I want to say a HUGE thanks to my amazing reviewers. Honestly if your not a writer you can't know how much they mean to me. Okay as promised the next chapter.

We just had a huge hail storm and it reminded me that I have to update my other stories. But I'm having so much fun with these guys. I WILL get to it promise.

I don't own any of the characters but use them to my own advantage. :D

Hope you enjoy. Please review!

Chapter 7

"How do I look?" Edward asked when he came out of the bedroom.

"You really think he is going to care what you look like?"

"No I guess not. Okay I'm ready to go." Edward said picking up his winter coat.

"We will catch the tube. I promised I would stop off and buy lunch from Embry's favourite bakery." She hooked her arm in Edward's and together they made their way out.

"So tell me about Seth." Leah asked as they made their way through the streets.

"He's doing well in school and looking at colleges. He wants to study American history. He has his own historian in Jasper. They became mates two years ago. Jasper tried to hold him off and everyone was surprised that he held off as long as he had. Seth used Jasper's talent against him." Edward chuckled. "He misses you and your mom. We speak once a week. I left the family not long after we escaped Forks."

"Yeah trust Seth to get his way. He was always able to get away with things as a kid because of his puppy eyes. Always mom and dad's baby. I would have thought him and Jacob would have become a couple to be honest. Seth thought the sun shined out of Jacob's butt." Leah giggled.

"He still does from what I've heard."

"I can't wait to talk to him. But first lets see Paul." Leah said.

Embry and Brady lived near the campus in a small two bedroom apartment. The area was rough not that Edward noticed. He was excited and nervous about seeing Paul. Leah pushed the intercom to get entry into the building. They were on the fifth floor. Leah took the bag of baked goods off Edward they had stopped off at on the way. She ran her hand through his messy hair and smiled.

"Much better." Leah said before knocking on the door.

Edward could hear three heart beats. Two sounded accelerated the other calm and slow. The door was opened by Brady.

"Hey guys come on in. We were wondering when you would get here Leah." Brady smiled at Edward and stepped back to let them both in.

Embry was standing in the small kitchen area pulling out plates. But Edward's eyes only saw one thing. His wolf sitting on the couch looking straight ahead looking at the television. Leah gave Edward a nudge to make him go forward.

"Hello Wolf." Edward said his voice quiet but clear.

Paul turned to face him. "Is it really you Red?"

Edward smile and nodded. "It's really me Wolf. I've missed you."

As though not believing what he was seeing. He looked between all three of his friends who were all nodding. "Embry take me to my room." Paul snarled.

"Paul, Edward just flew in from Paris."

"Now!" he demanded.

Embry sighed and went to his friend. Paul wrapped his arms around Embry's neck as he went and picked him up. Edward's eyes went wide. It was only then that he noticed a wheelchair folded under the window.

"Well now you've seen me, I ask that you leave." Paul said refusing to look at Edward.

Edward went to say something but Brady held his arm and shook his head. When the door closed Brady let his arm go. Edward sunk to his knees. His wolf was paralyzed from the waist down. Why had Leah not have warned him? Did she think he wouldn't want to see him if he knew? He covered his face in his hands and quietly sobbed. Why was the world so cruel what had Paul done to deserve such a horrible fate. And worse he didn't want to see him.

Leah crouched down beside him rubbing his back. "I'm sorry Edward. I couldn't tell you. We would understand if you wanted to leave."

"Why would I want to leave? I love him. Nothing will ever make me change my mind. I won't let him push me away this time." Edward sobbed.

"Good man." Leah said helping him up from the floor.

"Now we need to get Paul to understand that." Brady smiled and patted Edward's back before going and setting the table.

Leah offered to take Edward's coat before going and serving up their lunch. Brady had set it for five. Edward was about to tell him that he didn't need food but thought better of it.

He could have listened in on Embry and Paul but believed they had a right for privacy. Already he knew that he still couldn't hear Paul's thoughts. Leah handed him some plates full of food to place on the table.

"Why don't you go let the others know that lunch is ready?" Brady asked.

Edward looked doubtful but had no choice when Brady gave him a small push. Taking in a deep breath he could taste his wolf on his tongue. The most delicious thing in the world. He knocked on the door before entering.

"Lunch is ready. Brady asked me to come tell you." Edward's heart broke as he saw Paul looking out the window with Embry's arm around his shoulder.

"Thanks Edward we'll be out in a minute." Embry turned and smiled.

Edward nodded and shut the door. He wanted to be the one sitting on the bed with his arm around Paul. No better yet he never wanted to see Paul upset again. He wanted the cocky sure of himself man he had grown to love.

"You do know I don't actually eat?" he asked Brady.

"Of course but he doesn't." he chuckled.

Brady explained that the doors weren't wide enough for the wheelchair. Paul had only been out of the rehabilitation place a month and was awaiting a specially designed house to accommodate his disability. True to his word Embry came out a few minutes later with Paul.

Paul huffed as he was sat on the end chair. He helped himself to the food not saying a word. Edward tried to act naturally and followed Embry and Brady's lead. He didn't know how much food he should put on his plate. He would eat it and then bring it back up later. It wasn't a pleasant experience but he didn't care. He was in the same room as his wolf.

Edward was thankful when conversation was started by Leah asking Brady how medical school was going. It gave Edward a chance to take a real good look at Paul. He had aged but not a lot he still looked to be in his early twenties and he supposed he was. His shoulders were still broad and strong looking. His arms as well when he cut into the food on his plate. He had a scar from his forehead above his right eye right down to the side of his nose. It would be hardly noticeable to the human eye. The plastic surgeon had done a good job.

"So Edward I heard you were in Paris. What have you been doing there?" Brady asked.

"I went to college studying music." he smiled.

It was the first time Paul looked at him since he came out for lunch. If Edward had a beating heart it would have fluttered. It was like he was noticing Edward for the first time. He tried to keep his eyes locked on Paul's but instead he lowered his eyes.

"So what is the plan now you're back in the states?" Paul asked.

For a second Edward was at a loss. He didn't know what he was going to do. If he had his way he would be with Paul but he couldn't just come out and say it. Leah shouted in his mind.

'Staying in New York. He wants to live in New York.'

"I'm waiting for my house to be ready here actually. Maybe get a job at Juilliard or NYU."

Paul just nodded and continued eating. Leah patted Edward's hand and gave him a wink.

'Your doing great Edward, he's talking. He likes to go to the park everyday and he hasn't been today.' Embry thought to him.

The rest of the meal went by without Paul saying much but listened intently to everything that Edward answered from his friends. By time Leah stood they had been talking for two hours. Paul started to fidget in his chair. Not wanting to point it out to anyone but Edward knew that Paul must need to use the bathroom. He nudged Brady under the table and discreetly pointed to Paul. Brady excused himself and without saying a word picked Paul up and took him to the bedroom.

"Thanks Edward. He's a stubborn man. To fucking proud. We have seen him crawl on his hands at times. He won't let us take time off work or school to be here for him. In fact he could have left the hospital months ago but he had nowhere to go. His parents are too old to care for him and he didn't want to leave NY. In the end the hospital kicked him out needing the room."

"I may have a solution if you are happy to let me help." Edward smiled. "My family own a house looking over central park. Its five bedroom. It would allow for Paul's wheelchair and it has a wet floor so he could shower himself. Any thing else I could get done to make life easier. You would be both welcome to come and live there."

"The offer is generous but we can hardly afford this place." Embry sighed.

"We wouldn't expect you to pay rent. Consider it a gift while Brady is studying. Myself and Carlisle know how stressful medical school is without having to worry about money. Please say yes. Then I know that Paul would be more comfortable as well." Before Embry could say anything Brady and Paul came out.

"Thank you for lunch guys. I thought I might go to the park before it gets too cold. I'm not sure how to get there from here though."

"You like the park?" Paul asked.

"I love the park. Reminds me of home." Edward smiled. Leah was standing behind Paul and gave a thumbs up.

"I could show you if you like." Paul said sounding excited. "That is if you don't mind being seen with a cripple?"

"Paul Lahote! How many times have I told you that you're not a cripple." Embry argued.

"Whatever, doesn't matter. If you take the tube it will get you right near it." Paul huffed turning on the television.

Edward went and sat beside Paul and gently took the remote out of his hand. "Please Wolf I would love to go to the park with you. And maybe when we get back we could skype Seth and Jacob." he said looking at Leah to see if she was comfortable with that.

"Yeah sure whatever. Would hate for you to get lost Red."

"Great so you guys going to come too?" Edward asked the other three.

"I wish I could but I've got to study for a mid-terms." Brady sighed.

"I wouldn't mind watching the game." Embry said.

"I'm in." Leah said smiling.

Edward thanked Leah silently he wasn't sure he was ready to be alone with Paul just yet. As much as he wanted to maybe being just the two of them was pushing it.

"Well we better go now." Paul said.

Embry and Brady seemed to have a routine with getting Paul ready to go out. In no time at all they had Paul in the chair in the hall. He was wrapped up against the cold. 'Don't push his chair he can manage on his own.' Embry warned. Nodding Edward went and pushed the lift button. Paul never spoke until they were on their way to the tube station. Leah walked behind while Edward walked beside the chair.

"You haven't aged a bit Red."

"Don't you think so?"

"I know so. I remember us talking in the meadow you know."

"What else do you remember Paul?"

"Ladies present Red." Paul chuckled and winked.

Edward looked away knowing he would be blushing if he could. Instead he lightly chuckled. Again silence ruled as they made their way to the park. Paul had Leah and Edward jogging to keep up. They only stopped when Leah complained she was out of breath. Of course she wasn't she was still as fit as she was when she was shifting. Paul stopped by a park bench so Leah and Edward could sit down.

"Anyone fancy a coffee. I saw a coffee vendor back there." Leah pointed the way they had come.

"Read my mind Leah." Paul smiled.

"Edward want one?" Leah asked. Edward shook his head. "Okay be right back."

Both men watched as she walked back away. She seemed in no hurry. Once she was out of sight Paul turned to Edward. Without thinking the vampire took Paul's hand in his. At first Paul tried to take it back but Edward wouldn't let him. He didn't miss the small brief smile on his wolf's lips.

"Damn your hands are freezing. Don't you own gloves." Paul complained.

"I left them at the hotel. I will remember them next time."

"So why are you really here Red?"

"Leah contacted me yesterday and I caught the first flight home. But I was ready to leave Paris. Paul what happened?"

"Drunk driver. They were killed on impact and I was left like this. I'm only half a man now." Paul said looking away.

"That's not what I meant. Why did you send me away?" Edward whispered.

Paul pulled his hand away this time Edward let it go. "Look at you Edward. You have the world at your fingertips you're everything I could never be."

"What's that supposed to mean. Paul I loved you so much. I don't care that you're in a chair or aren't rich. I have my own money."

"That isn't what I mean Red. Your sophisticated you live in a different world from me. You're just too good for the likes of me." Paul lowered his head twisting his hands on his lap. "Now its even more obvious."

"Paul I love you. Maybe you don't love me and I'm not good enough for you. But you are not going to send me away again. I want to be here with you."

"Stop saying you love me. You don't know what love is." Paul growled.

Edward got angry. "How dare you Paul. I've lived a long life and I have never felt what I feel for you with anyone else. I've not looked at another in four years. Everyday it was you that filled my thoughts. It was you Paul its always being you. Please don't push me away again. Please." Edward sobbed.

Paul never said a word. The silence between them grew. Not for the first time did Edward wish he could hear Paul's thoughts. His face never gave anything away either it was like a blank canvas. Leah came back and looked between the two men. She had hoped they would have talked. But it looked like nothing had happened. She handed Paul his coffee and sat beside Edward.

"It's hard to believe we are in the middle of a city. It's so peaceful." Leah said breaking the silence.

"I remember coming here as a child in summer. Kids would bring their toy yachts and have races. People riding their horses showing off." Edward chuckled at the memory. It was something he could remember from his first life.

"Wouldn't get away with doing that now." Paul shrugged drinking his coffee.

"Probably not. Almost got trampled on once. Dad tanned my backside though for scaring the life out of him."

"I bet it glowed a nice colour pink." Paul chuckled flirting. Edward didn't even know if Paul knew he was doing it.

"God Paul you have a one track mind. So are we really going to skype Seth when we get back?" Leah asked.

"Yep I checked that they were home but Jasper promised not to tell him or Jacob we were going to skype." I think its time you got together again don't you?" Edward asked.

"What happened? I can't remember." Paul sighed.

"Stupid elders thinking they had the right to tell Seth and Jacob who they could and couldn't love." Leah explained.

Paul thought for a few minutes and nodded. "They were always idiots. Remember those stupid legions about cold ones and werewolves." Paul rolled his eyes before draining the cup, throwing it at the trash can on the other side of the park beach.

"Bloody show off." Leah snorted when she tried to throw hers and it landed on the ground. "Come on I'm cold." she shivered.

The way back was slower. Paul pointed out some area's on one of the many maps he had yet to explore. Edward was happy to see that most of them were wheelchair friendly. An hour later they were back at the apartment. Paul hated being fussed over and Embry and Brady knew that he liked the no nonsense approach. They needed to skype Alaska soon. Brady set up the laptop and they gathered around the table.

Edward was going to put a call through like he usually did once a week to his parents. So Seth and Jacob wouldn't be suspicious. Leah and the others were off screen. Seth's cheery face appeared.

"Hey Edward you're early today!"

"Hello Seth. I know been a bit of a change in plan. Hey can you get Jacob? I need to talk to you both." Edward asked.

"Yo Jake got a sec?"

"Hang on just wasting Emmett in Halo." Jacob called out.

"Hey where are you? That's not your apartment." Seth asked frowning.

"Nope its not, I'm visiting friends." Edward smiled.

"Whatup Eddy?" Jacob's said sitting down beside Seth.

"I was telling Seth I am visiting friends and they wanted to say hi to you guys."

He turned the computer around where Paul and Leah were sitting with Embry and Brady behind them. "Surprise." They all shouted.

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god." Seth chanted before bursting into tears.

"You tricky bastard. Hey guys how are you? Where are you? Jacob chuckled rubbing Seth's back.

"New York. God its great to see you Jacob." Embry said wiping his own tears way. Jacob and Embry were best friends along with Quil.

"Paul man where's my sister?" Jacob asked.

Paul frowned looking confused. "Long story will tell you later." Brady said Leah to busy staring at her brother the pair were having their own private conversation quietly.

"We should come visit you guys. Are all of you living together. And how the hell did you find Eddy?"

"Leah lives in PA now with Colin. Brady is in medical school can you believe it." Embry said kissing Brady's cheek."

Edward hadn't taken his eyes off Paul the more they talked the more confused he seemed. The others were just excited to see their friends. Edward wanted to kill the call. Using his vampire speed he went and pulled the modem out of the socket and the screen went blank just as he sat back down.

"What the fuck?" Leah cried out.

Embry and Brady tried to figure out what went wrong. Edward moved his eyes to Paul who was still sitting there frowning. Leah sighed and nodded.

"Why don't we go out for dinner. Must be Edward's turn to buy since he's been away so long. Hey we should show these guys your suite."

Embry and Brady muttered still focused on the laptop trying to figure out what had gone wrong. Edward looked at Paul.

"I'm kinda tired. You guys go." he said.

"Nope you're coming we haven't been out in ages. Time to put your glad rags on." Embry said leaving Brady to it.

"I said no," Paul growled.

"Well tough shit dude. Edward has come all this way to see you and you are going to spend time with him." Without asking permission he picked Paul up and took him to the bedroom.

"Have I ever told you that you're an asshole Call." Paul muttered.

Edward went and plugged the modem back in. Calling back Seth and Jacob he left Leah talking to her brother. Brady shook his head. And said he was going to go get changed. An hour later all four men were waiting for Leah. She didn't want to hang up on Seth and in the end they promised to talk the following day.

They got a taxi this time but Edward could understand why Paul preferred the tube. There was less hassle for him getting in and out of his chair. He still wasn't happy about going but Embry and Brady wouldn't listen. The former shifters tried to look unimpressed with the lobby. But were all failing miserably.

"Want to eat in the dining room or shall we get room service? Edward asked.

"Room service." they all agreed.

The doors were all wide enough for Paul and his wheelchair and was able to easily maneuver around the furniture. While the others talked excitably Paul checked out his surroundings. Edward offered to show him around not that he needed to but it would give them some more time alone. When Edward opened the bedroom door he wondered if Paul was thinking the same thing as him. Paul wheeled himself over to the bed and leaned over and grabbed the chocolate off the pillow and ate it.

"Nice place you got here Red."

"It's only for a few days. I've got use of an apartment. Its just needs stocking up on some things then I will move there."

"Nice for some." he sighed. "I'm starving lets go order shall we?"

Edward stepped in front of Paul's wheelchair and put both his hands on the side of Paul's face. Without warning he leaned down and kissed Paul. The wolf didn't respond his eyes wide. Edward pulled back.

"You had a bit of chocolate just their." Edward pointed to his own lips before turning around and leaving a still stunned Paul.

Wow has Eddy grown some balls? Paul is still a stubborn ass. But that is what makes me love him.

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