Chapter 11:
Lucas had followed Bella home and ended up falling asleep on her bed while she took a shower. The angel plains stood out this time as he rested his body – a bit unwillingly he had to add – as he had looked forward to talk more with his mate. A lot of his siblings had gathered to come greet him and he felt an overwhelming love reach out around them all. They were all genuinely happy for him and promised that when the time was right, they would look after him and his mate, just like they had done in the past happenings if another had found their soulmate.
"I'm surprised you even managed to find yourself a bed before passing out again," Erlos teased.
"Well, this time I'm still conscious. Of sorts," he responded.
"The family is also very happy for you, Alice has filled them all in," Talia said as she too sat in their little circle after the rest had parted. "Edward seems relieved, and can see a bit clearer now. And he won't be as burdened," she assured.
Ariel lifted a brow towards her sister. "Truly?"
Talia nodded.
"I'm glad," Lucas said. "After all, I never wanted to insert myself between a mated couple."
"The creators inserted you, and pulled the largest strings," Talia pointed out.
Erlos nodded, agreeing. "We all know you and it hasn't been easy. I could tell that you struggled and then there would be as if all was normal as when we usually find ourselves amongst humans. It was tiring feeling that sort of mess," he told, followed by a laugh. "But of course, the creators could not make it easy for you," he teased.
"I'm glad they did, I've never felt like this, not even when you helped me," Lucas responded.
Ariel smiled at her brother. He seemed more carefree and happier than ever – even more so than what he had been before he met Bella – and now he was absolutely in love. She felt her body that rested in Seattle call on her and she briefly said her goodbyes, before she let herself return.
Erlos felt the same calling and waved before he faded away and went back as well.
Talia remained. "You're going to sleep a bit longer. You have been through quite the day. Fear not, you will soon return to your mate knowing that she rests within your arms." With that she kissed his cheeks and left him to rest on his own.
When he finally awoke, he blinked and listened to the world around him. Bella was indeed in his arms, her head resting on his chest. They were both resting on top of the duvet, clothed, though she was definitely in more comfortable clothes. He looked further and saw that the door stood wide open. He could feel and hear the presence of Charlie as he moved around in the kitchen.
It had to be early morning then.
Careful not to wake her, he moved and lifted her with slow movements so she would not awake. Once she was hugging her pillow instead, he covered her so she would stay warm. Closing the door behind himself he made sure his otherness was well hidden as he made his way down the stairs.
"Morning," Charlie said as Lucas came into the kitchen. His clothes rumpled after sleeping in them.
Lucas scratched the back of his neck, feeling his own cheeks heat up under the stare of the chief. "Morning," he responded, not sure how to proceed. He hadn't actually planned to stay as he wanted to be on Charlie's good side. Especially now that his daughter was his soulmate.
"Coffee?" Charlie offered.
The angel nodded and sat. Staring at the chief.
Charlie enjoyed seeing the boy a bit uncomfortable. He had nothing against Lucas. He generally liked him the times he had spoken with him. He had heard nothing but good about him and he was a generally liked person. He had no off-vibes about him either. When he had seen him and Bella passed out the day before fully clothed and the door wide open, he had let them sleep. Checking in on them before he went down in the morning he saw that nothing had changed from the evening before and had made his way quietly so he could get the coffee started.
He'd definitely done worse in his youth. Not that he would admit that of course. And he also knew how it was to be young and in love. Bella had never done anything aside from keeping within the rules (as far as he was aware). And she had seemed to grow a lot after her birthday, but also taking life a bit differently. There was a new light in her after her break-up to Edward and she seemed to start truly living. It hadn't made her wild. But it had opened her up a bit more. She seemed genuinely happy. He was more relieved to actually see her act her age – worried that her life up until then had put too much on her young shoulders. He had not known how to approach it without risking to truly step in it. Therefore, he had taken a more active role to observe from the sidelines.
Lucas had a similar air to him as Bella. He seemed older than his years at times, then his true content being would shine through. It had not stopped him from noticing the smaller shifts when he had been around. And he had to admit that it had amused him when he had observed Lucas' confusion.
"I do apologize, chief Swan," Lucas then said. "I didn't plan to crash here aaaand I have no idea what to say next." He chuckled nervously.
Charlie let a small smile break out, but trying to rein himself in he lifted his eyebrows. "Charlie is still fine. And I might have appreciated the heads-up, but…" He did sigh then and noticed how Lucas moved his head, just enough to make the chief know he would let him continue without interrupting. It indicated that he was curious about what he would say next, but did not want to disrespect. He let his smile widen then. "I've been young once, and as long as nothing happens while I'm here,-" Lucas' face flushed full on. "I'm not going to stop you from coming over. Bella is considered adult now and can make her own choices. God knows she's always been more mature than her age. I will trust her and for now I trust you as well. I only ask that until school's over, try not to make this a regular thing." He felt his own cheeks had heated up a bit as well, but he was certain he was not as affected as the boy in front of him. Lucas' face had not calmed even if he seemed to have a glimmer of gratitude shining through his eyes. His smile was easy and heartfelt. The next move surprised him more as Lucas stood and hurriedly hugged him. It wasn't the reaction he had expected and to be honest, he wasn't sure what he had expected at all, but it certainly had not been a hug from the massive teenager.
"Thank you," Lucas whispered, voice thick with emotion.
Lucas knew that in most ways he was older than Charlie. Despite this, his true caring for the man did reach beyond the usual as he was connected to his soulmate. He also knew that with his sacrifice he truly would be Bella's age and they would grow older together. A lot of his memories of the past would fade, and only the most basic knowledge of what he had lived would stay with him. It would never burden him as he would be freed from his ancient past. His siblings would of course stay with him and he could expect visits. That had always been a standard. They were a large family and so they did look after their own.
Sitting down again he heard Bella's steps as she stumbled her way down. He smiled at her and felt love for her heat up more in his chest as he took in her confused look. She let her head move between him and her father.
"Morning," Charlie said as if nothing was out of the ordinary.
Lucas laughed then and it filled the kitchen space, easing up any sort of tension.
Bella felt more confused. He was still there. He hadn't left. Mortified she also realized her father knew that he'd slept there as well. She felt her cheeks, ears and neck warm.
"Dad?" she then asked, testing the waters.
"Bella," he responded as he stood to refill his cup. He wanted to see how she would deal with the fact that her new boyfriend had been caught sleeping over.
Lucas' laughter had faded to a low chuckle as he stood and stretched. "I take that as my cue to leave." He moved and kissed her cheeks. "Relax, he's cool," he muttered into her ear.
"Will you come for dinner?" Charlie asked then, again surprising Bella. "Breathe, Bella. I haven't shot him, have I?" he teased.
"Dad!" she protested. Still not sure how to deal with the whole scenario.
"If Bella won't mind," Lucas responded, his eyes teasing.
"I'm sure she won't," Charlie commented and sat again.
"What is going on here?" Bella finally asked, slightly wondering if she had landed herself in an alternate world.
Lucas shook his head and kissed her lightly on the lips before he strode out of the kitchen. "Later then!" he called.
She was baffled. Her father obviously found it quite funny as his eyes crinkled at the edges while he took another sip of his coffee.
"Have I stepped into an alternative universe?" she asked at last, voicing her thoughts.
Charlie chuckled then. "No, Bella. I'm quite sure we're in the same one if that's what's bothering you," he teased a bit, not able to help himself. "Did you really think I would shoot him?" he asked then.
"I'm not sure," Bella responded slowly.
"Give me some credit." Charlie shook his head.
Bella felt her jaw slack a bit and her lips parted in surprise again. She hurried to close her mouth, slightly catching up with that her father was torturing her on purpose. Not as amused as her father she shook her head again.
Charlie filled Bella in on the same as he had said to Lucas. Then he added, "I've been way wilder in my youth, Bells. I am thankful every day that I have such a responsible daughter, although, at the same time I have worried that you've not had enough time to act your own age for a long time."
Bella grimaced at that. "I don't really have the need to act as most my age," she pointed out.
"That's because of how you grew up. I trust that you'll be responsible and keep the overnight visits few until school's over."
Bella nodded while at the same time, within her, she wondered how she was going to manage to stay away from Lucas. Goodness, being in his arms had given her the best sleep she had had in a long time. She had been in such peace. And she had loved the closeness and his warmth. It was odd, not having to be separated, but it was also so very wonderful.
"I'm too young to be a grandfather," he added.
"Dad!" She could not believe him, even when she saw how his eyes seemed to shine as he was enjoying this way more than she thought he should. Of course he had also been much nicer about Lucas than Edward. She had noticed the difference quite clearly.
Charlie could practically see Bella's mind work and as he stood he said, "I'm off now, call me if there is anything I should pick up on the way home again."
"Be safe," Bella responded softly.
She was still a bit mortified how much she had underestimated her father. Maybe it was because of her own relationship towards him. It had grown, especially after she and Edward broke it off. It was nowhere near close, but she had found it easier to talk to him as the months had passed and she truly got more of an understanding of him and the way he communicated.
Leaving her musings, she went to get ready for the day. She really wanted to see Lucas again as soon as possible but knew there was a possibility that it would take a bit before he returned. After all, there were plenty of Cullens that probably wanted to talk to him first.
Shaking her head with a smile she let the softness turn into a full grin. Ah, it was nice that he could deal with the family first.
Her phone buzzed and she looked at the screen.
Alice: You're not getting out of this just because he returned by himself. There are plenty of days to talk. But we're not waiting. Be ready in five.
"Of course," she muttered aloud, followed by a laugh.
It was hard to be annoyed at this point as she just felt so unbelievable happy. As if anything was possible. She was happy. There was a happy future ahead. Nothing could blow a dark cloud over this day and she dared anyone to try. The future was full of possibilities and at this moment she had everything she needed.
