Forever
Author: Krys Yuy
Summary: AU. Usagi is blissful in her strange new relationship, but sometimes happiness isn't meant to last forever. Can her lovers prove otherwise? Threesome. Established relationship.
Pairing/Characters: Alice/Usagi/Jasper, Edward/Bella
Fandoms: Sailor Moon/Twilight
Warning: Slightly suggestive, maybe…? Possible OOCness.
Rating: R/T
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters used. This fic is purely for entertainment purposes only.
Author's Notes: Set post-Sailor Moon Stars and sometime post-New Moon. I really don't know where this came from. Inspiration is bizarre that way. This is only supposed to be a two-parter. However, I have an idea that stems from this, which goes into the events of how Usagi came to Forks. We'll see how that goes. –shrugs– I kinda missed Sailor Moon crossovers, so… yeah. I hope you guys enjoy this weird product of my mind. Please review, if you are so inclined. It would make my day.
Part 1: Bliss
The warmth beside her shifted and Usagi groaned as the first tendrils of awareness tickled the back of her mind. She threw her arm over the warmth in an attempt to keep it still, but no such luck. It snuggled into her further and Usagi cracked one sleepy eye open.
"Bella?"
Drowsy brown eyes met her blue ones. "Usa?" Her friend yawned. "Where's Edward?"
Even though her mind was still somewhat in sleep mode, she was awake enough to snort. Of course her friend's first thought would be of her vampire love. Not that she was any better. A part of her was already wondering why she hadn't woken up to two cool bodies on either side of her.
Usagi sniffed the air as the aroma of cooking food reached wherever they were. "Breakfast," she murmured, closing her eyes.
"Huh?" Bella said, pushing her brown hair away from her face.
"Kitchen… breakfast… food." Usagi seemed incapable of forming full sentences. She waved a hand vaguely in the direction of where she thought the door was. However, the cold burst of morning air made her hand dart back under the covers and she wrapped her arms around her friend's waist.
"Usagi!" Bella squealed. "Your hands are cold!" She struggled to get away, but Usagi held on tight.
The blonde giggled despite her drowsiness. "Though… you… used to… it," she muttered.
Bella had no argument for that and her squirming stopped. "Yeah, well…"
Usagi nuzzled the pillow under her head and pulled her best friend closer. "Sleep," she said.
"Usa!" Bella laughed as she tried once again to extricate herself from her friend's arms, albeit slowly this time. "We have to get ready for school!"
"Hmm…" Usagi only burrowed further under the covers.
Bella could tell her friend was losing herself to sleep again. She lightly slapped the blonde's cheeks. Usagi's face scrunched up adorably and Bella laughed again. "Come on! If you don't wake up now, you won't get that delicious breakfast that's cooking."
Usagi twitched, but still didn't wake.
Bella looked around and realized they were in Edward's room. They were laying on the white futon he usually only used to toss stuff on. She was surprised neither she nor Usagi fell off in the middle of the night. Lifting her head, she recognized the delicious smell that floated from downstairs.
"I smell bacon… and pancakes," she said in a singsong voice. "And I bet Esme has strawberries and cream to go with that." Usagi stirred again and Bella went in for the kill. "I suppose I'll just eat it all by myself."
Usagi sat up quickly, knocking Bella off the futon in her haste to stand. "I'm up, I'm up!" she said. "Don't eat all of it!"
Bella rubbed her bottom as she glared at Usagi from behind the other side of the futon. "Jeez, Usa. You know you're the only one who could ever finish the mountain of food Esme cooks us."
Usagi looked down to find her friend on the floor. "Oops." She smiled sheepishly and stood on the futon, offering her hand. "Sorry."
Bella rolled her eyes but took the blonde's hand without hesitation. When Usagi pulled her up to join her on top of the futon, she grinned. "You're forgiven… klutz."
Usagi stuck out her tongue. "Look who's talking!" She bounced on the balls of her feet as she looked around the room. "So, how'd I end up here with you anyway?"
"I don't know… the last thing I remember was watching a movie in the family room." Bella shrugged and patted her friend's shoulder with her free hand. "They probably moved us up here together."
"Yeah, I think I fell asleep too," Usagi added, squeezing Bella's hand. "On your shoulder. I probably wouldn't let you go." She grinned a bit, blushing.
"You're definitely a snuggler." Bella laughed. She glanced at the clock on Edward's wall. "Crap, we have to get ready! I'll see you downstairs, okay?"
Usagi's eyes widened as she also saw the time. "Aiyah! Why can I never wake up early?" She jumped down to the carpeted floor as Bella tried to hide a chuckle. "I heard that! The question was rhetorical, you know."
Usagi dashed out of Edward's room and out into the hallway so Bella could get ready. From there, she ran up the set of stairs that led to the third floor and into her lovers' room. She immediately darted into the huge closet and grabbed the first thing from the area designated for her. She walked out, placing the clean clothes on the chaise longue by the glass doors leading to the balcony.
Usagi was pulling her oversized T-shirt over her head when she felt a pair of cold arms wrap around her waist. She would have jumped if the person behind her weren't holding on so tightly. A musical laugh was muffled against her bare shoulders.
She knew that laugh. "Alice!" She took off the rest of her shirt and threw it in a random corner. "What are you doing? I'm changing!"
"It's okay," Alice giggled. The fingers of her right hand danced along Usagi's arms, and the blonde shivered. "We're all girls here. Except Jazz, of course."
Usagi squeaked in embarrassment and crossed her arms over her chest. She turned her head to find her other lover casually leaning against the closed door of their bedroom. His lazy smile nearly undid her.
She groaned as Alice's hands trailed from her waist to play with the edges of her pajama pants. "How do you guys expect me to change like this?" she asked, leaning back into Alice's embrace.
Alice's breath tickled her ear. "We don't," she whispered, her sweet voice sounding a lot less innocent and a lot more naughty.
Usagi felt her face flame the same moment desire pooled in her stomach. "Alice!"
Alice turned her slightly so she could look at her face. "You're so adorable when you're embarrassed!" she exclaimed, hugging Usagi's form even closer.
Usagi turned her head again, face bright red, and pleaded with her other lover. "Jasper, please." She whimpered as Alice's fingers continued to prance along her skin.
He chuckled. "Come on, Alice."
Usagi could feel Alice pout against her back. "You're no fun." Usagi wasn't sure if her pixie-like girlfriend was talking to her or Jasper, but she was relieved when Alice let her go. She dived for the pink blouse she had taken from the closet and put it on quickly, figuring she could put on a bra after her lovers left the room.
Jasper came up to Usagi and took her hand, bringing it up so he could kiss her knuckles. His golden eyes burned into her and she tried not to melt. "We'll wait downstairs," he said softly.
Alice skipped up to her and brushed her lips against hers in a feather-light kiss, causing Usagi to smile shyly. "Don't be long, Moonshine," Alice whispered. She danced out of the room, grabbing Jasper's hand along the way.
Jasper smiled at Usagi again as he let Alice take him away, her giggle echoing in the hallway.
Usagi snapped out of her daze and glanced at the clock. Her panicked yelp caused Alice to laugh louder. Usagi changed quickly, sliding on a pair of dark jeans and remembering to put a bra on under her stylish pink blouse. After that, she dashed into the bathroom and grabbed two ponytail holders. She finished arranging one side of her hair into a round bun with a long ponytail falling from it. She rushed down one set of stairs and then another while fixing her other bun, her backpack slung across her right shoulder. Just as she completed her traditional hair-do, she stumbled on the last step leading to the foyer.
Luckily, she was caught in a pair of strong arms and she looked up into the grinning face of the vampire she considered a big brother. "Thanks, Em," she said in relief.
He shook his head, laughing. "I swear, Bunny, are all humans like this? Or are you and Bells the exception?" he asked teasingly.
She scrambled out of his arms, dropping her backpack by the front door. "Ha, ha," she said over her shoulder. She skidded into the kitchen as the rest of the Cullen family looked up in amusement.
Bella continued to eat her breakfast at the kitchen island quietly, though Usagi knew her best friend had to be smiling.
Usagi looked around at all the beautiful vampires lounging around the kitchen and grinned sheepishly. "Morning," she greeted.
Esme with her caramel colored hair and gentle smile came up and hugged her around the shoulders, handing her a plate complete with pancakes and bacon. "Good morning, Usagi," she replied pleasantly.
Usagi breathed in deeply, and not for the first time, wondered how the motherly vampire could cook such delicious meals when she didn't eat human food. "Thank you, Esme," she said sincerely. "It smells wonderful."
Carlisle pulled out the metal bar chair next to Bella for her. "Good morning," he greeted. His golden hair shined under the light and Usagi knew, if not for her Asian features, people would have thought they were related.
Usagi placed her plate on the intricately woven tablemat. "Thank you," she said to the handsome doctor as she sat down.
Carlisle tucked the chair in carefully. "You're welcome," he replied graciously. "Did you and Bella sleep well? I hear you two couldn't be separated last night."
Usagi and Bella shared both an embarrassed and amused look. "I think I speak for both of us when I say we slept almost perfectly," Bella commented, stealing a glance at Edward.
Carlisle raised a knowing eyebrow. "Well, I'm glad to hear that."
Usagi tried to hide a giggle, but Bella saw and nudged her in the side with her elbow playfully. The nudge was just a little too hard though as Usagi's giggle turned into a wince, which was almost immediately soothed by a feeling of comfort. She looked up at her honey-haired boyfriend, who was leaning against the counter on the other side of the kitchen, and smiled gratefully. Jasper's expression softened, though his eyebrows drew together in irritation as his eyes slid over to Bella. Usagi locked gazes with her pixie-like girlfriend, who was standing next to Jasper. Usagi tilted her head slightly and Alice understood, reaching up to distract Jasper's ire away from Bella. Jasper turned his head to stare at his wife and she smiled up at him, whispering. His tense shoulders relaxed and Usagi looked down at her plate.
Usagi noted the pile of strawberries and whipped cream on the top of her pancakes and glanced quickly at Bella, then Alice. Her beautiful girlfriend winked at her and she grinned. She dug in, finishing her stack of pancakes and side of bacon within minutes.
Esme was already ready with another batch. "Seconds?" she asked.
"Yes, please!" Usagi held out her plate for more even as Bella shook her head in the negative.
"No thanks," the brunette said.
Usagi finished her plate just as speedily as she did the first. She wiped her mouth with a cloth napkin and looked up to smile gratefully at Esme. "That was so good! Thank you!" she said sincerely.
"It was my pleasure," Esme replied, smiling back. "Let me take those for you." She reached for Usagi's plate, but Bella took it before she could and stacked it on top of hers.
"We can do the dishes," Bella said, kicking Usagi behind the island where she knew Esme couldn't see.
"Yeah," Usagi agreed hurriedly, rubbing her shin. She tried to shake off the minor pain quickly, masking it from Jasper with a larger emotion. "Let us do that."
"Don't be silly," Esme said with a frown. "You'll be late for school."
Edward took the plates from Bella and placed them in his adoptive mother's capable hands. "Thank you," he said. "We'll be going now."
Bella started whispering to Edward, frowning, but before Usagi could even attempt to listen, her hand was caught and she was pulled out of her seat. Alice lifted the blonde's hand and twirled under it, leading her down to the garage.
"Wait, my backpack!" Usagi turned but Jasper was suddenly next to her, holding the straps with one hand. She took it from him and leaned up to kiss his cold cheek. "Thanks," she whispered.
"Not a problem," he replied. A wave of affection was sent her way and she smiled at him, beaming. He took her other hand and squeezed, following his two girls into the spacious garage.
The garage door was open and Edward and Bella were already waiting in the front of the bronze-haired vampire's silver Volvo. Alice quickly entered the back, moving to the opposite end of the car behind Bella's passenger seat. Usagi squeezed into the middle as Jasper sat behind Edward.
Jasper hadn't even closed the door all the way when Edward smoothly pulled out of the garage and onto the dirt road, Emmett and Rosalie following behind in Emmett's jeep.
The silence in the car was comfortable before Edward said, "Don't worry. We won't be late." He glanced back at Usagi with an amused expression. "And I won't crash the car."
Oh, right. The mind-reading. She flushed. "Sorry, it's just – I'm not used to getting to school on time." She looked outside at the scenery rushing by. "Or driving this fast."
"You get used to it," Bella said dryly, shooting Edward a look.
He laughed, musical and soothing all at once.
"This is your first time driving with him, isn't it?" Jasper asked, tucking a stray lock of her blonde hair behind her ear.
She smiled, secretly delighted by his affectionate touches. "Well, I can't say I haven't thought about the car crashing when I'm with you or Alice either," Usagi remarked, serious and mischievous at the same time.
"Like we would let anything happen to you," Alice said, still holding Usagi's right hand in her left one. She pulled the blonde closer to her. "You don't have to be scared when you're with us."
Usagi leaned against the petite brunette's granite neck, relishing in the reassurance of her presence. "I know," she whispered. There was a touch against her left thigh, and while she didn't look, she knew Jasper had placed his hand there.
Usagi looked towards the front seat and saw Edward frowning before her eyes closed. She let herself drift to the quiet whispering of the two people sitting on either side of her, trusting them to wake her when they reached school.
In what seemed like minutes later, there was a cool touch against her lips. Her eyes fluttered opened to meet Jasper's eyes, a bit darker than their usual gold but dark all the same. "We're here?" she mumbled.
"Yes, Moonshine," Jasper murmured back. Uncaring of any witnesses, he kissed her one more time before leaning over and doing the same to Alice.
Alice sighed in pleasure as he pulled away. "Time for school," she said, sounding a bit woeful.
"No, you cannot stay in the car all day, Usagi," Edward said, frowning. He stood outside his front door and ducked his head down to speak.
"Okay, okay," she replied, yawning. She scooted out the door after Alice and stretched her stiff limbs. She linked arms with Bella and pretended to whisper conspiratorially. "Your boyfriend's such a spoilsport."
Bella shook her head. "I don't know what you mean," she said.
"Uh-huh." Usagi rolled her eyes, but kept her mouth shut. She pushed her more childish thoughts to the back of her mind, heedful of Edward's gift.
"Usagi! Bella!" A voice called out from across the school parking lot.
Bella waved, while Usagi replied, "Hey, Ang!" She patted Bella's hand. "I'll see you at lunch."
Bella murmured the affirmative even as she drew back to Edward. Usagi felt strangely bereft as she looked from Bella and Edward to Alice and Jasper, and even to Rosalie and Emmett getting out of the jeep in the background. She wanted desperately to join her lovers, but she couldn't create a scandal. Not in a small town like Forks. It was bad enough that Dr. Cullen's adoptive children were couples. If there was a threesome introduced to the mix? That would ruin the Cullens' carefully crafted peace and Usagi would never jeopardize that for anything.
She turned quickly, careful to make sure her lovers didn't see her insecurity. She pushed her love for them at the forefront of her being so Jasper wouldn't suspect anything. It was ridiculously easy to do so. In the year and few months she had known them, they had effortlessly become her world. Her love for them was strong and – dare she think it? – perhaps stronger than her past love that now seemed so long ago.
Shaking her head, Usagi looked up and waved at the kind brunette still standing by the stairs. "Angela, wait up!" she called. She looked over her shoulder at Alice and Jasper to see them regarding her carefully. Her gaze dropped to their clasped hands and she smiled. "Bye."
"Bye, Moonshine," Alice said, her voice low so no nearby humans could hear. Jasper only nodded, but Usagi relished the love and warmth that washed over her.
Usagi's smile grew brighter and her lovers relaxed somewhat. She resisted the urge to blow them a kiss and instead turned around and ran across the parking lot. She was already halfway to Angela when she heard Alice's sharp exclamation of "Jasper!" before she tripped along a crack. Hitting the lovely gravel below was suddenly an unavoidable event. She threw her hands forward and braced herself, hoping against hope that she wouldn't bleed. She should have known her worry was unnecessary.
The barest tenths of a second passed before a cold hand gripped her upper arm and yanked her back into a granite embrace. She allowed herself a small moment of indulgence before she pulled away, aware of the many watchful eyes around them. She only hoped he hadn't used his vampire speed to get to her.
"Thanks, Jasper," she whispered.
The honey-haired vampire nodded. "Careful, Darlin'," he warned, voice low and husky. Her hair stood on end and she was suddenly hypersensitive to him.
Usagi nodded mutely. She would never get used to the way he made her feel. "Sorry," she squeaked, scrambling backwards. Despite his warning, she still nearly sprinted the rest of the way to Angela, who was one of the few gazing at her in concern rather than derision.
"Usagi, are you alright?" her brunette friend asked, placing a hand on her arm.
"I'm fine. Just being my usual klutzy self." Usagi shrugged sheepishly, placing a hand behind her head. "Let's go to Calculus."
"You want to go to math class?" Angela asked incredulously.
Usagi let out a nervous chuckle. "Too obvious an excuse?"
Angela eyed her speculatively and looked at the Cullens making their way across the parking lot. "Do you have a crush on Jasper Hale?" she whispered, thinking Usagi would be the only one to hear.
"Ang!" Usagi exclaimed. Her embarrassment rose as she heard Emmett laugh behind her. "Let's go!" She grabbed her friend's hand and hurried up the steps, ears burning. Though Emmett's laugh still made her cheeks burn, she wished more than anything she could have walked into school with Alice and Jasper.
People thought she had a crush on someone who was already taken. By her girlfriend, though they didn't know that. Ugh. Usagi groaned, shaking her head. She was confusing herself.
"Are you okay?" Angela asked again, clearly worried. "I'm sorry about bringing up the crush thing, but seriously, you're all red now."
Usagi ducked into their Calculus classroom and sat in her seat by the window, letting go of Angela's hand. She hit her head on her desk as her friend slid in the seat next to her. "I'm okay, Angela," she said, her voice muffled. "Just a little embarrassed at nearly tripping in front of the whole school."
"Not everyone was looking," Angela replied, though her statement rang a bit false in Usagi's ears.
Usagi lifted her head, raising an eyebrow incredulously. Angela's earlier question tickled her consciousness. "By the way, I don't have a crush on Jasper," she whispered. I'm only head over heels in love with him and his wife. "He's with Alice. And he's just a friend."
"You just seemed in an awful hurry to get away from him today." Angela raised her hands in a placating motion when Usagi sighed in frustration. "That's all I'm saying…"
"Embarrassment does wonders for a person's flight reflex," Usagi replied, looking towards the open door of the classroom.
Her breath caught as the familiar forms of Alice and Jasper walked past. However, they didn't even look inside the classroom and her heart fell. She understood why, but it didn't make it any less disappointing. Sighing, she took out her math textbook and opened it to a random page. Her phone vibrated in her pocket and she took it out, flipping open the cover to find a new text message.
Miss u. ~ A&J
Her chest warmed and a smile curved her lips automatically. She was about to type in a response when someone cleared their throat. She looked up to see her math teacher looking down at her with a raised eyebrow.
"I was just… turning it off?" she offered weakly.
"See that you do, Ms. Tsukino," he said. He walked back to the front of the room. "All right, class. Open your textbook to page 102 and…"
Usagi flipped to the right page and pressed the off button on her phone. She tucked it away in her pocket, promising silently to text Alice and Jasper back later.
–
Despite her internal promise, it was lunchtime by the time the opportunity presented itself. She decided to wait until she actually saw them in person. After paying at the cashier, she picked up her lunch tray and did a quick sweep of the cafeteria, her eyes zeroing in on the tables at the very back by the exit to the outside. They were empty.
Usagi sighed.
"Come on, Usagi," Angela said, smiling as she walked past her and towards their usual table. Ben, Eric and Mike were already chatting and laughing together.
"Right behind you," she replied. She balanced her tray with one hand as she used her free hand to dig out her cell phone from her pocket.
Usagi and Angela joined the boys and greetings were exchanged all around. Usagi laid her tray down and powered her phone, flipping it open. She sat facing the windows, giving her the perfect view of the quad.
You have 1 new voicemail message.
An unknown caller? Usagi's brows furrowed together. She pressed a couple buttons before bringing the phone to her ear.
"Hey Usa, we were thinking of going to First Beach tomorrow," Eric said, stealing a fry off her plate. She smacked his hand as the automated voice of her message system greeted her.
The robotic voice droned on. "One new message made at 9:47AM."
Eric waved a hand in her face. "You in?" he asked.
"We haven't been to La Push in forever," Angela added, smiling.
It really had been a long time since she had hung out with them. She should ask Bella if she wanted to come along as well. "Sure, guys, I'd love a day at the beach," Usagi said, returning Angela's smile.
"Excellent!" Eric exclaimed, exchanging high-fives with her and the rest of the table.
Usagi's laugh abruptly cut off as a smooth, deep voice she hadn't heard in over two years filled her ears.
"Hello Usak- Usagi."
Her hand tightened on her cell phone.
"I know it's been a long time, but I'm in Washington for a conference and… well, I thought I would look you up. It would be great if we could meet. If you want to talk, please call me back."
Angela noticed her silence. "Usagi?"
She was frozen. Her fingers were numb.
"Usagi," Angela repeated, now sounding a bit alarmed. "What's wrong?"
The smooth, still utterly handsome voice delivered one final blow.
"I miss you." A brief pause of air and then dial tone.
The phone slipped from her nerveless fingers to clatter on the table below. Usagi didn't even notice. The sound of his nearly forgotten voice surrounded her, echoing again and again in her head.
Angela shook her shoulders. "Hello, Usagi? Are you okay?"
Her blue eyes focused on her friend's worried face and she swallowed saliva down her suddenly dry throat. "I'm fine. A little lost in thought," she explained lamely, picking up her phone and gripping it tightly.
Angela frowned. "You're as pale as a ghost," she said.
Usagi touched her face self-consciously. "I need –" She glanced outside and her eyes widened as she saw the Cullens and Bella exiting the building across the quad. They started walking towards the cafeteria and her heart stuttered in her chest at the thought of Alice and Jasper seeing her now. Then there was Edward. There was no way she could keep it a secret. She couldn't let them know. Not now.
"I need to make a phone call," she said, turning to Angela so suddenly that the brunette gasped. "I'll be right back." She got up from her seat, but Angela caught her wrist.
"Are you sure…?"
Usagi smiled reassuringly, though her emotions were actually running wild. "I'm fine, it's fine," she said. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the Cullens nearing the cafeteria. Her panic shot up and she started walking away backwards. "I'm just gonna –" She pointed over her shoulder at the exit to the school hallway.
Usagi didn't wait for Angela to respond before she whirled around and walked quickly to the hallway, but not too quickly as to draw the attention of her vampire friends and lovers. She didn't dare look behind her to see if they had finally reached the cafeteria. She thought of going to the restroom, so as to hide her true intent from Edward if he chose to read her mind.
Usagi let out a shaky breath as she emerged in the safety of the hallway. She needed to get out of there. And there was one person she could call. She started walking towards the parking lot as she took out her phone and hit a speed-dial button.
The person on the other line picked up. "Hello?"
"Jake?" She was horrified to hear her voice was teary. "Can you pick me up?"
–
Bella smiled happily as Edward slung an arm over her shoulder as they pushed through the doors to the cafeteria. "I'm gonna get a salad real quick," she said.
"All right," Edward replied, kissing her forehead. "We'll see you at the table."
Bella nodded and went over to the salad bar. She looked around at the tables absently as she picked out her vegetables. Edward sat at their usual table with the other Cullens, looking back at her. She smiled at him and his familiar crooked smile made her heart beat a little bit faster. His smile widened.
Bella blushed though her smile faded a bit as she saw the look on Alice's and Jasper's faces. She followed their line of sight to the table where Usagi usually sat with Angela, Ben and the others. Her cheerful best friend was absent.
Frowning, she picked up her tray and headed over to the table. "Hey Angela," she greeted.
Angela looked up from where she was talking to Ben. "Oh, hi Bella," she said.
"Where's Usagi?"
Angela exchanged a look with Ben. Bella looked around at the table, and for the first time, noted the troubled expressions on their faces.
"What happened?" she demanded.
"She was just checking her voicemail," Angela said, "when she got all quiet and pale. She wouldn't say why."
"Where is she?" Bella repeated, worry now her dominant emotion.
"She left the cafeteria around five minutes ago," Ben answered with a shrug.
"Said something about making a phone call," Eric added, frowning.
Angela tried to smile. "She said she'd be back soon, though."
"… okay." Bella also tried to smile back, but had about the same success as Angela. "Thanks, guys." She turned around and walked over to the Cullen table. As she placed her tray on the table and sat down, she kept her eyes on Jasper, who was suddenly very tense. Bella felt Edward sit closer to her and she reached out to squeeze his hand. "I'm assuming you guys heard all that?" she asked.
Alice nodded. She looked away from Jasper's rigid expression to her. "Usagi's so blurry all the time," she said. "I hate not being able to see her."
"You saw her trip," Emmett commented, confused.
"She clears up only seconds before something happens to her. I don't know why," Alice said, frustrated.
"She's not back yet," Jasper murmured. Bella could tell he was getting more agitated the more time passed. His gold eyes were getting darker.
"Calm down," Edward said sharply, but softly enough so as not to draw attention. "You can't do anything for her by making a scene."
Alice squeezed Jasper's hand and began whispering to him quietly, stroking his cheek.
"Can you hear her?" Bella asked, looking imploringly at her boyfriend.
"There are too many other voices here," Edward replied, though his face was a mask of concentration. He looked like he was listening for something.
Jasper stood up abruptly. "Screw this," he muttered, walking towards the cafeteria exit that led to the school hallway.
Alice quickly followed him.
Bella stood up as well, but Edward grabbed her wrist. "What?" she asked, looking down at him.
"It's dangerous," he said calmly. "I don't want you going anywhere near Jasper right now."
"She's my best friend, Edward," Bella replied. She tried to yank her wrist back, but her boyfriend was immovable.
"He needs to calm down," Edward replied. "If you start to bleed –"
"I'm not going to start bleeding spontaneously," she whispered fiercely. "If you're so worried, just come with me, but I'm going either way."
Edward seemed to realize it was useless to argue when he stood as well. "Fine." He sighed. "Let's go."
"We'll, umm, just be here," Emmett said.
Rosalie huffed and rolled her eyes, but said nothing.
Bella rushed across the cafeteria as fast as she could without it being too conspicuous. However, when she exited out into the hallway, she was fully prepared to sprint. Her boyfriend's cold hand on her shoulder stopped her. "Don't even think about it," he said. "You're going to trip."
She looked over her shoulder at him in exasperation. "Are you sure you can't read my mind?" she asked.
His expression turned enigmatic. "Believe me, love," he said, grazing her cheek, "I can't."
She looked away before she could get lost in his eyes. "Come on," she said. "Let's go." She started walking to the right, but he stopped her. "What?"
His crooked smile was back. "They went this way." He pointed to the left.
She blushed. "Oh. Right." She turned around and began walking in the direction he was pointing. "Okay." Her walk became a jog, which would have become a run if Edward weren't holding on to her hand. "I know you can go faster than this," she said, annoyed.
Edward swept her in his arms in response and she yelped, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Hold on," he said. He ran fast at human speed through the hallways, which was still faster than most humans, careful to avoid any faculty members.
Once they exited the school and got outside, they saw Alice and Jasper standing atop the hill overlooking the parking lot. Jasper seemed prepared to pounce, but Alice was restraining him. Edward hurried swiftly a few feet away from them, placing Bella on the ground and stepping in front of her.
Bella looked down at the parking lot as the loud sound of a motorcycle engine roared through the air. She recognized Jacob's black Harley and the two people riding atop it. "Usagi!" she shouted, cupping her hands on either side of her mouth to amplify her voice.
Usagi didn't even look back as Jacob's motorcycle tore out of the parking lot and in the direction of La Push.
Bella placed a hand on Edward's shoulder. "What happened?" she asked.
He didn't look away from Alice and Jasper as he responded, "They don't know. They got here just as she got on the motorcycle."
"What the hell is going on?" Jasper demanded, stressed and confused. The question didn't seem to be directed at anyone in particular.
"Jazz, we'll figure this out," Alice said, rubbing his arm. "Come on, let's go home. We need to talk about what we want to do."
Jasper's eyes snapped to Edward so suddenly that Bella flinched. "What was she thinking?" he asked.
"Take me away." Edward's voice was empty as he answered. "She just kept repeating it over and over. 'Take me away.'"
That sentence seemed to break through Jasper's anger as he deflated, wrapping his arms around Alice. "I could feel her pain and confusion from here," he whispered. "There was so much… how could she have hidden this from us?"
"She couldn't," Alice replied simply. "We didn't have an inkling of this beforehand. That voicemail message must have been the trigger." She rubbed circles along his lower back.
"… I'll kill them."
"Jasper!" Edward exclaimed, making sure Bella was behind him.
He was ignoring him. "I'll kill whoever hurt her," Jasper continued, arms tightening around Alice.
"We don't know that someone did," Alice reminded quietly. "Jazz, you have to calm down. We need to think rationally."
"I need her smile, Alice," Jasper confessed, lowering his head. "Just like I need you in my life… I need her, too."
"I know," Alice said, hugging her husband close. "Don't worry. She'll be back."
He pulled back to look at her face. "Did you see–?"
She shook her head. "No. But I know her," she said. She locked her gold eyes with his. "Just like you do." She took his hands away from her waist so she could clasp them. She held on tightly. "She's ours, Jasper."
Jasper breathed out slowly, even though he didn't need to breath at all. He brought their clasped hands up and kissed them. "She's ours," he repeated, nodding.
"I'll go after her," Bella volunteered.
Alice and Jasper finally turned towards her even as Edward whirled around to face her. "No, you can't," he said.
"You can't cross into Quileute land, but I can," Bella said, frowning. "And that's obviously where Usagi and Jacob were headed." She popped her head out over Edward's shoulder to smile reassuringly at her friends. "I'll find out what's wrong and I'll bring her back."
"I don't like you going into their territory," he said.
"We've been over this before. They're my friends," Bella said, her face set determinedly. "Besides, Usagi needs me."
"Edward, just let her go," Alice said, glaring at him.
Jasper pressed his lips against her temple, though he leveled his own glower against his adoptive brother as well.
Edward looked away from them, his face pained. He kissed Bella softly. "Be careful," he cautioned. "I'll drop you off at your house so you can take your truck."
Bella nodded. She walked down the stairs leading to the parking lot, Edward following closely behind. She looked up at Alice and Jasper, both of whom were looking very distant and very lost, despite being in each other's arms. They needed their light. Bella made a promise right then and there.
I'll bring her back to you.
–
Usagi didn't say a word as they crossed into the reservation and arrived at Jacob's house. She did manage a smile though when he picked her off his bike and settled her on the ground as if she weighed nothing more than a feather.
"Did they do something?" he asked quietly, but Usagi recognized the barely reigned in anger.
"No!" she said immediately. "No, it's not them."
Jacob relaxed only slightly. "Then why the emergency?"
She hesitated and he pulled her into an affectionate hug. "You don't have to say anything," he murmured. "Though I did skip school for you."
"Oh!" She gasped and pulled back to look into his face. "I'm sorry!" It was then she noticed the smirk playing along his lips. "Jacob!"
"Usagi, please. You should know me better than that. Like I needed an excuse to see you." He tapped her nose. "Let's go inside. Dad's not around at this time in the afternoon."
Usagi followed him into the house and through the hallway that led to his room. Jacob plopped onto his bed, lying down, and Usagi joined him in his ceiling staring. She laid down to his right. Her head titled slightly to the left so it was touching Jacob's head. Jacob sniffed the air and then coughed.
"Usa, you stink," he said. By his muffled voice, Usagi knew he was scrunching up his nose.
She slapped his chest with the back of her left hand. "I do not!"
"Yeah, you do." Jacob pulled at one of her pigtails. "You smell like them."
She rolled her eyes. "I wonder why…"
"Ugh, don't put images in my head!" Jacob exclaimed, clapping his left hand over his eyes. "I already have to deal with Bells and that other bloodsucker."
"Don't call him that," Usagi immediately said, frowning.
"I don't know why you defend him," Jacob said, his tone equally displeased. "You were there when he left her. She was devastated."
Usagi's voice sounded hollow to her own ears. "He did it to protect her."
"You don't sound very convinced of that fact." Jacob sounded triumphant and she slapped his chest again. He laughed. "You know I'm not feeling that at all."
"It makes me feel better," she replied, closing her eyes.
Her friend was silent for a few minutes before he spoke again. "The leeches get both you and Bells," Jacob said, sounding strangely empty. "I don't think it's too much to ask that I get to call them what I want."
He tried to hide it, but Usagi could hear the pain and bitterness hiding in his tone. "Jake…" She poured her compassion into his name, and turned on her side, curling into his body.
"Don't," he bit out, but she felt him relax all the same. After a few seconds, he sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm supposed to be making you feel better."
She lowered her head and rested her forehead against his bicep. "Let's just stay like this," she whispered. "Before the world comes to take us back."
Jacob dropped a kiss on her head. He wrapped an arm around her. "If Bells were here too, we'd be complete…" He yawned and Usagi felt his muscles loosen even further.
The steady pulsing of his heartbeat lulled her into drowsiness. But she couldn't help but miss the soft whispering of the people closest to her heart.
An unwelcome reminder of earlier in the day chose then to resound in her head.
"I miss you."
A bout of tears gathered behind her eyelids and she burrowed closer to Jacob, feeling his heat but longing for the cold. She murmured to the voice so recently come to plague her.
"Leave me alone, Mamoru."