#rosebella

“How would you like to go on a date with me?” Rosalie blurted out one day in the parking lot. She glanced over at her family, and was met with shocked faces. Up until now, she had pretended that she hated the annoying teenager, but it was all a façade. She knew Bella was her mate from the beginning, but she didn’t want to have to put her family in danger. She just couldn’t stay away from her anymore. Her inner musings were interrupted by a shocked Bella stammering, trying to get her words out. She couldn’t form a complete word, and at that moment Rosalie knew she had to step in. She lightly grabbed the human girl’s hands and squeezed them ever so slightly.

“You don’t have to go with me if you don’t want to, I won’t pressure you into anything,” Rosalie explained and Bella furiously shook her head. That was not the answer Rosalie was expecting. The mate bond is felt by humans as well, but normally it isn’t nearly as strong. She was assuming that Bella would refuse and Rosalie would have to try again later. That wasn’t the case, as Bella squeezed Rosalie’s hands back and smiled.

“I would love to, Rosalie, you just caught me off guard.” Rosalie cringed at the slight hurt in Bella’s voice. She felt bad for making Bella feel like she didn’t like her. Rosalie just wasn’t good with emotions.

”How about this Saturday? I can pick you up if you’d like? Or not if you’d rather use your truck, although I’d rather you not drive that rust bucket back and forth-“ Bella cut Rosalie off from her rambling and smiled at her. Bella thought she was cute when she was nervous.

”Rose, you can pick me up if that makes you feel better. Just breathe.” The taller girl smiled at her shorter mate. She always knew how to make her feel better. Rosalie nodded and began to walk back to her family. When she got there, no one said a word, but everyone’s eyes were on her.

”What the hell was that?” Edward screeched. Rosalie winced at the volume of it. Super sensitive vampire ears don’t go well with an annoyed brother. Rosalie just shrugged.

”Asking out my mate, I guess.” All her family members gasped, including Edward and Alice. Edward quickly calmed down when he heard those words, but still seemed confused.

”Why did you let me try to get close to her if you knew she was your mate? Also, how didn’t I know this?” Alice echoed his last sentence, although she looked even more confused than Edward.

”I didn’t want her to be my mate. I didn’t want to ask her, but I couldn’t help myself.” Edward sighed and Alice squealed at the love-struck grin on Rose’s face.

”Understandable. I just wish I’d have know before I went through all that pain-“ Rosalie snarled at the other vampire.

”Put a sock in it drama queen, we all understand how terrible it must’ve been to be near her, even though I killed all my rapists without drinking a single drop of their blood. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a date to plan” With that, Rosalie hopped in her car with Alice and sped off.

Needless to say, Edward didn’t say a word to Rosalie for the rest of the day.

Saturday...

“Okay, I think it’s all set,” Rosalie whispered to herself as she looked at the picnic area she had set up. It wasn’t Edward’s meadow, it was ten times as good. It was a little hike away from the road, but not too far away.

Rosalie smiled to herself and ran back home to get in her car and drive to Bella’s house. She just hoped she would get this right.

Meanwhile...

”Bella, stop freaking out, it’s just Rosalie” Bella internally scoffed at herself for saying that. That’s the whole reason she was freaking out, because it’s Rosalie. She would never look as good as the other girl, not in a million years.

As Bella looked in the mirror, she was slightly taken aback at what she saw. Her hair was lightly curled and fell just below her shoulder. She had on an oversized flannel shirt that she stole from her dad, a black, tight-fitted crop-top, and light blue skinny jeans. She looked hot. She smiled to herself as she took in her appearance once more. It was casual, but she made it look good. She just hoped Rosalie would like it.

Just then, her doorbell rang. Her heart rate sped up and she heard a light chuckle from outside the door. Apparently, Rosalie had heard the change. Bella raced down the stairs, tripping twice but catching herself on the railing, and finally opened the door.

”Hi” Bella meekly said, which earned another chuckle from the blonde vampiress. Rosalie smirked at the younger girl, but it was wiped off her face as she took in her appearance. Bella smiled to herself at the look in the vampire’s eyes. Apparently, the outfit was acceptable.

”You look amazing, Bella” Rosalie said, and there was not a trace of doubt in her tone. She truly believed Bella looked flawless.

Bella raked her eyes over Rosalie’s form and her mouth instantly went dry. She had a light brown blazer overtop a black turtleneck. Her bottoms were plaid dress pants, and her shoes were short heels. It was normal of Rosalie to leave people speechless, but never to this extent before. Bella physically couldn’t speak for what felt like forever, but in reality was just a few seconds.

”Wow.” Bella mentally smacked herself at her lack of filter. Luckily, Rosalie understood what she was trying to say and giggled before responding with a soft “Thank you.”

”You ready to go?” Rosalie asked and Bella nodded. They both couldn’t wait for this night. Rosalie hoped Bella would enjoy, as this could make or break their relationship.

It didn’t take long to get there, and soon enough, Rosalie was pulling into a little abandoned driveway. Bella looked confused, but Rosalie smiled in reassurance and got out of her car. Of course, she opened Bella’s door for her, she always would.

”Hop on” Rosalie said and motioned to her back. Bella looked hesitant, but obliged. Rosalie took off as soon as Bella was secured into her back, and Bella let out a small shriek. Rosalie laughed, a loud boisterous sound. She was free out here, there was no one to hear her other than the woman on her back. Bella chuckled too, mainly at herself, but also at how a loud sound like that came out of a prim and proper lady from the 1930s.

Bella gasped at the sight as Rosalie screeched to a halt. The meadow was beautiful, even more so than Edward’s. There was a large lake in the middle, but the thing that caught her eye first was the picnic table Rosalie had set up. Bella grinned to herself, and then towards Rosalie. The blonde sighed in relief as she saw the look on her face. Apparently she had done good.

”Wait, what are you gonna have?” Bella frowned as she realized that Rosalie didn’t eat.

”I’ve already got that covered. Well, c’mon, let’s go sit.” Rosalie grabbed Bella’s hand and brought her to the table. As they sat down, Alice walked out of the woods and brought them their food in a picnic basket. Alice insisted she help, so Rosalie gave her this job to keep her happy.

”Thank you, Alice” Bella chuckled at the pixie-like girl and glanced at Rosalie. Rosalie just winked in response earning a blush from Bella.

Rosalie grabbed the basket and pulled out the food. She had bought a garden burger from the diner along with a berry cobbler and a coke. Bella smile grew at the selection which made Rosalie’s grin grow in response.

”How did you know?” Bella asked and Rosalie smirked.

”A little birdie looked into the future and told me what you’d react best to” Bella laughed and grabbed Rosalie’s hand from across the table. Rosalie faltered at the contact, but regained her composure before Bella could notice.

”It’s perfect” It was funny how two words could make someone so happy. It might’ve been the fact that her mate approved of their first date, but it also might’ve been the high from Bella’s touch.

The rest of the night was spent talking and laughing. Rosalie didn’t mind when Bella asked about her past, she just steered clear of anything about those bastards that took her innocence. That wasn’t first date material. Rosalie was mainly focused on Bella, but she also liked talking about herself. Not in a vain way, she just enjoyed Bella’s reactions.

”What was your most cringe-worthy moment?” Rosalie asked Bella after a few seconds of comfortable silence.

”The fact that when I’m around you, I don’t know how to speak. You never fail to take my breath away when you’re near me.” Bella said seriously. Rosalie was at a loss for words. What Bella had said was so raw, so filled with emotion, that she didn’t know how to response.

”Well I’m glad you’re the same way as me when I’m around you. You’re the most beautiful, most breathtaking woman I’ve met in my entire life.” Rosalie said, and for a moment she couldn’t believe she’d said that. Then, she realized that every word she’d said was true.

”You really mean that?” Bella was giddy that the other woman felt the same.

”I really do” Rosalie smiled and grabbed Bella’s hand. Bella smiled back and brought Rosalie’s hand to her mouth. It was only a small peck, but it sent electricity through every inch of Rosalie’s body. Rosalie looked at the sky and noticed that it was already getting too dark to stay there much longer.

”I’d better get you home before your father comes looking for you.” Bella frowned, but eventually nodded and hopped on Rosalie’s back so she could take her back home.

Later, at the house...

”I had a great time tonight.” Bella smiled as they both stood on the front porch of Bella’s house.

”Likewise, one might even say it was the best date they’ve ever been on.” Rosalie thought back to all her human and vampire years to confirm that it was the best. It was, indeed.

They both stared in each other’s eyes for the longest time. It wasn’t awkward, it was intimate. Bella slowly leaned in, giving time for Rosalie to back out, then gently pressed her warm lips to Rosalie’s cold ones. Electricity crackled through every inch of Bella’s body as their mouths moved in sync. Bella slowly pulled back, as she knew she wouldn’t be able to stop if she went any longer.

”Goodnight, Rosalie.” Bella ran her thumb across Rosalie’s cheekbone, then across her jaw and bottom lip before placing a chaste kiss onto her lips.

”Goodnight, my beautiful Bella.” Rosalie watched her mate retreat into the comfort of her home before climbing in the car and sitting in the driver’s seat.

 “Um, is this seat taken?” 

I looked up from my trig homework at the sudden question. Standing at the edge of our lunch table was a Junior boy from my Spanish class. He looked nervous, standing there in his rain-soaked letterman jacket. A trio of other boys stood behind him, smirking. I only recognized Mike Newton from the three. The boy cleared his throat while he waited for an answer. I tried to remember his name while Rosalie tossed her hair over one shoulder. 

“Yes,” she said shortly. I didn’t have to see her face to know she was glaring at him. Her rude response just made the boys behind the first one laugh. Mike caught my eye but ignored the irritated look I gave him. He’s my friend. He, at least, should know better than to talk one of his other friends into talking to Rosalie. 

The boy, Eli, I remembered suddenly, took a moment to respond. I knew from firsthand experience that staring directly at Rosalie’s face from this close was enough to shock anyone. I watched him watch her, dazzled, until I got irritated enough to say something to him. “You can take the chair if you need to,” I said. 

Eli’s eyes shifted to mine, and I saw the focus return to them. Like most people, he used my utterly normal appearance to pull himself together after looking at Rosalie. Looking at her was like looking directly into the summer sun. I was the shaded area by the pool. 

“I don’t mean to use your chair,” he said, regaining some composure. He smiled and looked at Rose again, who was looking at him with a mix of anger and suspicion. “I just wanted to sit down so I could ask you something.” He straightened his shoulders and gave Rose a long up-and-down look. I didn’t miss the way his eyes lingered on the opening of her blouse. “I’m Eli. Would you be willing to go get a cup of coffee sometime?” 

I felt my face flush immediately. I shot Mike a death-glare. He and the other boys dissolved into laughter again, while Eli continued to stare hopefully at Rosalie. She had her eyes closed, her face as solid as a stone. I could tell she was trying not to leap over the table and strangle him. “I think my girlfriend would have something to say about that,” she said slowly. Her black eyes opened, staring challengingly up at Eli. 

“What?” Eli said stupidly, deflating. 

“If I got coffee with you, my girlfriend wouldn’t like it,” Rose said. She drew out each word as though speaking to a child. “Because, you know, it’s impolite to do that to someone that you’re already dating. Like, a girlfriend. Which I have.”

I felt Rose squeeze my hand under the table. Her cold grasp only tightened the slightest bit, afraid to go too hard, but it was enough. I squeezed back, rubbing my thumb along her knuckles. 

“Isabella... is your girlfriend?” Eli said. His eyes widened as they looked at me. He gave me the same up-and-down look he gave Rosalie, and then looked between the two of us in shock. I saw his eyes linger on the way her legs were on my lap, ankles crossed. “Oh,” he said finally. His face was almost as red as mine. The bell for lunch’s end rang as he struggled to find the right words to say. “I... didn’t know. Sorry.” 

"It’s Bella,” Rose corrected, without looking at him. She swung her legs off my lap and onto the floor. Her boots hit the ground with a loud thwack that made Mike jump. He was already backing away as Rose stood to face him. “Do you think it’s funny to keep doing this to us?” she demanded, matching his pace. “Do you get some kind of kick out of it?” I sighed and packed up my homework. I made sure to grab her backpack when I threw mine over my shoulder, but I ended up dropping both of them on the ground. I groaned in exasperation but before I could pick them back up, Edward was there. He grabbed them for me, and Alice appeared at his side, giving me a sympathetic look. They joined me as I followed Rosalie. Kids heading to class knocked into my shoulders as I tried to catch up to her. I saw her blonde head bobbing above others as she backed Mike against the windows of the cafeteria. When I made my way to her side, she was giving Mike some distance, but was still seething.

 “You’re disgusting,” she was telling him. He had his hands up in front of himself in defense, but I could tell from his posture that he was embarrassed. His buddies had left him to fend for himself, obviously. He gave me a pleading look as Rose continued to lay into him. “I’m glad to know that Bella and I are such a joke to you,” she said. Her voice, usually lovely, was twisted with anger. “If you’re really her friend, Newton, you would respect our relationship instead of encouraging your... goons to ask one of us out all the time.” She made an irritated huffing sound. “Jessica deserves so much better than you, you know.” 

“Hey, I’m sorry-” Mike started, but Rose turned on her heel and grabbed my sleeve, taking me with her. I threw Mike an irritated look over my shoulder as Rosalie led me away to her siblings. As soon as Rose’s back was turned, he stopped looking apologetic and instead looked annoyed. I left him behind us and pulled my sleeve free so I could grab Rose’s hand. 

"Don’t let him bother you,” I told her. We rejoined the rest of the Cullens, and I took my bag back from Edward. He and Emmett peeled off to go to their gym class, while Alice and Jasper left to do whatever it was that they did during their free period. It left her and I alone in the hallway, walking slowly to our biology classroom. The squeaky footsteps of kids heading to class faded as the tardy bell rang. 

“I just hate how he thinks its all a game,” she huffed. She let go of my hand right before Ms.Goff rounded a corner, warning us to hurry to class. “It’s getting old,” Rosalie said, once we passed her. 

We entered the warm biology classroom and sat down at our assigned seats in the back. Mr. Varner wasn’t in yet, so I didn’t rush to get my things ready. I put my hand on my chin and looked at her. The kids around us were still chatting and sitting on tables, taking advantage of the teacher’s lateness. Their laughs and jokes made for background noise as I watched her. Her golden hair was curled delicately down to the middle of her back. It fell in her face as she bent down to grab her notebook and textbook from her bag. She arranged them neatly on the table in front of us. Her homework sat on top of the book, written in handwriting so perfect one could easily mistake it for a font. It was easy, when I couldn’t get distracted by her eyes, to stare at her like this. Every time she moved, her warm, sunny smell wafted toward me, reminding me of lavender and sunny mornings in Phoenix. I smiled at her when she lifted her eyes from her backpack to meet mine. I tried to tell her with my eyes what I couldn’t say with so many people around. I loved her, she loved me, and that made stupid idiots like Mike inconsequential. 

“I’ll let it go,” she said quietly, understanding my look. Satisfied, I got out my own schoolwork. I leaned back in my chair as the teacher finally walked into the room. He was wheeling in a TV, which explained why he was late. He flipped the lights off, and cautioned us all to pay attention during the movie, as some of the contents would be on the test on Friday. In the dark, when the movie started, I felt Rosalie’s hand lay on my lap. I took it, and she squeezed my hand three times. It was our code. Our way to say it so no one else could hear. 

I love you.

I smiled and squeezed back, keeping my eyes fixed on the screen at the front of the room. She was hotheaded, and wasn’t ever what one would consider polite, but I loved her. And despite how perfectly normal I was, despite how clumsy and soft and human, she loved me too.