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labyrinthof-fan-fiction · 3 years ago

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Vices and Vexations {3}

Series Masterlist

A/N: I just, I love Eloise and John. I love love love them. Life got busy, but I’m back now!

Warnings: Anxiety

Summary: The last thing Eloise Bridgerton wanted to do was become a debutante this season, the only thing that Eloise Bridgerton was going to be allowed to do, was become a debutante this season.

Rating: M

Word Count: 1,987

Much to Eloise Bridgerton’s dismay, no harm befell her carriage as the family traveled back to London for the season and her debut. She had wondered if throwing herself under the carriage would cause the right commotion, but Anthony had firmly lead her into the carriage with a strong grip on her arm. She did not miss the smirk that was on John’s face as he closed the door securely behind her. The hours in the carriage were spent with her mother telling her stories to make her feel more comfortable with the idea of her debut, but did absolutely nothing to make her more comfortable. If anything, it had caused her skin to feel like it was crawling under all the silk and lace. The idea of being paraded around London like a prized hog made her itch and itching, which in turn sent her mother into what could only be described by the Bridgerton siblings as ‘Eloise Agitation’. Eloise had thought that the ride with Daphne preparing for her debut was going to be the worst ride back to London, she had been severely wrong.

Returning to the city always set her in a sullen mood, the ever-watching eyes of the ton gossips always made her feel on edge, and now, with Lady Whistledown, it was inevitable that there would be a scandal that Eloise Bridgerton would be in the center of, even if she did not plan to. Eloise had hoped that by warning Whistledown of the queen’s attempt to capture her, there would be a sense of solidarity, women with women. But she had begun to hope much less as the days continued, marching on in an unending death march. The ton had already been set abuzz wondering what the notorious author would have to offer this season.

And so, in just a few days, Miss Eloise Bridgerton stood in the front of her mirror, wrapped in a dress of white silk. An absurd amount of feathers affixed to the headpiece her mother had stated the perfect addition. A feather fell elegantly in front of her face and a sneeze ripped through her, her eyes returned to the mirror.

“I look like a peacock.” Eloise murmured, staring at her reflection, her maids frozen behind her. “A bloody peacock.”

“But a very pretty peacock.” Tilly offered, causing her lady to groan.

The creaking of her door made her turn to see her family piled in the doorway like they had been listening in. How she had managed to not hear their incessant tittering was beyond her, but her heart was hammering so hard in her chest, it was not much of a surprise. And there was no doubt that they were listening, just a year ago she had been on that side of the door. There was no privacy when you were a Bridgerton, your business was family business.

“If one of you utters, a single word.” She warned, not missing Daphne’s wide open mouth, Anthony’s wide eyes, and Benedict’s smirk. On another day, Eloise would have taken a swing at each of her elder siblings. But, this was such an important day. Eloise huffed and gathered her skirts in a manner that would no doubt be considered unladylike. “Let’s get this over with, we cannot keep the queen waiting.” She stomped out to the carriages, John standing at the side.

“Miss Eloise.” He greeted, opening the door.

“One word, John, and I will have you tossed in the Thames.” She grumbled, climbing into the carriage. John bit back a laugh as the rest of the Bridgerton women piled into the carriage with her and the men took their own carriage.

The carriage ride might have been the most unbearable moment, it was hot. Too hot, and stuffy, where had all the air gone when they returned to the city? Violet prompted Daphne to offer helpful words and Eloise did not manage to hear them. No, her heart was too loud, the city was too loud, and the sun a bit too bright. Her breathing was ragged as the castle grew closer, perhaps she could jump out of the carriage, a momentary madness. As abruptly as that thought appeared in her mind, the carriage stopped. Eloise wondered if pin money would be enough to convince John to spook the horses and get them out of here.

The door to the carriage opened and she was shuffled into the building, along with several other ladies wrapped in white.

Daphne gave her hand a gentle squeeze, “Good luck.”

Violet linked her arm with Eloise, “Let’s go prepare.” An excited air had settled over her mother, and Eloise could not help but feel that Daphne’s presence had lulled her mother into a sense of calm. Perhaps she was forgetting who Eloise was. Maybe she was just remembering the better season with her eldest daughter. The thoughts and doubts continued to race as the ladies were called to curtsy before the queen. Each debutante that left through those double doors set Eloise’s heart beating faster.

“You could say I fainted, something unmentionable was on my dress, I collapsed, the feathers altered my senses, anything mama.” Eloise begged as Violet fidgeted with her hair.

“My darling, no matter what, you will always be a diamond to me.” Violet said gently.

Eloise rolled her eyes, if anything, she was the grisly coal that preceded the creation fo a diamond. “I wish Penelope were here.”

Then her name was announced and she could not breathe, heart pounding, hands shaking. The doors were open, all eyes settled on her, her siblings standing along the aisle way, and she began to walk. Was it really practical to wear these shoes? Two steps, that was all she had taken, there were definitely more than two steps she was going to have to take. Why did they make the bloody floor creak so much? Was that a test of a lady’s grace? Only she with a featherlight step can be called an true proper lady.

“Smile.” Daphne mouthed to her.

A door opened behind the queen, a pamphlet arrived on a silver platter. The entire room had settled to silence, how peculiar, Lady Whistledown interrupting the presentation, before all the ladies had been seen. “I have seen enough.” The queen announced, turning away and leaving with her pamphlet.

Eloise felt calmness settle in her chest. “What does this mean?” She asked her mother, who was stunned standing behind her.

“I do not know.” Violet murmured, a genteel smile, fake, but a smile nonetheless was on her face.

But Eloise knew what it meant, at least at this moment, she could get out of this room, and she did. In truth, she was a bit surprised at how quickly she was able to move in the shoes. She raced to the carriage, the queen had issued a dismissal and who was she to ignore a dismissal from the queen. John’s eyes were wide as she sped down the steps.

“Should we be worried about what happened in there?” John asked as he opened the door.

“I would wager the rest of my family will be very worried.” Was all she supplied as she settled into the carriage.

John’s focus was drawn to the rest of the Bridgertons who walked down the steps with a purpose. Violet’s eyes held worry in them as she approached the carriage.

“Eloise?” She asked John.

“In the carriage, my lady.” John confirmed as he helped her into the carriage. He heard the Viscountess’ sigh of relief as she sat across from her daughter, followed by the rest of the ladies in the Bridgerton household.

John heard snippets of the conversation, something about the queen, the Whistledown pamphlet, he had seen the boy running amok with the pamphlets, selling them as the debutantes were passed in front of the queen. It was quite curious timing if you asked him, but no one ever did.

Eloise had hoped that the interruption to her presentation would have resulted in a respite from the season, but it seemed that the only thing available to her was punishment in the form of dance lessons, with Gregory, and the rest of the family watching her. Perhaps she should be ashamed that her thirteen year old brother was lighter on his feet than her. And yet, she could not find it in herself to conjure a care to how well she was able to dance. One and two, one and two. Echoing in her brain might be the final thing to send her over the proverbial edge. It would be distressing that she would not be able to woo a man with her dancing. At least Francesca excelled at the pianoforte and her mother would have another daughter who would be a darling of society.

“She’s not very good.” Hyacinth muttered from her lounging.

“I believe she can hear you.” Benedict supplied as Eloise launched into her retort.

“I can hear you.” She snarled, before stepping onto Gregory’s foot, which caused him to step away from her.

“If you are to catch the queen’s eye after this morning’s interruption, you must be perfect.” Violet stated, trying not to allow the stress to seep into her voice.

“I believe it was the interruption that was perfection.” Eloise grumbled, taking Gregory’s hand, because while she hated this, she also hated the look on her mother’s face as she watched her.

“Shocking that Eloise Bridgerton was not selected as the season’s diamond, is it not?” Benedict asked Hyacinth, who gave a large smirk.

Anthony burst in, speaking of Colin’s adventures abroad, such was the atmosphere of the Bridgertons. Bursting in on each other without warning, constantly together.

“How happy for him that he can decide to extend his journey.” Eloise stated snidely, releasing Gregory from her arms and moving to sit down. Her mind focused on the book that her mother had begged her to put down in hopes that she would focus on the dancing. Her attention was turned back to her family when Anthony started speaking of wanting mother’s ring. She and Benedict shared a look as they watched the conversation transpire between the eldest Bridgerton and the matriarch.

“I thought the ladies looked beautiful.” Hyacinth stated, the wistfulness of a girl who had no idea the true meanings of the season. She was simply swept away by the glamor of society. Or, perhaps, Eloise thought to herself, she was just as vapid as Daphne.

“All the young ladies look the same, like young ladies.” Anthony stated.

Eloise scoffed, “And this, this is what you want me to marry?”

Violet stared between her children, who had the greatest knack for saying the entirely wrong thing to each other at the most inopportune time. “See that he is alright.” She murmured to Benedict, who predictably reacted.

“Me?”

“I am quite fine mother, exactly on schedule.” Anthony responded, checking his pocket watch before briskly leaving the sitting room.

Eloise watched her mother glance back down at Benedict, her focus now turned to Anthony. Eloise hoped that she would forget her dancing lessons, now that Anthony, who had been well known for deciding to forego marriage had declared himself searching for a wife. But alas, that was not her luck.

“Eloise, you must at least master one dance, before the first ball.” Violet murmured, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“If I do not master one, does that mean that then I shall not be in attendance at the first ball?” Eloise asked, Benedict snorted behind his paper.

“I fear that you have your hands full mother.” Benedict said, eyes twinkling with mischief. And Violet Bridgerton knew for sure that she did have her hands full, but it was not simply Eloise who occupied her mind. Perhaps two children searching for a match during the same season would be too much.

#vices and vexations #john x eloise #footman john x eloise #eloise bridgerton

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labyrinthof-fan-fiction · 3 years ago

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Fever {6}

Series Masterlist

A/N: Hello! I’m back! I’ve been struggling with piecing this story together and I just finished my Masters which took a lot of my time, but now I’ve got time to spend writing for fun again! Abandoned stories I’m coming back for you! Also after writing this I’m realizing how much A/B/O I have been reading and yup, that’s apparently become an influence.

Tags: @plainjaniedee

Warnings: PANIC ATTACK MENTIONED IN THIS CHAPTER, Depression, Anxiety, Abandonment, Therapy Sessions, Language

Summary: Mike’s bug makes its way through the friend group, because, you know sharing is caring.

Rating: M

Word Count: 4,656

On Monday, Ben was sick, Tuesday, Jess. There was no doubt that whatever Mike had was making its way through the entire friend group. There was something daunting about each of your friends leaving you behind and you waiting for the inevitable moment when you lose your breakfast.Wednesday, I got sick, I woke up and ran to the bathroom, emptying the contents of my stomach.

Dad cautiously entered, keeping his distance. “I think it’s best you stay home today.”

I nodded, groaning as my stomach continued to do flips. “Jake’s supposed to come today.”

Dad chuckled, “I don’t think you need him seeing you like this.”

“Definitely not.” I snarked back, getting off the floor of the bathroom.

“I’ll let Billy know that you’ve caught the bug, Jake’s probably not too far behind you. This things going through you guys like a wildfire.” Dad backed away from the door. “Do you need anything before I head for work?”

“I’m good, just going to go back to bed.” I murmured, pulling the covers up to my chin as I crawled into bed. I woke up to the sound of the phone ringing and plodded downstairs to answer it. “Hello?”

“Oh, you do sound awful.” Jake’s voice stated, a hint of worry in it.

“You sure know how to make a girl feel special, Jake.” I teased weakly.

“Do you need anything?” He asked.

“I think so, I’m sorry we can’t hang out today.” I murmured, leaning against the wall.

“Who said we can’t hang out?” Jake asked.

“My date with the bathroom floor.” I answered.

Jake chuckled, “I’m probably going to get this since I was close to Mike when he was spewing his guts out, besides, we need to get your college applications rolling, they wait for no illness.”

“Jake, you really don't want this.” I stated.

“I’ll be over in an hour, Charlie’s going to be late tonight, he called dad, and I’m not going to chicken out just because you’re sick. So, what color gatorade do you want?”

“Blue?” I murmured, glancing around the house, it wasn’t as much of a disaster as it had been in a while and honestly I don’t know that I have the strength to clean it.

“Bells, it’s gonna be fine, don’t stress. You need to lay back down, go to bed, I’ll be over, I don’t need special treatment.”

“What, are you some kind of mind reader?” I asked before thinking and felt my chest contract. Fuck.

“Just for you.” He answered. “Now go back to bed. I’ll be there soon.”

“Bye.” I whispered, hanging up the phone and sliding down the wall. My heartbeat thrumming in my ears as it became hard to breathe. I knew it was a panic attack, Dr. Gilbert had spent a lot of time this week helping with identifying triggers and what to do if I was triggered. I just hadn’t expected to need to use her methods just yet. I started breathing slowly and deeply, wiling the shaking to go away as I pulled my legs up to my chest. I wrapped my arms around my knees, I had to hold myself together, just had to. Mind reader, my own voice was taunting me. Golden eyes flashed in my mind, no concern, just indifference. Then the tears started, could you drown from your own tears? That was my final coherent thought before I faded from reality and was pitched into darkness.

“Bells?” Jake’s voice called from the door, and I opened my eyes, he rounded the corner and the bags in his arms fell to the ground and he closed the distance between us. Stopping mere inches from me before he was on his knees. “Bells, Bella…Can I touch you?” He murmured gently.

I nodded and he took up the space next to me and pulled me into his chest. His arms wrapped around me as he pulled me close. “Breathe with me, match my breathing, c’mon baby.” He murmured in my ear. I realized the wheezing sound was coming from me. I started to match the rise and fall of his chest. “That’s it, that’s so good.”

I looked up at him and met his dark eyes. “Jake, I’m sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry about.” He murmured.

“It’s….I just….I…” I kept trying to start a sentence but he shook his head.

“I don’t need to know until you’re ready. And you don’t have to be ready today.” He started drawing slow circles on my back. “We can stay here as long as you need.”

I pulled myself up and he loosened his hold around me. “I’m still sorry.” I whispered.

He shook his head, but considered me for a moment. “So, I’m thinking maybe college applications aren’t the best plan for tonight, but I do have gatorade, some chicken noodle soup, and no where to be for the rest of the night.”

“I’m already really behind though.” I murmured.

“Well, let’s do gatorade, I’ll get the soup going, then we’ll see how you’re doing and evaluate what’s next after that.” He answered. “Think you can sit in the kitchen, keep me company?”

I nodded and he gave me the gentlest smile before pulling away and standing up. He offered me a hand and pulled me from the ground and made sure I was settled into a chair at the kitchen table before he retrieved the hallway. He set them down and opened one of the gatorades and set it in front of me. I stared at it for a moment, wondering if the color blue that it was could actually be healthy for human consumption. But with the look that he was giving me, I knew I needed to start drinking it.

He turned and started to cook after I took the first sip. It was odd, watching how comfortable he was in my kitchen.

“Dad and Charlie have a lot of game nights and there’s only so much eating chips and dip a kid can take.” Jake joked, making me realize that I had said that aloud.

“And here I thought that they were only capable of ordering shitty pizza.” I joked.

“Pizza is a rare occurrence, only reserved for times when they lose a bet with each other.” Jake responded, giving a small smile to me as he turned away from the pot and let it begin to heat up. “So…do you want to talk about it? It’s cool if you don’t, I just…I can’t help but feel a little guilty.”

I raised my eyebrow, “What do you have to be guilty about?”

He chuckled, “I feel like I inadvertently caused your panic attack, and I want….I want to make sure I don’t do it again.”

“You didn’t, trigger it, I did. It’s not a big deal.” I answered.

“Bella, you were on the floor for an hour.” He chided.

“I was on the floor all morning with my toilet.” I answered.

“Not the same.” He urged then sighed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”

I chewed on my bottom lip for a moment. “It was the joke, I made. About mind readers, it was a running joke with him, and I didn’t realize that it would affect me.” I should be worried about how easy that lie was.

Jake’s eyes softened and he nodded. “Thank you for telling me.” He turned back to the stove and glanced at the pot before turning back to me. “Is there anything I should avoid saying, or doing?”

Leaving. My mind supplied, but I pushed that down, remembering how Dr. Gilbert had said that it was important for you to share triggers with people you were around, but that one didn’t feel like it needed to be shared right now, but you should also be open. “I’m still working on knowing them, but blood, um, I don’t know. We talked about potential ones this week.” I started tapping my fingers on my leg. “Dr. Gilbert thinks that after everything, abandonment, someone leaving without any contact, that might be a trigger.”

The full force of Jake’s gaze was locked on me now, for a moment I willed the stove to start boiling over, no luck, now that would be a power. “I’m not planning on going anywhere, Bells.” He murmured. “Not for a long time.”

A warm feeling blossomed in my chest at that, at the sincerity in his tone. I just nodded and he turned back to the stove. It felt odd, that warm feeling in my chest, I wasn’t sure that I would ever be able to feel it again. Was it too soon for that feeling to be there? I was pulled from my thoughts by Jake setting a bowl of steaming soup in front of my face.

“Dinner’s served.” He stated, a grin on his face as he pulled up a chair across from me with his own bowl.

I took a tentative sip from my spoon, my stomach remained settled so I tried a bit more. “It’s good.” I murmured.

“I’ll be sure to pass the review onto Lipton.” Jake replied, smile still in his eyes.

We ate the rest in silence, Jake checking to see if I needed anything else, checking to make sure that I was still feeling alright. “You know, you’re probably going to be in my seat soon enough, maybe you should be worried about yourself.”

“I guess you’ll just have to return the favor.” Jake said with a wink as he cleaned up the table, putting the remaining soup in the fridge. “Maybe Charlie will need something. Alright, lets start on your application.”

We settled on the couch, Jake took my laptop from my hands and settled in, opening Peninsula’s website. “So, you’re thinking education, right? Or do we want to go with undecided?”

I paused for a moment, mulling over the daunting fact that the choice of my future was going to be left up to the little blank boxes on the application. “Education, undecided feels too open for me.”

Jake nodded and continued typing away. “So there’s some questions, I can hand you the laptop, or you can dictate to me, whichever works for you.”

“You can type, that way I can ensure that it’s made into something intelligent.” I answered.

“Are you calling me smart, Bella Swan?” Jake teased.

“I’d definitely call you a smart ass.” I answered, without missing a beat, laughing at Jake’s mock hurt face.

“Alright, tell me about an influential person in your life.”

I started to ramble about Dad, about how much he meant to me, how much it meant that he wanted to help people. The questions continued in the same manner, me rambling an answer, Jake editing it down and giving it more of an academic feel. I hadn’t noticed how much time had passed until I heard the door open.

“Bella?” Dad’s voice called from the doorway.

“In the living room!” I called back, hearing his footsteps shuffle into the house.

“Ah, Jake, how are you?”

“I’m good, Charlie. There’s extra soup in the fridge, we’re working on Bella’s application to Peninsula.”

“Peninsula’s a good school. Are you feeling better?” Dad’s focus was turned back to me.

“I kept down a bowl of soup and some Gatorade.” I answered. “Seems like it’s calming down.”

“Good to know.” Dad responded. “I’m going to eat then head up to bed, Jake, make sure that you let Billy know if you’re running late. If you need, just sleep on the couch.” He shuffled into the kitchen, but his eyes were tired, his walk unsteady.

“They’re really trying to figure out what’s going on in the forest aren’t they?” Jake asked once he was out of earshot.

“Yeah, it’s been a rough week.”

“We’re almost done, just need you to fill out all your information, social security number and all that.” Jake said, passing the laptop to me. His eyes wandered to the kitchen as Dad wandered upstairs with a small wave.

I typed in the final blank spaces, glancing over the application, then the cursor hovered over the submit button. It seemed so real, and somehow, not quite real. Jake’s hand bumped mine. “C’mon, it’s not so scary once you send it away.”

I nodded and clicked the button, the screen turned to a spinning wheel before a large congratulations filled the screen. “All done.” I murmured.

“Not so bad, was it?” Jake gave me a small bump with his shoulder.

“Definitely had worse.” I responded, closing the laptop and setting it aside. “Thank you, for everything.”

“Anytime, like I said, I’m not going anywhere.” Jake murmured, his hand reaching out for mine, linking our fingers together.

There was something easy about physical contact with Jake, there was a weight to it, but it didn’t have to carry that weight, it was easy. It was just Jake, it was an anchor in a storm. Regardless how heavy the winds blew, I knew that I wasn’t going to go anywhere, and I wasn’t going to lose him.

“I should head home, let Billy know that you’ve got at least one application out there, and that you’re feeling better.”

I gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “I really do appreciate it, not sure how to repay it, aside from having chicken soup and gatorade ready when you get this.”

“You don’t need to worry about paying me back, Bells.” Jake replied giving my hand a squeeze before he stood up. “I’ll see you soon. Good night.”

“Night, Jake.” I murmured, getting up to walk him out the door. I stood at the door while I watched his tail lights fade in the distance. As I settled into bed, I gave a silent prayer that the butterflies in my stomach were exactly that, butterflies.

A few days passed and the phone started ringing, Dad sighed and answered it before handing it to me over the kitchen table. “For you.” There was a glint in his eye that I was starting to associate with Jake.

“Hey, Jake.” I quipped as I took the phone from him.

“Hey, Bells.” Jake’s voice came through the line, gravely and distorted.

“You’re not sounding so good, I warned you that you were going to get this. What time do you want the soup and gatorade?” I asked.

“As much as I would appreciate it, I don’t think this is the stomach bug you had.” His voice sounded so weak. “I don’t want to get you sick, you just got better. I’m going to need to take a raincheck on that soup and gatorade for now.”

“Are you sure, I’m not afraid of a cold.”

“Bells, please, don’t come. I’ll call you when I’m feeling better, promise.”

“Okay, I hope you feel better.” I murmured.

“Thanks Bells, I’ll talk to you soon.” He replied, then the line went dead.

“You going to play nurse to Jake?” Dad asked, a smirk under his mustache.

“He said that he didn’t want me around, thinks it’s something different from what I had.” I answered.

Dad raised an eyebrow. “Sure.”

I tilted my head at him, a small smile on my lips. “You sound like you disagree.”

“I know that if I had a pretty girl willing to play nurse to me, I’d want her there, but I also might not want her to see me as less than macho.” He answered, raising his eyebrows as he took a sip of coffee. “Probably just wants to be a tough guy to you.”

I rolled my eyes, “Whatever you say, Dad.” I grabbed my truck keys. “I’ll see you after school?”

“Barring anymore attacks, you’ll see me.”

School was relatively normal, Jess and Ben commiserated with me over the stomach bug, somehow Ange had managed to make it out unscathed. Jess immediately tuned into the knowledge that Jake had taken care of me. Then she tried to make a plan for me to play nurse that I knew Dad and Billy would not approve of, although, given how hard the two of them seemed to be trying to push Jake and I together, I’m not too sure of how opposed to it they would be….

I settled in at home with some homework, Dad had thrown together a meal and tossed it in the oven. He was watching it as it cooked. “A watched pot may never boil, but a watched meal won’t burn.” He muttered as his eyes remained locked on the oven.

Once I was done with my homework I grabbed the phone and called Jake. The phone line was busy. I sighed, but put it back on the hook. I called after dinner, same busy signal. I tried to hide my disappointment from Dad, but he caught it as he watched me climb up the stairs.

“Billy’s probably got the lines all tied up.” He murmured reassuringly.

“Yeah, probably.” I murmured.

I hunkered down in my bed that night, with an uneasy feeling as I tried to find sleep. The days continued, calling Jake, either getting a busy signal, or Billy. Billy’s comments were always the same. “Sorry, Bella, Jake’s asleep. He’s currently in the bathroom and I think he would kill me if you heard him vomiting. Hell of a bug you guys are passing around.”

“Just give him some time, Bella.” Dad responded. “Talked to Harry today, says he thinks he’s got mono. You definitely don’t need to be wrapped up in that.”

“Don’t you get mono through kissing?” I asked.

“Exactly why you’re not going down there.” Dad answered.

“Dad!” I yelped.

“Just calling it as I see it. You don’t take care of someone who’s sick if you don’t care about them.” Dad said with finality. “Give him a week, see if he calls you back. If not, then you can call him non-stop, hell, knock down Billy’s door for all I care.”

One week, I can do that. I thought to myself. What I didn’t tell myself was, a week can seem really long. Everyone warns you that healing is not a linear process, there isn’t a delusion that you will suddenly become perfect. But, the thing they don’t always tell you about spiraling is that you never know when it will hit you. They tell you to be mindful of triggers, things that might send you over the edge. But what are you supposed to do when they hit you out of nowhere? And how are you supposed to know all of them when you haven’t experienced them? So I called, maybe a day short of a week, but it was close enough.

“He’s feeling better Bella, but he’s not around, he’s out with the boys.” Billy answered.

“Thanks for letting me know, Billy.” I murmured, hanging up the phone. He was out with the boys and didn’t have the decency to let me know he was okay, after everything. You’re not worth caring about. My mind supplied and I shook my head. I matter to the people who I care about, who care about me. I argued.

You’re not worth it. Echoed in my mind. I stormed out of the house and into the forest. The image of the meadow flooded my mind. I tried to shake it, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Today, I would find it. On my own. Hiking entailed a level of grace and coordination, that by this point, I should have known I didn’t have, but I was determined. I was going to find that damn meadow. What I was going to do when I found it, maybe I would finally be happy to know that it was real. Maybe I would just set it on fire. Who knew? After a few hours I finally found it. The blue flowers still dotting the grass.

It was real, a giggle escaped my lips. I had found it. I pushed away the memories of what had happened the last time I was here and just breathed in the scent of the flowers as the wind blew through, causing them to bend and sway. It wasn’t a dream, it wasn’t me imagining a better place. It was real.

“Hello, Bella.” I heard a familiar voice behind me.

I turned quickly, losing my footing and falling as my eyes settled on Laurent. His eyes were a bright red, from what I could remember he was supposed to be with vegetarians, that seemed unlikely now. “Laurent, what a surprise.” I said as he offered a hand to me and pulled me up.

“Yes, well, I was in the area. I stopped by the Cullen’s, but they weren’t in.”

I let out a chuckle. “Well, you know how it goes. They like to travel.” I tried to keep myself calm, he would sense any shift in my heartbeat, hopefully he took the pace for startling me.

“It almost seemed like they had moved on.”

“They did, they visit from time to time, though.”

He studied me for a moment. “I am surprised that Edward would go anywhere without you.”

I shrugged, “It is harder when you’re just a human. I’ll have to let them know that you were around though, they’ll be sad to have missed you.”

Laurent gazed around the meadow, inhaling deeply. “I am sure. It has been…enjoyable spending time with their cousins.” Something flashed in his eyes before he let out a wry chuckle. “But the diet is hell on someone who is not used to it. I have to admit, sometimes, I cheat.” His gaze turned directly to me.

“Jasper struggles too. He has to be so careful at home.” I wrapped my arm around my middle.

Laurent smiled. “As do I.” He took a step closer to me.

“Did Victoria find you?” I asked, realizing it sounded more desperate than I had intended.

He faltered, “Yes, she did. I actually came here for her.”

“Oh, is she around?” I asked.

“She’s… around.” He murmured. “She is going to be put out I fear.”

“Because she missed you?”

Laurent rolled his eyes, like one does with a child who has asked one too many questions. “Because, dear Bella, I’m going to kill you.”

My heart beat thrummed in my ears.

“She wanted the honor.” Laurent stated, taking another step towards me. “Edward killed her mate, it’s only fair that she kills his. A mate for a mate.”

I was going to die, in this meadow. This fucking meadow that I had to find, fuck this place for being real. “It’s such a shame, to find you, while I’m hunting. I imagine she will be angry, but she’ll be angry for a millennia over James.” Laurent shrugged, taking a deep inhale through his nose. “And you, are so…mouthwatering. It’s amazing that Edward never took a taste.” He stepped closer, reaching out for a strand of my hair, but froze. “It can’t be.” His eyes were staring behind me.

I turned my neck to see hulking figures emerge from the tree line. Bears? He was afraid of bears? I turned further and saw them, wolves. But they weren’t normal wolves, they were giant, what was in the water around here? A snarl ripped from the black wolf’s maw as he walked towards Laurent, ignoring me. I froze as more followed behind it. Laurent was backing away, eyes wide. A growl sounded from my right, I glanced over to see a russet colored wolf stop ten feet from me. I made eye contact with the wolf, and it froze, a huff of air burst from its mouth. I felt warmth in my chest as it stared at me for a beat longer before turning towards Laurent, lip raising to show its impressive teeth. The black wolf let out a bark and Laurent ran, closely followed by the wolves. The one that had met my eyes glanced back for a second before racing after the others. One final howl and the forest fell silent.

“What the hell are you doing, Bella?” I asked myself, looking around the meadow. I could have died here, was that what I wanted? No, it’s not. I turned trying to remember what direction I came from, and the direction the wolves and Laurent went. It must have been a few hours before I finally found my way out of the forest. There were no signs of the wolves or Laurent, I raced into my truck and felt the tears begin to flow. Sobs fell from my lips. I calmed myself and let the growl of the engine soothe me.

I finally reached the house, the sun was starting to fade behind the treetops. “Bella?” I heard Dad’s voice call the second I entered the door.

I tried to make my voice even. “Yeah, it’s me.”

“Where were you? I was worried sick…” His tirade was cut short when he saw me. “What happened?”

“I went hiking and I… I saw the wolves, it’s not bears dad.”

Dad’s eyes went wide as he started looking over me. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, a few scratches, I fell.”

“What were you doing in the forest, we’ve talked about this. And now that I know there are wolves and it’s not bears…”

“I just, needed to do something, and I didn’t realize I was so deep into the woods and then…” I trailed off as the tears started again.

“Bells.” Dad murmured, pulling me into his chest. “No more hiking, not until we get this wolf situation figured out.”

“I promise. I’m sorry, Dad.” His arms tightened around me.

“You hungry?”

I shook my head, “I just want to head up to bed.”

“Okay, kiddo.” He murmured, I could feel his eyes on my back as I walked up the stairs. I got into my room and heard a rapping on my window. I felt the panic rise in my chest, she was here. I looked and saw Jake, hanging onto the tree and gesturing at the window. I sighed and pulled it open. “What do you want?”

He raised a hand at me. “I just want to talk.”

“You want to talk, now?” I asked, gesturing at the sky.

He sighed, “Please, Bells.” His eyes met mine.

“Fine.” I stepped aside and he launched himself through the window, landing on light feet.

His gaze moved back to mine. “I’m sorry.”

“About what? Ditching me for Sam’s gang?” I started in on him.

“I didn’t…” He started.

“You did.” I snapped. “You left me, just like he did.”

Jake winced visibly at that statement. “Bella, I didn’t have a choice. I couldn’t….”

“Save it, Jake.” I glared up at him. “I’m glad you have new friends. I hope they are better company that I was. And you can fuck off.”

He stared at me, shock evident in his face. “Bella, please, give me a chance to explain. I didn’t…”

I cut him off, “There is always a choice and you made yours.”

He glanced back at me, his eyes looked like they were filling with tears. “Alright, do you want me to leave?”

“I think that would be best.” I answered, trying to ignore the pain I saw in his face.

“Okay. I’ll go.” He murmured, giving me one final glance before jumping out the window. I saw him run off and glance back one more time before he disappeared into the tree line. In the distance I heard a single wolf’s howl.

The anger that had come to the surface died down and I felt tears start in my eyes. I threw myself onto my bed and sobbed into my pillow. I was alone again and it felt like someone was clawing at my chest. When sleep finally overtook me, I dreamed of the wolf, and his eyes. Those eyes, they were so familiar…

#fever #bella x jacob #jacob black x bella swan

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labyrinthof-fan-fiction · 3 years ago

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Lavender's Blue {5}

Series Masterlist

A/N: So here’s the thing, I recognize that Sam Uley was like 19 in canon, but in my world, I have decided he’s like 25, Emily too. This is a heavier chapter, not as happy go lucky, but I will create so much found family so help me God. Jake will be 16, he has the angst level requirement that can only come from a 16 year old. Also this story is being extremely pushy about wanting to be written.

Warnings: Language, Self Deprecation, Trauma, Angst

Summary: Bella reflects on what happened the previous night, she reaches out to Emily. Jake begins processing what happened, as best he can. And Paul learns about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.

Rating: M

Word Count: 2,864

Bella Swan woke up the next morning from the first restful night in months. No nightmares plagued her slumber, she just felt at peace. But her mind was racing, by now, she should be used to life altering, earth shattering events. Werewolves, it made sense, if there were vampires, there would need to be something that would defeat them, other than fire and each other. Then there was the imprint, that weighed on her mind. She had thought she found her soulmate in Edward, and now she had found him in Paul Lahote.

Her knowledge of Paul Lahote was filtered through several channels and she wasn’t sure what to believe. Charlie always had said he was a trouble maker, a nuisance. Jake had not hidden his absolute hatred of him. He never said why he hated him so deeply, was it just the beginning of the pack forming? What would Charlie think of the situation she had found herself in? Glancing out her window she noticed a flash of silver fur, Paul. Had he been out there all night? It couldn’t be comfortable sleeping out there.The events of the previous night had not let her discuss with the wolves all of the information that Laurent had passed to her. Victoria was looking for revenge, and that would only be satisfied by Bella’s blood. But Victoria hadn’t shown herself, maybe Laurent had been lying, vampires lie. It might have been kinder to let Laurent kill her, that day in the meadow. Victoria would not let Bella go without a fight, she would not stop until she had her.

Vampires feel things deeply, time is different for us. Alice’s voice echoed in her mind.

Humans feel things deeply too. She thought wryly as she got dressed, snapping at the imaginary voice in her head that was tittering. Bella got dressed and grabbed a quick breakfast before going to school. For the past few months she had been in a haze, then she started to hang out with Jake, and she came out of the fog. But then Jake had left her behind, to the wolves, which was an ironic thought, given the current circumstances. She wasn’t sure where she and Jake stood for the first time in her life. There had been a closeness between them since they were kids, best friends. Last night he barely could look at her and her gut told her that it wasn’t just a wolf thing. Charlie had always alluded to the fact that Jake had a crush on her, and she chose to ignore it. Maybe it was because she didn’t really think there was anyway he thought that way or that she could never return it, because she didn’t feel the same way. But this was never a conversation she had with him, perhaps if she had been a few years wiser she would have had that conversation.

School had become a place she went to, she sat with her friends, but they weren’t sure how to speak to her. And honestly, she couldn’t blame then. She had become a shell, she was just passing the days, but last night, her shell shattered. It was the first time since moving to Forks that she had felt like the Bella she had been in Arizona, her true self. Even though she sat with Angela, Jess, Mike, Ben and Lauren, she felt alone. So much had happened in the past twenty-four hours and she couldn’t say anything to those who surrounded her. At the end of the day she punched in one of the numbers she had received the previous night.

“Hey, Emily, it’s Bella Swan.”

“Bella, nice to hear from you!” Emily answered, her voice sounding a bit excited, when was the last time someone was excited to hear from her?

“I was wondering if I could take you up on talking?” Bella chewed on her bottom lip, waiting for Emily’s response.

“Of course, the boys are out right now, probably won’t be back until dinner. Why don’t you just drop in?”

“Sounds great, thanks, Emily.”

“See you soon.”

Bella’s truck rumbled down the road to La Push and to Emily’s home. Without the daunting reality of the werewolves existence, it was a cute house. It was cozy, a place for gathering and coming together. The front door opened to reveal Emily as Bella shut off the engine. Emily waved as Bella walked to the porch.

“Thank you, again.” Bella said as she approached the house.

“What are friends for?” Emily responded with a smile. “Let’s get in, I just made some tea, I find it calms the nerves.”

Bella nodded and allowed herself to be led into the house. “Why don’t you get settled in the living room and I’ll be back out.”

Bella hesitantly walked into the living room, thinking about the conversation that had occurred in the same room last night. Equivalent of a soulmate, echoing in her head. She curled her feet under her as she sat on one of the large plush sofas. Emily walked in and handed her a steaming cup of tea.

“So what’s on your mind?” Emily asked.

“Do you think the imprint could make a mistake?” Bella asked meekly.

Emily snorted, and Bella mentally recoiled. “Sorry, Bella, that wasn’t how I meant that. I think you’ll understand when I tell you about Sam and I’s imprinting.”

“Okay.” Bella murmured, taking a sip of the tea in her hands.

“I didn’t live here, originally, but the Clearwaters are my cousins. I was fiercely close with Leah, before…” Emily sighed. “Sam and Leah were engaged, childhood sweethearts, I was in town to visit and it happened. He imprinted on me and it was the worst thing that I could have imagined.”

Bella shifted uncomfortably for a minute, the tea in her mug sloshing too close to the edge, she took a sip to steady herself. The sweet tang of orange blossoms hit her tongue, causing her to hum.

“It’s not that way anymore, but it was. In an instant his attentions were turned from Leah and onto me. I couldn’t do that to her, I pushed him away, rejected him, I even left.” Emily sniffed. “He explained everything to me, even showed me his wolf, but I couldn’t accept him. He was Leah’s, he needed to go back to her. Then he was at my house, every day, trying to convince me to give him a chance. And one night, I said some cruel things, low things that I knew from Leah, things that I used against him. He lost control.”

“And that’s how you got the scars.”

Emily nodded. “I woke up in a hospital bed, and Sam was there, he should have been in the bed next to me, he looked like death. We said it was a bear, seemed like the easiest answer. And he stayed with me until I left, there was something there. Something I couldn’t deny. And I gave in and… It hasn’t been the easiest of roads, but I am happy, and so is Sam.”

Bella set the empty mug on the table and pulled her knees up to her chin. “So you believe it’s not a mistake?”

“I don’t think it makes mistakes, but I understand how you feel, feeling like it is a mistake.” Emily murmured. “You were chosen for a reason, for Paul. There are things that he will tell you in time, and he might seem like an asshole, but he’s a good guy.”

“What if it’s not him that’s the mistake, but me?” Bella murmured.

“Oh honey,” Emily rose from her spot on the opposite couch and settled next to Bella and pulled her into her side. Bella’s shoulders started shaking as tears flowed from her. “No one’s perfect Bella. And the universe believes that you and Paul are meant for each other. Paul is lucky to have you.”

“I’m sorry.” Bella murmured, letting the older woman wrap her in her arms.

“Don’t be sorry, Bella. Never be sorry.” Emily answered as she embraced Bella. She was overcome by the weight that was pushed onto them. The expectations that were put onto them, just because they looked into someone’s eyes. Emily had accepted her role, her purpose, but it was on her terms and she would fill it how she saw fit. The universe be damned, some day, it would get a reckoning from her and the hell it had put kids through. Because all of them in this house, they were just kids.

“Why do you do all of this?” Bella asked, still wrapped in Emily’s arms. “You and Sam are young, you could leave.”

“They’re just boys, Bella. And everyone expects them to go off to war for them.” Emily shook her head. “But they’re not going to go to war without knowing that someone here cares about them, for more than being the almighty protectors. If Sam and I left, they would choose another Alpha, they would soldier on. We all deserve a respite from the realities we face.”

Bella pulled away and looked at her with admiration, someone looking from the outside would have a different picture in their mind of who Emily Young was. They would see a scarred young woman who had taken her cousin’s fiancée and now spent her days cooking and cleaning after a group of rowdy young men, who had been deemed a gang. That wasn’t what Emily Young was doing, she was building a home, yes, but she was building a purpose. A place where those touched by the wolves could just be.

“None of us here are going to push you into this, but get to know Paul.” Emily said, “You don’t have to fall in love instantly, but this is a part of you now. I think your previous experiences will give you some help in dealing with all the weird.”

Bella laughed at that. “Glad it gave me something useful.”

Emily smiled, the girl on her couch was different from the girl she had met last night. But there were still shadows in her eyes, and pain that was not going to go away over a cup of tea. And Emily would be there for her, Emily would be there for both of them.

Jacob Black had a plan for his life since he was the age of five. He would grow up, be strong, and he would marry Bella Swan. It was a simple life plan, but it was what he knew would happen. Then the fever started, the shakes, the pain, and finally, the transformation. His first phase had been the scariest thing that had ever happened to him, but that was quickly bumped to second place when he entered the meadow and saw Bella face to face with a vampire set to kill her. But he saved her, he wasn’t allowed to talk to her, but he did help rip up a vampire. He had tried to talk to her, to tell her what was happening, and he couldn’t. Couldn’t because Sam had forbidden it, and they all had to do whatever Sam said.

Pack dynamics were the biggest bitch he had about becoming a wolf. Never being able to ignore an order from Sam had been the worst thing about being a wolf, at least, until yesterday. A part of him had decided to begin accepting that Bella was not his imprint, he had tried to force it, that day in the meadow. He tried to will it with his entire soul, but it didn’t happen. Sure, he still felt like the world stopped when he saw her, but that was normal. He wanted the can’t eat, can’t sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence, World Series kind of feeling. The feeling he had learned about from watching too many romantic comedies with Bella.

And he saw that feeling, in Paul’s head and he saw red. Becoming a wolf heightened his senses and anger. He had to fight, had to and wanted to in that moment. He took a lot out on Paul and he was surprised that Paul let him get away with it. Today he had caught glimpses of the fight from Paul’s point of view and he understood why he was able get the upper hand. Paul’s focus had been on protecting Bella, like his should have been. There were a lot of things he wished he could have done differently last night, but Sam had reminded him that you don’t get do-overs, only second chances.

Jake watched Paul and Bella turn out of the driveway and back to her home. He started out the front door and heard Sam’s voice behind him.

“Jake, where are you headed to?”

“Home, I think I’ve had enough of a night.” He muttered, not meeting Sam’s eyes.

“Jake, you’re going to leave them alone. They need time.” Sam said and Jake felt the tell-tale sensation of an Alpha order tugging at the base of his skull.

“I’m not gonna do anything.” He grumbled, looking at Sam now. There was a look in Sam’s eye that he couldn’t quite place, like he was in a memory.

“Jake, you don’t have to like that they are imprinted. You’re allowed to feel disappointed that it’s not you.” Sam took a deep breath. “But you need to think about how your actions will affect more than just Paul in the moment. Hurting him could hurt Bella, it could hurt your friendship with her.”

It was supposed to be me. Jake thought sullenly. “I know.”

“No amount of sulking will change the fact that this happened. Now get home and get some sleep.” Sam ordered again.

Jake stomped his feet down the porch steps and phased. Instantly regretting that choice when his mind was swarmed with Paul. He saw Bella’s smile, a quick laugh, then he saw the outside of her house.

I’m watching her kid, get some sleep. Paul’s voice broke through his musings, all visions of Bella removed from his mind.

Jake had about a thousand smart ass remarks that he could have responded to Paul. But he stopped, what Paul had said to him earlier flicked through his memories. But there wasn’t any twisted intent in Paul’s mood. Maybe Paul wasn’t the villain that he had made him out to be, but that didn’t mean that they were suddenly going to become besties.

Paul could smell Bella even before he saw the truck parked at Sam and Emily’s. He felt a jolt down his spine, she was here. Not that he had been looking for her, but he did pass through her usual haunts, to check on her, and he had been feeling a little uneasy that he couldn’t find her anywhere. And losing someone in Forks was a rarity, all you needed to do was yell loud enough and they’d stumble out of their hiding spot.

“You gonna stand out here like an idiot or are you going to say hello?” Sam asked, Paul started, not realizing he had stopped walking.

“I don’t want to impose.” Paul answered, well, lied.

“That’d be a first.” Sam snorted before adding. “Come say hi, or Emily won’t let me hear the end of it.”

When the two men entered the house, they had not expected to walk into the living room to find Emily and Bella huddled on the couch, Pride and Prejudice on the television, and a large bowl of popcorn between them. They quoted the lines back and forth in probably the worst attempts at British accents ever heard, Sam shook his head and knocked on the doorway. “Ladies.” He greeted.

They both turned towards him.

“I’m glad that Emily has found someone who shares her love of romantic movies.”

“You got here just in time! We’re almost to the best scene!” Emily said excitedly, mischief in her eyes.

“I wouldn’t say the best scene, second best.” Bella supplied, her eyes landing on Paul who was standing timidly behind Sam.

Emily slid to a further end of the couch and Sam sat down next to her. She immediately burrowed into his side, leaving Paul standing awkwardly in the doorway. Bella slid over to give him some space on the couch and pointedly nodded to it.

Paul sat down gingerly next to her and whispered.“So what is this, some rom com?”

“It is the pinnacle of love stories.” Bella replied, her eyes still glued on the screen. “They started out hating each other, but then, they realize, maybe it’s not hatred. And it’s quite appalling to not be hatred.” She continued to ramble and he focused on her, the words falling out her mouth quickly, but he hung onto every word. He might not remember who Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are, or why they mattered. But he would remember the way her eyes sparkled as she spoke about the characters. The way her breath hitched when they declared their love for each other. He would forever remember this as the moment he began falling headfirst into love with Bella Swan.

#paul lahote #paul lahote x bella #paul lahote x bella swan #bella swan #uley pack #lavenders blue #language #angst #fluff

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labyrinthof-fan-fiction · 3 years ago

Text

Lavender's Blue {4}

Series Masterlist

A/N: I would like to formally thank any one on Spotify who has created a Paul Lahote playlist, you have fueled me. I have decided that there will be a lot of trauma bonding and healing, because I like to hurt characters. They have decided how they want their story told and it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. New tags are being added to help people who may not want to read them, I will also put the warnings directly into the chapter.

Warnings: Language, Self Deprecation, Trauma

Summary: Aftermath of Paul and Jake’s fight over Paul’s imprint, Bella wrestles with the implications of werewolves, Sam struggles to know how to approach Bella, the girl with all the vampire knowledge being given the right to knowledge of his pack, and the pack treating this situation like their own personal reality television show.

Rating: M

Word Count: 3,287

Jared Cameron and Embry Call liked to believe that they had seen a lot of things, especially after becoming werewolves. One thing that they could not have prepared for was Bella Swan having a complete meltdown in the cab of her own truck. Which, neither could blame her for.

“Of course there’s werewolves. Why wouldn’t there be werewolves, there were vampires, makes total sense that there are werewolves.” Bella rambled as she stared out the window of the truck. They had decided that it would be best if Jared drove, given the state of her hand. Embry and Jared glanced at each other as she continued. Jared was the most equipped of the two to handle a hysterical girl, but even he didn’t have the tools to understand the girl in the passenger seat. “You dated a vampire, your best friend is a werewolf. Who hangs out with other werewolves. There are two werewolves in your truck.”

“Bella, you sure you’re good?” Embry asked gently.

She gave him a quick glance. “Yeah, just peachy. Why?”

“Well, you haven’t stopped talking since we got in the truck.”

“Just processing.” She said. “I mean, it makes sense. Next thing you know, someone will be a witch…Or a wizard?” A laugh, that did not settle the two in the truck bubbled out of her lips. “Wouldn’t that be something?”

Paul’s gonna have his hands full with this one. Jared thought wryly, when Kim had learned about them, she was shocked, but in a different way than Bella. She wasn’t fascinated, but she didn’t have the background with the supernatural that Bella did.

“Are they going to hurt each other?” Bella asked.

“Probably, Paul loves a good brawl, and Jake needs to get some shit out.” Embry said, before reaching over to smack Jared. “Ten bucks on Jake.”

Jared chuckled, “My money’s on Paul, you don’t mess with a…him.” He faded off at the end of the sentence, and glanced over at Bella who was staring out the window chewing on her bottom lip. “They’ll just get scratches, Bella. You don’t need to worry about them. We’re made of tough stuff.”

She nodded, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. “Yeah, no, they can take care of themselves…” She trailed off.

Embry and Jared shared a glance as they turned into Sam’s driveway. “Now when we get in, don’t stare, it bugs Sam.” Jared warned as he jumped out of the drivers side and ran to open the door for her.

“Stare at what?” Bella asked.

“You’ll see.” Embry offered cryptically. “We’re home, Emily!” He called out to the woman who had stepped onto the porch.

“Boys! It seems you brought a friend.” She called back. As they approached Bella realized what they had told her not to stare at, long, pale pink scars marred the skin of her face. “And who might you be?”

“Bella Swan.” Bella answered, holding her hand out to Emily, who shook it. Bella knew the moment that she touched Emily’s hand, Emily knew exactly who she was. There was something else that Emily seemed to know, but Bella could not place it.

“It will be nice to have another girl around here.” Emily answered, shooting questioning glances at the boys. “I suppose you know the secret?”

“I do.” Bella answered.

“Interesting, the vampire girl amongst the werewolves.”

“I don’t think I’d call myself that anymore.”

“Definitely not.” Jared tossed in, adding in a wink to Emily.

“Bella, why don’t you and Embry go to the kitchen, I’m going to have Jared come with me and help get some things out back.”

“C’mon Bella, Emily is the best cook around.” Embry said, throwing a casual arm around her shoulder.

Jared followed after Emily, knowing full well there wasn’t shit outside that she would need. “Jacob finally imprinted?” Emily asked.

“Well, not Jacob.” Jared answered and Emily’s eyes grew wide.

“Paul…” Emily murmured and Jared started nodding aggressively. “And Jacob did not take it well.”

“Not at all, he phased out and went after Paul. I bet Jake get’s a good beating from Paul.”

“Jared, we don’t bet on each other.” Emily chided, a glitter in her eyes.

“You know damn well that we do, so who do you think, Paul or Jake?”

Emily pondered for a moment. “I think Jake will get Paul down because Paul just wanted to remove them from near Bella, especially if Jake was as pissed as I think he was. Ten on Jake.” She said with a grin.

“Ten on Jake, you’re out here betraying my bestie?” Jared asked with fake hurt.

“What would you have done if it was Kim?”

Jared grumbled an agreement.

“I guess I didn’t leave it out here!” Emily called out with a sigh, walking towards the house.

“Real subtle.” Jared chuckled, following her into the house.

Embry was sitting at the table, regaling Bella with tales of being a wolf.

“You haven’t been a wolf for very long, pup.” Jared joked, sliding into the seat across from her. “The best part, is peeing in the woods.”

“Goddamnit, Jared.” Emily said, reaching into the freezer and grabbing a bag of peas. “That looks nasty, what’d you do?” She handed the peas to Bella.

Bella set the peas on her knuckles. “I…um…”

“She bitch slapped Paul, it was awesome!” Embry said, miming the entire story.

“Maybe let Bella get a word in?” Emily interrupted Embry’s show of Bella’s force and strength. “Everyone’s wanted to get a swing in at Paul at least once, although that was pretty fast for just meeting him.”

“Good intuition?” Bella asked, attempting a smile.

Emily smiled back, but something in her made her think the smile was the first one the girl had given in a while. It was a look that she had seen on Paul Lahote’s face, the first dinner he had with her and Sam. Paul had been seen as the troublesome kid for years, no one thought of him as the troubled kid. Kids don’t start out by getting into trouble like he did, no, it was a cry for help. A twinge pulled at her heart, two broken things thrown together, maybe they’d find a way to piece themselves back together. But Emily was bound and determined that they would know that they weren’t alone. She was pulled from her thoughts by the crash of the screen door.

Sam came around the corner, eyes landing on her. He immediately closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her, placing a gentle kiss to her lips as Embry started yelling, “No, Mom, Dad, not in the kitchen!” Followed by Jared “Nine out of ten, could have had more feeling.”

“Shut up you two.” Sam snarked, noticing Bella, who had turned her face down to her hands, red spreading across her face. “These idiots take care of you, Bella?”

She nodded, “They did.”

“They better have.” Another voice grumbled, Paul walked in, an angry pink line on his arm. Bella stood up from her seat at the table and walked to him. He froze in place. “Are you okay?” She murmured, large brown eyes meeting his, worry evident in them. It was odd to her, being worried over someone she had just met, but seeing him slowed her heartbeat that hadn’t stopped hammering in her chest since she got to Jake’s.

His eyes searched her face for a moment. “I’m okay. I heal fast.” He answered, he flinched when glanced down at her hand that was sporting a bag of peas. “Sorry.” He whispered, taking her hand gently in his and removing the bag of peas. A hiss fell from his lips as he saw the bruising forming. You hurt everything you touch. “We might need to get that looked at.”

“Should’ve known you’d have a hard head.” She quipped, a smile turning the corner of her lips upward.

Paul let out a small laugh, a warm feeling settling in the spot where it was rumored a heart was supposed to be.

“Amen!” Embry called out.

“Always!’ Jared added.

Jacob stomped into the house and Paul gently placed the peas back onto her knuckles. The air had turned sharp and tense as they stared at each other.

“Jacob.” Sam stated in a warning tone when his gaze slid over Paul and Bella.

He rolled his eyes, “I’ll play nice.”

“Alright, let’s eat, then we can talk.” Emily ordered, the rest of the group falling into line to get food. Paul pulled Bella into line with him and began loading up two plates.

“I can take care of myself.” She started, trying to take one of the plates for him, awkwardly juggling her peas.

“I don’t doubt that, but let me do something to make up for the damage I did to your hand.” He stated, holding the plates above her head.

“Fine, it’s the least you can do.” Bella sighed, a small pout on her lips as she glared up at him.

“Just tell me what you don’t want.” Paul answered, beginning to dish food onto her plate.

“That might be a bit much…” She started and he shot her a glare.

“You need to be eating.” He stated firmly, placing a roll on the plate.

“I’m eating.” She argued.

He gave a slow glance up and down her body and raised an eyebrow at her. “Sure.”

She sighed. “Fine, I am hungry.” Her stomach growled in confirmation.

“And whatever she doesn’t eat, one of us will take the scraps!” Embry called from further down the line.

“We’re not actual dogs you idiot.” Jacob grumbled, giving Embry a shove.

“Woof, does someone need some time in the dog house?” Embry retorted, dancing away to the table with his plate, barely avoiding Jake’s swing.

“Hey! No rough housing by the food, take that shit outside.” Sam yelled, his voice booming through the small space.

“Yes, sir!” Embry responded with a mocking salute before skipping to the table and taking his seat, immediately shoveling food into his mouth.

“Such savagery at family dinner.” Jared said as he sat down next to Embry, tutting at his friend’s behavior.

“Are they always like this?” Bella asked Paul as he set down a plate in front of her.

“Unfortunately, all the time.” He answered, sitting in the chair next to her, Jake sat further down the table, as far from Bella as he could.

She started to eat, the rest of the pack settling in. Conversation flowed easily between them, laughter echoing in the small kitchen. It was different from the dinners she was used to, there was warmth, and she didn’t feel out of place. Bella felt comfortable, at home, like a missing piece had snapped into place. She finished the food on her plate, Paul took it to the sink before she had a chance to take it up. Paul started rinsing off their plates before putting them into the dishwasher, a feeling of satisfaction settling his nerves that she ate all the food he put in front of her. He heard the shuffling and scraping of the pack moving to the living room.

Bella hovered awkwardly in the doorway as the pack spread across the couches and floor. Paul saw her glancing around nervously, she looked at Jake, who quickly looked away with a sulk. Paul sighed and tilted his head towards one of the empty couches, that he could tell had not so subtlety been left empty. Bella weaved her way around the pack members strewn across the floor and sunk into the cushions of the couch. Paul perched on the arm, eyes on Sam. Maybe he should be the one to lead it, Bella was his imprint, but he didn’t know where to start. How do you tell someone that with one lock of eyes, you were tied together, your fates forever woven together?

“Bella, I’m sure you have questions.” Sam started, “And your position owes you answers to those questions.”

“My position?” She asked.

“As an imprint.” Sam answered. “Paul’s imprint.”

Bella glanced up at Paul. “What does that mean?”

“An imprint is a wolf’s equivalent of a soulmate. Once he looks into her eyes, he knows. He will be whatever she needs, lover, friend.” Sam explained.

Bella’s eyes remained on Paul, trying to read his expression. “He doesn’t get a choice?”

“No, he doesn’t, but the imprint knows what is best.” Sam stated, placing his hand on Emily’s knee.

Bella didn’t miss the snort that came from Jake at that statement. “And that allows me to have questions answered.”

“Yes.” Sam said, “So ask away.”

“You were in the woods when Laurent…” Bella trailed off.

“We took care of him. He won’t hurt anyone again.” Paul answered abruptly, surprising Bella. He looked down at her from his perch, and she knew that he was telling the truth, but there was something else in his eyes, something that she couldn’t place, not on his face, not yet.

“You don’t have to tell us everything, not right now.” Sam stated, “We do have questions, but this isn’t the time for those. This is about what you want to know.”

“Have you always known about the Cullens?” She asked her eyes leaving Paul and glancing at Jake.

“We’ve only known about the Cullen’s true nature for as long as we were wolves.” Sam answered. “Jake’s only a few weeks, so he knows about them, but he wouldn’t have known before you.” Paul let out a cough and Sam rolled his eyes. “The tribe has known about them for as long as they have called Forks their home. I believe that we share a timeline of knowledge, you and I, but the rest of the pack did not learn until later. Satisfied?” He turned to Paul who nodded.

“So you kill vampires?” Bella asked, chewing on her bottom lip.

“We keep people safe, we have a…treaty with the Cullen family that we will only kill vampires that attack people.” Sam supplied. “The Cullens, they never…hurt you, did they?”

Paul held his hand out to Bella and she looked at him curiously. “Peas look pretty warm, Swan. Let me grab you something.” Bella was confused, but handed him the peas and he walked into the kitchen, but the wolf hearing didn’t allow him to miss her response.

“Not in the way that you’re meaning, no.” She answered.

“Good, that’s good.” Sam murmured.

Paul opened the freezer and let the cool air wash over him. So much of his life had changed in a moment. He set the peas into the freezer and reached for a bag of corn. Everything he knew, every plan he had ever set evaporated, everything was different. He felt the wolf pulling him towards Bella and she was just in the other room, it was the same pull that had been tugging at his gut to tell him to watch her house. Hearing even the potential of harm befall her at the hands of the vampires sent tremors down his spine.

You knew, didn’t you, you bastard? He thought to his wolf, he swore he felt a chuckle tickling at the back of his brain. Years ago, he had sworn that he wouldn’t care about anyone, ever again. Not that all consuming care that came hand in hand with loving someone. He shook his head, it was too damn early to talk about loving her. And who was he to assume that Bella Swan was looking for someone to love her? She might just need a friend.

She’s got a friend in Jake. The voice in the back of his head taunted.

So why the fuck does she need me? He snapped back, closing the freezer with a bit more force than necessary as he wandered back into the living room. Bella was deep in conversation with Emily, Jared and Embry had lost interest in the conversation and decided the best course of action was to poke at Jake. Paul sauntered back to the edge of the chair and held out the peas to Bella.

“Thank you.” She murmured, placing them onto her knuckles, wincing slightly.

“You’re welcome.” He answered, leaning into the back of the couch, or as much as he could lean onto without touching her.

“If you have more questions, you can stop in.” Emily said, smiling at Bella.

“Thank you, I think I might take you up on that.”

“And we can talk about the boys, without them being around.” Emily winked and Sam rolled his eyes with an easy smile on his face.

A yawn fell from Bella’s lips and Paul stood up. “C’mon, let’s get you home.”

Bella met his eyes, “Okay.”

“Okay.” Paul said, standing with her.

“Bye, everyone.” Bella said, giving a wave with her good hand, which caused the corn to fall on the ground.

“I got this, you get in your truck.” Paul picked up the corn and took it to the freezer as Bella said a few more goodbyes to Embry and Jared before she got into the truck. He heard Emily watching him in the doorway.

“It doesn’t always fall into place perfectly, Paul. And that doesn’t make it bad.”

“A little late for philosophy, Em.” He murmured, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. “But, thanks.” Sam was standing on the porch when he closed the door behind him. “Let me guess, you’ve got some words of wisdom too?”

Sam chuckled, “None that I think will get through that thick skull right now.”

“Fair enough.” Paul answered, walking towards the truck, when he got there he was surprised Bella was in the passenger seat.

“Figured it’d be easier for you to drive, that way you’re not squished.” Bella said.

“Thanks.” Paul murmured, turning the key. The engine roared to life and he took stock of the truck, eyes wandering over the ripped out radio, he thought about commenting on it, but thought better on it. They drove down the road in silence for a while before he couldn’t stand the quiet. “So, I’m not going to push you, not into this, you get a choice. You can tell me to fuck off and I’ll respect it.”

He could feel her eyes settle on him. “That wouldn’t be fair to you. And besides, we can be friends, right?”

Paul gave her a small smile. “We can be friends.” He turned the truck off as he parked in her driveway, sending a silent thanks that her father’s cruiser was not there. A run in with Chief Swan, with Paul in his daughter’s truck, was not something Paul felt he could deal with today.

“That’s good, because I think I ran out of them.” She sighed, then turned to him. “Hello, my name’s Bella Swan.”

“Paul Lahote, nice to meet you, Swan.” He said, holding his hand out to her, then he took it back. “That wasn’t very well thought out on my part.”

“You tried, that’s what matters.” She said with a chuckle. “Good night, Paul.”

“Night.” Paul said, stepping out of her truck and handing her the keys, he watched her lock the front door behind her before turning to the forest. All he wanted to do was go home, curl up in his bed, but that feeling was settling in his gut and the words of the leech were swirling around in his mind. Plus, he’d be a special kind of asshole if he didn’t ensure that his imprint was safe, that’s what he told himself as he bedded down behind a bush, silver fur wrapping him in warmth. His wolf sighed, for once, he seemed satisfied.

#paul lahote x bella #paul lahote x bella swan #paul lahote #bella swan #imprinting #imprint #self deprecation #childhood trauma #language #fic #lavenders blue

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labyrinthof-fan-fiction · 3 years ago

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There are two kinds of fic writers:

1. Fuck it, it’s fiction

2. Let me look up real estate listings, so I can plot out subway routes and schedules and see if this walk really is long enough for them to have this conversation.

Guess which kind I am.

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labyrinthof-fan-fiction · 3 years ago

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Fever {5}

Series Masterlist

A/N: Realized I’m not entirely on the correct monthly timeline with this story that matches New Moon, but fuck it, time’s a construct. Also, I apologize to everyone who reads anything I write, because thee is no writing schedule.

Warnings: Depression, Anxiety, Abandonment, Therapy Sessions, Language

Summary: Movie Night with Jacob and Bella, featuring the Forks High Crew, nothing can go wrong.

Rating: M

Word Count: 2,407

As I predicted, Jessica pounced on me the moment she saw me the next morning. “So, how was college applications with Jake?”

I looked to Angela for backup, but she held her hands up, once Jess was on a mission, there was no stopping her.

“Fine, I applied to Peninsula.”

“Is that where he’s going?” She asked.

“Yes.” I answered.

She squealed, “Bella!!! I’m so excited for you!” She wrapped me in a hug. “You’re moving from, him, and now you’ve found yourself a new man.”

“Jess, we’re just friends.” I stated firmly.

She raised an eyebrow. “Likely story.”

“He’s just an old friend, Dad has been best friends with his dad. We’ve known each other since we were kids.” I stammered as she pulled my elbow to class.

“The perfect groundwork for a great relationship. Friends to lovers, I can see it now.” She continued to titter away as class began, I tuned her out, glancing over to Angela who was rolling her eyes at Jess.

It’s going to be a long day. She mouthed at me with a smile. And it was a long day, Jess was obsessed with the idea of a new guy in my life. Mike was sullen the moment he sat down at the lunch table.

“Hey, Mike.” I greeted, he simply gave me a nod.

“So, Bella, when do we get to meet this new man?” Lauren asked.

“He’s not a new man.” I grumbled, “He’s just a friend.”

She pouted for a moment. “Is he single?”

I paused for a moment, realizing I didn’t have an answer to that question. “I don’t know.”

Mike perked up at that.

“Is he cute?” She pressed.

“I mean…I guess.” I tried.

She huffed. “If you were the last woman on earth and had to choose between Jake and Edward, who would you choose?”

“Jake, definitely Jake.” I answered firmly.

“So he’s cute.” Jess said, giggling. I glanced over at Angela for help but she just laughed.

“You are on your own.” Angela said, before leaning close to whisper in my ear. “You’re the one who told her his name.”

“We should do something, so we can meet him.” Jess giggled, I could see the wheels turning in her head. “What’s playing in Port Angeles, we could all go to a movie.”

The day was spent with Jess scheming the perfect group date to introduce Jake to the Forks High Crew. Somehow this morphed into plans for Friday night, Jessica seemed to think there was a horror movie on, the perfect romantic movie, she had squealed. I rolled my eyes, but Angela had decided it was too deep for me to escape, but she confirmed that she would come along with Ben. And I begrudgingly agreed to invite Jake, but I made no promises on his attendance.

I walked into the house, Dad was still at work and walked to the phone and punched in Jake’s number. It took two rings before the phone was picked up.

“Hello?” Billy’s voice asked.

“Hey, Billy, is Jake there?”

The older man chuckled, “Just got home from school, I’ll grab him.” I heard the muffled sound of him yelling, “Jake! Your girlfriend is on the phone!”

“Dad!” I heard Jacob’s voice answer, embarrassed. “Give me that, hey Bells.”

A flush spread across my face as I answered. “Hey…Jake, I had a question for you.”

“I’m all ears.” He responded, I could imagine the grin on his face.

“Some friends of mine, from school, are going to the movies tomorrow, well we all are going to the movies tomorrow. And I was wondering if you would want to come with?” I bit my lip, waiting for his response.

“I’d love to. See you after school tomorrow?”

“Yeah, we can meet up there, I think Jessica’s going to drive, she’s got the bigger car.”

“See you then, Bells.”

“See you.” I answered, hanging up the phone, a smile spread across my face.

I was jittery as I fell asleep, anticipation setting the butterflies in my stomach to flight. I fell into a dreamless sleep, waking the next morning to the weak sunlight struggling to shine through the clouds. I went downstairs to grab breakfast and Dad was sitting at the kitchen table, his hands wrapped around a cup of coffee.

“Mornin’ Bells.” He greeted gruffly. “Heard you’ve got a date tonight.”

I stopped in my tracks. “It’s not a date, Dad.”

He chuckled, “Whatever you say Bells, but be nice to Jake, he’s always had a soft spot for you.”

I let that fact marinate in my mind for a moment. “It’s just a movie with some friends.”

Dad gave me a look that said there was no way he believed me, but he would let me have this delusion. “So I won’t be expecting you until later tonight, have fun.” He pushed a few bills towards me.

“Dad you don’t have to…”

“Let me take care of you, Bells, have fun. You deserve some fun.” He smiled and I grabbed a package of poptarts as I ran out to my car, hoping to arrive to school on time. I barely stepped foot in the school until I was flanked by Jess and Lauren.

“So, Bella, is Jake coming tonight?” Jess asked, linking her arm with mine.

“He is.” I answered and she and Lauren started squealing.

“Mission Rebound is a go!” Lauren cheered, as we stopped at my locker, Angela shot me a sympathetic glance from her locker.

“Jake’s not a rebound.” I mumbled.

“Oh, so we’re on for something serious, are you sure you’re ready for that?” Jess asked, concern obvious in her eyes.

“We’re just friends, nothing is going to happen between us.”

Lauren and Jess shared a look, but said nothing else on the matter. “I’ll pick you two up at your house?” Jess asked.

“Sounds like a deal.” I said with a smile.

It felt like the longest Friday of my life, waiting for the end of the day to finally come. When it did I raced out of my final class to my truck, I caught Angela’s eye, she had a large smile on her face as she watched me race back home. When I arrived home I noticed Jake’s Rabbit parked out front, Jake was leaning on the hood as I pulled into the driveway.

“Jake! She’s out of the garage!”

A smile split his face, pure sunshine radiated from him as I approached. “She’s out of the garage! I don’t think that she is ready for a ride to Port Angeles, but I figured she’d make it here and back.”

“She’s gorgeous.” I cooed, doing a full circle around the car before ending up in front of the car.

“I suppose I can give you a few years for appreciation of a fine hunk of junk.” He said with a smirk.

I let out a gasp, “How could you say such a thing about your baby?”

“Let’s just say she’s a piece of work.” He answered, “So what time are your friends coming to get us?”

“We’ve probably got an hour, Jess needed to get home and run a few errands before she gets here, we can wait inside until they get here.” I started towards the house, Jake on my heels.

“Anything I need to know about your friends before I get here?” Jake asked as we stepped into the house.

“Jess and Lauren are top tier meddlers, it’s best to ignore them. Mike has been in moods. Ben and Angela are the power couple, if we’re smart we’ll stay with them.” I said, Jake leaned on the doorway as I continued to ramble about my friends.

We were broken from our conversation by the honk of a horn, I looked out the window and Jess waved from her parent’s Sudan. Lauren hung out the passenger seat, I figured Mike must have been in the back seat. “Bella, Jake, let’s go!” Jess called in a sing song voice, eliciting a giggle from Lauren.

I looked at Jake, “It’s not too late to back out.”

“Oh, there’s no way I’m backing out now.” He said, a twinkle in his eye as he opened the door for me. He followed behind me to Jess’s car and opened the door. I paused when I noticed that the only open seats were in the far back.

“Sorry, mom said the car seat had to stay in and Mike got here first, so the back is for you two, you’ll have to squeeze in.” Jess said in a way that made me think that there was no way that she felt sorry.

“No problem, Jess, right?” Jake said as he climbed in behind me.

“Yes, and this is Lauren, Mike’s in the back. And you’re Jacob. We’ve heard so much about you.” Jess said, her eyelashes fluttering.

“All bad things, I’m sure.” He joked as Jess pulled onto the road.

“Obviously.” Mike grumbled, resting his head against the window.

“Mike, are you okay?” I asked from the seat behind him, Jake’s thigh pressed against mine.

“Yeah, Jess’s driving tends to make me feel a little sick.” Mike answered weakly, which caused Jess to release a stream of remarks his way. It was just a part of their off again phase.

I couldn’t help but notice the heat radiating off Jake, I shifted a little and he tilted his head towards me. “Everything alright?” He asked.

“Yeah, it’s nothing, just a little warm.” I murmured, looking out the window and watching the forest fade away into town as we entered Port Angeles.

“So what kind of movie are we signed onto tonight?” Jake asked as Jess parked outside the theater.

“Horror.” She answered with a wink to in the rearview mirror.

“Interesting choice.” He said, climbing out of the car. I followed and tripped on my way out of, Jake reached out and caught me against his chest.

“Easy there, Bambi.” He murmured as I pressed against him, the heat from earlier still coming off him.

“Sorry.” I mumbled, pulling away from him. “Thanks for the assist.”

“Anytime.” He answered with a small smile, letting me put a bit of space between us.

Jess and Lauren let out a giggle as we followed after them, Angela and Ben were waiting out front, she waved in my direction as we approached. I started walking faster to her, I reached back and grabbed Jake’s arm. “Let’s get by Ang and Ben, escape Jess and Mike drama for a little bit.”

“Whatever you say.” He smiled, twining our fingers together as we got closer to Ang and Ben.

“Bella! And this must be Jake.” Ang greeted, Ben gave a quiet nod to Jake.

“In the flesh.” He answered, flashing a dazzling smile.

“Let’s get seats, if we put the boys on the edge they can deal with the drama squad.” Ang whispered, smirking at the two girls who were dragging Mike along.

And that’s how I found myself seated between Jake and Angela. Ben got the short straw and was seated next to Jess, who forced Lauren to sit between her and Mike. Mike still looked a bit green as he sat with his popcorn and soda. I shrugged out of my coat and settled into my seat, Jake’s arm settled around the back of my chair, which no matter how many prayers I sent, did not evade the watching eyes of Jess.

The movie, wasn’t that great, Jake and I critiqued it, which earned us a few shushes from others around us.

“C’mon, there’s no way that blood would splatter like that.” He grumbled into my ear.

“And who thinks, yes, there’s a psycho killer, let me go into the basement.” I responded as the credits began to roll.

Jess leaned out of her seat, “Bathroom, ladies?” She asked, I couldn’t deny that I needed to use it, but group bathroom trips did not spell good things for me. Especially when she had her scheming face.

We all nodded and entered the bathroom, Jess wheeled on me as soon as we were out of the boys eye and ear shot.

“Bella!” She said with a gasp. “You did not tell us that he is gorgeous.”

I shrugged, “I mean, he’s cute.” I felt my nose becoming pink.

“Bella, he is into you.” Lauren stated, with perhaps the most genuine smile I had ever seen on her face.

“Guys, we’re just friends.” I murmured.

Lauren and Jess exchanged a look. “If you say so.”

When we exited the bathroom, Mike was on the floor with his head in his popcorn bucket as Jake and Ben kept their distance.

“How about you and Jake catch a ride with us, that way Jess has a straight shot home and doesn’t have to worry about being in the car longer with Mike than necessary?” Ben asked adding, “No offense, Mike.”

“None taken.” Mike answered, holding the popcorn bucket close to him.

“Sounds like a plan.” Jake said, standing close to my side, putting distance between him and Mike.

The ride back with Angela and Ben was calmer than the ride with Jess had been. Ben and Jake made small talk about planning for next year, what colleges they applied to. Jake’s arm rested on the back of the seat, Ben’s car significantly smaller than Jess’s. I realized that I didn’t hate the physical contact that Jake gave me tonight as I leaned into his side as Ben took a curve maybe a little too fast. He looked down at me with a smile and my heart

“You two have a good night!” Jake called after Ben and Angela as they pulled away, then he turned to me. “Thanks for inviting me Bells, it was fun.”

“I’m glad you came, it made Jess and Lauren a little more tolerable.”

He chuckled, “Glad to be of service. So, Bella, what are you doing Wednesday?”

“Contemplating the existence of supernatural beings.” I joked.

“Maybe I could make that more tolerable?” He asked, taking a step closer to me.

“I could be open to it.” I answered, craning my neck to look up at him.

“Stop by after school? Maybe we can squeeze some studying in, between contemplating the existence of supernatural beings?” His dark chocolate eyes boring into mine.

“I’ll see you Wednesday.” I murmured, another bright smile spreading across his face.

#jacob x bella #jacob black x bella swan #fic #twilight fic #fever

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labyrinthof-fan-fiction · 3 years ago

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Lavender's Blue {3}

Series Masterlist

A/N: I have found, INSPIRATION. I really hope you all enjoy how unhinged I have become in my author’s notes cause ya girl has been losing it. Am I putting off the final project for my grad class? 100%, but that’s just how it’s going to be. Also, I’m aging Paul up, because I can.

Warnings: Language

Summary: Paul waxes poetic on his early wolf days, Bella appears on the Black’s lawn, and his whole world shifts on its axis.

Rating: M

Word Count: 2,596

The patrols continued, Paul had to send thanks to whatever gods there might be, that Bella Swan was quite possibly the most boring person. Occasionally she went to work and they would have to shadow her in town, but for the most part, it was school and home. Sitting outside of her house Paul learned a great deal about her. She obviously cared fiercely for her father, cooking him meals, leaving them out, when he came home late. Covering him with a blanket when he fell asleep in front of the television, during some of the best games. Paul couldn’t help but feel a little guilty for the Chief’s exhaustion. Ever since the reporting of bear problems and missing hikers, the police department had been putting themselves through the ringer trying to keep the people of Forks safe. A shame that what plagued the little town could not be held off by cops with their guns.

It was another uneventful night of patrolling that rolled into morning. Bella spent the night reading in her window, before eventually falling asleep. A great deal of her time was wasted staring out the window, Paul noted. She woke up the next morning and there was a determination in her step as she got into the truck and drove to Forks High School. Paul loped alongside the truck in the forest line, once catching her eyes drifting his direction before she shook her head and continued to drive. Once she parked, Paul watched her enter the school as Jake came up behind him.

“I’ll take over, go get some sleep.” The younger boy said, eyes locked on Bella’s form that disappeared into the double doors.

Paul just nodded, ignoring the twist in his gut as he ran home. He collapsed onto his bed and immediately fell asleep. His dreams focused on Bella, brown hair and haunted eyes. Paul woke up in a cold sweat, the image of Bella being ripped apart by the vamp they had seen in the meadow fading from his memory. Glancing at the alarm clock on his side table he groaned, only two hours of sleep. But it felt like it was burned into his mind, he shook he head and fumbled his way into his bathroom and splashed cold water on his face.

He stared at his reflection, staring back at him was a man he didn’t recognize. He looked like he was in his late twenties, not just eighteen, barely an adult. Shadows dark under his eyes, there was a weariness that he had reserved for looks from his father. His mind wandered, to the time before he was a wolf. He had friends, people around him who cared about him, hell, he thought he had started to have a girlfriend. It had been hard, moving into La Push with his father, he never understood why they had run back here so fast when his mother left. That would probably be a mystery he would never solve in his lifetime. Then the fever started and the wolf came. Jared Cameron had been in his classes, but not in his circle. It was a shock to his system when he woke up naked, in the forest with Jared standing over him.

“Lahote, good to see you back in the flesh.” He joked, tossing him a pair of shorts.

“What the fuck is going on?” Paul growled, pulling the shorts on. This must have been a bad trip, had he taken something from someone?

Sam Uley walked out of the woods, bare chested. “What do you know of the legends of the wolves?”

Paul raised his eyebrow, he really must have gotten into some good shit. “Not much.”

Jared chuckled, “You’re in for a wild ride, my friend.”

That began what Paul had considered the best months of his life. He had spent most of his life with the feeling that he was meant for something more, that he was something better than the circumstances life had granted him. Becoming a member of the pack solidified that for him. He was a thing of legends, something that transcended the fabric of reality. It took a few weeks for him to master phasing.

“You have to master the anger, channel it.” Sam stated firmly as they stood across from each other.

“I know.” Paul growled through gritted teeth.

“So get pissed.” Jared supplied, oh so helpfully.

“I’m always pissed.” Paul snapped, feeling his skin begin to burn, his body shaking.

“That’s his secret.” Jared said with a smirk as the grey wolf exploded in place of Paul. “Who’s a good wolf?”

Paul snapped his jaw in Jared’s direction.

“Now back.” Sam commanded. Paul took a deep breath through his nose, the earthy scent of the forest flooding his senses. Pine tinged with salt air floated through the breeze that he felt on his bare skin. “Good. Again.”

It felt like the worst game he had ever played, practicing phasing back and forth. But he understood why Sam was so adamant that they practice. It was a month of practice before Paul formally met Emily Young. He vaguely remembered who she was, at least, that was until the wolf mind meld shared the full story in live and living color with him. The scars on her face were a constant reminder of what could happen if the wolf was not controlled and Sam’s never-ending guilt a small piece of the true consequences.

The imprint was something that Paul was mildly curious about. At the beginning, they were convinced it was rare, something that only a few received. It made sense that Sam would have one, being Alpha, he had more of a need to continue the bloodline than the others. Paul would be lying if he said that he wasn’t a little bit jealous of the bond Emily and Sam shared, but he supposed that having one otherworldly gift was one too many for him. At least, that was what he thought until Jared appeared at Sam’s eyes wide.

“I imprinted!” He was ecstatic, joy radiated off him in waves. “I knew her before, in school. She’s perfect, it’s just like you described.”

Sam smiled at Jared. “I am happy for you, you’ll have to bring her to the house, let her meet Emily. Explain everything.”

“Can I tonight?” Jared asked, practically bouncing.

“How about you pump the brakes, you just imprinted. Maybe try just hanging out before you throw her headfirst into the wolf world.” Paul joked, ruffling Jared’s hair.

Jared deflated a bit, “You’re right. How about in a week?”

Sam sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “When the time is right, bring her up to the house, we’ll talk.”

Jared ran out of the house and phased, a howl echoing as he took off through the forest.

Sam looked to Paul, who still stared at the tree line, deep in thought. He clapped him on the shoulder. “Who knows, maybe your time will come.”

Paul scoffed, “I don’t think that an imprint is in the cards for me.”

“Don’t count yourself out, we didn’t think there would be more than one, and now look. Two out of three, that’s gotta count for something.”

Paul didn’t want to hold onto the hope that had found a home in the hole in his chest. He had been disappointed a few too many times.

His old friends had let him fade from their memory, wary of the bond that was evident between Sam, Paul, and Jared. He heard the whispers, mentions of a gang, all of the worst things that people could come up with for a group of boys. He remembers vividly opening the door to the general store for an old woman who looked at him with a twinge of fear in her eyes.

“Ragamuffin.” She grumbled, pushing her legs to move as fast as they could manage.

A knock on his front door pulled him from his memories, he took a deep breath and scented Sam outside the door, Jared not far behind. Paul wandered down to his front door and opened it to the Alpha and Beta.

“Let’s go check on Jake.” Sam stated.

Paul rolled his eyes, “Yes, let’s check on the Little Alpha.”

“Paul…” Jared warned as they continued to the Black’s house, Embry bringing up the rear.

Jake had taken the change hard, especially with the order to stay away from Bella, and it only got worse after the leech encounter. The minute Jake realized that Bella was not his imprint he had been a miserable fucker. It had become a common occurrence for him to storm out of his house and stomp around for the rest of the day. This week had been worse, Billy had passed on the knowledge that Bella had been calling, looking for Jacob. Two days ago, she had called every half hour. Yesterday, she had parked out front and watched the house. How she thought she could be incognito in that truck was beyond Paul, but he kept himself in check. He had figured that a girl who was supposedly as smart as Jake said Bella was would have taken a hint. What they hadn’t expected when they arrived at the Black household was Bella Swan storming out in a rage.

“You!” She shouted, storming towards the three, her anger firmly focused on Sam. “What did you do to him?” She shoved at Sam, “He didn’t want this!”

“What did he tell you?” Paul growled, pushing himself into the conversation. He knew Jake had snuck to her house last night, he caught him when he was switching patrols. The kid hadn’t let on that he had said anything to her, but he wouldn’t put it past him.

“He didn’t tell me anything because he’s scared of you!” Bella retorted, her head turning as Paul let a laugh tumble from his lips.

Little Alpha, afraid of them? He met her brown eyes and the world stopped spinning, oh holy fuck. Of all the girls in the world, this one? Fuck everything. It felt just like Sam and Jared had said, there wasn’t anything else. All that mattered was this angry girl in front of him.He felt himself starting to shake, oh god. She can’t be here, he can’t hurt her, not like Sam. Flashes of Emily’s scars ran through his mind, Sam’s guilt burying itself in the pit of his stomach. Why did it have to be her? What kind of sick cosmic joke is this?

“Oh shit.” Jared started, catching the look in Paul’s eyes. There was that dazed look along with pure panic. He had never seen panic in Paul before, which confirmed what he thought had happened.

Paul didn’t see her fist flying at his face as his mind raced at high speeds, this was too much, he couldn’t think straight. He snarled when her fist made contact. She fucking hit him? He felt a tremor go down his spine. You can’t phase, she’s too close. Calm down. Fucking calm down.

“Paul, calm down.” Sam ordered. “Bella, get back.”

Can’t hurt her, must protect. The wolf urged.

Shut up, shut up. Paul growled back, taking a deep breath through his nose, trying to calm down as Bella took a few steps backwards, her eyes dazed and her arm held close to her body. He could scent the fear rolling off her. She’s a leech lover.

She is ours.

Paul looked up as Jake leapt over the porch railing, he didn’t catch what he yelled, but he felt the tremors take over his body. As Paul phased into his wolf form he saw Jake phase above Bella, just as she started running from Paul. Jake landed in front of her and Paul saw red, no one was stepping between him and his imprint.

What the fuck, Paul? Jake snarled.

Mine. Paul’s wolf snarled as Jake continued to block his view of Bella.

Recognition flashed in Jake’s eyes as he realized what had happened in those few seconds, Paul’s memories open to him. You motherfucker. And he pounced on Paul.

Protect. Paul glanced over Jake’s shoulder to see Bella prone on the ground as Jake took a snap at his shoulder. Normally, he wouldn’t stop at the chance to get Jake down, but he needed to get him away from her. He took his chance. C’mon little alpha, is that the best you’ve got? He goaded, heading into the tree line. Just imagine what the first thing I’m gonna do to her is, she won’t even remember you when I’m done. Maybe he added a bit too much to the images he pushed into Jake’s head, but if it got him away from Bella, he didn’t give a shit.

The younger wolf growled low in the back of his throat and jumped at him. Jake continued to bombard Paul as they went deeper into the forest. How could you? He snarled between bites. It’s not fair.

It wasn’t fair, Paul would agree with him on that, but somewhere in the hollow of his chest, there was a small flame burning. He hesitated as Jake lunged forward and grabbed onto his front leg. He let out a sharp bark and tried to bite at Jake’s neck. He might let the kid take out some of his anger, but like hell was he going to take it sitting down.

Sam watched Paul lead Jacob away and his eyes met Jared’s, understanding flashed between them. It seemed the Swan girl had become more important than she had in the past few weeks. Fate was weaving quite the twisted web.

“Take her to the house, let Emily know what’s going on.” Sam ordered, glancing at Jared and Embry. Silently willing them to let the imprint knowledge slide until Paul could talk to her. He looked at her, sitting on the grass of the Black lawn a dazed look in her eyes. “Bella, the boys are going to take you to the house, we’ll explain everything when we get there.”

Her brown eyes turned to him, there was fear, confusion, and something else swirling in them. “Okay.” She stated simply as he offered his hand to help her stand. She was flanked by Jared and Embry as they walked to her truck, once the engine started Sam turned to the forest and phased. He used the pack bond to find the two idiots deep in the forest, Jake had Paul pinned, and Sam had to admit he was a bit surprised. It seemed that the imprint had knocked Paul off his game.

BOTH OF YOU KNOCK IT OFF! Sam ordered, causing them to jump apart. Paul favored his leg as the smell of fresh blood hit his nose. Bella is Paul’s imprint, Jacob you will respect that. Jake chuffed and glared at Paul.

Is she alright? Paul asked, Jake rolled his eyes.

Why do you care?

Sam sighed, Jared and Embry are taking her to Emily. I think you broke her hand.

Guilt washed over Paul as Jake stared in on him. You broke her hand?!

She hit me, I can’t help it.

Sam snorted, What do you expect with that Lahote hard head? But he took a moment to focus on Paul, he could feel the guilt rolling through him, mixed with confusion and elation. She’ll be alright Paul. Paul’s eyes met his and for once, Paul didn’t have something to say, he fell into line with Sam and they ran back to the house.

#paul lahote x bella #paul lahote x bella swan #paul lahote #bella swan #imprint #twilight fic #lavenders blue

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labyrinthof-fan-fiction · 3 years ago

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Lavender's Blue {2}

Series Masterlist

A/N: It has taken me some time to bridge what I had written to what I left off on. I still adore the Paul/Bella ship and am trying to work out the parts I have written later on with the storyline. It also doesn’t help that Netflix does not have them anymore, but I will persevere!

Warnings: Language

Summary: The pack welcomes another member and they get their first vampire action.

Rating: M

Word Count: 2,050

Sam Uley prided himself on knowing the goings on in his pack, even if they made the nerve in his eye twitch daily. It wasn’t too hard, with Jared and Paul, well, maybe just Jared. Paul, well, Paul was Paul. Anger issues had been present since he was a kid, it wasn’t exactly a secret. He had to wonder if the wolf had been in the kid’s mind since birth. But as a pack they had finally found a rhythm, not that they had much to need a rhythm for the Cullens had a treaty with them for years, so battles with the wolves at the helm was hardly necessary. The Cullens leaving had lead him to believe that there would be a chance for the world to slow down, maybe the pack could just exist, in small numbers. There wasn’t a need for them to be large in numbers when there wasn’t a threat. At least that was what he thought, until his phone rang.

“Sam, it’s happened.” Billy Black’s voice boomed through the line.

“Where’d he go?” Sam asked, Emily’s worried eyes watching him from the bedroom.

“Into the woods by the house, he got out fast, didn’t hurt me. I think he was trying to keep me safe, but I’m worried.”

“I’ll get him, don’t you worry, Billy.” Sam assured him. “I’ll bring your boy home.”

Emily stood in the doorway of their bedroom as he hung up the phone. “Jacob?” She asked, more for confirmation than anything.

“We knew it was coming, when the fever settled in, it was just a waiting game.” Sam confirmed, his thoughts scattered. It was supposed to stop when they left, that was a guarantee, something had changed. And he did not like change.

“Be careful.” Emily whispered.

“I always am.” He answered, giving her a quick kiss before bounding down the stairs and out the front door.

Emily watched him transform into the wolf. She waved as he gave a final glance to her over his shoulder then he disappeared into the tree line and a chorus of howls filled the night’s silence. Another one had been selected and unease settled into Emily. Sam’s role as the Alpha had made her privy to more knowledge than the lay people in the tribe, and that knowledge frightened her. When more wolves surfaced, more vampires were present. And that scared Emily Young most.

And so, with a phone call,Jacob Black joined the wolf pack. There was a friction among the wolves, there was no denying that the blood that ran in Jacob’s veins gave him the right of leadership. As well as the younger wolf’s inability to curb his hatred for his transformation.But he didn’t want it, he didn’t want to be a wolf and he had no problem making that the entire pack’s problem.

It was another day of Paul being subjected to the young wolf’s rampage. Resulting from Sam telling him that it was not safe for him to visit the Swan girl in his condition.

“I didn’t choose this, it’s not fair!” He whined.

“None of us chose this, Jake, but it is our duty.” Sam stated firmly.

“Fuck duty.” The younger boy snapped.

Paul rolled his eyes as he watched the two engage in the week’s eighth tussle. He had heard enough about Jake and his connection to the Swan girl, how he had to go to her, she would be worried. Paul knew the real reason he was so needy to get to the girl, he wanted to see if she was his imprint. Jacob Black had been in love with Bella Swan since the day he met her as a child, and that must have meant that she was his imprint. Paul tried to reign in the want to scoff at the notion, imprints were rare, he doubted that the boy had any claim on the girl other than the ones his hormones had prompted.

“Just because you enjoy this, doesn’t mean that the rest of us do.” Jake growled at Paul.

“I’m just wondering when the teen angst is going to end.” Paul stated nonchalantly, smirking when Sam gave him an exasperated expression.

“I don’t…” Jake’s retort was cut off by a sharp howl that chilled the air.

“Leeches.” Paul growled, feeling his skin crawl, his eyes meeting Sam’s.

“Phase, get to Jared, we’ll make a plan when we are all together.” Sam stated firmly. “Do not engage until we are all there.”

A tornado of fur erupted as the three phased into their wolf form.

Where, Jared? Sam’s voice echoed in their minds.

Meadow, but you better hurry. He’s got the Swan girl.

Immediately Jake’s mind was overpowering the pack. Fear, worry, anxiety, anger rushed through the bond.

Calm down Jacob or we all will be useless to her. Sam growled, silencing the younger wolf.

What if we don’t make it on time? He asked.

Then we better pick up the fucking pace. Paul answered, pushing himself to move faster, he knew the meadow that Jared had mentioned. It was deep in the forest, he had to wonder what she was doing there and how she had gotten to it on her own.

She had asked about it, wanted to find it again. He took her there. Jake supplied.

Paul loved almost everything about being a wolf, the speed, the strength, hell even the fur. But there was one part of being a wolf he hated, and that was the pack mind connection. He didn’t even like spending time in his head, why the fuck would he want other people in it? He pulled himself through the paths until he saw Jared, camouflaged in a thick bush, watching the Swan girl and the leech.

Good work, Jared. Sam praised his second in command, eyes turning to focus on the Swan girl. Jake’s anxiety pulsing through the pack connection. They continued to watch, curious on the vampire’s intent. If they attacked and violated the treaty, it would bring consequences that none of them were willing to tempt. But if the vampire stepped out of line, they would be free to tear him to pieces.

As he continued to watch, Paul could not believe this crazy bitch, what the hell was she doing in the forest talking to that leech?

Shut it, Paul. Sam ordered, but there was no denying he was sharing Paul’s thoughts, maybe not in the exact words, but, what was Bella doing?

What if it eats her? Jake’s voice sounded as he came up beside the two older wolves, Paul estimated that he lost him down the path about two miles in.

Calm down lover boy, she’s with a leech. We don’t wanna spook them. Paul snarked, trying to push down the twist in his stomach as he watched the scene unfold in front of him.

What is it doing? Jared asked, eyeing the vampire.

Maybe if you all shut up we’d know. We can’t interfere if it is a Cullen. Sam growled.

The pack fell silent as the leech started talking.

“I stopped by the house, it was empty and yet, here you are. It seems the Cullens, moved on.” He stated, circling around Bella.

“They did move on.” She answered, holding her ground.

“And left you behind, I hardly believe Edward would leave his…pet behind.” The vampire stopped in front of her. “Do they visit?”

Jake growled low in his throat, earning a snap from Sam to quiet.

Bella contemplated for a moment. “Every so often. The timing is hard, you know, between humans and your kind.”

“They’ve been gone a long time, I can tell by the scent. You don’t even smell of him anymore.” The vampire sighed. “It’s such a shame, she won’t stop until she’s killed you. For what Edward did to James. We’re very territorial about our mates.”

“I’m not his mate.” Bella stated louder than before, there was a bite behind her words.

“In her eyes, that will hardly matter. Oh little dove, the things she wants to do to you.” The vampire sighed again. “It will be a kindness, what I am going to do to you. She will not be happy, I fear.”

Bella took a step backward.

The vampire let out a laugh. “Oh my dear, it is far too late for that. But I promise, I will make it quick, not like Victoria would. She has plans for you, a mate for a mate and all that, I’m sure you can understand.”

“Of course.” Bella managed, taking a shaky step backwards, closer to the wolves concealed behind the trees.

He stepped forward and Sam nodded to the others. “Mouthwatering.” The vampire managed before the wolves broke the tree line.

Laurent’s eyes widened as he froze his pursuit of Bella. They weren’t real, they were legends. “This is impossible.” He started backing away.

Bella turned when the vampire froze, her eyes wide when her gaze fell on the wolves.

Does she have no self preservation? Paul growled.

Fuck off. Jake supplied as they flanked her sides, the largest directly in front of her. A gasp fell from Bella’s lips and Jake couldn’t help but look up at her as he made it to her side.

The russet wolf’s eyes met Bella’s, she swore she saw something in his eyes before he bounded off, with an almost sad howl. Jacob had looked into Bella’s eyes, and he felt nothing. She wasn’t his imprint. The pack could feel his disappointment through the bond. His mind was a string of sullen words, Paul tried his best to tune him out. This wasn’t the time for this bullshit.

Jake, we have a job to do. Focus. Sam snarled, eyes never leaving the vampire in front of him.

The vampire was fast, but he wasn’t going to out run the wolves. Paul managed to get ahold of his leg and drag him down.

“Please, no I didn’t mean it.”

Too late. Paul growled as he ripped out his throat. It was invigorating, killing the un-killable.

Get the limbs, we need him in pieces. Sam ordered as they shredded the leech into pieces. Phase out, we need a fire. This doesn’t end until he is burnt.

His pack mates shrunk as they transformed.

“Get a fire going Paul.” Sam ordered, beginning to grab pieces of the shredded leech.

Paul nodded and began stacking wood, willing a spark out of a few twigs.

“Get the pieces in, it won’t survive once we burn it.” Sam stated, tossing an arm in, a puff of purple smoke floated from the fire. Jared followed suit and tossed in a leg and soon the only part that was left was the head at Paul’s feet.

“Fucking leeches.” He grumbled, throwing the head into the fire and watching as it turned to ash. The fire reeked of death, not the usual comforting wood smoke.

“Good work tonight.” Sam said, coming up next to him. Paul noticed that Jake and Embry were nowhere to be seen. “I sent them home. Jake needs time.”

Paul snorted. “He needs to get his head out of his ass.”

Sam didn’t dignify him with a response. “This isn’t over, you heard what he said. There’s another after her and when she gets here we need to be ready.”

Paul nodded.

“I want you to patrol her house, keep a lookout.” Sam stated, Paul started to protest. “You will patrol her house and make sure that nothing gets into the Swan residence.” There was no missing the order from the Alpha.

And so Paul found himself lingering in the tree line of the Swan residence, again, watching as the girl’s light turned on to her room and she started moving about. She had made it back, in one piece. That was good enough confirmation for him, but it wouldn’t be enough for Sam. And it definitely wouldn’t satisfy the alpha order. He heard Charlie puttering around in the living room, but he lowered himself to the ground. He needed to be sure that nothing was after Bella, not after what the leech said in the forest. And whether he would admit it to himself, a part of him wanted to be sure that she was safe.

#paul lahote x bella #paul lahote x bella swan #paul lahote #twilight fic #bella swan #lavenders blue

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labyrinthof-fan-fiction · 3 years ago

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Vices & Vexations {2}

Series Masterlist

A/N: For once my brain chose to write linearly and I was able to have another chapter ready!!!! Although how I’m going to bridge this and the other parts I have written, that’s a whole other thing. But I have found new inspiration to write again and maybe some of my other stories will get some much needed TLC again. Enjoy! Updates will be extremely sporadic because life tends to get in the way, but I will try my best.

Warnings: N/A

Summary: Aubrey Hall has been a safe place for the summer, at least until Violet Bridgerton decided it was time to prepare her second eldest daughter for her debut. Luckily, Eloise has found some solace with the footman, John.

Rating: M

Word Count: 2,342

Aubrey Hall was a place of comfort to Eloise, a place where she was able to spend her day in the library, carefully curated by her father. It made her feel close to him, reading his books. She did not remember much about him, just feelings, she had been a mere six years old when he died. Joy was a feeling she remembers associating with her father and love. Her father loved so fiercely, that even death could not erase the feeling of his love from her memory. She liked to imagine that he would be proud of her, his free-thinking little girl, perhaps he would not have forced her to be a part of society. Maybe he would have pushed for her to go to University or even travel the world, like Colin was currently. He might have allowed her to forgo a season all together, she could survive independently on her dowry. Would it not be better for it to go towards her needs, rather than adding to a man’s empire? It was a fantasy, she knew, but with the impending presentation looming over her head, she liked to feed her mind with escapes. In her books she was a knight fighting battles for the kingdom, a philosopher spending her days deep in thought, anything other than Eloise Bridgerton, second eldest daughter and a debutante of the season.

Her debut had been something she dreaded the moment she learned what it meant. The thought of parading around in hopes of catching the eye of a man to procure a marriage felt false to her. How could one truly know another when your only meetings are in a crowded ballroom? Not that she did not enjoy the balls, quite the contrary, but those were only enjoyable when her best friend, Penelope Featherington was at her side. Eloise had her taste of the season at her sister’s ball, and that had been for the smallest amount of time. Her arrival had been punctuated by a younger man staring at her and her immediate berating of him. She was ever grateful that Daphne offered her the chance to hide in the library.

Her time at the ball had been cut short when she realized that imminent disaster was in store for the elusive Lady Whistledown. She was so sure that the writer had been Madam Delacroix, but she was wrong. The mystery of Lady Whistledown’s identity plagued her, even in the peace of the countryside. But perhaps that mystery would make the season tolerable, something to stimulate her mind. No matter how much she had been told discussions with the opposite sex would be riveting, she could not help to remember that Daphne did no studying and most of the conversations she remembers witnessing were focused on topics like the weather. Eloise wanted to discuss philosophy, the pitfalls of society, and the work of scholars. She wanted to be a scholar. She could not find it in herself to give a damn about the weather when one could simply measure it by looking out the window.

Violet Bridgerton had tried in vain to entice her second eldest daughter to spend time with her, to prepare for the upcoming season, but to no avail. Eloise was her own woman, and that was what kept the Bridgerton matriarch up at night. The ton and society was not kind to women who strayed from the norms they clung so tightly to. Society was a cruel being, cold and unfeeling. She did not fear for her eldest daughter, Daphne, she was born to be a socialite, a lady of the house. But it did not do to dwell on comparisons, each of her children were an individual and for their lives she would celebrate that. So she had to take the challenge to engage her daughter in the preparations, no matter how much of a fight she put up.

Violet entered the library to find her daughter sprawled across a chair, nose stuck in a book. “What are you reading?”

Eloise’s eyes flicked up to her mother, eyes leaving the riveting words of the page. “A book.”

Violet took a deep breath and settled into the chair next to her daughter. “Eloise, I know you are not looking forward to your debut….”

“That would be an understatement.” Eloise grumbled, closing her book to look at her daughter.

“Eloise, I’m just trying to help.” Violet murmured.

And Eloise knew that, her mother, even if she annoyed her, had the best of intentions. “We could just forget that I was the second eldest daughter and allow me to fade into the spinster aunt, I’m sure Daphne will have plenty of babies for me to dote upon.”

“Eloise, why not think of the positives that can come for your debut?”

“Yes, let me think, being appraised like a heifer by the men of the ton. Sold to the highest bidder and expected to stay at home and breed an heir. Anthony himself has made comparison of the debutantes to cattle.” Elosie stated. “All of my dreams have come true.”

Violet mentally cursed her eldest son, but he was not the child she was focusing on at the moment. “You can search for a love match, like Daphne, like your father and I.” Violet responded, reaching out to place her hand over her daughters. “It does not have to be as miserable as you seem to want it to be.”

Eloise bit her lip, “It’s not me.”

Violet gave her daughter a gentle smile. “Eloise, there will be a man who will be swept off his feet when he meets you and in turn will sweep you off your feet. You just need to give it a chance.”

“Did you want to be a part of your debut season?”

“I did, but I will admit, I was nervous.” Violet said. “It is the step to becoming a lady. And I was so afraid that I would misstep, that I would knock over a cake in one of the balls. I nearly did.” Eloise let out a gentle laugh. “Then I met your father, it took away all my fears, all the nerves dissolved because I had found him. I knew in my heart that he was the man of my dreams who I was meant to spend the rest of my life with. It was magic.”

“There’s no way for me to get out of this, is there?” Eloise asked, pulling her mother from her memories.

“I’m afraid not, my dear.” Violet murmured, taking the time to truly look at her daughter. Eloise had always been a force to be reckoned with, her own personal tornado. She knew that this season Eloise would thunder onto the social scene, but the question would be who would be the recipient of the devastation that would no doubt follow in her wake? God help whoever the poor man would be.

Eloise managed approximately two hours of debutante instruction before she made an escape to the stables. While the library had been her refuge from her family for years, it seemed that they all had no problem finding her there. As she approached the stables she saw the carriage out, with John polishing the gilded sides. John had been a part of the staff for the past four, maybe five years. Eloise struggled to remember the exact time, that was Anthony’s job, not hers. This summer, after her Whistledown chase, she found herself speaking with him more often. Well, maybe it should not be defined as speaking, but spare words when she crossed his path. He was easy to speak to and kind.

“Ah behold, another sign of my upcoming demise.” She grumbled, loud enough for him to hear.

A laugh fell from his lips as he turned to her. “Such a flair for the dramatics.”

“And here you stand, aiding my imminent vanquishing.”

“I fear it is only my job, Miss Eloise.”

“I suppose I cannot fault you for that, though, is there a way you could interfere, perhaps slow our departure back to London?”

He winked conspiringly at her. “I have heard that the stable boys are quite adept at creating minor disasters, for a small fee.”

She smirked back at him. “If I remember, you were a willing partner in crime for a small fee.”

John’s smile faltered for a moment, remembering that night. “I think the stable boys may be more up to speed with your brand of mischief.”

A small pout came across her mouth. “You truly will not help me?”

“There are some things in life we cannot escape, Miss Eloise.”

“So philosophical, I suppose I could just saddle a horse and run away, become a wild woman of the forest.”

“I’m sure the forest will welcome you.”

“With more open arms than society is sure to.” She grumbled. “Did you enjoy the summer?”

“I did, though, I must confess, I do miss my mother and sister. I am anxious to get home to see them.” John answered as he continued to polish the carriage, Eloise shadowing his movements.

“I did not realize you have family in London.” She murmured.

“Did you think me an orphan?” He asked, a bit of teasing in his tone.

“No, I suppose I never had the chance to think about it.” She pondered. “What are they like?”

“Mother is caring and kind, like all mothers, she wants the best for us. My sister, Lydia, she’s a strong-willed girl. She is her own person and will not let anyone tell her otherwise.” A wistful smile gracing his lips.

“I believe Lydia and I would get along.”

“I fear that you would.” John said, “It is frightening to think of the schemes you two would dream up together.”

“I believe I will have to meet her, if only to vex you.” Miss Eloise said with a wink. “Thank you, for sharing your family with me.”

“Thank you for letting me share.” John gave a slight bow of his head to her, sky blue eyes meeting stormy grey. He held her gaze for a moment more than he should before he glanced up at a voice calling for her.

She sighed, “It would seem I escaped my lessons for long enough.”

“Have a good day, Miss Eloise.”

“You as well John.”

Miss Eloise, for lack of a better term, tromped back to the household to spend more time learning the arts of being a lady. John knew from his time in the house during Miss Daphne’s preparations that included a great deal of embroidery, pianoforte, and poetry reading. All things that he could not apply to Miss Eloise. After this summer he found himself more confident in that assessment than before. Miss Eloise had become a constant figure in the stables, hiding from her mother and the dreadful lessons, as they had been coined. John found it difficult to dismiss her back to the house when she engaged him in conversation. She spoke to him like he was any person, not a servant. The Bridgertons were a kind family to work for, but there were formalities in place for the members of the family. John would never speak to the Viscount of his family as he had with Miss Eloise.

He shook his head, she was simply a young girl who had found company in someone in her household. After this season, she would most likely be the wife of a lord and move into her own home, her kindness extended to her staff. John felt a weight settle in his stomach and tried to shake himself of it as he continued his work. He wondered if it would be possible to cause a minor incident to the carriage that would delay their arrival to London, at least without being caught. If Lydia and Miss Eloise were together, no doubt they would have a plan in place. The two would never meet, that was a simple truth that John could accept. But perhaps a broken spoke could disrupt the plans…..

Eloise made her way to the house, weaving her way through the gardens to buy a few more minutes of freedom. Of course John had a family, all of the servants probably had a family. The thoughts had not subsided by the time she joined her mother in the sitting room.

“Mother, what happens to the families of the staff when we are here?” Eloise asked as she sat across from her with her misshapen embroidery attempt.

“Well, some stay in London, they have work there. Some travel with us, not many, but you have seen the children. It depends on the family situation. Why do you ask?” Violet asked between perfect stitches that created the most beautiful, dainty daisies.

“I was speaking with one of the footmen and he told me about his mother and sister. I suppose I never thought about the lives of the servants. Is that not absurd? To not think of people who share our house?” Eloise answered, letting out the quietest curse as she pricked herself with the needle.

“I did not realize you had taken such a notice of the staff.” Violet responded carefully, gauging her daughter’s reaction.

“If I am to be a proper lady of a house, should I not know some of the basics of my staff?” Eloise inquired.

Violet smiled, finally, a show of interest in the future. “I suppose you are correct, though, as lady of the house, I find myself more aware of the house staff. The maids and the footmen, perhaps. I fear I would be hopeless with the stable boys.”

“I think I would want to know everyone, they are people after all, with lives. They should not just be ignored.” Eloise stated, going back to work with fervor on her embroidery, if only to avenge her pricked finger.

“Well put, Eloise.” Violet said, the smile still resting on her lips. Perhaps there was hope for her after all.

#bridgerton #footman john #footman john x eloise #eloise bridgerton #vices and vexations

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labyrinthof-fan-fiction · 3 years ago

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Vices & Vexations {1}

Series Masterlist

A/N: I got obsessed with this ship and honestly have no clue how to function and will now go down with this ship. This is majorly canon divergent and I honestly couldn’t care less, buh bye canon I am only here for Footman John and Eloise.

Warnings: N/A

Summary: John Foster has served as the footman of the Bridgertons for a long time, and he was content with his life and what he had, at least he was, until Eloise Bridgerton decided to turn his life upside down.

Rating: M

Word Count: 1,944

There once was a boy, born to circumstances beyond his control. And there once was a girl, born to circumstances that she wished she could control.

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John Foster was content in his life as a footman for the Bridgerton Family. He made enough coin to feed himself and send some home to his mother and sister. He was a member of the staff of a reputable family. It did not negate the life he could have had, but that was water under an old bridge that had rushed to the ocean long ago. John was content, that was enough for him. At least, he was content, until that one night. It was another ball, which meant a late night. The Bridgerton Household was abuzz, as the final ball of the season was to be held by the newly coupled Duke and Duchess of Hastings. John cared neither here nor there what household hosted, but with a Bridgerton in the household, there was guarantee that the staff would be taken care of while the families danced their night away.

He held the door to the carriage open as the Bridgerton entourage entered, the Viscountess was tittering over her eldest children. Watching the family made John’s heart tug with want, want for a family like theirs, want for the security to be the family that they were, wanting the luxuries that titles gave you. But want did nothing but make you feel empty and wasted time, so he pushed it away.

Eloise Bridgerton stepped out of the house, in a light blue gown, her hair done up with a small tiara. She glanced around her nervously, this was the first time that she had stepped out in a gown, in an outfit that signified that she was to be out in society. It was no secret among any who lived in the Bridgerton household that Eloise was dreading her season, particularly after following Daphne, Diamond of the Season, and Duchess. But John could not tear his eyes from her as she shakily descended the house steps, under the watchful eye of all. He stepped from the carriage to offer his hand as she made it to the last step.

“Thank you, John.” Miss Eloise said with a small smile as she stepped into the carriage, and John could not help but return the smile. He closed the door and jumped onto the back of the carriage giving a nod to the driver. There was something about being on the back of the carriage that brought him peace as they rode through the London streets. Maybe it was that these were the few moments that he had alone. Maybe it was the breeze, granted the breeze would be better if it flowed through his hair, and not the powder wig. Such were the sacrifices of being a servant.

The carriage began to slow as they approached the Duke and Duchess’s town home. To John, it was another wealthy families home, another place where he was invisible. But he could hear the tittering from the carriage, the Viscountess trying to elicit some excitement from her second eldest daughter. Who he could hear was not going to approach excitement with a flaming poker. He let the quietest of laughs escape as he stepped off the back of the carriage to open the door for the family. Miss Eloise stumbled out of the carriage, unsure as a newborn foal taking to its legs for the first time, grasping his offered hand as she righted herself. She gave him a weak smile and took a deep breath as her mother wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

“Think of this as practice.” He heard the Viscountess urge her daughter as they made their way into the house.

The sounds of the party floated out from the Hastings’ House. Bright music danced through the windows. John felt a pang in his chest, that want, it was gnawing at him again. What would it be like he wondered, to be a part of the society that he served? To dance with a lady in his arms, his mind turned to a lady in a pale blue dress and he shook his head. Miss Eloise had always been kind to him, the Bridgertons were kind to their servants. It was not right to think of her, but…

Miss Eloise had always been a spitfire, even when she was younger, at least, that was what he had heard. John had not known her when she was young, he had started working at for the family when he was fifteen, at the time Eloise had been fourteen, a year his junior. Now he was eighteen and she seventeen. She was sharp-witted equally as sharp of tongue. Maybe not the most beautiful of the Bridgerton girls, but pretty in her own right. John knew without a doubt, perhaps she would not be the Diamond of the Season, but surely a gem of another kind. He continued his musings as he gave the horses a sugar cube, watching the carriage as the sounds of the ball carried on. Then he was broken from his thoughts by a bundle of light blue fabric.

“I need you to take me somewhere, straightaway.” She stated.

“Miss Eloise.” He stated, trying to stop the surprise in his voice as well as considering that this was her way of simply evading the duties of her station.

“John, good, I need the carriage, it is of utmost urgency and importance that we leave. Now.” She stated, eyes wildly looking around her. “I have pin money, a great deal of it.”

John was not one to admit that a bit of money, even a Lady’s pin money, could convince him to do just about anything. A small bit of coin to one would make the difference for what his mother was able to feed his sister. And he admired the cheek of Miss Eloise for going straight to bribery. With a smile he opened the door to the carriage.

“We must make haste, please.” Her eyes met his, desperation and fear in them.

What had happened in that ball? This was not a young girl trying to escape her duties, his mind went to some of the worst situations that could have occurred. The gentlemen of the ton, more often than not, were not gentlemen. They hid behind their titles, their money, and they were able. With the power that was due them, some of the worst men in society held the highest titles. If one of them had lain a hand on her… A fire had built in his chest, one that he had not ignited since he was a young boy, left alone on a London street with his mother. And yet, there was something different to this burn in his chest, something he had not felt before mingled with the rage.

“Where to?”

“Lombard Street.” She answered as he closed the door.

He climbed onto the back of the carriage, how had he convinced himself and the others to do this? They parked outside of a printer’s shop. The worst thoughts that he had thought were erased, so it was her quest to catch the elusive Lady Whistledown. The obsession of the ton, an unease settled in him as he stood next to the carriage door, Miss Eloise thumbing at a notebook in her hands. The rattle of street cats echoing in the darkened alleys.

“We really must get back to the party.” He stated nervously, his eyes flitting around the night, every shadow setting him further on edge. No amount of pin money was worth the stress this little adventure had bestowed him. This was not a part of town for her, this was not a part of town he should have brought her. He could say no, such a simple word, but why could he not say it to her?

“Just another moment, please.” She begged, a small smile on her face.

He let out a small groan and turned away from her, eyes back to canvasing the street. Had he known that he would have been lead this way he would have requested the faster horses, the faster that this incident was left behind him, the faster he could forget it ever happened.

“Lady Whistledown.” He heard her murmur as he opened the carriage door to allow her to exit, she began to approach the carriage shouting began. “Go, this is a trap!” She called out, turning towards where the men started coming out of the shadows.

“What do you think you are doing?” The man gruffly snapped at her, prompting John to take a step towards her.

“Oh my apologize, I thought you were someone else.” Eloise stated, breathing heavy. “Perhaps you might catchup to her.” A smile spread across her face.

John reached out and pulled her towards the carriage. “I think this is enough excitement, Miss Eloise.” He realized that he was pleading with her, to just get in the carriage so he could get her out of here. One of his social class recognized the air that surrounded the men that were tracking Lady Whistledown, and it was no secret how they dealt with those who interfered with their work.

“But…” She said, watching the men run after the other carriage.

“Miss Eloise, there is nothing more you can do for her.” He stated urgently, “You did your part, and now it’s time to get back to your sister’s ball.”

Something sunk into Eloise’s mind and she nodded, allowing herself to be led into the carriage. John released a sharp whistle and the carriage began to move. His normal reprieve from the world was filled with the thoughts in his mind. She was warning Whistledown? The scheming writer who had caused so much pain to the members of society? Though it was well known that Miss Eloise despised society, did she really feel the need to protect someone who had written such things about members of her family? His mind raced with curiosity about what had transpired.

When they arrived back to the Hastings’ House he extended his hand to aid Miss Eloise out of the carriage. He felt her press the coins into his hand as she walked back to the party. “Thank you, John.” She made her way back into the party, the strains of music wafting down as the doors closed behind her.

The party dissolved when the rain and Lady Danbury deemed it time for the Hastings’ House to be vacated. John was glad for the quick exit to get himself out of the rain. As he settled back into the house the staff was ablaze with rumors of the next move for the household. The season had ended, the family would retire to Aubrey Hall for the summer. Master Colin would be traveling abroad, exciting news for his valet. The Viscount informally announced that he would begin his search for a Viscountess. And the preparations for Miss Eloise’s entry to society would begin.

John enjoyed the time spent in the country, he missed his mother and sister, but there was something about being away from the city that allowed him to feel a bit freer. There was not the constant bustle, the racing from place to place. The family relaxed when they left the eyes of society. Perhaps that was why he liked it so much, the flashes of smiles that passed through the family were almost ever present in the country. Or perhaps, an even more dangerous thought, it had to do with the smiles of a certain Bridgerton?

#bridgerton #footman john #john x eloise #footman john x eloise #theo sharpe #eloise bridgerton #vices and vexations

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labyrinthof-fan-fiction · 4 years ago

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Matters of Importance Part 6: The Council Demonstration

Series Masterlist

A/N: Life got busy and I was MIA, but I’m back! This chapter has been a struggle for months, this literal chapter is the reason I haven’t written since August, so hope you all like it, if not, just don’t tell me.

Warnings: Battle, darkness.

Summary: Your masters plan a demonstration of your powers for the Jedi Council.

Rating: M

Word Count: 2,123

In the morning you woke to the familiar sounds of the Temple, younglings chattering as they were herded to begin their morning meditations, masters locked in intense conversations as they wandered the halls. This was home, had always been, always would be. A pair of giggling padawans raced past you as you felt a tug in the back of your mind.

Our Masters wish to see us, now. Obi’s voice ordered.

You rolled your eyes and made your way to one of the various training rooms where your Masters stood. In a way, it was odd seeing the two next to each other. They were completely opposites when it came to their care of training and perspectives on the Force. Where Master Windu was centered in the Jedi Code and following the Order. Master Qui-Gon took a, for lack of better phrasing, different approach. Truly, it was a miracle that the two were in the same room without a massive argument unfolding, it would not be the first time.

You met Obi-Wan’s eyes as he entered beside you, his eyes drifting to the lightsaber hooked at your hip. A small smile crossed his face before he turned towards your masters.

“We have decided that you both could benefit from training together.” Master Windu stated as you and Obi stood before your Masters.

“This connection between the two of you could pose dangers. You must learn to control it.” Qui-Gon stated, his eyes resting on you.

Obi’s eyes flicked in your direction and you shuffled your feet. “How long will we train?”

“As long as it takes.” Windu stated. “Our last mission has shown that the connection can pose dangers.” He shot Qui-Gon a pointed look. “We need to be sure that if this happens again you both are able to handle yourselves.”

“We were lucky this time, but if Obi-Wan and I had been in battle, this could have gone very differently.” Qui-Gon stated.

You lowered your head to stare down at your feet, perhaps they had updated the tiles in this room…

Not your fault. Obi’s voice murmured, you could feel him lean closer to you.

And so began the training, you were used to Master Windu’s way of training, which was completely different from that of Master Qui-Gon. The Masters decided to take turns training each day the followed a similar structure, but under the Master’s unique guidance. One day of co-teaching had ended in the destruction of multiple training droids and a stern look from Master Yoda. The morning started with meditation, flowing through the Force with each other’s energy. Then saber drills, no battling, only form. Followed by more mediation, and then practicing wielding the Force.

Think it would kill them to change the routine once? Obi-Wan grumbled over dinner one night.

Routine builds skills. You answered, which caused Obi to roll his eyes.

Yeah, yeah.

It was strange, being together in the Temple again. You weren’t younglings anymore, you were Padawans who had gone on missions, seen parts of the galaxy, fallen in love. You shook your head slightly when that final thought crossed your mind. You hadn’t thought much about Obi-Wan’s secret since he told you. You had been absorbed in yourself. The nightmares hadn’t stopped, but they were less frequent. Obi-Wan had begun to sense when a nightmare would begin and he was able to comfort you through the connection. You once asked him how he could sense the nightmares before they happened.

“It’s like a shadow, and cold.” He answered, “It’s on the edge of your energy, sometimes, it doesn’t feel like it has completely gone.”

You had to admit you had become curious about the notion of love. When you and Obi meditated, often you would slip into each other’s energy. You had felt something strange, his heart beating faster during a session. You asked him about it and he blushed a deep red.

“I was thinking about Satine.” He mumbled, his arm going behind his head. “Sorry.”

You only answered with a quiet hum. You started noticing when his mind would wander to her, there was a warmth in his energy, and a feeling that was difficult to describe. It was like watching the sun rise over the crest of the Temple, light and warmth breaking through the cold of the city. How could something forbidden by the Jedi feel like this?

This continued for months, then it all changed when Master Qui-Gon and Windu were waiting for you and Obi-Wan in the training arena. You noted the many masters standing about.

This doesn’t feel like a normal training exercises. Obi murmured in your mind, you quirked an eyebrow in response.

Master Yoda walked from the group assembled. “Padawans, demonstrate you will today, your training.”

You and Obi glanced at your Masters, who stood aside from the others. “Battle your masters, you will.”

You felt apprehension through the connection as Obi eyed up the two Masters. How are we supposed to defeat them?

What if that isn’t the point of this? You asked, causing Obi to raise an eyebrow in your direction. We know it’s a test, everything is a test, so what are they testing?

Master Windu’s lightsaber ignited, throwing a dull purple light through the room. Qui-Gon’s green hummed to life as they moved around you, causing you to be back to back with Obi-Wan, and face to face with his Master.

In sync you and Obi’s lightsabers flared to life, the hum of four lightsabers filling the empty chamber, light dancing off the walls. The two Masters circled you and you both moved to follow the other’s Master.

Are they just going to test our patience? Obi grumbled, it would seem the Force has a sense of humor. The two Masters immediately began a barrage of attacks. You let out a huff of air when your blade met Qui-Gon’s.

I think you got your answer. You said. Any other smart remarks to taunt fate?

You could sense the eye roll from Obi as he began to parry Windu’s advances, just barely stopping the blade from connecting with his arm.

Corner him, his form is large slashes, it banks on space to push his strength.

You began to push towards Qui-Gon, moving in quick swipes and jabs, forcing him backwards to a corner of the room. Windu made a swipe at Obi-Wan, you panicked, blocking Qui-Gon’s saber with your own, and reaching out with the Force to freeze Windu’s saber a hairsbreadth away from Obi-Wan’s neck. Obi glanced back at you and advanced on your Master.

Don’t use predictable forms, he can anticipate anything. Improvise. You supplied before turning back to Qui-Gon he pushed you away from the corner you had backed him into. His blade moving in large arcs.

What did I tell you? Obi snarked.

You ducked as Qui-Gon’s saber made a direct swipe towards your head. From the ground you reached forward with the Force and swept his legs from under him. He groaned as he fell, his saber flying across the room. He remained on the ground and pulled himself into a seated position, an odd expression on his face. You turned to see Master Windu delivering a flurry of blows to Obi.

Duck. You sent through the connection as you started running towards the two. Obi kneeled down and you leapt over him and flew at your master. While you might have had a few moments of surprise, it was quickly lost when he regained his footing and threw you across the room with the Force. Dank Farrik.

Who’ve you been hanging out with while I’ve been away? Obi asked chuckling, even though Master Windu was starting in on him again.

You snarked back at him as you pulled yourself to your feet. You appraised the two fighting in front of you, Qui-Gon still sitting with his legs crossed, same expression still resting on his face. He tilted his head towards Obi-Wan and Windu pointedly.

The two were dancing around each other, sabers meeting with clashes and sparks. Attacking directly, obviously wasn’t the best choice.

You going to help or just watch? Obi grumbled as he was pushed away from Windu and his eyes met yours.

I’m thinking. You retorted.

Force, we’ll be here until the end of time. He answered.

Keep him focused on you. You ordered.

Bossy. He teased, but began moving quicker with his attacks, keeping Windu’s focus on him.

You know your master, well enough to know that he is not fully focused on Obi-Wan, at least not so focused that he ignores you shutting down your lightsaber. You took a deep breath, opening yourself to the Force. A tug in your stomach makes you pause for just a second.

Do it. The voice that had plagued your nightmares whispered, as it did Obi’s eyes whipped to you and Windu took his advantage, knocking Obi to the ground.

You reached out your hands and Windu froze mid swing. Titters of the masters surrounding the perimeter of the room filled the silence. Obi rolled away, you kept your hands reached out toward your master, holding him frozen. A feeling of another filled your mind, not the familiar of Obi-Wan, and nothing you had associated with the voice before. A burning feeling deep in your belly, one you weren’t familiar with. You felt yourself cringe against it, remembering the feelings that had emanated from Guattako.

Do it, now. The voice echoed, you felt Obi’s presence in your mind. His confusion at the voice broke your concentration and Master Yoda’s voice pulled you from your mind.

“Release him, you may.” The green master stated.

You nodded and dropped your hands, Master Windu’s swing completed and his saber left a deep slice in the floor. He glanced around in confusion, seeing that Obi-Wan was across the room. He met eyes with Qui-Gon, something silent passed between the masters before their eyes fell on you.

“An interesting display.” Ki-Adi-Mundi stated, “Obviously, they are strong in the Force and in this connection. But it is curious.”

Plo Koon considered you both quietly.

“A discussion, we shall have.” Yoda stated, giving a slight nod to your respective masters before turning and leaving the training room, the masters following suit.

“Good show.” Qui-Gon stated over your right shoulder.

“What do they mean, a discussion?” Obi-Wan asked his master.

You quirked an eye brow, did he truly expect an answer from him?

“You should know, this connection has been quite the topic of discussion.” Qui-Gon began, Master Windu joined your small group at the center of the room. He remained silent, but his eyes were trained on Qui-Gon. “Something like this has not been seen, as far as the archives state. We are trying to assess how best to continue.”

Your eyes met Obi-Wan’s, “You mean, if we can continue to be Jedi?”

“Nothing like that.” Windu interrupted. “But, there are questions and concerns that we feel need to be fully explored by the Council. Which, we should be a part of.” His last sentence punctuated by an intense look shared with Qui-Gon.

“We will call this the end to your training for today.” Qui-Gon stated. “Do what you will with the time you have.” He started to leave, with Windu at his side. Hushed discussion began when they passed the threshold of the room. Leaving you alone with Obi-Wan.

“What was that?” Obi asked, turning to you.

You shrugged, “I don’t know.” You stated, genuinely. The voice had been present, but never active in its existence.

“What did it want you to do?”

“I don’t know, but there was this feeling….”

“I felt it too.” Obi cut you off, his gaze cautious as he met your eyes. “You’ve heard this voice before. When we were younger.”

You nodded. “Have you heard it?”

He shook his head. “Only today, when it spoke to you.”

The two of you sat in silence for a moment, both mulling over the events that transpired.

“Hungry?” Obi asked breaking the silence.

In truth, the last thing you wanted was food. “Yeah, food sounds good.”

“Let’s go, get out of the Temple for a bit. Qui-Gon made it sound like they won’t need us for a while.” You nodded and followed him out of the door.

You both walked out of the Temple and made your way through Coruscant to Dex’s Diner. The Temple looming in the background as the Jedi Council met to discuss your fates.

#matters of importance #obi wan x reader #obi wan x you #obi wan series #star wars #obi wan fic #reader insert

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labyrinthof-fan-fiction · 4 years ago

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Lavender's Blue {1}

A/N: I spent three days exclusively reading Paul/Bella fics and needed to add my own twist to them.

Warnings: Language

Summary: Bella Swan was missing and the only thing connected to her was the Cullens. Sam finds her, but Paul can’t shake the feeling that there’s something suspicious. He doesn’t understand it, but he needs to be sure that Bella Swan is safe, at least for one night.

Rating: M

Word Count: 1,035

There were a lot of things that Paul Lahote believed he didn’t deserve in this world, a family, love, or kindness were at the top of the list. Life hadn’t dealt him the best cards. Becoming a werewolf was a reprieve from the shit he had been living with. The ground under his paws when he ran, the breeze in his fur, it was everything for him. Sure, there was a purpose to his existence as a wolf, but he doubted that he would need to face it in his lifetime. Then the Swan girl went missing and all hell broke loose.

Sam phased into the wolf and called Paul and Jared to him. Swan just called Billy. Bella went to the forest with Cullen, she hasn’t been back. Billy ordered a search. Sam informed the two.

Why the fuck should we go looking for some leech lover? Paul grumbled.

Because, if there is any chance they violated the treaty, we will need to take action. Sam stated. Fan out, search for her in the forest, be on the look out for the leech.

On it. Jared answered, bounding into the forest at Sam’s command.

Paul tilted his head to Sam, What if they did violate the treaty?

Sam’s shoulders dropped, Then it’s war. Now go see if we can find her. And Paul, don’t hesitate if she’s changed.

Paul nodded and ran in the opposite direction of Jared. Don’t hesitate. Echoed in his mind, as a wolf, he had been a guardian and a protector. He knew what that entailed, but he wasn’t sure if he could do it. Not to the Swan girl, even if her choice in boyfriends was the fucking worst. Someone who didn’t have ties to anyone, he probably wouldn’t hesitate. Searching for an hour didn’t bring the Swan girl in his sights, he grumbled, she was somewhere in the woods because of a fucking vamp. He heard Sam howl, he had found her. Paul raced in the direction of the howl, catching Jared at his side.

You think she’s changed? Jared asked.

I don’t think Sam would be this calm if she was a vamp. Paul answered, breaking into the meadow to see Sam, phased into human form with the girl in his arms.

“She’s still human.” Sam said to the two. “She’s cold, probably gonna be sick. Hopefully she doesn’t have hypothermia.”

Paul phased out of his wolf. “So what, he just left her out here?”

“I don’t know.” Sam said, “I didn’t catch any scents older than a few hours. I think he’s gone.”

“Why would he just leave her out here?” Paul asked, “It doesn’t make sense.”

Sam sighed. “I’ll get her back to Charlie, you two run the perimeter, see if you catch anything.”

Paul nodded and phased back into the wolf. It doesn’t make sense. He kept repeating.

Why do you care? She’s not a vamp, she’s alive. We can move on.

Paul shook his head, he didn’t have a reason that this mattered, it just did. It just seems weird.

I think everything is always going to be weird. Jared answered, turning away from Paul to start his rounds.

Paul started running the lines of the reservation and Forks, there wasn’t a hint of any vampires. He closed out his circle back at the Swan residence. The doctor was leaving now, the search party cars gone. He watched the doctor drive away from the house before turning his focus back towards the house.

A light on the top floor was on, he saw someone moving in it. He recognized Charlie’s voice. “Bells, baby, do you need anything?” The girl didn’t respond, her heart beat was the only indicator he had that she was alive. “Just let me know if you need something, I’m here.”

The light turned off and he listened as Charlie fell asleep, he monitored Bella’s breathing waiting for her to lull herself to sleep. He started back into the forest, but something pulled at his gut, he laid at the tree line. His ears pricked when he heard a twig snap.

It’s just me. Sam’s voice invaded his mind. What are you doing here?

Paul struggled for a moment, trying to find the reason he was here. He wasn’t even sure. Something doesn’t feel right.

Sam’s head tilted at his response. You gonna stay here all night?

Paul wanted nothing more than to go back to his bed, but something told him to stay. I’ll get home tomorrow, have Jared check perimeters in the morning.

Paul could hear Sam trying to make sense of what was happening in front of him. The older wolf was baffled by his behavior. If you’re sure.

I’m sure. She’ll be safe tonight. Paul was firm. She would be safe.

You’ve never been one to volunteer for extra work.

Paul grumbled as a response.

I’ll see you tomorrow. Howl if you need anything.

Paul nodded towards the alpha, who took that as his dismissal and made his way home. Paul rested his head on his front paws, eyes landing back on the girl’s window. It was going to be an easy night, there wasn’t anything that was going to happen. Around one in the morning he heard a whimper from the room, that quickly turned into a scream. He was up in an instant, under the window. Not sure how the cop would react to a giant wolf climbing a tree, but it was an option he wasn’t going to overlook.

“Bella?” He heard Charlie’s panicked voice. “Bella, Bella, it’s only a dream!” Her breathing slowed, Paul assumed she was awake. “Bella?”

“Sorry Dad, sorry.” He heard her state before she began to sob, and Paul flinched with each sob and made his way back to the tree line.

Bella Swan was alive, but she was hurting, and there wasn’t any telling how long she would hurt. Maybe it was just a regular heart break, but there was a vampire involved, multiple vampires. There were a lot of loose ends connected to the girl sobbing herself to sleep. And Paul was going to spend the rest of the night telling himself that it didn’t matter.

#paul lahote #paul/bella #paul lahote x bella #paul lahote x bella swan #twilight #fic #twilight fic #imprinting #why do I feel the need to write multiple twilight stories?#why doesn't my brain want to finish other stories?

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