Moments of Clarity, Moments of Insanity.

A/N I am SO SO SO SO SO sorry this is taking FOREVER to get out. Lots of things have been going on in the personal front. Thank you so much to all who are still invested in this story, and have waited patiently for this new chapter.! Since I am putting so much into this particular episode, I've decided to make it a 3 part chapter. Here is the next installment. And know that I am more than halfway through the 3rd half. Hope you like. Review and show the love!

Chapter 11- Episode 12 part 2

"You only have yourself to blame. Now sit still," I told him, my breathe hissing through my teeth as I signed to him.

I sat on his knee, my legs wrapped around his thigh and my back to his chest in a feeble attempt to keep him in place. Well, maybe not so feeble, considering he'd have to dump me off his lap, onto the concrete and I just didn't think he'd risk me getting a concussion. I pulled his right hand in my lap, examining the gouges in his knuckles. Why couldn't the mother…do what he was told and go see the nurse.

I dug out the rubbing alcohol and Q-tips, trying to not think about what sitting on his leg and being pressed against him did to me. Down hormones! Now is not the time. My hormones begged to differ when I felt his leg shift between mine, making a shiver run through me.

I began meticulously cleaning a little more thoroughly than I needed to, feeling Emmett stiffen behind me. He deserved it for not going to see the nurse like I told him too. I'll never understand boys. They can get hurt beating the crap out of someone, but pull out a little disinfectant and they all cry for their Mommies. By the time I was done cleaning his wounds and dabbing them with antibiotic ointment, I'd gone through ten bloody Q-tips. Seriously, I could stack them and make a tower.

Emmett was still ramrod straight behind me and holding his breath, while I wrapped his injuries in bandages. The way I was feeling, he was lucky those bandages weren't bright pink. My hands were gentle against his as I examined my handiwork. It would have to suffice, although I'm sure the nurse at his school would have done much better.

Releasing his hand, I slid off his leg, needing to put some distance between us before I started climbing him instead. I watched as he looked his hand over, flexing his fingers experimentally. He looked up at me smiling. I gave him a stony look, still upset that it hadn't been taken care of sooner.

"I hope all that was worth breaking C-H-A-D's nose over." I told him flatly.

This time, he gave me a satisfied smirk. "He deserved it."

I couldn't help it, I smiled and blushed, still touched that he'd done that. Liam's friends had treated me like crap we when we were dating and he'd never stepped up to do anything about it. His opinion was that I could take it, so why get involved. Emmett didn't know that, no one did. But, if he was going to be hanging around my school, I had to get him to understand that it wasn't needed. Otherwise, he might be punching out half of the male student body at my school. Fact was, I got appraising looks, leering looks, eye stripped, catcalls and if someone was feeling really bold, they grabbed my ass on a daily basis. That was just a small list of the things I just had to ignore. I didn't think that Emmett could do the same.

"I'm…." Grateful, touched, surprised…shocked is more like it. "Thank you for doing that, but you really didn't have to."

Emmett looked at me confused, "Of course I had to."

"No, you didn't." I walked over and sat on the couch facing him, while I kneeled on it and tucked my legs beneath me. "It's nothing I can't deal with." Everyday….

He just sat there giving me a long look, gauging my words. His scrutiny made me shift nervously. Finally, he asked bluntly, "Did it make you uncomfortable when I defended your honor?" When I didn't answer him, he pressed the issue further. "Hasn't anyone done that before?" No. I have an attitude problem for a reason and that was self defense.

It was such a new feeling having someone protect me who wasn't Toby. "Maybe a little." I looked up at him, but never quite made eye contact, unsure of how he would react. "No one but Toby, and since we're not in elementary school anymore and separate pretty much all day… then yeah, pretty much no one."

I swallowed hard, praying to anyone who could hear me that he wouldn't ask about my friends or what happens at school. I mean, who honestly wants to tell their boyfriend that currently their talking to their only friend. Emmett stared at me for several long moments, like he was studying me, trying to take everything in. It was unnerving as hell.

"Well, say something!" I demanded my tone and hands clipped.

"Do you regret what happened earlier? What we did?" Emmett asked, but kept his expression neutral, making it all the harder for me to read him.

My eyes widened at him, feeling like I'd been hit right between them. "Come again?" As far as I knew, he didn't in the first place…oh great, now inner Bay is making ironic sex jokes.

"Do you regret it?" He reached out, touching me briefly, letting one of my loose curls coil around his finger, "I would understand if you did considering….."

I didn't even have to think about it, "No never! That's insane."

He just stared at me with a confused expression, like he had expected me to regret it or to be ashamed, but I wasn't. I struggled to think of how to explain what those few moments in the car meant to me….the car. I felt my breath catch in my throat, remembering what it'd been like. How he'd been gentle and careful, never asking for more than I was ready to give. Suddenly, I was back in that moment again.

Emmett above me with the sun pouring down on us. His hands teasing my breasts till I was breathless. The feel of his erection pressing against me, heating me up inside. His mouth on my body leaving a wet trail. The way he made me moan for him. The way he looked at me when he moved above me, grinding against me, sending wave after wave of pleasure through me that I'd never known before. The emotion- we'd never said it, but in those few moments I'd never felt more loved or more ready to give myself over.

Just as suddenly, I wanted him again as I heard myself barely whisper his name, "Emmett."

I felt a gentle touch on my leg. I jerked, my eyes flying open to meet Emmett's lustful gaze.

"You only have yourself to blame. Now sit still," Bay told me, as I cursed myself for not having gone to the nurse at school. Now Bay thought she had to play nursemaid. She looked more nervous than I felt.

Currently, Bay was perched on one of my knees, her legs wrapped around my thigh, in an attempt to remain upright. I chuckled silently, wondering what she would do if I decided to wiggle my leg, effectively making her land on the ground. In the same instance, I told myself that I would never intentionally hurt Bay like that. With a concentrated look, Bay pulled my right hand into her lap, and examined my knuckles. They were slightly swollen from earlier, but that wasn't my main focus. My focus was in trying not to turn my hand over and cop a feel.

Bay dug out the alcohol and Q-tips and perused my knuckles again. From my vantage point, I caught a glimpse of her cleavage. I shifted my leg, hoping she wouldn't notice the effect her proximity was having on my libido. I felt Bay shiver against my leg. Too late.

Bay began cleaning my knuckles and I stiffened. That hurts! I swore she was taking a sadistic pleasure in causing me pain. She dabbed and scrapped and dabbed some more. I wanted to ask her if she was angry at me, but judging by her "meticulous cleaning job," I was under the impression I already knew the answer to that. By the time she had finished, she had a handful of bloody Q-tips and a very disapproving look on her face.

I stayed absolutely still. As she began wrapping my knuckles, I held my breath. Pain…pain….Mommy! After she was done, Bay held up my hands, examining her work. From what I could tell, the bandages were loose enough that I would be able to sign with no problem.

Bay let go of my hand, and slid off my leg. I almost groaned at the loss. Instead, I focused on my hand, flexing and moving my fingers. I had to admit that Bay did a great job. I looked up and smiled at her, showing her I was pleased. Bay didn't return the smile. If anything, she gave me a rather stony look and glared at me. I was ready to ask her what the problem was, when Bay raised her hands to speak.

"I hope all that was worth breaking C-H-A-D's nose over." You're joking, right?

Just to irritate her, I smirked and said, "He deserved it."

Bay smiled and I saw the blush creep over her face. It still made me laugh how often I could make her blush. Sometimes, I did it just because I liked to fluster her. Bay was too serious most of the time. It was always fun to loosen her up and pick on her till she cracked.

"I'm…." Bay started, but then seemed to hesitate. I watched her, wondering as always, what was going through her mind. Finally, she said, "Thank you for doing that, but you really didn't have to."

I was extremely confused. I was her boyfriend. Did she think I would let those jocks get away with that? I protected what was mine, and Bay was mine. "Of course I had to."

"No, you didn't." she responded instantly. Walking to the couch, she sat down and pulled her feet under her, giving me the impression she was trying to curl into herself. "It's nothing I can't deal with."

What the hell is that suppose to mean? The more I got to know Bay, the more I began to realize that there was a lot she never shared with me. Had those jerks messed with her before? For that matter, just how many people have…? Her defensiveness and quick wit was suddenly making heaps more sense. I stared at Bay, hoping I was wrong, but knowing I was actually right.

Bluntly, I asked her, "Did it make you uncomfortable when I defended your honor?" Bay's answer was silence. Fine, different tactic, then. "Hasn't anyone done that before?" Bay's eyes widened and I suddenly had my answer. Oh, baby girl….. How many people have treated you so horribly?

Bay finally looked up, but didn't fully meet my eyes, and said, "Maybe a little." I raised an eyebrow, but she wasn't paying attention to me. She continued with, "No one but Toby, and since we're not in elementary school anymore and separate pretty much all day… then yeah, pretty much no one."

In that moment, I wanted desperately to speak to her. I was finally really understanding the real Bay Kennish, and what I saw almost broke my heart. She's only ever been able to rely on Toby? What about her parents? Did she feel that she couldn't rely on me? Or, was she too scared to admit that she could, and it scared her? I wanted to drag her into my arms, and protect her from the world. I wanted to make the bad days better, and the good days great. But first, I had to get Bay to really open up to me. She needed to trust me.

Apparently, my scrutiny began wearing on Bay, because she demanded with clipped signs, "Well, say something!"

I asked the question that was currently foremost on my mind. "Do you regret what happened earlier? What we did?" I left my expression blank, not giving any of my feelings away.

Bay's eyes widened and she asked, her hands shaking slightly, "Come again?"

"Do you regret it?" I asked, gently touching her hair, coiling one of her curls around my finger. "I would understand if you did considering….."

"No never! That's insane," Bay replied quickly.

Now I was more confused. She had just given me a vague impression that she had regretted it, but here she was, vehemently denying it. I suddenly wasn't sure if I should believe her or not.

I watched Bay's eyes slide shut, and her face took on a dreamy expression. She absently began to run her hands along her legs, and up over her stomach. Just watching her was getting me pretty turned on. Her breath started coming faster and her face became flushed. Was she thinking about the car? Just when I thought I might go mad, her mouth moved, and I saw her say…

"Emmett."

I had to feel her against me again. I needed a repeat of earlier, with no one looking and no one to stop us. I touched Bay's leg lightly. Bay jumped, and her eyes flew open. Her eyes were blazing with desire.

Oh, baby. Let me make up all the bad shit to you. Let me be the one you fall back on. Let me be the one to show you how much I Love You…..

I stared at him, trying to get a handle on the situation and explain myself. "I could never regret it. I've never felt that way with anyone else. The way you looked at me. How gentle you were. I've never had that." He stared back at me, an awestruck look coming across his face. "Even after you left, your scent clung to me in a way it never had before. It still does." I'd been unconsciously leaning forward the whole time. "You don't regret it, do you?"

"No, I could never… would never regret anything I do with you," was his quick response. I watched an odd look come over his face, almost as if he was struggling with how to put something. "With you….I've never…I'm gonna give you everything you need."

Leaning forward, he caught my lips softly with his. I gasped, not expecting the movement. Emmett's tongue darted into my mouth, running against mine, exploring the wet haven as if he were really tasting me for the first time. I groaned when he pulled away, leaving a kiss on the corner of my mouth.

"Emmett…" My voice sounded breathless to my own ears.

Emmett put a finger to my lips, silencing my pleas. He moved off the couch, walking backwards, never taking his eyes off me. It was as if he was afraid that I would run. As he reached the entrance to my studio, I finally understood what he was doing, as he pulled down the garage door and then shut the side entrance. I could feel my heart rate pick up as we were cast in semi-darkness.

Emmett walked back over to me. In just a few quick strides, he was right in front of me. Without hesitation, he leaned down, taking my lips with his, plunging inside again. Reaching up, I gripped his arms tightly as that fire his touch fanned flared to life. I gasped against his mouth, leaning into him more as his hands cupped my rear end. Only this time, instead of just holding me, Emmett lifted. My legs wrapped around his waist, my thighs squeezing him.

I broke the kiss, looking at him, completely surprised. He couldn't sign, but the look on his face promised things that I couldn't even fathom. He tipped his head to the side. I let my eyes slip closed, thinking he going for my neck, but I got a shock when he aimed a bit higher. I groaned, my head tipping back the second his tongue touched my ear lobe, sending a shock through me.

How did he know to do that? I didn't even know I wanted that! All my thoughts scattered, while Emmett continued to lick and nibble on my ear. Shivers ran through me while my legs gripped him tighter, holding him between them. His hands slipped under my shirt caressing every inch of the smooth, soft expanse of my back, while still holding me tightly to him.

I started tugging on his shirt, wishing it was gone. With his hands on my skin, I was desperate to feel more of his. I felt him blow on the ear he'd just been toying with and white hot need shot through me, making me start to sweat and groan out his name. Emmett's lips teasingly dropped to my throat, leaving a wet trail. His hands caressing my sides made my stomach flip and quiver, feeling his hot skin on mine.

"Emmett, please more," I whimpered out.

His touch was relentless against my body, even going so far as massaging and gripping those thicker soft places most guys didn't like. In his arms, for just a moment, I felt perfect- flaws and all. One of his arms snaked around my waist, offering more support as his mouth pulled from my neck. I could already feel the bruise forming as my skin throbbed. I felt his free hand grip the edge of my shirt. Before I could process what that meant, Emmett had tugged it up sharply, making me gasp as everything underneath was bared to his hungry gaze.

Eyes closed, I froze whimpering, chewing on my lip, afraid that he'd be disappointed with what I had to offer. As hot as I was, the garage was colder. I could feel my nipples stiffen, easily seen through the white lace bindings. Holding my breath, I waited for a reaction from him. It seemed like forever before I felt his touch. He squeezed my breast gently, making a tingling like champagne bubbles burst through me. I moaned softly, pushing up with my hips, as I tightened my thighs, grinding my hot soaking center against him.

Emmett continued to play with my breasts- squeezing, rubbing, massaging. Rolling my nipples between his fingers made me cry out, as my hips continued to push rhythmically against him. I wanted so badly to take my bra off, to feel his hands and mouth on my naked flesh, sucking my tormented peaks into his mouth. Emmett had reduced me to I want, I need and please as I shook against him. I could feel his eyes on me, drinking in my every reaction- the curve of my mouth with each new sound I made. The way my neck arched, tipping my head back and every shiver or jerk that ran through me. I dragged my eyes open to look into his. I was drowning and I knew he could see it.

"I want…..I want….." I begged incoherently, not entirely sure what I was begging for, but trusting him to understand.

Emmett held me against him, his fingers burrowing deep in my hair as his mouth covered mine in a heated caress. I ran my tongue along his lips, wanting to taste him. He opened for me, and hesitantly my tongue ventured inside, rubbing against his. Soaking up his taste, I explored the moist cavern as I ran my tongue over his teeth and moving with his playfully. Walking forward, Emmett held me tightly. With a soft pop, he broke the kiss. Then slowly, as if I were a delicate porcelain doll, he laid me out on the couch, which was much more comfortable than my backseat.

Emmett lowered himself down on the couch with me, placing one of his legs between mine. I stared up at him, panting softly, entranced with the way he looked at me, like I was the most precious thing in the world to him. Taking off his shirt, he leaned down over me. I groaned against his mouth, feeling the arousing pressure of his weight on me. I could feel his erection straining against my thigh, his knee pressing against the wet apex of my legs. Gently, Emmett pulled my shirt over my head. I fought the urge to cover my breasts. Instead, I blushed.

I moaned softly, shuddering, as I felt his burning skin pressing against mine. Emmett dropped his lips to where my mounds overflowed from the barely there lace. Breath after breath shuddered out of me, feeling his lips and teeth moving over my skin lovingly, hungrily. His tongue dipping low into the valley between my breasts, tasting the sweat off my skin, his mouth moved lower still. I let out a strangled cry, arching into him, when he sucked my nipple into his mouth through my bra. Oh…God! Oh…God!

I could barely think, as I felt one of his hands start fondling my other breast, teasing my nipple just as endlessly. I twitched and jerked underneath him, the sensation too much to bear. He switched sides, suckling on my other nipple, while massaging the breast his mouth had just abandoned. He sucked on me, rubbing the fabric against my skin, flicking his tongue over my tortured peak. I couldn't stay still. I kept moving my leg against his hard on, that I so badly wanted to see. His knee came up harder against my center, making me moan his name and more fluid poured from my body. Could he feel how wet I was for him?

I just wanted our clothes off, so I begged, not caring that he probably couldn't see me speak, "Off Please…Take It Off…..Emmett I need….Please"

Then it happened. The lights flicked on and I heard someone say, "Take what off?"

We stared at each other. Just as I wanted to reach for Bay, her hands lifted between us. I knew she still needed to talk, so I backed off, giving her the floor, so to speak. Then, she started talking.

"I could never regret it. I've never felt that way with anyone else. The way you looked at me. How gentle you were. I've never had that." I could only stare at her, a feeling of bliss passing over me. I made her feel things that no one else ever did. "Even after you left, your scent clung to me in a way it never had before. It still does." Bay had started leaning closer and closer to me. I was suddenly lost in her scent. "You don't regret it, do you?"

Quickly, I told her, "No, I could never… would never regret anything I do with you," How do I tell her just how much I want her? How much this all means to me? Finally, hesitantly, I told her, "With you….I've never…I'm gonna give you everything you need."

I leaned forward, catching her lips with mine. Bay gasped against my lips, and I snaked my tongue inside. I dueled with hers, caressing and tasting. I felt like a drowning man. I couldn't get enough of Bay. I needed more. Pulling away, I gently kissed the corner of Bay's mouth.

"Emmett…" I saw her lips form my name. I put my finger to her lips, and got off the couch. Walking backward, never taking my eyes from Bay's, I reached the garage door. Turning slightly, I pulled the door down and shut the side entrance. I watched Bay's eyes widen as we were cast in semi-darkness.

I walked back toward her quickly. Stepping in front of her, I leaned down and plundered her mouth with mine. Bay gripped my arms, and I was lost. I felt her gasp against my mouth and felt her body leaning more into mine. Reaching around, I possessively gripped her rear. Balancing myself, I lifted her up and felt her legs wrap around my hips. Bay broke the kiss, surprise etched on her face. My brain kicked into gear, and I remembered that no other guy had ever been gentle or compassionate with her before. I wanted to make this the best experience she's ever had, so far. I'm gonna take care of you…

I hoped my face showed her how badly I wanted her. How much I wanted to make her mine, completely. I tipped my head, and watched her eyes slide closed. Teasingly, I leaned forward and touched her earlobe with my tongue. Bay shuddered against me. As I continued to lick and nibble at her ear, Bay bucked against me, her legs gripping even tighter. I slipped a hand under her shirt, feeling her hot skin under my palm. I caressed her back, and felt Bay melt into me even more.

Then, I felt her tug on my shirt. Patience, sweetheart. Patience… I blew on her ear, causing Bay to jump and writhe against me. I had to keep a tight grip on her so she didn't fall. Bay was oblivious to all of this. She was totally zoned out to everything. I left her ear, and kissed a path down her throat. I felt a moan that Bay released. That's right, baby….come on baby. I want to feel how much you want this. How much you want me…

I felt more vibrations coming from Bay's throat. I wanted to hear the sounds she was making. I needed to know she was enjoying this as much as I was. I roamed my hands everywhere I could reach. My hand brushed her breasts and I knew this time, I would see what I wanted to before.

Wrapping my arm around her waist, I held Bay tighter against me. Now or never, Bledsoe. Gripping the edge of her shirt, I pulled it up sharply. Her breasts were encased in white lace and they were perfect. Looking up, I saw that Bay had her eyes closed tightly. Smiling, I looked back down at the treasure I had revealed. I saw Bay's nipples stiffen through the fabric. Suddenly, my world got hot and narrowed down to the perfection that was Bay.

Gently, I reached up my hand, and squeezed her breast. Bay jolted against me, and I felt her thighs tighten even more around me. I kept playing with her, massaging and squeezing. Bay was lost to her feelings and I wasn't far behind. Teasingly, I rolled one of her nipples between my fingers. Bay's mouth opened, and I knew she had cried out from the sensation. Her hips pushed against mine even more. My hard on was straining against my pants. Yes, baby. Yes! Bay was beautiful to behold. The way her neck arched back, her thighs gripping mine tightly. She's gorgeous when she….

Bay's eyes flew open and she stared at me. She babbled incoherently, "I want…..I want….." I knew what she needed, even if she couldn't voice it. I buried my hands in her hair, caressing her mouth with mine. Her tongue ran over my lips. I opened them, and her tongue ventured inside slowly, hesitantly. Her tongue ran over my teeth and around the cavern of my mouth. Belatedly, I realized that we were still standing, that I was supporting all of her weight against me. I need more of her. Walking forward, I reluctantly broke the kiss, but looked at her with a promise in my eyes. Could she see it?

As gently as I could, I laid her out on her couch, and followed her down. I placed my knee between her legs, rubbing against her center slightly. Bay was panting, her chest heaving. There are no words for how this woman makes me feel. Bay was looking up at me, lust and desire shining brightly in her eyes. I ripped my shirt off, wanting nothing in between us. I was dying to feel her supple skin against mine. My mouth was practically salivating at the thought of tasting her hot flesh. Bay was squirming against me, trying to get closer. I ground my knee against her, causing her to jump and twitch. I glanced at her breasts. I could see the outline of her nipples through the thin lace. Have to taste her. Tenderly, I pulled her shirt over her head, tossing it somewhere behind us. Bay blushed hotly.

Slowly, I kissed the cleavage that was showing. Bay was breathing hard, and pulling on my back. I caressed the mounds with my lips, my teeth. Bay was thrashing, arching. Dipping my tongue low into the valley of her breasts, I tasted the sweet saltiness there. Then, I moved inward. As my mouth closed around her nipple, still encased in her bra, I found Heaven. Bay arched sharply against me, her nails digging into my back. I lapped at the sweetness, wanting to make Bay feel the way I felt.

Reaching up, I fondled her other breast, teasing and tormenting the peak at the same time. Bay was twitching restlessly, her head thrashing from side to side. Oh, yessssss baby! Almost there. It's only going to get better from here. Switching sides, I suckled the other nipple as I massaged the breast I had just tasted. Bay rubbed her leg against my hard on, and I wanted more. Sharply, I rubbed harder against her center, and felt the wetness there. This is it. No turning back now. My thoughts were confirmed when I looked up at Bay. I caught, "Take It Off…..Emmett I need….Please."

I reached for her bra, wanting the offending thing gone. I wanted to see what I had tasted. I wanted….

Then it happened. The lights flicked on and Bay stiffened under me, her face paling before my eyes. OH SHIT! I braced myself for impact. I'm a dead man….please DON'T let it be John….

OH SHIT! Emmett froze above me and I turned, only to find Toby standing in my doorway, giving me a stony look. I can't say as I blame him. When he walked in here, I doubt he was expecting to find his drummer rounding second and thinking about stealing third, on top his Sister! I was not very happy with him.

Emmett finally reacted. Grabbing his shirt from the ground, he draped it over me, then went to get my shirt, all the while avoiding looking at Toby. I sat up, taking my shirt from him and putting it on. I could feel embarrassment emanating from Emmett. Good, at least one of us was, because I was too pissed off to care. My boyfriend had moved over to where I had a couple of boxes stacked, clearly trying to hide how much he'd been enjoying my company.

"Knock much!" I asked Toby, fixing him with a glare that withered other men. Unfortunately, my brother was immune.

His frown deepening, he replied, "Mom sent me to come get you. She wants to see you in the kitchen."

"That's not true," I retorted, picking my hands up, remembering to sign my response so Emmett would be completely in the loop.

"You really wanna take that chance Bay? You really wanna run the risk of Mom coming to find you after what I just saw?" Toby hedged, suggesting that he wasn't lying.

"Fine, but if you're lying….." I left the sentence to hang in the air. I turned to Emmett, "Can you hang out here a minute? My Mom wants to see me."

Emmett looked back and forth between my brother and me before nodding his assent. I could feel his embarrassment ebbing. Which was good, because I was already pretty sure Toby was going to have words with him and being embarrassed wouldn't help matters much.

Trying to spare Emmett the drama, I turned back to Toby. "You're coming with me."

"No, I'm not," Toby said, crossing his arms over his chest, the look on his face telling me he was not going to budge, as tension hummed through him. "I'm staying right here."

I huffed, rolling my eyes, "Fine, suit yourself."

I straightened my clothes one more time. I was just going to walk out, but I wanted to make a point to Toby first. Walking over to Emmett, I smiled up at him. I saw him start to melt around the edges as he smiled down at me. I reached up, pulling him down to me, as I kissed him eagerly, passionately. Emmett responded in kind, his arms wrapping tightly around me. I reveled in the taste of him, not caring that my brother was behind me. I pulled away smiling, touching his cheek gently, wanting him to see how happy he makes me.

"I'll be back." I turned away from him.

I walked towards the door with my head held high, smirking at my brother, who was still shooting daggers at Emmett. Just as I was about to walk through the door, Toby grabbed my arm roughly, pulling me in close to him. The second that happened, even twenty feet away, I could feel anger start to seep from Emmett as he took a couple of steps forward.

I turned my head just enough to tell him, "No" with my eyes before Toby commanded my attention again.

Leaning into me so Emmett couldn't read his lips, Toby said, "I thought that we had an agreement about this earlier."

"We didn't agree on anything. You talked and I listened. That does not mean that I agreed to anything." I was starting to get even more annoyed with him. "So thanks for the advice Dad, but no thanks."

Toby gave me a humorless smile. "Come on now. You know that if Dad had walked in on this, he'd be chasing Emmett out with a shotgun and Mom would be dragging you inside by your hair."

I glared at him, "Fine." Then I softened. I knew he meant well, so I had to clue him in. "You know what you saw it was more than physical, right?"

"Yeah, I know. That's why I'm doing this." Then I saw another thought pass through his eyes. "Did you tell him?"

I knew what he was asking, I knew he wanted to know if Emmett knew I was virgin. "Please, don't tell him!"

"BAY!" I jerked at the sharp tone his voice had taken, "If you really want to….go through with this, than you need to tell him. That's something no guy wants to find out in the process of or after the fact."

"Why? It's not like he's….." My sentence dropped off, not wanting to tell him that I was under the impression that my boyfriend was as experienced as I was. Meaning that he wasn't.

"Oh trust me, he's definitely been around the bases a couple of times." I gave him an accusing look wanting to know just how he knew that. "Relax, it's not like he told me, but a guy just knows. I mean, come on. He's a drummer who rides a motorcycle."

Toby had a point, but I still wasn't convinced. "Well, I don't buy it."

He just shook his head at me, finally releasing my arm. "Just go and give me like thirty minutes, alright?"

"Be nice and don't tell him!" I insisted before agreeing to leave them alone.

Toby rolled his eyes. "I won't tell him, but you need to. I can't promise I'll be nice, considering after I'm done here, I'll have to go disinfect my eyeballs."

I sighed heavily, annoyance etched into my face, but Toby could see the defeat in my eyes. Turning around, I gave Emmett an apologetic smile. He stared at me with confusion, but his body was tense, as if he were still ready to yank Toby away from me for grabbing my arm earlier. Before I could change my mind, I left the boys alone. I felt a sense of finality when the door shut behind me.

I'm buying locks for both those doors!

I froze, half expecting a shotgun to be thrust into my back. Whoever was standing there had definitely gotten a good look at what we were doing. It didn't take a genius to figure out where it was headed, either. Reluctantly, I looked up. Toby stood in the doorway, a stony look across his face. Pheeww, at least it isn't John. On second thought…..

My brain and body finally caught up to each other. I lunged for my shirt and draped it over Bay. I got up quickly and grabbed her shirt, carefully avoiding looking at Toby. Bay sat up and took her shirt from my hand. Quickly, she pulled it on, still using my shirt for cover. Blindly, I grabbed mine and put it on. It was one thing for Bay to see my naked chest. As inconspicuously as possible, I made my way over to some waist high boxes and stood behind them. I was still turned on enough that I knew Toby wouldn't appreciate it.

Bay must have said something to Toby, because he responded with something along the lines of, " Mom wants to see you in the kitchen."

"That's not true," Bay retorted, finally signing her responses. Toby wasn't as proficient, so he didn't even try.

"You -wanna take that - Bay? You really - - - risk of Mom coming to - - after what I - saw?" was what I caught. Better Kathryn than John. Yikes!

"Fine, but if you're lying….." Bay answered, clearly angry. Turning to me, she said, "Can you hang out here a minute? My Mom wants to see me."

Looking back and forth between the siblings, I realized that it would definitely be safer to stay hidden in here. I nodded, and Bay smirked, almost like she knew my thoughts. Hahahaha…

Turning back to Toby, Bay motioned for Toby to follow her. Toby ground in his heels and said, "No, I'm not," before crossing his arms over his chest. Greeeaaat! "I'm staying right here."

With her back to me, I couldn't see if Bay responded. I did however, see when Bay straightened out her clothes and walked back toward me with a smile on her face. I melted a little, smiling back. Bay reached up and pulled me toward her, her lips pressing eagerly against mine. I tightened my arms around her, and pulled her in tight. Seconds later, Bay pulled away with a smile, and gently touched my cheek.

"I'll be back," she said, before turning away.

Toby still stood by the door, and was still staring daggers at me. Just as Bay cleared the door, Toby's hand snaked out and grabbed her arm. Instantly, I went on full body alert. I started walking toward the pair, intent on breaking Toby's hand.

Bay caught my movement. Turning her head, her eyes told me "No" before her attention was diverted by Toby again. The siblings heads pushed together. Unfortunately, that meant I couldn't tell what either of them were saying.

Toby looked angry. Bay was shaking her head. I saw Toby smile, but it wasn't a real smile. I saw Toby say "BAY!" before Bay jerked. Finally, Toby released her arm and Bay stepped away. I still watched him closely.

"Just go and give me like thirty minutes, alright?" I saw Toby say. Great, now big brother wants to "talk."

Whatever Bay's response was made Toby roll his eyes. I turned to look at Bay, so I didn't read his lips. Bay sighed, and turned toward me, an apologetic look on her face. Then, she scurried out the door, leaving me alone with her brother.

Yep, I'm a dead man…

Toby turned and checked the door, presumably making sure Bay had really left. Satisfied, he walked toward me. He glanced at the couch, and sighed. I watched him wearily, wondering when the bomb would drop.

"Emmett? I like you, man. I really do. But, we need to talk about some things."

"So…talk," I told him.

"Did Bay tell you what happened at school? After you left?" Toby launched right in.

"No. Why? Was there something she needed to tell me?" I asked, utterly confused.

Toby shook his head, and ran his fingers through his hair. "This is gonna be interesting," I think I saw him say. Finally, Toby looked up again. "I'm guessing that what I just walked in on has happened before?"

I looked at him, not sure how to respond. If I told him the truth, he would get royally pissed. If I lied, he would know it. "Not exactly like that," was what I finally came out with.

"You care about Bay. I can tell you want to protect her. Emmett, making out in her car at lunch, where anyone can see, isn't protecting her. That is making her a target for all the dumb asses at Buckner to torment her."

"What happened?" I inquired, suddenly mad that I had been left out of the loop.

"The short answer is that after you left, Bay was the recipient of several dozen "gifts," so to speak. She was laughed at and teased, all because of what happened in her car. Those two idiots ran and told half the school that Bay Kennish was "hooking up" in her car with you. Hell, Bay keeps to herself a lot. Most people still don't even know she even has a boyfriend."

I felt my anger ebbing. Shit! What had I done to her? Because I lost control, Bay was teased about it. I knew full well what "gifts" Toby spoke off. If her school was anything like Carlton, I was certain I was right.

"Bay may seem like she has experience, but really, she doesn't have as much as you think. Liam wasn't the greatest boyfriend in the world. He didn't respect her like I'm sure you do," Toby stressed. "He always said she was too much to handle, and that her problems were "unimportant." He always called it, "more Bay drama."

I was really starting to hate Liam more and more.

Apparently, Toby wasn't finished. He gave me a hard stare. "Your Mother was here earlier, as well."

Mom? What does she have to do with anything? "And….?"

"And she was "talking" with Bay."

My blood ran cold. What had she said? "Did you see what they were talking about?"

"Nope. But Bay looked upset. You should really put your mother on a leash."

No kidding! Mom or Bay? Who should I ask? "Are you finished yet?" I asked impatiently.

Toby grinned. "Just be glad it was me that caught the two of you and not my old man. I could hear Bay out in the driveway, man."

I had the grace to blush at that statement. Admittedly, we had gotten carried away. I was very glad that it was Toby and not John. Was it wrong to feel pride that I had made her feel that way?

"Noted. Done now?" I asked again.

"Yup. Behave yourselves, or next time I will inform Dad. See ya later," Toby said flippantly, before heading out the door.

Unfortunately, he left me with a lot to think about. Hurry back, Bay…..

I was still in the kitchen, tapping my foot nervously, hoping and praying that Toby would respect what I wanted. To distract myself, I'd been putting some food together. I'd sliced up the leftover meatballs from last night, putting them on sourdough bread with provolone cheese. Just because I was annoyed enough, I swiped Toby's pop from the fridge. I know that it's childish, but I don't really care.

Of course now that I'd done all that I was left to stare pensively out the window, waiting for Toby to exit the garage. Finally, he emerged from my side of the garage going next door to his. Great, he's gonna spend the rest of the evening right next door…..fantastic. I stayed inside waiting about ten more minutes, not wanting Emmett to know I'd been staring down the door, waiting for Toby to leave.

I was just about to gather everything and go back to Emmett, when I had a different idea. I decided to go talk to Toby, to try and scope out how things went after the "talk". Suddenly, I had the perfect excuse of needing a cord for my laptop to get through undetected. I headed next door to Toby's piece of heaven that I had every intention of invading.

Walking back through the darkened music studio, I'm pretty sure I heard Wilkie's voice. There was a very contemplative tone to it. Uh oh, what kind of trouble is he dragging my brother into now? Suddenly my original intent to gather intel for my own personal use was forgotten, realizing that there might be something more important going on here.

I walked through the beaded entryway, only to find the dynamic duo hunched over a laptop. The two of them sat close together, completely enraptured by whatever was on the screen. Right then, I knew it was one of two things. Option A- it was porn. Option B- they were up to something. God, please let it be porn!

"Hey uh…" I quickly snatched up what I'd been looking for. "Do you mind? I still can't find mine."

Toby answered, barely looking in my direction. "Yeah, go ahead."

Okay, so not porn since no was jumping up to shut it down. Then Wilkie said, "Looks like the hot tip is to make it from another state."

"What are you guys doing?" Not entirely sure I wanna know, but spill it. Mamma needs some more blackmail material, so I can get some privacy with Emmett again.

"Starting our small business: fake I.D's. Wanna get back in the pool? Give ya the family rate," Wilkie told me. And they both looked so darn proud of themselves.

Uh huh, and add to my brothers impending jail sentence…. let me think about that for a minute… "You're kidding right?

Toby looked downright insulted. "What, you get caught and now no one can have a fake I.D?"

"Uh, having one and selling them are two totally different things." Let me explain, oh sanity challenged brother of mine. "I get caught, I get community service. You get caught, you get a cell and a roommate at Leavenworth." Come on think it through!

"She does have a point. It's not the best idea." YES!

Enter the voice of reason…..Wilkie. "It's on the internet dude! It's just… a unique party favor to share with all your friends." Toby's eyes flicked back in my direction, clearly wanting my input, but the tall blonde menace continued, "What people do with them after they get them, we have no control over that."

Time to butt in, "Wow, way to rationalize. I thought you were turning over a new leaf after the whole stealing the test thing?"

Then, Wilkie looked at Toby, perfectly calm with the little sister's rebuttal, but when Toby gave him that scared mouse look he folded…sort of. "Okay fine. We'll just ask your Dad for a couple extra shifts at the carwash. At three bucks a car, plus minimum wage, we should be able to fund our video by the time Guitar Face is ready for a reunion tour." That's what this is about….his BAND!

This time Toby folded. "Yeah we should get some more cardstock and…" Wilkie piped up "Ink cartridges." Here we go again. "Yeah, definitely"

Shaking my head, I walked away, leaving the two to their diabolical schemes. They just better not drag Emmett into this. I'll kill them both.

As I made another lap around Bay's studio, I ideally wondered if Toby was still in one piece. I knew Bay well enough to know that she would hunt him down after he walked out of here earlier. A picture of Toby snatched bald suddenly popped into my head. I snorted out a laugh, knowing Bay was totally capable of doing just that.

I passed the time by looking at her paintings. Bay's art had always captivated me. She held nothing back. Everything she was feeling or thinking went on the canvas. I could tell her mood by the lines and colors she would use. If it was light and wispy, with bright colors, then she had been happy. If the lines were harsh or deep, the colors dark, I knew she had been upset. Lately though, her canvas' had a new feel to them. Almost like a feeling of…discovery. Of new and different things. Was that because of me?

A part of me really hoped it was because of me…

I headed back to the main house to get the food I'd made, when I spied my Mother through the window. With that one look, my brain shifted gears again, to my how I would handle tomorrow evening at Emmett's house and how badly I wanted things to go well. I needed a plan of attack.

To have a good one, I needed strategy for navigating social events in hostile territory, which meant I needed a strategist. Not just any strategist would do- no, I needed a seasoned veteran respected and adored in social circles far and wide. I needed Mom.

It just so happened I was in luck. Walking into the kitchen, I found my Mom at the counter dumping out a load of…books? Okay Mom, light reading much? What are we up to…hmmm. "Hey, umm Mom….What is with the books?"

"Oh, it's just a little homework." A little? I don't use that many books writing a ten page paper and it looks like you're preparing your thesis. "What's up?"

Of course, she jumps right to the awkward part. "Uh, I, ahh need some advice?" Please be cool about this Mom.

I instantly knew I was asking for too much when she got that little smile on her face. "Wait, from me?"

"Don't look so happy about it. That just makes it harder." And yet her smile gets bigger.

I was contemplating just walking away when Mommy dearest finally gave in. "Sorry. I'm sorry."

Here goes nothing. "I think Emmett's Mom hates me."

"Melody?" My Mom clearly wasn't expecting that question. "Why would she hate you?"

It's about to get more awkward. "E…Emmett and I have kinda been….we've been hanging out and.."

"You and Emmett?" Yes, me and Emmett. "I thought it was he and Daphne?"

"No!" Let's make this all nice and clear shall we. "He and I are together."

"Wait together, together? Are two are you serious?" Her questioning look was starting to irk me.

Please understand. "Yeah Mom it's…it's kinda serious."

"Huh….?" My Mom cocked her head to the side looking lost and I just felt hurt.

"Wow! Really it's that hard to believe that we're a couple." My Mom looked at me more fully this time looking both lost and confused like my words held no meaning for her.

"No, no of course not." First the backpedaling. "It's just that…" Now we have the rationalizing. "Well there was Liam, then there's Ty…"

"Uh Wow.." I stopped my Mom right there not believing my ears. "You Melody should get together and discuss why I am so horrible for Emmett." Now she looked thrown but I pressed further ignoring her hurt. "She thinks he's flunking out because of me," Which might be true considering how much time we spend together but is not my point. "and you think I'm some sort of boy junkie." Gonna send me to rehab next?

She instantly countered with. "I'm just trying to understand Honey."

"He and I have way more in common than Liam and I ever did and he's age appropriate which I thought you would appreciate and…." You won't get choked up here Bay you won't! "Mom he gets me and I…I get him."

"Well, than Melody should consider herself lucky that her son is dating someone as smart and caring and creative as you. If she doesn't well than it's her loss." I was touched by what my Mom had just said but I also had to live in reality.

No Mom just no it's sweet but you're so WWAAAYYYY off base this time. "Mmm no it's…it's my loss because once the Mom disapproves of the girlfriend it's only a matter of time.

"Hohoho Wait we do not have as much power as you think we do." Huh I'm not even sure why I should dignify that with a response?

"Really?"

"Really." Time to enlighten my Mother.

My brother is going to kill me for this one. "Mm Hm. Do you remember when Toby was dating Melissa the hippy chick?"

Mom looked beside herself with shock "I never said a word!"

"You didn't have to." I fired back instantly. "Which is why I have to get Melody to like me. So Regina and I are going over and…the plan is to tr..try and convince her that I'm not the Antichrist." I could feel my own heart shaking with my next statement. "Expect, I don't know how to do that. I..I don't know how to make her like me."

"Honey," I could feel the sympathy rolling off of her. "Just be yourself." Famous last words Mom!

"Yea, that's easy for you to say. People like you, they do not like me. So, I don't..I don't wanna be myself tonight. I wanna be you." The last time I was just myself, I scared the guy so bad he though going to war was a better option.

"Honey, you're…" PLEASE Mom, I'm desperate. She shook her head, sighing, before giving in. "You could lighten up a little on the sarcasm."

"Mmhm." Oh crap, now what am I gonna say?

Now my Mom looked downright serous. "And bring artichoke dip."

That is an inspired idea! "Oh, I love your artichoke dip."

"Everybody does.." Okay, now she's downright giddy instead. "It sounds like a vegetable, but it's full of mayo and cheese. There is no way Melody can resist that!"

For once, I feel like this might actually work. "Thank you."

Then she gave me that sweet indulgent look that she always did when she thought I was worrying over nothing. "Oh, you'll win her over."

"I hope so." I just hope it's not too late when I do.

I checked the time on my phone. Bay had certainly been gone for quite a while now. The solitude, however, gave me a chance to ponder on Toby's words. For some reason, his statement about Bay not having a lot of experience kept jumping back into my head. Could Bay be a virgin still? We certainly hadn't discussed it before. She certainly didn't act like a virgin when we were on the couch earlier. Nor did she in her car. Come to think of it, any time I've touched her, she has responded readily and given back just as much.

After considering all of that, I decided that maybe Bay had been pushed into having a sexual relationship in the past before she had been ready. Thinking about some other guy seeing Bay nude made my blood boil a bit. Maybe that was why she was so shy. Did she think I was going to demand we have sex? Didn't she know I would never push her. I would always let her set the pace, no matter what.

With that in mind, not only did I desperately want Bay back in here so I could see her, but so I could explain. She needed to understand that we -that I- would do this right. I would never let her feel pressure or scared into being with me. Liam flashed through my mind, along with an image of Bay backed against a wall in this very studio. I could see a tinge of fear and a lot of regret in her eyes as she started to disrobe for him. That will never be us, Bay. That will never be you again.

I couldn't help it though, as that image faded and the one that reformed was of Bay underneath me on the couch, her shirt gone. She stared up in my eyes. Only this time, those brown orbs were filled with desire and begged me for more while she panted. Her shirt off, her nipples showing through her bra. How easily she fit into my hand.

This is gonna be harder than I thought…..

After my Mom had made promises of dip making right after school, finally, I was able to gather up the food on a tray and head outside across the driveway. Once I got to my door, I kicked it open and walked inside. I don't know what I was expecting to find when I walked in, but it definitely wasn't the suffocating air of guilt that filled the room…I was gonna kill Toby for it. Emmett had his back to me and was looking at something. I groaned internally, realizing that while I'd been gone he'd found my stack of ASL books.

I rolled my eyes, knowing that those books made me look like a crazy person. I had them marked up with highlighter; pages were color coded using green, yellow and red sticky tabs. Then of course, there were always all the notes I wrote in the margins related to sentence structure, Deaf culture notes and reminders to ask Regina how the hell to sign something, because let's face it- the pictures weren't always clear. I'd never studied so hard in my life for something and now he knew I was struggling more than I let on. Terrific!

I walked over and set the tray down on the makeshift table where my laptop normally was. Reaching up, I tapped his shoulder gently. Emmett whirled around with wide eyes. He smiled when he caught sight of me. No matter how relieved he was to see me, I could still see in his eyes that something wasn't right with him. Then, I saw his gaze look over my shoulder and get an eyeful of the food. The sense of unease got worse.

"So, you're alive. That's a plus," I said awkwardly, when his attention landed solely back on me. "My brother didn't say anything out of line, did he? I'd be more than happy to call him on it."

His eyes widened slightly in surprise before narrowing just a bit. "No, I needed to know everything that he told me."

"He didn't say anything that you'd like to share with me, did he?" Like maybe that I'm a virgin?

"No, not really." Judging by the way he worded that I decided that I probably didn't want to know.

"You found my books…" Why is he suddenly so hesitant feeling with me?

His eyebrows rose. Apparently, I finally found something that caught his interest. "Yeah. When did you start doing all of this?"

If I didn't know any better, I'd say that he was mildly impressed, "Well, you know… after the carwash and then there was the festival." Of course, I had to go and ruin it by telling the truth, as I saw doubt slide across his features. Brilliant Bay! That's what you talk about after letting your brother have a go at him. "Know what, never mind all that. I brought food."

Emmett threw me a grateful look. Trouble was, I didn't know if was for the food, or the fact that I'd officially given him an out for this conversation. Either way, the end result was the same. He walked around me, going for the food. Since I wasn't hungry and the cat was outta the bag anyway, with nothing better to do I grabbed up all my ASL books. Sitting down on the couch, I started going through them. At first, I just reviewed the ones I knew like, ha, ha, the back of my hand. I moved onto the harder ones, straining my eyes trying to make sense of the pictures. It was not easy, but I put all my energy into focusing on it.

I could feel the tension from him building, even as we sat quietly, him eating and me randomly signing to myself. All that stress was starting to make my skin crawl and I suddenly couldn't take it anymore. Throwing my book down, I shot to my feet, officially glaring daggers at my boyfriend. Emmett looked up at me, obviously not expecting my outburst.

"What the hell is your problem? Don't tell me nothing. You've been distant since I walked in," I demanded, making no bones about what was on my mind.

"It depends." His eyes narrowed at me and suddenly I knew I'd be putting food coloring in Toby's shampoo later.

I rose to the bait, "Okay, I'll bite. What does it depend on?"

"On if there's anything you should have told me sooner?" Did I say food coloring earlier? I meant I'd be putting Nair in his shampoo later.

I'm gonna kill him. I fell back on the couch feeling defeated, since apparently my brother on top of Melody wanted to sabotage my relationship. Okay, maybe sabotage was too strong of a word…..but it sure felt that way right now. I could feel Emmett staring me down. Well great….

I looked back up at him and he asked, "Let's start simple. How was school after lunch?"

Toby's a dead man! "It sucked, but I survived. Well meaning people made sure I had condoms available among other things. And yes, they stared and whispered. How did you expect it to be, Emmett?"

"I expected you to tell me!" I saw more than one emotion bubbling inside him.

"Why?! Why should I put you in a position where you can feel guilty about something we both wanted?" I was suddenly floored, "It's not like it would change anything. My day tomorrow will go just the same as if I hadn't told you. I mean, it's not like you can protect me. We go to two different schools. I can't transfer to yours and if you even thought about coming to mine, your Mom would hire a hit man."

He seemed willing to let the last part go, which I was grateful for until he asked his next question, "Speaking of my Mom, have you seen her lately? Like, today maybe?"

I'm gonna kill him slowly. "I may have run into her earlier today. She may have been extremely cold and implied that even though I didn't ask, speech therapy is still my fault. Your Mom might also be upstairs with Regina….."

No sooner had I signed the words, Emmett was on his feet, headed for the door. I jumped to my feet, going after him. This time instead of just grabbing his arm, I wrapped both of mine around his waist, laying my cheek on his back. I felt his hands reach down, covering mine until slowly that sense of urgency melted out of him. It was only when he relaxed that I slowly let go and he turned to face me.

"Why are you protecting her?" I could see that he was desperate to understand.

"Because I….." Is what I started with, but it wasn't an easy thing to admit. "I don't want your relationship with your Mom to be damaged because of me….So I can take anything she has to say to me." I hope.

Looking up at him, I watched him soften towards me. "You're not hurting my relationship with my Mom. The only person who's hurting that relationship is my Mom." Leaning down, he kissed my forehead gently.

Then he stepped away from me and I knew that we weren't done yet. "There's more, isn't there?"

"About your other boyfriends….." Now he had a serious look on his face.

I'm not gonna kill him, but his guitars will suffer. "I told you none of my other boyfriends treated me the way you do. So yeah, our situation is different for me." I suddenly felt very…..nervous that he would pry into things I didn't want to discuss at all.

He stepped up to me, his fingers trailing gently over my face. "If that's the way they treated you, then they were idiots."

He leaned down and kissed me softly, his arms coming easily around me. I responded in kind, feeling how much he cared as I opened to him, deepening the kiss. It was when I stepped into him, wanting nothing more than to melt against him. That's when he pulled away, a pained look on his face.

"What is it?" I gave him a frustrated look.

Emmett shook his head ruefully at me. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but if you're really not use to being taken care of, then I think we need to step it back a little." I was just about to reject that idea, but he stopped me. "We need to. I want to able to take the time to show you how you should have been treated in the first place."

"But I want…."

Emmett cut me off, "I know you do. I do too, believe me I do, but I've been pushing this too much. Pushing you too much, without knowing."

I stared at him, trying to figure out what Toby had threatened him with. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

"NO!" Emmett responded instantly, "but it's what I'm doing."

I just stared at him awestruck. I'd never had a guy put my needs first, the way he did just now. I may still be a virgin, but Liam and others had definitely put the pressure on and were overly aggressive. Yet here was Emmett, taking three steps back when I'd be more than willing to let him take six steps forward and I think he knew that.

"Just promise me something." He had that overly serious look again.

Bewildered I asked, "What?"

"That you won't hide things from me." I was just about to object but…. "I don't care if I can't do anything about it. I just want to support you and I can't do that if I don't know."

I chewed on my lip pensively, but the way he looked at me, how could I answer with anything but, "Alright, but don't hide things from me either."

He nodded to me looking unsure, "Okay."

While I patiently waited for Bay to return, I decided to look around her studio more in depth. Let me see what other secrets she is hiding in here. My mind was still racing, thinking about the other information I had just learned from Toby. Why hadn't Bay told me what had happened? I had to admit that I was more than a little angry. Not so much at Bay, but at the situation itself. Bay had been teased and tormented because of me…. because of my actions. Why did I let everything get so out of control?

Minutes passed, and still Bay didn't come back. Was she gonna desert me now? I was so wrapped up in my thoughts, that I didn't notice the table until I ran into it. Books started tipping. Quickly, I grabbed them and righted them again. Squinting my eyes, I took in what was in the top book. Why was Bay using books about A.S.L.? Not only that, but they were also…color coordinated? She had different color stick-its on almost all the pages. Not to mention all the stuff that was highlighted, and tons of notes written in the margins. I looked over a few of them and nearly laughed out loud.

"Ask Regina how to properly sign this. I hate these stupid illustrations!"

"Find out why these two signs are so much alike…"

"No wonder Emmett laughed the first time I signed this. He must have thought I was nuts!"

Leave it to Bay to criticize herself in a book! I shook my head, wondering why she didn't just ask me. She knew I'm always more than willing to help her with anything she asked. Almost immediately, I felt guilty. How often was she studying to learn all these signs so fast? And how long had she been struggling to get them right?

I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. Turning, I spotted Bay. She had a worried look on her face. I smiled reassuringly at her. Inside, however, my emotions were churning. How can I ask her what I need to know? Looking over her shoulder, I saw a platter with sandwiches and sodas. I looked back at Bay, waiting.

"So, you're alive. That's a plus," she quickly said. "My brother didn't say anything out of line, did he? I'd be more than happy to call him on it."

Of course that is the first thing she asks! Bluntly, I told her, "No, I needed to know everything that he told me."

"He didn't say anything that you'd like to share with me, did he?" Oh, if she only knew what I knew now.

"No, not really." I decided that some things were better left unsaid…for now.

"You found my books…" By accident. But, now that you mention it…

"Yeah. When did you start doing all of this?" I asked her, impressed at her dedication.

Bay looked slightly embarrassed. Her face reddened slightly. "Well, you know… after the carwash and then there was the festival." Shit! Now I felt even worse then before. I had practically forced her into learning at a break neck speed. Wonderful. I pushed my girlfriend into learning my language faster than she needed to. Bay must have seen something in my face, because she hastily said, "Know what, never mind all that. I brought food."

I looked at her, gratitude across my face. I didn't want to talk about this stuff right now. Food was the perfect out of this conversation. I walked around her, heading for the food. After that conversation with Toby, I needed that fortification. Bay grabbed her books and sat next to me on the couch. I watched her practice the simple, everyday signs. Then, after awhile, she moved to more complicated ones.

As I watched her practice, my anger started building. I knew she wasn't going to tell me what happened at Buckner. Bay was very good at evading things. And this was something she definitely wanted to evade. Well, sorry sweetheart. You aren't getting out of it that easily. Just you wait.

Bay suddenly jumped to her feet, her book on the floor. I looked at her, bewildered. Her eyes were practically shooting fire. Suddenly, I knew the storm had broke loose.

"What the hell is your problem? Don't tell me nothing. You've been distant since I walked in," she spit out. Her hands were flying with her anger. Ok, I can play this game too!

"It depends," I told her, waiting for her to take the bait that dangled in front of her. Bay didn't disappoint.

"Okay I'll bite. What does it depend on?"

Glaring at her, I said, "On if there's anything you should have told me sooner?"

Bay's eyes narrowed. I knew she was planning ways to kill her brother. That would just have to wait. She started this conversation, so she would damn well finish it. I stared at her, waiting for her to respond. Bay continued with silence and I got more irritated. Bay looked around and I grabbed her attention, saying instead, "Let's start simple. How was school after lunch?"

Her face paled. "It sucked, but I survived. Well meaning people made sure I had condoms available among other things, and yes, they stared and whispered. How did you expect it to be, Emmett?"

I wanted to shake her. "I expected you to tell me!" Why does she always have to be so freaking…BAY! Arrgghhh!

"Why?! Why should I put you in a position where you can feel guilty about something we both wanted?" Bay fired right back at me. I was momentarily "speechless." She was right, but it still angered me that she felt she couldn't share this with me. Bay was riled up now, and kept going. "It's not like it would change anything. My day tomorrow will go just the same as if I hadn't told you. I mean, it's not like you can protect me. We go to two different schools. I can't transfer to yours and if you even thought about coming to mine, your Mom would hire a hit man."

Damn it. I hate when she's right. But since you so conveniently brought up my Mother... "Speaking of my Mom, have you seen her lately? Like, today maybe?"

Bay now looked livid. Oh, yes. I'm getting everything out of you. Slowly, she replied, "I may have run into her earlier today. She may have been extremely cold and implied that even though I didn't ask, Speech Therapy is still my fault. Your Mom might also be upstairs with Regina….." Really?

She hadn't finished signing before I was heading for the door. I would be having words with my Mother now. She still didn't get it! I was done playing the games with her! Before I reached the door, I felt two arms wrap around my waist and hold fast. Her cheek pressed into my back. With Bay this close to me, I couldn't stay angry. I stopped in my tracks. Slowly, I reached down, covering her hands with my own. The anger began to drain away. Bay stepped back after a minute and I turned to face her.

"Why are you protecting her?" I needed to know why she was doing all of this. I didn't understand!

"Because I….." Bay started, before stopping completely. I could see how hard she was trying to phrase what she wanted to say just right. Finally, she said, "I don't want your relationship with your Mom to be damaged because of me….So, I can take anything she has to say to me." Are you kidding me right now?.

I looked at her, thinking that Bay was one of the most selfless people I had ever met. She met my gaze, and I told her, "You're not hurting my relationship with my Mom. The only person who's hurting that relationship is my Mom." Leaning down, I kissed her gently on the forehead. One more thing to find out about. I stepped back so I could see all of Bay.

She looked at me with a resigned face and said, "There's more, isn't there."

Not beating around the bush, I said, "About your other boyfriends….."

Bay was clearly not happy with the way the line of questioning was going. She started squirming, like she had ants in her pants. Her eyes were darting around, and her breathing had picked up. Just when I thought she might start hyperventilating or something, she snapped out of it and said, "I told you none of my other boyfriends treated me the way you do. So yeah, our situation is different for me." Ahhh, I get it now.

Not wanting to push her anymore, I stepped closer to her and trailed gentle fingers down her face. "If that's the way they treated you, then they were idiots." Leaning down, I kissed her softly. Bay responded immediately. Her mouth opened beneath mine. I responded, and felt her move closer. Suddenly, Toby's words came back to me…..

"Bay may seem like she has experience, but really, she doesn't have as much as you think."

Knowing that Bay would sorely hate me for what I was about to do, I pulled away. Bay's face mirrored the frustration I was now feeling.

"What is it?" she asked, irritation coming off her in waves. Brace for impact. It's definitely gonna be a bumpy ride now.

I shook my head. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but if you're really not use to being taken care of, then I think we need to step it back a little." Bay looked ready to protest, so I pushed forward. "We need to… I want to able to take the time to show you how you should have been treated in the first place." Here comes the storm.

"But I want…." Bay started. I cut her off.

"I know you do. I do too. Believe me, I do, but I've been pushing this too much. Pushing you too much without knowing."

Bay stared at me, her eyes narrowed. Finally, she asked, suspicion written all over her face, "Are you sure this is what you want?"

"NO!" I responded immediately. "But it's what I'm doing." I just hope my libido gets the message.

Bay stared at me like she had never seen me before. I wanted Bay so badly, but I was also a gentleman. I would never push Bay into doing something she would regret later. I also knew that she would let me do anything I wanted to, but I didn't want to rush her. I would never pressure her. I did have one more thing to say to her though. "Just promise me something."

"What?" she asked, suspicious again.

"That you won't hide things from me." Trust me Bay. Please! I saw her mouth open. I cut her off again. "I don't care if I can't do anything about it. I just want to support you and I can't do that if I don't know."

Bay chewed on her lip. I could see her mind churning. She looked me straight in the eye and finally said, "Alright, but don't hide things from me, either."

"Okay." I nodded at her. I'm still a dead man.

Next thing I knew, Emmett was pulling me over to the couch. After sitting, he yanked me down onto his lap. Before I could collect myself, Emmett was reaching over me, grabbing my ASL books and opening them up. I just sat there kind of stunned.

I turned, trying to sign without getting in his face, "What are we doing?"

"Studying." Emmett answered simply before directing my attention back to the book.

We spent the rest of the evening like that, curled up on the couch. We started out simple, going over the ones I definitely knew. I got a kiss on my temple, my shoulder, my neck wherever he wanted to when I got one right. Apparently, Emmett wanted to play games. I was all for the reward system. I snuggled deeper into him, enjoying this simple time together.

We moved onto harder signs that I was currently working on. This time, when I got a sign correct, instead of just a chaste touch of his lips, he'd turn my face to his, kissing me soundly till he'd had his fill of my lips. Even though I worked hard for those mind numbing kisses, I struggled more with these. I'm sure he noticed, but he didn't say anything about it. Emmett just kept demonstrating the movements over and over till I got it right. A couple times he even laughed at what was shown in the book, showing me a different way to sign it.

Emmett had been kissing me and pulled away just as I was starting to lose myself in the taste of him, leaving me to stare at him dreamy eyed, so I wasn't expecting it when he asked, "So, which ones haven't you started working on yet?"

I blinked at him slowly processing his question, "Um, the pages with the red tabs."

Grinning at me, Emmett quickly flipped to those pages in all my books. I watched him curiously, wondering exactly what he was thinking. I watched as he indicated certain signs in the book. My sole focus was on the book. Staring at the pictures trying to make sense, I started slightly feeling his hands covering mine, once again reminded of how much bigger he was than me.

Then with his over mine, he guided my hands in the flowing beautiful movements that made up his language. He did this over and over again. For some reason in this moment, I realized I'd never felt closer to him than I did right now. Then he pulled his hands from mine and I attempted to repeat the movement from memory while thinking about the meaning. My clumsy hands faltered, but I could feel Emmett's riveted gaze as if mine were the most fascinating hands he'd seen. So I concentrated harder, eyes flicking down to the pictures than back to my hands, willing my movements to be as graceful as brush strokes on canvas.

I must've done something right because next thing I knew, Emmett's warm lips were caressing my ear. His arms slipped tightly around my waist, holding me back against him while he continued his assault on my senses. I melted against him shivering. I really had never known till today just how sensitive ears could be. Once he finally had me whimpering and stretching in his arms is when he stopped pulling away.

I groaned, stiffening in protest, but knew I had no other choice. Looking over my shoulder at him, I could tell that he didn't want to either. As much as I wanted to try and sway him otherwise, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to and I didn't want to pressure him either. I turned just enough to press my lips to his forehead. Pulling back, I couldn't help but let how much I wanted him and loved him to bleed into my eyes. For just a flash I saw an intense look of wanting in his eyes, but it was gone so quickly I was sure it had been imagined on my part.

The rest of our time together was spent working on signs that I would find myself using tomorrow night. We covered various card and board games along with simple dinner table conversation. Slowly, Emmett was building my confidence that tomorrow night wouldn't be a complete disaster. Trouble was, I'd been up since four thirty this morning and it'd been a pretty stressful day. So the more we worked, the more tired I got.

All I could do was hope he didn't notice the way my eyelids fluttered as I fought to focus. My hands felt heavier, my fingers ached more with every movement. Much to my dismay, Emmett must have noticed because reaching around me he started closing all the books. I tried to stop him, but he'd pushed them all onto the floor before I could.

I turned looking at him trying to put force behind my signs and expression, "We're not done yet!"

"We are for tonight. I don't know how much sleep you've been getting, but you're exhausted." I could see concern lining his face when he pushed my hands down.

I yanked my hands out from under his, protesting even though I couldn't deny how tired I was. "I'm fine. I just need to…..rest my eyes for a minute that's all."

"Just a minute?" Emmett questioned with a look on his face that told me he was just humoring me at this point.

"Yeah, just a minute." I could feel my hands faltering while my eyelids drooped. "…or two."

"Then rest." He pulled me back against him without bothering to give me time to respond.

Emmett's arms held me tightly while he slid farther down onto the couch. I resisted at first, knowing that there was no going back if I gave in to the temptation he offered. But Emmett was both firm and gentle at the same time as it reminded me that he is stronger than me. I let my eyes flutter closed while telling myself I'd make him let me up in a couple of minutes. I'd make him and then we'd go back to studying.

However what I hadn't counted on is how drugging Emmett's warmth could be. With my eyes closed and my head resting on him, hair fanning out over his chest, I could feel and hear the gentle beat, beat of his heart. My breathing started to fall into that rhythm with his heat all around me. I could feel myself slipping. I wanted to sleep. God, I wanted to so bad, but I wanted to be with him more.

I started to push myself up off his chest, but couldn't. The best I could do was roll over, my cheek pressing against his chest while my hair flew out. Apparently the fact that I was so tired really bothered him. Slowly though my thoughts started ebbing as I felt him rubbing over my back with one hand while combing his fingers through my hair with the other. I couldn't fight it. It was just too damn soothing, so I turned my head up enough that he could hopefully read my lips.

"Please don't leave. Just hold me for a little while please?" I questioned afraid that he would be gone the second I nodded off.

In response, he squeezed me gently and I relaxed understanding the meaning of that simple gesture. Curling into him on my stomach, I let my eyes close, not fighting the small yawn that left me. Emmett curled around me until all I could feel, all I could smell was him. Suddenly in my mind, I was transported back to the music festival and that morning we woke up together.

I'd been so content to be held by him, pressed against him, surrounded by him, in his sleeping bag that I hadn't wanted to move. We didn't. We stayed in bed far longer than anyone else, enjoying the simple comfort of each other. The world containing Daphne and disapproving Mothers outside our tent was nonexistent. Slowly I came to realize my studio was like that, a safe place where, for the most part reality didn't intrude and it was just us. Here it was all about us. With that fleeting thought a smile graced my lips and I drifted off, content to float in a sea of dreams that were all about him. Here the only place where I could say all the things that I was afraid to whilst awake.

I Love You…Emmett

In that moment, I made a snap decision. I pulled Bay toward her couch. If she was so determined to learn, I was just as determined to teach her. I sat and quickly yanked her into my lap. Bay jerked against me, clearly surprised I had done that. I reached around her, and grabbed the books, opening them around us. Bay stared at me, a stunned look on her face.

Turning, she asked me, "What are we doing?"

"Studying," was my short and simple reply. Then, I nodded toward the book in front of us. That was how the rest of the evening went. We cuddled on the couch, and Bay and I went over signs. First, the simple ones she most definitely knew. When she got them right, I kissed any available piece of skin. Bay would tremble and snuggle closer.

The harder signs came next. With harder signs came better rewards. More caresses. Stronger kisses. I could tell Bay was really struggling with these signs. I patiently repeated them again and again, happy when she finally mastered them.

As we studied the book, I couldn't help but laugh at some of the idiotic signs they had in there. Shaking my head sharply, I instead taught Bay the much simpler way to sign them. I knew she was grateful. Not everything can be learned from books. I tried to concentrate on the signs instead of how soft and pliant Bay felt against my body. It didn't help how she kept nuzzling closer to my body, her hair brushing against my cheek. Every so often, my hand would graze her cheek, feeling her silky smooth skin. Focus, man! FOCUS!

After a particularly hard sign, I gave Bay her reward, a heart stopping, enveloping kiss. Just as I felt myself start to harden, I pulled back sharply. Bay looked dazed, and her eyes were glassy. Shaking myself, I asked her, "So, which ones haven't you started working on yet?"

She blinked owlishly, before saying, "Um, the pages with the red tabs."

Grinning, I flipped to the pages with all the red tabs. Bay eyed me curiously, her lips pursed slightly. She looked so freaking adorable like that. She stared at the book, almost as if for the first time. Gently, I took her much smaller hands into my own. I was reminded again how small and fragile Bay really was. Love and compassion swelled through me. I indicated signs in her book, showing her how to form them. Our hands moved gracefully together, like a bird in flight. I know, it sounds corny, but that is what it actually looked like. As we moved as one, I was overwhelmed by the feeling of how close we were. Not just physically close, but an all encompassing feeling of body, mind and soul.

Regrettable, I pulled my hands away, allowing her to do the signs herself. Bay faltered a few times, her signs unsure. She glanced at me unconsciously, her cheeks pink. I saw her steel herself, and try again. Her eyes flicked between her book and her hands. I grinned to myself.

I nuzzled her ear, causing Bay to jump slightly. Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled Bay tight against me. She melted into my embrace, and I felt a shiver flow through her. I continued to nuzzle and kiss her ear and felt the vibrations of the sounds she made against my chin. When I felt I had tortured her enough, I pulled away and stopped my assault. Bay glanced over her shoulder and gave me a pouty look with her eyes. You're killing me, you know that, right? Bay placed a gentle kiss on my forehead, and I fought the base urge to take her. Back to business, Bledsoe…..

The rest of the time, we spent working on signs that would be useful for dinner and after. Bay worked hard, and seemed to get everything I was teaching her. I was very proud of all that she had accomplished in such a short time. I felt for sure that Mom wouldn't have any reason to doubt Bay after tomorrow night.

I noticed that Bay was starting to nod off a little bit, her eyes fluttering closed before she would force them back open. I glanced at the clock. It was relatively early, but now that I knew how much work Bay had been putting in to learn my language, I had no doubts that she had risen fairly early this morning. Her hands started slowing down, her signs getting less fluent.

Making another snap decision, I reached around Bay, closing books. She protested, but I pushed them to the floor, out of her reach.

She turned to me, her face tired, but her expression fierce. "We're not done yet!"

"We are for tonight. I don't know how much sleep you've been getting, but you're exhausted," I told her, the concern plain on my face. I pushed her hands down gently.

Bay yanked her hands away, protesting my move. "I'm fine. I just need to…..rest my eyes for a minute, that's all."

"Just a minute?" I parroted her, fighting to keep my expression neutral. Her look said I wasn't fooling her any.

"Yeah, just a minute." Her hands faltered, and her eyes began to close. "…or two."

"Then rest," I told her, as I pulled her back against me. I slid us down farther into the couch. Bay resisted at first, but soon gave in. I smiled as I watched her eyes slid shut. I could feel the rise and fall of her breathing against my chest. As her breathing evened out, I brushed her hair back, inhaling her scent.

Bay gave on more last ditch effort to move, but was apparently too tired to follow through. Instead, she rolled over, and pressed her cheek against my chest. I pulled her closer, using one hand to rub her back while the other combed through her silky curls.

Bay looked upward slightly, and I saw her lips move. "Please don't leave. Just hold me for a little while, please?"

I squeezed her gently, reading her subtle message. I would stay for a little while after she feel asleep. I could do that for her. Her body curled around me, and I caught the yawn that escaped her. I curled in closer to her, allowing my body heat to keep her warm. She gave me a drowsy, unconscious smile.

I allowed my mind to drift as I felt Bay give in to the healing power of sleep. The last time she slept this close to me was at the music festival. I could still remember waking up that morning to a tangle of dark curls in my face. Bay had been pressed so close against me, that I had never wanted to let go of her. In our little tent, the world couldn't intrude. It was just her and I.

When a sufficient amount of time had passed, and I knew Bay wouldn't wake back up, I slowly disentangled myself from her. Placing a blanket on her, I gently kissed her forehead. Walking to the door, I shut off the lights and walked outside. Getting on my motorcycle, I headed home. Something told me Bay would need a wake up call in the morning….probably several.

I love you, Bay….

A/N 3rd part will be up hopefully very soon. I know I am uber behind, and I am totally sorry about that.