Noelle had noticed the world change suddenly. Though her nights had still been thrusted with endless amounts of tossing and turning. She still found herself happily excited for the day to begin. And Matt and Margo noticed, their eyes meeting as the normally grumpy girl waltzed in to a nearly complete book store with a coffee in one hand and a donut in the other. The giant smile on her face even scared the younger kids who were used to the girl's colder morning demeanor. Took her until noon to relax and crack a few jokes but right off the start of her shift she was dancing around with not care

And Margo loved seeing a happy Noelle, but she wasn't happy with the person causing it. Not one bit.

"Jacob?" Matt asked much to Margo's dislike.

"Unfortunately. "

To Margo, the Blacks were soul sucking leeches. And she knew the boy had some sort of spell on Noelle. The way William and the others watched her made her own blood boil into a rage. They asked questions about her, and Margo made sure to don't indulge them. There was something about them that didn't sit right with Margo, something hidden deep int heir shadows. The last thing Margo wanted was for Noelle to fall into their trap and never push her life the way Noelle and Margo dreamed of doing.

Margo tried to fuel the girl with confidence, entrusted her with several writing prompts to keep her busy and motivated for the initial plan but somehow Noelle couldn't concentrate. Both Matt and Noelle were writing novels with set deadlines. Matt was much more vocal about his progress while Noelle suffered large amounts of writer's block. She had no worries about Matt, he was right on track. Noelle, she was too busy getting lost in this world of possibilities. And that wasn't ever good for the young girl with a giant imagination. The last thing she needed was another distraction, especially one committed by Jacob Black.

"Good morning, Familia!"

Noelle sat her coffee down on the wooden counter top. Some donut in her mouth as she offered some to Margo and Matt. Margo shook her head while Matt leaned down and took a bite.

"Well, looks like someone woke up on the right side of the bed."

"I guess… I mean. "Noelle knew this morning was different. She took time on her appearance today. A training day of all days to get done up but she felt good. There was something good about today.

"Jacob keeping you awake?"

Matt watched as Noelle's eyes glared at him and Margo fidget from beside him. At this Noelle blushed and shook her head. Thoughts of Jacob from the weekend before had clouded her mind. From sitting on that log with him by her side. Sharing a blanket while they laughed at Matt and Seth. But the images of that night really messed with her mind. Shed lay down that night and think about the way he laughed, a rumbling chuckle she could feel just by being next to him. The warmth he radiated that made her miss the California sun. Just the way he confidently spoke made her look at him with such admiration. So that night, she lay down and look at her ceiling, rethinking to color a wall that enticing color of brown that melted away when he looked at her. Hugging her pillow and wishing it would radiate the same heat he would. Or maybe that her candle would start smelling like motor oil. And even in the dark, she blushed and shoved her face into the pillow. She knew better, she promised herself better.

"I keep myself awake." She retorted dropping off her purse into a cubby behind the register.

"That you do. Did you finish that prompt I sent you, Noelle?" Margo asked. Glasses falling down her nose as she eyed the girl who looked uneasy suddenly.

"I started it…." Noelle had not started it. How could she when she spent, her last week texting Jacob until the wee hours of the morning. She was too nervous to hear him over the phone, always letting him know she was too busy to pick it up and hear him. But really, she was too nervous she'd say something stupid. Which she was sure she did say, but it was more of the cringey feeling of biting him that caught her shaking her head and shoving the last piece of donut in her hand.

"what's it about? "Margo now stood tall, shoulders back and wild fiery hair ready to question a procrastinating Noelle. Who looked over to Matt for some help, but he wasn't dumb. Matt's eyes looked around the room, looking for anything to leave the upcoming conversation. And as Thomas struggled with a stack of books, he was off. Noelle dammed Matt and looked over at Margo who was patiently waiting for a response. Pointed toe flats that Noelle was sure cost more than her rent.

"what's it about? "Noelle repeated trying to think of what she actually wrote down. Simple quotes, music lyrics in hopes it would strum some inspiration. But that only lead her to playing the sims for the rest of her night.

"Ummm, it's about a boy." Noelle thought fast. Quileute legends coming to her and her train of thought.

"a boy? "Margo asked interested but also amused.

"yeah, a boy. He's like stuck in this life he doesn't want to be. "Noelle was a bullshitter. A wild imagination and an innocent face to pull such a move. Her mother and father knew better to believe Noelle's little stories. They were immune to her large round eyes and dimple; others weren't so lucky. Most of her essays were written on pure procrastination and earned her high marks. Noelle just was a great story teller, a wild imagination and a mischievous side.

"what type of life? "Margo asked intrigued

"I don't know. Like he hates what he's meant to be. Though everyone around him thinks it's a blessing and yeah. "

Noelle wasn't really lying. She had been wondering of the other aspects of the legends. Like what if you did have some cool ass shapeshifting ability but hated it. Hated having to sacrifice yourself to the undead. No one ever told that story.

"And? "

"And that's all I got so far. Along with some small blurbs that can go with the main piece. But yeah. I got it all down. "Noelle spoke confidently. Completely forgetting she had nothing to really prove she did all that but a sim family she had started.

Margo eyed her, looking for any lie but Noelle just smiled awkwardly. Dimple showing and eyes wide.

"Okay, well you know what needs to be done today. Opening is soon and I want to be done a day before so we can do a lock in. "

Noelle nodded. Biting her lip and allowing Margo to walk past her towards the back offices.

Jacob sat across Noelle. His eyes on her while she sipped the hot chocolate and swirled the Chinese food In her little container. She had taken her break a little later than normal. Opting for an early dinner with Jacob when he got off work. And he drove while she paid for the food. As much as he argued she didn't let him. She was all about compromise as really wanted him to break away from stereotypical gender norms when it came to whatever they had. He wanted to open doors for her, pay for dinners, pick her up and though it sounded nice she was fed up with the routine.

"What do you do?" Jacob asked. Breaking her concertation from her orange chicken and chow Mein. She stared up at him, loving how he didn't care if she found him disgusting the way he shoveled the food in his mouth. If anything, she enjoyed it.

"What do you mean?"

She twirled her plastic fork into the noodles. Stabbing her way into a carrot. Jacob knew she was off somewhere in her head. Mind filled with thoughts and anxieties. He never knew the reason for them, but he knew she had them. The simple fidgeting of her hands, face picking, nail biting Noelle with tense shoulders.

"Job wise. I mean, from what you told me, you already know what I do. You're experienced and all. But you, what's your job?"

Noelle was something else, he knew little things about her. Picked up on her quirks but he never really knew what she was doing in Forks. Margo could have been an indicator but then maybe Noelle had different motives. Jacob wondered how she was ever here to begin with and how he got so lucky to even find the California girl. He would've never moved to California or Seattle where she dreamed of living. He would've stayed in La Push his whole life and never ventured out.

"I work for a publishing house. A tiny one that is the diamond in the rough in this industry. "She grinned. Showing the spoon full in her mouth.

"Margo's publishing house?" Jake asked

"Yeah, exactly. We help her edit the manuscripts for Stevie's books. We run the website and set up functions for the books. Kind of run that entire thing for The author simply signs off and sends feedback. "She explained. Though many different publishing houses had different sectors of building a book, Margo's didn't. With only one book series, they were able to handle the work load themselves and found it more genuine when setting up events. Fans of the book knew of Matt and Noelle; they were small celebrities in the book world. And when they set up at conventions, they had a line of book geeks waiting to take a selfie with them.

"and the stores?" Jake asked

"Margo use to own a bookstore. That's her dream and Stevie has given her an opportunity to do that again. So, we set up bookstores around to really capture the essence of Stevie and the readers. There's a real genuine and beautiful relationship with the books and the readers. We draw them in with the book, but they stay for the classic literature and the assortment of comic books." She joked feeling the happiness build within her. Evident to Jacob who couldn't stop his own enjoyment hitting him in a wave. So, this is love? He thought.

"And what's your dream?" he asked

Noelle was caught off guard. Dropping the cup from her lips and blankly staring at Jacob.

"Umm my dream?"

"Yeah, that's Margo's dream you talk about. What's yours?"

He knew Margo's dream was solid and a beautiful one at that. He heard the stories from Sue and his father. And he was watching it all come to action. But Noelle was a small spec in Margo's giant corporation, and he wanted to know what fulfilled her in life. He knew his was and will be hers for as long as she lived. But she had other motives, and he needed to know what filled her heart.

"Writing I guess."

Noelle really didn't know. Her heart said she did but the knot in her stomach said something else. But she didn't really know.

"Like a book? I mean, I think you could Do it. "He explained.

Jacob was sweet, sweeter than anyone she had ever met. But she was sure its because he really fancied her. As she did with him.

"You haven't even read my writing."

"I just know you're good. I can tell. "

Noelle gave him a smile and shook her head. As she moved her food around her plate.

"Writing is something everyone could be good at. You just got to be able to say something and mean it. "

"like? " he asked

"like, Stevie's books really made these young kids see they weren't alone. And they made young adults feel invincible when their lives got hard. And offer people get to really reminisce about their glory days. There's a connection that just grows within you. "

"You really like Stevie's books? "Jacob asked

Noelle chuckled and laughed.

"Yeah, I mean I signed up the moment Margo showed me the first draft. Matt wasn't too far behind and we dedicated our lives to this series. "

"So, is that your favorite book? "

"no, my favorite book is actually To Kill a Mockingbird. Original, obviously not. But it's a damn good book. "

"I have a favorite book. "Jacob shot up quickly, something he was sure would spark her interest. Something they could talk about. He and Noelle didn't really have much in common when it came to topics to talk about. They were still getting the basics of each other down.

"let me guess, Motor Trend? "

Jacob glared at her while Noelle snickered.

"No, it's Where The Sidewalk ends. My mom used to read it to me when I was younger. I guess it's more of an emotional bond to those pages. But I know its still tucked somewhere in my house rotting away. "

Noelle remained quiet. Watching as Jacob's once assertive side turned quiet and his eyes looked down at his almost empty plates. Nd despite the new ache in her chest she was fueled by an undying need to reach over to him and make what he was feeling much more positive.

"Those type of books don't rot away, Jacob. Those books remain alive as along as we keep opening them up to relive what they mean to us. "

Noelle's hand reached over the picnic table to grab his. The tiny pale thing slipped under his strong one and gripped tightly. He felt the sudden shock radiate from the tip of his fingers to his heart. A zap that could only be best described by a warlock looking for revenge or the stars burning so bright that they phase out to fall onto planet earth. But this one was the opposite of devastation. This one was pure joy and love that he didn't see how simple touch of the hand could make him feel so invincible.

His hand gripped back. Engulfing her sweating one but they both didn't care. If anything, they let the other hold on a little tighter before Noelle's phone alerted the end of her break.

"Shit… "

Her hand left this, and he already missed touching her. Holding what she allowed him to have.

"you want the rest of this? "she asked tipping the container to show him what she had left.

With a lopsided grin on his face, she happily handed it over the leftovers. She knew if she took it home it would sit in her fridge for who knows how long. Not a fan of leftovers, she knew damn well Jacob's household probably didn't have leftovers to discuss. The boy could eat.

"what time you off today? "

"not until 10 pm. Margo really wants a grand opening. Biggest we had, so we've been hauling ass for everything at this point. I think one of the kids cried form how overwhelmed they got. "She explained

Jacob waited for Noelle to throw her things in her purse before helping her out of the picnic table. His eyes resting on her thighs as they maneuvered themselves perfectly. How he only wished his thoughts remained pure, but he couldn't. She was a dream in his eyes, perfectly sculpted and made for him.

"why?" she broke his thoughts up, a curious look on her face as she stared up at him. Securing the purse over her shoulder.

"Just wanted to see you again. "he sheepishly said. Earning him a grin from a bashful Noelle who wrapped her arm around his. The height difference made it a tad difficult, but Noelle was determined to make it work.

"can't get enough of me, huh? "

"Can you blame me? "he was serious. Looking down at her and basking in the look she gave him. Relaxed and happy.

"nah, I blame myself for being so irresistible. "

He chuckled and walked her down the park and towards the crosswalk. He took charge and crossed while pulling her along, her legs didn't make as much of a leap as his, so she had to really move quick to keep up with six foot seven Jacob.

"What about tomorrow? "he asked

"I have therapy, in the morning. "Noelle didn't think twice about telling Jacob. But the moment the words left her lips she kind of regretted the topic. Jacob was just as curious as her, but he was much more open to asking these questions while Noelle would rather swallow those questions up and let them die. Or she'd watch closely , observe patterns and slip ups made in conversations.

"therapy? "And that's when she confirmed her thoughts.

"yeah. I go to Doctor Stanley down the road. "Noelle explained pointing to the small yellow bricked office across the street.

Jacob watched her go stiff, eyes straight ahead trying to not add any more needed attention to her appointment.

"You want to do something after? "

He left it at that.

Noelle went to bed, reliving the day. Jacobs chuckle, his jokes and his undying need to be something good in life. And that let her heart feel at peace. A little understanding of who he was creeped its way to her kind and allowed her to rest easy. Eyes tightly closed and breathing heavy. Though she wanted to blame her period, she knew the last second consciousness was an image of Jacob. That beautiful smile and the sound of her name leaving his lips. Yeah. Noelle knew she had… dare she say it…. No… yeah it was inevitable .. she had a crush. Confirmed.

Jacob texted the same way he spoke. And Noelle loved dreaming of how he would say things. And every morning. She got a text. Happily, content with its contents. Jacob sent her memes. Some too funny she couldn't help but forward them to Matt who would run in and cackle with her. And when he asked where she found them, she would coo 'Jacob'. She was on a high for the last days. And Matt knew it was Jacob who had something to do with it. Noelle had not spent another day with him, but he knew she had given him her number. And she spent most of her time replying. He initiated conversation and that attention was something Noelle liked. Though she wouldn't admit it, he knew she needed it.

And that's where the issue lied. Noelle knew the attention was different and filled the ego part of her personality. And Jacob's attention was different than anyone else's. It's liked she enjoyed making him laugh. She enjoyed knowing he got up to send her a message. She enjoyed when he would reply quickly and everything else he did. But she also hated that he was that way, everything she dreamed of that it made it all seem so fake.

Today was a big day, opening day and every team member wore the traditional black t-shirt with whatever book memorabilia was printed on it. Noelle chose the glittery unicorn in an intergalactic field. The bright purple cardigan draped over her while she set up the last remaining books.

Matt wore the Stevie and her erratic Unicorn. His favorite scene of the entire series.

As Margo set up the kids. Their eyes all glazed over with excitement. She too felt the adrenaline hit her like a freight train. Every time it happened, every time she got a new manuscript, she felt the need to look out her window and cry like some sort of late nineties music video.

And the kids stood outside, their parent holding their hands and Noelle's heart beating stronger by the minute. But she was excited and feeling the anticipation of the stores opening. The line was way past down the block form what Chief Swan had told them. They were hoping no riots would erupt but Margo was sure there wouldn't be any of that. Stevie fans were respectful, they understand patience.

Noelle felt Matt stand next to her. His hand reaching for hers and he squeezed it tightly.

"I can't believe we did this. "he expressed. His own heart beating as hard, tears weld up in his eyes.

Their eyes looked over around the giant bookstore. Sparkling emerald green walls covered in beautifully displayed posters and pictures of past openings and conventions. Letters from J.R Madero in picture frames to show the progress of the beginning of their journey.

Old shelves they had searched far for to keep the authenticity of an old book store. Some chipped and the paint fading away but strong enough to hold the various books. Bean bags crowded around the room with mismatched chairs and old couches. And the main display, as soon as you entered was the giant mountain of beautiful royal purple drapery. Glitter shining with the fluorescent nights shining of them with he stacks of t-shirt memorabilia, stuffed unicorns and magic balls. The new edition glasses frames and the ever-popular book of spells that only were empty writing prompt books.

There was a beautiful and mystical feeling in the room and the quietness wasn't terrifying or called for awkwardness. It was a calm and fortunate feeling that everyone basked in before the clock struck 11. Cinderella had midnight; Stevie had 11.

Matt's hand got tighter, and Noelle made sure to bind them closer by squeezing back.

Margo slowly walked over to the doors and opened it. Allowing the first faces to peer through. Eyes glazed over with excitement and wonderment that made Noelle's own chin wiggle with a need vulnerability. Even Matt was finding it hard, but this wasn't new, and it wouldn't be the last. And Noelle immediately shoved her face into Matt's chest. His arm pulling her close and comforting her as he too felt the sense of pride and life take over.

"Welcome home. "Margo grinned. Tears streaming down her face as she watched the kids squeal, the crowd cheered.

The faces of the kids and their parents were not the first they'd seen. They were transported to a world of pure wonderment and they found themselves lost. And as everyone scurried around and got to know the place. Noelle looked up at Matt, wiped his tears away and he helped fixed her eyeliner and they were off.

Jacob, Claire and Quill got there an hour late. A grumpy Claire was almost angry until they walked towards the store. The line practically running around the block, but Claire didn't care, she was just excited to get inside and hope they had some crystal balls left and possibly a cardigan with the unicorn logo. Quil was just happy that Claire was, and Jacob was here because Claire had asked him months ago to take her if Quil wasn't able to and Noelle worked inside. It was a win for him.

Claire was bouncing on her heels trying to look over the crowd. A bunch of kids mirroring her excitement.

"relax, Claire. We'll get there soon. "

"I just don't want them to take everything Quil!" Claire had tried to get here as early as possible. Begged Quil to take her earlier but he had overslept due to a late-night patrol. And when Claire ripped him a new one, he felt complete guilt. He had looked for that cardigan everywhere and it was an exclusive to the bookstore opening. Wouldn't be out in stores for another couple of months and Claire needed it.

Jacob grinned at a tense Quill. Jacob looked down at his phone and held the orange tulips tightly in his other hand. A gift to Margo for the store opening. Waiting for the buzz to alert him of Noelle's reply. But nothing came.

"you're girlfriend inside, Uncle Jay? "Claire's giant almond shaped eyes looked up at Jacob.

"she's not his girlfriend, Claire. "Quil said

"Yeah but he wants her to be. "

Jacob couldn't agree more. He did want something more wit Noelle. Something much more intense than what they had but it didn't mean he didn't enjoy spending time with her. Texting or not, he couldn't get enough, and the simple reply had his heart soaring and anticipating the next.

"see, he's got that dumb look on his face." Claire pointed out. Quill elbowed his friend as the 13-year-old girl chuckled.

Jacob's phone beeped and Noelle's name highlighted the screen.

"it's her, isn't it? "Claire tried to peek over, But Quill held her back.

"not cool, Claire. That's Jacob's privacy. "

"You end up telling me later anyway. "Claire fought back.

Jacob looked over at a guilty and flustered Quill. The shorter of the two stuffing his hands on his pocket's as Jacob looked over at the reply.

Come to the back. The sky-blue door. And good morning to you too!

Jacob looked up to the long line, he was far from being let in and he knew Claire was getting fidgety. And even though he wanted Quil to suffer a little for blabbing his secrets to his imprint, he would never let the wrath of a teenage girl get to one of his best friends.

I got Claire and Quill with me. That okay?

He replied and waited listening to Claire talk about a few school assignments she hadn't started. He scolded and she just nodded her head and rolled her eyes. It didn't take long for his phone to ding again.

Obviously, you told me last night they'd be with you. Now get over here before Margo notices I disappeared.

Jacob stuffed his phone into his pocket and looked down at Claire.

"Follow me… "

Quill questioned Jacob but followed once he noticed Claire taking off behind him. She didn't ask nor did she want to. In her mind, Uncle Jay had the connect. A book slaying connect that could lead her to unicorn cardigan greatness.

Jacob took the small Alley in between the bookstore and Newtons sport shop. A divide was set between the two, an old moldy dumpster filled with cardboard boxes and then a small little garden surrounded by morals on the brick wall. And they entered the small little fence they boarded themselves around in until they met the sky-blue door.

Noelle stood by, holding it with her back as she scrolled through her phone. And the moment she looked up; her smile grew so big her cheeks started hurting.

Jacob was handsome, she could never deny his masculine and dark good looks didn't make him the greatest thing to walk into a room. His height was another thing though, she never thought she'd be one of those girls but the moment she realized he was six foot seven she understood. His height made him tower over her five-foot two frame. And standing by him made her feel safe, he was so big she was sure not many would try to pick a fight with him. And Noelle liked that stance a lot. Especially with the x rated images that raced her mind.

"Finally, I thought id look for someone else. … "

"Who would ever take your offer, beautiful?" Jacob teased. Arms open for her to slip into. Which she happily did. Her eyes taking not of the flowers in his hand.

"Mike Newton was giving me a glance over."

Jacob's chest erupted in a growl while she pushed away from him to get a good look at his face.

"wouldn't be the first time Jake has had to deal with Newton, huh Jacob? "Quill joked only making Noelle questionably look at Jacob.

"I'm only kidding. You're the only one I'll let through my backdoor. "

Jacob's cheeks reddened and so did hers.

"Hello, thirteen-year-old here… "Claire reminded the adults. Quil was too nice to say anything but not Claire. Especially when she was close to heaven.

Noelle's eyes left Jacobs and went to the younger girl. Jacob called her little Claire but there was nothing little about her. She was about Noelle's height, only bit off. She was thinner and incredibly beautiful.

"Hi, you must be Claire. "

"and your Noelle. Uncle Jay has talked about you a lot! And I mean A LOT. Nothing about your 'backdoor' but he did mention that your ass ….."

"okay… shut up now. "Jacob's hand went over to cover Claire's mouth. His embarrassment was evident, and Noelle felt her stomach twist. Her eyes look up at him and he knew she was feeling something for him. Something was brewing. Whether it was sexual attraction or something beyond a crush, she knew it was happening.

"come on, Let's get you inside." Noelle wrapped her arm around Claire who squealed excitedly. Quil lovingly looking down at his imprint as both boys followed them through the back space.

The dark hallway was way different than the outside. Brick walls were covered with white paint. A speckled look that only helped the colorful paintings stand out. A couple of offices ran down the hall as they passed down.

"one of these yours? "Claire asked. Looking each one over and trying to see which one seemed like Noelle.

"yeah, it's actually the farthest one. Near Margo's office. This one's Matt's. "

The wooden door was decorated with photographs. The biggest one was the size of Jacob's palm and it had Noelle and him lounging in some chairs. Both in swimsuits and Jacob only wished he had more time to stare but was pulled by Claire to follow Noelle down the hall.

The light at the end of the tunnel was soon over and Claire's eyes were watering up once she saw everyone running around and wearing similar merch to her. She soon took off and Quil wasn't to far behind whispering his goodbyes to Jacob and Noelle.

"you guys really are busy. "he commented

"Yeah, we usually are the first year. I'm surprised you came. "Noelle bumped his shoulder.

"well, Claire had begged me months ago to come and how could I say no to her. " Jacob wasn't lying but he was also hoping to tease Noelle.

"she's cute. Really tall. "Noelle said

"or you're just short. " Jacob liked where Noelle stood next to him. Her short height wasn't something he was used to, most girls he dated were tall. They were usually the ones that pursued him, and he was sure it was because he was taller than them.

"Says the freakishly tall guy. "

"freakishly? "

"Yeah. Freakishly. "

Noelle's breath hitched when he wrapped his arm around her waist. Slowly pulling her closer to his chest. An erratic feeling was building within both and the closer the two got, the better Noelle felt the rumbling of Jacob's chest. An odd behavior but one she didn't question because the vibrations felt good.

"Jacob, I see you're here… with Noelle. "

Margo interrupted the two. Her eyes burning a hole into Noelle's head. She was surprised to see Jacob here, she wondered if he even cared. But she was suspicious of Noelle's intentions with the boy and wondered how she didn't already move on from the crush she harbored. Especially seeing the tall man wrap his arm around her.

"umm, yeah. I brought you these." He held out the bouquet of orange tulips to Margo who looked shocked and a little flabbergasted as she looked at Noelle and then at Jacob. Any ounce of anger gone from her face as she reached out and grabbed the bouquet.

"how. how did?"

Margo hadn't seen orange tulips in years. She had banned them from her office, and no one ever asked why. But they held a deeper meaning to her. One she held deeply hidden in her heart.

"my dad let me know. It's a shared gift. He would be here today, but he was feeling a little under the weather. "Jacob explained. Feeling uneasy of Margo's sudden soft behavior.

Margo held herself together. Swallowing hard and coating her dry throat before clearing it.

"Thank you, Jacob. Tell Billy I say thank you. " and she was off.

Noelle looked at Jacob who looked just as confused.

"she okay?" he asked

Noelle didn't know. She had only seen Margo be upset a few times. And this time it seemed to be different.

"she'll tell us later…. Come on, let me show you around. "

Jacob was surprised at how everything seemed to heighten. Claire walked around with a handful of things, Quil had a few of his own.

"You owe any of this these things? "Jacob asked as Claire watched Noelle grab the purple paper bag

"I owe everything… it comes with the job. "Noelle grinned wrapping up Claire's items.

"that's so cool! You must have every single piece of merch! "Claire was excited to talk to Noelle.

"I do. From t-shirts and crystal balls. I even have the first editions. "

"I do too! Well, Uncle Jay has the only one I have. "Jacob soon the blood leaves his body.

"what's so special about a first edition? "Jacob asked. Quil, Claire and Noelle gaped at him.

"it's the first commercially distributed copies of a book. Huge book nerds love collecting them and it's pretty damn cool to have an entire series of first editions. Especially when the first book had a limited release like this one did."

Noelle watched Jacob fidget where he stood as Claire spoke about her first edition Stevie book. The very first one she had bought with her tooth fairy money. And something told her there was something more to it.

"so, they're like really important? "he asked

"Yeah, like ruining one would be a shitty thing to do. "Noelle commented to see Jacob confirm his mishap by squirming.

Luckily Claire and Quil didn't notice and just kept rambling.

"Well, that's good to know. " he stated.

Noelle handed over the bag to Claire who took it happily. Quill's was wrapped up and ready to go while Jacob waited for Noelle to come around the counter and walk them out of the now closing store.

"Thank you guys for coming. "

"no, thank you for letting us cut that line. I don't think I would've gotten a cardigan. " Claire cheered.

Noelle grinned and felt Jacob reach for her hand. Not one comfortable with pda, Noelle made sure to hide it well. But her hand did gently wrap around Jacob's fingers to let him know she wasn't at all turning him down.

"well I'm glad you enjoyed it; I hope you're able to make it back. "

"yeah, I want to. The new book comes out in the next few months. "

Noelle nodded happily to Claire. She liked the younger girl's enthusiasm. She was incredibly bright for a 13-year-old and Noelle was slight jealous of her ambitious attitude.

"Well, you're always welcomed here. With or without Quil or Jacob. "

"you mean it?" she asked. Eyes big and bright and full of hope as she looked at the older girl.

"hell yeah. Whenever you get tired of these bozos, you can come over and help me out. "Noelle knew as a young girl, maybe Claire didn't want to spend her entire time with the older boys.

"sick. " Claire expressed clutching the bag to her chest.

"thank you, Noelle." Quil said. Patting her back and letting Jake know he'll wait outside for him.

Jacob waited until Quil and Claire left before he turned his attention to Noelle. Pulling her hand towards his face to kiss it.

"she's cute. "

"yeah, not as cute as you, though. " he confessed

"I know."

Noelle looked around the room, empty merch shelves, glitter everywhere. Tired but happy workers all around.

"What you doing tonight? "she asked running her fingers down his knuckles unknowingly. Jacob knew though, enjoying her soft fingers cascading down the bare and rough skin of his knuckles. Like second nature to her.

"maybe working on my car."

The answer didn't surprise her. He loved his vehicles and his time alone with them. It was his way of relaxing.

"can you leave your masculine things for another night? "

"and for what?" Jacob asked smugly

"not a date…. Matt and I are going to that bar down the street. He's meeting up with his most recent conquest and I would much rather have someone there then sit as third wheel."

Jacob chuckled and nodded

"can I bring a few buddies. And don't worry, I'll still be by your side. "

Noelle rolled her eyes and nodded

"I guess. "

"you want me to pick you up? "he asked

Noelle shook her head

"No, you can park your car at my place though. That way you don't have to pay for parking and avoid the traffic jam once last call goes."

"always looking out for me, huh? "

Noelle looked into Jacob's eyes. Falling into that dark abyss of pure butterflies and fairytale moments. She was screwed, but she didn't mind.

this next chapter i do plan on taking this into high gear. this was hard to write with finals and writers block. i have ideas to go and really want to just throw myself in them but cant because i need to build! but who knows, this story might just go into high gear because i need fluff. So expect something in the next chapter!

please review, amigos.