A/N: Thanks to my awesome LOYAL reviewers without you this won't be finished.

Like I have said through out the story is that I DON'T profess to know anything about photography or modeling or even writing.

This is a m/m story

Enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 21

They made the most of their two days in Lake Garda. Jacob was in good spirits having only a short nap each day. The clean air seemed to pick up his health as well. While the others had to head out for work, Edward and Jacob wondered the markets and went to visit the castle. Jacob was beginning to fall in love with the history and architecture. They would return to the hotel late afternoon where Jacob would rest for a while before the others arrived home and they shared a meal. They left the others having to catch a flight back to the States for the funeral. Jasper took Edward and Brady out for a drink leaving Seth and Jacob to have some time together. The whole time the photographer waited for a call to say that Jacob needed him. However, it never came and when they returned to the hotel Seth and Jacob were curled up together watching a movie. The farewell brought tears to everyone eyes. If it were up to Jacob he would be taking his cousin home with him. That night he cried himself to sleep wrapped in his lover's arms.

They arrived late and went straight to the small quaint house where Edward grew up. As always, there was a frozen meal available for unexpected guests. Taking their bags up to Edward's room, he watched as his lover looked around at the room that had not been touched other than a dusting since he was a child. Many trophies from his early days as a pianist stood on the mantel as did hundreds of ribbons and photographs. But there was only one that caught Jacob's attention. Going over and picking it up, he looked at Edward and then back at the photo. "Who is this man?" he asked. Edward took the photo from his lover and ran his hand through the light covering of dust.

"That is my father," he put the photo down and pulled his lover into his arms. "Would you like to rest or shower while I find us some food?" he asked but, pulled back while his lover stared at the photo. "Baby what's going on?"

"Sorry, he just looks like someone I know," he said licking his lips. "I think I might rest. Sorry Edward, I think I must be tired," he said regretting saying anything. Edward looked at the photo and sighed.

"Of course baby, the bathroom is at the end of the hall," he kissed his lover and went downstairs. Jacob shut the door and pulled out his phone and texted Seth. 'Made it safe' He stripped and crawled into bed. Being back in the States was not where he wanted to be. He had fallen in love with Italy and hoped to go back there soon. Edward came in and watched his lover sleep, something he would never tire of.

"Still creepy, Eddy," Jacob groaned as he woke up with his lover's eyes on him. "How many people have you shagged in here?" he asked pulling the sheets back.

"Do you really want to know?" he asked. Slipping into the bed with his baby. Dinner would be another hour heating up. His young man rolled on his back and let his lover lay on top of him, Edward's lips on his neck making him hard instantly. Jacob shook his head, he really didn't want to know or really care. What mattered was that he was here in Edward's bed his body pressed against his. "Just know that it is you I love baby," the photographer said whispering into Jacob's ear sending shivers throughout his body as he rolled off the younger man.

Edward's long nimble fingers caressed his lover's skin not leaving a single cell untouched. Soft touches made his young lover mewl with desire enjoying the moment of intimacy; his eyes closed, his mouth relaxed, his hands lightly running through Edward's hair. "Oh god, this feels so good," he whispered as his lover teased his sensitive skin not going anywhere near his cock. Yet, Jacob never felt more desired or loved. To him, this was what he craved; to know from the simple things that he was wanted and needed. His large warm hands started mirroring Edward's soft touch; the caresses he felt he returned to his love. Every now and again the lovers would kiss but the were sweet and gentle. Neither knew that an hour had past and the sound of the oven timer pulled them apart. Reluctantly, Edward pulled himself out of bed to go take the casserole out of the oven telling Jacob to come down to eat.

Time was going too fast for Jacob. On one hand, he wanted to go to La-Push. On the other, he wanted to be back in Italy with his friends and most of all his lover. Sighing, he got out of bed and slipped on a pair of sweatpants and went down to see the photographer setting the table with candle and wine. "It smells great," Jacob walked toward Edward and let him wrap his arm around him kissing his neck just above the choker.

"I thought we might drive back to New York if you want to see a bit of the country," Edward said pulling the chair out for Jacob before lighting the candles. Jacob served while Edward lit the candles and poured the wine.

"That sounds like fun but, I need to get back to work," he pouted. The money he'd gotten from his first job was gone and he hated asking for handouts. He wanted to contribute to the house as well as buy things for himself.

"Baby, there is no rush to return to work. Plus, I think you need more time. I have booked you into a shrink when we get back," he smiled at Jacob.

"What the fuck, Edward? I'm not nuts," he pushed his chair back and went to stand.

"Sit down," the older man ordered. Jacob sat down and lowered his eyes. "You do not need to work, baby. I can take care of you until you're well enough," he reached his hand over and tried to take his young lover's only for him to pull it back. "Jacob," Edward growled.

"I'm not a money grabber, Edward. I can make my own money," Jacob whispered. Edward smiled and squeezed his lover's hand gently. Jacob looked up and sighed. "Edward please, I need to feel I can," he shook his head. "Please Edward," he asked.

"Okay baby, we will let Leah know you're ready for work but, only in New York, okay?" Edward hated that his lover could be away from him and knew he wasn't ready but, Jacob needed to find that out for himself. He would call Leah and ask if she could set up something that wouldn't push him too far to start off with.

"This is our first meal together alone, since we got together," Jacob said cheering up.

"The first of many, baby," Edward said picking his wine up and clinking glasses with his young lover. The dinner was full of laughter and flirting but, Jacob was showing signs of tiredness and Edward ordered him to bed. They had an early start in the morning so they would get to the funeral on time. Sitting at his old piano, Edward played Jacob's lullaby and continued deep in thought of the life that he saw of them both. When he went to bed instinctively his lover wrapped himself around the older man.

Jacob refused to eat the following morning and was repeatedly putting his finger in his mouth only for Edward to gently pull it out. The trip was silent other than the tapping of Jacob's foot on the floor of the car. Pulling up just outside La-Push, Edward got out and pulled Jacob out letting him get some much needed fresh air. "I can't do this," he groaned clutching to Edward.

"Yes you can, baby. Walk in there with you head held high. You have as much right as anyone else to be here today of all days," running his hand through his lover's short hair he massaged the back of his neck. "Come, we can go see Sue. There is still some time," he said helping his reluctant lover into the car. Giving Edward directions, they arrived outside Seth's family home. It was small but, quaint the garden tended to unlike most others they had passed. Before Edward had even turned off the engine, the front door opened and a female version of Seth stepped out. She gave a small smile and waited for the couple to come join her. Edward squeezed his lover's hand. "Remember I'm right here with you," he opened his door and walked around to open Jacob's.

The moment he was out Sue Clearwater opened her arms allowing Jacob to run into them. Even though she had to send her son away it didn't mean that she liked it. "Jacob, sweetheart," she kissed him and pulled him toward the house. Jacob turned and held out his hand to Edward. Smiling, Edward took his hand and together they walked inside. Edward was not going to push Jacob into letting people know they were a couple. "Edward, thank you for bringing my nephew home," Sue said smiling. "Please make yourself at home, I will make you both a drink," she said leaving them in the lounge while she went to the kitchen.

"God, I haven't been here in forever," Jacob said looking at the photos on the wall. Edward went and joined him wrapping his arms around his waist resting his chin on his shoulder. He could feel his lover relax slightly. "It seems so small now," he chuckled.

"Here you are," Sue said coming in carrying a tray, a man following behind her.

"Welcome home, Jacob," Harry Clearwater said his eyes filled with tears. Jacob walked toward him and wrapped his arms around the man.

"Don't cry Uncle," he said pulling back and wiping his tears away. "I want you to meet my partner, Edward Cullen," he stepped aside and held his hand to Edward. Harry raised his eyebrows but held out his hand and shook the young photographer's hand. "So when do we have to leave?" he asked helping himself to a drink and a sandwich that Sue had brought in with her.

"The funeral is at noon. Jacob, you will be expected to make a tribute to your father," Harry said.

"Not going to happen, He didn't want me around and I am sure if he knew I was with a man he would hate me even more," he said shrugging.

"He loved you, Jake," Harry tried to defend Billy Black. Sue shook her head and left the men to talk offering to show Edward around.

"Harry is finding it hard," Sue said as they went to the back of the house. Opening a door, Edward stepped in to what was Seth's room. It was like a shrine to Seth, it looked like nothing had changed including the Twilight duvet cover on the bed. On the walls were posters of the wolf pack. An old computer sat on a desk along with photos, a few had Jacob in them. "How is my son?" Sue asked getting Edward's attention.

"He is remarkably well, Sue. He sends his love, he misses you and Harry," Edward smiled.

"We failed him and we can will never forgive ourselves," she wiped her tears.

"Sue, your son doesn't blame you he blames the elders."

"Tell me about Jasper?" Edward sat down on the bed and told Sue about her son and his lover Sue looked at the photos that Jacob had taken on his phone while he wasn't looking. Many of Jasper and Seth wrapped in each others arms smiling at the camera. "Oh, he is such a handsome man, he makes my son so happy," she stated. Edward smiled and nodded just as the door open and his lover walked in. "Excuse me, I must get ready," Sue walked past Jacob squeezing his arm as she went.

"How are you, baby?" the photographer asked. Jacob went to sit on his lover's lap and wrapped his arm around his neck.

"Better than I thought," he admitted. "We should change to," he sighed getting up. They went to collect their suits from the car and after dressing they went to wait for Sue and Harry, they would walk to the hall where the funeral would be held. Billy Black would've been chief if it had not been for the elders moving to have no chief but rather, a counsel. Not that it meant he would give up the right as the chief having the last say. Taking a deep breath, Jacob lead the way out the house and walked ahead of the others his head held high. Edward walked beside Harry while Sue followed.

"We have our ways and I ask that you sit at the back," Harry said. Edward nodded not liking it as he knew his baby would need him. However, he had to respect his tribes traditions whether he believed in them or not. Many people greeted Jacob as he arrived at the hall. He kept looking for his lover who stood quietly at the back of the crowd but, his eyes never left his baby. People started entering the hall and Harry and Jacob along with Edward were the only three left outside. "Jacob, when you're ready," Harry said.

"Please give me a minute with Edward," he said. Nodding Harry, left them alone. Without hesitation he walked into his lover's arms. "Come sit with me. Screw them, I need you," he sniffed. Edward pulled back and held his young lover's face in his hands and made him look him in the eye.

"You can do this, baby. Hold your head up high and prove to them you are better than they are," Edward waited for Jacob to nod before giving him a chaste kiss and going inside leaving Jacob to walk to the front by himself.

Straightening his suit jacket, Jacob took a deep breath and walked inside all eyes were on him. He almost chuckled thinking it was like he was a bride. His eyes sought his lover and relaxed. He went to the front and sat next to Harry Clearwater who wrapped his arm around his shoulder. Edward couldn't help but smile knowing that he was with family and Seth would be with him in spirit. The minister went on about how well respected their old chief was many looking up to him and many asking for advice. Edward shook his head and wondered if this man actually knew anything about what he had done to his own son. Jacob was asked to speak. Nodding, he stood up and walked to the front and coughed. He sought Edward and gave a small smile.

"Today we are here to pay respect to William Jacob Black, elder to this small but proud tribe," people nodded. "But, I am here to say I am not proud to be known as his son. I have never been more ashamed of anything else in my life than to call the man my father," he turned to the coffin, people murmuring amongst each other. Harry went to stand up but, Sue tried to hold him down. However, he patted his wife's hand and went to stand beside Jacob resting his hand on the young man's shoulder.. The elders at the front were outraged. Jacob looked at the front and directly at the elders. "You are supposed to protect your people. But you have failed them and I will not walk away and watch you destroy this tribe. Until I return, I am making Harry Clearwater the head elder," he once again turned to his father's coffin. "Rot in hell Billy," he walked off the front and walked out the hall his lover quickly following him. Shouts of outrage could be heard from inside but, Jacob didn't care. He took his lover's hand and they walked down the street in the opposite direction from the car. Jacob pulled out a key and stopped outside a run down house. "This was my living hell," he said handing the key to his lover.

"Baby, we don't have to do this," Edward said still not able to believe how strong his young lover was. He was stronger than he believed and in some ways it scared Edward. Would he one day see he didn't need him to protect him?

"I need to do this before we leave," Jacob sighed running his hand over the back of his neck. "But you go first," he said waiting for Edward to unlock the door. Nodding, the photographer unlocked the door. Opening it wide, he waited for Jacob to come closer. He could see his lover shaking but whether in fear or something else, he didn't know. But, he knew he had to let Jacob do this in his own time. After ten minutes he finally stepped up the rickety stairs and walked inside. Just inside the door was Billy's wheelchair sitting there empty. Jacob didn't even look at it rather, he went straight to a room. Edward stayed in the doorway giving his lover time alone. He didn't stay there long hearing his young lover sobbing. Going to the room, he saw the model trying to open a chest. Edward looked around the room and saw a screwdriver. Picking it up he went and jimmied the lock. Jacob started throwing items of no interest out until he found what he was looking for, a framed photo. He removed the photo from the frame and kissed the photo. "Love you mom," he sniffed. He turned the photo and showed Edward the beautiful women who Jacob had inherited his smile and his soft brown eyes.

"She's beautiful baby," Edward ran his hand through his lovers short hair before pulling him into a tight embrace. Jacob smiled and held the photo to his chest.

"I have one more thing to do then we can leave," he said getting up pulling his lover with him. He led Edward down the short hall and opened a door which was obviously his own room. It was bare other than a bed and a set of draws. On the wall were posters of cars and half-naked women. The young man pulled the dresser away kneeling down he lifted the floor boards and took a photo out and a small toy car. "These are my twin sisters. My father never knew I knew let alone having a photo of them My mother told me that they had given them away," he put the little car in his pocket. "I'm ready for home," he took one last look around the small room and walked out shutting the door behind him. People were walking behind the hearse taking Billy Black to his final resting place. Harry and Sue Clearwater left the group and hugged their nephew.

"Your mother would have been proud, Jacob," Sue said smiling. "God be with you. Come home soon," she left joining the mourners.

"You have my number, Harry. Any trouble you contact me no matter what," he hugged the older man.

"Just don't forget where you came from son," Harry shook Edward's hand. "You take good care of my family," he hugged his sister's son before he too joined the mourners catching up with his wife.

"I'm tired," Jacob sighed leaning on his lover as they walked the short journey back to the car.