Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Twilight

Chapter 6

A Date between Mates

The week flew by quickly for Harry. He managed to arrive at school on time. His teachers didn't seem so mean now. Of course, Jessica and some of her friends were avoiding him. She must've told them about her first—and probably, last—time talking to him. Trying to talk to him, anyway. People didn't really mind him. Probably because he hung out with the Cullens. The Cullens were outrageously perfect but most people would stay away. Survival instincts. Harry wouldn't blame them. The Cullens were vampires. Not that that mattered to Harry. He knew that not all Dark Creatures are evil.

Well, Harry didn't mind so much to the point that he'd go on a date with one—Edward. They were going to have a date on Saturday—which, incidentally, was that day. He was sort of flustered. Apart from his date with Cho Chang during his fifth year at Hogwarts—and that definitely did not end well—he's never been on a date before. Thankfully, Alice didn't take him shopping. Apparently, she didn't he'd her help this one time. It doesn't mean he'll escape her clutches next time, but still… Thanks Merlin.

He wondered what Edward planned… Whatever it was, Harry was sure that he'd have a great time. He has fun just hanging out with him. What more, a date? Anyway, Edward told him that he'd pick him up at four in the afternoon. What would they do that would need to be so late in the afternoon?

I guess I'll just have to wait to find out.

There were only ten minutes left until four o' clock and Harry felt very nervous—jumpy. He was wearing a grey hoodie over a white shirt he bought at the Ministry of Magic. It said 'Magic'. Big surprise there. He bought it before Voldemort's fall and the Ministry wasn't really up to being creative that time. Anyway, he was also wearing white trousers and black sneakers. It was all casual.

Harry heard a knock and went to get the door. He allowed himself one deep breath before he opened the door.

"Hey," Harry said, grinning at Edward. All his nervousness instantly disappeared.

It's just Edward, he thought to himself.

"Let's go," Edward said, offering Harry his arm. Harry took it, closed and locked the door to his house, and then, they walked to Edward's silver Volvo. Once Edward was driving, Harry couldn't help but ask him what he had planned.

"So… Where are we going?"

"I'm not going to tell you," Edward told him, chuckling. Harry could only glare. He didn't really expect Edward to tell him. Besides, he liked surprises.

"Are we there yet?"

"No."

"Are wet there yet?"

"Not yet," Edward said, amusement leaking from his voice. Harry peered at him, thing, 'Wow, he's patient'. Harry's been bugging him for the past few minutes, asking him, "Are we there yet?" and all he does is answer 'no' or some variation of it.

"Edward… would it be okay if I asked you about… Bella?" Harry asked cautiously. Edward tensed a little at Harry's question, his hands tightened over the steering wheel, but he answered.

"Sure."

"How did you get to dating her?" Harry asked. It was something that Edward didn't expect. Why? Well… it was something that brought happy memories back, and most people would just find a way for him to hate Bella more. This made Edward relax a little. He decided that Harry deserved to know, and so, he told Harry. Edward told him about Bella's first day, how she smelled to him, how impenetrable her mind was, how starstruck she had been about her new vampire boyfriend, the incident with James—and realizing that she didn't really love him. Harry didn't interrupt him while he was talking. A long silence followed but was eventually broken by Harry.

"Can you read my mind?" he asked. Edward could tell that it wasn't something he said to just break the silence. Harry was genuinely curious.

"No… I can't" Edward replied.

"is that why we're here? On this date? You're curious about me because you can't read my mind?" Harry said. It was so straightforward that Edward flinched, but he couldn't help but admire Harry for that.

"Honestly? It was a factor, but I really like you and the reason I asked you out on this date is that you could get to know me," Edward admitted.

"So that I could get to know you?" Harry asked, surprised at the way he said it.

"Yes. Is there something wrong with that?" Edward said, an eyebrow raised.

"You say it like you already know me," Harry said.

"Not exactly… look, don't be alarmed, but the reason I feel that I already sort of know you is because you're my mate," Edward said, looking at Harry and locking eyes with him. Edward looked serious as he softly told this to Harry.

"I'm your—mate?" Harry said, eyes wide. Whether in surprise or disgust, Edward didn't know, but he hoped it was only in surprise. He only nodded in confirmation.

"That's… nice, I guess," Harry muttered, shrugging and averting his eyes toward the road. Edward did the same before speaking.

"Nice?"

"Yeah. I mean, I like you, too. I would love to be your mate," Harry said as he looked at Edward and patted his arm. When Edward turned to his mate, he found Harry's eyes sparkling with happiness. Edward smiled his crooked smile and held Harry's hand. A comfortable silence fell between them, each content just feeling the other near him.

By five-fifteen, Edward told Harry that they were almost there, and by five-thirty, Harry found himself on a private beach, sitting on the sand near the sea, cuddling with Edward. They talked as the sun went down and met the calm sea. A silence fell as they witnessed the last bits of the sun disappear, marveling not only in the beauty of nature but also in the newfound feeling of peace, love and comfort.

When Harry's stomach growled, Edward took off and got something from the car. It turned out that he packed Harry a candle-lit picnic dinner. While Harry ate, they talked even more.

They learned many things about each other that night and they were happy about it. They only loved each other more.

For Edward, it was like a dream come true—to be on a date with Harry… would be something that he'd want to do again and again just so he could be with Harry and just talk. It was so unlike what he had with Bella. This wasn't just curiosity and lust—it was love. He loved Harry and at the same time, he knew that Harry loved him, too. Knowing this made Edward happy because it meant that Harry won't leave him.

For Harry, it was natural and worry-free. There was no pressure to prove himself. He knew Edward wouldn't just betray him. If being with Edward means being a vampire—to be immortal—then he will allow them to turn him when the time is right.

Harry felt appreciated, loved, understood… It was all he hoped for.

Well, he's just about to learn that peace and happiness don't always last long…

AN: Hope you enjoyed that! XDD Review?