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Respect

A massive russet wolf bounded through the thick trees in the evergreen forest. It swerved between the trunks, scarcely missing them. It neared the end of the forest and a light could be seen, signalling the edge. The wolf snapped and suddenly, a naked man could be seen running while putting his jeans on expertly. The man slowed to a walk, and stepped out to the empty beach. The sun was just about to rise; he hadn't missed it.

Jacob spread his toes on the cold sand, and breathed in the salty air. As he walked around the edge of the water, the sun slowly stretched across the sky. It made a beautiful array of colours, and amazingly there were only two chunks of clouds that could be seen. Jacob's nose twitched and he realized he wasn't alone in the beach. About a block away from him, was another tall native man. He was sitting cross legged on the sand, leaning on a drifted log. The man, now sensing Jacob, turned to him, smiled and gave a friendly wave. Jacob waved back and jogged to where the man sat.

"Hey Quil." Jacob greeted his friend.

"What are you doing up so early? It's not your shift until afternoon." Quil shrugged his shoulders in reply. Jacob nodded his head in understanding. He was worried about Claire again. Jacob gave him a pat in the back for support, and Quil gave him a quick smile. After a moment of silence, while watching the beautiful scene of nature, Quil turned to Jacob.

"How are you doing?" Quil asked. When Jacob didn't respond, he continued.

"How are you doing with the whole Adalie and Bella thing?" Quil asked. It seemed nosey, but he thought Jacob needed to talk. Jacob responded with a grunt, and finally sighed.

"I'm just going, you know? I'm stuck in between. I'm trying to get over one girl, while preparing to be with another. I feel like such a scum." Jacob said, realizing his words made him seem like a player. Jacob shoved his face into his hands and groaned in frustration. Quil just chuckled.

"All you need is time." He said sagely.

"We all need time." Quil whispered. Jacob turned to him, and realized Quil was suffering just as much as him, if not more.

Quil had the most difficult imprint of the pack. Not the most painful, but the most difficult. The age difference was astounding, and it wasn't just that. Claire lived far from the reserve, and it was always painful for him to see her go. The next time he would see her after a visit was a few weeks later, if he was lucky. The parents knew the situation, but this was the most they are willing to cooperate. They didn't understand the longing he felt for their eight year old daughter. They weren't comfortable with an Eighteen year old guy, spending so much time with their little angel. He didn't blame them for being guarded and even supported their decisions. He just wanted what was best for Claire, and sometimes it wasn't something he would be happy with. Seeing her every month for a few days was heaven to him, but then it always ended, and it was always a painful goodbye. The constant feeling of loss was taking a toll on him.

It wasn't only the distance, it was also the age. His brothers understood the platonic feelings, but he could still hear their snide remarks and the small doubts they had about their relationship. Even Quil didn't completely agree with the situation. Then when she grows up, was he to feel different? Was he going to see her as a woman, instead of the child he wishes was his own? He didn't know any of these things, except that it will take time to answer. He understood the pain of waiting, and he knew Jacob was experiencing the same thing.

"How do you do it?" Jacob asked him. Quil faced him but didn't answer.

"How can you see her leave every time, and not know when she'll be back?" Jacob continued.

"How can you wait patiently everyday, not knowing if she's okay?" Jacob now faced Quil.

"How can you just be like her father, then her brother, then a friend overtime? How do you not question how difficult it would be to love her more than a friend, when you only see her as that now?" Jacob ranted his frustrations at Quil. Quil's face drew a careful blank, masking his emotions. He turned his head to face the ocean. After a moment of utter silence, Quil answered.

"I live through it, for her. It will always be for her." He whispered, but it felt as loud as a grenade.

"I watch her leave every time because I know she'll come back, no matter what." He said confidently.

"I live each day fearing for her well fare, but I have to believe she's okay. I have to believe that she's living happily and that she's healthy, because it's the only way I manage to stay here. If I ever change my mind about that, there is nothing that will stop me from running to find her." He said intensely.

"I don't know how I will feel for her in fifteen years. I don't know if she'll be a friend, a sister or a lover. What I do know is, I'll love her. I'll love and protect her, always." Quil faced Jacob again.

"It doesn't matter what our relationship will be like in the future. She'll always be important to me, and I know I'll always be there for her." He said fiercely.

"But, even though I believe all the things I just said, it doesn't make it less challenging to live through everyday. It just gives me hope, that one day, all this suffering wouldn't have been for nothing." Quil finished.

Both men turned to see a bright sunny sky. Jacob smiled. Quil was right, he had to believe that his experiences and trials would not be for nothing. They both had to suffer a little, for something amazing. They'll both get through this; brothers in arms. After an eternity of silence, feeling the comradery between injured fighters, Jacob interrupted the moment.

"Dang Quil, I didn't know you were such a warrior inside. You're my freaking hero, man!" Jacob patted his brother in the back in good nature. Quil laughed gaily and shoved Jacob on the side.

"I better be! I just had a heart to heart to with you. I feel like such a girl!" He yelled. They both laughed hard. Quil stood up and gave Jacob a hand. He brushed the sand away and grinned at his wolf brother.

"I'm going to take a nap. My shift just ended and I'm beat. See you later!" Jacob said before he started to jog home. Quil grinned and gave him a nod.

"You'll be okay dude!" He yelled. Jacob turned back and gave a huge grin.

"Thanks man, for everything!" He yelled. Jacob turned back and sprinted to his house, eager for rest. Quil was right, he shouldn't think about the future so much. It'll take one day at a time to heal. Just like that, he was one more step closer to Adalie. He was certainly going in the right direction.

Author's notes:

First of all, thank you for reading and I hope you liked it.

Secondly, if you're a faithful reader, I apologize for being an awful updater. I have no excuses to stop posting, and I sincerely apologize. It was very unproffesional of me. Due to this incident, I will post a chapter every night or two. This time, I will keep my word.

Finally, please give me a review. It's totally free, and it requires little time and effort, but it would mean a lot to me. Please keep it as constructive critisism, or compliments. I love compliments. Thanks!

Simply Me- Thank you for your detailed reviews. Your reviews always make my day, and I hope my inconsistency hasn't made you stop reading. I hope to hear from you soon, Sierrakyrstalblack.