Chapter six: Sex on legs!

He didn't want to be my friend, and I couldn't really blame him. Hell, I even expected him to reject the offer, but there was still that aching hole that pierced right through me hearing him say it. All I could do was stand motionless as he walked away from me.

This is what it must've felt like when I left him...

Payback? I knew Alec, and revenge wasn't something I believed he went with when it came towards me. But he was the type to go by 'don't get mad, get even.'

So there was a strong possibility that this was his way of repaying me for what I did to him. He had said I crushed him, after all.

"Earth to Renesmee," Gary's voice sounded while a hand waved in front of my face. Oh, right; yeah. I had totally zoned out there. For the... Fifth time today? I had to stop doing that, otherwise Gary would start getting suspicious and make me tell him what happened. How exactly would that go?

'Oh, my ex came to my house yesterday and basically said 'screw you and your friendship.''

Sure, there were more details to that; like the reason he was here... But I couldn't let Gary in on that info. I liked him alive, thanks.

"Sorry... Was just thinking on what I'm going to say to these people. Is Lana meeting us there?" I mused quietly, blinking out of my daze. Today was certainly what I was needing. I expected that there wouldn't be much debating on whether or not I should go with my family to the Denali's. After all, my father was able to see what was going on inside my head. Why would I go there, knowing they were going to talk about the Volturi's visit? I'd hear his name, and their version of events.

"Just be yourself," Gary shrugged, running a hand through his hair. Probably to get it out of the way; but it just bounced right back. "They'll love 'ya anyway."

Well, that was reassuring.

"Lana's getting us there in a while. She's still dealing with her parents."

Currently, she was having problems. Her parents were going through a divorce; and since she wasn't eighteen until the summer, she was going to have to decide who she was going to live with until she was eighteen. I didn't envy her situation there. I had no idea who I would pick between my mother or my father... I loved them both just as much as one another. She was a bold girl, being able to go through with the decision; but I knew she would need support. Especially since we were starting College soon. This would be playing on her mind for a while, and I expected it would get in the way of her studies. How long could divorces go on for? I wasn't sure, but I hoped it would be short for Lana's sake.

I nodded my head towards Gary while I lent myself back in the seat. I wasn't entirely sure what was on the radio. Some old song from my mothers human years - Heavy in your arms or something like that - but it wasn't the usual thing Gary listened too. He usually liked the upbeat songs; but this? This was dark sounding. Dark, heavy - ha - and deep.

'Who is the betrayer, who's the killer in the crowd; the one who creeps in corridors and doesn't make a sound...'

Well, that could sum up the situation we were in right now, couldn't it? A person running around kidnapping people left right and center; and the police had no leads... Still. Obviously the Volturi would have gotten involved after some period of time, if the matter continued to go on. They practically investigated anything that seemed abnormal in the human world. If it turned out to indeed be a human problem, they would leave it be. But if it turned out to be a immortal doing these deeds, they would step in - for it was their place. They were the justice in this world. The justice in my world.

"There they are." Gary muttered to himself as we pulled into some park. A field where there were people walking their dogs, the grass just freshly cut. In the middle, under a large gazebo was a group of teenagers. Some sitting, some standing, others sitting on the stairs so they were half standing half sitting. I did a quick headcount.

Seven... Eight.. Nine.. Nine. Nine in total.

Eleven once you included me and Gary, and soon to be twelve when Lana got here.

"I thought you said it was 'some' friends?"

"This is some..." Gary flashed me a smile as he unbuckled himself. His eyes averted back to the group; now having noticed Gary's truck park beside a sleek looking black car. "I didn't think he'd be here.."

"Who?" I chirped, unbuckling myself in the process. Gary continued to frown as he shut the door behind him and began towards the group. A few made their way towards him while I climbed out after him. It was odd for Gary not to answer me back; but I supposed he was just as confused as I was. He had said he wasn't expecting someone to be there, and yet this person was. Lord knows I would have reacted the same if I saw someone... like Alec turn up when I hadn't expected it.

I shut the door behind myself and began sheepishly after Gary currently being engulfed in hugs and laughter.

"Been a while, Gaz!" Gaz? Was that their nickname for him? Sorry, but Garebear was ten times better!

"Yeah! At least we'll be goin' to the same College, won't be able to get rid of us this time."

He was laughing. It was nice seeing him like this. Being around friends again. None of them had mentioned Nick, so that was another plus. He didn't need constant reminding of Nick anymore. He had gotten everything out yesterday. It was a new day, a fresh start. The beginning of Gary again.

"And who's this?" Oh, crap. I was just standing there, silently watching. Not registering my absence, I shook my head and smiled politely. Their eyes were on me. An average looking male with scruffy black hair, and brown eyes. He was missing a tooth... Third from his front left tooth. His clothes were a mere baggy pair of gray sweats and a blue t-shirt. Average wear for a teen, the only thing odd was the pair of converse on his feet. A girl stood there also, her arm linked to Garys, and her head against his forearm. She was a redhead, with bright green eyes and freckles over her pale white skin. She looked like the breath of innocence and purity. Especially with the purple skater dress that clung to her petite frame.

"Oh, sorry... This is Renesmee. She moved here two years ago, became a real good friend of mine." Gary grinned towards the toothless male.

"Friend?" The redhead questioned. "Just a friend?"

I was slightly confused by the look she was giving him. Her eyelashes were batting, and her cheeks turned into a light pink. Wait... I knew that look...

"Yeah, just a friend." Gary reassured, giving a light chuckle. "Ren, this is Grant and Charlie."

Grant and Charlie. Easy names to remember.

"Nice to meet you." I smiled in a greeting.

"Well, any pal of Gaz's is a pal of mine." Grant decided, huffing out his chest.

"Yeah... You're really pretty," Charlie tilted her head at me; an envious flare coming across her eyes. "Have you got a boyfriend?"

"I-uh... No," Wow. That felt odd saying. The first time admitting that I no longer had Alec... I felt sixteen again, trying to gain the heart of Nathan Newton. A simple nobody, a character in the background. I was... Nothing without him. When I had once been Renesmee Cullen, the girlfriend of Alec of the Volturi; daughter of Edward and Bella... I was just plain ole' Renesmee Cullen, daughter of Edward and Bella. There was no Alec anymore. The Volturi... They had no interest, no link to me anymore.

"Hm," she hummed, shaking her head and looking back up to Gary. "Finn's here!"

"Yeah, I noticed. When'd he get back from down under?"

"A couple of days ago. He's pumped we're getting into his College."

From what I could deliberate so far, there was a guy here called Finn. He was evidently attending Mobile university, and by the sounds of it... He liked to travel. Why else would you go to Australia if you didn't like travelling?

"C'mon, lets go see him!" Charlie began to drag Gary towards the group that stayed by the gazebo; while Grant walked side by side with me. Asking questions, giving me a little rundown on who was who.

Sitting at the gazebo was Claire, a brunette with thick framed glasses and a flower headband in her hair. Louis, Claire's boyfriend; he too had thick framed glasses and a bit of stubble on his razor sharp jawline. Claire was wearing a denim jacket that was too big for her, obviously in men sizes over her floral skater dress. I guessed the jacket was Louis's. He wore washed out jeans and a plain white tshirt. Then there was Matty and Jason, identical twins. The only thing that separated them was that Jason had his left ear pierced and Matty had his right. Lisa and Trisha, their girlfriends. They weren't sisters, but they 'acted' like it, according to Grant. And lastly...

Finn.

He stood out from the others, now that I was finally able to see who he was. He was jaw droppingly stunning for a human. A mess of dark ebony black hair, which honestly looked like bed hair. Strands were in front of his piercing blue eyes; which probably made sense for the small flick of his hair he gave now and then. Clinging to his toned chest was a black tank top, the sleeves obviously had been ripped off. On his right arm was a big, distinctive spiral tribal tattoo that went from his shoulder down to his elbow.

His legs were the same washed out jeans as... What was his name again? Louis! Yes, Louis. Only Finn's knees were ripped and around his waist was a checkered red and black overshirt.

Despite the gray tone to the sky, it was stuffy. I presumed we were in for a storm soon. Looking at these people, I automatically felt out of place. Each of these people had a distinctive taste about them. Authentic and old-school, something I would only have ever thought to see in old movies or something. They were all... Normal, everyday, looking. And then there was me... Pristine and clean cut in a pair of clean dolly shoes, black tights and a skirt with a hoodie. Despite how 'normal' I thought my hoodie was, I looked like the odd one out here. Even Gary looked 'at one' with these people; with his black skinny jeans and blue shirt.

Gary had moved up the steps and greeted each of them with a hug, finally coming to the boy I couldn't seem to take my eyes from; despite Grant introducing me to the others.

Finn greeted Gary with a firm hand clasp and a quick 'man-hug' as it was called. I was able to hear what they were talking about, but I couldn't seem to make it out due to the fact my head was spinning. This guy... This Finn had been able to stop me dead in my tracks. No one had been able to do this... Not after Alec. I hadn't been interested in anyone since Alec; and yet this mere human had me practically drooling!

He looked at me.

Gary was introducing me, and he was looking at me.

I felt my heart go into overdrive and practically burst the moment he smiled at me.

"Ren, c'mere!" Gary called me over. Bidding a nod towards the two twins who had took it upon themselves to stand and speak to me, I made my way up the steps of the gazebo; narrowly missing Claire and Louis sitting on the steps.

"This is Finn," Gary said once I was close enough. "He's already in the College with Charlie, so it'll most probably be his parties we attend."

"I dunno about that, Gaz." Did everyone here call him that? I stand by my previous statement. Garebear was still the best nickname ever. "Last time you came to one 'ae my parties; we didn't hear from you for three days after."

"What d'you study?" I asked, taking it as cue to speak; rather than stand there staring at the draw-droppingly-stunning human boy.

"Eh," Finn scratched the back of his neck. "Criminal justice and law enforcement."

... Jesus Christ. Lord save me now. Not only was he good looking, but smart too?

"Not just a pretty face," Gary chuckled, patting Finn's cheek.

Finn shook it off with a laugh, and returned his eyes to me.

"You want to become a lawyer?" I asked, fumbling with the sleeve of my hoodie.

"Partly. My old' man's a lawyer so... Following in his footsteps."

That sounded familiar. My dad had become a doctor, eventually, to follow in my grandfathers footsteps. It had been a passion of my dads to do Carlisle proud; which he was succeeding at. Honestly; I knew my grandfather loved going to work every morning with his first ever adopted son. I could only imagine that look on this boys fathers face.

"What about you? What're you going to study?"

"... English literature or... Nursing."

I know, I know! It's hilarious. I wasn't entirely the 'nursing' type. Hell, I usually laughed when I saw people fall over. It was sick, I know... But I couldn't help it. It was just who I was. But it wasn't like this was going to be my 'forever' job, like being a doctor was my grandfathers. I could go on to change my major countless times over the centuries. There was nothing certain for me, nor my family. Possibilities were endless for me; and I would go on to get do whatever I felt like at the time; and could change it a number of years later.

"Ah, so whenever I get hurt I can count on you to make it better?" There was a flirtatious tone to his voice, and quite frankly... I kinda liked what it did to me. My knees felt a little weak and the air leave my lungs.

"Calm down there Finn," Gary chuckled, his arm slinking around my shoulder. "She's special this one. Not one to just simply fall for the same ole' line you give to all the girls."

Finn's eyes never once left mine, and I felt my heart begin to ecelerate rapidly.

"Special huh?" Finn asked. "I can see that."

As if on cue, my cheeks began to flourish a vibrant red. It was then Finn broke the eye contact to look to Gary. "She your girl?"

"Nah," Gary shook his head. "Too much of a sister to be mine. Wouldn't mind a chick like her though."

Wait... Had I heard that correctly? A 'chick'? I coughed, and stared up at Gary with a confused look. What the hell had that meant? Gary didn't like girls. Everyone knew that! Everyone who knew Gary knew that...

Well, the ones he told..

That must be it! He hadn't told them! The look Gary gave me in response clarified that. These people... Believed him to be straight. But why? Why couldn't he just be who he was around these people? Would they judge him? If they did, then so what? Gary didn't care what other people thought of him. He was beyond all that teenage drama crap about homosexuality. He had said himself once, he would rather be strung up by his balls than be around people who didn't like him for who he was.

Had that been a lie? Evidently so.

"Good..." Finn nodded his head, his eyes flicking back towards me. "Because you'd have gotten a bit of competition. Not to mention the fact Charlie would probably rip her into pieces for stealing you."

"Aw, c'mon... Charlie ain't like that, besides I'm not even hers to steal."

My mind was going into overdrive once again. One, Finn was flirting with me. Two, I was attracted to him, to someone other than the crimson eyed demon who had stolen my heart, and three... Gary was pretending to be someone he wasn't. All for what? Acceptance from these people?

There was a conversation going on between them all now involving Lana, but I didn't care enough to listen. I was too busy trying to figure out my thoughts. I had never been the drinking type, especially after the escapade two years ago with Amber and Mercedes, but god... I felt like I needed one right now.

—xXx—

She was beginning to feel like this was a... Normal thing. Things were beginning to shift in her life, set into place and become the norm. Going out hunting, returning and sitting in the groups that had began in the house. The odd few would sit upstairs, the others would sit in a different room. But the main six would remain in the living room. Scott, Delilah, Mary, Shay, Damien and Ryan. All huddled in the main room like... Well, a family.

And when Lilianna was here running this mad house, she too would sit with them. It was becoming normal. It was actually... Becoming rather nice. The others in the house meant nothing to her, but the five of them did.

Currently they were outside. Allowed time out in the backyard to push off their newborn energy. She wasn't sure what game they were playing, but it did look fun. Tag? It looked like it. All of them running from one person, who desperately tried to catch one of them. The rules in the game was simple. They weren't allowed to use their supernatural speed to catch anyone, nor were they allowed to use it to avoid being caught. A friendly, human game of tag.

She envied their ability to put everything behind them. Their ability to let their hair down and run around with not a care in the world. Especially Mary in Scott. Despite their obvious need to be careful in how they express themselves; the times they were able to act differently than what everyone else did with each other, it was a sight to see.

How he would run up behind her, grab her from her waist and spin her around from behind. How they'd keep close in running from Ryan, for he was the one who was 'it.' Shay was joining in also, which was a surprise; but after yesterdays events... She had really come out of her shell. She was able to say their names, and the names she had shortened. She addressed Damien as Sloth, and he didn't seem to be phased by it.

In fact; he had smiled when she spoke to him and once it was explained to him. It was a start, and soon... They could get her into speaking sentences. He was looking at it at a lighter point of view, and it was another thing Delilah envied. Looking at things in light.

"Why don't you go join them?" The very boy Delilah had been thinking about spoke. It startled her, how he had managed to come up behind her without her noticing. Had she been so lost in thought, she hadn't been paying attention? That was odd for her, seeing as she always had her guard up. Especially since... he was out there, somewhere, after her.

".. I could ask you the same question," Delilah retorted with a scoff.

"I'm not one for games." He answered. "Any type of games, really. They... Bore me."

A shudder ran up her spine with his words. She couldn't help but find a hidden message in there somewhere. Their whole existence was a game, wasn't it? Toying with a coven who weren't usually challenged. Everything they did, or were about to do, was a game. It was like a game of chess. Lilianna was the player, and they were the pieces she was putting into place.

"This one doesn't seem so boring." Delilah replied after a matter of seconds.

"True. Though... I prefer to watch. Watching gives the advantage of knowing who to play for."

Who to play for? What was he getting at? In a game of tag, there was no teams. Just the person who had to chase, and the ones who had to run.

"The winning side is usually the favorable. Still have to determine who to play for, though. Who's who."

Damien was in his own little world, Delilah decided. Speaking gibberish. Well, it sounded like gibberish to her.

"We can determine who to play for together, if you like?"

Delilah couldn't help but stare at him in confusion with his question. Who to play for? She wasn't dense, she knew he was hinting at something other than tag; but what exactly? What was going through that complicated mind of his? If she had the stomach, she might have asked. If she believed that Damien would have answered her, she might've asked. But he wouldn't have answered. Damien kept himself to himself, and didn't shed light on what was going on inside that ludacris mind of his.

This was the first time he had actually approached her to speak to her alone. She didn't want to insult him and scare him off from ever talking to her again. They were destined to spend eternity together as a family, after all. So what was best in a situation like this? Simple. Humor him.

"I'd like that."

He gave her a faint smile to which she responded with a smile of her own. He offered out his hand and she took it. Idly, Damien led her outside to join in with the game. The message was clear to her. Situations like this, ones she usually stayed away from, he would be there for her. Like a friend... Like a brother.

As expected, they welcomed them with open arms in the game. All six of them playing a simple game of tag in the back yard, and eventually the other newborns left within the house decided to go come out and play also. Finally letting their hair down, and getting some time away from being the immortal ploy that was Lilianna's game. They weren't just pawn pieces. They were real people in that moment and none of them wanted it to ever end.

—xXx—

Eventually, Lana did turn up but she was a lot later than expected. Unsurprisingly, she hadn't made her choice, and judging by the bloodshot look in her eyes; she had been crying. Here she thought a bit of makeup could hide that...

I sympathized for her, but after a while she came out of her shell and became the loud mouthed, free-spirited Lana we all knew and loved. She had no problem with taking center stage and telling stories of her past 'lovers' or give intell on what she had in store for us all at this College.

Although I was paying attention, most of it was on the boy sitting in front of me with a girl hugging into his side, and his arm wrapped effortlessly over her shoulder. It meant nothing, I mean... I knew Gary evidently better than anyone here; but what I couldn't quite put my finger on was why the hell he was letting this go on. Better yet, why the couldn't Charlie see he wasn't interested? Yes, I admit, Gary was one hell of a catch; but it was blatantly obvious he didn't go out to score a redheaded green eyed pixie. He didn't go out to score anyone with boobs, for that matter! Well... Maybe man boobs... I wasn't too sure what his type was. I'd always seen him as a... Nick type of guy, and there was only ever going to be one of him.

On a plus side, I had managed to talk to Finn a little bit more. He was a down to earth type of guy, as I had expected. Enjoyed sports, but not football. Mainly baseball, really. He adored music, and if it wasn't for his father he probably would be studying music rather than law. His mother had died when he was young, so all he had known was his father.

He hadn't had a woman figure in his life, other than his little cousin Emily; but he rarely saw her nowadays due to her moving to California with her parents. I had been right about the traveling, though. He loved it. Ironically, the one place he craved to visit was Italy; and when I had said I had been there... He lapped it up like a dog.

Currently, he sat beside me listening to Lana and scoffing here and there. From what I gathered, Lana and Finn had a past. He had been the one to... Deflower her, so to speak. He had been the one who made her like this. They had ended on a mutual agreement, but it was obvious Lana still adored him.

To get the full details, I'd have to ask Lana... Or Gary. Gary knew everything. Nothing got past Garebear. So if nothing got past him... Why was he acting so oblivious to the evident interest Charlie was showing him?

"So you are coming to this week college thing, right?" Finn's voice whispered into my ear, stealing me from my thoughts. I blinked four times before glancing at him, mentally preparing myself to look at beauty. Yeah... That was it.

I nodded my head sheepishly while averting my eyes back to Lana interacting with the others.

"So I'll get to see you around then?" He pressed on more, his shoulder nudging into mine.

"I suppose you will, yeah."

Finn gave a smile, pleased with himself evidently. "Wishing it was Monday already."

"Why?" I arched an eyebrow. Why would he want to get back to College anyway? Oh, right. He had been traveling, so getting back into his regular routine of College was something he was craving. Lord knows I'd be dying to get back to school if I had been gone for so long.

No matter how much anyone was to say they hated school, you missed it every now and then. Be it because of the boredom you experience with not going, or the missing seeing your friends everyday, or merely getting away from your parents.

"Because that's when the fun starts, eh?" He nudged me yet again. "I'll get to chill with you guys more. Not to mention hang out with you and get to know you a little bit better."

My cheeks automatically began to flush. Finn, the most attractive human boy I had seen since Nathan - hell he was even better than Nathan! - wanted to know me better.

"You're a bit of a mystery so far. I'm intrigued to figure you out."

"I won't make it easy for you," I blushed back while casting him a glance, only to find him giving me... What felt like a flirtatious look.

"Well, I am going to become a lawyer. It'll be my job to find things out... I'll just take you as my first case."

"Then your first case is going to be a challenge." I simplified with a weak giggle, for I felt as though I'd lost my breath. The look he was giving me... It was dangerous, but quite frankly thrilling!

"C'mon Ren. We best head back now otherwise we'll hit the traffic." Gary called, stealing my eye connection from the blue-eyed-god. He was right, the drive here wasn't entirely a long one; but because it ran from the highway; if we hit the traffic from those returning home from work; we'd be sat non-moving for hours.

I stood up from my seat and squeezed past Louis and Claire, who hadn't really spoken a word the entire time I was there. The two twins... I forget their names already; were leaning on the railings to the stairs of the gazebo. Charlie and Grant were staring up with wide eyes, though Grant seemed more out of friendliness, whereas Charlie's... I'd hate to even think what was going through her head.

"C'ya guys on Monday, yeah? Willow tree?" Garry called out as he walked backwards with me.

"Nah, get us at the reception! We'll be there!" Someone, I presumed Grant, called back.

"Bye Gary!" Charlie's voice chirped over the other farewells. Gary waved from over his shoulder, finally facing the front and walking beside me.

Today had been an adventure for sure. Something I wouldn't have pictured even in my wildest dreams. They all seemed welcoming and happy, apart from Charlie - though I suspected that was due to the fact Gary and I were so close - but other than that... They made me feel accepted. More than what I had ever been since Forks.

Of course, none of them could ever take the place of Ivy, Shannon and Suzannah; nor Nathan and his group of friends. But these people were a refreshing group, ones I'd never have pictured myself being around with them willingly accepting me in.

I slipped into the truck while Gary buckled himself in and began the ignition. As soon as I was strapped in, he began to reverse; the group by the gazebo waving furiously. From what I could see, Lana had moved to sit beside Finn.

After everything they had gone through, he was still her friend. I wondered if that was what it would be like for me... If I had become friends with Alec. If he had accepted my offer of friendship. Being civil with one another, yet having that longing desire to still be his. It didn't take an idiot to see that Lana was still interested in him. Was I still interested in Alec? Well, of course I was. He owned my heart, and I believed he always would. But I had messed that up, for what I believed to be a good reason - No, don't start doubting yourself. It was a good reason.

Alec was moving on. He was more dedicated to his duty than ever. This was a good thing. I had the learning experience of heartbreak, and he was giving the Volturi the loyalty it, and Aro deserved.

It didn't make it any easier, of course not. But in time... I would go on to move on. Perhaps I might even love again. I doubted I'd love as fiercely as I had with Alec, but I might come close. It was a possibility. Maybe even he would find love again? Someone better? Someone more deserving of his status and ranking in the world? Someone worth his time, his affection and his attention. After all, I had been the lowlife half-breed he had come to investigate to begin with. By an off chance I had managed to crawl under his skin and do something that made him believe I was worthy. I had never seen what Alec saw in me, but I had been thankful. I now knew what it was like to love, and to feel loved. I knew what it was like to feel like you were at the top of the world, only to have it shatter under you. I couldn't mope anymore. I had to pick myself up and be strong, just like Alec was doing.

And this College experience was going to do exactly that. I was going to be able to move on, and perhaps in due time... Maybe I'd be able to face Alec again. In... Fifty five years, like we always joked about. Instead of there being pain and sorrow with looking at him, there would be gratitude and chivalry. I had endless time, and one day... A miracle could happen again, just like the day I had him become mine, I could befriend him.

Time could only tell, and I was more than willing to wait.

"You hit it off with Finn, huh?" Gary commented with a smirk.

"He seems like a nice guy." I shrugged, turning my eyes away from the scenery passing by.

"Yeah, he is. Just be careful with him alright? He's got a bit of a reputation with the girls."

"So have you, by the looks of it." I slid in, turning my body to face him. The perfect chance to get in questioning what the hell all that was today.

Gary's face paled, while his cheeks seemed to flush a light pink. He knew exactly where I was going with this.

"It's a long story..." He tried to rattle it off as nothing, although it was far from nothing. This was him pretending to be something he wasn't, all due to wanting to be accepted? They had accepted me in happily enough! I didn't know them well, but they didn't seem to be the type that wouldn't accept him if he were to tell the truth.

"Gary..." I sighed, reaching out a hand and pressing it on top of his on the gearstick. "Charlie's getting the wrong impression."

Gary's jaw clenched and his head nodded just in the slightest.

"A few years ago, I'd just met Nick but we weren't a thing. I hung out with these guys, I got drunk... The time Finn was talking about, remember?"

I nodded my head, retracting my hand from his.

"Well, people do stupid things when they're drunk. I kinda... Kissed Charlie. It was stupid, and wrong... But ever since then she's been... Like this. And it was because I kissed her that they automatically assumed... I like girls. I just never told them otherwise. Not even when I was with Nick. Lana doesn't say anything because she's close to Charlie, and doesn't want her to get hurt. Not to mention the fact I'm not entirely sure how Finn would react. I've known these kids since I was a kid myself. It would suck if they... Stopped being my friend over this. So I just... Keep it quiet."

Gary's confession was a hard one to take in. He was scared his friends wouldn't accept him if told them the truth, and showed them the real him. But why wouldn't they accept him? Gary was by far the most amazing guy anyone could look for in being a friend. He was kind and loyal, he was sweet and caring. He didn't judge anyone! He took you for who you were, so shouldn't it be the same for them? Shouldn't they accept him, just like he had accepted them for all they were?

I let out a sigh and shuffled myself closer to him, allowing my head to rest against his shoulder. He leant his cheek down to rest on my head while he continued to drive. Why they wouldn't accept him for who he was, was completely beyond me.

"You never know unless you tell them." I whispered, nuzzling my head into his shoulder more.

"I know," he sighed deeply. "But, being with them... I feel normal. The way I used to be before Nick, before he died, before any of this. I want to continue to feel normal... Like one of the guys. If I tell them, what if they treat me differently?"

"If they do, then screw them." I mused while letting my eyes fall to a close. "You're ten times more amazing than all of them put together, Garebear."

He let out a gentle chuckle. His head leant down and he pressed a gentle kiss onto the top of my head while I fought the sleep wanting to take over me. Last night hadn't really been a restful one for me. I had practically stayed awake all night, looking out the window... Wondering about Alec and where he was. With Gary's shoulder as my pillow, and a beating heart as a melody; I felt more tired than anything. I felt at peace with myself finally. With the previous thoughts on one day maybe being able to get over Alec, maybe finding love again and being Alec's friend, I was finally at ease; and boy was I tired.

"You're my best friend, y'know that Ren?" Gary whispered while the darkness flooded around me.

"And you're mine. I love you, Garebear." I whispered back.

"I love you too. To the stars and back." Was the last thing I heard as the darkness consumed me.

—xXx—

How long had it been since they had played in the back yard? A few days, at least. Everyone was becoming a little restless with Lilianna bringing a few more people in, and taking Scott with her. Mary especially; for without Scott here... They were naked and out in the open for people to find. Well, thats what Mary thought. Little to her knowledge, and everyone elses, Ryan had shook Scott's hand a few times and gave him numerous high fives in the past, so he also shared Scott's ability.

It was an odd one, to say the least. An observant of peoples gifts, and also being able to use them when needed. His share in the person's gift wasn't as strong as the original, it was only when the original giftee was killed, or died, that he got full possession of it. Hence why when Lee had died, Ryan's main and most frequent gift used was electrokinesis. That one was the most dominant out of them all; but he could mask all of them with Scott's barrier of invisibility. Not to mention he was able to use Mary's, as well as her own. The only one that Delilah was positive that he hadn't obtained yet was Damien's, Shay's and Lilianna's. The rest of them... Ryan had come into contact with at least once. But once was all it took. Once was all that was needed.

Then again, he had hugged Damien a few times. So he must've gotten a shared part in Damien's gift? If so, Ryan didn't use it. Be it because he didn't want to steal Damien's thunder, or because he simply didn't want to use it. Probably both, for if Ryan were to use it... They would all be in heaps of trouble. Ryan was too hyper at times. Imagine that... A house full of hyperactive newborns? She dreaded even sparing the thought a second. Damien was the perfect one for his gift. Calm and unnerved. He kept them all level headed. Damien's gift was... Rather amazing. He was able to project what he felt onto others. He couldn't feel what they did, but they were all forced to feel what he did. Which... Was calm and chilled. Perfect for people who had recently been turned and wanted to stop the burning in their throats. It would be a mad house without him there, but he kept things in line.

Currently, Scott was out with Lilianna. Shay was sitting beside Ryan, while Ryan ate potato chips rather messily. Damien was on the sofa, and surprisingly; Mary was sitting on his lap. There was a bond there, between them both. A brotherly and sisterly bond. Somewhat stronger than what she had with anyone else. No one seemed to mind. Come to think of it... This wasn't the first time Mary had sat on Damien's knee, nor his lap. She had done it when Scott had been here; and Scott didn't mind in the slightest. Mainly because the moment he sat down and had finished his 'duties' on checking up on everyone in the house, Mary had shifted to sit beside him.

"When was it we were to go out again?" Ryan called from Shay's side, his eyes directly on Delilah.

"Saturday night." Delilah responded. "But you are to stay here with Mary and Shay. It's just Lilianna, Scott, Damien and myself heading out with a few newborns."

Ryan frowned automatically. She knew why. She didn't like being away from his either, but it was their duty. They had to do as they were told, and these were direct orders from Lilianna. Besides, it wasn't like she wasn't going to return. The trips out were a few hours at most, if that. She would be back before Ryan had the chance to miss her.

"What day is it today?" Damien queried, speaking above Mary's head.

"Saturday." A newborn from behind Delilah spoke, answering for them all to hear. Although they were all calm in this moment in time, she could hear the strain in this newborns voice. Obviously this was one who was going to be coming out for their feeding. Patience was a sin, when it came to feeding.

"So we have a few hours before we have to go out?" Damien asked, arching an eyebrow at Delilah.

"Well, if thats the case... I suppose we wait until Lilianna and Scott are back with their round, and then follow out after them."

He nodded in agreement, and that was the end of that conversation.

They didn't have to wait long at all. Thirty minutes, to be exact. Scott strolled in with a group following him and giving a small update to Ryan; who was going to be the one in charge.

As if to be sure, Damien made small contact with Ryan. Probably giving him the all clear to use this spell of 'calm' on the newborns while he was out. At least he was thinking ahead. Out of them all, there were eight of them going out. Four newborns and the four 'leaders' so to speak. One newborn for each person. Delilah was paired with a rather timid looking girl. Olive skinned, with a large bush of afro hair tied back into a bun. Scott had a boy, who had shaggy ginger hair and Lilianna had another male with a shaved head and Damien had another male who had his hood up.

They set out without any word, and split up as soon as they came to the city. Lilianna went off to the left with her newborn with Damien and his, while Scott stayed with Delilah. Pouncing and climbing over rooftops, the newborns easily keeping up. When the targets had been set up; four prostitutes in a back alley, Scott gave them the all clear to go on down.

The two of them stood back and watched as they ravaged their victims.

"Aren't you eating?" Scott asked, tapping his thumb on his knee while he crouched on the roof edge. The tearing sound coming from down there did make her throat burn, but Delilah wasn't in the mood for food.

"Aren't you?" She quipped back, a smile forming on her lips.

"I ate earlier." He shrugged. "She's added on another four to this family. Not too sure about any gifts to be honest, but lets just hope so. I don't like it when theres those who don't make the cut."

She couldn't agree more. The high standards Lilianna set for her family was beyond her. She was certain if it wasn't for each of their own gifts, they wouldn't have made the cut either; despite how much Lilianna expressed that she cared for them more than the rest. With Lilianna, Delilah wasn't sure just how truthful the things she said were anymore.

"At least with her building this, we'll be one step closer to finally ending it all and becoming the family she wants?" Delilah shrugged at Scott's continue of words. Honestly, she wasn't really paying attention anymore. Something else had caught her attention. Something... Familiar.

She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was a scent in the air that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

"Bring the bodies up here! We have to dispose of 'em!" Scott commanded to the two down the bottom, while Delilah dazed off into the distance.

"Delia?" Scott questioned once he noticed her lack of interest and the fact her attention was elsewhere.

"Hey, look after my one for a second. I have to go... Check something out."

Scott was frowning, and just as Delilah went to move off; his hand clasped around her shoulder.

"Be careful out there. The Volturi are in town."

Those words hit her like a train. The Volturi. That was it. The scent... The hairs in the back of her neck. It was him. She had to get out of there, she had to go and hide. He wanted her head for christ sake!

Wait...

Delilah took another lungful of the air, testing for anyone else. For his companions, and his sister. But she couldn't find it. It was just him... Had he tried to find her to finally put and end to it all? Was he tracking them on his own? Was Scott's barrier failing?! Panic rushed through her in that instant. She didn't want him finding her, with Scott. He would no doubt take down Scott alongside her. No, she had to face this herself.

If he killed her, then so be it. But at least Scott would be safe.

"I'll be right back..." Delilah hoped her words were true as she set off, following the scent and taste of cinnamon. Three miles from where she had left her 'brother' and the newborns, Delilah found him. Down on the floor, his hood up walking through alleys. Scott's barrier wasn't around her anymore, she knew it. It would only be a certain amount of time before her scent lingered down to him and he realized she was there.

That's when Damien's words struck her. Determining who to play for. Lilianna's plan was set around taking down the Cullen's, along with the Volturi. She had told Delilah once, she had told Scott once also; when they had asked why the sudden amount of immortal's being turned.

There was a purpose, and it was to start a war. A war that each of them had a part in. How did Damien know? How was he able to tell there would become a choice on who to play for, who to fight for? Delilah didn't know, but it struck her like lightning.

This was her chance to do good. To... Choose the right team.

Sucking in her fear of this man, which was beyond anything she had ever been terrified of, Delilah let herself fall from the rooftop and land directly behind the male in a cloak.

The boy came to a stop, and slowly turned around. From the shadow of his cloaked hood, Delilah could see the piercing fire red eyes. His teeth moved into a sneer. Delilah's nerves had gone into overdrive.

"Alec..." She managed to squeak out.

"You."

Delilah wasn't able to reply before a hand had found her throat and pinned her to the wall.

A/N:

Well, you guys didn't disappoint; did you? As soon as I finished writing this, it reached the amount of reviews I'd asked for!

I've noticed a lot of you are pining for Renesmee and Alec to be together again, and I too am pining. You have no idea how painful it is for me to keep them apart, but it's all for a reason. I won't tell you the reason, for it could spoil it all for you, and we don't want that now; do we? Anyhow, I will tell you that all this 'I'll get over him/her' talk is not true. Their love is far too strong to break that easily, even though they are both too stubborn to admit it.

In due time, they will interact again. So, don't fret. There is a lot happening in this story. Jealousy, battles, swapping of sides, etc.

Leave a review and I may be tempted to treat you guys to another chapter earlier than Saturday. I'm not going to give a basis line, since you guys seem to take that on head on anyhow. But if it passes more than the last chapter received, I'll be convinced to upload a chapter earlier.

You guys are my inspiration. I love you all.

-C.H