intensely enough for me to see it from forty feet away.

I quickened my step.

"And then she looked at me as if she was seeing the sun! She doesn't have a clue!" the guy was saying when I finally reached them.

"Hey." I controlled my voice so it wouldn't sound harsh.

They both looked at me, but my eyes were solely on my boyfriend.

The sickeningly sweet smile that Edward was sporting vanished promptly as his eyes met mine. I was pretty sure he could see the exasperation in my gaze; I wasn't even trying to disguise it.

"Jazz..." He actually gasped my name. "What are you doing here?" His voice was mortified.

"I study here," I said. In case you've forgotten, I wanted to say but didn't. "I was passing by when I heard you. I just wanted to say hi; I'm heading to work." My tone was dry even though I was restraining my vexation. I was trying fucking hard not to burst out in anger.

"Well, hello to you too," the guy spoke to me, and I turned my eyes to him unwillingly.

"Uh, this is Luke," I heard Edward say, his tone somewhat apprehensive.

The guy extended his hand to me.

"The infamous classmate and lab partner," he completed. "And you are?"

He was grinning from ear to ear, and his tone was offensively joyful. Was he trying to be funny?

I glared at his hand, then brought my eyes slowly to his face.

"Jasper." It was my curt reply.

I deliberately ignored his hand while shooting daggers at him.

He was unaffected by my rudeness. He actually rested his hand on Edward's knee again, and I tightened my fists so much that my hands started to throb.

"Jasper…" the guy raised his eyebrows, looking expectantly at me, as if waiting for more information. "Another infamous classmate?" He turned to Edward. "Are you cheating on me?"

I felt my whole body tremble with pure fury. I glowered at Edward, feeling my nostrils flare, and suddenly he looked terrified. He was livid.

"Are you, Edward?" I bluntly demanded, fuming.

He swallowed hard.

"He's just joking." His eyes were pleading, but I was so mad that his obvious vulnerability didn't really affect me.

He then looked back at... What was the idiot's name again? Oh, yeah… Luke.

"Stop being funny," he said seriously, glaring at him. "Jasper is my best friend, and we are roommates," he answered the guy's long-forgotten—at least by me—unnecessary and intrusive question.

I huffed. That was all I could do to not break something. Then I clenched my jaw.

"I'm leaving," I said through gritted teeth. "We'll talk at home." It sounded like a threat, but I couldn't bring myself to feel bad about it.

I turned and walked away, marching hard to get away from them as fast as I could.

And to think that I had been worried, that I had felt guilty—as if I had been disloyal to him because I hadn't told him about Allegra as soon as I met her, about how she made me feel, while he was…

I wasn't sure what he was doing, but one thing was clear—he had kept whatever it was from me, even after everything that had happened the week prior.

As I crossed the street, tears streamed down my face. I rubbed them away with the back of my hand.

I was a complete fool…

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A/N: Hey everyone! I'm going to be honest with you guys. The reason I'm taking so long to post chapters is that I'm really sad and demotivated. I feel like I've been writing to ghosts. I really love this story, and it takes a lot from me emotionally to write it, but I have no clue what you guys think of it. I'll try to keep writing, but I'm not sure how much of it I can take, truthfully. I'm sorry for burdening you with this.