Mr. Green Takes to the Ice with Bellamarie117

 

First of all, did you guys all enjoy the Eclipse LA Premiere? Rob looked smashing in Gucci, oh and so did Taylor. As for Kristen and Dakota, they both rocked Ellie Saab and Louboutin. I wish I was in their position. I would love to own a pair of $1,500 heels. I thought Julia Jones looked beautiful. Kellan and Peter, of course, looked delish. Anyway, back to the Fanfic world.

When I was little, I wanted to be an ice skater. Seriously. Well, a week after that, I realized that we had no ice rink around were we lived. Yep, major heartfail.

Anyway, I discovered a FF called ‘Take the Ice’ by Bellamarie117 a few weeks back on Twitter. I remember a few people were talking about how cool it is, and how hot HockeyWard is. I, for one, have not read any fic with Edward who played hockey before, probably because I’ve never seen ice hockey. Field hockey, seen it. Ice hockey, what the hell is that?

Here’s the summary: Competitive figure skater Bella Swan meets NHL hockey player Edward Cullen. Bella's Olympic dreams are crushed by injury. Can he help her find the strength to take the ice again? Will they find love and friendship in the meantime?

The first thing I love about this FF is that Renee is a major bitch. Not just a normal bitchy kind of mother, but a bitchy stage mother. She is so fake, and horrible. She is the reason why Bella is so fucked up. I actually find this kind of FF refreshing. It’s nice to have a person to throw your anger at.

I think this story is very unique. I haven’t read any other fic with ice skater Bella in it. To be honest, I had to Google a few terms because I couldn’t imagine them in my head while I was reading it.

I really like Edward in this story; I know, I always say that, but seriously, how can you not? This Edward is warm and caring. Throughout the story, he is the cure to Bella’s heartache. He is always there for her. *sigh* Romantic isn’t it?

Without further ado, here’s what I’ve selected for you to drool over.

I loved Edward.

Tears filled my eyes as the knowledge filled me, every crack and nick that had ever scraped my heart smoothed over as I realized that he was all that mattered. As long as he loved me and I loved him, I'd never want for anything. As the first tear dropped down over my cheek, Edward's brow furrowed, a 'v' creasing his smooth forehead as he mouthed, 'You okay?'

I nodded and gave him a watery smile as my bottom lip trembled. Now that I knew, I didn't want to waste another moment without telling him. Alice and Jasper were exchanging rings, there were only a few minutes left before they'd be proclaimed husband and wife and Edward would escort me back up the aisle.

But even those few minutes were too long.

So, with my eyes locked on his, I opened my lips and mouthed the words, 'I love you.'

I love when the romance is in the air. *swoon*

Here’s a quick interview with Bellamarie117.

Mr. Green: How did you discover FFn?

BM: I've read FanFic for a different fandom in the past-back in high school. After devouring all four books, I couldn't get the characters out of my head. I like the story of the Twilight Saga, but more than anything, I connected with the characters and felt like they all had a lot of potential. I'm not exactly sure how I found my first fic, but I know it was a T-rated AH called Meyer University. I fell in love with the AH world from the start and tend not to stray from it. I've always read love stories/romance novels and I'm a sucker for a good HEA, so for me, the appeal that brought me to FFN and has kept me in the fandom is that I get to see my favorite couple fall in love over and over again, in new and different ways every time.

Mr. Green: Did you start writing FF straight away?

BM: I did not. I was a reader for a long time before I ever pulled up my first word doc to write. I've always loved creative writing and have done a lot of it as an English major, but I've never written a full length story. After reading some (ok, a ton) of really great stories, I decided to try my hand and see if this was something I could feasibly do. The character bases were all there, the relationship foundations were there, and that made it a little easier to get immersed in the writing process. I wrote the first chapter and part of the second almost a full year before I posted anything. This past fall, I wrote my first one-shot, First Time Caller, in one day and found FanpireMama through Twitter to beta for me. It seemed less daunting to post that little snippet than to try and jump in right away with a full-length story. I'm really glad I did, because having that was like a little trial run for what the process would be like. I don't know how much I'll write once I finish Take the Ice, but no matter what, it's an awesome experience to go through and I've already learned a lot about myself.

Mr. Green: How did you come up with HockeyWard and Ice Skater Bella?

BM: I've had an idea to do a hockey player/figure skater romance for longer than I can say. I started reading Nora Roberts books in high school and that was one storyline she didn't get to that I always thought would be fun to read. Being a Minnesota girl, we love our hockey players. I love the movie 'The Cutting Edge' but what I had in mind was very different from that. Once I started reading Twilight fan fic, the idea kept coming up again and again and just wouldn't go away. So, I took the Twilight characters, applied the general idea, and played around with fleshing out and outline to see if I could actually make it into something. Apparently I could since we're now 15 chapters in.

Mr. Green: Do you play both sports yourself?

BM: Uh, no, not at all. I'm a fan of both. In Minnesota it's kinda hard NOT to be a hockey fan (at least in my family), and I've always loved watching figure skating, especially when Sasha Cohen arrived on the scene. I played other sports and am still involved in dance, but never delved into the world of ice sports.

Mr. Green: What are your top 5 FF?

BM: Faking It by Spanglemaker9

This is Not My Life by Isakassees

When Fiction Becomes Reality by bittenev (Stitches & Scars is one of my top picks as well, though it's now only available through Omnific)

Holding Out for You by ObsessingOverEdward

Love in My Box by cosmoandmarvar

It seems wrong to narrow it down to just those few because I could go on and on with stories that blow me away. Check out my profile on FFN because I have a bigger list and it's full of win.

Mr. Green: Do you speak other language (s) rather than English?

BM: I minored in French in college, though it would take some severe review for me to be able to speak it like I used to. Also know a teensy bit of Norwegian from going to a language camp when I was younger. I stick to English pretty exclusively these days.

Mr. Green: If you could take one of the Twilight cast on a vacation in Hawaii, who would you choose?

BM: Uh...Rob. Duh. Well that would be my gut reaction at least...but then I'd remember that Hubs frowns on infidelity and it wouldn't really be a vacation if I'm spending the entire time trying to resist the sexiness. Guh. I'm a KStew fan, too, so it would be cool to just kick back on the beach with her. The fact that she's just as pasty as I am would make me feel less self conscious to be lying out on a beach somewhere. Stupid Irish/Scandinavian complexion.

Mr. Green: Which character in Twilight can't you stand? Why?

BM: Lauren Mallory. I always hated her in the series and was SOOOO happy when that character didn't make the cut into the movies. Good riddance.

Mr. Green: What's the best thing about writing a FF?

BM: There are so many great parts to it, I don't know if I could pick one. I love the community and writing allows you to have a bigger role in that. I love talking with people, hearing their thoughts, speculations, etc. One of my favorite parts about getting into a new chapter is getting to chat with FanpireMama and Caren about what's coming up and playing around in their minds, bouncing ideas etc. It's always an anxious time for me after I've posted a chapter and before I get into the flow of the next one, but talking to them always eases the transition.

Mr. Green: Who is your favorite Twilight pair? (It can be from the book or from FFn)

BM: From the book, Edward and Bella. No question. Their love story is why I read fic. Not just Edward, but the two of them together. I know not everyone is a Bella fan, but I think she's got a lot to offer, thus why my story is really Bella-centric and focused more on her growth as a person and not just on her relationship with Edward.

In fic? Right now I love Edward & Bella from This is Not My Life by Isakassees. They're just so freaking adorable. Overall, I love a good E/B pair that sticks together. One of the first fics I read- Breakfast at Tiffany's- focused on "Team Together" and I've always loved that idea. I love it when Edward and Bella are a solid team.


Even if you are not a fan of sporty FF, I do recommend that you should give this story a try.

Forum: http://www.twilighted.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=8976

*NOTE: thanks for Mcc101180 for her awesome red penning. Oh, and enjoy Eclipse!*

Miss Scarlet has her Eyes Wide Shut with Maitressesaint!

Good Morning! And Happy Eclipse Day to most! Today is a big day in the fandom and I have to admit I will have to divulge as well and go see this movie.

So in celebration of the NEW Twilight film, I am bringing you a NEW story and interview with the lovely Maitressesaint

Summary: "No one ever said love was easy, Bella." "No, but I never thought it could hurt this much." Bella and Edward meet through a mutual friend and before long become friends themselves. Eventually all canon/AH/Angsty Rated M for language and lemons.

Parere Miss Scarlet's (Miss Scarlet's Opinion)

Eyes Wide Shut is a new story that is really compelling actually. Bella is in a destructive relationship with Ben. She knows that she isn't in love with him and ignores all the signs that point to the exit but doesn't walk out of it. That is until she meets Edward. They have mutual friends but as you can tell they have some instant chemistry.This story is bound to have twists and turns of the natural kind but don't take my word for it, lets listen to the author.

He pulled me out of the kitchen, into the living room, leaving our large group of friends gaping behind us. His grassy pools spoke mounds as he backed me against the wall, one of his hands burning my skin as it rested on my hip. Jealousy and anger were coursing through his body as the notion that I could be with another man, one of his friends, dawned on him. He had seen me with boys before, but this was different. He could feel that I was ready to move on. It was too close to home.

"Why are you playing games, Bella?" His jaw was tense, but a small smirked played on his lips as his eyes bore into mine.

"It's not a game, Edward," I quipped, mocking his tone and stance.

"Everything we do is a game. Everything we have ever done has been game…" He pulled away, leaving his words hanging in the air. They stung more than they should. He was trying to hurt me, and my heart couldn't take much more. The sound of my palm connecting with his chiseled jaw echoed throughout the house.

"Don't be so bitter, baby," his voice was as smooth as ever. We stared at each other for a moment. A beautiful smirk adorned his lips and tears welled up in my eyes. Would he always affect me? Control me?

I pushed past him, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

Miss Scarlet: How did you get started with FF? Both reading and writing.

Maitressesaint: I was looking at SM’s website one day after reading Midnight Sun and came across a link for one of the Twilight forums on Café Mom. I read them for a couple weeks and saw different things mentioning FF, but never clicked. Then one of the ladies posted something about The Red Line. There was a summary, and a bunch of moms commented on it, so I decided to check it out. I’ve been hooked ever since.

I began writing after reading The Dartmouth Diaries by Clurrabella. She was updating so fast and she made it look so effortless. I had a story in mind and no one had done anything like it. There were many E cheats on B, but they were mostly T rated and he always got back in her good graces, so I decided to put my non T rated, non canon onto paper.

MS: What are your top 5 favorite FF’s you’ve read? Any recommendations for our readers?

Maitressesaint: *groans* Just five? Really?

Bon Foi

Art School Confidential

Bitter Sweet Symphony

Age of Consent

Master of the Universe

I recommend them all! If you want something HILARIOUS!! Read Gynazole by Mrs.TheKing. It is crack at its finest.

MS: What do you HAVE to read the moment you see an update?

Maitressesaint: Bon Foi has become a recent favorite as well as Art School Confidential.

MS: Which pairings drive you crazy and why?

Maitressesaint: Rosalie/Edward. It’s the only pairing that gets under my skin and makes me feel violent. I’m not sure why. Maybe because he’s supposed to be practical and she’s so vain.

MS: Did you ever have an OMG moment in FF? Like someone reviewed you or rec’d you and you literally squeed?

Maitressesaint: Hmmmm… I guess anytime I get rec’d I have an OMG moment. I had one when I was asked to do this interview. :) Oh! And anytime I get praise from Cullen818 on anything. I adore her. She’s a really talented writer and such a down to earth woman, so I fangirl anytime I get rec’d on one of her blogs.

MS: What is your favorite curse word?

Maitressesaint: Fuck. Hands down. There are so many different ways to use it. I have a 2 year old at home and we don’t curse in front of her, so I use it freely in my writing and “afterhours”. It’s my way of rebelling. LOL

MS: Which is your favorite characterization or Edward, Emmett, and Jasper? i.e darkward, dilfmett, etc.

Maitressesaint: Edward is definitely Darkward, Emmett is Dilfmett, and Jasper is a tossup between Whorsper and Geeksper.

MS: If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Maitressesaint: I’d be happy with a simple ‘welcome’.

MS: What is the inspiration for EWS?

Maitressesaint: Eyes Wide Shut is based off of my first "true" love.

MS: Do you find it difficult or easier to go off of real events?

Maitressesaint: Hm, I think some parts will be easier than others. The first two chapters were pretty difficult because I hated who I was then. Knowing what I know now I would have handled things a lot differently, so it's hard to go back and relive it.

MS: What do you think about the addition of original characters? Do you think that can hinder some of the following of the story?
 
Maitressesaint: Definitely, but for me that doesn't matter much. It's my story. I write it because I love it, not for the reviews or the hits. I appreciate all of my readers, but people read fanfiction for that "Twilight" character fantasy, so yeah, I think it can hinder it.

MS: What do you hope to get across with this story?

Maitressesaint: That love isn't always about hearts, flowers, and romance. You can love someone wholeheartedly, but sometimes it isn't enough, and that not all great love stories have to end with an HEA.

MS: Since this is such a fresh story, what can we expect from it?
 
Maitressesaint: Ack! Um, I don't want to give too much away, but there will be quite a bit of angst. Lots of smut. I think the most important thing though is Bella's story. She is young and naive. She's never had to fend for herself, so you'll get to watch her growing process. She transitions a lot from year to year.

MS: What is the best and worse thing about this fandom for you?

Maitressesaint: If I answered in one word it would be the same - the community. There is so much positivity, but also a lot of negativity. There are always people looking to lift you up and encourage you, but then there are the ones that do the complete opposite. I love being part of the fandom, but I learned quickly to ignore the negativity and the drama. It can make what should be a fun experience a miserable one.

MS: If you could have any crackfic what would it be about?

Maitressesaint: HAHA uhhhh... Dildos and the gumball rally

MS: WTF? elaborate?

Maitressesaint: Do you watch Jackass?

MS:  I've seen a couple

Maitressesaint: Or did you rather? I guess it's not on anymore, but anyways, they did this thing called the gumball rally which my husband wants to do really bad, btw, but I can just imagine the boys doing the gumball rally and some crazy shit going down.

The next one starts in London and is 7 days long, so yeah... there would definitely be some fuckery. Anyone want to write that for me?

MS: LOL

Maitressesaint: http://www.gumball3000.com/TOUR

Mean Mrs. Mustard talks about Here with Me with Sunsetwing!

I will admit it, there are a lot of stories out there that wonder what would have happened if Edward hadn’t come back for Bella in New Moon. I read several of them and they all intrigue me, especially Here with Me by Sunsetwing.

Her story takes place eight years later, and her Bella finds herself completely alone after Charlie’s passing. Life didn’t turn out quiet as Bella expected and she hasn’t truly moved on from Edward’s departure. Everyone else in her life has moved on, including the ever dutiful Jake, who is still a close friend. However, since Bella didn’t choose him, Jake had the chance to imprint, and he did, with a lovely girl named Haven. Bella’s closest friends are Angela and Ben, who are now married and living in Port Angeles. Angela does her best to try and keep Bella from falling apart, but sometimes it seems like an effort in futility.

I knew that Angela worried about me. I worried about me too. I wanted to be normal. I wanted to be happy like Angela and Ben, but my fate was sealed. I just needed to make the best of the situation.

Angela’s efforts to help Bella included a night out, drinking and dancing in Port Angeles. Unbeknownst to either of them, Edward and his brothers are also at the same club that night. Edward had been living in Vancouver for a little bit with his family, when Alice asked if she could check in on Bella down in Forks. Needless to say, Alice wasn’t impressed by what she found; Bella was a shell of her former self. They all move back to Forks, intent on helping Bella, and the boys follow her to the club just to make sure everything is ok, which it isn’t as some guy hits on Bella and Edward lets his jealous get the better of him. When he comes face to face with Bella, she does the only thing she can think of… she passes out. Thank god for Angela though.

"Don't act like you don't know what you did when you left. She told me what you said about her not being good enough for you. That girl is ruined, broken beyond repair because of you. To this day I am still trying to find the pieces and put her back together." I let the thoughts of the last eight years flood through my head in hopes of coming across something that I could use as verbal ammunition against him.

His face suddenly distorted into a mask of pain.

"What, was that not something you expected to find when and if you ever came back? Did you think that she would just move on with someone else, forget everything? Well I am so sorry to disappoint you, Edward. She did not forget, nor did she move on." I was furious with him. I felt that it was so presumptuous for him to come back and not face any repercussions for what he did.

"How bad was it, Angela?" He asked in a low voice. It almost sounded like he was crying.

"Why do you really care? Never mind…it doesn't matter. I don't think this is a conversation for the middle of the street. I need to call Ben and have him come and get me and Bella…"

Sunsetwing has done a wonderful job of illustrating Bella’s hopelessness and sadness at the way her life has turned out. She’s a teacher, but she doesn’t seem to love her job. She’s a friend, but she feels like she is holding her friends back because of her emotional distance from them. She was a daughter, and she feels like she let Charlie down by not truly getting over Edward and moving on with her life. Sunsetwings’ characterizations are well done and she is staying relatively true to canon, which is appreciated by this reader.

This story is just beginning to unfold and I am thrilled with the direction it is taking. Yes, for those of you who like your lemons, there will be some lemony goodness in future chapters, but you just need to read it yourself to find out more. I’m confident that you won’t be disappointed with this story, I know I wasn’t.

Now, onto my lovely interview with Sunsetwing!

MMM: How did you get started with FF? Both reading and writing.

SW: I had been interested in reading fan fiction, and was on the Twilight Moms website. They have a thread for it, and when I clicked on a story that looked interesting, it lead me into the craziest world that I never ever imagined existed. I literally was addicted the moment I read my first story. I was reading so much that I would print out the stories so that I could read them when I was away from my computer. Seriously, I still have it so bad. I had to have my cousin start reading stories with me so that I had someone to gush with after we finished reading. Now she's just as addicted as I am now.

Writing was different for me, though. I already write lengthy stories that I created myself for some years now. This was kind of an outlet to use characters that didn't really need developing, but still have a way to create something that was in my head as a useful writing exercise.

The characters are so beloved that it is in some ways easier to use them than trying to create your own. Stories flow, as far as I'm concerned, because we all know, for the most part, what our characters are like. Not always, but then the variations still come back to the fact that at their core, the characters are esthetically the same.

Now I just have all these ideas with what I can do with the characters, and take them to where I want them to go.

MMM: What inspired you to write ‘Here with Me’?

SW: I loved the Twilight Series of books. I just felt like, at times, that she kind of took an easy route. I mean, I don't think for one minute that they aren't freakin' fantastic, but I just wanted more from them. I kind of always wondered what would have happened if Alice didn't come back, and Edward never thought that Bella had died. What if, she just had to keep on going?

I knew that in my heart, Edward would have eventually caved and came back to at least check on her. But I wondered what kind of life she would have actually had. I made everything a little worse for Bella than I'm sure people would have expected. The reason for that was that, if Edward really thought that she was better off without him, maybe she wasn't going to be. Things did not get better; she did not find someone else. She just continued to lose one thing after another, whether it is people or life experiences.

I just wanted to explore that, and see what I thought would actually happen.

MMM: When you started writing fan fic, were you ever discouraged about it? Maybe worried that people wouldn't like your writing? If so, what did you think about it?

SW: I really only got discouraged after my first negative review. The person was mad that I had Bella and Edward intimate after first seeing each other for the first time in eight years. Now, I write for myself, but when someone criticizes your decisions, it's sometimes hard to take. Actually, it made me feel like crap as a writer, and was a blow to the self esteem. I just had to really go back think about why I did what I did, and ultimately I felt better once I justified it to myself.

I think there is always a worry about what people think of your writing. It's like a piece of your brain, or letting someone read your diary. These thoughts and words come from a private place, and when we choose to share them I think that's extremely personal.

At the same time, I definitely think that negative criticism is important to help you grow. We're not perfect, but there is definitely room to get better in each of us.

MMM: What are some things you tend to steer away from when writing a story?

SW: Writing drama for the sake of writing drama. I hate when all of a sudden someone just throws some ridiculous conflict in just because. I feel like everything has to have a reason and a purpose in a story.

MMM: You killed Charlie off in Chapter One… What the hell??

SW: It goes back to Bella not having the life that Edward wanted her to have. She lost him, then Jake, and Charlie was essentially the last male she had in her life. Edward thought she would be safe, better off, but in the end, he just left her alone and without family. I hated to kill Charlie, but he unfortunately needed to go to bring her to her lowest point. She really couldn't lose much else, except for her life.

MMM: I love the genuine friendship you have created between Bella and Angela. They are very funny and realistic together. I always wished in the original stories that they were closer. What made you write them as best friends in your story?

SW: Angela just always seemed to be her most genuine human friend. Everyone else was too self centered, and really not worth Bella's time anyway. I loved Angela in the books and figured that she would be the one good thing left for Bella. Kind of like the life that Bella should have had, but at the same time a polar opposite situation. I needed Bella to see that there was some good left in the world so she wouldn't totally give up.

MMM: How do you like adding in original, non canon characters, like your Haven? Did you find it difficult at all?

SW: Yes and no. Yes, because it's not someone familiar. This character and her personality may not mesh well with the rest so that is a worry. No, because it isn't like she's a major player so we don't see her that often.

MMM: What are your top 5 favorite FF’s you’ve read?

SW: Clipped Wings and Inked Armor by hunterhunting, High Anxiety by EdwardsBloodType, Time Changes by twiXlite, The Red Line by WinndSinger, The Misapprehension of Bella Swan by hunterhunting

MMM: What stories do you recommend for our readers?

SW: Bella Down Under by Feral and Ferla, Decoy by 107yearoldvirgin, Major Misconduct by m7707, Take the Ice by bellamarie117. And definitely my favorites.

MMM: What do you HAVE to read the moment you see an update?

SW: The Misapprehension of Bella Swan by hunterhunting is definitely something that I wait for anxiously every Wednesday.

MMM: Have you ever had any surreal moments in fic? Times where you wondered what the hell you were doing, or shocked that something happened?

SW: Recently I was asked to let Twi-Fic Promotions review my story because someone had recommended it to them. I was a little blown away by that, especially when they told me that they don't review every recommendation. I was just surprised that people were starting to take notice of my story.

MMM: If you had to mismatch the canon pairings who would you put with who and why?

SW: Strangely enough, I sometimes would love to put Alice and Edward together. I had read a story awhile back where they were best friends and Alice secretly had crushed on Edward her whole life. They did get together for one night, but he ended up with Bella. I just always kind of liked that idea.

MMM: And which pairings drive you crazy and why?

SW: I am probably going to get hate mail for this one, but, Bella and Jasper. They just seem more like the brother, sister relationship rather than romantic. For me at least.

MMM: What is your craziest fan encounter or review?

SW: The craziest ones so far are the people that tell me that I made them cry. Seriously, that just amazes me that I would be able to do that.

MMM: Did you ever have an OMG moment in FF? Like someone reviewed you or rec’d you and you literally squeed?

SW: Coldplaywhore... seriously love her stories and when I saw that she had read I literally jumped up and down. (For the record, MMM did not edit this LOL)

MMM: If you could beat the shit out of one Twilight character, from the book or movie, who would it be? How would you do it and why?

SW: Strangly enough, I would say Bella. I feel like she always knew really that she would be with Edward. But, at the same time she just kept leading Jacob along. I realize that they were close, but when posed with the perfect man, who was literally made for you, make a decision and stick with it. She just seemed like it wasn't clear to her, and I understood her reasoning, but then stay away from both of them then.

MMM: What is your favorite curse word?

SW: Fuck, definitely fuck

MMM: What is/was your favorite smutty story?

SW: Clipped Wings and Inked Armor

MMM: If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

SW: Surprise!!

Mrs. White gets some Love on Wheels with Bratty-Vamp!

It’s fast…It’s fun…It’s 1978!

Come on, how could you not be interested in a story after an intro like that? Will it help if I mention it takes place in a roller rink? You know you’re excited by this. Just the thought of sequined tube tops… The image of bell bottom pants… The sound of disco music wafting through the air… The feel of feathered hair held in place by aqua net… You can’t resist it! It’s like a craving, a need, and it’s only growing stronger. You want Rollerward, don’t you? I don’t know if that’s what he goes by, but that’s what I like to call him, and believe me, I’d have been calling him if I was his age in 1978!

Love on Wheels is a movin’ and groovin’ story by Bratty_Vamp, who has written some of my very favorite fan fiction stories. When I first saw this story, I was hesitant. She does angst and heartfail so well, I didn’t know if I’d be all up in her grill for some fast, fun times. I was wrong. I started rolling with this story and couldn’t stop! It was incredible and I loved every perfectly placed reference to the psychedelic times that were happenin’ in the 70’s.

Edward and his gang are teenagers in Forks, hanging out at the roller rink every weekend. They are by far the best booters in town, with Edward the star of their little group. As summer comes along, Edward decides he’s had enough of the single skating—he wants to partner up and do the couples skate on a permanent basis. Enter Bella Swan, whose daddy Charlie owns the skating rink. Bella works in the concession stand and Edward can’t get enough of the short shorts she wears. Edward thinks Bella just might be the partner he’s been looking for, only problem is…Bella can’t skate. At all. It’s embarrassing, really, and after accepting Charlie’s offer to teach the children’s skating lesson class for the summer, Edward soon finds himself teaching Bella all about skating too, both on and off the roller rink floor.


I loved this story, which has recently completed. It’s funny, it’s sweet, it’s tension filled, it’s angsty, it’s everything I want in a good story, and it’s not super long, so you can read it in a day. Bratty_Vamp creates well rounded characters as well as a solid plotline, and she executes them flawlessly. I was drawn completely in from the first chapter and loved every minute of it! Her Jasper is a bit of a tool, which is nice, and her Edward is slightly conceited, which I loved, but her Bella was sweet, endearing, and feisty, which is always one of my favorite combinations.

Love on Wheels is a fun story that will leave you longing for a good Bee Gee’s song, maybe a disco ball in your living room, and pliers to zip up your way-too-tight pants. All in all, it’s good fun and an amazing story. Plus Edward likes his Stella’s…if you know what I mean. 

"Let's get down!" Alice squealed, and she and Rosalie linked arms before running into the front doors of the Dive. Emmett, Jasper, and I opted to slow down to our typical strut. We cased the joint, and always made an entrance.

"So… gonna find a bunny to skate with tonight?" Jasper looked over at me while he tossed fifty cents up on the rental counter to get a pair of skates. I winced as Eric Yorkie handed him some ugly brown rentals with orange wheels and matching stoppers.

"When are you going to stop renting, and just buy your own damn skates?" I asked, ignoring his question.

"These are fine," Jasper frowned, eyeing the spin of the wheels for balance. In some weird way, I had a feeling that Jasper rented his skates as a further illustration of his lack of ability to commit.

I, however, took great pride in lacing up my pristine black skates. Black wheels, black stoppers, black laces, black leather… my skates fit me perfectly and I fucking loved them. They were a hell of a lot better than the lame skates that Emmett wore to match Rosalie's. He was so whipped.

Gloria Gaynor was playing when we made our way out to the rink. It's like the crowd actually parted to make room for us to skate into the masses of people gliding their way around the smooth waxed floor. Emmett wasted no time, flipping Rosalie around to skate backwards in front of him while they did the Hustle. Jasper picked up a grinning Alice, and deposited her on his shoulders, right away.

Like usual, I skated alone.

I let my wheels carry me around the floor, sliding my feet in half-scissor rolls, and alternating heel kicks. Once I got enough momentum, I jumped in the air and touched my toes just to remind everyone at the rink who the best skater around was.

That's right. Edward Cullen. And none of the rink-rats would forget it. I was just that good.

Emmett and Jasper were great skaters. Don't get me wrong. But they worked in teams. They always had partners. My solo-skating allowed me to concentrate on tricks that set me apart…made me shine.

And I tried not to feel jealous about the fact that I didn't have a partner to work with.

As if the motion of my body was dictated by my current thoughts, I skated away from the group and found myself standing at the half-wall divider that separated the skating floor from the carpeted lounge area around the rink. My hands rested on the carpeted surface, and I pressed the tops of my legs into the wall while I looked over at the concession stand.

Bella Swan was standing on the counter, with her back to me. Her arms were above her head while she changed the letters on the menu board above the snack counter. And God help me, the position had the back of her tiny yellow shorts rising so high, I could almost make out … yes… she was wearing white panties.

 

Mrs. White – Hey Bratty_Vamp! Thanks for meeting me here, even though I don’t skate at all.

Bratty_Vamp - No problem. And it's okay if you don't skate well. You'll just make me look better.

MW – Oh great, so I’m gonna look like a total dork. Ehhh, that’s nothing new.

BV - I'll teach you a few tricks. No worries.

MW – Alright! I’m excited now! So, how did you get started in fan fic?

BV: I had never read any fanfic until I saw a bunch of people on LJ talking about the story “Wide Awake.” I wanted to know what that was all about… so I read it. It was the first fan fic story I read. Then one night, I was talking to a couple of friends online, and I mentioned that I thought it would be fun to try to write a story. They told me I should give it a shot. They told me about fanfic.com, and walked me through how to post. I blame them, entirely.

BV - Apple pie with vanilla ice cream. **turns around and starts skating backwards in front of Mrs. White so they can talk easier**

MW – Yum!! **watches as people wipe out, trying to get out of the way because Bratty_Vamp clearly isn’t watching where she’s going**

BV – True dat. I live on the edge, yo. Apple pie is hard core.

MW - **hee-hee** Sounds fun. So what’s your favorite fan fic story and why?

BV - Oooh. That’s actually pretty tough. Since I jumped into this stuff… I’ve read tons. I think I’m going to have to go with “Mutually Assured Destruction” by Jandco. It was the first fanfic I remember reading that actually transported me emotionally into the story. I felt like I was on drugs or something, while reading it. But there is LOTS of really great stuff out there.

MW - Oh, I loved that story. I really was good. **grabs onto the wall before falling on her ass**

BV – You okay? We can slow down if you need to. It's not easy to make skating look this easy. ( Ignore the CGI blue-screen set up behind me.)

MW – Oh yeah, I’ll be fine. I’m just getting familiar with this hand rail here, we’re all good. So, what is the last movie you saw in a theater?

BV - Toy Story 3. LOVED it.

MW – Ohhh, I wanna see that. Any man named Woody is a good man in my opinion.

BV – I dare you not to cry.

MW – Oh well crap, crying over Woody and Buzz? Maybe I’ll just stick to sparkly vampires when I go to the theater. So how did you come up with the idea for you stories?

BV - I really don’t know. They just pop into my head. I’ve never been inspired to write based on anything outside my own mind... like song lyrics or something. It really feels a bit like I just saw a really great movie, and I’m trying to type it all out to re-tell the story I saw.

MW – How did you come up with this story, it’s so different! And the references in it…did you have to look them up or did you just know them?

BV – I researched like crazy. I relied on a lot of movies/ television shows and music videos on youtube from the time period.

MW - Nice! My kind of research…youtube. Hey, you ever seen the movie Dazed and Confused?

BV - I saw it once a long time ago. And it's funny... because a LOT of people compared my story to that movie.

MW – Well, I know when I read your story I was constantly quoting lines from that movie. Wait, I do that all the time anyway. Seriously, Matthew McConaughey…he’s pretty, and in those tight pants…very Edwardly, I gotta say.

BV - People compared his character to my Jasper and compared Edward to 'Pink'. I thought it was pretty funny.

MW – Oh, yeah. I think it's the blonde hair. And you're right, Edward is much more ‘Pink’. He was pretty too...

BV - But it wasn't intentional in any way.

MW - I love that movie, just saying. :D But I do totally picture it when I read your story.

BV - I just wanted Edward to be a typical teen guy. But with an enormous.... ego.

MW - Enormous something is right. :D

BV - It's a great movie. I take that as a compliment

MW - :D But it has Ben Affleck...ewww. :D That's the only down side, though that may be why I hate him. I don't know. :D

BV - **does a spin and kicks a girl skating by... causing her and her boyfriend to fall** Whoopsies. People should watch where they are going.

MW – Like, totally. Wait, wrong decade. So, who is your favorite character to write?

BV - I usually love my Edward's. But I’ve had the most fun with my Jasper's in the past. Definitely Edward this time, though. Jasper was a tool.

MW – I love Edward’s too… **gazes off as she swoons and runs right into a 5 year old** Oh sorry!

Tot on Wheels – Watch it Grandma!

BV - Gotta watch those speed bumps.

MW – Boy I guess. Rude little Rink Rat! **adjusts her leopard print leotard and sequined belt** So, which Disney Princess most closely resembles you and why?

BV - Dang…. Uh. Don’t know. Maybe Princess Aurora? Since I have long, blonde hair. It would be more comparable if she looked pissed off and said 'shit' a lot.

MW – Sounds logical, for sure. So, how did you meet and get your beta?

BV - Kalejay is a friend I met online while playing around with LJ. We chatted one night, and I found out that she writes too. I asked her if she’d like to pre-read for me sometime. Eventually we both just started reading each other’s stuff, to offer opinions and suggestions and such. She’s a darling for putting up with me, because I’m pretty stubborn and I just like things the way I like them. And she is WAY talented and does all of my banners and stuff for me too. I got lucky to have met her… because through it all, she has also become a very dear friend.

MW – Hmmm, that is sweet. Hey, how about snacks? I’m starving, all this effort getting around the rink is wearing me out! **as she completes her first lap**

BV – Hot dogs are on sale...

MW – **hee-hee** Why do I have a feeling you aren’t talking about hot dogs? Hey, they have green olives. I love those, even when they aren’t in my martini.

BV - Green or black. I don’t discriminate.

MW – Ohhhhh, and is that a pina colada I see?

BV - Fresh Pineapple is my favorite fruit…

MW – Skating while drunk…this could be really fun. We could sell tickets to this show!

BV – No offense... but you are already skating like you're over the legal limit.

MW – Hey, no offense taken! I usually am pretty well tanked, so it’s normal. Plus, I just want to look the part, really. As long as I’m looking groovy, it’s all good.

BV - Oh hey! I know that guy. He skates here all the time. **waves... while he covers his crotch and pre-emptively dives for cover** You look great. I like your headband.

MW – Thanks! It was on clearance, can you believe that? Something this cool, on clearance? Whatever, it left me more alimony money for new garter belts. I do love those… So, how does it make you feel when people gush over you and your stories?

BV - Weird. I appreciate the compliments. It feels good to know that someone else has read your story, and has enjoyed it. But usually I try to pretend that no one else is reading. Because I am a nervous Nellie and I get myself stressed out if I start to think about having “an audience.”

MW – Well, you don’t seem to mind having an audience here. Look at how everyone stops to watch you…

BV - You should see me limbo. It's pretty impressive.

MW – Ohhh, they aren’t by chance having a contest for that tonight, are they?

BV - Nah. That's the third Family Night Wednesday of every month. Usually Sammy Jones wins it. I hate that whore. Seven year-olds just have the height advantage, ya know?

MW – Yeah, that sucks. Oh, I’d have to bring my kids for something like that, right? Yeah, I don’t like to be seen in public with them. They call me ‘Mom’ and that makes it too hard to pick up new potential Daddy’s.

BV - Ohhh... you should come out for Swinger's night. It's every fifth Tuesday. You gotta wade through a lot of chest hair and polyester... but you never know.

MW – Ohhhh, I’m so there!! And bonus, if I tell the kids I’m going swinging, they’ll think I’m going to the park. Nice. :) So, which Twilight saga book is your favorite? And what’s your opinion on Breaking Dawn?

BV - Eclipse was always my favorite. I didn’t hate Breaking Dawn the way a lot of people did. But I think Steph dropped the ball. She spent hundreds of pages introducing new vamps and their powers, setting up for a battle that was never going to take place. And she dismissed the characters that people had grown to know and love in the previous three books… spending no time with them whatsoever. It was sort of a let-down.

MW – I think you hit the nail on the head with that one! Oh, look at that guy over there…I wouldn’t mind hitting his head or letting him nail me.

BV - Oh? That's the rink guard. He's a pain my in my ass. He's always like "Blah blah blah... you have to watch where you're going. Blah blah blah... you can't just skate over people like that." Dang... he has to mop up a little bit of blood and it's like the end of the world.

MW – Well he could mop me up if he wanted to, that’s all I’m saying. You think if I throw myself on the floor and let you skate over me, he’d give me mouth to mouth?

BV - Um... maybe? But let's wait until the interview is done. I'd hate to get kicked off the floor for being "criminally reckless" and "borderline insane" again... before we had a chance to finish.

MW – Alright, I can wait. And don’t think I didn’t notice you said “Again” on that. We’re SO getting into that later. Oh hey, who is your celebrity crush?

BV – Robert Pattinson.

MW – Hmmmm, his name is like a magic word…makes me all tingley.

BV – I’d like to take him for a spin.

MW – **eyes glaze over as she dreams of “spinning” with RPattz** Yeah, I’ll bet he’d look good in a pair of wheels. Now, if you could give one piece of advice to a new author, what would it be?

BV - Know your story before you start. I think a lot of people get a great idea to begin… but then get stuck along the way because they haven’t figured the whole thing out yet. So know your story, and then stay true to it. Write it for you, and for your own enjoyment. Bonus points if someone else likes it too.

MW – Hmmmm, I like bonus points. Actually, I like cashing in on bonus points. Oh wait, I probably shouldn’t bring that up. Anyway, how’d you get your username?

BV - I asked myself what kind of vamp I’d be.

MW – Oh, I’d probably be whoryvamp, or sluttyvamp. Maybe cougaryvamp. I like those.

BV - Those are great vampy names!

MW – Yeah, I try. So, what is your favorite part about fan fic and the Twilight fandom?

BV - The Twilight fandom is nuts. I try to stay away from “grouping” myself. I enjoy the movies, and have fun keeping track of the actors. I just can’t let it be more serious than that. It’s a hobby- not my life. Yanno?

As far as fanfic goes? I absolutely love how intelligent, creative, and amazing some of these writers are. And it’s cool as hell to meet so many people who are willing to support you, and help you grow in your own endeavors.

MW – Wait, hobby? This isn’t real life? What? **starts to hyperventilate** You mean RPattz is not going to marry me one day? I’ve built up my incredible RobPorn collection for nothing? I mean, we are pretty cool here in the fandom, aren’t we? How could he NOT want me? I mean us? I mean, even in this rink, I think we’re the coolest ones here, the way everyone clears a path for us…it’s awesome. **starts to feel a bit better as she watches everyone move out of the way for them to pass by**

BV - I hate to tell you this... but I think they are only leaving the floor because I made a teensy error one time in thinking that 'shooting the duck' actually required a shot gun. But yeah- Pattinson would TOTALLY think we're groovy. No doubt about it.

MW – Yeah, I think he’d like us too. And you brought a shot gun in here? Did you do any cool tricks with it? I think I’d like to try a flaming baton while rolling around this place.

BV - Flaming batons don't work well with aqua net. And I didn't get a chance to shoot anything. Could have been cool though.

MW – Oh crap, forgot about the aqua net. Safety first, and all that. Whatever. I wanted to ask you, while we’re talking about being a little wild, what is your favorite ALMOST curse word?

BV - Almost? Probably “freaking.” As in “I have to do the freaking laundry.”

MW – Ohhhh, I love that one! I think I say that laundry phrase every week as I’m making kids sort clothes and fill the washing machine. They take forever, yelling crap about "child labor laws." Whatever.

BV - Your kids do the laundry? Sweet. Mind if I send some over?

MW – Sure, they’ll never notice it! They are great with ‘delicates’ too, so no worries about your lingerie being harmed. I know that’s a concern.

BV - Just you know... some of my skating costumes. They have to be handwashed so the glitter lettering and sequins don't fall off. And my leg warmers need to be washed in cold water so they won't shrink.

MW – Wow, it’s like we were separated at birth! I only hope we can tell my stuff apart from yours when it comes time to sort it out. So, one more question before we go get your laundry. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

BV - “You did good, kid.”

MW – Well, that is nice. **has happy feelings as she skates into a wall** Crap! You think you could roll over me quick while I’m laying down here? Get that guard over here for me?

BV - Sure... **backs up to have room to pick up speed** don't.... move.

MW - **closes her eyes as BV wheels right over her, then slowly raises her hands toward her chest** Call…rink…guard…need…mouth…to…mouth… **has moment of clarity and realizes rink guard will most likely rip open her snazzy leotard to do chest compressions, as well as get a good look at the boobage** Oh heck no, I spent days sewing these miniature disco ball buttons on this thing, they aren’t getting scattered! BV - **watches rink guard get closer, his whistle blowing** Shoot... Okay. I gotta bolt, sorry to run! But thanks. It's been tons of fun. All in the name of love. Eh?

Miss Scarlet has a few Moments with Irenella Courmett!

So I'm going to take this opportunity to share one of my favorite authors in fanfiction. So before I have rec'd a story by Crash Hale. I'm back to bring you the latest from her and her collaborator Court Hale. 

Moments by Irenella Courmett

Summary: Jasper is the married man and famous musician. Sometimes the temptation that comes with fame becomes too much. But what happens when temptation turns into something more? AH. AU. Rated M.

Parere Miss Scarlet's (Miss Scarlet's Opinion)

Moments is exactly what this story gives you. Great drama from the beginning. It starts off with you learning of a double life that Jasper is living. He is married to Maria and have two young sons, Emmett and Edward. His life seems perfect, he is a successful musician to boot. But what is on the outside is only half the story and half of this man's life. He also has another woman that he is in love with that isn't his wife; Alice. And to make things even more juicy, Alice and Jasper have a daughter together, Bella.

What draws you in is the love that you know Jasper has for both his families but can't make the choice. And to make matters worse for our favorite blonde, there is another man in Alice's life; James. Her best friend and basically the father that Bella needs when Jasper isn't available. You know James has a thing for Alice and adores Bella just as if she was his. But Alice's heart belongs to the man she continues to be with behind his wife's back.

This is such a good story. It has the drama that you need to keep you wanting more. And surprisingly it isn't a Bella/Edward story. If you are looking for something a bit different but equally good then this is the story for you to curl up with. It's only 4 chapters in so I suggest getting in on the ground floor of this one.

"Hey," I wrapped an arm around her waist from behind and kissed her shoulder.

"Hey," she whispered, letting her head drop back against my chest.

"Let's lay down," I said, walking her back to the bed already.

She pulled the covers back and crawled in. I followed behind, pushing her long hair behind her ear and moving in to kiss her. I could never get enough, not knowing how long it would be until the next one.

She held onto me and kissed me back with so much need and want it broke my heart not to be able to tell her I'd always be here. How could I be two people? In two places at once? I needed my boys and Maria as much as I needed my two girls.

Yes, I knew I was the asshole in this whole thing, no matter which way you were to look at it.

"I love you," she whispered against my lips, the kiss continuing.

I held her to me closely and she finally pulled away from this kiss, "Love you too, darlin', always."

She nodded and sighed, "Don't go yet."

I kissed her forehead and pulled her against my chest. "I'm here."

She snuggled into my chest and held onto me tightly. I stroked her hair all along, kissing the top of her head gently every once in awhile until she was asleep.

When I was sure of it because her hold on me was no longer tight, I slowly pulled away, being careful not to wake her when I moved her. She sighed in her sleep and snuggled against the pillow my head had just been on.

I fought not to just say fuck it and stay until morning before redressing and giving her one more kiss.

I left her bedroom and walked back into my baby's room again, kneeling beside her bed and watching my girl sleep peacefully. If angels were real, I knew they'd look just like her. She defined pureness and goodness, no matter what she came from. The things her father did didn't taint her innocence.

She'd grow up into a beautiful woman some day, and I knew she'd hate me for all the wrong I'd done by her and her mother, especially since she'd been born. But for now, she loved me. And I'd love her until the day I die, no matter what happened.

I kissed her chubby little cheek and inhaled her fresh scent, kissing the top of her head next and leaving through her door with a heavy heart.

I made my way out into the driveway and opened the car door, reaching into the back seat and pulling out what I had planned for them.

When I was back inside, by the dinning room table, I placed the large envelope down containing all they'd need - plane tickets, unlimited park entry tickets, the hotel reservations under her name, a letter explaining how I just wanted her and Bella to have some fun at Disney World together and money for whatever she may want or need.

I had an account Maria didn't know about, an account I used to give Alice money every month because I wanted her to live comfortably without having to worry about financial shit. I had the money to provide that for her at least. But I still left her money every time I saw her, just needing to do the only thing I could.

I looked around once more, going over to the fireplace and smiled at all the pictures of Bella lined up. I traced my fingers over the one of her sitting in Alice's lap on a swing at the park before I locked the house up and left for my long drive back home.

 

Ciao, dolcezze

Mr. Boody has A Beautiful Nightmare!

*Tippin' my hat*

Good evening, ladies and gents. I trust you are well.

My recc this week is a fabulous Jasper/Alice fic,

A Beautiful Nightmare

by Simone and Marie.

It took only one night, one action, for Jasper's world to be shattered. Will Edward and Co be able to pick up the pieces or will newcomer Alice be the one to stop the nightmares? Not your average fairytale. Jasper/Alice A/H Some non canon couples.

A Beautiful Nightmare is a wonderful and descriptive canon fic which tells the tale of Jasper and his eventual introduction to Alice. Will Alice be enough to help Jasper wake up from his AH, AU angst filled nightmare? Let's hope so!

Jasper really is the focal point and driving force of this fic – Simone and Marie display an acute understanding of Jasper's canon characterisations and use them incredibly well. Did I also mention Jasper's also a Daddy? And a completely, insanely hot one at that? Yes he is. *smirks*

As you have come to expect from me, this recc is slow and unsteady but completely addictive. Alice is just wonderful. She has a great depth to her character, and really compliments Jasper without the need to impress or try for his attention – she just fits. Simone and Marie's capture an Alice and Jasper that, for the first time that I have read, that should be together, forever. It's remarkable.

Simone and Marie have an incredible talent for writing and have opened my eyes to a new canon pairing I was otherwise unfamiliar with. (Please don't under-evaluate this statement, until you have written a multi-chapter fic with someone else, you can't appreciate what it is to achieve what they have done and with apparent ease.) Simone and Marie have this way of taking ideas you might not be keen on and bring absolute joy to the reading experience and I urge you to go forth and read.


*Taking a low bow*

Until next time, I bid you farewell.

School's Out: Edumacation Week! Mrs. White has a Counterpoint with sleepyvalentina!

Edumacation Week… As soon as I heard about it, I knew what story I had to have, and when I discovered that this would be showing on Father’s Day—it was a perfect fit! This story is all about students and teachers, and we find them not only in a classroom, but also in the bedroom as well as at the dinner table. What this story also has is one of the best father/son relationships I’ve ever seen written in fan fic. It’s one that, I gotta say, I’m slightly jealous of. Though in all honesty, I’m not sure if I’m more jealous of Edward being the son, or of Esme being the wife, because this Carlisle gives a whole new meaning to with word DILF. Oh yeah…he’s smokin’ hot, and I’m not even exaggerating the tiniest bit. I’d totally give up my cougar status to get with this man.

Counterpoint by sleepyvalentina is the Edward’s view point companion story to the original, Art After 5. This version, while keeping with the same time frame and events, shows us Edward’s side of things, which is fascinating, considering the fact that he’s a friggin’ genius. I love seeing his thoughts—the way he counts the minutes and seconds of every activity in his day. I love the way his mind bounces back and forth between complex, adult thoughts, and those of an inexperienced, horny teenaged boy. It’s incredible the way sleepyvalentina has written him, and I can say with no hesitation that this Edward is my favorite Edward in all of fan fiction. Heck, he’s my favorite Edward ever! There, I said it! I’m not ashamed…I love this quirky, horny, genius, teenaged man boy. Is it wrong to be attracted to both a father and his son? Hmmm, I need to check with my fellow cougars on that one.

Counterpoint is the story of Edward and Bella, two people that are falling in love despite a very big obstacle — he’s 17 and has just graduated from high school, and she’s 25 and a teacher at said high school. Now don’t go getting your panties in a bunch…she was never HIS teacher, though he did pass her in the halls and dream of her every night. One Friday night fate intervenes and Edward approaches Bella while at the art museum. The attraction is instantaneous and they both know it. Though Bella may fight it, Edward knows she is the one for him…the only girl he’s ever really fanaticized about, and he’s not about to let her go, despite issues in her life that lead her to make some rather rash, odd, sexy, and even heartbreaking choices. There are several times in this story where the roles of teacher and student are reversed, and we soon see that not only do each of them have a lot to offer, but they also have a lot to learn.

This story is one of my favorite stories in all of fan fiction, and that’s saying a lot because I’m a story whore and goodness knows I love my fan fics. Okay, well some people say I’m a whore in other areas too, but whatever. The way sleepyvalentina has created her characters…the honesty and realness that she has given the plotline…the emotion she has conveyed…and the lemons… Oh. My. Goodness…the lemons. Let’s just say that Bella has a lot to teach and Edward is a very eager and fast learner. I think you know what I’m talking about. Seeing these two characters face their inner demons, battle their pasts, tear down preconceived notions…it’s all so beautiful and perfect. The story is sweet and tender, hot and erotic, heartbreaking and loving…and I couldn’t love it more. Trust me when I tell you to read this story. Don’t make me paddle you…though I know you’d like that.

Now, it is Father’s Day, and maybe in honor of that you should check out this Carlisle because I’m not lying when I say he’s incredible. Not only is he an amazing father, but he’s so sexy… Uhhhh, the things that man could do with his trained surgeon hands… I think I need to go raid my Robporn stash and find those PFach pictures I added to it. He’s pretty… Ohhh, and where’s that paddle…

"Would you like to come upstairs?"

"Very much so."

As if sensing my trepidation, she took me by the hand and gently pulled me up the steps behind her.

"This isn't a big deal, Edward. You've been here before."

"No, Bella. I'm fairly sure I've never been here before."

She gave me a tour which lasted one minute and seventeen seconds before pulling me into her bedroom. She walked over to her nightstand and before turning to face me. Almost in slow motion, she pulled the tie on the side of her dress and it fell to the floor.

Breasts. Oh my god, her breasts. They were small and perfect, with soft pink nipples. I lowered my gaze, past the round indentation of her navel to the swell of her hips, naked except for a black lace thong. I suddenly understood why artists were obsessed with the female form. I wanted to ask her to turn around so I could see her bottom, but didn't know how to ask politely. As it was, I could barely control myself.

Both my face and my cock were on fire. It felt so wrong to gawk at her, but I gawked nonetheless. I was trembling from a combination of nerves and need.

Bella wanted me to fuck her. That much was obvious. Despite what Emmett had said about her not dating much, her behavior seemed to indicate that she was very experienced sexually. Together, those details could only mean that she regularly had sex outside of committed relationships, and now she wanted to have sex with me. Sex, which for her, would be meaningless. As much as I wanted her, I knew I couldn't do this.

She walked towards me and wrapped her arms around my waist.

With great effort, I found my voice. "Bella..."

"Shh." She placed her hands on my face. "Tell me what you want."

"Everything," I whispered.

"It's all yours."

She was offering me her body, in any way I wanted it, but it wasn't enough to satisfy me. I wanted her mind and soul, but more than anything I wanted her heart. She already had mine, though I doubted she knew this. I've loved Bella from the moment I saw her, my dad always told me that sex was far more fulfilling when it was an expression of love.

I could take her into my arms and wordlessly express my feelings for her. Somehow, though, I didn't think she would grasp the significance of my doing so. I would be just another guy she's fucked. And if I didn't perform well-and given my complete lack of experience, I did not expect to-I may never hear from her again. That would destroy me.

I put my arms around her, holding her tightly against me, hoping my trembling would subside. It didn't. Her skin was soft and hot and I needed to feel it. I took a step back and ran my hands up the front of her body, brushing her breasts with my knuckles. Her areolas responded to my touch and she closed her eyes, inhaling sharply. I held one of her breasts in each of my hands while stroking her nipples with my thumbs.

I was so lost in the feeling that I was actually touching her there, that I didn't notice she was undressing me until there were only two buttons remaining on my shirt.

"Bella, stop."

"Do you want to do that part?" she asked.

"That's not it."

I was expecting her to ask me why I wanted to stop, or maybe to try to convince me to continue. Her tears took me completely off guard.

"Are you okay?" I asked stupidly.

"I'm fine." She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, leaving a trail of black below her knuckles.

She thought I didn't want her. I undid the remaining button of my shirt and pulled it around her, nudging her arms into the sleeves. Somehow, she was even more arousing in my shirt than she was in just a thong moments earlier. I knew I needed to be up-front about what I really wanted.

"We need to talk," I said finally. 

 

Mrs. White - Hey sleepyvalentina, thanks for meeting me at the art museum today. Goodness knows I'm not cultured in any way.

Sleepyvalentina – I'm sure that isn't true.

MW – Well, I do have some lovely spray painted macaroni art pieces that my kids have made. You ever make any of those?

SV – I don't think they trusted us with spray paint.

MW – Bummer. How did you get started in fan fic?

SV - I started by reading exclusively pre-Twilight canon fics, then moved on to anything that ignored the existence of Breaking Dawn.

MW – Hmmmm, interesting. Hey, did you bring any snacks with you? My kids found my chocolate stash...

SV - I don't think I've ever brought my own snacks, unless you consider the contents of my flask to be food. When you consider how notoriously bad theatre food is, though, I probably should sneak food in. When I saw the revival of Follies on Broadway, the theatre had separate entrances for the cheap seats and the good seats. During intermission my sorority sister and I were standing outside smoking, and she sees someone with a better biscotti than what they were selling at the balcony. She then proceeded to talk a random person in the orchestra section into switching ticket stubs with her just long enough so that she could buy one of the "good" biscotti. To this day, I'm not sure which part is more hilarious—that she had the audacity to ask, or that the person she approached understood her plight and conceded.

MW – Wow, you and your sorority sister sound like you'd be fun to party with. So what’s the first fan fiction story you read?

SV - I can't even begin to remember.

MW – Well, I know one of my first was your story Art After 5. Why do you think I wanted to meet here? I'm hoping to find a young Edward that I can train.

SV - Maybe we should head over to the Eakins' wing, then. That's where Youngward likes to hang out.

MW – I'm all over that! What’s your favorite fan fic story and why?

SV - I love fics for different reasons; it's impossible to single out a favorite. Right now I'm obsessed with In the Shadow of Ursa Minor by JosieSwan.

MW – Ohhhh, is it about stars? I like stars.

SV - It's a Twilight/Legends of the Fall crossover. It's amazing.

MW – Hmmmm, Brad Pitt was in that movie. I like Brad Pitt, too. Hey do you have any movie star crushes?

SV - I don't have celebrity crushes. Too much of my attraction to someone is based on his personality for someone I don't know to appeal to me.

MW – Look at you...so sensible. I like it. How did you come up with the ideas for you stories?

SV - Art After 5 began as a oneshot for a forbidden love contest. Counterpoint was an Art After 5 writing exercise that exploded into its own thing. Everything else I've written came from either auction or fic exchange prompts.

MW – I think I've told you this before, but your Edward is my favorite Edward ever. There is just something about that boy, I mean man...I love him. I am the only one who swoons over him like this?

SV - No, Youngward has quite the following.

MW - Hmmmm, I've got some competition, it seems. No worries...I can be very persuasive. Plus I have a great hot tub...I know he likes those. So, who is your favorite character to write?

SV - Vampward.

MW – Man, I don't read any vamp stuff, even though my friends keep telling me how incredible it is. I'm all human, and I like my Edward's young...like the high school, bad boy type.

SV - You should give it a try. You're missing out on so much. Sparkly vampires brought us here, right?

MW – True. I did like the sparkliness in the books... Maybe I'll have to cave one of these days. So, how did you meet and get your beta?

SV - I met my primary beta, Wickedcicada, through Vixen1836. VivaViva is my back-up beta and resident expert on canon, and I met her through Giselle-lx.

MW – Ohhh, Wickedcicada...I love that woman. She taught me all about em dashes...I don't think I'll ever forget that. And VivaViva is incredible too. You have some amazing friends. I'm jealous.

SV – I know, I'm very lucky. I've met a lot of amazing women in the fandom.

MW – Great, just rub it in, why don't you? :D How does it make you feel when people gush over you and your stories?

SV - Self-conscious and slightly awkward.

MW – Ahhh, that's so sweet. So if I go all fan girl on you, it's gonna get uncomfortable, right?

SV - Not for you. The good thing about being trained as an actor is that when I feel self-conscious and weird, no one can tell.

MW - Oh look at that, I'm falling more and more in love with you. Hey, do you watch Glee?

SV - Yes, I watch Glee. I love Glee. As a theatre geek, I have hard time attributing any songs to Glee, as none of them are original, but I will say that "There is nothing ironic about show choir" remains one of my favorite lines from anything.

MW – Yeah, I like the songs, but seriously, have you seen Finn and Puck? Oh yumminess...

SV – You are such a cougar.

MW – Yes, well, I usually prefer leopard print clothing, but that's neither here nor there. Have you ever dated a younger man?

SV - No, I've never dated one. Eventually, though, I married one. We kind of skipped the whole dating part.

MW - Oh no, that's the funnest part. So, which Twilight saga book is your favorite? And what’s your opinion on Breaking Dawn?

SV - Breaking Dawn should DIAF. My favorite of the series was Twilight.

MW – Goodness, tell me how you really feel, don't hold back. :D Are you excited to see Eclipse?

SV - Yes, but more because of the experience of seeing it with so many fandom friends.

MW – Yeah, that is pretty great about these films...getting to be with so many other people that love the same thing you do. What is your favorite part about fan fic and the Twilight fandom?

SV - I've met a few women whom I know will be my friends for life.

MW – Ohhhhhh, look how sweet and lovey you are. Oh hey, I forgot to ask, what’s your favorite color of M&M?

SV – Green.

MW – Mine too! I love green everything. I have a green phone...it's pretty.

SV - I've been looking for a green and gold sparkly iphone case forever. No luck though.

MW – That does sound like fun. Man, all this walking is making me tired. I need a bench. Have you ever sat on something, thinking it was a seat, and really it was an art piece?

SV - No. I make it my business to know exactly what I'm sitting on.

MW – Smart woman. Oh hey, did you see that episode of Everybody Loves Raymond where Marie makes that statue that looks like a woman’s… :D

SV - No.

MW – Okay, I clearly watch too much tv. You probably don't even have a favorite tv show from your childhood, huh?

SV - Oh, I have no idea. When I wasn't at school I was usually with my grandparents, and they weren't big on television. I read and played a lot of Scrabble.

MW – Yep, me...not cultured. I do have a necklace with a Scrabble tile on it. It's cute, my sister made it for me. If you could give one piece of advice to a new author, what would it be?

SV - Take everything with a grain of salt and don't get swept up in fandom politics. Be equally discerning in your acceptance of praise as you are in your acceptance of criticism. Recognize that very little of it—the good and the bad—is about you. And never confuse what you write with who you are.

MW - * stops and stares at sleepyvalentina * Wow, you are so smart. I really need to hang out with more people like you. I might actually learn something.

SV - Experience is often the best teacher.

MW – So true. Hey, how many purses do you have?

SV - Are you kidding? Do you seriously expect me to count? If I had to guess, I'd say it hovers around the same number as Counterpoint Bella's sexual partners.

MW - * hee-hee * Yeah, she had a good time before she met Edward. Gives me hope... So, what's your favorite almost curse word?

SV - I usually just curse, but I have been known to say "eff" instead of fuck in certain contexts

MW – Oh, you're so wild and crazy. I like it. So since we're being all cultured and refined, have you used those opera binocular things? You know, like in Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts tries to use them?

SV - I do own a pair of opera glasses, yes. They were my grandmother's. I've used them, but not often. My primary issue at the opera and theatre is when Atlas comes and sits in front of me.

MW – I hate when that happens. It's so rude. Though if it's a guy and he's hot, I wouldn't mind sitting on his lap.

SV – It's hard to be short.

MW – That's what I hear, I wouldn't know. So, if Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

SV - Your father-in-law is waiting for you.

MW – Goodness gracious, who knew you were so sweet and sappy? * sniffle * I just want Rpattz there to greet me, but then that would mean he'd have to die before me and I don't think I could live through that. Though I do have my awesome Robporn collection to tide me over.

SV – I've heard your collection is extensive.

MW – It is...it really is. It takes up a whole closet at the moment, though I may need to move one of my kids out of their bedroom soon. I've got more posters and cardboard figures on their way. You know, really I just want him playing the piano for me forever. That's not too much to ask, right? I mean, if you were with a musician, what instrument would you want him to play?

SV - To quote Counterpoint: "Bagpipers can hold their breath for minutes at time. Imagine the uses I could find for your mouth."

MW – Oh goodness...he may have to take up the bagpipes for me. I do love the way they sound. Maybe it's because I'm part Scottish. Or maybe it's just all the Scotch I've consumed...

SV - Or the easy access a kilt can provide.

MW – Oh, I do like the way your mind thinks. :D Well, I guess this is the end of the art stuff, huh? Maybe next time we can go somewhere more along the lines of my artistic tastes. I'm thinking Disneyland. We could let the kids run wild while we hassle some Princesses. My favorite is Sleeping Beauty, but I don't look like any of them.

SV – My favorite is Snow White—you know, for obvious reasons.

MW – Yeah, my friend BittenBee smuggled vodka in and was plastered all day. She said it was awesome! I'm sure we could top that. Maybe I'll even find a Prince Charming with amazing sex hair...

SV - Or a ginger-haired kid looking at the castle murals with his dad...