Warning: The following contains foul language. If you're a snotty Christian, please do the rest of the world a favor and fall on a sharpened crucifix.

Disclaimer: I don't own shit. Self explanatory.

Summary: Foolin' with a Jacob/Embry pairing. I am the destroyer of innocence.

Chapter Three: Welcome Home, Jacob

It didn't take long to travel halfway through Canada height wise. I was at the northern borders of the country, and in three days time, I was nearing the halfway mark of my journey. Another three days and I'd be trotting back into La Push. I shuddered.

I wasn't ready for it. I wouldn't ever be ready for it. But I'd have to jump in, just get it done. If I couldn't handle being gay, I'd have Cullen kill me. I laughed at my own joke.

Once I saw Embry, it'd be all over. I'd no longer be a free wolf. I'd be tied to another forever. Never to know freedom again. I was going to be gay, whether I liked it or not. It was completely unavoidable.

STUPID FUCKING TRADITIONS! I screamed in my head, lurching forward suddenly, doubling my speed, powered by my fury. It was so unfair. I didn't even want to BE a wolf in the first place. Talk about getting the shitty end of the stick.

I ran out my fury, traveling two hundred miles in thirty minutes. That just brought me a hell of a lot closer to my destination than I was comfortable to admit. I tried to slow my pace, but, what was the use? Images of my withering friend entered my mind.

Absently, I ran faster.

It's already happening, I thought bitterly to myself. No escaping it now.

I reached the border by sunset. In less than an hour, I'd be home. I stopped and turned, watching the sunset. It was like it was setting on my life, eating up the final hours of my freedom. Oh well, keep moving forward. So I did, trotting closer to my fate.


Jesus Christ, was EVERYONE awake in La Push?

It was nearing one in the morning, but lights were on at all the houses of the wolves, and even a few extra.

We're in the forest, Jacob. Embry's not with us, he's at home, sleeping.

Gave him the night off, did you, Sam? So nice.

He hasn't patrolled since you left. He hasn't been in wolf form for a while now.

I felt my heart tear a little. Why not?

He can't change. He's stuck human, too depressed to even try.

Riiiiiiip. Oh…

I trotted into the forest, trying to keep my heart intact. It just kept getting better and better. In the distance I heard the muted sound of the entire pack, save for one, pacing, awaiting my arrival. I peered through the trees and the inky black night, making out the shapes of a dozen or so wolves. Must've recruited more while I was away. I saw them straighten and fall in behind Sam when they heard my arrival.

Welcome home, Jacob, voices chimed together in my head.

Hey, guys.

Sam and I touched muzzles. Good to have my second in command back.

Good to be back. What have I missed?

Nothing much, save for a few new recruits.

I see.

There are some clothes for you over on that rock over there.

Thanks.

I turned and phased, pulling on my clothes. They felt good against my skin. The rest of the wolves phased and dressed.

"How was traveling?" Eager little Seth was at my side in a second.

"It was okay. It got old, though," I ruffled his hair.

"I'm glad you came back," Seth flashed a smile. We all exited the woods and the wolves began to break off, walking toward their homes. One by one, they patted my shoulder and walked off, the darkness swallowing them whole. Sam was the last.

"I'll let Embry know you're back," Sam said quietly after a moment.

I hadn't even begun to think about how I'd approach Embry. Either way, I wanted to be alone when I saw him. Just him and me, alone, that way I could save myself any impending embarrassment.

"Alright," I settled on and we parted ways. The lights were on and I knew Billy'd be awake. He was sitting in the living room when I entered.

"Hi, dad," I said. He turned his head and merely smiled.

"Welcome home, son," And he turned his head back to the television. I wondered what he thought about his son being gay. Of course he'd be fine with it; he knew the traditions better than anyone. He 

knew that I wouldn't be able to help it. Damn him for being so understanding, for not giving me ANY incentive to fight this.

I walked to my room and collapsed on the bed, kicking the door shut with my foot. My bed.

I sank into the covers, taking the feeling of having cushion underneath me for once. It was so lovely. Soon, sleep overtook everything else, and I forgot about what I still had to face.