Okay, I'm starting a new project. Twilight (slash, of course). Check out my new poll; it will determine the next pairing I write, tailored to your demands! Until then, be satisfied with my current fics (Check out the Gloomy Puppet Show, if you haven't already). Well, enough self promoting for one author note, hmm? Here we go:

Aqua Embrace

Pairing: Edward/Jacob

Rating: T-M, rating may go up. Warnings will be posted in every chapter when necessary.

Summary: He was like a distant dream, or maybe a memory from long ago. Either way, he was here now. He had a beauty that was unattainable to any human, a voice with a richness that was too ethereal. What was he? AU

Warnings: Language, slash, mild sexual scenes, and that's about it. SLIGHTanti-Bella themes, though hopefully I've done it in a tasteful way. If you don't like slash or any of these things…then I can't imagine why you'd be reading this. But, there's always that back button you can use.

Disclaimer: Ah, how nice would it be to own Twilight…alas, I do not. If I did…well, Bella certainly wouldn't be in it.

"You're an awful swimmer." I looked towards the water and glared at the pale boy, panting and coughing up some sea water. I wiped the salty liquid away from the corner of my mouth, taking his image in. His brown hair was matted down due to the water, no doubt, and he had a crooked grin that seemed to fit his face perfectly. He was lanky, but slightly muscled: he had a swimmer's build. His eyes, though, were what held my attention. They were gold; there was no way it could be natural. They were so open, as if they really were a gateway to his soul. "Do you still have water in your ears?" He called.

"Shut up! I just got caught in a current!" I growled at the other boy. He laughed in response. He was still submerged from the waist down.

"I was only stating a fact…there's no need to be ashamed." He bowed his head apologetically. His voice, which moments ago held amusement was now laced with sadness. "Did I hurt your feelings? I didn't mean to…"

The sorrow in his voice seemed to seep into my soul, and instantly I regretted saying those things to him. "N-no, it's okay. Don't be sad! Besides, I should be thanking you. You did save me. So, um, thank you." I found myself blushing when he looked up at me, his golden eyes shining.

"You really mean it? You're welcome!" He grinned at me, and I couldn't help but smile back at him. He leaned back on his arms, looking me over. "You're cute."

I blushed and looked away from him. "Aren't you supposed to say that to girls?"

"I don't know. Am I?" He cocked his head to the side and adjusted his body, so that he was now leaning forward and on his elbows. There was something awkward about his movement that I just couldn't place.

"Well, that's what the older boys say…" I wasn't too sure myself, anymore. I wasn't sure of anything. He made my mind go into a chaotic frenzy. "Hey, aren't you cold? You've been in the water this whole time. Why don't you come out?"

He looked down and bit his lip. "I can't."

"Sure you can!" I stood up and started to walk towards him. He shot up from his laying down position and back away quickly.

"I really can't leave the water." I caught his arm. We were waist deep in water now, and I was standing.

"Come on. Mama says you'll get sick if you spend all day in the water."

"Don't." He was near tears. "You wouldn't like me anymore if you saw what I was."

"Don't be stupid." I began to drag him to the rocky shoreline. He was surprisingly strong, I found out, as he pulled against me roughly.

"Please, don't make me."He cried, giving up on resisting me. He was sobbing uncontrollably.

His voice was so broken; I could feel it in my core again, as if I were the one who was in pain. I was overridden with guilt. I slowly released him. "Alright. Don't cry. I was just worried about you…that's all."

He nodded, wiping the tears away. "I'm sorry…but I really can't come out. Not yet. I'm not old enough."

In the distance, I could the frantic calls of my parents. I figured I could ask him about it later. "Look, I gotta go now. My parents are looking for me. Maybe we can play again sometime?"

He bit his lip again and slowly looked up. After a few seconds, he hesitantly nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "I'd like that."

"I almost forgot…my name's Jacob. Jacob Black."

"Jacob…I like it. I'm Edward. Promise you'll never forget me?"

It was an odd question to ask, but I didn't hesitate to give him my answer. "Never, ever. Not in a billion years."

"Well…just to make sure…" He gestured for me to bend down so we were face to face. In one quick movement he pecked me on the lips.

I stared at him, dumbstruck. My first kiss was stolen, just like that. And by a boy too…but it was okay. Maybe it was because at my age, it wasn't wrong to like guys. At least he didn't have coodies, like girls did. "What was that for?"

"Now, you'll never be able to forget me." He smiled at me. " I hope we see each other again…and soon." With a splash that blinded me, he was off, leaving only a few ripples on the ocean surface.

I woke with a start, shooting up from my bed and scattering my blankets all around me. I looked around to ensure that I was still in my room, and not on the beach back on the reserve. I was relieved to see that I wasn't a kid, and that I was definitely into girls and not that weird boy in the water. I ran a hand over my body, making sure that it was solid and real. With a sigh I sank back down onto my pillow, groaning. It was so real…

Ever since I had shifted a year ago, that same dream had plagued my nights. Or is it a memory? I didn't know. I pressed a finger to my lips, surprised by the heat emanating from them. I am a shifter. My temperature is always high…The warm flesh was sensitive, and it sent shivers down my spine. But this is different. It's like it's someone else's heat…Well, whatever it is, I'm not interested in remembering it. I shut my eyes and rolled to my side, trying to get the memory out of my head. But the dream was so vivid, I was sure it had to have happened sometime in my childhood. Maybe it was a suppressed memory?

The sound of the ocean suddenly filled my thoughts, along with the image of the boy. And out of nowhere, his name rang throughout my mind one last time before I drifted off to sleep. Edward.

**/\\**
I placed my spoon down after finishing my third bowl of cereal, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. Damn wolf hunger. We weren't the richest family, and I knew my shifting had taken a toll on dad's salary. It was mainly because of the food intake, but also damages to the house I made when I first started to shift. New clothes had to be bought because of the growth spurt; it was such a frustrating ordeal. We don't have mom to help out with the financial crisis…but then again, it's been this way for years. I sighed softly, glaring at the empty bowl. There was no reason to get angry at the past.

I stared at dad intently. When I had woke up, I decided that now was the best time to ask him about the recurring dream. Or memory. I rolled my eyes at that thought. If there's anyone who can confirm if it's a memory, it'd have to be him. I waited patiently for him to finish reading the paper before asking my question.

"So, uh, dad?" I began uncertainly. He looked me, his head cocked slightly to the side. Just like Edward…

"Yes, son?"

"You see, I've been having the same dream for a while now…" I knew it would sound stupid, but I couldn't stop now. I invested too much in it already. In a way. Sort of. "Ever since I shifted, actually. So, it's making me wonder if it's a dream, or a memory. I thought maybe you could tell me?"

He was silent for a few seconds, clasping his fingers and resting on his elbows. "Of course, son. Go on."

"Well, I'm on this beach, and I'm eight or nine. I don't know." It can't be later than that if it's a memory, 'cause mom died…I pushed the thought aside. "And I was swimming, but got caught in a current. I would've drowned, but a boy saved me." I kept it vague, and kept the kissing part to myself. I didn't need that getting around. "Does any of this sound familiar?"

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he sighed and closed his eyes. "Yes, Jacob, it does…but we'll talk about this later." He wheeled himself away from the table. "You need to get to school now. You have quite the drive to make, now that you're attending Forks High."

I rolled my eyes. Dad wasn't so thrilled by my decision to move, but I needed a taste of the real world. Living a sheltered life in the reservation was nice and all, don't get me wrong. But I needed to explore the world, and staying in La Push wouldn't help that need. Wait. "So, it's not a dream?"

"We'll talk more about this later, alright? Get to school." And that was the end of the conversation. I sighed, but was partially satisfied that I now knew it was an actual memory. Still, I had to wonder why he was refusing to talk about it. Maybe it reminds him of mom. But I couldn't think about that now. We exchanged goodbyes, before I shuffled out of the door. I carefully got onto my rabbit and raced off away from the reserve, towards Forks.

This has to be some kind of sign. This dream…what could it mean? Even though riding on my bike usually cleared my mind, it didn't seem that it would work this time. The wind whipped my short hair around and stirred up the dead leaves that littered the road. Once again the rush of the waves filled my mind, and his face planted itself in my mind again.

"Now you'll never be able to forget me…"

What the hell does that mean? Is it a curse? Ever since I shifted, I didn't rule any mystic thing out. After all, if werewolves existed, why could dragons or fairies? Certainly magic could exist too.

I muttered a curse under my breath as a few raindrops pelted my face. It was so sunny on the reserve…I thought bitterly, grateful that I remembered to pack my helmet. Then again, it's Forks that I'm riding in to. Should I really be surprised? I pulled off to the side and stuffed my head into the black helmet. But why didn't I sense this coming? It was like it came out of nowhere…Ever since I shifted, my heightened senses could pick up on weather patterns. I looked up at the sky, frowning. But, I suppose waiting in the rain, expecting an answer won't help much. Starting up my rabbit again, I continued through the rain. I was glad to have made it safe to school. I couldn't afford to die in a motor vehicle crash like-

"Jacob!" I cringed as the owner of the voice ran up from behind and hugged me.

"Hey, Bella." I hesitantly returned the gesture. Bella wasn't the same sweet girl I knew when we were kids. Phoenix had changed her, giving her an air of superiority. She acted as if she were above the people of Forks. However, there were still remnants of that innocent and kind child that she displayed. I couldn't overlook her new attitude, but I couldn't forget or abandon the girl. So, we remained friends. "What's up?"

"You're not going to believe this! Someone's transferred to Forks!"

I raised my eyebrows. "Aw, now you won't be the new kid anymore!" I ruffled her hair. She laughed and pushed my hand away. That's the Bella I know…

"Oh, be quiet." She looked up at me. "But that's not the interesting part. Everyone is saying his from some other country, and is royalty of some sort."

I laughed at that. "Why would some foreign, royal brat come to Forks?"

"Well, why not? It's pretty secluded. He wouldn't have to deal with thousands of students trying to extort money from him." She reasoned.

"I guess…but I still don't buy it." She pouted at me.

"It wouldn't hurt to check him out." She stopped abruptly, realizing the implications of her statement. "Not like that, though." I grinned at her.

"You're getting better at catching your double meanings, Bells."

"Shut it, Jake." She punched my arm playfully. "We must look like a couple of fools, standing out here in the rain. Come on, let's go." She grabbed my arm and dragged me into the school. "Maybe we can catch a glimpse of this Edward."

The name caught my attention. I almost tripped when she said it, and I quickly rolled my eyes to play it off. "I really couldn't care less about meeting some foreign dude, Bells. This isn't my thing. I'm gonna go now, and hang out with Seth." She released her grip and let me go.

"Well, if you're sure…but you're not getting out of this! If he and I become friends, you're going to meet him, and be pleasant about it too." She mock glared at me. "That is, if he's not a spoiled brat, right?" She grinned at me, and I grinned back. "I'll see you later then, Jake." I sighed in relief, surprised that she let me go so easily. Probably doesn't want Edward to think she's taken. Then again, if it's the Edward from my dream, it wouldn't matter if she was single or taken. He wants me. My eye twitched when I realized what I just thought. No…I didn't just think that. It's the dream…that damned dream. I sighed and walked to Seth's locker, knowing he'd be there waiting for me. Maybe he can help…

Seth was the only one who shared the thought that it was a good idea to get out of the rez, and decided to go to Forks with me. It had taken a lot of convincing to get his mother to support the idea, but she finally relented on the condition that I watch out for him. And it was a problem, for though he was a freshman and I was a senior, we were close friends. Not as close as Quil and Embry were, but he was a close third. He was like a little brother to me, and I was glad to see a familiar face whenever I went to school. I grinned as I saw him standing by his locker, making my way to him. I stopped in front of him, surprised that he hadn't run up to me as he usually did.

"Seth?" I ran my hand in front of his face. He was smiling, a goofy expression plastered over his face. "Hey, Seth? You there?"

"Hmm, Jake? When did you get here?" Before I could answer, he pressed on. "Did you meet the new kid yet?" A dreamy expression clouded his face.

"Whoa, you're not going homo on me now, are you?" I laughed.

"What? No!" He was blushing furiously. "But, if you met him…I mean, I'm not into guys, but he's something else. Like, not human."

Instantly I was on edge. "He's not a blood sucker, is he?" I asked quietly, making sure no one around us could hear. Seth had shifted as well, even though he was so young. Edward's not human…could he be a vampire? I recalled him saying he couldn't leave the water, though. Vampires could leave the ocean, right?

"No, he has a heartbeat." I relaxed. "But…it's not like a human's. I can't describe it…you really need to see him for yourself to understand." It looked like the effects of Edward were wearing off of him. "And his scent…it's like the ocean. But his voice…now that will get you. No, his eyes-"

I froze at that. "His…voice?"

Seth nodded. "Yeah. But like I was saying, his eyes! They were gold! Everyone thinks that they're contacts…Oh! I remember what was so weird! Everyone in school was so eager to introduce me to him because he was looking for a Quileute. And he told them that I wasn't the one he was looking for, everyone was disappointed. Even I was disappointed." He pouted at the memory.

"He was looking for a Quileute?" My mouth was dry. This was too surreal. "You don't think that he was looking for me…do you?"

Seth nodded vigorously. "After I met him, he was more specific. He stated your name. Jacob Black. Are you sure you don't know him?"

"Seth, I really don't know. But are you okay? You actually talked to him…"

"I don't know. Like everything in my mind is jumbled up. When I smelled him, I was ready to fight, but his aura…it instantly calmed me. Like I said, I just wanted to please him. But it's subsiding…maybe because he's too far, or because you're here to keep me grounded. I don't know."

"Well, just stay away from him, okay? I don't want you getting hurt." He nodded slowly.

"You too, Jacob. I got to get to class…call me if anything weird happens. Right after school we should go to the rest of the pack and let them know about this…" I nodded in agreement and barely uttered a goodbye as he raced off to class. This is just so weird. A voice that enchants, golden eyes…Edward…There was no doubt in my mind anymore as to what he was. If he wasn't a bloodsucker, and still had ties to the ocean…he had to be some sort of siren. Can sirens be male? I scratched my head. Or maybe he's a merman…The thought was weird. Even if I was a something from the storybooks, it seemed ridiculous to believe in mermaids.

"Jacob, there you are!" I spun around, about to warn Bella to stay away from Edward, but the words caught in my throat.

For there, right next to her, stood Edward.

And here is where I end it. I hope you guys like it. I'm not going for a Little Mermaid vibe, if that's what you're thinking. I already have one of those up. Anyway, Review, please?