These next two are for EternallyAddicted because I couldn't check my messages until now.
All chapters have been beta'd by the incredible EdwardsFirstKiss, I've just been so busy the last few days I couldn't even remember what I had for breakfast. All readability credit belongs to her~
When her breathing became ragged and her skin far too cool for my comfort I pulled away, loathing myself for it.
Every time I did she looked at me like I would fly out her window, never to be seen again.
"Bella..."
Now that I was back in the general vicinity, Charlie was reluctant to let Bella spend any time with Alice if it meant I would be around.
Clearly communicating my intentions had not been my strong suit previously. I had been far too fond of metaphors and symbolism, taking her humanity for granted.
Even conveyances as simple as this were horrendously overanalyzed.
"Would you be up for staying at my house this weekend?"
She moved back to stare at me skeptically, like I'd grown a second head.
"And tell Charlie what, exactly?"
The smile that pulled my mouth was genuine, enjoying the rare moment; Bella didn't joke anymore.
"I could always go hiking."
To emphasize I wasn't being serious I winked at her, stalling her already-crumpling face.
Her face positively lit up, giving the Christmas tree still downstairs a run for its money.
I felt like an idiot for not thinking of this sooner.