Authors' Note: Thanks to everyone who has, or will ever, review. It's been tremendously fun working on this – it's hard to believe we're actually done. Thanks also to our resident geek who has played this chapter's computer pranks on us, until threatened by his older brother.

We hope you've had as much of a blast as we have. It might be a while before we write another fanfiction – right now we're working on an original piece on our fictionpress account. We encourage everyone to try their hand at a writing collaboration. It not only teaches you a lot, but it is a lot of fun too.

Disclaimer: By this time you'd think we should own Twilight and The Shop Around the Corner. Unfortunately, you'd be wrong.

Bella Swan to me show details 6:47 PM (30 minutes ago)

Mom –

Sounds like your honeymoon was just the way a honeymoon should be – romantic, blissful, and with everything going wrong. Don't worry, you'll love being able to tell the stories to your friends ten years from now. Especially the one about the rock. Sorry, but that was just freakishly funny.

I know that you've been waiting to hear from me, but you were on your honeymoon. Although your impatience to write to me was touching, your fifty e-mails are starting to clutter my inbox. Really, I wish that you would get an IM account. You know I don't look at my email as much as I should. No, I have not been felled by a tree, struck by a bolt of lightning, or forced to eat Dad's cooking (at least, not recently) so, please calm down. Nothing momentous has happened.

School's been great recently. The teachers are quirky here, but for the most part they're very fun. My English teacher lent me a few Jane Austen books, since I left my main one at home; my math teacher is super enthusiastic about everything; and my computer science teacher has grown on me, especially since I stopped taking him seriously. But I suppose that's not the part you want to hear about.

So, okay. I kind of got a boyfriend. Stop squealing, mom. We've been going out for months, and everyone says we've basically become one entity by now. By everyone, I mean his brother Emmett and my friend Rosalie. What they're actually doing is gloating, but I'm not going to get sidetracked on that for now. Long story.

Since I know you want this type of information, I just have to say that Edward (that's his name), well, if you met him, you'd probably be blown out of your mind with excitement for me. Not that that's saying much, haha. I'm not going to go into it now for fear of sounding like a drooling teenager to you (what a scary thought) but let's just say more than half the girls in the school are now out for my blood. He's perfect. Not just in looks, but in everything.

Our story is pretty incredible. If you were searching for me to find a real relationship, I don't think you could have asked for a better one.

--

Things had been going very well for Edward for the last few weeks. Finding Bella had been the most amazing experience of his life. Sure, they were still competitive in their classes, but that was one of the things he loved about being involved with her. In fact, things would be perfect if it weren't for one thing …

"Emmett, is there something you want?" Edward ground out through his teeth, turning away from the screen of his computer, where he was writing an e-mail to Bella with a link to a youtube video.

Emmett smiled from the doorway, just as he had during the summer months earlier. Before any of this had happened. It was now becoming a regular sight. "Oh nothing, Edward. I just enjoy seeing how well things have worked out for you and your online hottie. You know, you never thought you'd meet her… and then somehow a greater power intervened."

"Yes, well, thanks again Emmett," Edward said for what he imagined was the millionth time. Wiping the smug look off of Emmett's face had become somewhat of an obsession for Edward. He was a patient person, however, and he believed that the time would definitely come and he intended to enjoy every second of it.

"He was just thinking of helping you, Edward," Bella said that afternoon as they sat together in Bella's house, killing time (neither of them had much to do on Sundays). The conversation had led once again to the problem of Emmett. "You must admit that the end result has been good for both of us."

"You are too nice, Bella. Trust me, Emmett would never do anything just to help me. He wants, at least, my undying devotion. Certainly he intends to have me worship his 'superior abilities' for the rest of my life."

Bella smiled, having grown fond of her boyfriend's diabolical brother. She leaned into Edward's shoulder, considering, as she looked out the window to the darkening sky.

"Well, why don't you show him some of your 'superior abilities'? You're intelligent enough to come up with something that will remind him that you have talents in your own right."

She was right of course. Somehow he could use his computer skills to make Emmett suffer. The mere thought of it made Edward smile.

"Don't go too far," Bella remarked after watching Edward's reaction. Oh, he was sure that he would go just far enough.

An idea occurred to him and he was glad that he had been so patient, the final quarter of the school year was just the time to carry out his plan. Emmett wasn't stupid, but he was a procrastinator. There was pretty much a guarantee that he would be waiting until the last second to work on those huge class projects that came due at this time of year. Edward would get his revenge and also teach Emmett how to better manage his time. All in all, everyone should really end up thanking him. At least that is what he would try to tell Bella.

A quick search gave him what he needed for the first part of his plan. Now he just needed some help from Bella to create a diversion. Edward had been very aware of Emmett's assignments for the last few weeks and knew that his time had finally come. Emmett had a huge history project due tomorrow and Edward was quite sure that there was precious little work done so far. Looks like it would be a late night tonight.

--

Bella had become a regular at the Cullen house, so it did not surprise Esme to find her sitting with her books at the kitchen table. It wasn't even all that unusual for Edward to be absent since he sometimes had to go and find some additional resources for their projects. The house was very quiet since Emmett was still at practice and Carlisle was at the hospital. Not surprisingly, Esme settled in to an easy conversation with Bella while they waited for Edward's appearance. Just as they were enjoying themselves, the power flickered and then went out.

"Oh my, I wonder what happened. There isn't even a storm today. Maybe I should call the power company," Esme stated.

"That's probably a good idea, but why don't we wait a couple minutes to see if the problem gets resolved quickly," Bella replied, hoping that Edward would be fast with this part of his plan. She needn't have worried, however, because Edward had turned the power back on already and was heading up to Emmett's computer to install the program that he had downloaded.

"Hi mom," Edward said cheerfully as he entered the kitchen.

Esme seemed surprised to see him in such a good mood. "You seem very happy today. I expected to see you a little worried due to the power flickering. I know that you worry about how power surges will effect all the electronic equipment around here."

He was really going to have to keep his emotions in check if he wanted his plan to work. It wouldn't do to spoil Emmett's surprise after all the time he had already waited.

"Well, it's been a pretty good day today and I have surge protectors on most of my important equipment. I just hope that you guys listened to me and protected your things. I know that Emmett never listens to me and I imagine that someday he's going to wish he took my advice." Edward snuck a look at Bella at this point and knew that she understood exactly what he was saying.

"Don't worry. We took your advice. It wouldn't due to argue with a computer 'genius'," Esme laughed especially after viewing the look that Bella shot Edward. She was familiar with the early problems that the couple had experienced due to a certain over zealous computer science teacher. "Enjoy yourselves, and don't work too hard," she said as she was leaving the room.

There was silence in the room for a moment as Edward listened to Esme's retreating footsteps. Then Edward smiled the most wicked smile that had ever, or probably would ever grace his features.

"I take it everything worked out as planned," Bella asked, staring pointedly at him.

"Oh yes. We should be hearing about it as soon as Emmett starts his homework."

--

"The blue screen of DEATH?! NOOOOO…"

As soon as the bloodcurdling yell started, Edward snuck a glanced at his watch while Bella struggled to keep her features under control. Surprising. It had only been fifteen minutes since Emmett got home. He hadn't expected his efforts to be appreciated so quickly.

"…OOOOOOOOOO!"

"I take it something is wrong," Bella remarked weakly as Emmett shot into the kitchen and collapsed pitifully to his knees, hair askew.

"Care to clue us in Emmett?" Edward asked calmly.

"My computer. It's giving me the blue screen of death. Nothing I do is working. I've got a huge project due tomorrow and all the data is on my computer. You've got to do something."

Esme had followed Emmett into the kitchen when she saw his slightly unusual behavior. At this, she looked worried. "Oh no. We had a power outage for a short while this afternoon. I hope that didn't cause you lose all your information. Edward has been warning us all about the need for surge protectors."

Emmett tried unsuccessfully to keep from rolling his eyes. He didn't need a lecture right now, he needed help and if that meant asking his little brother for it he would do it. "Yes, well, right now what I need is for someone to take a look at my computer and see if they can get it functional."

"Someone who knows a lot more than you Emmett?" Edward asked smugly. "About computers I mean," he finished not at all penitently. Bella smacked him inconspicuously on the arm.

"Yes, Edward, someone who knows a lot more about computers than I," Emmett practically growled.

"Nice to know that you appreciate all that I can do for you, Emmett."

"Nicer if you would actually do it, Edward."

"Well, Bella and I were doing some work right now, but I'll see what I can do when we finish."

"I really need your help now," Emmett said in a low voice. He was practically pleading. Oh, this was working out very nicely indeed. Bella looked over to Edward and he knew that she was feeling bad about this whole situation. Too bad. He was really hoping to drag this out.

"Fine Emmett, since I know how VERY much you need me. I'm willing to go and try to fix things now."

With a sigh, Emmett led the way to his computer where they were greeted with a blue error screen. Bella followed, looking relieved that Edward wasn't going to push it. Which he wasn't. Much. "Why don't you see if you can't make yourself useful Emmett. Maybe get us some snacks while we work on your computer."

Emmett wanted to protest, but he wasn't an idiot. He didn't like Edward ordering him around, yet he was also desperate. There was no way his project could be done if he couldn't access the data. He couldn't bring the equipment anywhere to get it fixed in time. He needed Edward and he hated it.

"Fine. Just make yourselves comfortable," Emmett managed unevenly. Then he headed downstairs to get some snacks, muttering with hostility under his breath.

"I must admit that this program really looks genuine," Bella said somewhat in awe after Emmett had gone. "Please don't make him suffer too much, though. He'll have enough trouble finishing tonight with the delays he's already had."

"Oh don't worry," Edward said with a grin. "I'll just remove this little program and he'll have access to his computer again in just a minute."

Bella watched as the error screen disappeared, but was shocked when the screen then turned upside down. "What is happening?" she asked. "Did your download actually damage his computer?"

"Don't worry Bella. I'm just familiar with his graphics card so I knew that I could turn his screen upside down with just a few keystrokes."

"But how can he work?"

"Oh, Emmett's always been a little backwards with his thinking. Maybe this will help."

At this point, Emmett reappeared with a tray full of food. He paused in the doorway as if about to say something, but then his eyes narrowed as he looked at the computer screen.

"Um, Eddie, I don't really think that's normal…"

"I'm sorry Emmett, but your computer is completely wacko. You really need to bring it in to get fixed as soon as possible," Edward said, standing up. "There's nothing more I can--"

Bella yelped as the entire contents of the food tray smashed into the side of Edward's head. When she turned back to Emmett, she saw that he had switched to shark mode.

"Why, Emmett," Edward spluttered, trying to act hurt but unable to keep from grinning any longer, "what on earth was that for?"

"Sorry, but power surges don't turn computer screens upside down, dearest brother."

"You know what, I think you're wasting a little too much time, don't you have a project to do?"

"Death, Eddie. Death."

Bella tugged at Edward's hand, discreetly grabbing some ammo from where the contents of the food tray had fallen on the floor with her other. "You know, as much as you'd like to kill my boyfriend, Emmett, I really think it would be best if we all just stuck it out through the evening."

"If he doesn't change it back, I don't really think that's an option."

"That's no way to ask for my assistance," Edward sighed, shaking his head sadly. Then he yelled out, dodging a fruit snack bar that had somehow found its way into Emmett's hand. Bella quickly retaliated with a mini pack of chocolate chip cookies, hypocritically calling for a cease-fire.

"Is it war you want, Eddie? I can take both of you any day," panted Emmett, cracking his knuckles.

"Ah, but if we're killed, then who will fix your computer?" Bella pointed out reasonably. Emmett grabbed up some oreos from the floor and she quickly ducked, using Edward as a shield.

"Attacking a lady, Emmett? Can you sink no lower?" Edward said, taking the ammo that Bella slipped into his hand from behind him.

From the chaos that ensued, it looked like Emmett still had a long ways to go before he would get over his habit of procrastination.

--

Now, forgive me for taking a little time to gloat. When I say 'real relationship', I don't mean that it's not a virtual one. It's actually quite funny how things turned out -- I've learned to love coincidences.

You see, it doesn't really matter where you meet someone. Both online and real life, they're just the same person with a different face. I know this because I first met Edward on the internet, and together we're as real as real can be. Some of our other guild friends have also shown themselves to be some of the closest people to us we know. Even if they did get rather over-enthusiastic when we told them we had met in real life.

--

Guild Chat

Pixie: SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Lehstat: and were even in the same house right now, talking 2 u

Pixie: SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

MoodMan: HAV MERCY ON MY EARS

Arrwyn: lol

Pixie: you guys HAVE to sing a duet

Arrwyn: wut?!

Pixie: yeah! Come up with a countermelody to that

Pixie: lullaby. It would be SO SWEET

Lehstat: I suppose its possible…

MoodMan: …

MoodMan: y is there no objection from arrwyn?

Lehstat: o she just hit me

Pixie: that is also SO SWEET that you can do that

Lehstat: ...?

Arrwyn: if u think thats sweet i feel sry for moodman

MoodMan: dont u tho

--

"Bella, come on, it's for Pixie," Edward pointed out, brushing some hair away from her face as they walked home from school to his house. Bella grimaced, turning her head away from him so that he couldn't magic her with his eyes, something, she had discovered in the past week, which was prone to happen whenever they spent time together. There was no way that he could get her to do this.

"Edward, you may be a musical computer geek, but I'm just a computer geek," she snorted.

"I think that that's mainly for want of trying."

"That's just because you can do it!"

"Think of Pixie. Come on."

Bella faltered slightly at the thought of their enthusiastic friend before turning resolute again. "Pixie expects too much."

"All you'd have to do is sing it with me."

Bella sighed, stopping so that she could drop her backpack to the ground and glare at the sky. The strand of brown hair that Edward had recently brushed away fell into her face again. That was exactly why she didn't want to do it. Singing with him.

"Look. I don't want to ruin it."

Edward looked taken aback as he too stopped. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that's our song. You're the one who sings it. I can't. Your voice is so much better than mine, anyway."

"Bella…"

Dang, she had looked at his eyes. She tried to pull away before it got too dangerous, but unfortunately she wasn't too seasoned at this yet. He smiled slightly, and she blushed.

"If it bothers you so much, I guess we don't have to," Edward conceded, considering her. "But it wasn't our song until you recognized it."

They both glanced away at that point, still unused to moments like this. They started walking again in silence, only lightly touching hands. Edward had convinced her for right now, but Bella knew that ultimately she would make up her mind on her own.

--

Everything worked out so perfectly, mom, I'm even wondering if I should force you to join an MMO. Then again, maybe it's only Edward and me who could possibly be so lucky as to have all this happen. We are, after all, people who defy stereotypes. I'll have to tell the world that it's wrong, but I know for a fact that geeks can be romantic, too.

Anyway, I'm expecting you to come up here during the Summer and you can tell me about how deliriously happy you are with Phil, and I can tell you how deliriously happy I am with Edward. And then we'll both be deliriously happy.

Doesn't that sound like fun?

--Bella