Healing

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Twilight characters with the exception of the second generation. I write simply for the pleasure and the escape it offers me.

Jay hadn't known what to say to Jacob – to his dad – in that moment. To see Jacob so broken was an eye opening experience. A part of Jay had wanted to cry because the sudden onslaught of emotions frightened him but he remained steadfast. Jett had been the one to end the heart-to-heart, getting up from the couch and walking out the back door. Jay had wanted to follow him, not be left alone with Jacob who had suddenly looked so crushed at the rejection; instead, he remained seated on the couch, swallowing back his own pain. It took a moment but Jacob eventually accepted that neither of his sons was willing to offer him forgiveness so soon. Jay watched Jacob got up, a deep frown marring his face and his eyes black as midnight. He stomped to the front door before telling Jay, 'come home tonight'.

It was a lot to take in and in such a little amount of time. In less than twenty four hours Jay had learned that his father had loved another woman, Leah Clearwater, and still loved her. That the two had a son together, a boy that was everything an Alpha should be all because of great genes and a loving mother. Jacob wanted to reconcile with his sons: one for never being a father and other for not being enough of a father.

Had Jacob only done this because it was Leah wanted? Or maybe expected? The two were talking before Jett stormed in.

Did Jacob really think it'd be that easy? Sure he had said that he didn't think it would be, didn't expect it but the look on his face when Jett walked out without a word – that said otherwise.

As a Cullen he was supposed to make amends with his family. It was what separated their coven from all the others. They were all so interconnected and it wasn't just based upon mated couples. Yet, Jay had never felt much like a Cullen and more and more he was starting to see that he felt like a Black, a Clearwater…maybe it was just Quileute?

Which brought his thought back around to his own identity. Who was he? What was he? He didn't feel much like a wolf, a shape shifter. He didn't have the confidence or arrogance that his new 'brothers' possessed. He never felt much like a vampire, slowly loathing his so-called family. He didn't want but it seemed so ingrained into him. That part of his wolf did at least belong with the pack. Otherwise, he wasn't completely human, wolf or vampire. Socially he was awkward. Psychologically he was probably borderline schizophrenic as his wolf always seemed to talk to him; the vampire side said nothing and his human side just wanted to be left alone.

Jay left his thoughts behind on the couch and went to go find Jett – his big brother. He liked the sound of it and Jett had managed to keep his disdain for Jacob in check when Jay was around. His aggression slipped but he wasn't prone to projecting all of his negativity on Jay. And after Renesmee that was a plus.

The yard echoed with a strange hollow and chopping sound. The grass was still wet from the earlier drizzle. Jay was surprised to find Jett at the back of the small shed in the yard, the loud strange noises coming from the axe that he was wielding and striking the log set upon two saw horses. Jett's features were set into a dark frown, his body wet from either sweat or the Olympic rain that fell but this was a definitely more intimidating Jett then Jay could recall seeing. The axe looked like an extension of him; nothing deterred his actions or movements, the axe cutting into the wood like a hot knife through butter.

"What do you think?" Jett growled out never taking his eyes off of the log.

"Of what?" Jay stuttered out. Jett's face was a dark thunder cloud of anger, hurt and frustration; the emotions were practically rolling off of Jett and they were affecting Jay.

"Oh, I don't know? How about the weather? The fuckin' Mariners? About him?" Jett snapped, his last swing burying the axe deep into the flesh of the log. He was trembling – violently shaking to the point of spontaneously phasing.

Jay took a cautious step back. He had never suffered any harm from Jacob but having seen Emily's face Jay knew it was best to not stay too close to an angry shape shifter. Sure he would heal but it didn't mean that he wanted to endure unnecessary pain.

"Shit," Jett hissed under his breath as his eyes widened. The darkness slowly ebbed away returning to the traditional Black dark brown. "I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm just – I can't believe that he did that." Jett said running a hand through his hair. Jay's brow furrowed noticing how even Jett's movements were reminiscent of Jacob's. "Actually, I can. I bet Mom put him up to it either that he's trying to impress her."

Jay stood silently listening as Jett muttered to himself about Jacob: about Jacob's claim to still love Leah, his anger, frustration, that Jacob couldn't just come back and other mutterings of the past.

"Aren't you pissed?" Jett asked stopping and looking at Jay. Jay could only stare back, blankly. He had never been specifically asked about his emotions – least of all his anger. School counselors tried but he could never say much without putting the Cullens in danger or winding up in a psych ward himself. Those who, supposedly, knew the Cullens could never understand his 'angst or frustration'. He was supposed to be grateful that he was part of such a rich, affluent and nice family is what he was told. Peers at precious schools whispered about how they'd gladly be adopted by the Cullens, taking his place. They could have it. Pissed though? He was angry – always angry at Jacob but he was too hurt to be angry, too sad.

"You don't show much emotion, do ya?" Jett pressed wrenching the axe from its hold. Jay let a growl rumble as Jett muttered 'it must be a leech thing'.

"I'm surprised you're not running through the woods," Jay grumbled back. It was supposed to be either internally grumbled or at least low enough for it not to be heard.

"Would've but remembered Uncle Seth or Quil would be out there. Really not in the mood to have them trying to either calm me down, telling me 'he means well' or worst running off and telling my mom. Here," Jett ordered shoving the axe into Jay's chest thus forcing it into his hands. "If you can't at least look pissed, the least you can do is act the part." Jay was confused and stunned.

"I – I can't, I mean I don't know how," Jay stuttered shoving the axe back at Jett.

"You're not going to mess it up. This isn't about doing something right or wrong." Jett pushed, shoving the axe back.

Jett didn't push the matter more but turned back to the log after giving Jay a look of annoyance, disappointment and possibly disdain. For a moment the two brothers stood in their individual silence and emotions. Jay felt more guilty and disappointed in himself. Last night had been great and even the morning. He had been accepted, Jett and Matt were actively including him in their activities and rituals. When it was just the two of them Jett tried to get him to open up, to react normally by releasing his frustration. Instead, Jay had disappointed him by keeping it bottled up inside. Had he single-handedly ostracized himself? Drawn the line that separated wolf from vampire hybrid?

"Did he mean it?" Jett asked still swinging his axe.

"Yea, yea he did." Jay answered after thinking it over. Jay knew Jacob enough to know that what he saw in Jacob's eyes was real – it was the first truth that Jacob had shared in many years. Jay just wasn't sure if Jacob's words and change of attitude came in enough time to heal his sons' wounds. Jett only snorted his acquiescence.

Sue let out a heavy sigh as she stood over her stove cooking dinner. The boys had left to do whatever it was that they did when she wasn't around and Charlie had remained prattling on excitedly about meeting his great grandson, Edward Jacob 'Jay'. Sue couldn't blame him for the sudden swell of pride that he felt, the hope and joy that his family had finally returned. Bella had left with the Cullens taking Renesmee and Jacob with her, made her promises to call Charlie at least once a day – Leah had snorted over that – and to allow Charlie to visit them wherever they lived.

Bella had forgotten everything once she was away. Out of sight, out of mind; was Leah's explanation. Sue had wanted her daughter to be so wrong about this – that Bella wasn't as flighty and selfish as Renee had been. Charlie made excuses like he had the seven years that Bella hadn't wanted to come visit him in Forks.

She must be busy.

It didn't ease the pain when Sue's own children made time to see their mother and Leah was known to still visit Harry's grave on his birthday, the anniversary of his death and on the holidays that celebrated veterans. There had been that period where Leah had left La Push for a time – she called even then. Charlie had to sit aside and listen to Sue happily talk to her daughter, both exchanging news and inquiring on the other's health.

Charlie had even made excuses for Renesmee as she had not bothered to contact her grandfather in the month that they had returned.

"So, I take it that Jay knows about Jett?" Charlie asked brining Sue out of her thoughts. He had been continually talking about all the things that he and Jay were going to do – Jay was now the son that Charlie never had.

"Yes, they both know." Sue said over her shoulder. Charlie hadn't taken it well when he found out that Leah was pregnant by Jacob Black; especially since Charlie knew about imprinting. Infidelity was a very touchy subject matter for Charlie as it brought up memories of his own failed marriage. Charlie had held Leah responsible as did Emily both believing that Leah had been playing with fire. Leah hadn't cared what the two had to say or think but Sue knew her daughter; Leah held onto their words and the frustration, aggression and hatred she felt about them had then been transferred to her womb.

Jett hated Charlie Swan. I just don't like him, a five-year old Jett had stated.

Marriage was out of the question for Charlie and, honestly, Sue wasn't too hard pressed to take another man's name. Being the parent of a spirit warrior meant a lot of responsibility and sacrifices. Sue wanted to be there for her children but couldn't if she married Charlie; it'd mean giving up her position on the Council and moving off of the reservation. She did at least want her loved ones to get along. She had a better chance of birthing the next Alpha then getting Charlie and Jett to put aside their emotional issues.

Sue knew Charlie didn't dislike Jett it was just that Jett reminded him of all that he had lost. Jett more then likely looked like the one thing that could destroy his family with just a look. How could Jacob not want to get to know his own son? The boy who was every bit like his father? Leah and Jett were a packaged deal and would that bring up old feelings again? Bella and Renesmee wouldn't stick around if they lost Jacob. Billy would regain his son back but at what cost to Charlie?

Sue turned around, her heart clenching as Charlie talked about taking Jay fishing and inviting them all over for dinner at his home. Charlie didn't know about Renesmee – he was basing everything off of hopes – false hopes.

"Charlie," Sue was interrupted as Leah walked in. Leah greeted her mother with a kiss and Charlie with a polite smile before sitting down at the kitchen table.

"How are you Leah?" Charlie asked with a small frown. Leah and Charlie's relationship was still a too formal for someone who had watched her grow up and bounced her on his knee while talking to his best friend, her father.

"Busy, Charlie, always busy." Leah stated with a wry smile. "But, right now I'm here about the boys." That was all it took for Charlie to start gloating about his great grandson. Sue couldn't help but frown because Charlie knew nothing of him – didn't know about the demons that haunted him. She didn't either but she had seen the dark look in his eyes. She'd never forget the look because Leah had the same darkness in her own.

Leah listened politely, a slightly surprised look upon her face having never heard Chief Swan say so much in such a short amount of time. Sue was grateful that Leah held her tongue and her snorts of derision when Renesmee and Bella were brought up.

At one point Charlie stopped, his eyes softening as he looked at Leah whose own eyes were misting.

"What's wrong Leah?" Sue asked.

"Nothing, I – I just wish Daddy had the opportunity to talk about his grandson like this." It was a touching moment, a reminder that despite the fact that Harry Clearwater had been long dead and buried for over twenty years, he was still never forgotten. Sue hugged her daughter tightly and Charlie became the bashful, awkward police chief that they all known.

"I – I'm sorry Leah." Charlie apologized as he awkwardly reached a hand out toward Leah but stopped himself. Charlie didn't handle emotions well and the lack of empathy that Bella had was inherited from him. Neither knew how to handle others' emotions. "Look, I – I'll leave you two alone to talk or deal with this." The sentence was drawn out, hesitant, anxious and full of filler sounds.

Sue looked on as Charlie made a hasty retreat, his head ducked down low avoiding eye contact and out the door with a weak wave.

"Man, I thought he'd never leave or shut up." Leah said with a smirk as her eyes immediately dried.

"Leah," Sue scolded with a harsh tone but a smile still playing on her lips.

"It's not my fault that he wants to have a woman in his life but can't handle the emotional baggage that comes with it." Leah said with a shrug. "I never heard The Man of Few Words talk so much," Leah commented with a smirk. "He didn't even blush or realize that he was rambling. Cute if you go for that kind of thing." Leah said with a shrug as Sue sat down across from her.

"Leah, he's," Sue began but Leah interrupted her.

"Happy. He has something he never thought he'd have – a family, a heritage." Leah said sadly. Sue looked down at the space between them. Of course Leah knew how Charlie felt. There was a time where someone like Jett seemed nothing more then a pipe dream. "That's a lot of pressure to put on a child." Leah mumbled pinching the webbing in between her fingers.

"He's not happy, Leah," Sue stated. Leah had stopped by for an assessment of Jay. Leah looked up, her features hardening; her Alpha/Chief mask donned in a matter of seconds. "He's quiet and that's not a bad thing but…Embry was quiet but he opened up once you got him going."

"He could still be feeling them out." Leah suggested.

"No, he's not…confident. He sat as if he was afraid of them. I'll give anyone Jett, I mean the boy is sixteen but is already 6'2" and his last check-up had him at 224-lbs. That's pure muscle. But, Matt," Sue could only shake her head. "Matt is the friendlier side of Seth when he's not being moody. Everyone opens up to Matt and immediately feels comfortable and confident around him."

"Except Jay," Sue nodded as Leah frowned. "So do you think he's just poorly adjusted to society? Maybe hiding out with the Cullens have hindered him more?"

"Leah, he's just all around lacking in confidence. I observed him, Leah, and he's…he's like you after you phased and found out about imprinting." That struck a chord. Sue noticed Leah stiffen, her nostrils flared as her eyes softened for a second before looking fiery.

"You think they've been hurting him?" Leah snarled.

Uh oh.

"No, no," Sue said quickly, shaking her head and waving her hands. As an Alpha, Leah's duty was to protect her people. Bella had never fit into that category but Jacob did and so by default Bella had the wolves to support her. Jay was different though. "At least not physically," Sue wasn't sure herself but he was hurting, bottling up those emotions as best he could. Leah let her pain out through harsh words, growls and demands to be left alone – typical teenage girl reactions. Jay was a boy, far younger than Leah had been and brought up in a completely different environment. His behavior just wasn't normal.

"There's no guarantee that they'll remain." Leah sighed out before covering her face with her hands. Sue's eyes widened. "I talked to Jacob and it's like he's going through some sort of midlife crisis. He doesn't know what he wants, what to do. He said he wants to recapture everything that he's lost, whatever that means."

The only thing he ever lost was you. The thought echoed in Sue's head but she dared not vocalize it.

"Jay needs you, Leah, you know that. You can relate to him, you can understand him." Sue said resting her hand on top of Leah's. It was a plea from one mother to another. Jay didn't live under the same roof as Renesmee and she had been absent at the pack gathering yesterday. To Sue that spoke volumes to the type of relationship that Jay had with Renesmee. It angered Sue the realization, it had only increased as he overheard Matt and Jett questioning Jay about his 'cottage'.

Jacob may have need for Leah on some level but it could not outweigh the need that Jay had. Jay needed Leah, someone who would become a strong figure in his life, teach him about the world and to love him. Leah cared for all of her cubs and was always there for Levi and Mary whenever Sam and Emily were fighting. She was the twins' favorite aunt and David was possessively aggressive of the woman who worked with him and encouraged him to not take the omega position as an offense.

"Don't be afraid to love him, Leah." Sue said fighting back her own tears. Jacob Black had burned Leah more then enough times. They couldn't afford to have Jacob and Leah's past be a hindrance in Jay's growth. Sue received her answer in a silent nod, Leah's nose turning a bright as she blinked rapidly. It was time that the healing process began.

A/N: Well here goes the next update. I know it's not as long as the other one but I didn't want to do too much. Thanks for the review looking for something deeper on Leah and I can't make any promises with Renesmee. She is connected now and has to make her hateful return. I'm trying to stay on track with everything and make sure that I'm not short changing anyone. The time period will start to jump again. I haven't started on the next chapter yet but there will be a gap in some weeks and possibly months. I'll make sure to clarify that more clearly.

Someone asked, sorry I can't remember who, about the eye contact between Leah and Jay. I'll come out and say it, they did not imprint. I'll put that out there now. LOL. So no worries there. That would just make this story way too complicated for just little ole me.

But as always I appreciate the reviews, comments and alerts. The reviews and comments are WAY more helpful then alerts because I know what's going on in your heads. I know what you think or feel about a chapter. It gives me an idea of areas that I need to cover or improve. I went back and read some of my earlier work and I have come a long way but it's all thanks you all. So thanks for not being afraid to tell me how you feel. I may suffer from a slight Napoleon Complex but I'm not going to show up at your doorstep on my footstool to punch you in the face. If there's something you don't like just expound it more. Being vague doesn't help anyone.

Again thank you all and I will sit at work...thinking of my bed. I'm sooo sleepy today.