You know the drill by now.

Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer's 'Twilight' isn't mine, it's hers. However, I am toying with the characters for the sake of public enjoyment.

Finally, she was gone. Inwardly, I rejoiced at having such an opportunity to take a break from being the perfect husband to dear, sweet Bella, a legitimate break, a chance to stretch my legs, much better than sneaking around behind her back, like a snake, sly. Although I had temporarily liberated myself from such willing imprisonment by going hunting alone the other day, there was nothing quite like having that freedom and not having to lie about it.

I changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt that hugged my toned body, and just as I was walking past Renesme's room, she emerged, in all her bleary-eyed glory. 'Are you going for a hunt?' she asked.

'No, a walk. I've already been hunting this week.'

'Oh. Do you think you'll see Jacob?'

My eyes narrowed by the tiniest fraction. 'Why?'

'Oh, well, he said he wasn't going to come over today. I think he's going to get me a present,' she added conspiratorially. 'So go find him and tell him to get something nice, like what Aunt Alice or Aunt Rosalie get me.'

'Oh, fine.'

'I want you to promise.' She pouted. 'I know you don't like Jacob, but if I ask he'll get suspicious.'

'What gave you the impression that I don't like Jacob?'

'Oh, it's obvious, you tense up every time you see him. Like this.' She attempted to immitate what she was describing. 'So promise, okay?'

'Very well, I promise.' Apparently contented by this, Renesme nodded, her hair falling across her face like a golden cascade, before retreating back into her room.

Well, it seemed that there was no choice.

I would have to visit the wolf.

I left the house, walking in the direction of the town. Although it was summer, the clouds went as far as the eye could see, and it was only a few seconds after I walked outside that the heavens split, relinquishing water on the unsuspecting people below. The rain didn't bother me. It was hardly torrential, but after a few minutes in it, my t-shirt was already clinging limply to my chest, something Bella would no doubt be quick to remark upon if she were here with me now.

Well, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Or, in this case, when amongst humans and like-minded beings, do as they do.

Walking back to the cottage, I picked up a plain blue umbrella from the stand, catching sight of Renesme sitting on the newest addition to the furniture, an antique rococo chair in dark colours, only making her light hair and pale skin stand out more. She had been humming a tune from a piece by Mozart, kicking her legs back and forth absentmindedly to keep time, but when she saw me she frowned at me, but I waved the umbrella at her and her face split into a smile again, satisfied by this wordless explanation.

As I strode across the grass, the umbrella sat comfortably under my arm, but when I started to run, little more than a blur, a speed that humans could only dream of, I held it firmly in one hand, avoiding hitting trees with it as I passed.

The rain only made Jacob's scent stronger.

Following it, I came to the edge of the trees, and could see him standing indecisively under an umbrella, looking at the window of a small, local jewellery shop.

I didn't need to be telepathic to know what he was thinking.

His scent was almost overpowering.

'Looking for something for Renesme?' I asked, and he looked back, trying to conceal his scowl.

'Don't read my mind, Edward. For Bella and Renesme's sake I might be--'

'I didn't read your mind,' I interrupted hurriedly. 'Renesme told me. Or, to be more precise, she told me that she wanted you to get her something nice.'

He laughed, and for a moment it was like we weren't enemies at all. It was a very pure sound.

But the moment was gone.

'What do you think about that one?' he asked, pointing to a horrendous purple and pink creation sitting on a pillow.

'No, she'll hate it.'

'What about that one?' Another monstrosity.

'No.'

'Then maybe...' He paused, leaning the umbrella back on his broad shoulder. 'That?' This time, he pointed to a necklace, shoved into a corner, an elegant silver chain holding glass beads the colour of her eyes.

I looked at him. He looked back.

'Perfect.'

Putting down the umbrella, he walked into the shop, and I followed silently after him. He pointed at the necklace, exchanging a few words with the shopkeeper, and I gazed out at the window, looking at the reflection of my liquid topaz eyes.

He put his hand on my shoulder, my muscles tensing. 'All done. You didn't have to wait, though. Do you think I can't buy some jewellery on my own?' Clearly he had noticed the tension in my shoulder, his voice growing harder.

'Renesme wouldn't forgive me,' I said, and he laughed again, the rich sound filling the small shop, you could almost feel it running through your bones.

'Well, um... Thanks,' he said after several long seconds of silence.

The bell tinkled as we exited the shop, standing awkwardly in front of it as only two sometimes-rivals could. I began to walk away, back to the cover of the trees.

'Edward?' I turned around. 'No, never mind. I'll see you tomorrow, I guess.'

'See you tomorrow,' I echoed, turning back with a slight wave.

Perfect.

So ends another chapter. Reviews, both negative and positive, are appreciated.