Author's Note: A big thank-you to everybody who reviewed the last chapter! From what I read, a couple of your are bound to be pleased with this one =)

I'm still planning to make good on my promise of updates twice a week, but I'm currently working close to a fifty-hour week, so if I miss one I apologize in advance. Right now, I still anticipate being able to make it, but the next couple weeks might prove to be a lot bigger than me. We'll see.

Enjoy!

~Crit.

Chapter 27: Leah Clearwater's Big Day

Sure enough, Leah was waiting for them when they pulled up to the building, arms crossed over her chest, perched rigidly on the edge of her suitcase. As Jacob pulled the Prius to a stop in front of the building, she began to tap her foot impatiently against the frosty pavement.

"This should be fun," he said to Renesmee. She shook her head.

"Be nice," she said firmly. Jacob laughed a bit at that… Renesmee was so determined that things would change now that she understood a bit about why Leah acted the way she did. He wondered how long that positive attitude would last. He was banking on 'not very'.

Jacob got out of the car and went around to open Renesmee's door. He heard Leah make a disdainful noise and mutter something about chivalry. Once they'd gotten their bags from the trunk, Jacob strolled over to his Beta at a leisurely pace and came to a stop in front of her. She glared up at him. "Hey Lee-Lee," He said, pulling out the old nickname just for the fun of annoying her, "Did you have a nice drive?"

"Evidently you did," she huffed, getting to her feet and picking up her suitcase. "Took you long enough. I've been sitting here in the freezing cold waiting for you for almost forty-five minutes."

Jacob raised an eyebrow and looked pointedly at her light sweater. "I'm sure you're frostbitten the whole way through," he quipped, voice dripping with sarcasm. Renesmee came up to his side with her bags.

"Sorry, Leah," she said, punctuating it with a jab of her elbow into Jacob's ribcage. "We ran into a bit of traffic after you passed us."

"I'm sure," Leah said, shaking her head at Renesmee's obvious excuse. Jacob wondered how he could have ever suspected her of lying to him; she was really terrible at it.

"Why don't we go up with our things while Jake pulls the car around back?" She said to Leah, shifting her suitcase to her other hand and offering to take the other girl's for her. Leah clung to the handle of her own bag like it was her favorite toy and she didn't want to share, and after a moment Renesmee pulled her hand back and took one of Jacob's bags instead. "Where are the guys?" She asked suddenly, looking around. Leah rolled her eyes.

"They went for pizza."

"Oh. Well, I guess we can call them and let them know we're back," Renesmee said, starting for the door. "Jake? Help us into the elevator with the rest of these bags?"

Jacob loaded the elevator and then went to park the car. When he got back around the building, Embry and Seth were just rounding the corner, each munching on a huge slice of pizza.

"Jake!" Seth shouted in spite of his full mouth. "Where've you guys been?" He and Embry jogged quickly to meet him.

"Leah's pissed," Embry added. "She thinks you guys were getting it on at the side of the highway." He laughed, and then went serious. "You weren't were you? I just cleaned that car…"

"Enough, you guys," Jacob said, feeling a major headache coming on. He could handle the teasing, but he didn't know how much Renesmee was willing to put up with. "None of that stuff around Nessie, okay?"

"Nessie's not here," Seth pointed out, and Jacob gave him a hard look. The youngest member of the pack just laughed in response. "Aw, lighten up, Jake. You know we're not gonna bug her too much."

"I think you and I have different definitions of 'too much', Seth," Jacob said. "Come on… let's go inside. I'm sure the girls could use a bit of a distraction from each other." Seth practically howled with laughter at that.

"I can't believe you left your imprint alone with my sister," he said as they went through the doors into the foyer. "What happened to your brain?"

"I do not know," Jacob said, shaking his head. The elevator arrived, and they rode up to the loft.

"This place is pretty swanky, huh?" Embry said, checking himself out in the mirrored walls.

"Do you really expect anything less from our wealthy benefactors?" Seth replied, leaning in to look at his reflection and picking at his hairstyle. In spite of his attempt to be serious, Jacob found himself chuckling along with them. It was good to have family around again.

Leah was already upstairs in the extra bedroom when they came in the front door, probably avoiding awkward conversation with Renesmee, who welcomed the wolves in with hugs and a big smile. The loft was inspected with typical noisiness and lack of tact. Jacob showed the two men to his room—which, for the next week, was to be their room—and then took the opportunity to find Renesmee and get her alone for a few moments.

She was in her own bedroom, putting things away from her suitcase, and she looked up with a start as Jacob came in through the open door and shut it behind himself.

"Hey," she said, a bit sheepishly, looking down as she folded a soft-looking shirt. Jacob knew she was still feeling embarrassed about breaking down in the car, and he felt terrible about it. He crossed the room in three huge steps and put his arms all the way around her.

"Hey yourself," He said as he bent down and buried his face in her hair. "Oh man, am I glad we're home." Renesmee made an appreciative noise.

"Me too," she said, and Jacob felt her relax into his embrace. "It's weird, but it only took me three months to start thinking of this as home." She looked up at him. "You know what I mean?" Jacob nodded.

"Yeah, I get it." He squeezed her a bit harder. "You okay?"

Renesmee was silent for a moment before replying. "Yeah. I'm fine. I'm really sorry I flipped out, Jake."

He kissed her forehead and then looked straight into her eyes. "Don't be. I know why you did. When I think about it, I'm actually surprised it took as long as it did. All of that could have been avoided if I'd just used my brain and realized that you don't know everything I do about imprinting. I should have sat you down and talked it out with you right at the start. It's just that you're so smart, Nessie, and sometimes it's hard for me to remember that there are things you don't know."

She made a doubtful, chastising sound. "Jacob, there's plenty I don't know. This whole relationship thing, for example… even without the imprinting, it's pretty foreign territory to me. The closest I've ever come before now was going on a couple dates in college. And those guys held about as much interest for me as watching paint dry. Not the same thing at all." She pulled back a little and placed her hands on his chest, spreading her fingers wide as if to touch as much surface area as possible at one time. Jacob felt an irresistible ripple of heat run through him, starting from where her hands lay. "I have absolutely no frame of reference for the way I feel about you. It's like being on fire all the time, and yet never being able to get warm enough. Like my skin actually itches when I'm not near you. And when I am near you, I can't ever get close enough to you to feel like I've got enough of you. I never have enough of you. Even when I have all of you, I still want more."

Jacob was too stunned to do anything but stand there holding her until he found his voice again. It was easily the most passionate thing anyone had ever said about him, and the strength of her emotions knocked his breath out of his body. "I think that's supposed to be a good thing," He said when he'd recovered, accompanying the statement with a shaky sort of laugh. "I don't want to get enough of you. I want to keep wanting you. I love wanting you."

Renesmee's hands darted upwards and, hooking her fingers into his hair, she tugged his head down so that his face was at the same level as her own. "If you want me," she began, but Jacob didn't let her finish. He tackled her lips at the same time he tackled her body, taking them both down with a thud onto the carpet, where they stayed longer than was strictly polite for people with houseguests.

oooOOOooo

Leah and Seth had made themselves at home in the loft's main room. Seth was sprawled across one of the plush couches, flipping idly through the thousands of viewing options on the sleek flat screen, with Leah sitting cross-legged on the rug, thumbing through one of Renesmee's schoolbooks. Embry was nowhere to be seen; Jacob figured he was probably out exploring. He watched his two pack mates, brother and sister, as they spent a quiet moment. Seth was just the same as always, chipper and easy-going. Leah seemed surprisingly relaxed.

Renesmee came down the stairs then. She, too, was watching the pack, and Jacob in turn took in the sight of her looking fondly at his family. She must have felt his eyes on her, because she looked over in the direction of the kitchen, where he was standing, and their eyes locked. She beamed at him, and Jacob felt his chest constrict. Would he ever get used to this feeling? He hoped not.

"What're you cooking?" she said as she sidled over to him. Jacob shot her his best attempt at a mysterious look, standing in front of the counter to hide his workspace. She just laughed at him.

"Okay," he said, throwing his hands up in defeat, "It's frozen pizza."

Another laugh, coupled with a raised eyebrow. "My man, the gourmet chef." Jacob loved it when she was sarcastic. It made him want to tackle her to the ground, right there in the kitchen, and give a repeat performance of the scene they'd played out earlier, upstairs. If the Clearwaters hadn't been fifteen feet away, he would have. He settled for a quick peck on the lips.

There was a knock at the door. All four of them looked towards the sound. Embry had the spare key; they weren't expecting a visit from any of the Cullens, and it was broad daylight anyhow. Who could it possibly…

"Ness?" A familiar voice called out, muffled by the door. Jacob held back a snarl. It would have to be Rideau, wouldn't it? Renesmee had stiffened at the sound of his voice. "If you're in there, please open the door. I really would like to talk to you."

Renesmee looked up at Jacob, her eyes pleading. "He probably just wants to talk, Jake," she said, trying to sooth him. She clearly intended to let him in. Jacob tried to keep his expression as neutral as possible. It didn't fool her. She took his hands in hers. "Please don't be upset, and don't do anything crazy, okay? He's my friend. We left things in an awful state… I owe him at least an explanation." Jacob nodded. He didn't really trust himself around Rideau… he'd probably make some sort of regrettable mistake that would get them all into trouble. But there was no way he was leaving Nessie alone with him, not unless she specifically asked him to. He gestured at the door. Renesmee shot him a grateful look before rushing to open it.

Jacob went to stand over by Leah and Seth. Seth looked up at him warily, questioningly. Leah was watching the door with a focused, calculating look. At least he had his pack here to back him up and, if necessary, keep him in line. He heard Renesmee quietly inviting Rideau into the loft. Damn… no hope they'd get it over quickly, and in the hall, then. Jacob grimaced. He didn't like this. He kept his eyes glued to the pair by the door as Rideau entered the loft and Renesmee shut the door behind him.

There was a small but audible gasp. Jacob looked down at the spot where Leah was sitting. She had dropped the book she'd been reading into her lap, where it lay open. Her hands were stuck to the floor on both sides of her body, fingers splayed wide as if to hold her balance. She was staring at Renesmee and Rideau even more intently than Jacob had been. How completely weird, Jacob thought, looking to see if Seth had noticed his sister's behavior. He had. The younger Clearwater nudged his sister's shoulder with his toe, the only result being that Leah swayed slightly to one side and returned to her original position. No reaction. No anything. She just sat there, watching as Renesmee and Rideau held a quiet conversation on the other side of the room.

After a point, Rideau seemed to take notice of the three rather unmissable people, two of them complete strangers, who were currently staring at them, and he looked pointedly at Renesmee. "I'm sorry," he said in a louder tone than he'd been using (not that the wolves had had any trouble picking it up), "I didn't realize you had company."

"Oh!" Evidently, Renesmee had forgotten too. Jacob tried to ignore his irritation at that. She led the other man over to the sitting area. "I'm sorry… that was really rude of me. Rideau, these are some friends of mine and Jake's from back home. This is Seth Clearwater—"

"Hi," Seth said with a little wave.

"—and this is his sister Leah. Leah, Seth, this is Rideau Linley, a friend of mine from school."

If Leah stared any harder, she was likely to burn holes in the human, Jacob thought with no small amount of irritation. It was like she'd never seen a boy before. Rideau looked from Leah to Seth with a smile, which faltered momentarily when he took in Leah's intense expression. He recovered quickly, however. Jacob hated to admit it, but for a guy who came off so nerdy at first, Rideau was impossibly smooth. It only made him dislike the guy a little bit more.

"Nice to meet you both," he said. "I'm sorry for barging in on you… I'll just go," he turned to Renesmee. "We can talk some other time."

"No!" Everybody turned in surprise to look at Leah. Only when she realized that everybody was staring did she wipe the alarmed expression from her face. "I mean, no, don't be silly," she released a tense little laugh. "We'll just go up to Jacob's room… get out of your way. You really don't have to leave." Jacob had never heard Leah talk so fast, and she was a quick talker to begin with. He was sure his expression at the moment was very similar to Seth's. The youngest member of the pack was gaping at his sister, open-mouthed. Leah flew into a standing position and, grabbing her brother's arm in one hand and Jacob's in the other, started for the stairs, pulling them behind her.

"Wow," Jacob heard Rideau remark as they retreated, "She's a bit intense, isn't she?" Leah shoved them into Jacob's bedroom and slammed the door behind the three of them. She slumped over with her back against it, breathing heavily.

Seth was looking between Jacob and his sister, bewildered. "Leah, what the hell?" he said in a loud stage whisper. "Way to act normal around the skins!"

Leah just shook her head. She moved her lips, but no sound came out. Her skin had taken on an ashen quality, and there were tiny beads of sweat breaking out all over her brow. She was trembling, but not as though she was about to phase. This was… something else. Jacob tried to figure out why it looked so familiar. Sweating, shaking, staring, acting like a completely different person, not being able to put a sentence or even a thought together properly…

"No," he breathed, crossing the room in one step. "No way." He stared Leah dead in the eye, and she met his gaze. She looked frantic.

"Yeah way," she said quietly. "Jacob… oh my God…"

Jacob squeezed his eyes shut as hard as he could. This could not be happening. He hated this man, hated him. Rideau had pursued his Renesmee, even when she'd told him in no uncertain terms that she didn't want him to continue. Jacob had had fantasies about using the little twerp for a punching bag. And now Leah had… he groaned, unable to even finish the thought. All those times he'd selfishly wished Leah would imprint on someone, anyone, just so that he could get her bitter thoughts about Sam out of his head. Surely this was some sort of punishment for that.

Leah was still looking at him pleadingly. "I thought I understood it," she said in a voice that was almost reverent. "I thought I knew what you and all the others… but it's not that way at all. I can't believe I—I… I think I'm gonna be sick." She did look a little green.

Seth made a triumphant sort of crowing sound. "You imprinted?" he said gleefully, leaping onto the bed and bouncing on his knees a couple times before falling into a seated position. "Oh man, this is too good! Wait until Embry gets back…"

"Shut up!" Leah waved her hands frantically at her brother. "Shut up, shut up! He'll hear you. Oh god, Jake…. What'll I do?" Jacob felt a sudden pang of sympathy as he remembered the sudden shock of first imprint. Leah, who so seldom dealt with her emotions at all, must be in utter agony. He led her to sit on the bed, beside her brother.

"Just try to relax," he said as calmly as he could. "Big deep breaths. That's good. Seth, go down and get her something to drink. Coke, Juice… anything with sugar." Seth leapt up and headed out the door. When it was closed, Leah turned her face up to Jacob's.

"I don't feel like myself anymore," she said, and then shook her head. "No, that's wrong… I feel completely myself. Like the person I'm used to being wasn't me all along." She stared longingly at the door, and then let her head fall into her hands. "How is this possible? I don't even know this person… I mean, Reedo? What kind of a name is Reedo?"

"R-I-D-E-A-U," Jacob recited blandly, "Like the canal."

"Oh." Leah paused thoughtfully. "That's actually kind of nice…" then she growled. "See? I would never say something like that!" Jacob had to laugh.

"Evidently you would," he replied. Even if he was unimpressed with Leah's choice of imprintee, he had to admit that it was amusing to finally see the Great Leah Clearwater felled by what so many of the others had gone through.

Seth came back through the door with three glasses, a two-liter bottle of Coke and the frozen pizza, now cooked. "Here," he said, pouring a glass of soda and handing it to his sister. She took it and gulped it down gratefully.

"Thanks Seth," Leah said offhandedly. There wasn't a hint of sarcasm. Seth looked mischievously at Jacob.

"Whoa, it made her nice," he said. Apparently Leah could still manage her classic death glare. It only made Seth laugh more. "Don't worry, Lee… it's all good." He waggled his eyebrows at his sister. "They were tallllllllking about you…" She gripped his arm.

"What do you mean? What were they saying? What did he say?" Seth chuckled.

"Oh-ho, she's a goner! Relax, Lee… he asked me if you were okay. I told him that you were fine, and Renesmee said you probably just knew that they needed a little privacy to talk. I'm not sure if she's figured it out, but she might have. Then she mentioned that you and I used to live back in La Push with Jake, and he seemed really excited. He knows all about La Push and the tribe… and then Nessie asked if maybe he'd be able to have a chat with me, since Jake doesn't ever seem to want to talk to him. I told him I had plans all weekend, but that you might be able to, and that I'd ask you." Seth gave her a wide grin. "He's waiting for your annn-swer," he said in a sing-song voice. Jacob frowned. He couldn't believe Renesmee had suggested that. Or rather, he could believe it… he just didn't like it. It made him feel like a grouch, his own imprint fully acknowledging that Seth was a better sport about things like that.

Leah looked confused. "What do you mean, he knows all about the tribe? Most people outside of the area don't even know we exist, with our population being so small…"

Just to show he was a good sport, Jacob piped up to explain. "Rideau's studying Anthropology, like Nessie. His specialty is Early North American History, so he knows a lot about First Nations people. When he met me it was like he'd unearthed an artifact or something. I've never felt so objectified." So much for keeping it positive.

"I'm sure that wasn't his intention," Leah said quickly. Jacob didn't like her defending him so easily, without even knowing him. "He was probably just excited at the opportunity to talk to one of us. You know how rare it is to find Quileute outside of La Push."

"Sorry Jake, but I'm with Leah on this one," Seth agreed with her. "He didn't seem to be objectifying me. Just seemed eager to pick my brain. That's not so bad." He clapped Leah on the back. "Have a slice, Lee, and then try to make yourself look a bit less… totally insane. You'll probably want to go down there and catch him before he leaves. Nessie said she'd let us know when they were done talking." Leah turned her nose up at the pizza, still looking a little green, and then turned to Jacob.

"You okay?" she said slowly. Jacob did a double take. Leah, asking after his well being? Impossible.

"I'm fine," he replied. She saw his confusion.

"You hate him," she clarified. "I've heard it in your mind… you hate him for trying to move in on Nessie." Jacob just shook his head.

"I'll be fine, Leah. I don't like the guy, but it's not about me. I've gotten over worse rivalries than this one." He thought of Edward, who still didn't know about the developments in his relationship with Renesmee. And probably will have to get over some new, more intense ones.

Leah just looked relieved. "Okay… alright. I'm going to go to my room, get myself together." She got up and slunk from the room, looking almost sheepish. Jacob looked at Seth, and for a moment neither one of them could say anything. Then they both dissolved in to fits of laughter. They barely heard Embry come into the room.

"Oh man," said Seth when he regained control of his voice. "Do we have something to tell you!"

oooOOOooo

Leah tried to make herself as small behind Embry as possible, not an easy feat for a girl who stood five-foot-eleven in her socks. He'd been remarkably supportive, which surprised her to no end. He had even gone so far as to smack Seth upside the head for continuously mocking her as she tried to decide how to arrange her hair. He'd even kicked Jacob out of the spare bedroom and locked himself in with her, giving her advice on which sweater she should wear ("the chocolate one makes your eyes look really deep. Wear that one"). And now he was shielding her as they went down the hall. Bless that boy, she thought with a nervous smile."

Embry pulled up short at the top of the stairs. "Confidence, Lee," he whispered in her ear, shoving her in front of him. "You have nothing to worry about. He's a guy, you're a girl… just be charming, he'll be putty in your hands." Leah sniffed disdainfully. Charming, she thought, right. Embry gave her a small shove and she started down the spiral staircase. She could hear Renesmee walking Rideau towards the door.

"Is your guest leaving?" She said in a loud, clear voice. Renesmee and Rideau both turned, and the half-vampire nodded slowly, looking unsure.

"I really should be going," Rideau said, addressing all of them but looking at Leah, "I've got so much work to do before class tomorrow. I'll see you on campus, Ness?" Renesmee nodded again. Leah noted that she seemed a whole lot more at ease than when Rideau had first entered the apartment. That was probably a good sign. And now Embry was poking her between her shoulderblades. She tossed him a whip-quick glare over her shoulder before turning back towards Rideau.

"Let me walk you down," she offered. "The boys wanted Chinese, and I offered to pick up."

"Didn't they just have pizza?" Rideau said with a half-amused, half-bewildered look. Leah rolled her eyes.

"They're big guys," she joked. She crossed the room, her feet feeling lighter than usual. "Anything for you, Nessie?"

"Um…" Renesmee was watching her strangely. So she hadn't figured it out yet. Leah felt a small pang of relief. "I'm okay… but maybe could you get some extra fortune cookies?"

"Of course," Leah said breezily. Renesmee was practically gaping. Embry grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side. Rideau had been distracted with gathering his bag and pulling on his jacket, only paying enough attention to the conversation to read the surface of it. Leah was at least thankful for his normal, human senses. He wouldn't be able to hear her heartbeat accelerating rapidly, or to smell the absolutely paralyzing fear she felt. Fear which Nessie had certainly gotten a whiff of as she strolled past. Thank whoever for Embry.

"Well, I don't mind being escorted, if you're going my way." Leah nearly swooned as he turned his gaze to her. Green. Behind the thick black frames of his glasses, his eyes were a pale, smooth green. Leah tried desperately to hold on to some sense of dignity. In order to do so, she had to turn away.

"I'll be back in a little while," She said to Renesmee and Embry. Nessie looked as though the other shoe was just about to drop. Leah shot her the briefest, most pleading glance, and Renesmee nodded.

"Ah, okay," she said in a voice that was almost too sweet. "Be careful."

"Don't worry about me," Leah said, "I can take care of myself." She tried to make her words sound as light as possible, but Renesmee clearly heard the old Leah shining through. She moved closer to them as they exited the loft, and Leah heard her slide the lock back into place behind them.

Leah tried to think of something, anything, to say as they rode the elevator down. It was hard to think, standing there in a tiny, enclosed box with the object of her affection standing not two feet away, completely oblivious to her blinding, aching need for him. She hated the loss of her own self-control. She wasn't supposed to let herself feel this way, not ever again, and certainly not for some man she didn't even know. She looked away from him, turning her head to stare at the wall beside her. Big mistake. The elevator walls were mirrored; when she looked to the side she was faced with endless, repeating images of herself and Rideau standing side by side in silence. His image repeated there a thousand times over, growing infinitely smaller and smaller. She turned her head again. Straight forward it was. The elevator door… no danger there.

"So," Rideau said, nearly making her jump. "Renesmee tells me that you and Seth grew up with Jacob in Washington." Leah nodded, not trusting her voice at the moment. "So, did you live with him on the reservation?" Another nod. "I hope you don't mind my asking this, but… could I talk to you about your experiences growing up there sometime? I don't mean to sound pushy, it's just that I'm writing my thesis on North American Indigenous Tribes right now, and I'd love to get some insight into what it's like to be a present-day member of such a small tribe." He paused a bit awkwardly. "I think I offended Jacob when I asked him… I hope I'm not offending you."

Leah was almost taken aback by his consideration. She lived among men all the time, she was in their heads more often than not, for crying out loud. Nobody ever bothered to ask if they were offending her. She responded quickly and distinctly. "I'm not offended. And I'd be glad to help you out if I can… although I'm not sure how insightful it'll prove to be." Rideau looked relieved.

"Oh, good. I was almost afraid to ask you, after how Jacob reacted, but you looked a whole lot more approachable than him, so I figured I'd try." Leah couldn't help it; she let out a dry, barking laugh.

"Me, more approachable than Jacob?" She laughed again. "You've got it backwards." They were stepping out of the elevator now, on the first floor. "I'd rather drink paint than admit this in front of him, but Jake's actually one of the nicest guys I know. You guys must have gotten off on the wrong foot."

Rideau looked like he was trying to hide a scowl. "I don't think he likes me hanging around Ness," he said sourly. Leah nodded.

"He's just protective of her. You'd better get used to it, if you're going to be her friend… Jake's always going to be just a bit crazy around her. He always has been. But give him a chance… you'll get to like him. I mean, hell, even I got to like him, and we grew up loathing each other." She shot him a small smile. "Sometimes it can surprise you when you find out who your real friends are."

"Wow," said Rideau as they stepped out into the cool night air. "You really respect the guy, huh?"

Leah quirked an eyebrow at him. "Is it that obvious? And, if so, is it that surprising?"

Rideau considered. "Obvious, yeah… you just totally went to bat for him against a total stranger. As for surprising…" he smiled at her sheepishly. "No offense, I don't want to bash your friend, but he always seemed like a bit of a hothead to me." Leah laughed, delighted.

"That's because he is a hothead," she replied. "He also happens to be a really good guy. You two just need to get used to each other." They were stopped outside the building. Leah realized that the conversation was going to end if she didn't do something to prolong it. And all they'd done so far was talk about Jacob. Unacceptable. "Anyhow, enough about Jake. I just realized I got sent on a Chinese take-out mission with no knowledge of where I might find a Chinese restaurant. Any ideas?"

Rideau brightened at the change of subject. "Actually I know a great place a few blocks away. It's on the way to my building, I can walk you there." Yes, Leah cried internally. A few blocks… how slowly could she walk? She found herself wishing for shorter legs.

"Great… lead the way." She took the opportunity to examine him a little further as they started moving in the direction of the setting sun. He had white skin with just the faintest trace of a fading tan. His cheekbones were high on his narrow face, and covered over with a couple days' worth of stubble. His hair was dark, though not as dark as hers; in the red light of the dying day the short strands reflected a deep, translucent brown. And those green eyes, hidden behind his glasses… she doubted many people would have noticed them, concealed as they were. She selfishly thought that she liked that idea: if everybody knew just how arresting those eyes were, she'd be likely to have a whole lot more competition. As she watched, he shoved his hands into the pockets of his grey wool coat, inadvertently pulling at the fabric so that his lean, lanky physique was obvious. He was just as tall as her, probably an inch or two taller, and with an intelligent, bookish sort of grace. All in all, the whole package was quite appealing. Leah had to stop herself there… if she didn't, he was likely to notice her fixation. "You might as well ask me any questions you might have in relation to your paper, since we're here," she said, grateful for the built in topic of discussion.

"You're sure you don't mind?"

"Positive." Rideau glanced at her quickly, and then looked away.

"Okay. What's it like, being a part of a tribe that's so small in numbers? The Quileute have no close relations in other tribes, your language has all but disappeared, and you've been relegated to the tiniest portion of the land you once held. I mean… does it get to you? If it were me, I'd be thinking about it constantly."
"Sounds like you've thought about it enough anyway," Leah said with a hint of humour in her voice. Rideau shrugged, then nodded.

"I know it might sound weird, but yeah, I have. It's just that the same thing has happened to so many tribes. It's hard not to think about it."

Leah smirked. "I hope you're not going to assail me with White Man's guilt," she said, and then laughed when she saw his horrified expression. "Oh, don't look like that, I'm just kidding. You have to joke about it, sometimes, or it'll eat you alive. But honestly… yeah, I used to think about it a lot. And it used to make me mad. When I was younger, I was really passionate about my heritage, and the way that I displayed that passion was to be completely indignant about what has happened to my people throughout the years. How our numbers have dwindled to practically nothing, how we've never been able to regain the things our ancestors lost: material things, like land and possessions. But then as I got older, I began to realize that there are things in the world that are so much bigger than all of that. I couldn't have seen it when I was a kid, but my ancestors gave me gifts that nobody can ever take away, because they're just a part of me, plain and simple. And yeah, I still get to thinking about how unfair it is from time to time. But mostly now I'm just glad to be a part of a family that is united by the gifts and wisdom of our ancestors." She froze in her tracks for just a moment. "Wow, sorry… didn't mean to monologue at you."

Rideau was fixing her with a calculating look. "No, that's okay," he said quickly. "I thought it was a really graceful way of describing the whole situation."

"Huh… graceful." Leah smiled impishly. "You may be the first person who's ever used that word in reference to me."

"Oh," Rideau said with a less enthusiastic tone. Leah looked over at him to see what had caused his shift in attitude; he was pointing up at a bright orange sign covered in Chinese characters, with the English word 'Restaurant' buried in the midst of them. "This is it… the best Chinese restaurant in town." She wondered why he seemed disappointed that he'd managed to guide them there successfully. Then she realized that she was disappointed, too. But for what she guessed were hugely different reasons.

"Well, I guess this is my stop, then," She said as lightly as she could. Rideau looked like he was mulling something over.

"I suppose I should have warned you before, but it usually takes about twenty minutes for them to get an order together… sometimes more for a big one. If you want the company, we could grab a coffee while you're waiting." He gestured across the street, where the green and white of a Starbucks sign glowed back at them.

"I thought you had to study," Leah said, and then mentally kicked herself. Why are you trying to get rid of him? Her brain shouted at her. She had no answer, except for the idea that she was terrified she'd screw something up if this conversation went on any longer.

"I do," Rideau replied, "But I was kind of hoping you'd help me put it off just a bit longer."

"Oh. Well in that case," she gestured to the door of the restaurant (which was really just a take-out counter and a couple chairs for waiting), "You'd better come in with me. I wouldn't want to make any uninformed menu selections."

An hour later, Leah was walking back to the loft on her own, her arms laden with bags of Chinese food, a huge grin on her face and Rideau's number in her cell phone.

In the Next Chapter:

Leah was still and quiet. She picked up her mug and drummed her fingers against the side of it, but didn't drink. "I'm making this really difficult, aren't I?" She said, sounding almost apologetic. Renesmee arched an eyebrow.

"Well, you're not exactly making it easy."

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