If Only by Vampgirl79

"Come over, I need you. Now." As always, I go to her. Except this time it may be the last. I love her deeply, but I don't know if I can do this anymore. Each goodbye is harder than the last one. I want more than just being hers behind closed doors. If only we could truly be together; if only we were meant to be.

The Gist

Plan and simple this is a cheating fic. Edward and Bella are each other’s true love but perhaps falling in love too young meant that it was a love that couldn’t hold as they grew into adulthood.

Edward and Bella are both in committed relationships but have been engaging in an affair together for about a year. Edward yearns to run away with Bella and start the life he was meant to live but something’s holding Bella back. 

Edward and Bella

Having fallen in love as high schoolers, Edward and Bella struggle to make their relationship work long distance once they get to college. They break up but reconnect years later (for reasons which have not fully been explained). The love Edward has for Bella is all consuming and to a point desperate as he knows that neither of them are happy with the affair but he is unable to give her up.

Why do I keep doing this to myself? Why do I continue setting myself up for heartbreak over and over again? I'm a fool who is madly in love that's why. I believe in us, I believe with all of my heart that we can build a future together. If only she wasn't so damn scared and he didn't have such a fucking hold on her!

Stroking her thick hair, I sigh quietly. "You're right, maybe it's not fair. But, it's also not fair to keep doing this to each other, to them. So…go away with me, Bella. Tonight. I'll help you pack some of your belongings and-"

She shakes her head and the torn expression etched on her face rips my heart in half. "Eddie, I wish I could, more than anything, but-"

"No, no excuses this time. Let's do it. We will go anywhere you desire, as long as we're together."

Bella takes a deep breath, lays her head down on my chest and I feel a single tear slip out of her eye. "Edward, stop. Please, just don't."

Gently, I cradle her face between my hands, forcing her to meet my gaze. "Bella, I love you more than my own life, more than anyone else in this world. You know that, don't you?"

She nods as more wetness releases out of her eyes and glides down her rosy cheeks. "Yes, of course I do. And I love you too."

"Then that's all that matters. Let's just quit thinking and just…do."

Why Read This?

This fic is a newbie, with only 5 chapters but it’s definitely a page turner. Or is that screen scroller? I want to know why Bella feels compelled to stay married to her husband and why she seems almost fearful of leaving him. The love between Edward and Bella is compelling and despite the fact what they’re doing is wrong, you still root for them to figure out their lives so they can be together as they are supposed to. 

Will Edward realise his dream? Most likely but it’s gonna be a hard road.

Read it here: If Only

Brown Study by Littlesecret84

Bella's dreams have a way of coming true. But what will she do when the man she dreams of appears in her life as a boy who is less than ideal? Will finding him mean losing her BFF, Jane? Does knowing the future change the present? Rated M for adult stuff.

The Gist:

Brown Study is my most favourite fic. I can't tell you how many times I've read it. I can't literally open up any chapter, start reading, and be totally compelled to read the entire fic again.

The story starts with a young Bella and her premonitions of a man she is head over heels in love with. She see a vision of the love of her life and wonders when he will actually make an appearance. In walks Edward Cullen who is starting high school at Forks and Bella knows that he is special.

What follows is the flirtatious push and pull of two teenagers who are insanely attracted to each. However as soon as they come together, life pulls them apart. Bella is completely heartbroken and stubborn, figuring her life will be off not having Edward in it. The story then skips along Bella's future until she bumps into Edward at a party, immediately knowing that she still loves him but will he come back to her?

Edward and Bella:
What I love about this fic is the heartfelt, passioned stream of consciousness Bella has for Edward. She loves him wholly despite the years apart, the hurt she felt, and the life and the live-in girlfriend that Edward just doesn't seem prepared to leave. She gives herself fully, having faith that he will wise up. 

Bella and Jane:
This is one of the more true to life friendships between two girls that I have ever read. Bella and Jane are childhood bests and live for each other but as they grow up, they also grow apart, with Jane becoming a negative element in Bella's life. The way this relationship plays out is so relatable.

This Is Why You Should Read: 
It's sexy, it's real, it's romantic and it has love pulsing through it.

He says nothing for a while, but holds me tight and squeezes hard, like I would hug my dad after a particularly bad fall, or my mom when I'd find her crying in the kitchen.

"I have to stop," he says, and his lips finally, definitely touch my skin, and there's a gentle trembling where his chin meets my shoulder.

"But… but what if I have to know that you want me?" I ask, not sure where these words are coming from, because they sound strange and needy, and make me feel a little sick.

"What if I have to have this?" I continue.

He moves against me, like other men have before him, and also like he did before any other man, and silently tells me he does want me. He doesn't get it.

"I'm not talking about a natural physical reaction to being close like this… I meant… really want me." My voice breaks on the last few words, and I don't want to cry again.

He squeezes again, sitting up and bringing me with him. He holds me tighter. He opens his eyes and brings his mouth so close to mine. I whisper "tighter" and his forehead meets mine, and his arms are so tight around me, I could break.

"I'll hold you the tightest," he says.

Pretty boys shouldn't be allowed to use pretty words, or convey pretty emotions. It's just not fair, because if I end up with a random guy, say Tom, Dick, or whoever, fifty years from now, what I'll remember is Edward Cullen, holding me like he'll die if he lets me go, almost kissing me and saying things that make my heart soar to heights from which I can never bring it back. So poor, poor men of my future. You now have two Edwards to compete with, and lose against.

Read it here: Brown Study

Lack of Color by Coldplaywhore

He paints; she inspires. Together they are whole, until one day they are separated, breaking him of his soul. Five years later, she's not his. Can she be again? ExB AU AH M for language and lemons.

This is a great little fic and what might make it an even better proposition to you is that it's complete! God, don't you fucking love those completed fics? I sure do, nothing like knowing you won't have to have your heart in your throat for a whole week waiting for an update.

Bella meets Edward after answering an ad he placed looking for a model. Bella's got a lotta bills she as to pay for and this job provides the perfect opportunity for her to earn good money quickly. 

24 year old meets 19 year old Edward and an instant attraction is felt. It really is a only a matter of time before they succumb to the feelings that crackle between them and to be honest this artist Edward is sultry hot for such a young boy.

"Why did you agree...to pose nude, that is?"

"Well, first of all I haven't been completely nude yet," I mused as Edward gave a small laugh. "And secondly, I need the money. I'm really close to losing my apartment and I refuse to take money from my mother, yet again."

"Okay."

"That's all I get is an okay?"

"Yeah. I mean, you've been a great model today and I've enjoyed spending time with you, getting to know you. I don't really care what brought you here, I'm just glad you are, you know?"

"I know." I smiled sweetly at Edward and he went back to working away, asking me the most random questions about growing up in Forks, and what my favorite movies and bands were.

It was all very casual and easy until he moved away from the canvas and came towards me, bending at the knees in front of me. "I need to move your sash."

"Alright," I squeaked, somewhat unsettled because I knew that the sash for the robe was currently draped between my legs. This would either end badly or... I didn't even want to think of the possibilities.

I watched, taking a nervous gulp, as Edward moved his hand between my legs and reached for the sash to move it to the side. Unfortunately, or fortunately if you were me, his finger slipped between my wet pussy lips before finding their true goal.

Edward froze. His eyes, clouded with both lust and anxiety, as he stared me down. "I am so sorry, Bella," he stammered as he rose from his spot and headed directly into the bathroom, closing the door with a slam behind him.

"Fuck," I groaned as I sat there, my body trembling with apprehension.

However the relationship ends abruptly and the reader is brought to the present through E's POV. Edward's life spiralled out of control when he & Bella broke up and only now is his life getting back on track. However his art was a casualty and he's been unable to connect with anyone since. Unfortunately life gets a lot harder when Bella comes back into his life, the fiancé of his douche bag cousin Peter. Why is she with him? How did they even meet? Why is Bella so different from the vibrant woman he first met? Can Edward get over the resentment and abandonment he feels? Can he stay away from Bella? Well this is all answered but it's not as simple as Edward once thought.

Read it Here: Lack Of Color

Open by SammieLynnsMom

He was right and they were wrong, and that was all he had to stand by. With his career soaring and his marriage sinking, will Edward see they were right all along? What will he learn along the way?

This is a relatively new fic only 5 chapters in and I'm getting on board because I think this could be something great. It certainly has one of the most intriguing banners I've seen in a long while.

Edward has begun seeing a therapist, Dr Banner to work through why he made the disastrous decision to be in an open marriage with his wife Lauren. He loved Lauren and centred his life around her but after several years their relationship has broken down completely with Edward wanting out. 

"Edward," she continued as I huffed. "I get it. It's hard. But it's not fair that I have to sit by and watch you mope. You'll get over it and find someone new. This is why I don't do what you do; you get way too emotionally involved. However, you're home now. It's just me and you here, remember? That was the agreement."

"Lauren, I'm done," I stated so quickly it felt like I was ripping off a Band-Aid. "I can't do this anymore. I'm done."

"Okay," she drew out as her face fell. "Well, if you want to take a break, I guess we could. I'll need to make a few calls, but how long do you want to stop for? I have something Friday, but…"

"No, Lauren, you're not listening. You don't need to make any calls, except to a lawyer. I'm done with you," I explained as calmly and evenly as I could manage.

Edward recounts his recent life to Dr Banner and at times it's hard to read about how in love his was initially was with his wife (strange only because it's Lauren of course) but there is a definite undercurrent of something else at play since we all know it must have been Bella that finally busted up that sham of a marriage.

"Walking away from her was the hardest thing I've ever done," I admitted with my face planted firmly in my hands.

"Why?" She continued to push for more like she always did.

"Because…" I sighed as I looked up, willing myself to form the words. Trying to find, deep down, where I had gone wrong while praying that I could still put the pieces back together. "Because she was home. When I was with her, I felt like the world made sense and it wasn't about being right anymore. I just wanted to be happy…happy with her."

"Do you still think you could be happy with her?" she asked next.

"Yes," I replied without missing a beat. A smile played on my lips as I thought of her brown eyes shining at me the day I took her to the beach. "If only she'd return my phone call."

He could be talking about Lauren but we all know it's Bella. 

We've only just really begun Edward's journey and are yet to meet Bella, I'm hanging out for it and I'm crossing my fingers we don't have to wait to much longer.

Read it Here: Open

When Will I Know by deb24601

You don't get over Edward Cullen. Even when he was never really yours. A story about wanting, needing and, eventually, knowing. AH. Inspired by Jan 2012 Witfit prompts.

So I found this fic whilst partaking in a little random fic diving. I that from time to time and often come up with nothing but this rough diamond has something to offer. 

Bella meets and falls for Edward when her boyfriend, Mike introduces them. She feels an instant attraction but unfortunately believes that Edward is unreachable to her and as such continues dating Mike. 

Edward's feels this attraction to Bella, despite the fact she is unlike any of the girls he normally hooks up with. As well as that, he lives a carefree, almost nomadic lifestyle and can't see himself tying himself down to a relationship. As well as that, he's slept with 2 of Mike's past girlfriends so Bella seems to be more trouble than she's worth.

I think about our parents and sweet Mike and our friends and my job at the bank. I see security and acceptance. "Well, he hasn't asked... yet," I hedge. "It's what people do," I say.

"Fuck that," Edward says. His voice is hard.

"Excuse me?"

Edward sighs and throws his arm over his eyes. "You get one life, Bella. One chance. I'm not living it based on my parents' expectations or out-dated social customs. It's good enough for some people, I guess - but not for me. I think you want more too. You talk about places you want to go, things you want to see, yet you're buying into this tiny world. Think for yourself. What do you want?"

I'm shocked speechless for a moment. I've never heard Edward talk like this. It's too much to think about all at once. "I... I... I don't know," I stammer. I don't know what's happening.

Eventually Edward does realise he is in love with Bella and makes it his mission to steal Bella away, despite the fact Bella is due to marry Mike in a few weeks.

You can read this within a few hours and whilst it's a little light on plot development and some of the actions of the characters are questionable, it's still quite a harmless, low angst read.

Read it Here: When Will I Know

The Demons in My Dreams by littlecat358

27 y.o. social worker Bella Swan has seen her fair share of troubled souls, but nothing like Edward Cullen, part owner & manager of The Cullen House Group Home. Will he allow her into his life? And can she survive the demons that haunt him? OOC, Lemons.

It is obvious that the life of a social worker is one that littlecat358 has experience in. Her account of Bella's work day in and day out, jumps off the page and rings incredibly true. Social work is not depicted her and a dreamy haze of noble, righteous work. It's long hours, bureaucratic red tape, being under appreciated and at times thankless but Bella does this because her heart is essentially invested in making her boys lives safe and giving them the best chance at succeeding.

Emmett and Tyler are two teenage boys under Bella's caseload who have had to leave their most recent foster home due to Emmett's bad behaviour. As Bella calls through the night to find lodging for these boys she catches a break by finding a placement at the Cullen House.

The Cullen House is a home runned by Jasper, Alice and Edward for delinquent teenage boys. Emmett and Tyler settle in with the other boys albeit not without their problems but soon find that as long as they are straight up and follow the rules life at the Cullen House is fair.

Edward and Bella circle each other, seemingly too scared to fully open up to each other. Edward's past means that he closes himself off from romantic love and Bella is incredibly overworked, tired and confused by Edward's hot/cold demeanour.

Eventually they do make the tentative step to be together but drama definitely ensues around them. Bella is the product of a disinterested mother and a negligent stepfather. She feels resentment for her parents which makes it difficult to have a very close relationship to her half-sister Rose (whom she loves dearly). Rose, a young girl falls for Emmett much to Bella's horror. The consequences of this relationship is now playing out in the fic and you feel for Bella, who is torn between freedom and responsibility. 

"What the hell is going on?" I yell. But they either don't hear me or they don't give a shit. Jasper and I storm in and start peeling teenagers away from the bunch. When I get to the center I find Ryan and Sam holding Emmett back while Edgar is trying to pull Tyler off of one of the visiting kids.

This is the last thing I expected to see. Tyler is throwing punches like there's no tomorrow while Emmett screams profanities.

I tap Edgar's arm and motion for him to step back as Jasper and I grab onto Tyler.

"You fucking freak!" the kid wails.

Tyler's not letting go so we tug a little harder. All of the sudden, he turns and lands a punch square in my jaw.

Fuck.

I'm startled, but not hurt. His eyes go wide as he realizes exactly what he just did and I literally watch his downward spiral. His face pales, his breathing accelerates and his body goes limp. This is not good. I don't have a good enough hold on him and he slips to the ground and curls up into a ball. Not good at all.

"Fuck! You fucking asshole, I'm gonna fucking kill you!" Emmett howls.

The kid he's talking to looks like he's about to be sick, but there's still an air of defiance on his stance

Jasper takes control gathering all the non-Cullen House kids and ushering them out.

I bend down and reach out to Tyler.

"No!" Emmett shouts. "Don't fucking touch him."

"Why not?" I ask.

"He. . .he doesn't like to be touched. Only Bella. . .she knows what to do."

I just love the realism of this fic, you can literally feel all the struggles that Bella and Edward must overcome which in reality is just the same shit that a lot of us all go through everyday. The way littlecat358 depicts the strength of all her characters is amazing. This fic is such a strong piece of writing that won't disappoint.

Read it Here: The Demons in My Dreams

Appease by Rochelle Allison

NEW FICTIONISTA WORKSHOP WITFITS: APRIL 2012 - JUNE 2012. started with Brighter. Now on Appease.

Rochelle Allison is one of my most favourite fanfic writers. I'd also bet money that she is one of the most beloved writers in the fandom, consistently producing engaging, romantic and realistic fics time again.

If you haven't discovered the beauty of her witfits or fics then you seriously need to remedy it. Appease is the second story for the April - June witfit period and it's wonderful.

Starting at chapter 35 we are introduced to Bella as she is being interviewed by Tanya for the position of Nanny for her young children with Edward. Bella gets the job and moves into the Masen household for the summer period whilst she's on holiday from NYU. 

The small twist comes into play as you find out that her two young charges have two half siblings, Alice and Edward jr. There is an instant attraction between Edward jr and Bella but Edward is a preppy nightmare who has gone through his romantic life charming the pants of the women he wants. To Bella though, his lame come ons fall flat and are received with revulsion. Nevertheless she can't help being attracted to Edward because despite these shortcomings he is a caring, sensitive brother and does have his genuine moments.

So what will these two do? Because it's not as simple as choosing to be together. Bella is wary of starting a relationship with her boss' elder son. She also finds out that Mrs Tanya Masen made a pass at Edward jr years ago, which could jeopardise her position. Additionally Bella's a little wary of Edward jr who seems to have been on the same path as his detached father.

The beauty of this fic is the way Rochelle Allison can write such relatable, honest characters. The 2 young children Alistair and Irina are tenacious and so sweet, you can clearly see why everyone wants to protect them. Edward, Alice and even Esme are flawed but all have immense hearts.

She nods, laughing lowly. "I know, I know. The thing is, I raised him. He thinks he has to be like his father, his father whom he actually resents. He thinks that because they share blood, they have to share personality traits..." Shaking her head, she looks straight at me. "I've been fighting for him for a long time."

"What do you mean?"

"He's been going through this phase for awhile now, and while it probably sounds naïve to you, I can assure you that it is just a phase. He's always been appealing to girls, and when he hit puberty...his father sort of played it up for him. Made it look like it was the way to go." She wrinkles her nose in disgust. "I always allowed him and Alice to spend as much time with their father as they wanted, because I didn't want our failed marriage to sever their relationships. Sometimes I wonder if it was the right choice. Alice drifted away on her own, but Edward...seemed to think they had things in common. Is as if Edward wants to be different but he's resigned himself to being the same."

"Do they have things in common?"

"Of course. They're both handsome, charismatic, ambitious men. Except Edward's father uses these things irresponsibly whereas my son has more of a conscience. He's not nearly as ruthless." She smiles. "And he has a bigger heart."

It's not ridiculous drama or bizarre plot twists, it's falling in love and loving the life you lead. And that is why Rochelle Allison is one of the best of the bests.

Read it Here: Appease

Constant Bearing, Decreasing Range by beegurl13

Two consenting adults. One wants more. What happens when the other doesn't, and never will? Is there such thing as true love in the real world? And will they see what's coming before it's too late? E/B, AH, M. For The Twilight 25 Round 6 Challenge

There are quite a few fics out there that start with a lot of moaning and groaning caused by Edward ploughing into some non-Bella skank. What caught my interest initially is that this time it's Bella sexing it up... and not with Edward. Now Bella is no skank and this isn't even a serious relationship she's involved in but it is a definite goodbye because Bella is moving from Arizona to Washington state to be near her sick father.

Her father is grateful for Bella's attention but also recognises that she may need her space and as such provides her with an apartment above the bar that she will be managing in Clallam Bay. Clallam Bay is also one of the ports for many fishing crews that work the oceans later in the year. Edward is the Captain of one of these boats.

Now this Edward is seriously sexy and confident but he should be, having bedded many of the single women in Clallam Bay. You know the saying "one in every port"? Well I'm surprised Edward doesn't have this stitched into his cap. Bella knowing what she's getting herself into embarks on a frenzied one night stand (literally) and then a casual relationship with Edward. Casual because Edward doesn't do relationships, never. So Bella fights her growing attraction as Edward seems oblivious to his.

At the end of his stay Edward sails off into the sunset with the goal to get to Argentina and Carmen. Now don't hate on Edward just yet. Admittedly Bella isn't Edward's first love, it's the sea and he's been living this carefree lifestyle for so long, the boy doesn't really know what he's feeling or doing.

Bella suffers though from his confusion and apparent lack of concern and when Edward does return the next year, he learns pretty quickly that Bella is no pushover and that he can no longer behave hoorishly anymore. 

So why do I love this fic? Well it's Edward (big surprise) but he's an ass. He's fucked around, albeit in a very open honest way, but when he does realise he wants to be solely with Bella he commits his heart to her. Problem is this boy has never been in a relationship and he screws up many times, sometimes in a huge way. This Bella is also quite interesting. Cognitively she knows what she initially agreed to with Edward but is still willing to follow her heart no matter how long she has to wait for Edward to come around or home.

"There's a reason I didn't want you to write me, or call me. There's a reason I couldn't have any contact with you. Last year when I sailed out of this harbor, it was the first time in my whole life that I got to the Pacific, and I wanted to turn around."

Wait, what? He didn't want to leave? I look to my left, trying to see him sitting at the bar, without making it obvious, and what I see tears my heart out. He's sitting with his beer bottle between his hands, staring down at it. His shoulders are hunched over, and I've never seen him look this defeated before. I want more than anything to go to him, to pull him into my arms and beg him to just tell me why he did what he did. Why he had to be with other women. Why he had to leave me. Why? I don't understand why.

"I don't have relationships because they aren't a luxury I can afford. My life isn't like that. And for the first time, all I wanted was to be able to stay here with you, to not have to leave. To stand next to you on that dock and watch as my crew sailed away. But I couldn't. You don't even understand how tightly I'm bound, Bella. You have no idea."

This fic seems to be winding down and the second half is focussed on how to make this long distance relationship work (plus some intense drama) but it has certainly been addictive and heartfelt.

Read it Here: Constant Bearing, Decreasing Range

Here, In My Room

Bella is Jake's girl. Edward intends to change that. Sweaty back seats, stolen glances that cross the line and unrequited love that holds back no more. Edward & Bella AH.

What is it about those young 20 something Edwards who ride in cars, smoking Js, cause trouble and want Bella with an intense scary fierceness? When they are written well, these Edwards literally smoke off the screen, leaving readers flustered and stalking their inboxes for alerts.

This Edward is no exception. I love his single mindedness. He wants Bella, knows that she's Jake's girlfriend but is still going to take her. Jake's a douche anyways, he's a cheater and takes advantage of Bella, so the fact Edward is cutting another man's lunch is easier to take.

I was new to this town. I didn't know the kids here like Jake did. When Emmett told me Jake needed a new hook-up, I provided it. Simple as that. I would drop the shipments off when I got them, and Jake, and his boy Jasper, would get rid of it. Eventually I came to like Jake. Until I met Bella.

The day I saw her come back from the bathroom and sit in his lap, leaning over to kiss him, I realized that was his girl. The one he would mention every now and then. I remembered how he talked about her hazel eyes and her pretty, pink pussy that was "the best he'd ever had." He had also mentioned that was the only reason he kept her as a girlfriend. She was the best he'd ever had. Little did Jake know, I was about to be the best she'd ever had.

Most of the chapters are in the drabble format but they have been increasing in length with each update (which I'm sure we are all happy with) with the last several updates being in Edward's POV. The beginning of the fic consists of Bella's steamy and summer sweet chapters revealing her desire for Edward. 

This fic is so tactile and engaging due to a seriously entrancing Edward. Hot damn by the end of chapter 26, you'll do anything Edward says as well. Check it out.

Read it Here: Here, In My Room

The Procrustean Bed by gemini13me

Procrustean Bed- a standard or set of conditions, determined arbitrarily, to which everyone is forced to conform. But the question is... are there really any rules when it comes to the affairs of the heart?

More often these days, if I ever read a new fic I always check out the author's bio. If they are under 20 or not from a primarily English speaking country it shows in the writing. Not sure of gemini13me's age but this author is from Romania and her story The Procrustean Bed is a great fic. Maybe she's my Only Exception?

Edward walks into the bookstore that Bella works at. He's indifferent verging on rude to Bella whilst looking for a book for his beloved niece Jess. However this is Edward so of course Bella is going to still appreciate this very handsome man. It's just a shame Edward doesn't even give her a second glance once he has his book.

It's not his fault really, Edward has a lot of baggage in his life. Still reeling from the recent death of his wife Tanya (killed of right at the beginning.. yeh!) and trying to manage the expectations of his family specifically his iron fisted mother, Edward's only sense of freedom of relaxation is with young Jess. 

Jess eventually brings Edward and Bella together much to her uncle's displeasure and their relationship slowly builds as Edward allows for the possibility of letting someone else in his life.

And it was strange how I was trying to somehow keep Isabella at arm's length but at the same time I couldn't wait to take things further. I wanted to honor Tanya, and every time I kissed Isabella or touched her like only a lover would, I was doing anything but that. In all honesty, I had no idea what the hell I was doing. I wanted us to take things slow, yet I was eager to speed up. I was eager for more. So much more. In fact, sometimes my eagerness went as far as thinking that maybe someday Isabella was going to be the most important person in my life, just like Tanya had been for so long. I even dared to hope that my biggest dream of having a family of my own wasn't going to remain something I fantasized about forever.

As the fic progresses these 2 do fall in love but they've got some serious troubles. Firstly Edward carries a lot of guilt about how he really felt about Tanya and the relationships with his family. Secondly the Esme in this fic is a complete bitch. I love it! It's actually so good to read an Esme who isn't tearing up inside but instead rips into Bella with her snide comments and hurtful accusations. Esme makes it very clear to the family that Bella is beneath Edward and completely unsuitable for her son and she'll do anything to split these two up. Jess' parents Emmett and Rosie are also not much support either since they take Esme's side which turns the screw that bit more on E/B.

Can Edward remain clear headed enough to not be affected by his mother's manipulations? At this point it's debatable, even though his relationship with Bella has become extremely serious and committed. The guy's confused and selfish but Bella isn't going to take this lying, down she's going to fight for her family. Oh a Bella and Esme battle? Shit yeah! Bring. It. On!

Read it Here: The Procrustean Bed

Beautiful Complications by Discordia81

Bella and Edward's hook up at a party causes a rift among their friends but they can't stay away from each other. When Edward leaves for Italy and Bella realizes she's attracted to her friend Claire, their already shaky relationship is threatened.

Want a bit of dirty realism in your fic? Sick of all those young "ILY" forever & ever declarations? Then Beautiful Complications might be the fic for you.

Bella, Rosalie and Alice meet Jasper, Edward and Emmett after watching the boys at a gig. However Edward  hooks up with Rosalie and Bella is essentially left as the fifth wheel in this little social group. At one point whilst everyone is getting busy, she's sitting in the lounge room reading a book (sad I know). However Bella starts becoming infatuated with Edward and eventually he turns his affections towards Bella. Bad news for the girls because Rosalie is livid and as a result Bella decides she can no longer do anything with Edward because her friendship with Rose means more. Sadly after reaching out to Rose,  she realises Rose has essentially severed their ties.

What follows is an agreement between Edward and Bella to essentially be each others fuck buddies, unfortunately from the get go there is something more going on here. There are nightly phone calls, Edward's tender moments and Bella finally admitting she's in love but still Bella cannot give herself to Edward.  She's afraid of real intimacy in a relationship and her lack of experience in dating. Oh and she's also attracted to girls so she's constantly second guessing Edward's intentions and her ability to give. Yeah she kinda pissed me off. 

There was no way this would end well. It was obvious that there was something between us. Something more than just friendship or sex. But that didn't mean he loved me. He cared about me, I knew that for certain. But the space between affection and love was wide and undefined. I knew how much he hated girls who were clingy, or pushy. We hadn't laid out any ground rules when this had all began, but surely me telling him that I loved him would make him run screaming and I was terrified at the thought of losing him.

The beauty of this fic is the more realistic attitude it has about young love. Does your first guy, love, infatuation have the strength to be forever? What if you fall in love with someone who has never been with anyone else, is it fair to be in a serious long term relationship with them? Would you always wonder if the grass was greener on the other side? This is what is the struggle for this E/B. 

Only criticism? This fic is 60 chapters and truthfully it's could have been edited down to be punchier but saying that, I ended up reading it in 1 day (skimming over certain chappies) and think this underrated gem deserves some love.

Read it Here: Beautiful Complications

Back to the Oldskool

Last Tango in Forks by Awesomesauce76

Bella Swan has spent a lifetime putting everyone else's needs before her own. Could a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger begin to change all of that? AU/AH

When I came upon Last Tango in Forks, I was still a baby to the fanfic world. Meaning I had no real sense of what I liked to read, didn't really understand the conventions of fanfic writing and wasn't aware of authors or stories. 

When LTiF started popping up on my twitter feed, I took a look and was hooked just like the hundreds/thousands of other readers who would squee when this fic updated. So this was my first real introduction to a highly sexual and emotionally charged fic.

Based loosely on Last Tango in Paris, Bella wanting to move out of her father's house, goes to check out an apartment but encounters another person who is also interested in the apartment and something else

Bella crossed the room and propped herself on the window ledge. "Listen... I'm sure you'd love for me to get the hell out of here. Even if you don't want the place, it's obvious that you need some privacy." He grimaced in response to her words but maintained eye contact. "Are you alright?" After what felt like minutes he shook his head slowly. "It's just that... I would feel terrible if I left here and didn't at least try to help." She tried to smile but it felt odd under his scrutiny. After a long pause she took a deep breath and bit the bullet. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Yes," he choked out. Although his voice sounded raw to Bella as if he'd been screaming, she wasn't surprised to hear the musical perfection behind it.

"What can I do?" She didn't notice that she had stopped breathing until she needed to speak.

He moved then, slowly walking towards her like a wildcat stalking its prey. The closer he got to her, the more she could feel something growing and tingling, as if an electric current was shooting between their bodies. He didn't stop until he was right in front of her with his arms on each side of the window, effectively caging her in. He even smells beautiful.

He looked deep into her eyes for almost a minute, allowing the electricity to build between them to a breaking point.

"You can let me fuck you," he whispered.

Hmm, wonder what she'll do? Well considering the above is just from the first chappie, you can probably understand how a lot of us stood no chance with this fic.

So what are the pressure points of this fic? Bella may be in this torrid 'no names allowed' sexfair with Edward but she's also in a relationship with Jake. One that presumably is supposed to lead to marriage and a banal existence. Edward an artist, is battle scarred from the death of a wife he never should of married and losing himself into the excesses of the art world rather than the his actual art. He's come home to reconnect with his family but struggles to meet them half way. Bella also knows his family quite intimately and thus you wonder "When are Edward & Bella going to meet!?!". As their feelings for each other grow around each other, it becomes increasingly difficult for the both of them to not be engaged in the life they actually want. 

This is a candy popping, infinite thumb scrolling fic and a classic that everyone should know about.

Read it Here: Last Tango in Forks

From My Window by kitkat681

Every morning he watches her run past his house. He wants her. She has no idea.

An easy read right here! Despite the suspicious eyes I give drabbles, I have to admit that this one hooked me pretty early on. 

The chapters are short, this is a true drabble fic here. Each chapters seems to be under 1000 words but KitKat681 has used her words so effectively that you really get drawn into the possessive mind of Edward with a few sentences.

Edward spends his mornings watching a beautiful Bella jog past his house. He fantasises about her life, her family and why she runs to begin with. He becomes so obsessed with this pretty jogger that he feels compelled to jerk off as she runs by and eventually begins to follow her when the weather becomes bad.

There is more to this story than just a twisted case of stalker love, which is what I love about the fic. Your initial presumption about Edward totally flips half way through the story, which begs the question - when is stalker love okay for a fic?

Here you come…

And here I come.

I am kinda getting a bit disgusted with myself.

I mean…

My kids are right upstairs.

At any minute any one of them could come down.

Would I stop?

I know I would…

I mean they are my life.

There is nothing I would not do for them.

BUT

Would I stop?

I don't think I would.

I think it would take a team of horses to keep me from this window.

As you pass by.

God damn.

Edward's desire for Bella from afar, is searingly hot and raw. Can you imagine what would happen if they actually were in the same room together? Explosive to say the least. I doubt you've encountered an Edward like this before so clear a couple of hours, sit next to your window and watch Edward's passion unfold.

Read it Here: From My Window 

Deeper Discord by ifyouweremine

Edward is a boxer with a dark past and secrets. When his best friend's little sister moves in, he finds himself in the biggest brawl of his life. A story of love and sacrifice and fighting for what matters most. AH/OOC - M for content

Edward's is a fighter, well was a fighter. He is literally bound from moving forward with his life because of his ex-wife Rose and the baggage of his parent's death. 

Meeting Rose after his parents had died in a car crash, Edward casually hooks up with her, refusing to give the commitment she wants. This forces her into Emmett's waiting arms, however a pregnancy and a subsequent diastrous marriage leaves Edward with a beautiful daughter but a controlling, bitter ex-wife.

Bella arrives at her ex-stepbrother Jasper's home in Chicago after her mother and current stepfather Phil, spend her college fund and then demand that she instead works to contribute to the house. Bella accepts Jasper's offer to stay at his home and get her life back on track. 

But who do you think is Jasper's housemate? Yup Daddyward himself, and having Bella in his home will cause nothing but trouble. Why? Well Rose demands that Edward essentially get approval for any girl he dates or has around their daughter Grace. If he upsets her then she threatens his visitations with Grace. When Rose sees Bella at Edward and Jasper's apartment she automatically gets herself up in a suspicious bunch. Bella is at first unaware of the dynamic between Edward and Rose and feels herself being a bigger inconvenience than she ever had. Add to that Edward's disdain towards her, Bella is struggling to find a happy medium in her interaction with him. Poor girl, doesn't she know that Edward's fighting a growing attraction to her.

I'd done nothing but think and dream about Bella since the night I'd scared her in the kitchen. I had no intention of touching her - ever, but I'd reacted too quickly, knowing she was about to scream. Once she was in my grasp, I was gone... lost to her.

I'm a visual person, and her response to my actions only heightened my senses. When she leaned against me, I saw myself sliding my hand from her hip, down into her panties and finger-fucking her until she came, screaming my name. Then she'd unknowingly displayed her perfectly round tits through her tank top when she leaned back against the counter, asking if I was allowed to have a girlfriend. I knew she didn't mean it the way it came out, but her words set my mind reeling about if she was my girl. 

It's still early days for this young fic (5 chapters) but I can see a lot of potential in exploring Edward's character and whether he'll make the decision to fight for the light he actually wants. Also, who doesn't want to see the oncoming shit storm from Rose once she realises how important Bella may actually become to Edward. I'm thinking that Bella may not just be the naive little sister people think she is.

Read it Here: Deeper Discord

Back to the Oldskool

I'll Be Your Lover Too by EdwardsBloodType

Bella is helping her best friend Edward cope with his dark and tragic past while strugging to hide her true feelings for him. When a friend comes to visit, she will force them to recognize their deepest desires.

So thinking about what "classic" fic to recommend, I thought to look at my Favourites List. Well the third fic that I had added in 2010 was a little fic called HIGH ANXIETY. You might have read it. Well there is no denying that HA is one of the ultimate classics but to be honest I find EdwardsBloodTypes' I'LL BE YOUR LOVER TOO to be the first classic fic that I occasionally reread and my first Oldskool rec.

Best friends Edward and Bella are living together and apparently cohabiting quite happily. Bella has just come out of a bad relationship that was originally only intended to be a casual hookup. Edward seems to be coasting through his manwhore life without issue. But, you know how these things go, Bella is in love with Edward but Edward is apparently still suffering from the death of his fiancé Jane several years ago.

When an old tart comes back into town (good old Tanya) Edward begs Bella to accompany him so he doesn't have to suffer Tanya on his own. Bella agrees to the night out and what unfolds is a night of first time drugs and a threesome. Admittedly this threesome is going to blow your mind a little but not because it's just a steamy lemon but because Edward is actually also in love with Bella and believes this could be his only way to express his love for her. 

From that point there is another night of group sex (also involving a young actor Robert Pattinson) and the ramifications of what these expressions of intimacy mean for Edward & Bella. They struggle to process what the sex meant because they are unable to communicate properly to each other and this is exasperated  with a pre booked holiday to Mexico.

What brings me back though to this fic is the flawed characterisation of Edward, he's damaged & guilt ridden but not for reasons you may think. Bella also must come to terms to opening herself up to Edward without any fear. Finally combined with the insane crackling lemons this is one for the shelf.


Read it Here: I'll Be Your Lover Too

Last Call by Robsmyyummycabanaboy

The past she's struggling to remember is the time he'd rather forget... Can they move beyond the scars and forge a new beginning together or have they missed their Last Call? AH, Rated M for language & eventual emons.

What can I say about this fic? Every time Last Call updates my heart skips and I pretty much have to clear the decks so I can read this awesome fic.

Edward and Bella know each other. Well Edward knows this but Bella well she doesn't since she suffers amnesia from a tragic accident she was involved in which resulted in the death of all her family. Edward met Bella when he began working as her family's cabana boy (I LOVE this) as a teenager in Ocean City. What followed was a short intense romance that ended due to Bella's mother's disapproval. Bella took this very hard and became a grade A bitch making Edward's working life a complete misery. 

Flash forward years later Edward is the successful owner of Last Call in Surf City, NJ. The business is doing extremely well and he's engaged to be married but then Bella walks into the bar. He's rude and dismissive to her without realising that Bella has no recollection of who she previously was and thus the story gets under way.

The UST is off the radar as Edward tries hard to resolve his feelings for Bella. Bella (who begins dating Edward's brother) is drawn to Edward and slowly realises that he had played a big part in her life and may hold the key to finding out who she was. Problem is, she probably wouldn't like to know who that bratty, mean teenager was.

At this point in the fic, Edward has explained to Bella their history but will they ever take the chance to be together. Is Edward just in love in the memory of his first teenage love? Can Bella handle the hard truth of what her life was before the accident? We are over currently over the mountain, so for all you newbies you can start reading now knowing the end is close. 

"Isabella, your parents won't hear us 'cause they're in Atlantic City for the night. And as much as that was a really lovely invitation, ass-wriggle and all, I'm gonna have to pass. You're drunk as hell, and I guarantee once you sober up and daylight hits, it'll be Groundhog Day all over again; and you're gonna hate me again. Just like you always do. Every. Single. Day."
My words seem to startle her. She gets quiet and collapses on her belly, tucking her arms under her face and turning her head to the side to face me.
I sit down on the edge of her bed after pulling the comforter up to her shoulder blades and gingerly removing the rubber band from her pony-tailed hair.
"I could never hate you, Edward," she whispers, sounding pained. "I miss you. Every. Single. Day."
I see a tear fall over the edge of her gorgeous brown eye as she continues, "…more than you'll ever know."


Read it Here: Last Call

Hold Me Down by peristew

Not me. That's who this girl is. She is not me. And for the first time, Edward wants someone who is not me. The tequila sits at the bottom of my stomach and begins to grow tentacles. I am tequila brave.

I like this Bella. Right from chapter 1 I knew I could relate to this Bella. When things get tough have another shot of tequila and a cigarette, yup I definitely believe in this philosophy. The fic opens with Bella having to meet her 'boys' for their usual drinks catch up. Only tonight is different, tonight Edward is bringing his new girlfriend Kate which completely freaks Bella since this is an overt gesture that he is serious about this new girl. Whilst it's not fully explained yet, we get that Edward & Bella have intense history with each other. Bella has wronged Edward in someway and apparently has caused their separation but why and how?

Only 5 chapters in and I've got that twitchy feeling when I know this has the potential to be a rocking fic. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter (which rarely happens) and want more. Think you'll like it too.

"I fucking hate this," I blurt out. Word vomit. I look away as he hangs his head low, the cigarette dangling from his lips. He exhales and squints his eyes to look at me through the curtain of smoke.

"I don't know what to say," he whispers.

Say you forgive me. Say that you know that I can do better and that you're willing to really let me try. Say you love me so fucking much that you could throw away that pretty little thing in there and be with me again.

I don't say any of that. I move closer to him. He doesn't step back. We are so close that he has to take the cigarette out of his mouth to keep it from burning me. I move closer still. He doesn't move away but keeps his eyes down, focused on his feet. I can tell that he knows he should move somewhere, anywhere, because his breathing becomes labored. There is hesitation in his movements.

"Edward," I whisper pleadingly. Desperately.

He meets my eyes.

"Don't." He shakes his head.

Read it Here: Hold Me Down

Second Page by CaraNo

The first page didn't belong to them, because it was dedicated to someone else. Eight years later, we flip to the 

second page. It's theirs. EPOV. Daddyward, Mechanicward, Inkward, Olderward. Entry for the April Drabble War.

I don't read many drabble fics. I find this style of fic often disjointed and not very well written even when complete. However I can say that Second Page by CaraNo is a sweet heartfelt fic that is a wonderful quick read.

Bella is a 15 year old who has decided to give her baby up for adoption to 24 year old Edward and his older wife Kate. Nearing the end of the their pregnancy Edward reflects over the impending loss of Bella from his life and the incredible sacrifice she will make for himself and Kate. He really enjoys her friendship and their common love of music but he knows that once the baby is born Bella will go live her life and he'll live his with his family. Bella is also trying to process how to move on in her life without knowing anything about the child she will give up. Bella gives birth and Edward & Kate become the parents they always wanted. 8 years later Edward and Bella paths cross again.

This is so heartfelt and the child in this fic is such a spunky character. The parent dynamic between Edward & his kid is honest, you won't find any baby talk here. Bella grows into a gorgeous woman whose happy exterior hides a broken heart. This is a romance and the journey to get to the final ExB place is such a wonderful, hot experience. Read this on a weekend afternoon or just before bed cause you'll be smiling afterwards.

Read it here: Second Page