A/N: Lol guess who's back?! I started this story when I was a wistful 14 year old (if you couldn't tell by the horrendous and lovey story line!) and I have given up on it many times before, figuring it wasn't structured enough or didn't have a real problem, or I just got busy. Now, at 19, I realize it doesn't have to be any of those things. Fanfiction was an escape for me. It allowed me to create a world I wished I could live in when I was having an extremely hard time with reality, and as painful as it is to reread my questionable writing, it still reminds me of how much that girl loved this story, and it still makes me smile.

Anyhoo, I was browsing thought my old computer and found a number of chapters, notes, timelines, etc. that I had written over the years. I have decided to post them all unedited (forgive me, but if I go over them now, I'll want to change nearly everything) so at least it can give some closure to that part of my life, and of course for anyone who was crazy enough to still be reading after all this time.

Thank you guys for everything. I had a great time in Ashley's world, and I hope you did/do too. Xo

After the bonfire Leah dropped the pair off at Ashley's house.

"Thanks Leah!" Ashley called from the back seat.

"Yeah, thanks Sis!" Seth added from the passenger's seat.

"Bye guys," Leah replied in a fashion that wasn't exactly kind, but wasn't cold either.

Ashley saw Leah's lips moving even after the sound stopped emitting from her mouth. Seth looked at Leah, rolled his eyes, and exited the car. He quickly came around the car to clasp Ashley's hand.

"What was that about?" Ashley wondered aloud.

"Leah just told me not to do anything stupid or dirty tonight, and reminded me that she would know if I did," Seth explained seemingly unfazed by his sisters warning.

Ashley shuddered yet again at the thought of Leah being in Seth's head. She wondered if she would ever get used to the thought of her boyfriend's sister being able to know what is in his head.

The majority of the lights in the house were off, and Ashley figured her mom was asleep. It was almost midnight after all.

Ashley was still cautious as they entered the house. Seth slid soundlessly past her as she eased the front door closed behind her. Rosie lifted her head from her spot on the couch, but was past barking or growling at Seth. She generally just kept her distance. The dog got up groggily and moved to the back of the house.

Ashley slipped her shoes off and tiptoed over to the arm chair in her living room, disposing of her coat onto it. Seth reached an arm around her and did the same.

She turned around to face him and ended up with her lips touching his. He mumbled, "Gotcha," against her lips and they both smiled. Ashley pulled away and took his hand, pulling him behind her to her bedroom. She left him on the bed and moved quietly to her mom's room.

Terry opened her eyes slightly as the stream of light from the hall landed on her when Ashley eased open the door. Ashley cursed in her head, but stayed quiet.

"Sorry for waking you Mom. Just letting you know I'm home," Ashley whispered.

"Alright, Hon. Did you have fun?"

"Yeah, I'll tell you all about it tomorrow. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Terry yawned, turning over in bed. Ashley shut the door again and quietly moved back to her room. She found Seth lying on her bed, reading her Harry Potter book that she had left on her side table weeks ago.

She noticed that he changed into a pair of sweats that Ashley had borrowed a few days ago. He didn't even blink when she walked over to her closet.

Ashley produced a pair of pajama shorts and a tank top. Normally she would still be wearing pajama pants, but with Seth's heat, she would be sweating even in shorts.

She took her pile of clothing, and went to her bathroom. She continued with her normal nighttime routine before re-entering her bedroom.

In the time she was gone, Seth had opened the window, and turned on her fan. Both allowed some cold air flow, which Ashley greatly appreciated, but the fan also drowned out some noise, just to be safe. The opened window was so Seth could hear his pack if need be, but Ashley hoped they wouldn't call him away tonight. She shivered from the cold air and crossed her arms over her chest, rubbing down goosebumps.

Seth put the book down as Ashley lied down next to him and he wrapped his arms wound her, trying to warm her up.

"Did you have fun tonight?" he whispered in her ear.

"Yeah, actually. It was definitely a lot of things, but fun was certainly one of them. How about you?" Ashley asked, even though she was sure she already knew the answer.

"It was great! I didn't know what I was missing!" he answered excitedly. "I really like the guys, and it's nice feeling like I'm a part of the pack."

"I'm glad you liked it," Ashley trailed off.

"What's on your mind?" Seth asked, catching her eye.

Ashley sighed. "The third wife mainly. And Taha Aki."

"I figured as much."

Even without wolf abilities, they knew what the other was thinking before they said it. This was no exception.

"It's just- I can't stand to think of you in such danger." Ashley turned onto her stomach, resting on her forearms, to face him. She tried desperately to explain herself. "I know you Seth. You're kind, and selfless, and reckless. I'm just worried you'll get in the middle of something and you'll get hurt."

"You know it's not something I can help Ash!" Seth said, equally as desperate for her to understand. "It's in my nature to protect people. It's in my personality to do things like that. I can't just change it."

Ashley frowned, frustrated. "I know, but you can help putting yourself in a dangerous situation. Biting off more than you can chew."

"Was that supposed to be funny?" Seth asked incredulously.

"Seth, seriously. My stomach is flipping just thinking about it." Ashley closed her eyes and collapsed face down on the bed, face in her arms. Seth gently put and arm around her and she moved to bury her face in his chest.

"Just promise me one thing," she pleaded into his chest.

"Anything," he agreed.

"Please promise me that you won't try to be the hero. Promise me that you won't risk yourself to protect me or anyone else, or sacrifice yourself for me."

Seth sighed and pulled her closer, laying a cheek on her head.

"You know I can't do that Ash. I would give anything to protect you, including my life if it ensured yours would be safe."

Ashley moved away from him, tears willing in her eyes. "This isn't right. We're teenagers, this is my first love, I should have to be talking about losing you in battle, or to save someone else."

Seth's eyes barrelled into her blurry ones. "I know, this isn't exactly how I pictured my first love either. I'm sorry for putting you though this Ashley. I wish so badly that it could be different. That you fell in love with someone normal. That I was normal. This isn't fair to you and I'm so sorry. If you can't handle it…" he didn't finish his thought before Ashley was kissing him urgently.

He entangled his arms around her, Ashley moving until she was on top of him, kissing him still. When they pulled apart for breath, Ashley quickly got her thoughts out, "No, don't say that. I need you as much as you need me. I just can't bear to think of what I'd do without you. I love you so much."

"I love you too Ashley. More than anything. You have no clue how much I love you."

Seth pulled her close for the countless time that night, not wanting to lose contact after the conversation they just had. No matter how tightly he held her, Ashley didn't feel close enough, and held him with all her strength.

"Yes I do. I do because I feel the same."

"Impossible," he answered simply.

The couple stayed like that for a while before Ashley sighed, knowing that their argument was still unresolved.

"How would you feel if I told you I would sacrifice myself for you? I could be the third wife. I would do it to save you, you know," Ashley pointed out.

Seth sighed, knowing she was right. He looked straight into her eyes before speaking.

"Fine. I won't do anything to put myself in harm's way if you promise to do the same. That means staying behind when I tell you to. Alright?"

"Okay," Ashley agreed, even though she knew Seth was lying, it wasn't worth continuing tonight. She wanted to savour the time they did have together and not think about what could be. After all, he hasn't been threated yet.

Ashley snuggled back into his arms, and tried to fall asleep. She felt something light fall on her head and remembered the wolf pendant she put around Seth's neck the first time they slept next to each other. He was still wearing it as a reminder of his father.

Even with it being the night that his father passed away, Ashley couldn't help but think of how much simpler it was then. She tried not to think about how different things would have been if Harry was still alive. Maybe the two would have a normal relationship, but then again, maybe it would have happened eventually, Harry's death or not. At least she still had Seth. And hopefully she would always have him.

Ashley had vivid dreams that night of wolves, and vampires. Children and death. The third wife, and Taha Aki. Most of her dreams turned to nightmares, but every time she woke up in a panic, she felt Seth's arms around her, and felt safe again.

The next day Ashley woke to Seth shifting under her. Even though he was trying his best not to disturb her, Ashley's sleep was light that night, and she woke up anyway.

"I'm going home. I'm sorry to wake you Ash. Your mom should be up soon. Go back to sleep, okay?" he whispered.

"No, don't worry about it. I didn't sleep well last night anyway," she said, stretching as she sat up.

"I'm sorry," he said simply, leaning over to kiss her forehead.

"It's okay," she shrugged.

"I'm with the guys today, but I could stay if you-"

"No, don't worry about me. Go hang out with the guys. I'm fine. They're just dreams."

"Alright, I'll see you later. Love you." Seth smiled warmly at her.

"Love you." Ashley smiled back, and watched Seth exit through the window.

Ashley laid in bed for a few minutes before sighing and throwing her legs over the edge of the bed.

As she was pulling up her leggings, Ashley heard a soft knock on the door.

"One sec," she called, finishing dressing herself. She looked over her shoulder and called, "Come in!"

Daphne pushed open the door softly. "Can I talk to you about something?"

"Sure Daph. What's up?" Ashley asked sitting cross legged on the edge of her bed. Her sister crossed the room to sit beside her, legs dangling. Daphne looked down at her hands as she fiddled.

"Paul and I were talking, and we think it's time to tell Mom. His mom and dad too. I'm going to start showing eventually and I want to start planning and I really hate hiding it from Mom. I haven't been wearing my ring so she has no clue and I really just want to enjoy my life not hide it." Daphne ended her string of words with a deep puff of air.

"Well, I did hear Mom mention the other day that she was really happy that we were happy, I'm sure she'll be fine. I hate to say it, but have you thought of what you'd do if she doesn't approve?"

"Not much I can do about it now," Daphne half laughed, hand on her stomach.

"No I guess not. Not about either really." Ashley nodded, empathising with her sister.

A silence fell for a moment before Daphne spoke again.

"Maybe if she freaks out, you can talk her through it. You handled it really well."

"You want me to be there?"

"Of course, you're my baby sister. I want you involved in the big events in my life, as much as I may not admit it." Daphne bumped Ashley's shoulder with her own.

"So when's Paul going to be here?"

"He's here already," Daphne blushed, looking at the door.

"I should have figured," Ashley chuckled. Without changing the volume of her voice, she called out, "You can come in Paul."

The large Quileute slid noiselessly through the crack in the door. He stood in front of the girls, looking back at them.

"You know, now that you're family, and I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of each other for the rest of our lives, you should really start acting like you're a part of it," Ashley commented.

Paul looked confused at first, almost shocked, but then relaxed and smiled.

"Alright Squirt, what do you have in mind?"

"That's better!" Ashley exclaimed, making the other two laugh. "Well for starters, you can make yourself comfortable, and stop being so stiff."

Paul looked around and moved to sit on Ashley's window seat. He stretched out and leaned forward, clasping his hands with his elbows on his knees.

"Alright, so how are we going to go about this?" Ashley asked.

After fifteen minutes of strategizing, the trio came up with a plan to talk to Terry that afternoon. Daphne would wear her engagement ring, and sit with Paul on the couch. Ashley planned on staying near her mom in case she fainted or needed to jump in and help her sister out.

On their way downstairs, Ashley got a text from Seth. She paused on the stairs to respond.

Hey, what's going on?

Just going with Paul and Daph to tell my mom everything. No big deal :P

Oh wow. You want me to come over?

No, we're fine. Enjoy your day with your friends. Seriously Seth

Okay, if you need me let me know

You know I will :)

Paul peaked his head around the corner just as Ashley hit "send."

"You coming, Squirt?"

Ashley smiled. "That's going to get real old real fast," she said, making her way down the stairs.

Paul just grinned, as if looking forward to it. Ashley rammed her shoulder into him as she walked by, which only made his smile grow.

"Hey Mom!" Ashley called as she entered the living room. Terry looked suspiciously at the three of them approaching. Ashley perched herself on the arm of the chair her mother was occupying, and Daphne turned the TV off on her way to the couch, Paul trailing behind her.

"Hey Kids. What's going on?"

"We wanted to talk to you about something," Daphne answered.

"A few somethings actually," Paul added looking at his fiancée.

Terry didn't say anything, so Daphne continued.

"Paul and I are getting married."

"What? Really?" Terry asked as if expecting the answer to be "No". She looked over at Ashley, who simply shrugged.

"Yeah, really," Daphne stated.

"I don't know how to react," Terry said honestly. "Why so soon?"

"Well," Daphne began. "That's the other thing." She rested her hand on her stomach.

"Oh my god!" Terry exclaimed. "How far along are you?"

"Three weeks," Paul said, with an underlying tone of pride in his voice.

Terry turned on Ashley. "Did you know about this?!"

"Of course I did," Ashley admitted.

"And you didn't tell me?" Terry sounded hurt. Her teenage self showing through slightly.

"It wasn't my news to share," Ashley stated.

"Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"So you're okay with it?" Daphne asked, excitement creeping into her voice.

"As okay as any parent can be. I'm a little shocked that I'm going to be a grandmother so soon, but I was young and in love too. I just want to be sure that you're sure."

"More sure than anything," Daphne said, looking at Paul. The affection was clear between the couple.

"It's no walk in the park being a parent. And you're not getting married just because of the baby right?" Terry asked, switching back to parent mode.

"No. I planned on marrying her either way," Paul answered, smiling.

Terry began tearing up at that point. "Your dad would have been so happy for you Daphne. As much as it would have killed him to admit it, he'd approve of Paul, and he would have loved your baby so much."

Ashley hadn't had much time to think of how her dad would have reacted to everything going on. She felt a wave of gilt overcome her, and felt a lump in her throat.

Daphne was obviously not so shocked by her mother's words. "I know, I was thinking about dad this morning, and what he would have said. I hope he'd approve."

"You know he would Daph," Ashley choked out.

Terry stood and made her was over to her first born, the two embraced and began talking about the plans in more depth.

Ashley got up from her place on the armrest and moved out of the living room. She caught Paul's eye on her way out but neither said anything. The women were too immersed in their conversations to notice her departure.

Ashley had only sat down on her window seat for a moment before she heard a soft knock on her bedroom door.

"Come in," she called, wiping tears from her eyes. She was surprised to see Paul's figure appear through the door. He stopped in front of her, still looking slightly uncomfortable in his new role as a part of the family.

"So Daph and I were talking and she- we- want you – and by extension Seth – to be the God parents. I know it's a lot to ask, but God forbid anything happened to us-or her- before you guys were 18, or ready, your mom could take care of the baby. I know it's a lot, and you're still young, but we just really want you guys involved in the baby's life."

Ashley was overwhelmed by the potential responsibility, but was also extremely thankful to be involved.

"You've grown on me kid," Paul continued. "You say you don't know me very well, but I can't say I have had the same pleasure. Between Daphne going on about you and Seth's puppy dog praise, I don't have much of a choice. No offence."

Ashley smirked, "None taken."

"I really don't mind you Ashley," He said, after some silence. "You think I'd trust you to take care of my kid without having some idea of who it is I'm leaving her with? You and Seth, you're good kids."

Ashley looked at him for a second.

"'Her', eh?"

A small smile appeared on his face. "Just a feeling."

And with that he slipped back out of the room, leaving Ashley to her thoughts.