Four days. Four days was all it took for Embry to convince Lex to hang out with him outside of college. He considered that a tremendous win, especially as she'd only just grasped the concept of actually texting him back. Her absenteeism wasn't a huge issue - he'd gotten into the habit of picking her up before and after work each day, and they frequently crossed paths at college. Still, any substantial acknowledgement of his existence beyond the bare minimum was very exciting. Sure, Collin had taken immense joy in ribbing him mercilessly, calling his mooning over Lex pathetic. And sure, the past Embry would have considered this kind of barely requited devotion pathetic. Things were different now, though; a look was more than a look and a touch was more than a touch when it came to her. She had changed everything.
Before Lex, his understanding of imprinting had been heavily tempered by the memories of his brothers. Sam's experiences, in particular, had led Embry to see imprinting as a sort of unwilling slavery, a predicament in which there was no alternative but to accept the bond. None of the wolves in the tribe's history (that they were aware of, at least) had ever refused their imprint, though not for a lack of trying. With this knowledge in mind, Embry had expected his relationship with Lex post-imprint to be strained, tempered by his anticipated bitterness at the forced connection. Once he'd gotten past the initial shock, sitting through many long conversations with Jared and Quil, he'd turned towards the phenomenon with an open mind. Quil was passionate about his own theory of imprinting, arguing that it was a spiritual connection that joined the wolves to the person who could best complete them. He was sure that imprinting didn't necessitate a romantic relationship, instead believing that it would lead to some kind of mutually fulfilling bond that could take a variety of shapes.
Embry had first thought of the theory as laughable - all of the imprinted wolves (bar Jacob and Quil) had romantically pursued their imprints, who had all responded enthusiastically. The more he'd thought about the theory, though, the more comforting he found it. Embry liked the thought that he was tied to Lex for some greater purpose than mating, and he was especially comforted by the thought that his growing attraction to her was voluntary. Embry wanted to grow with Lex, discover things about her simply because he, the human, wanted to, and not because a strange biological imperative compelled him to do so. Quil had harped on about his theory at one of the bonfires a few summers back, enough so that Old Quil had eventually agreed that the theory made sense. Regardless of what shape the relationship took, the imprint bond would strengthen the wolves and give them a stronger incentive to protect the tribe. Old Quil's consideration of the theory gave it enough legitimacy that Emily had even agreed to make a note of it in the tribe's written history she was working on, which was a pretty monumental achievement. Emily had become surprisingly strict with what she was willing to include in the tribe's official history, opting to exclude the more entertaining aspects of their physiology (such as their heightened alcohol tolerance, which Embry argued was essential information for future wolves). Nevertheless, Quil's theory had been recorded - something that he had bragged about for weeks - and Embry was left reassured that whilst protecting Lex was mandatory, loving her would be entirely his choice.
Discussing feelings was almost always a non-option for Lex, and her opinion on Embry was no exception. She'd never confess it to Kim, but she was slowly growing to adore his near-constant presence in her life. She was expecting the ride from work a week prior to be a one-off favour, but as sure as the sun rose, he was there to collect her day after day. Embry was around so much that he'd become a staple in her daily routine. Lex was growing used to seeing his name flash on her phone, even coming to recognise the sound of his truck pulling up outside her house. She felt a slight flash of guilt whenever she thought about his way of doting on her, though. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate his thoughtfulness, his giving nature - his frequent kind gestures were a real testament to his excellent character. It was more that Lex was uncomfortable with his growing attachment to her, a level of care that went beyond what she could comfortably reciprocate. Shit, she still struggled sometimes to open up to Kim, whose intentions and motivations were crystal clear. Embry was more of an enigma, and that frightened her.
On the surface, Lex was happy to tell others that she was staying in Forks just long enough to attain her degree. What rested beneath was a slew of issues that she could barely think about, let alone discuss with others. Her problems were pretty standard - attachment and abandonment issues, shitty family life - the basic kind of trauma that every introductory psych class she took touched on. Looking back on her childhood hurt, especially when it came to thinking about her mom. Lex had no real memories of her, and her father's absolute refusal to speak about her in any capacity stung more than she'd ever confess. Her father had always been distant, unavailable, partly owing to his intensely gruelling work schedule and partly due to his own issues. She'd guessed that something terrible had happened to her mom, but Lex never had the opportunity for closure, and it left too many unknowns for her to close that chapter in her mind. Leaving Beaver was a combination of seeking something new and escaping the old, leaving behind every single place and every memory that haunted her.
Forks was a definite improvement when it came to Lex's emotional environment. Sure, she'd been alone, but that wasn't new - she was further from her father physically, but no more distanced emotionally. Being alone was safe. Being alone was avoiding heartbreak, avoiding trauma. It was keeping herself whole. The truth she'd never tell was that her transience was a facade to avoid attachment, the only way of protecting herself that she knew. Embry was a complication to the plan. Lex hadn't intended on spending any time with him, and yet, somehow, he'd weaselled his way into her everyday routine. Worse was the fact that she'd come to enjoy his presence. Becoming attached to him could only spell danger: when he left, he was sure to splinter what was left of her spirit, and that wasn't something she was sure she could survive. Distance was safe. Lex told herself this, repeated it countless times in her mind, and somehow she had still agreed to go hiking with him that weekend. She chalked her weakness up to his unwavering persistence and distractingly good looks, two things that Lex was sure would turn any woman's brain to mush. Resisting Embry was a herculean effort.
Embry's uncanny ability to appear whenever she mentioned him, or whenever she even remotely needed help, made her suspicious of his intentions. She'd already nixed the idea of dating him - a refusal that triggered pangs of regret when she recalled the memory - and she'd expected her prickliness to repel further attention from him. And somehow, despite all of that, he was still there, still trying to befriend her. Refusing him was exhausting, and part of her truly did want to say yes to his company. Lex's mind was constantly at odds, torn between protecting herself and giving him a chance. Kim's scheming to get the pair alone really didn't help matters either. And so, knowing that trying to distance herself from Embry was futile, she allowed herself to text him back. She agreed to spend even more time with him. She was giving him a chance. Lex reasoned that though things would hurt in the end, she may as well enjoy herself in the meantime, allowing herself to open up a small portion of herself to him. Knowing that she'd probably regret it was not enough for her to stop, and a part of her felt like letting Embry in was inevitable. As intimidating as he was, he made her feel seen in a way that nobody else had in a long time and turning away from him only grew harder by the day. It was inevitable.
"Embry, if you don't stop stressing the fuck out, you might actually make me phase," Quil grumbles, smacking Embry on the back of the head.
He lets out a low whine. "I can't help it! I'm nervous, she's freaking out, so now I'm extra stressed. Shit, man, a whole day with her. What if I scare her off?"
Quil snorts. "Somehow she hasn't run screaming yet, so you're already working miracles. I'd say be yourself but that'd probably terrify her," he teases, dodging the fist that rapidly swings towards him.
Jared leans over the back of the couch, tearing his eyes away from Fifa for a precious few moments to glance at Embry. "You'll be fine. Kim's pretty sure she's got a crush on you, anyway."
Embry's worried expression relaxes into his usual goofy grin. "I owe Kim about a billion favours for her help. You got a good one, man," he nods at Jared, who tips his head in assent.
"Tell me about it," Jared says wistfully. "Anyway, get your ass moving. You won't get any girls sitting at home." With that simple advice, he turns back to the game, all thoughts of further conversation forgotten.
Embry doesn't need to be told twice. Thankfully, Quil reminds him to grab the picnic from the fridge - Emily's helped him put together something edible, which is already leagues ahead of his usual fare - and he even remembers to put on shoes for once. It's going to be a good day. The drive into Forks is blissfully short, his mind occupied with swirling thoughts of the day ahead. He's planned it all out - a short hike through La Push to the cliffs (Kim says she's obsessed with them), a picnic, then exploring the rockpools on the beach below. Lex is quiet, a closed book, and he's hoping that the change of scenery will get her talking. At the very least, Embry figures he can ask her some questions about her life back home, hoping to learn a little more about her that way. When he pulls up on her street he's delighted to see she's already waiting outside for him, balancing two thermoses of coffee atop a small brown box. Embry hops out of the truck, darting around to open her door as she approaches. After his near misses in previous weeks, he's sure to slow his pace to something relatively appropriate for a human. It's far too soon for her to know - she's barely relaxed with him as it is, and he's sure that learning his secret won't be too comforting for her.
Lex offers him a small smile as she reaches the truck. "Hey, you. I got us some snacks since you're always hungry," she says, nodding to the box.
Embry takes it carefully from her, grinning as he notices the package. Tino's. His favourite Forksian breakfast spot. "Damn, and here I was thinking that I'd be treating you today. Thank you," he says, helping her to load her things into the truck. Sure, he'd help her in too, but they're not entirely there yet. Still, he's emboldened by Jared's earlier words, and figures that being close to her is worth a shot.
"Is it too early to claim my daily hug?" Embry asks, dramatically opening his arms wide. Lex looks surprised for a moment - when is he ever that audacious? - before rolling her eyes and stepping into his embrace. Her voice is muffled against his chest, but her words are clear.
"You're a dork. You'll have to work for the next hug," Lex jokes, and his heart leaps. Progress.
The forested trail that Embry leads her though reminds Lex eerily of Beaver, as if she's been somehow transported back into the winding dirt paths of her home. The smell of the pine sap, the crunch of the branches under Embry's surprisingly nimble feet, the swinging of the fir boughs before her, all hark back to another time. She loves the forest, having grown up running around barefoot and dirtied as her father worked in the early years. She loves the forest, but hate what it's become to her: a symbol of the isolation and solitude she's lived through.
Embry's voice breaks through the silence. "What are you thinking about?" he asks, and it feels like he's shining a spotlight on the cracks in her composure. How do you tell someone that the perfect date they've planned echoes back to memories of far shittier times?
Lex hesitates for a moment before speaking. "Being out here reminds me of home. I spent a lot of time out in the forest behind my house as a kid. It used to drive my father crazy when I'd come in and get mud everywhere," she smiles, recalling his reaction to her footprints across the kitchen tiles. "It was fun, at least for awhile. And then it was lonely. I haven't been out in the forest much since I moved."
He frowns. That definitely wasn't the reaction he was after. "I didn't realise it would bring back bad memories. I'm sorry."
"Don't be. It's beautiful out here. It's nice in a spooky kind of way." Lex smiles up at Embry, and he marvels at the way her cheeks glow pink in the frosty air. The dappled light seems to highlight every ounce of colour in her dark hair, the strands shining like luminescent silky ribbons.
"What?" she asks, and it's only then that he realises that he's been staring at her. Shit. Embry's brain is blank - how the hell is he meant to deflect that one? - and before he's fully aware of what's happening, his hand reaches out and tugs on her ponytail like a kid.
"Come on, squirt. There are cliffs waiting," he teases, inwardly cringing. That was definitely not how that was supposed to go. Nevertheless, Lex laughs, and his embarrassment fades slightly. He's not smooth at all, but she doesn't seem too bothered by it, and he's endlessly thankful that she doesn't tease him back. Embry's experience with banter is strictly limited to goofing around with the guys, and he's absolutely sure that tackling Lex won't garner a positive reaction. Still, teasing her was well worth the momentary embarrassment. It's almost as if he can still feel the softness of her hair curling around his fingers, leaving his skin itching for another touch that he knows he can't have. Instead, he slides his free hand into his pocket, flexing and unflexing his fingers in an attempt at distracting himself.
Lex can't help but smile when she looks at Embry. She had fully expected today to be awkward, some sort of silent trek through the woods peppered with occasional spurts of conversation. Instead, he's surprised her with his goofiness and bubbly chatter, managing to take her anxiety down a few notches. Embry enthusiastically shares a slew of anecdotes about her newfound friends as they hike, pointing out various spots along the trail with gusto. Lex hangs off every word he speaks, feeling herself becoming increasingly immersed in his tales. He's an excellent story-teller, peppering his speech with dramatic gestures and voices that make her giggle. She's so entertained that she even compliments his theatrics after another recitation of Quil's strange childhood antics, quietly delighting in the way her praise elicits a grin.
Embry lets out a low whistle as a cheeky smile stretches across his face. "High praise, coming from you," he says, laughing as her face warms. Adorable. "For real, though, if you think I'm good you should really see Billy. He's our Chief - he tells a lot of the tribe's stories when we have bonfires. When he talks, you feel like you're actually there. It's pretty crazy." Embry's face becomes serious for a moment as he thinks. "If you want to come to one, I can ask Emily when the next one is. I'm pretty sure there'll be one soon," he says, glancing over at her.
Lex nods vigorously, catching him off-guard with her unusual enthusiasm. "That would be cool. I love history, especially the kind of stuff you can't find online. My father used to tell me a lot of the old Catholic tales about weird saints instead of the usual bedtime stories. I feel like that's gotta be right up there on the list of reasons for why I'm like this."
Embry guffaws. "These stories about your dad are really building an interesting character," he says, and she nods again.
"Oh yeah. He's a strange guy. Taught me lots of interesting stuff though," she says, her voice trailing off.
Embry sends a silent prayer of thanks to whichever deity's listening as they approach the end of the trail. He's eager to get into the picnic, yes, but he's also itching to stretch out on the rug with Lex and hopefully sneak in a cuddle or two. As they near the trailhead, his eyes zero in on the downed tree obstructing the dirt path. He could easily clear it in one lithe leap, but a sidelong glance at the small woman beside him confirms that's not on the cards. Instead, he hoists himself onto the log, offering her his outstretched hand. She hesitates for a second before reaching towards him, and he takes a moment to revel in the way her smooth palm against his own sends little shooting sparks through his body. Embry pulls her over the obstacle with ease, expecting her to duck away from him as per usual. He's both thrilled and astonished as she leaves her fingers threaded through his, tugging him forward towards the clearing with renewed energy. He faintly notices the sound of her voice, but it's like some thick fog has descended over this brain at the sensation of her touch. God help him.
The sun climbs high in the sky as the pair splash through the shallow rock pools, carefree and sun-kissed. Despite her apprehension, today's been perfect - Lex couldn't imagine a better way to appreciate the rare winter warmth, and she found herself increasingly glad that she'd spent it with Embry. He'd obviously put a fair amount of planning into the day, surprising her with a picnic in a sheltered section of the clifftop. The view from the plateau was sublime, a sweeping panorama of the inky blue depths of the ocean that contrasted beautifully with the rugged woods that surrounded them. The landscape of La Push was both invigorating and terrifying, a kind of beauty that left her dizzy and breathless. Embry had again asked her what she was thinking of after a long period of silence, and she'd been reluctant to share, expecting him to think her silly. Instead, he'd nodded pensively, gazing out at the scene before them. It felt like an eternity before he spoke.
"I never paid attention to the land when I was younger. I didn't think about nature too much. The last few years, though…I feel like I've seen a different world. I get what you mean about the scary side." He directed his contemplation towards her again, scanning her face with those bottomless dark eyes that left her a little unsteady. He made her feel much like the forest did: a sense of fearful awe that inspired both curiosity and insecurity. Whatever he found in her expression left him satisfied, and he returned his gaze to the ocean. Part of her wished that he'd wrap his arm around her again, drawing her close, and that part scared her. It wasn't rational. Lex wasn't used to the feelings, the thoughts - she'd yet to have a friend that made her feel as deeply as Embry did, and the unusual energy both attracted and repelled her from him. Falling into his orbit was natural, she'd come to realise after spending some time with him, noting the increasing ease of their interactions, both verbal and physical. Embry had taken to making contact more often, resting his hand on her arm or playing with her hair. Lex had reasoned that it was normal for the guys, comparing their interactions to that of Jared and Kim. Then again, Jared and Kim were a couple. Fuck.
Embry knew she wasn't interested in dating. She supposed then that surely his gestures were platonic, just that of an overenthusiastic pal with dubious boundaries. One look at the way that the guys interacted was a clear indication that normal rules of engagement didn't apply - Lord knows how Kim didn't feel jealous at the way Jared flung himself at Quil on countless occasions. Her rationalisations felt flimsy at best, but she was trying her best to give Embry the benefit of the doubt. Kim's frequent encouragement to spend time with him was beginning to get to her, as well as a sneaking sense of insecurity that Kim was getting tired of her company. Becoming comfortable with Embry was like walking a tightrope, a constant balancing act that pitted her need for closeness against her desire for isolation. He was wearing her down, though, captivating her with his gleaming smile and eyes that shone in the winter sunlight.
Embry grips her hand tight as he leads her across the craggy ground, helping her to climb high onto the side of the outcrop. She's no athlete, but he compensates for her awkwardness with ease, fluidly hoisting her up as if she's weightless. As they settle into a seated position on the ledge she can't resist the urge to tuck herself in close to his side, savouring his toasty warmth. Embry's strength, his heat, his physique are highly unusual, and she wonders if she'd be rude to comment. Lex can't imagine what kind of explanation would best satisfy her curiosity - steroids? human experimentation? - and so she resolves to leave the obvious unstated. Instead, she allows Embry to curl his arm around her side, revelling in the way his taut muscles hug her close. They don't speak much that afternoon - they rarely do - but the safety and comfort she feels in his presence are unparalleled.
The drive home that evening is blissful, with Embry taking the turns extra slow just to make Lex tease his grandma driving. He's not typically fond of a snail's pace, but he wants to stretch out every second with her to make the day last, and the way that she's laughing in the passenger seat suggests that she has no complaints. She rolls the windows down and her long hair whips in the cool wind, giving her the kind of wild look that Embry's come to adore. She still has the playful gleam in her eyes when he pulls up by her house, drawing him into a hug with unexpected enthusiasm. Lex is full of contradictions, always doing some weird push-pull with her affections that leaves Embry on his toes, but he embraces her tightly regardless. He's sure that eventually, she'll stop running, and he'll be there to catch her when she falls.
Lex lies awake for a long time that night, staring up at the peeling ceiling, willing things to make sense. She racks her brain for a reason - hell, she'd take any excuse - to keep her distance from Embry. But when she thinks of their hike, their day on the beach, she can't think of a single one. Lex is busy wracking her brain for a shred of sense when her phone vibrates. Kim.
How was today?
Then, a second later.
Emily makes the best muffins.
Lex furrows her brow as she re-reads the message. Embry got help from the girls for the picnic? This is quickly crossing into romantic gesture territory, not simple "surprising a friend" behaviour, and she's nervous. God, she needs to relax. She settles for a brief response.
It was nice. Embry had help?
Instantaneously, her phone buzzes with a reply.
He wanted Jared's advice so I had to intervene….have you seen the two of them together?
She laughs, imagining Jared's idea of an ideal Saturday, probably involving baseball or games or both.
Point taken. Today was fun. Embry's sweet.
Thank you.
Their conversation quickly drifts to other things, back to their normal complaining about college and work. She talks with Kim for close to an hour, but her mind keeps drifting back to Embry, of their day together, of seeing him on Monday. Against her better judgement, she closes her chat with Kim to text him.
Thanks for today. I had a good time with you. See you Monday?
Her stomach is consumed by a swarm of colossal butterflies as she imagines him reading her message. Part of her wishes she'd texted something else, something more blase, but the other half of her is content with the simple feat of reaching out to him. He doesn't reply, though, and she eventually falls asleep, phone clutched in her hand. When she awakes the next morning, disorientated and groggy, it takes her a long moment what she's drowsily searching for. Her heart skips a beat as she notices the new notification - an early morning text from him - and her hand shakes as she clicks on it.
Good morning. Yesterday was perfect. Let's do it again soon. See you tomorrow :)
Her small squeak of excitement is dampened only slightly by Liz's rap on the wall.
"Jesus, dude, too early for that shit," she grumbles.
Lex flops back onto her bed, hugging her phone close. She's too excited by the message, but she doesn't care. He likes her. He likes her, and that's enough to send her mood rocketing into orbit for the rest of the day.
Running patrol after his date with Lex feels like a fair trade-off for all of the shift swapping he's been doing lately. He really needs to get onto sorting this project car idea out - running himself ragged to patrol in between driving Lex around is a total headache, but he still prefers it to the alternative (her, alone, in danger, walking). Embry's relieved that his brothers are mostly understanding, especially Quil, whose pitched in to pick up a ton of his hours since Claire's away on a family trip. When Embry phases in, he's greeted by Jared and Seth, who are at the tail-end of their rounds of the Rez. He quickly fills them in on the date, and he almost glows with pride as he recalls her warmth and openness.
Dude, I knew it, Jared thinks, conjuring up memories of Kim talking about Lex. She's totally into you.
Plus, who can resist Emily's muffins, Seth adds, and the three men are quickly immersed in a debate over Emily's best. Emily's put in the hard yards over the years to provide for the guys, even teaching Kim and Rachel her best recipes to help share the load. As far as Embry's concerned, Emily is a goddess in the kitchen, and he's sure someday he'll eventually manage some of her basic directions without setting the food alight. Someday. Maybe.
Embry senses Paul phasing in, gleaning flashes of Rachel naked and stretched out beneath him.
Sorry, I'm late boys, he thinks unabashedly. Lost track of time. His thoughts are quick to return to Rachel, and Embry thanks his lucky stars that Jake no longer patrols with them.
Ugh, imprints, Seth teases, disappearing from the pack mind. Quil's quick to follow, leaving Embry and Paul in comfortable quiet to continue the patrol. It's an uneventful night, with only the standard wildlife to be seen, as per usual. They haven't had any sightings in months, but they continue their patrols all the same, eventually planning to cut back the surveillance when the guys cease phasing. Embry relishes in a quiet night on the ground, making good use of his time to reflect on the day. Paul teases him here and there but mainly leaves him alone. Paul's mellowed out a lot since meeting Rachel, and even more so in the absence of vampire drama.
Embry shifts back into his human form as the sun begins to rise, a brilliant orange glow that illuminates the frosty forests of La Push. He's exhausted, ready to collapse into a heap on the living room couch, but is driven to his bedroom solely by the thought of grabbing his phone and texting Lex. Seeing that she's already messaged him, thinking about him, sends a jolt through his body so strong that he's at alert at once. He wants to run to her, see her immediately, thank her for giving him a chance, and it takes him a long pause in order to retrieve whatever shred of sanity he has remaining. Embry settles for a short text - anything more and he'd probably end up sleepily confessing his undying love for her - before crawling into bed, happy and content knowing that he's on her mind, just like she's on his.