IMAGINE: revealing your healing powers to save your boyfriend.
WARNINGS: none. just fluff, a lot of it. a painfully long chapter with a hint of shitty tired writing. NOT edited. part 2/2.
Sweetest strangers, bear in mind, English is not my first (or even my second) language. Inevitably so, you are going to encounter some questionable mistakes. Feel free to express yourself and offer suggestions/corrections. Any sort of criticism is welcomed with open arms. I would love some feedback!!
I'm not very keen on the idea of anyone copying my work. So, in the possible late future, if this one-shot is ever duplicated and posted on another platform by another user and you happen to discover it, please alert me. Your help will be greatly appreciated.
*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*
dedicated to @JulzLovDraco4Eva on wattpad, who gave me the idea.
I Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black |
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The usually vacant streets of Forks were bustling with crowds, glowing under the string of radiant lights that adorned almost every corner of the street.
You walked beside Bella as she strolled through the market with uncontainable joy. Edward and Jacob followed close behind, the tension between them thick like the heavy clouds before a storm.
Partially, you were delighted that in your dear friend had burgeoned this new inclination to drag you everywhere she went -for which you were overly grateful- but sometimes your heart pined the lack of your bed's warmth, were your muscles finally were greeted with the rest they deserve, and didn't internally scream for freedom.
Despite your weak protests, Bella pulled your arm and yanked you towards a series of small artisan booths that gleamed like the sky under golden hour.
It -the squander- started with a pretty bracelet, then a scarf, a hand-made necklace, and so on. Each purchase resulting more extravagant than the last.
You stood back, puzzled (and amazed) at the scene unfolding. Beside you, Edward lets out a sigh. ''Is she high?'' He muttered, watching his girlfriend as she glazed through some mystical-bohemian-against-her-eternal-dark-winter-drenched-style stall, fumbling over candles.
''I don't know, Cullen, you tell me. You're the one following her around like a little kitten all the time.'' You bantered, in a lazy low tone, too tired to deal with Bella's splurge.
He glanced at you sideways and shook his head. ''I should interrupt her before we need a bigger bag.'' He said, dipping his hands in his pant's pockets, but he made no move, contradicting his own words and temporizing his actions.
You turned to him. You lifted your head up to actually be able to see his face. Your eyes squinted as you noted his hesitation. ''You know,'' You started, in all seriousness, ''Fun fact, if you don't put one foot in front of the other, you're basically just standing in one place.'' You crossed your arms, staring at him as if you had just told him an unrevealed truth of the Universe.
He lets out a muffled breath as he fidgets on his toes. ''You talk too much.''
He appeared distressed, on the verge of fainting, but then again it's Edward. He always looks too pale to believe he's still breathing. You didn't wish to pry. What was going on between him and Bella, was their mess to carry. Not that they would tell you if you tried.
No, they had a very specific list of people they let on whatever secrets were tormenting their life. And it didn't matter if Bella was pulling you deeper in her life by each passing moment, you were well aware the Cullens didn't appreciate divulging their business past a certain limit.
You tsked and patted his back. ''I just can't help it, sweetie. Some people could really use a piece of unrequited basic knowledge.''
He rolled his eyes and finally assembled the energy (or perhaps the courage) to walk toward Bella.
''Oh, no need to thank me.'' You grumbled after him.
When Edward approached Bella, you had to witness their ungainly interaction filled with awkward smiles and oxytocin.
You scrunched your nose at them, grimacing for having to experience such a dreadful sight. ''Gross.'' You said under your breath.
Jacob, whose presence had been haunting the back of your mind, snorted and covered his laugh-like sound with a cough, reminding you of his existence.
You raised a brow at him. ''Something funny, Jake?''
His lips twitched upwards at the nickname and he ducked his head down like a scolded child. ''Not at all.''
You bit back the smile. You glanced back at Edward and Bella and gagged as they shared a kiss. ''Let's get far away from here.'' You turned around and started walking further through the lines of booths, without looking back if Jacob was following or not. He was.
You both stopped by a glitzy antique booth, which displayed glistening jewelry. ''I thought you weren't into all this fancy stuff.'' He commented.
You observe different trinkets and rings, tracing them with your fingers. ''You think a lot.'' You replied, without sparing him any glance.
His eyes crinkled just a bit as a mantling upturn of his lips adorned his face. He didn't speak for a moment, and while you wandered through the booth, fazed by the sparkling gems you might not see in a chic shop, he regarded your expressions, from pure admiration to a slight hint of disapproval as you came across some uncommon, unappealing pieces.
Soon, you got distracted by the shiny little accessories and he got bored from the lack of interaction you were unawarely bestowing upon him.
But one piece in particular caught his eyes. It was a moon-like charm with a howling wolf. He didn't think much of it when he picked it up and showed it to you. ''Watch out, there's a big bad wolf nearby.''
Your gaze flickered up at the sudden interruption. He grinned, finally having your attention. ''Oh, Y/n save me, I'm a fragile little damsel!'' His voice raised to a high pitch tone, as if to mimic a little girl.
Your hands moved to your hips and you raised a brow at his childish antics.
When he kept shoving the pendant in your face, you grabbed his wrist and kept his arm firm in place.
You stared at him as his playful smirk starts to vanish. You diverted your eyes to the necklace in his hands. ''You shouldn't make fun of old legends like that.'' You mumbled. ''It's disrespectful.''
When your eyes met his again, only then did you notice the way you had almost knocked the breath out of him. You gulped under his intense fixation with your face, as if he were trying to read your mind and reveal a secret.
There was a warm rush you felt in your hands, and you're pretty sure he felt it as well considering your hands started to emit an unordinary type of heat. Your grip loosened on his wrist and you took the necklace from his hands. You held it up and it shimmered even in the dull lightening of the corner of the booth.
''You believe in that stuff?'' He asked, crossing his arms, watching your reaction close by.
You wrapped your fingers around the rough, cold gem and shrugged. ''Why not? People believe in God and Aliens.''
You tilt your head at him with a sly, easy grin, ''It kind of reminds me of you,'' He almost froze. His mind raced at your words. Does she know? Did Bella tell her? ''you're also like a whining puppy.'' You added.
''Besides, it's beautiful. I'm getting it.'' You said with stubbornness.
Something shifted in him and he sighed. ''There's nothing beautiful about something that can kill you.'' He grumbled under his breath, but you didn't listen, instead you walked up to the counter for payment.
''Stop being dramatic.'' You retorted, drumming on the wooden surface as you waited for the owner.
Your wait was short lived when the owner, a short, plump woman with a round face and fiery red hair that were threaded with streaks of silver, soon approached radiating comfort.
You handed her the necklace, carefully. ''Beautiful choice, dear.'' She commented, at which you turned to Jacob with a smug look and he rolled his eyes.
''The stone engraved in this neck piece is called labradorite,'' The elder woman began, capturing your interest, ''also known as the stone of transformation. The shamans believed it bridged worlds, human and animal, spirit and body. It was used in ancient times for protection, the legend says the wolves watch over those who wear it.'' She explained, enfolding the necklace in a wrapping paper.
You thanked her, both for the jewel and the storytime, before turning and grinning at Jacob. ''Here, a free bodyguard,'' You leaned in closer, teasing, ''a token of my love.'' He glared at you, drawing a giggle out of you.
After that, you both walked for a while, jumping from one booth to another, just looking around. He was quiet for a moment but that didn't hold you back from pulling his leg. He snarked when he felt absolutely necessary to reply to your teasing words.
He also claimed your 'gift' was childish but he didn't reject it either. Though, you knew he secretly liked it. He had shoved it in his pocket, acting nonchalant, although every other minute he would check if it's still there when he thought you weren't looking.
As you walked further and further away, the crowd faded behind you and your voice was the only one filling the eerie void of silence like a song left on in the background.
''I'm just saying, there's something very weird going on between them. One second, they're all lovey-dovey, and the next it's a nest of awkwardness. It makes me feel like an unborn egg stuck between their bird parents chirping in a language I can't understand.'' You rambled on and on, munching on your favourite ice-cream, the one he reluctantly bought when he watched you eyeing a little girl's treat like you'd been starving for three days.
He hummed as he watched you devour his money without a second thought.
''It's like a habit for them, going back and forth, but I'm the one getting tortured. Every time I have to see Bella after him, she's either a sweet little bundle of joy or a satanic demon who's searching for her next prey to demolish her frustration on, there's no in between.'' You stopped in your tracks, turned to him. ''You know what I mean?''
He bit back a smile that threatened to appear on his face as you blinked at him with a creamy mustache above your lips. ''What?''
He shrugged but stepped closer, ''You talk too much,'' He said as he moved his hand and cupped your chin with two fingers to make you look up. ''It's adorable.'' He tilted his head, ''Why do I feel like I already told you that.'' He continued.
You froze momentarily as your cheeks flamed like you were thrown in Dante's Inferno for the most basic sins known to man. You stared at him with eyes almost popping out of your skull and before you could react any further, he brushed his thumbs over your philtrum (AN: I had to search that word up).
Your mind was short- circuiting. The snarky, sarcastic Miss-Know-It-All buried herself deep in the abyss of your limbo, leaving you alone.
One corner of his mouth lifted in a smirk at your flustered reaction. His thumb lingered on your cheek, tracing the soft skin of your face, never breaking eye contact. ''It could be us.'' He murmured. His gaze followed the slight tremor of your lips. ''Being lovey-dovey and awkward, like Bella and the leech back there.'' He added and his voice dropped to almost a murmur and held the kind of softness that you always knew would be there in a guy like Jacob.
Your stomach did that familiar twist and turn, digesting this new piece of confession. You stared at him, looking more undone than you felt. Part of you was urging you to pull away, another part frozen, hoping he'd say exactly what he just did.
''W-What?'' You stuttered and immediately regretted opening your mouth. You heard him, loud and clear. Understood the basic level of English he used to express himself. But your heart was taking longer to register this unexpected moment compared to your brain.
He didn't back off, not now that he had already revealed his heart's true desires. His hand slipped along your cheeks, cupping your face properly, and diving in your hair causing your face to be squished like a stress ball between his palms and pout like a goldfish.
''It's just, when I look at you, I don't want to look away.'' He started, speaking in lullabies. ''And I could hear you yap about the most random stuff all day, even if it includes listening to you complain about the leech . . . so long I get to hear your voice.'' Your ice-cream was long forgotten in your hand, melting from the heat the small amount of your closeness radiated.
''Seth says It's a mild crush, hormones messing with my brain, and for a second I want to agree with him, but then I find myself calling my remote Larry because you name useless, inanimate objects so you can scold them properly when they don't work. I do my laundry on time so I can have matching socks because it bothers you when people wear mismatched socks. Or I laugh when I dunk my crackers in my coffee because you would say it's sad and miserable.'' His chest rumbled with laughter at his spill.
Your heart softened and unclenched with a nice kind of warmth. ''Oh, Jake..'' Was all you could mutter, almost at the verge of crying.
He smiled. ''It's stupid, I know! But I don't want someone else to look at you the way I do, and it makes me think maybe it's not just hormones. Maybe, I just really, really like being stupid for you.''
Cold liquid dripped all over your hand, and your ice-cream fought for its life. You glanced down to escape his loving gaze that was burning your face a deep shade of red. ''No... my ice-cream...'' You mumbled, feeling the sweet melted cream draping over your skin..
He lifted your head back up to make you look at him, well aware you were purposefully ignoring his confession. ''Is that really important right now? Forget the ice-cream, Y/n, I'll get you ten more of them.'' You shook your head at him, ignoring his eyes again. ''This was the last one in this flavour..''
He groaned, pulling you closer and pressing his forehead against yours. ''Y/n...'' You could hear his patience withering as he tried to be tender and break through your guard. ''We'll go where they sell that flavour then.'' His hands move to back of your head in gentle waves.''But I don't want to go as friends.'' He added, quieter.
You giggled at his reaction. ''You are dramatic.''
His face lightens at your retort as he nods in agreement.
THEN, he leans in ... closer, and closer, and ... you feel his lips brush against yours, your eyes closing at the sudden contact as you lose all sense of the reality. Your ice-cream slipped out of your gelly hands, kissing the floor, but you couldn't care. Your hand levitated mid air, the other held onto his torso as he pecked your breath away.
The moment was as short as it was sweet, because you heard a voice more agitating than ever break you two apart.
You turn to glare at her as Jacob groans beside you. You both walk toward them and she smiles as if she didn't just piss you off to Jupiter. (I don’t even know if that makes any sense)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Two months. Two nerve-wracking months is how long it took for Jacob to reveal his furry little secret. It wasn't a big shock, in all honesty. You had already kind of figured out the part where he was hiding something that could potentially alter your perception of reality, so it didn't really throw you off when he sat you down one random Saturday to pour his heart out.
You looked at him funny, as if he were speaking in a dialect you hadn't ever heard before. Of course, you completely believed him only once he had turned right in front of your eyes.
Your mouth fell open in shock and awe. This 5'10'' (I did my research🤓) man, who looked like he'd cry if you even frowned at him at this point, turned into a giant beast. He didn't come near you at first. He didn't want to scare you away.
And, oh boy, to you he was just a big furry teddy bear you couldn't help but cuddle. He wasn't very enthusiastic about your attitude toward what he deemed to be a life changing secret of his, if his smacking your hands away each time you tried to ruffle his hair after turning was any indication. He was worried, to say the least. But that's just Jacob being Jacob.
He was also very protective, more than he's ever been. He absolutely hated when you two spent too much time apart, or when he would see you after a long week and smell (yes, smell) other people's scent on you. It drove his wolf insane, he said. And for some godforsaken reason, he just couldn't stand when the scent belonged to any of the Cullens. It was like a parasite for him. His nostrils immediately flared with frustration.
The first time it happened, he begged you to wash it off, and when you refused like the strong-miss-I'll-do-what-I-damn-want-to that you are, he jolted you up and pampered your whole body with kisses to cover up the scent until he felt satisfied enough to stop, until your laughter was the only sound most prominent in his room.
When he felt a little too playful, he tried to scare you. Turning and growling like a wild animal. But you only rubbed the sweet spot behind his ear and he was on the ground, curled into a ball. All shy and red in face.
Or the time when you fought and tried to leave, he pulled out his big puppy dog eyes. It made your ovaries combust. He was too cute to ignore in those moments. And he knew what that did to you.
But other than that, he was like a cute (and extremely hot) big puppy. And most importantly he was your big puppy. Following you around all day when he wasn't busy running errands on Sam's command. Everyone teased him whenever they got a chance to, and Paul and Seth played a great role in fueling the allegations to which he was smitten. And it didn't really favour his case when said ''Yes, ma'am'' each time you asked him to do something, or scolded him because he's very handsy.
Right now, you flaunted your eighth.. no, maybe tenth.. he lost track. Well, you flaunted your some nth dress in front of the mirror. You twirled with a small pout, not flattered by the dull magenta fabric that flowed way past your feet and felt too underwhelming on your beautiful features.
All of the dresses were gorgeous, but not like you wanted them to be. You wanted to look your absolute best.
''I don't know, it feels a little off.'' You mumbled, running your hands up and down the silky dress. You turned to see Jacob, who was staring up at you like a love struck kitten. ''Jake.''
He snapped his head up, ears perked, eyes wide at the tone. ''Gorgeous.'' He said without missing a beat.
You groaned, turning away. ''Yeah, right, you weren't even listening..'' You grumbled, fixing the blouse.
He got up, finally stretching his legs after an hour of watching you scrunch your nose at every dress you have put on, and stopped right behind you. ''My apologies, madam.'' He said in his usual gentleman voice and entrapped your hips in his steady, soft grip. ''But it is not my fault that you look stunning in everything.'' He leaned in closer, pulling you back into his chest.
You rolled your eyes as he let his hands wander around your curves and pecked your temples. ''Like I said, gorgeous.'' He continued to compliment you, squeezing you in his arms like a squishy teddy bear.
You barely blinked at his flirtatious attempts. A few days ago, Jacob planned out a sweet little date to ask you to prom. Actually it was you who invited him to go as your date since he didn't attend your school, but for the sake of romance you both went with the flow of the night.
And since, he's been . . . distant? Or just nervous. The full moon was nearing and he was second guessing this whole prom thing. He was grateful that you were aware of his lycanthropy, it filled him with great reassurance. But he still didn't want to hurt you in any way, even with the situation mostly under his control.
You elbowed his side, breaking free from him, making him whine. ''Flattery won't work, I want to look my best.''
He pouted at the push and then crossed his arms. ''You always look your best..'' He murmured under his breath.
And he was right. It didn't matter the color of your dress, the style of your hair or the smudged lipstick from your hurried make up, he was still going to look at you like you hung the moon.
You knew that, of course you did, he reminded you like three times every two hours. He was, in fact, completely smitten. But that didn't make it easier to watch him so stressed over something that was supposed to be one of the most beautiful parts of high school.
Sam contributed a great deal in resolving your worries. Apparently, there's some sort of herb he gave to Jacob to stay calm nearing the week of prom, especially when the date of the event aligned with the full moon's.
It wasn't anything too dangerous. Jacob was well trained by now, he knew how to control his wolf. It was for a just in case scenario, and to relax your not-so-hyper-but-hyper boyfriend.
What you didn't know was that Sam had explicitly made it clear that there could be chances that Jacob's wolf side wouldn't react well to this solution. The herb was indeed not very compatible with his blood. He threw up multiple times when he first took it.
Nonetheless, he decided to intake a short amount each day until the full moon. He kept taking the herb despite feeling weaker and more detached from his wolf every day.
He would disappear for a whole day and then come back as if nothing happened. He looked paler than usual. He was quieter, tired, which was weird because ... well, it's Jake, you have seen him run up a hill like a bullet. Him saying he wasn't feeling like going out wasn't sitting well with you.
On the bright side, you got more cuddles (and tantrums to deal with).
Bella reassured you that it was just a side effect of the full moon, you didn't believe her, righteously so. You were scared for his health, you wanted to be there for him but thought it best to stay out. You knew that if he needed help, he would've let you know. Communication is key, he says himself. If he's keeping something to himself it's probably for his own good ... right?
Three days before prom, you wanted to surprise him. Spend some quality time together...
He opened the door and he was in sweats, in the middle of May...
He had bags under his eyes, his beautiful brown eyes. His hair was a mess. Those six sexy packs hid under layers and layers of cotton.
Now, you stood near his bed, arms crossed as you glared holes into his head and he avoided making eye contact, downing the bowl of soup you forced him to eat, that was likely the first warm meal he had in days.
''You should've called.'' Your voice came out sharper than you intended.
He didn't look up, nor did he speak. You exhale, clearly not tolerating the silence he was bestowing upon you. ''Are you going to say something?''
You were sure Billy could hear the scolding from three rooms away, sighing as he sipped his afternoon tea while pretending to read his newspaper.
'' 'Oh, I didn't want you to worry,' Yeah, well, mission failed, Jake.'' You continue while picking up his scattered clothes from the floor. ''Now, I'm worried and angry.''
You went on and on, ranting as you angrily shoved aside anything that blocked your way, needing to do something with your hands before you screamed, releasing the anger on his lifeless belongings. Meanwhile, he just sat there, head low, tuning you out, or maybe too tired to argue.
You finally shut up and plopped down beside him on the edge of his bed, running a hand through your hair.
When the room fell a little silent, you felt his hands creeping up your waist and he buried his head in your side, curling up against your hip.
''You need to stop taking that herb.'' You said firmly.
He groaned, dragging his face deeper into your shirt. ''Can we not talk about it?''
You swat his hands away and turned around to face him. ''No. You have to stop, it's useless and it's making you sick.''
He looked up with his big, wide, glistening, puppy dog eyes as he leaned closer again, almost careful. ''Fine.'' He barely mumbled, pulling you close again and hiding his face in the crook of your neck this time. ''I will.''
He won't. But you let him distract you. He was so warm and cuddly, and extremely clingy.
You stayed with him and took care of him until he got better. Billy didn't mind- he was grateful for your stay, a little skeptical when he woke up one morning and saw you humming around in his kitchen with Jacob's shirt hanging off of your shoulders, swallowing you whole, but nothing grave.
The day before prom's night Jacob said he was fine and begged you to go pick out a dress that you couldn't since you were taking care of him for the past few days.
After a lot of begging, he had you convinced.
So you did. You went out with Bella and roamed around multiple shops until you found the perfect fit. (You can choose your own dress). Since you were in a rush, you couldn't be in much contact with your boyfriend, hence he had yet to see your choice. You were confident enough he would love it.
You waited patiently for the night to roll around. Jacob was late and it made you super worried, Was he sick again? Did the full moon start having its effects?
''You need to calm down, Y/n.'' Bella chimed, seated on the couch. Edward stood beside her, showing no signs of care or worry.
''I am calm.'' You roamed the room back and forth. ''But he didn't call, he would have called if something happened, why didn't he call?'' You spiraled, clutching your phone closer.
''Break up with him.'' Edward said, like it was the most natural thing to do in this circumstance. Bella glared at him.
''Shut up, Edward.'' We both exclaimed in unison.
You urged them both to leave, in case Jacob didn't make it in time. It took some great rhetorical skills and emotional manipulation to finally convince Bella to leave. Not Edward, he didn't seem too keen to stay and wait for your boyfriend.
You sulked down on the couch with a sigh. Charlie stood awkwardly near the kitchen entrance. ''Um, nice dress, kid.'' He tried to ease the silence. You smiled tightly at his compliment. He nodded and then scrambled inside the kitchen, to avoid more awkwardness.
After a train of thoughts that dragged you down into the murky depths of your subconscious and a slap by your inner voice yelling at you to stop overreacting, your phone finally lit up with a notification.
Jacob. Your mind was calmed as he texted you a sorry message saying he got tied up in some work with Sam and would be there in short.
When he finally arrived, he looked . . . majestic.
In that tailored black suit, that fit a little too well. Sinched around the biceps, His raven-black hair fell messily around his face, like always. His warm russet skin glew under the warm light of the porch lanterns. His dark brown eyes crinkled, a gleaming spark lighting up his gaze as he looked at you. And all you could think was how impossibly beautiful he was.
He fixed his blazer as he walked toward you, wearing that stupidly charming smile of his. Despite your efforts, you couldn't help but match his playful glare.
''Are you trying to out-shine me, Mr handsome?''
He grinned, boyishly, standing in front of you, as you lingered on the last stair, too carried away by his presence to remember his tardiness.
He extended his hand to tangle it with yours, lifting it to press a kiss to the soft skin on the back. Then, without letting go, he slipped his other hand to your hip and pulled you closer.
''I can never out-shine you, Miss beautiful.''
His gaze drifted lower - slow, reverent - then returned to your face with a tenderness you should have gotten used to by now.
He leaned in, pressing his lips to the corner of your mouth, lingering there for a heartbeat longer only to murmur against your skin: ''Definitely not in this dress.''
That made your legs want to wiggle, to drop right in his arms and let him catch you.
You placed your hands on his shoulders to steady yourself and tried to hide the blush creeping up under your make up.
He offered his arm and guided you to his car, only after receiving a warning talk from Charlie on how to behave and treat you like a gentleman.
In the car, you both plopped down and you intertwined your hand with his. Your heart was hammering against your ribs and he clenched your hand in his, as if he could also feel the excitement radiate off of you.
Since you were late, the music had toned down and everyone was slow dancing, much to your relief- you didn't want Jacob to get overwhelmed.
You both danced but, despite his breathtaking smile, Jacob appeared sicker than ever under the clear lights of the ballroom. Your arms were around his neck and his around your waist. You both swayed slowly to the soft music in the background without a care in the world.
''We should be professional dancers, look at us.'' You jest, pulling him closer. Jacob snickers and hides his face in the crock of your neck. ''Totally.'' he mumbles, his words come out muffled and you feel his warm breath on your skin.
Your hand moved to his back and the other tangled in his hair. You just held him. You didn't say much as long as he kept answering your silly questions and humming and giggling like he was supposed to.
But soon enough you felt his body weight creeping up on you. You tap his back lightly. ''Jake?'' He only hums weakly, almost like he couldn't hear you.
Your heart started to thud in your chest. You tried to stay as steady as your body allowed you to be. He then shifted. His knees buckled and he grabbed onto your shoulders, hard, for balance.
You called out his name several times, trying to keep him conscious and manage his weight. You cupped his face, which was pale and shiny from droplets of sweat. His lip's pink-ish color had faded.
You quickly glanced around, catching Bella's worried gaze from across the room. And as if on cue, Edward appeared by your side in a swish, like a summoned demon, freaking the shit out of you.
''I got him.'' He caught Jacob before he completely gave in, causing him to snarl just a tad when Edward's scent hit his nostrils.
Edward shifted fast. One moment he emerged from pure dust the next he was gone. Puff, like a wave of wind.
You frowned, startled. ''What the..'' Your back shivered when they both disappeared right in front of your eyes.
You didn't have the time to process. Bella nudged you, bringing you out of your trance. She dragged you to her truck while you were still struggling to understand what just happened. ''Edward, he-''
''I know.'' Bella says, in a voice too calm for this particular circumstance. You shook your head. She started the truck, the engine sputtered to life. ''No, Bella, he-''
''I know.'' She repeated firmly. You stared at her, stunned.
Then she placed a hand on your arm, in a reassuring manner'. ''I'll explain later.''
The ride felt painfully long. Every turn and minuscule sound felt too much. You were caught in a loop of worry and anxiety filled thoughts.
Why is this ride taking so long?
Bella's silence also didn't ease any of those worries. What does she know?
The moment you both pulled in front of Sam's house, you didn't waste a second before rushing inside. Edward was standing outside, still like a statue. He didn't stop you, he barely looked into your wandering eyes. As if he knew you were questioning your entire life and he was the main cause of it.
Everyone was gathered inside, except Sam. All eyes were on you when you stepped in. They all seemed troubled. Worried. Maybe even guilty. Their expressions softened at the sight of you.
Seth was the one to speak. ''He's upstairs.''
But you didn't move, not yet. ''Is he okay?'' Your voice struggled to be audible, breaking due to the unshed tears.
Emily was the first to be by your side. Engulfing you in her arms like an older sister. ''He's going to be.''
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
You sat on the couch, Emily still on your side, while Seth cracked his usual jokes to lighten the ambiance.
He nudged you, making you look at him. He took your hand in his, all serious.''This is not an appropriate timing, but, in case, I'll willingly be your second choice.''
''Seth!'' Emily exclaimed. You didn't know whether to cry more or laugh. Tears fell down your cheeks as you chuckled lightheartedly at his attempts to distract you.
Paul smacked his head, not very lightly. ''Shut up. We all know I'll be a better second choice.'' That made you laugh, your chest shook and your face burned from crying and laughing at once.
Seth held his hands up in defense with a small smile. ''Made her laugh.''
Emily only shook her head at them.
Footsteps thudded down the stairs. All the heads turned to look at Sam followed by... Carlisle Cullen?
You stood up, impatient. Sam stood back as Carlisle approached you. ''He'll be fine, likely.''
Likely!? As if reading your mind he proceeds: ''It depends on the speed of his recovery. The sooner he wakes up, the better. But considering the strong properties of the herb he consumed-''
You interrupt him. ''Wait, how do you know about the herb?'' You then glance around at the others. ''And didn't he stop taking it?''
Silence. Intense silence. They didn't even meet your eyes. Emily looked guilty, Seth pretended to be busy searching for nothing in the air, Paul stared at the floor.
''We tried to change his mind.'' Sam spoke. They all nodded in unison.
Carlisle sighed, sensing the tense atmosphere in the room. ''As I was saying, considering the force of the herb and the unrequired quantity he consumed, his recovery won't be very pleasant. Besides that, it's nothing incurable, but it might take some time.''
Carlisle didn't speak. He looked at Sam, exchanging a silent mental conversation. ''It's not clear.''
Your brows knit tightly as confusion and frustration fogs your mind. ''Can I at least see him?''
Another long ass silence before he nodded. ''Of course. Though before I leave, I must assure you are aware of the risks if whatever took place tonight were not to stay strictly within your knowledge, especially any... strange ... occurrences regarding my son.'' It wasn't a request. His words, as sweet as they sounded, held a firm command. But you say the flicker of concern on his face.
You nodded. ''Edward is my friend... Well, despite what he likes to tell himself, I consider him a friend. Don't worry, I won't tell what's not mine to tell.''
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
You spent five cruciating minutes standing in the doorway.
He looked magnificently sick. Damp hair, slightly blue tinted lips, dipped in sweat, lying down motionless ... and shirtless.
Your mind rewinded all the events, him fainting, Edward appearing and disappearing way too fast, Carlisle in Sam's house, and the bloody herb. Were it a physical wound, you could have fixed it. But your hands trembled from the thought of messing with an ancient, unnatural sort of voodoo herb.
''How long are you planning to stare?'' Bella. She leaned on the wall across from you, crossing her arms.
You sighed, duking your head, all the tiredness weighing down on you at once. You turned to mimic her stance. ''You think I can help him?''
She tilted her head, a tender frown on her temples. ''You know this is not your fault, right?'' She said, gently this time.
You look down, fumbling with your hands. ''But If I could help him...''
She stepped forward, placing her hands on your arms. ''You can.''
You shook your head to contradict her words, sniffling as more tears accumulated in the back of your eyes. ''I don't know how to.. I can barely heal a wound...''
She cupped your face, firmly. ''He doesn't need your sparkly magic, Y/n. He needs you. That's all.'' You looked up to meet her eyes, your own puffy and red.
''Okay, Miss I-graduated-in-love-philosophy.'' You muttered.
She grins. ''Damn right I am. Now,'' She forcefully pushed you inside. ''Go.''
You stumbled in the room. She left you both alone. You felt hesitant for some reason.
You settled down beside him. ''Hey, handsome.'' You took his warm hand into yours. A small smile made its way on your face as you felt his grip tightening, muscle memory. ''Still clingy, I see.''
You placed your head on his chest, nestling next to him. ''You're warm.'' You started talking, for no one in particular, about nothing and everything. About how you hated talking to Jessica at prom, how he's a decent dancer, how Angela thinks you make a pretty cute couple, and how you kept count of the amount of time you held him back from throwing hands at other boys for simply glancing your way.
''Seth tried to steal me, you know?'' You chuckled softly.
Still, no answer. ''A very compelling offer.'' Your voice is muffled, you were fighting the lump in your throat.
You gulped, sniffling again. Your hand clasped around his. You blinked faster to prevent the tears.
That's when your eyes caught the lit pendant wrapped around his wrist. ''I knew you kept it..'' It was the same charm from the booth. He told you he hated it. He must have thrown it away - you thought when you didn't see him wearing it around his neck - maybe it reminded him of his lycanthropy.
You cried, again. Clutching his hand to your chest. You pampered his face with kisses, sloppy, wet kisses he would have loved if he weren't dozing off like sleeping beauty.
You paused at his lips. Your eyes flickered up and you cupped his face with one hand. ''I'm sorry, this is all feels like my fault.'' You whispered, caressing his strangely glowing skin.
You leaned down and pressed your lips to his in a soft, tender kiss. His lips were cold, even with his body burning like a hot stove.
You were going to leave, that's until your hands started to glow around his. Your eyes widened when you saw the golden light travelling from your hands to his and up his arms, like it had cut through and entered his veins.
He grunted, a frown etched on his forehead. He gripped your hand, strongly. You scooted closer, pushing his hair out of his face.
''Jake, hey, I'm right here.''
- - - - - MEANWHILE - - - - -
''Sleeping beauty is up.'' Edward stated, standing still outside, near Bella, his vampy senses tingling with all the emotions flowing upstairs.
Bella's head snapped up, a little shocked, but mostly happy. She jolts inside, to tell everyone.
- - - - - MEANWHILE - - - - -
He weakly opened his eyes, blinking the blackness and adjusting his view to the damp lightening of the room, only to see you crying. He sat up struggling, with confusion etched on his face. ''What happened..'' His voice came out muffled as he tried to make sense of his surroundings.
You didn't waste time explaining, throwing yourself at him with a tear-stained face and pressing your lips to his.
He was taken aback by your sudden attack of love. But quick enough, he wrapped his arms around you.
His body melted under your warmth and your scent mixed with his.
That's when you both felt it. Like an electric force gushing under your skin, your arms tickled from a newfound sensation. A strange pattern inked on both of your skins.
When you pulled away, eyes still watery and cheeks pink from the emotional rush, he stared at you with deep concern. Heavy silence fell between the two of you, filled by only your uncontrollable sobs. He caressed your face and wiped the droplets of tears away from your face.
His face then broke out into a tired, stupid grin. ''Do I need to bury Seth deep into the lake?''
You shook your head, unable to hold back the sad smile. You then nestle your face in his chest and engulf him in your arms. ''Don't ever scare me like that...'' He tightens his hold around you and runs his hand through your hair while murmuring apologies and reassuring what nots.
Meanwhile everyone had rushed upstairs and witnessed the moment.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
You went to help Emily cook, letting Jacob rest. You didn't want to, you barely let go of him since he opened his eyes. But you needed to. So after a lot of crying, and more crying, and some more crying, you finally let him freshen up and distract yourself in the kitchen.
Emily rubbed your arms as you cut some vegetables, you were making soup - or more like Emily was, you were there for the support.
''When did you get this?'' She says out of nowhere, catching the newly ingrained tattoo on your arm. You blink at it. You didn't notice it much before.
She examined it like some mad scientist observing a wild rat turning sane after he finally discovered the cure to cancer. ''It's the waxing moon. Does Jake also has one?''
You nod at her question. ''But his is a little different..''
She looked up at you. ''Does it look like it will connect to yours in a circle when held side by side?''
You shrug. ''I guess.. I don't know..'' You snatch your arm back. ''Stop making that face, Em.''
She smiled with a weird glint in her eyes. ''The waning moon..'' She said more to herself, like a nerd who unravelled a murder mystery before reaching the last chapter of a book. ''Oh, I got to tell Sam!!'' And she scrambled away, skipping like a giddy little kid, leaving you more perplexed than your physics class.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
''Something happened to Emily.'' You said placing the soup on the bedside table.
Jake stood in front of the mirror, tracing his still-pale skin. He turned to face you. ''What do you mean?''
You stepped closer, taking his hand in yours. ''She was acting weird, talking about some moon...''
He hummed, watching as you kissed and gently caressed the new pattern on his wrist. ''The waxing and waning moon.''
You glanced up, raising a brow. ''Yeah. How do you know that?''
''Sam told me.'' He said.
He intertwined your fingers, then cupped your face with his free hand. ''Apparently, you're like my guardian angel.''
''I'm your- WHAT?'' You exclaimed.
He chuckled. ''My protector, you saved me.''
You stare at him, suspicious. ''Jake did you take the herb again?''
He shook his head, smiling. ''No, my beautiful smart girlfriend.'' Now cupping your face with both hands, he added, ''Sam told me everything. You're a protector. You were meant to be here, with me. Somewhat like ... mates.''
Your heart caught in your throat. ''Sam told you that?'' He nodded, eagerly. ''He did.''
He then leaned down to peck your temples and rested his forehead against yours.
''So, we're in this forever?'' You mumbled, again. He chuckled. ''Only if you want to.''
Now it was your turn to nod. ''Hell yes I want to! Who else will cuddle me when I cry hysterically?''
He pulled you into his arms and you both stayed like that for as long as your heart registered the news.
You saved him. And he was yours, for as long as you will need oxygen to breathe.
