Jacob's Recharging

Jacob sat at the edge of the cliff, his feet hanging from the edge. The sky was its usual grey colour. If it had been a clear sky, he would have been watching the sun set against a beautiful array or warm colours, but it wasn't. Instead, he watched stormy clouds threaten to rain. His face carried a careful blank, and his eyes were as dull as the scene it watched.

His back straightened when he heard shuffling nearby. He gave one sniff in the air, and his back relaxed. It was one of his best friends, a true brother. Jacob suddenly ducked, and a strong, native hand missed it's target.

"Leave me alone." Jacob said gruffly. The other muscled, tanned man shook his head in refusal even though Jacob couldn't see. Instead of following Jacob's wish, the man sat down next to him and swung his feet like a five year old.

"Embry." Jacob threatened. Embry laughed him off and patted his back roughly. Jacob slapped Embry's hands away and shoved him away. The kid-like man just laughed louder. Jacob, who was really annoyed, gave a low growl. Embry stopped his chuckling, but still kept a smile on his face.

Jacob faced him, and Embry saw how affected his old friend really was. Embry's smile faded and he nodded his head in understanding. Jacob was still grieving, and he needed more time. Jacob turned back to the angry ocean. His friend followed his lead.

Embry and Jacob had known each other for a long time. They've been friends since they were in kindergarten. They've been through a lot, together with Quil. They were known as the "Three Native Musketeers," because they literally went for the motto, "All for one, and one for all." That's why transforming at different times affected them so much. It was an unspoken rule that they would always choose brotherhood over everything and anything.

The waves crashed harder and harder, seemingly mad at the rocks that trapped them. It was like it was trying to knock the rocks down. The weather was as angry as Jacob. Jacob reached for a rock near his hand and threw it. It flew far, and splashed somewhere in the endless amount of water.

Embry turned and observed his friend. His brother carried enough stress for many life times. He could hardly remember the days when Jacob would carry an unguarded smile. He was always so serious now. He would either be in pain, confusion, anger, and most of all, tired. Jacob was tired all the time. It was as if he was tired of life and its cruel jokes. To be honest, Embry would have snapped sooner if he was given all of the trials Jacob has and was still enduring. Life and love just has not been fair to him.

Jacob was a good guy to the core. That's why it was cruel to see him in this much pain and confusion. He hoped for his friend's luck to brighten. Jacob was the first one to welcome him in school, despite his heritage. Everyone loved Jake, he just brightened days. Because everyone loved Jacob, they started to accept Embry too. Jacob was just a nice guy, he helped everyone he could if he was able to.

Embry remembered the time when he found out about his true parentage. He was devastated and confused. He didn't know if he should confront his mother. He didn't know if he should be mad, or if it even mattered. Jacob had been understanding, and never told him what to do. Jacob knew that Embry just needed time to figure things out and that he needed to do it by himself. But, Jacob didn't leave his side until he knew that Embry was going to be okay. Some things, brothers just knew.

Nightfall came, and the two men sat silently, still watching the ocean. It had calmed down after a while, but it was still a little violent. The moon's light could be seen through the thick clouds. Embry closed his eyes and smelled the fresh ocean breeze.

Jacob stared ahead of him blankly. He had done it. He was free from Bella, and there was little ache of yearning for her now. With every beat of his heart, the yearning dulled. He has finally accepted her choice, and instead of feeling relieved, he felt a little emptiness in his chest. He felt lost, Bella had been his future for so long, it was overwhelming to know she will never be his future. He finally gave up, and was willing to move on. He just didn't know how.

He knew he would somehow have Adalie in there, but as what? He just started moving on from Bella, it was still painful. Jacob wasn't even sure if it was because he just lost Bella, or if it was because he finally realized the implications of Adalie leaving. He had so many emotions, he didn't know what or to who they were.

That was it. Bella was gone, and he had to stop bothering her and thinking of her. She will never be his, she was never meant to be. He thought about Adalie. She was a great friend, and a fantastic kisser, but did he want more than friendship with her? It's true that he loved her, and that he wanted her safe, but was that the same as loving her as a woman? To be honest, his heart cried out for her. He needed her close to him. He couldn't think straight without her. All he could think about was how complete he felt when they were together, and that she had to be here with him.

His wolf instinct won't let him function without her, and it was hard to do anything but try to look for her. The human part of his brain remembered his promise to himself and his imprint. He wanted to be ready for her. He didn't want to hurt her again, she didn't deserve any kind of pain. What was cruel was, he was the one that hurt her the most. His human side was winning, and he sighed.

He just needed time for his bruised heart to heal from his last, first love. The pain was numbing, but it was still too fragile. He hoped that Adalie could wait. He wished that she would come back. One thing was for sure, he was progressing and he was in the right path. Everything was going to work out, it just has to.

By now, the sun was rising. The clouds were thinner, and the ocean was calm. It was a brand new day, and Jacob felt refreshed. He breathed in nature, and breathed out his frustrations. He was sleepy, but for the first time, he wasn't tired. Neither of them slept, but they felt recharged.

Jacob gave another sigh and stood up. He looked at his old friend, and gave a nod of appreciation. Embry stood up and smiled softly. Jacob was going to be okay. Embry punched Jacob's arm softly, telling him what he thought through that action. Jacob nodded his head, and gave Embry a real smile. Embry grinned and gave a quick wave before running into the awakening forest. Sometimes, words aren't needed between friends, between brothers.