Silence

Summary: Ever since the ordeal after "Clowns", Bella has been withdrawn trying to wrap her head around everything she witnessed. Within the circle she has called family, she has mostly grown attached to Paul. Charlie is called away on a case one state over and Bella finds it best to stay with the one person she can trust. Opening their eyes to something beautiful.

Bella hugs her father tightly as he kissed her forehead. "I'll be back. You're staying with Paul this weekend right?" He asked pulling back to look at her. She nodded, smiling a little. "Well...I know you're just friends but...be safe." Bella blushed hitting him lightly. "Alright kiddo. Paul's here now. I'll see you Monday night." Charlie and Bella walked outside each to a different vehicle. Charlie pulled out the driveway giving them a smile. Bella watched his headlights disappear.

"You're still not talking huh?" Paul asked, moving some hair behind her ear. "I just..what I saw..if I talk...it's all real." She whispered looking up at him. He nodded in understanding. "I know. When I close my eyes..it's on replay. Come on, I've got some movies picked out and a nice weekend." Paul smiled and backed out of the drive way before heading to LaPush.

Bella nodded and leaned into the seat closing her eyes. The warmth in the car radiating from Paul made her relax as she finally felt at home. Paul glanced over at her for a moment before turning back to the road. He was lost in thought as he thought about the ordeal. Not only did he see a cops head being blown off, but what haunted him the most was Bella. He couldn't imagine for one moment about what was going through her head. She was literally at the mercy of a serial killer.

He pulled into the drive way hopping out of his car. Bella did the same and smiled. She walked inside happily, this trip was nothing she wasn't used to. Paul threw his keys on the counter showing Bella the few movies he picked out.

She picked one, a soft comedy and ran to pop it in the dvd. Paul went to the kitchen putting on the popcorn and went into the hall, grabbing a large blanket. He laid it on the floor as Bella scooted around him to get the popcorn. Paul pulled his shirt off, laying it on the back of the couch as Bella came in with the popcorn, flicking off the light. She sat in the middle as Paul sat next to her on the end. She laid her head on his shoulder, sighing in content.

The two sat in silence as the movie went on, Bella munching on popcorn, bundled up under him. His arm wrapped around her shoulders. Bella soon felt herself drifting off to sleep, and she let sleep come hoping that her nightmares wouldn't plague her.

Paul laid Bella on the couch throwing the blanket over her. He locked up the front door and then walked into his room stretching. He yawned and laid in his bed, his mind on the girl in his living room. He rolled over sighing, closing his eyes.

Bella laid on the couch, sweating. She turned flinging the cover off of her. Her pale skin was sickly white. She whimpered slightly. "No..no..don't do it." She whispered. She flinched at the gun shot that went off in her head. Warm hands shook her awake, a voice calling her name. "Bella...wake up." Paul lifted her into his arms, taking her into his room. He laid her on the bed, his body curling around hers.

She calmed instantly, her whimpering stopping as she pulled herself closer. He laid his head on hers, sighing. Bella awoke to a warm light shining in her face, and an even warmer arm wrapped around her waist. She lifted her head taking in a deep breath. She smiled at Paul as his eyes were closed and looked relaxed for once in his life.

It's been two months since the ordeal and Bella realized neither of them has fully one to terms with that what happened. She's spent every moment she could with the shifter. Despite his sometimes impulsive temper, something about his energy soothed her nerves.

She turned slowly laying her head on his arm. Paul shuffled slightly, his arm tightening around her. His eyes blinked open as he looked down at her. He didn't say anything but stared. "How long?" He asked. Bell buried her face in his chest. "2 months." She mumbled. Paul sighed shaking his head. "Dammit. Why didn't you tell me?" He asked running a hand through her long brown hair.

Bella shrugged. "I don't know." She admitted. He pulled her closer, kissing her forehead. The day went on, the two laying around in silence. The night started the same, with more movies and a night on the couch except the two fell asleep in the bed.

By Sunday, Bella and Paul were in their own little world, talking about nothing but more so lost in each other. There was a connection between them that neither of them knew how to make sense of.

Paul watched Bella sleep peacefully for the second night, his eyes wandering over her every feature. Her hair line, the way her hair has streaks of a cherrywood red when the light hits it just right, the way her brow burrows in her sleep, the way her lashes create mini shadows or the way her eyes looked under the morning the light. The dip in her lips, her heart shaped face. The way her skin seemed to glisten, it was so pale.

He smiled solftly. He never knew he could feel this type of fondness for an outsider. He used to despise her. Wondering just how stupid she had to be to fall in love with a vampire. But would she love him was the new question his mind had to ask. They witnessed a tragedy, became close friends to where they spent the weekends together. Alone. He grew more fond everyday. Always looking forward for the pale girl to come around.

Pack gatherings... she's usually sandwiched in between himself and Jacob. But leaving within minutes to a cooler spot as the heat would get to her rather quickly. He'd watch her all night, waiting for an irregular reaction. When the fire would start to get going and pop, she'd find her way to him, curling into his side and hiding her face, peeking through the curtain of her hair. The fire mesmerized her for sure but the sound brought back memories.

He laid his nose against hers, waiting. Her eyes blinked open before she even moved. The two just took one another in. Paul closed his eyes sighing. Bella reached into his hair, playing in it. He nuzzled her cheek, his lips caressing the skin until it found its destination. His lips moved on their own accord as he tasted the unique taste of Bella. Strawberries.

Bella cooperated, her hands making their own exploration. Paul pulled away slowly, his brown eyes intense. They were silent as they just stared at one another. His heart seemed to crave her presence and he couldn't deny that the animal in him was getting used to her as well. "Stay." He whispered against her lips. She nodded, kissing him once more. Nothing but silence in his home. Two people trying to figure out how their lives can begin starting with each other.

End.