Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

74. Chapter 74

Chapter 74

The boat ride to France was far too long. It was no longer than usual, but it felt as though it was taking forever. There were fewer passengers than he previously recalled and it was a smaller boat. When the boat landed in Le Havre, Kevin didn't bother with the train and just ran to Paris. Once he arrived, he took out the letter from Levi and checked the address on the envelope. He didn't recognize it, so he had to wander around asking for directions from people until he ended up in the correct district. It took some time to find the right house, but he eventually found it. Though house wasn't the correct description. More appropriately it was a little apartment complex. He let himself in and glanced at the envelope again. It didn't specify which apartment, so Kevin spent the time knocking on each door to find them. He eventually happened upon one resident who, while she didn't know them by name, did confirm that there was a German family that had moved in a few months ago. She let Kevin know which apartment was theirs and Kevin found it and knocked on the door. There was no answer, so he knocked again. When there was still no answer, Kevin leaned against the door and decided he'd wait.

Occasionally, other residences would pass him and look at him strangely, but mostly they ignored him and he ignored them. He waited hours, realizing it was most likely that they were all working. Once it was nearing sunset, he heard the door to the complex open and, finally, Amber turned the corner of the hallway. She was rummaging through her purse looking for her keys and once she found them, she looked up at Kevin and was momentarily stunned, but it didn't last long.

"Kevin!" she yelled perhaps a little too loudly and ran to him to embrace him in a hug. Kevin hugged her back and rocked her back and forth. "I'm so happy to see you," Amber whimpered.

"How are you?" Kevin asked. "I heard about the election. I was terrified when I heard and it was worse when I wasn't getting a reply to my letters."

"I know," Amber said. "I'm so sorry. Daddy was trying to get everything in order, but when someone attacked the shop we-"

"What do you mean 'attacked the shop'?" Kevin interrupted.

"Someone threw a rock through the window while mom and I were helping a bride and it was telling us to go back where we came from." Amber started rubbing her eyes. "The bride fled and we didn't hear from her and when daddy found out about that, he was furious. Oh, Kevin, he ranted for hours. He told us to pack our things and the next day he quit his job and we fled here to Paris."

"But you're all okay, right? No one hurt you?"

"No," Amber shook her head. "No one hurt us."

"Alright," Kevin sighed and took Amber back in his arms. "It's alright, Amber, it's alright." Kevin rested his head on hers and kissed her head. "I'm sorry for not coming sooner."

"It's okay," Amber said.

"No, it's not," Kevin said and rocked her back and forth more so for him. "I'm so sorry."

"I understand, Kevin," Amber said. "You did the right thing by making Ana stay. I'm proud of you." Kevin smiled a little.

"At least someone is," He said and hugged her just a little tighter.

"Let me get us inside and I'll make you something," Amber said. "Mom and daddy should be home before long."

"Okay," Kevin said and let Amber go. Amber unlocked the apartment door and walked him in. It was spotless as was Anna's usual demands. There was a corner where there was a half-done painting of a field of flowers. "How have things been since you guys came to Paris?" Kevin asked while Amber went to the little kitchen.

"It's been alright," Amber said. "I'm working at the post office, mom is working at a realtor as a secretary and daddy's working at a bank. We're doing alright."

"Amber," Kevin said, walking into the kitchen to get Amber's attention. "I think we need to seriously discuss all three of you coming to America right away."

"Can you afford it right now?" Amber asked.

"I'll beg my grandpa for more money if I have to. That's how I bought my trip here."

"We'll bring it up with daddy once he and mom get back," Amber said. "You know, when I had said I wanted to visit Paris one day, this wasn't what I had in mind," Amber managed to joke.

"I know," Kevin smiled back. "I imagined it would be after we'd gotten married and we woke up one morning looking onto the city together."

Amber smiled, "That's more what I'd pictured."

"I would've gotten us on the finest boat we could sail in, staying in the finest cabin I could afford. We'd spend the two days together, just you and me, take a train here and look out onto the Eiffel Tower at night when its lit up."

"I do love the way it looks at night," Amber sighed.

"And you know what else?" Kevin asked, stepping a little closer and Amber blushed, knowing that look in his eyes.

"What?" Amber smiled.

"I'd make sure we had a room with a nice balcony," Kevin said.

"That would be lovely," Amber said. "We could hear the city through the window while we look out onto it."

Kevin leaned his head down and nipped Amber's ear. It had been so long. Too long. "You know what else we'd do on that balcony?"

"Tell me," Amber giggled from his teeth tickling her.

"While we were staring out," Kevin started kissing her ear causing Amber to go light headed and fall against him, "I'd start kissing your neck and your ear like I'm doing now. I'd hold you close and touch you everywhere I could until I could eventually touch your bare skin." Kevin licked Amber's neck and she moaned as Kevin's hands started wandering her body. "I'd bring my hands where you want me most and slip my fingers inside you. Then I'd pleasure you. Right on that balcony."

"And what about you?" Amber breathed, licking her lips as Kevin started touching her hips.

Kevin chuckled, "Are you so devilish you'd have me make love to you right on that balcony? All of Paris would be watching."

Amber's cheeks burned and she sighed, "I don't suspect I'd mind at the time." Kevin chuckled again and kept kissing her neck. "I miss you."

"I've missed you too, Amber," Kevin said. "Every day we're apart, I miss you that much more."

"That's not what I was referring to," Amber sighed, making Kevin grin and bite her ear again.

"I know," Kevin said and licked her ear. "But I promised your dad I wouldn't lay a hand on you until I married you."

"What do you call what you're doing now?" Amber teased.

"Self-torment," Kevin answered.

"It's just us, Kevin," Amber said. "I won't say a word."

"I thought you said they'd be home soon," Kevin said.

"Mom works until five," Amber said. "So does daddy. We have at least a half hour."

Kevin glanced at the clock on the wall and he was tempted. So tempted. "Amber," he whispered in her ear and kissed her. "You're being so cruel."

"You started it," Amber teased and Kevin chuckled.

"I suppose I did," Kevin said. "My own fault."

"I read your letters every night," Amber said. "When I miss you this way, I read your elicit letters to me."

"And how do you like them?"

"They can only do so much," Amber complained. Then she turned around so she was looking up at Kevin. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a long, passionate kiss which Kevin reciprocated. Her scent was surrounding him and she was so soft in his arms. Amber ended the kiss but she kept her lips close and barely opened her eyes to look up at him. Then the Siren spoke again. "I've read your letter so many times and relived that memory you describe so many times, but I want a new memory."

"I may need to tie myself to the helm of the ship so you cannot tempt me," Kevin teased.

"I'm no Greek creature leading you to your death," Amber teased and kissed Kevin again. "I'm your fiancé requesting your attention." Remembering his letter, Amber grinned wickedly and brought her lips to Kevin's ear. "I'm your goddess asking for your prayers. Would you deny me that?"

Kevin chuckled, "Will I be excommunicated if I do not?"

"No," Amber whispered, "but you will make me sad. Do you wish to make me sad?" Hoping it would further along what she wanted, she brought her right leg up around his hip as if to trap him. Kevin groaned and kissed her neck desperately.

"Where's your room?" Kevin finally asked as he placed his hand on her leg, touching the nylon of her stockings making them both shiver.

"First door on the left," Amber whispered. Rather suddenly, Kevin lifted her into his arms and carried her to where she'd directed. He found the little bed and placed her down as she giggled. Kevin glanced at the clock. According to what she'd said, they had 25 minutes.

"You sure? It'll have to be quick."

"I'd say you're wasting time asking," Amber said. Kevin smiled and began to disrobe and Amber did the same.

"I hope you know how much I spoil you," Kevin joked as he approached her and leaned above her.

"I hope you know how much I appreciate it," Amber smiled back.

Kevin kissed her and slipped inside her without a second thought and any that remained dissipated from his mind. He wanted to just linger a moment, but they didn't have time. So he just started moving. His lips against hers kept her moans at bay and he hurried her to her highest point by touching between her legs. Combined with everything, he brought her to her climax within minutes and he followed shortly after, pulling out last minute onto her belly. They held one another lovingly momentarily, but moments were all they could share before they needed to start getting cleaned up and redressed.

"How long can you stay?" Amber asked as Kevin cleaned her up and started getting dressed.

"I'll spend the night and leave tomorrow afternoon."

"Kevin, please," Amber said after she'd gotten her head through her dress. "Don't leave so soon."

"I have to, Amber," Kevin said. "I can't leave Alphonse alone with so many cases for that long. I'm sorry, but I have to. We need to get back to the kitchen."

"Kevin," Amber said, following after Kevin. "At least two days," Amber said. "Please at least stay two more days. For me, please," Amber said. She looked prepared to cry if it would make him stay. "I'll send word to work that I'm sick or something and we'll spend the day together."

"Amber, I can't make you take off work," Kevin said. Just then, the door opened and both Levi and Anna stepped into the apartment, surprised to see Kevin.

"Kevin?" Anna asked.

"Afternoon, Anna," Kevin said. "I'm so sorry to appear unannounced, but I finally got Levi's letter and I needed to make sure you were all alright."

"How long are you staying?" Levi asked.

"Just until tomorrow," Kevin said.

"Surely you can stay at least a few days," Anna said.

"I'm sorry, but I need to get back," Kevin said. "I've already left Alphonse alone too long. We've been overloading ourselves with cases to keep the status quo and we're pretty overworked."

"At least two days," Amber asked again.

Kevin looked at her and wanted to say yes, but he just couldn't. "I'm sorry, Amber, but I have to get back home." Amber breathed out and looked at the floor. A complete 360 compared to how she'd felt just minutes ago. She left the kitchen and returned to her room. "Amber," Kevin called after her but she closed the door.

"I'll go speak with her," Anna said and went to the room and knocked, waiting a moment to be given permission to enter. Amber took a moment to clean up first before letting Anna in.

"Don't let it bother you," Levi said, walking closer to the kitchen. "Poor thing's missed you terribly."

"I missed her too," Kevin said. "I wish I could stay but-"

"I know," Levi sighed. "This really has turned into a bad situation hasn't it?"

"Amber said someone had thrown a rock through the shop window," Kevin said.

Levi became very angry, "Nearly hit Anna. Little brats. If I knew who they were, I'd teach them a lesson myself."

"Levi," Kevin said. "I can speak to my grandpa. My mom's family has barely felt the recession, so I can speak with him and we can make arrangements for you all to come to America."

"Where would we stay?"

"With me," Kevin said. "You're welcome to stay with me. I'll help you find work. We can start planning the wedding once we're able and I'll help you and Anna find a nice home nearby."

"You know," Levi said. "When the Nazi's first took over the Reichstag, I went to the American Embassy to see if I couldn't make those very arrangements. Bastards wouldn't even give me an appointment. Then I get here and I'm still waiting to meet with the American Embassy here."

"To hell with them," Kevin said. "If you want, we can pack your things now and you can come back with me now. That man's dangerous, Levi."

"He's dangerous in Germany," Levi said. "We're in Paris, so he's not our problem anymore. We at least have time to try making our own arrangements. I won't be one of those people that go to America a trained mathematician only able to get a job at a factory for less money than we need to survive. Besides, things are fine in Paris, so we can at least wait for this recession in America to go away."

"I don't know when that will be, though," Kevin said. "Levi, like I said-"

"I know what you said, Kevin," Levi said. "I know you're trying to help and I appreciate that, but I can't just let you do this for me. If there's no way for me to get us to America on my own, then I'll reach out to you. Sadly, I'm quickly finding out we're no longer in the days where immigrants can just waltz in through Ellis Island with just a health inspection and quarantine."

"At least let me see what loopholes I can find for you," Kevin said. "If you're wanting to do this legally, then I'll need to help a little regardless. Immigration laws have gotten downright bat shit in recent years."

"Indeed," Levi said.

"I can at least make Amber a citizen automatically if she comes back with me and we get married," Kevin suggested.

"No," Levi said. "You'll not marry her without me and Anna. You certainly won't marry her for convenience."

"It wouldn't be for 'convenience' Levi it would be for her citizenship."

"I know what you're saying, but please don't tarnish your marriage by making a business transaction out of it. I realize that's not your intent, but that's what you'd be doing."

"Alright," Kevin sighed. "You're right."

"Do you honestly want to reduce the happiest day of your life to something so sterile?" Levi said.

"No," Kevin sighed again. "I'm just worried about her."

"I know," Levi said. "And any assistance you can provide legally from your end will be appreciated." Anna stepped out of Amber's room, interrupting the conversation, and stepped beside Kevin.

"Kevin, Amber asked for you," Anna said.

"Sure," Kevin said and went to Amber's room, leaving Levi and Anna in the living room. He heard Anna get started with dinner and when Kevin entered Amber's room, she was sitting on her bed and didn't look any happier. "Amber?" She looked up at him, looked away, and then patted the spot on the bed beside her. Kevin sat beside her with no space between them. "I'm sorry I can't stay long."

"I know," Amber said. "I'm sorry I stormed out. I should be spending what time we have together with you and I'm running off to my room like a child."

"Don't worry about it," Kevin said. Wanting to comfort her, Kevin wrapped his arm around her and she rested her head against Kevin's shoulder. "Your dad said he's trying to make you all American citizens."

"He is?" Amber asked.

"Yes," Kevin said. "The American Embassy is as good a place to start as any, but he'll have a lot of paperwork to work on. I'll see what I can do from my end. I suggested you could come back to America and I could make you a citizen automatically by us getting married, but Levi wouldn't agree. He reminded me that it would cheapen our wedding."

"I suppose," Amber answered solemnly.

Kevin and Amber sat together on the bed comforting one another. Kevin slept on the couch and gave Amber a loving kiss in the morning before she left for work and Kevin made his way to Le Havre to return home. He made sure to leave Amber a special letter on her pillow before he left. A heated, passionate letter describing in detail a scene of them making love on a balcony like they had discussed in the kitchen before the day had soured. When Amber returned home and saw the letter, she read it eagerly, happy for the new fantasy to add to her collection. When Kevin returned home, he went right back to work, taking back the cases he'd been working on and things returned to business as usual. While Kevin couldn't send Amber an expensive gift that holiday, he did write her a letter letting her know he missed her. He also started looking into the immigration process more thoroughly and sending anything he could advise to Levi through letter.

Then it was 1932 and things weren't improving. In fact, veterans were growing restless for their bonuses they were promised. Word spread that some veterans from Portland were going to make a trip to Washington D.C. to demand their checks. When Embry found out about that, he found that to be not such a bad idea. He went to Kevin's house after he finished work the day he'd found out and let himself into the house. Kevin stepped to the front a little surprised.

"Hey, Embry," Kevin said.

"Kevin, you'll never believe this," Embry said. "There's some veterans from Portland that are going to Washington D.C. to demand their bonuses."

"Really? Good. Might serve Hoover right to have his jimmies rustled a little," Kevin said.

"Join me," Embry said. "We'll join the protest. If anyone deserves that God Damn bonus, it's you! You won a Medal of Honor for shit's sake. The least they can do is pay you your damn bonus."

"While I highly agree, you know I can't go," Kevin said. "I need to stay here and work. I can't keep leaving Alphonse alone at the firm with the number of cases we keep taking."

"Seriously? You can take a few days to visit Amber but you can't take a few days to demand your money? Don't you get it? You might be able to get Amber and her family to America!"

"Not with the bonus we'd be getting," Kevin said. "Besides, you really think the President is going to just hand over our due bonuses just because a few vets from Portland are kicking up a fuss?" Embry stared at Kevin for a while. His eye twitched and he had to take a deep breath.

"I won't inconvenience you further then," Embry said and was prepared to leave.

"Embry, stop, that's not how I meant it. I'm just being realistic."

"Fine, Kevin, you be realistic and stay at home with your damn tail between your legs. I, on the other hand, plan to march to the White House and demand my money that I fought for and that I earned. And when our 'fuss' earns you your money, then I fully expect a fucking thank you."

"What about your job?" Kevin rationalized.

"What about it?" Embry barked. "I thought it wasn't good enough anyway, so why should I care?"

"Embry, it's your only source of income!" Kevin said.

"It doesn't matter, I'll just find a different job when I get back. Maybe one that's 'to your standards'."

"Okay, what the fuck is wrong with you?!" Kevin yelled. "You've done nothing but speak backhandedly to me for months. Hell, a few years now."

"Oh? So now you care? Now you're not too good for me?"

"What the hell are you talking about?!" Kevin yelled. "When did I ever say that to you?"

"It's how you act, Kevin. You never go on patrol, you never visit the tribe, you never speak to me unless you have to or I come over!"

"Oh, don't be ridiculous," Kevin said.

"There! Right there," Embry said. "You're what's wrong with me and if you want anything to go back to normal, I recommend you pull your head of out of your ass!"

"Fine, Embry, and then I'll recommend you get your head out of the clouds and stop bitching!"

"You think I'm bitching?" Embry replied condescendingly. "Well, I'm so sorry, your highness. I didn't realize I was upsetting you. I guess I'll just leave and fly to D.C. on cloud nine and you can keep your head up your ass and enjoy the smell of your own farts."

"Is this really about me not visiting? Really? Because I've got a little story for you, Embry: I'm trying to keep a business open and that doesn't magically happen! It takes hard work. Something you know nothing about."

"Oh, I don't know anything about hard work? Well excuse me, Sergeant," Embry said the last word with bitterness. "I'll just get out of your life then seeing as I'm just a toy you outgrew."

"Stop putting words in my mouth, Embry!" Kevin said. "I don't know what's gotten into you, but I'm tired of it. I've walked on eggshells around you since I returned to Washington and frankly I'm fucking sick of it!"

"Well, pardon me," Embry said sarcastically and left Kevin's house without another word. Kevin stared at the door a moment before returning to his office in a huff. He attempted to return to his work, but it didn't last and wound up just throwing his papers against the wall in a fit of rage and then rushing to put out the fire on the paper after hitting the flame of his candle.

Despite Kevin's words of discouragement, Embry found out as much information about the veterans going to D.C. as he could and when he heard they were beginning the trip, he proudly joined them. He explained to his boss his intentions which cost him his job, but Embry didn't care. It was the principle of the matter. By the time Embry and the other Veterans he'd followed East had arrived, it was June and he, at least, was pleasantly surprised to find he and the group he came with weren't the only ones. There were thousands upon thousands of veterans camped outside the Capital Building with tents and cooking materials. He couldn't believe how crowded it was. He even felt a little proud. Embry moved around the crowd of men as best he could until he was greeted by a familiar and unexpected voice.

"Tatter?!" came the voice and Embry felt his skin crawl from the nickname. He turned around and saw Pvt. Tammy coming towards him with a big, kind smile. "Holy shit, it is you! How long has it been?"

"Too long," Kevin smiled and even embraced the man in a hug.

"Fuck me, you haven't changed a day," Pvt. Tammy chuckled and looked behind him at a few men he'd been speaking to previously. "Gentlemen, this is the Indian I was telling you about."

"The one that used to catch grenades mid-air?" one asked.

"No, no, that was Sgt. Black," Pvt. Tammy said. "This is Pvt. Call. He's the one that kept eating a potato after we'd been called into line and was forced to run laps around the base and earned Tatter as a nickname."

"Oh, yes," another man chuckled. "We heard quite a bit about you. So where's the Sergeant Tammy's speaking so glowingly about?"

"Home," Embry answered just a little bitterly. "He's got better things to do now that he's a big shot lawyer."

"A lawyer? Shit," Pvt. Tammy chuckled. "Looks like saving our commanding officers' skins really worked out for him."

"It sure did," Embry said. "Has anything happened since you got here?"

"Not since I got here," Pvt. Tammy said. "But we're loud and clear. We want our damn bonuses. I didn't see Hoover's fat ass in the trenches with us. Least the son of a bitch can do is show his appreciation by paying his veterans."

"No shit," Embry agreed.

And heard they were. By the 15th of that month, their request was heard by Congress and by a vote of 209 to 176 it was agreed that the Veterans deserved their money. When news reached the men, some were excited, but most remained cautiously optimistic. That was only one vote and it had two more places to go to before it would be a victory. Embry stayed with Pvt. Tammy in his tent since he'd not brought his own and late at night, they were the only remaining of their group awake playing cards together. They were both rather restless.

"So a lawyer," Pvt. Tammy said about Kevin. "How old are you two now?"

"We're both turning 28 this year," Embry said.

"I remember being that age," Pvt. Tammy chuckled. "It was the end of the war and when I got home, my wife was ready and waiting for me."

"I didn't know you were married," Embry said.

"Yeah," Pvt. Tammy smiled. "Lisa's her name. A very agreeable woman. We have two children together."

"Congratulations," Embry smiled.

"My pride and joy those two," Pvt. Tammy smiled and reached into his pocket to pull out a black and white crumpled picture of him, a woman about his age, and two little children, both boys.

"They're cute kids," Embry said.

"So how about you and Sgt. Black? Did you two get yourselves married with kids?"

"Kevin's engaged and I'm decidedly unencumbered."

"How's a handsome thing like you not married by now?" Pvt. Tammy teased.

"I prefer my women fast and loose and expecting very little," Embry said. "I'll get married if I find a woman worth marrying."

"Prefer whores then?" Pvt. Tammy laughed. "Well, when you do find the right girl, I recommend leaving that part out. Even if you're lying, ladies prefer a man that's as pure as they are."

Embry shrugged, "I'll make sure to remember that."

"You do that," Pvt. Tammy chuckled and pulled out a cigarette. He offered Embry one and he accepted it. Once the two of them were both lit, Embry released a long cloud of smoke. "So you said Sgt. Black's engaged?"

"Yeah," Embry said. "To some blonde in France."

"Not one of the hookers I hope," Pvt. Tammy teased.

"I don't know, it worked for Pvt. Jagger. He married a prostitute and they have a beautiful daughter together."

"Ah, yes, I remember," Pvt. Tammy smiled. "How is he doing by the way?"

"He's alright," Embry said. "Uileila, their daughter, she's…..shit, she's 13 now. Looks just like her dad but paler."

"They only had their daughter?"

"You know how they say girls are harder to raise then boys?"

"I have heard that, but as you can see, I only have two boys."

"Well, I'll tell you from experience girls are harder to raise. Uileila's a sweet little girl, but she's a ball of energy that tends to expel that energy destructively. So Charlene decided she wanted just the one child. Seth was kind enough to oblige," Embry chuckled.

"Nothing wrong with just one," Pvt. Tammy chuckled. "Are you planning to have kids one day?"

"It'll happen once I find a girl worth marrying," Embry said. "I'm in no hurry if you want the truth."

"Eh," Pvt. Tammy said. "Just try to make a rich man of yourself so you have an excuse to be unwed at your age."

Embry chuckled, "I'll do that."

"So you said Sgt. Black's engaged to a woman in France? Would it happen to be the same girl he saved from Château?"

"Yeah," Embry said. Pvt. Tammy didn't seem alarmed, thankfully either unaware of forgetful of the full details. "They've been engaged a while."

"Why so long?"

"Fuck if I know," Embry said flippantly. Pvt. Tammy looked at him strangely and decided to change the subject.

Before long, the men suffered defeat when news was relayed that their requests had been denied by the Senate by a 62 to 18 vote. They were all furious, especially those that had not been cautiously optimistic. However, rather than accept defeat, they remained camped out determined to get their money. Reporters were always on the grounds where the men protested, asking questions, getting pictures of the scene and the story was plastered all over the news. Kevin received word of the good, and then bad news about the events one morning in his office and while he'd not gone to protest, the big vote 62 to 18 loss ruffled his feathers.

"What says the papers?" Alphonse asked after he came into Kevin's office.

"Papers say the Senate's a bunch of cheap ungratefuls," Kevin muttered. "It also says the men that came are refusing to leave until they get their money now otherwise we're all looking at waiting until 1945 before any of us can earn our bonuses."

"Can't say I blame them," Alphonse said.

"Damn straight you can't," Kevin said. "We're the ones that risked our lives in those trenches alongside our allies. That was our hard work, not theirs. We're the ones that suffered trench foot and watched our comrades die by the hundreds through bullets, disease and neglect." Kevin rubbed his head. "Fuck, Embry can't even hear a fucking window close without jumping."

"Why a window?"

"It's a loud noise," Kevin said. "When we were at war, loud noises meant you got off your ass and readied yourself for battle or defense. Of course, those stuffy bastards wouldn't know that, would they?"

"Kevin, you have to remember some soldiers get into politics, so I guarantee you there are former soldiers in the ranks. Hell, they're probably the ones that voted towards getting you guys your bonuses."

"Just wasn't enough I guess," Kevin said. "I suppose we're not worth very much."

"Don't say things like that," Alphonse said. "We're in a depression and that means we're all fucked. Even our heroes." Kevin laughed without humor.

"I suppose you're right," Kevin said. He stared at some papers on his desk a moment and thought about Embry. "I should have gone with him."

"Kevin, don't be absurd," Alphonse said. Kevin looked at Alphonse as a small click happened in his mind. "You have a job for Christ's sake. You're a business owner. It's hard enough on me when you're gone a few days. Still not sure how you managed that, but I'll not complain. How long has this protest been going on? Going on a month? I can't spare you for that long. He'll just have to suck it up."

Kevin groaned, "I should have at least promised I'd help somehow."

"How exactly? Pay off every senator that voted against the bonus? Even if you had the money to do so, that's illegal."

"I'm aware," Kevin groaned. "He was so upset with me when I refused to go."

"Well, he needs to grow up and realize your life doesn't revolve around him," Alphonse said.

"It's not that," Kevin said. "I think he feels like we've grown apart."

"That's not uncommon for childhood friends to grow in different directions," Alphonse said. "It doesn't mean you're not still friends."

"He's more than a friend to me, Alphonse. He's the older brother I never had. He followed me to war and I can't even follow him to a fucking protest."

"Don't start blaming yourself, Kevin," Alphonse said. "Frankly, you did the adult thing and if he can't deal with that, then he has more growing up to do."

Kevin didn't answer. He realized Alphonse was trying to help, but his bluntness of the matter was making him feel a little worse. Anastasia did come in for 'work' a little later, so it brightened his day a bit. She still received her salary of sugary treats from time to time for her efforts. She was growing taller, but still a tiny thing dressed in her finest dresses and her hair dolled up. As Kevin had promised would be the case, for her, it was as though the depression had never occurred. If only they could all be so lucky.

Finally, the men that were protesting in Washington received an answer, but it was not the one they wanted. They were told that President Hoover and sighed a bill for $100,000 for transport and the veterans were expected to vacate D.C. by July 24th. News reporters once again went to the veterans for quotes and to report the story and the story spread like wildfire and was met with a heated repulsion. When Kevin received the story, he was seeing red. He returned home after leaving work that day and was home in time for most everyone to be enjoying dinner together on the beach watching the sunset. Jacob was the first to see Kevin and realized right away he was less than pleased.

"What happened?" Jacob asked when Kevin was before everyone and he had everyone's attention.

"That son of a bitch just gave the men protesting until July 24th to leave," Kevin said. "He basically cut a check for $100,000 and told his veterans to get the fuck out of Washington."

"Kevin, take a deep breath," Renesmee instructed.

"I heard about that," Seth mumbled. "You fight a dirty hard fight and what do you get? I big middle finger." Charlene started rubbing Seth's back. "Does this mean Embry's coming back home?"

"As far as I can tell, the veterans said they weren't leaving until they were paid and plan to make good on that promise."

"Good," Seth said. "Might serve them right after disrespecting us like that."

"Do you think they'll change their minds?" Uileila asked Seth.

"I wouldn't count on it," Kevin answered honestly. "This has been going on for a while and Hoover's purse strings have only tightened."

"Can the government even afford to pay you guys?" Jae asked.

"Probably not," Kevin said. "But that's not our faults now is it?"

"Kevin," Caevia said. "Please get Embry and make him come home. He's been gone too long and I don't want him caught up in this anymore. What happens if things get violent?"

"Frankly, Caevia, if Hoover knows what's good for him, he won't lay a hand on a single hair of any of those men's heads. Besides, he won't listen to me."

"Why the hell not?" Caevia asked.

"There's been animosity," Embry Sr. said. "I assume he's made you aware by now?"

"Yes, he has," Kevin said. "Look, I'll go get him, but more so in an effort to fix things." There was an awkward silence among the group and suddenly Kevin was all the more upset. "Great. So you're all mad at me too."

"We're not mad at you, Kevin," Jacob defended.

"No, I'll say it. We're mad at you," Nathan spoke up. "We barely hear from you anymore. How do you think that makes us all feel? Shit, Kyle's trying to build a damn hospital in the middle of a depression and he still finds time to be here."

"I'm working, Nathan!" Kevin yelled.

"So am I," Kyle said.

"Oh, well pardon me," Nathan said, echoing Embry. "You probably don't even know your little sister's pregnant do you?"

"What?" Kevin looked at Natalie who suddenly looked really uncomfortable having been put on the spot.

"Yeah," Natalie finally answered. "We found out in March." Kevin looked at her and finally noticed the bump forming under her dress that JJ was conveniently making difficult to see while he sat on Natalie's lap with his fingers in his mouth.

"Kevin, regardless what Nathan says, we're not pointing fingers," Jacob took over. Nathan was about to speak but one stern look from Jacob shut him up quick. "All we're saying is we miss you. That's it. That's what Embry's upset about."

"Doesn't help that you've been so full of yourself," Nathan said.

"Nathan, shut up!" Jacob barked and stared sternly again. "Look, Caevia asked you to bring Embry back, so please bring him back. We'll talk more when you're both home."

There was an awkward silence among the group before Kevin finally agreed with a nod and left with his head held down. He went to work the following day and warned Alphonse he'd been asked to go retrieve Embry but promised he'd be back soon. Kevin arrived in D.C. on the 28th fully expecting the crowd of veterans he'd seen in the pictures to have at least gone down, but it had not even neared it. The men were standing strong and would not be moved. Kevin couldn't explain how proud the sight made him. He started in front of the White House where some men were camped out but didn't find Embry, so he tried the crowd in front of the Capital building and finally found Embry standing beside a familiar Pvt. Tammy.

"Embry," Kevin said and he looked at him, a little stunned.

"What are you doing here?" Embry asked.

"Sergeant!" Pvt. Tammy grinned. "It's a pleasure to see you here. Maybe you can help us scare the bastards into giving us our money."

"Has there been any further developments?" Kevin asked. "I thought the deadline to leave was the 24th."

"Yeah, and we told them to fuck off and give us our bonuses," Embry answered.

"The reporters are calling us the 'Bonus Army'," Pvt. Tammy chuckled. "Makes me feel real important. We're making history, boys!"

"Embry, your mom asked me to bring you home," Kevin said.

"Yeah, well you tell mom I'm a grown ass man and I'll do as I fucking please," Embry said, though his anger was directed strictly at Kevin more than Caevia.

"Embry, you're upset with me and I get it, but can we at least talk about it on our way home?"

"Hey!" Pvt. Tammy interrupted when he saw police officers approaching. "They're back."

"Unless it's with a check, they can kiss my ass," Embry said.

"Embry, they're armed," Kevin said.

"They're always fucking armed," Embry said.

"Veterans!" one of the leading officers spoke and the men all listened. "You were requested by President Hoover to remove yourselves from the premises by the 24th. Please pack up and leave peacefully. Hoover has arranged for all of you to be returned home with no charge to any of you."

"Give us our due bonuses and we'll leave!" a man in the crowd called.

"Veterans, no one appreciates your services more than we do, but please understand that the bonuses were not approved. Due process has been followed-"

"Fuck your due process!" another man screamed. The crowd cheered in agreement.

"Veterans, please," the lead officer bellowed. "I must ask you to stop resisting and please leave. Do not require us to use force!"

"You'll just have to force us you ungrateful little brat!" Embry screamed and he earned a roar of agreement from his fellow veterans.

"Embry, what the hell is wrong with you?" Kevin said.

Suddenly, the police began trying to move the veterans by force. They pressed forward but the men fought back. As they were fighting, Kevin noticed actual military reinforcements and he grabbed Embry's shoulder.

"Come on, we're leaving. They've actually brought in the army."

"Oh really?" Embry said. "Well isn't that fucking priceless?"

"Embry, we have to leave!" Kevin yelled.

Then there were shots fired and screams from family members that were present roared. Kevin and Embry looked towards where the shots were fired and saw a large path clear and everyone appeared in shock. It didn't last long and soon anger took over for the two veterans that had been shot. The militia that was gathered did not fall back, though. They continued pushing the crowd and Kevin, wanting to avoid any further involvement, grabbed Embry by the shoulder and forced him back. He took a firm hold of Pvt. Tammy as well and forced them away from the building while the militia pushed forward. By the time he removed the two, the militia had managed the beginnings of forcing the Bonus Army back and everyone's remaining things were burned. Kevin forced them both to the train station and got Pvt. Tammy on the first train back to Georgia to send him home and dragged Embry to another train. However, Pvt. Tammy was far easier to retrain. Embry was a different matter.

"Let go of me!" Embry yelled and shoved Kevin off him. "Stop dragging me around like you're my fucking dad!"

"Embry, stop yelling," Kevin said calmly. "Things got escalated and we needed to leave."

"Fuck you, Kevin," Embry said.

"Embry, they called the fucking army out on us!"

"We're the fucking army," Embry spat back.

"No, Embry, we aren't. Not anymore. The senate voted against the payout. What more do you think you were going to do? March into the Capital building by force?"

"What do you care? You weren't there!"

"That doesn't mean I can't tell you when you're being reckless, Embry," Kevin said.

"Sure, dad," Embry said sarcastically and tried walking away.

"Embry, wait," Kevin said.

"I'm not interested in being lectured, Kevin," Embry said.

"Embry, I'm not trying to lecture you."

"Then what do you call the last few minutes? Friendly conversation?"

"Embry," Kevin said and took a deep breath. "Look, I realize you're mad at me."

"Well, good job, Kevin. Look who's so smart."

"Embry, stop it," Kevin said. "I'm trying to apologize." Embry stood there and crossed his arms expectantly. Kevin took another deep breath and shifted his weight on his feet. "Look, can we please at least get on the train?"

"In a hurry?" Embry said sarcastically.

"Okay, fine, at a diner, in the park, wherever, but can we please just talk?" Kevin pleaded.

"Fine, we'll talk on the train," Embry said and walked to the ticket booth while Kevin tried to remain calm before joining him. Kevin tried buying their tickets. "Don't bother, Kevin, I can afford my own damn ticket," he said and paid for it himself. They didn't talk until they made it to their cabin on the train and even then it wasn't right away.

"Do you want me to see about getting some food?" Kevin finally asked.

"I'm fine," Embry lied.

"You sure?" Kevin asked.

"Yes, Kevin, I'm sure," Embry said.

"Okay," Kevin said and took another deep breath. "Embry, I'm sorry about the past few years. You're right: I haven't been with all of you like I should be. Work is no excuse. I knew I wasn't there as often as I should be, but I didn't realize you felt the way you're feeling."

"And how is that?" Embry tested.

"Like I'm pushing you aside," Kevin said. "Is that it?"

"It certainly feels that way," Embry said, finally calming a bit.

"I'm sorry," Kevin said again. "I'm not trying to push anyone away or put anyone to the side, least of all you. Frankly, if anything, I need you now more than ever. You're my best friend and I'm burying myself in work and stressing myself out. I should be leaning on you to keep me grounded to reality. You definitely shouldn't have to pop in on me unexpectedly for me to see you."

"Damn straight," Embry said, a little chocked up.

"You follow me to hell and back quite literally," Kevin continued. "You deserve a lot more from me than a passing acknowledgement…Fuck," Kevin muttered. "My fiancé in Paris sees me more than you do."

"Indeed she does," Embry said. "Though I'll forgive that if only because she's your imprint."

"Did you know my little sister's pregnant again?"

"Yeah, I knew," Embry said.

"I just found out," Kevin said. "The rest of the family's not too happy with me either. Dad tried to sugarcoat it a bit but Nathan made the real point clear."

"Yeah, he's been in a bit of a foul mood as of late," Embry said.

"Why?" Kevin asked.

"He and Tomoeh decided they wanted to try for another baby. With Scarlet they'd had no problem, but now they've been trying to get pregnant since before the crash and it's not happening. Tomoeh's feeling discouraged about it and Nathan's trying to be supportive, though really he's lost interest. She doesn't know that, though."

"Interest in trying you mean?"

"Yeah," Embry said. "Just don't mention it to Tomoeh. She still wants to keep trying."

"How's Scarlet been doing? She's how old now?"

"She's six," Embry said. "And JJ is a year old."

"I can't believe how much he looks like Jae," Kevin said. "It's like the kid was cloned."

Embry finally smiled a little, "Yeah, he does. Everyone in town's just swooning over the boy. Natalie will go up to the General Store sometimes and now everyone's rubbing her belly wishing for a girl."

Kevin chuckled, "Do they have a name in mind?"

"If it's a boy, they're naming him Salem Embry. If it's a girl, they're naming her Nesia," Embry said.

"He finally sold her on that name did he?"

"It's cute once it grows on you," Embry said. "According to mom, it was just like Renesmee's name. Renee and Esme put together and when Bella suggested Renesmee, no one liked it at first."

"I guess it's kind of cute," Kevin said.

"Well, Kevin, not everyone can have unique names like Anna Heather," Embry teased and Kevin chuckled.

"Anna Heather Renesmee, Embry," Kevin corrected. "You'd best learn your future niece's name."

"Levi Jacob for a boy, right?" Embry said and Kevin nodded. "Yeah, I'd say that sounds properly Jewish."

Kevin laughed, "Wasn't the intent, but that works I guess." The two looked at one another a moment as they smiled. "So are we okay?"

"On one condition," Embry said.

"What's that?"

"I'm not asking for us to climb trees and prank your sister like we used to," Embry said. "But let's actually make time to be friends. Visit me or I'll visit you, come to the tribe more often, come out on patrol if you can, but we need to act like friends."

"You've got it," Kevin smiled. "Let me start by getting us food. I don't believe you for a second about not being hungry."

"Yeah, I don't remember when I ate last," Embry said. "We've basically been on edge since the 24th."

"I bet," Kevin said. "And Embry."

"What?"

"I know things didn't pan out the way they should have, but what you guys did was really brave. And I mean that."

"Thanks, Kevin," Embry answered.

It was the first time in a while either of them had felt better, but not that they'd reconciled, things seemed better than ever. The two of them talked the entirety of the train ride in a way they used to when they were younger. Embry confided in Kevin regarding his work at the theatre and it's termination and although Embry insisted on finding work on his own, he was not so hostile to Kevin's offer of assistance. They even discussed politics, most notably the election they were facing. Hoover was running against Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt. It had already been highly suspected that Hoover had no chance of winning reelection, but this situation with the Bonus Army reduced his chances to virtually zero. A fact that Embry took great comfort in.

As promised, when Kevin and Embry returned, Kevin went straight home with him and began the process of repairing things with the tribe. As it turns out, going home more often was exactly what Kevin had needed. It didn't make any of the stress of work go away, but it did make things a load easier for him. Kevin and Embry made a point to see one another at least once a week, even if that meant Embry stopping by Kevin's office if he was working too late. He'd only do that if he had gone to Kevin's house and he wasn't there.

"What're you working on this time?" Embry asked after letting himself into the office. Olga had gotten used to him so she didn't say anything anymore when he let himself in.

"Legal dispute between business partners," Kevin said. "Our client wants out of the business and is trying to sell his half. The partner is trying to pay less than our client wants, so we've been negotiating with his lawyer for weeks now."

"Sounds exciting," Embry joked. "Are you almost at a point where you can stop? I'm starving and I know you are too."

"Give me about ten more minutes," Kevin said. While he waited, Embry went back out to the lobby where Olga's desk was. She was getting ready to leave for the day.

"Leaving already?" Embry said to her.

"It's 8," Olga said. "I'm technically supposed to leave at 5, but with business the way it is, I'll usually stay longer."

"I assume you're not married?"

"No," Olga said. "I don't have a husband to be displeased with me not being home to cook dinner. My mother takes care of that anyway."

"You live with your parents? I thought Kevin paid you handsomely."

"He does, and I'm exceedingly grateful for it, but after the crash, my father and brother were having a hard time finding work and I told them to come live with me. They found jobs once they got here, but they don't pay very well."

"Your dad and brother don't mind you make more than them?"

"They're not really in a position to," Olga said. "I pay the bills and keep food on the table."

"That's a lot to have on your shoulders," Embry said.

"I don't mind it," Olga said. "Have you found work since coming back?"

"Nothing permanent," Embry shrugged. "Mostly odd jobs here and there. Some I'm not technically allowed to talk about." Embry winked and Olga smiled a little.

"Well, I'm sure should those jobs you can't talk about come back to bite you, Kevin's a great lawyer."

"I'm counting on it," Embry joked. "So hey, maybe one of these days, you and I can get dinner together or go for a walk in the park. It might be nice to toss some fun into your routine."

"I'm flattered, Embry," Olga smiled kindly, "but I'm afraid I know the type of women you like and I demonstrably am not that type of girl."

"What kind of girls do I like, Miss Olga?" Embry chuckled.

"Whores," Olga answered with a smile.

"Now, now, that's not very nice," Embry chuckled. "They're not whores. They're just women that don't expect much from an Ingine," joked further using the derogatory accent typically associated with the mispronunciation.

"My apologies for the harsh words," Olga giggled. "I'm afraid I'm a woman with very high expectations and it takes quite a lot more to win me over than smooth talking and a one night affair."

"It could be a few more than one if you wanted," Embry said and winked again.

"Embry, stop hitting on my legal assistant," Kevin said, walking up behind him.

"Finally leaving for the day, Kevin?" Olga said.

"Yes, finally," Kevin said. "I'll be in early tomorrow."

"Kevin, it's Saturday tomorrow," Embry said.

"I'll be home for dinner, don't worry," Kevin reassured. "Enjoy the weekend alright Olga? And I'm sorry about Embry," Kevin teased.

"Oh, it's alright, Kevin," Olga smiled. "I'm flattered for the offer even if it's being refused."

"If you change your mind any time I've popped in for a visit, you let me know," Embry said charmingly and went outside.

Olga giggled, "It's a shame he's not my type. He's a charmer."

"He can be," Kevin joked. "He just needs to find a woman that can make him settle down."

"He doesn't seem to be in a hurry," Olga smiled.

"No, he's not," Kevin said. "It's alright. I'm sure he'll meet the right girl one day. In the meantime, he'd best hope he doesn't get anyone pregnant."

"Oh dear," Olga sighed. "I certainly hope you're right."

Kevin chuckled and said goodbye to Olga before finally rejoining Embry outside and walking back to his house together. A few weeks later at the beginning of September, Aidetzi received word that Bernadette's husband had managed to get them stationed back in Washington and it wasn't long before Aidetzi was invited to visit. She joined Bernadette's parents to the base and eagerly greeted Bernadette. Her son had shot up a foot in height yet again and was now nearing his pubescent years. He was also beginning to look more and more like John. Bernadette complained incessantly that her little boy had grown up too fast. Bernadette's parents decided to stay the night, but Aidetzi promised she'd return again soon for another visit and started the walk to the car that would drive her back to Forks. As she was walking, she happened upon a familiar face. It was Didi with her son in tow. Aidetzi smiled weakly out of politeness and Didi did so as well, but otherwise didn't say anything. Aidetzi reached the stop and waited for the car to arrive. She was started when she heard the sound of leaves being disrupted and she turned and saw Marcus.

"Well, look who it is," Marcus smiled and Aidetzi smiled back.

"What are you doing here? Did you need a ride to Forks too?" Aidetzi joked.

"No, I can't say as I do," Marcus said. "I heard from Didi that she saw you and I wanted to say hi."

"Well, that's sweet. Was she upset or anything when she told you she'd seen me?"

"Not really," Marcus said. "I know it might not seem like it, but she's not mad at you. Not anymore, anyway. Her wrath is entirely on Lawrence's shoulders where they belong."

"Have things gotten better for them at least?"

"I guess it depends on your definition of better," Marcus said. "He's not allowed to go anywhere without her knowing and we've basically got an unwritten code with our neighbors who will keep us updated on him when he's not home."

"So he's still in the doghouse?"

"With the shortest leash you ever did see," Marcus joked and they laughed. "When is the car supposed to arrive?"

"It's five minutes late," Aidetzi said. "Should be here soon, though."

"Well, hey, I'll tell you what. How about I save you a couple cents and I'll just give you a ride? That car I drove you home in is mine," he said with a little pride at his last statement.

"Well, well, well, aren't we Mr. Fancy-Pants," Aidetzi teased.

"I try not to brag," he joked with her. "So what do you say?"

"I guess if you're offering to save me a little money, it'd be silly to say no."

"Good answer," Marcus chuckled. Aidetzi smiled back and followed him back to the base. She slowed a little when they approached the familiar house and Marcus noticed. "Are you hungry? I can grab something from inside before we leave."

"That's alright," Aidetzi said. "I don't want to inconvenience you."

"It's no inconvenience," Marcus smiled. "You just wait in the car and I'll grab you a sandwich really quick. How does peanut butter sound?"

"Sounds delicious," Aidetzi smiled. Aidetzi walked to the car while Marcus went inside the house to grab Aidetzi the sandwich he promised. The door was open, so she let herself into the passenger's side and waited. She waited moments before a figure appeared to her right outside the car, but it wasn't Marcus.

"Hey, baby," Lawrence said. "How've you been?"

"I've been alright," Aidetzi answered cordially. "How have you and Didi been?"

"She's got me on a tight leash," Lawrence said. "She still ain't too happy with catching us."

"I would imagine so," Aidetzi answered. "So how's Robby? That's your son's name right?"

"He's fine," Lawrence said. "Louder than a damn pig, but he's fine. He's grown quite a bit."

"Yes, I saw," Aidetzi said. "How old would he be now?"

"He's a year old," Lawrence said.

"He still looks just like you," Aidetzi said.

"Yeah, that's what everyone says," Lawrence smiled. "Look, I'm sorry about what happened. I know I strung you along and all."

"I'm over it," Aidetzi answered. In truth, that seemed to bother him more than anything.

"You seein' anyone?"

"Not at the moment," Aidetzi said. "As soon as I am, you'll be the first to know."

"Lawrence!" a barking voice came from Marcus and they both jumped.

"Don't need to fuckin' yell, Marcus," Lawrence grumbled.

"I'm driving Aidie home, so you get back inside. Didi's asking for you." Lawrence and Marcus shared a bizarre look that seemed to pass in an instant.

"What's she need?"

"Doesn't matter what she fuckin' needs; you need to get your lazy ass in the house," Marcus said as he got in the car and tossed the sandwich he'd wrapped in paper into her lap.

"Fine," Lawrence said. "It was nice seeing you again, beautiful."

"That means now, Lawrence," Marcus said as he started the car. Aidetzi just waved and Marcus finally drove off. Aidetzi started unwrapping the paper so she could start her sandwich. "Sorry about all that. None of this was your fault, but he shouldn't be talking to you if he knows what's good for him."

"I wouldn't rekindle anything," Aidetzi answered a little defensively.

"I know you wouldn't," Marcus said. "You're a good woman; I know you wouldn't do anything. It's him I don't trust. Son of a bitch is lucky he's got a baby with my sister otherwise I'd shove my boot so far up his ass he'd vomit leather."

"Pleasant image," Aidetzi replied disinterestedly and took a bite of her sandwich. "Thank you for this by the way. It's delicious. I never get peanut butter, so this is a nice treat."

"Why don't you ever get peanut butter? It's cheap enough."

"My sister-in-law is allergic to all nuts. Nuts are basically illegal in our tribe," Aidetzi smiled. "Not literally, but if you eat or touch nuts, you're kept at an arm's length until you're safe to be around again."

"My condolences," Marcus chuckled. "Which of your brothers is married? I know you said you have a lot of siblings."

"Jae's the one that's married," Aidetzi said. "Rae is also married. The rest are still single or too young for that."

"You're the second oldest, right?"

"That's right," Aidetzi smiled. "If you can remember all my siblings' names, I'll give you a gold star."

Marcus laughed, "I'm not that good, honey."

"Not even going to try?"

"Embry I remember. He's the veteran right?"

"Yes, he is," Aidetzi said. "He went to Washington D.C. over the summer to protest that Bonus Bill."

"I heard about that shit," Marcus said. "He didn't get hurt did he? I heard two veterans were shot and killed."

"He's not injured if that's what you mean. Otherwise he's still mad as a bull about that bonus. If any good came out of it, it's that he and Kevin kissed and made up."

"Pardon?" Marcus asked, confused.

"Kevin's the family friend he'd gone to war with. Remember? Did I tell you about him? Anyway, the two of them were arguing before but after the Bonus Army meeting in D.C. the two of them got over what they'd been fighting about and they're best friends again."

"What had they been fighting about?"

"Lots of things," Aidetzi said. "Point is the silver lining is they're friends again."

"Good to hear, I guess," Marcus chuckled. "So have you been following the election?"

"Not really," Aidetzi said. "Jae's following it since he's voting, but I don't know any more than what I occasionally hear from my brothers and Kevin."

"It's all we talk about at work these days," Marcus said. "Let me tell you; Hoover didn't do himself any favors by refusing to pay those veterans. He's expected to lose the election pretty badly."

"That's what I've been hearing," Aidetzi said. "Who's he running against again?"

"Governor Franklin Roosevelt. Theodore Roosevelt's his cousin I hear."

"I've heard that too," Aidetzi said. "I hear Theodore Roosevelt was a good president."

"He was," Marcus said. "A big conservationist and such. I don't know if the Governor is as big into conservationism as his cousin, but he's not Herbert Hoover and at this point that's good enough for me."

"That about sums up this whole election, doesn't it?"

"I would say so," Marcus chuckled. "There's more to it than that, but it's part of it. You said your brother is voting. Does anyone else in the tribe vote?"

"Very few," Aidetzi said. "Embry is voting this time, Kevin has voted since he started law school, I know Jae's voting this time since he's registered now and Kevin's brother Kyle is voting. That's really all the people from the tribe that vote and we have at least 200 people in the tribe. Truth be told, the tribe itself is a monarchy."

"Is it?"

"Yeah," Aidetzi said. "Kevin's father is the future chief, but Chief Kayechiwetchwe is still in power at the moment. He's getting up there in age, though."

"Is he a good chief?"

"He is," Aidetzi said. "We've not had a single war during his reign and that's considered an achievement. Land disputes with other tribes have been relatively common."

"That's good to keep the peace," Marcus said. "Are you related to the royal family?"

"Very, very distantly," Aidetzi said. "By that I mean our great, great grandparents were probably cousins or something."

"Considering you're brother's married into that family, that's probably a good thing," Marcus joked and Aidetzi laughed.

"I'd say so," she agreed. "So how have you liked Washington since moving here?"

"Too cold," Marcus said bluntly. "South Carolina's warmer."

"Most states are," Aidetzi smiled. "I think the real problem is the other states are just thin-skinned."

"Oh, is that what you think?" Marcus chuckled.

"It's the only conclusion I can come to," Aidetzi smiled. "We handle the cold just fine."

"Fair enough," Marcus smiled. "I hate to bring it up, but just in case my sister asks, what did you and Lawrence talk about?"

"Nothing worth mentioning, honestly. He asked how I was, I told him I was fine and asked him how he and Didi were doing. He said she had him on a tight leash, we talked a little about how Robby had grown, he asked if I was seeing anyone, I told him no and I think that's when you came back."

Marcus looked a little irritated, "What did he say when you told him you weren't seeing anyone?"

"He didn't really get a chance to answer," Aidetzi said. "He asked if I was seeing anyone and I told him I wasn't but that once I was, he'd be the first to know. I was being sarcastic, of course."

"Atta girl," Marcus smiled. "Don't give him the satisfaction."

Aidetzi blushed a little. "Honestly, the less I have to see him, the better."

"I'll tell you what," Marcus said. "Next time you come to the base and I see you, I'll come to you with the car so you don't have to go to the house."

"You don't have to," Aidetzi said. "I'll be coming over more often now that Bernadette and her husband are stationed back here again, so I wouldn't want to keep putting you out."

"It would be rude if I didn't at least offer," Marcus smiled. "Have you tried seeing anyone else?"

"I haven't really had a desire to," Aidetzi said. "I've had my fill of being stringed along for a while."

"Don't let Lawrence hold you back, honey," Marcus encouraged. "If you meet someone you like, you start courting that man. Nothing ruins a person's life like standing idly by and watching it pass by."

"Wise words," Aidetzi smiled.

"My daddy taught me that," Marcus said. "For a man that never had a day of schooling, he was the smartest man I've ever known."

"With gems of wisdom like that, I don't doubt you," Aidetzi smiled. "What was your father's name?"

"Marcus," he answered. "I'm a junior."

"Oh," Aidetzi smiled. "So is my brother Embry. He added the last name Call when he joined the war. The rest of us just followed suit except Jae. He decided he wanted his last name to be Dauer."

"Why Dauer?"

"It's the last name of a close family friend. He calls that man Uncle Hailey and Jae works for him at the General Store. So my brother is Jae Dauer and my nephew with him is Jay Jacob Dauer."

"So that's two juniors in the family," Marcus chuckled. "When Embry finally has kids, will his son be Embry Call the 3rd?"

"I wouldn't count on it," Aidetzi giggled. "I assume when you have a son one day, his name is going to be Marcus?"

"You're damn straight his name'll be Marcus," he chuckled. "His granddaddy was Marcus Carter, I'm Marcus Carter Junior and my son will be Marcus Carter the 3rd. Nice and proper like."

Aidetzi giggled, "Good to know you've got a plan. What about a daughter?"

"That I haven't thought about," Marcus said.

"Of course not," Aidetzi giggled.

"Have you thought about names for your future kids?"

"Not really," Aidetzi said. "I haven't had a reason to think about it."

"Well, that won't do," Marcus teased. "Didi had a name for her kids before Lawrence was even in the picture."

"She's obviously better at planning ahead," Aidetzi smiled.

"It would have to be traditional names I would think since your name is Aidetzi. I may have to steal that. It's pretty."

"I doubt your mother would appreciate that," Aidetzi smiled.

"Oh, don't worry about it. She'll love that name."

"Well, I'm flattered you want to name your future daughter after me."

"It's awfully tempting," Marcus smiled back. "What about your mother? What's her name?"

"Caevia," Aidetzi said.

"I love it," Marcus said. "Now I've got two girl's names to work with."

"Glad to have been helpful," Aidetzi answered.

"Maybe you could name your daughter after your mom," Marcus suggested.

"How about I wait until I'm actually pregnant before I start worrying about naming the kid?" Aidetzi joked.

"Alright, alright," Marcus chuckled. "So now that your friend's stationed here, how often will you be coming up to the base?"

"Once a month most likely," Aidetzi said. "I usually come on the last Friday of the month in case you guys need to avoid me."

"Now why would I want to avoid you? My sister and Lawrence, sure, but why would I avoid you?"

"I just assume us being friendly might be a conflict of interest."

"Whose?" Marcus said.

"Your sister's and brother-in-law's," Aidetzi said.

"Nah," Marcus said. "As long as Lawrence keeps his hands to himself, we shouldn't have a problem."

"I guess just don't tell him I'm going to be a frequent visitor again."

"My lips are sealed," Marcus said. Aidetzi finally finished her sandwich and cleared her throat.

"I'm thirsty now," Aidetzi said.

"Hold on, I've got some water in here," Marcus said as he reached around for his canteen of water and handed to her. "There you go. I changed the water yesterday so it's not the best, but it'll clear your throat."

"Thank you," Aidetzi said and gulped down the water. Thanks to the weather, it was pretty cold and refreshing. "Where should I put this?"

"Just toss it in the back," he said. Aidetzi sealed the canteen and tossed it in the back seat as Marcus said.

They continued to talk for the remainder of the drive back and everything and nothing in particular. She learned that Marcus had developed a guilty love of H. P. Lovecraft short stories and, when Aidetzi obviously had no idea who that was, proceeded to tell her all about The Call of Cthulu. She expressed she just liked Jane Austen and then went on and on about how her brother's mother-in-law used to read to them virtually every night before they went to bed when they were little. She really missed it. When they arrived in front of the General Store, Marcus reached in the glove compartment of his car and pulled out a little collection of H. P. Lovecraft short stories.

"He may be flagrantly racist, but the man can write horror," Marcus said. "Give him a read. You might like it."

"I don't think I've ever read horror," Aidetzi said.

"All the more reason, then," Marcus said.

"I can't take this from you," Aidetzi said.

"Sure you can," Marcus said. "But remember that I'll want it back," he smiled.

"You know, Marcus, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were flirting with me."

Marcus smiled, "Let me know what you think okay? At least give Call of Cthulu a read. It's good and short."

"I'll do that," Aidetzi smiled and finally accepted the collection. "And thank you for the ride back home. I'll look for you when I visit Bernadette next month to give you back your book."

"I can't wait," Marcus answered charmingly. "Bye, Aidie."

"Bye, Marcus," Aidetzi said and stepped out of the car.

As she promised she would, she gave Call of Cthulu a read that night before bed. As Marcus had described it to be, it was a short story about a man looking into the dealings of a cult that worshiped a strange statue of a creature made from material that should exist on their planet and apparently it involved human sacrifices or mass suicides. Aidetzi wasn't completely sure. It was chilling and she wasn't really planning to read anymore. But then she went ahead and ready another the next night and then again the next night until she got through the whole collection she had on hand. Nathan asked to read the collection when she'd spoken about it and basically devoured the whole collection in a night. Tomoeh insisted it was not to be read to Scarlet, though, given its content. It eventually came to be the last Friday of October and Aidetzi made the trip to the base to visit Bernadette. They had a pleasant visit as always and Aidetzi left a little later than intended, so it was too late to catch the car. Bernadette insisted she spend the night. The following morning, Aidetzi stayed at Bernadette's house for breakfast and coffee and finally left after she'd eaten. Aidetzi made her way to the other base to look for Marcus but, as her luck would have it, she ran into Lawrence.

"Hey, baby. Visiting again?"

"I went to visit Bernadette, yes. Do you know where Marcus is? He lent me his book and I wanted to return it."

"Sorry, baby, I haven't seen him since this morning. I can take it for you and give it back to him," Lawrence said. "Or you could read it with me. You got me interested in reading after all." The offer didn't have the desired effect and Aidetzi handed Lawrence the book.

"I guess give that to him when you see him," Aidetzi said. "Let him know I said hello."

"Alright," Lawrence said. "I will, baby."

Aidetzi smiled passively and started walking to the stop for the car. It wouldn't be due for hours, but she had a copy of Sense and Sensibility to keep herself occupied. She sat under a tree near the road as she got engrossed in her story. Even after all these years, she still swooned over Marianne and Colonel Brandon. He really loved her from the beginning. She was so engrossed, she didn't hear a car pull up near her. She didn't look up until someone sat beside her. It was Marcus and she smiled.

"Afternoon, Aidie," Marcus smiled. "Lawrence gave me back the book, but I'd really have preferred to have gotten it from you."

"I know, I'm sorry," Aidetzi said. "Honestly, he I just wanted to get away, so I gave him the book and told him to give it to you and tell you I said hello."

"Well, you can tell me to my face now," Marcus teased.

"Hello, Marcus," Aidetzi played along.

"Why, hello, Miss Aidie. Pleasure bumping into you," Marcus chuckled.

"Pleasure's all mine," Aidetzi played along.

"So what did you think? Of Lovecraft I mean."

"Can't say I'm a fan, but I did get engrossed. It's strange reading something where the narrator isn't within his right mind."

"That's the best part I'd say," Marcus said. "So you read all of the stories?"

"Yes," Aidetzi said. "A friend of mine read them too. He received them a little better than I did I admit."

"That's alright," Marcus smiled. "I see you went back to Jane Austen as a pallet cleanser?"

Aidetzi giggled, "Yes, I did. I'm a big sucker for Sense and Sensibility. Pride and Prejudice is a close second."

"Can't say I've read those," Marcus said.

"Well," Aidetzi closed the book and handed it to Marcus, "now's as good a time as any."

"Hey, now, when I gave you reading material, it wasn't this much," Marcus joked.

"Oh, come on, it reads easily. You'll be done before you know it. It a romance."

"I know that much," Marcus accepted the book. "That car you're waiting for won't be here for hours. Let me give you a ride home."

"You don't have to," Aidetzi said. "Though I won't turn down the company."

"No, I insist," Marcus said. "I already drove the car here and I don't mind telling you I'm freezing. Your lot might be 'thicker skinned' than me, but I don't believe you're not freezing too."

"It's not even sixty out here," Aidetzi poked fun. "At least it wasn't last I'd checked."

"Alright, let me reword my complaint," Marcus chuckled. "In South Carolina, this is what we would call 'freezing'. Temperatures back home usually stay around 70-90 degrees. These temperatures are winter temperatures. Doesn't help that it rains so damned much."

"I'll admit that doesn't help much," Aidetzi smiled. "Well, Marcus, since you put it that way, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to accept a ride."

"That's more like it," Marcus smiled and took Aidetzi's hand helping her off the ground. She got in the passenger's side of the car and Marcus got it started and began the trip to Forks.

As they had before, Aidetzi and Marcus talked the whole ride back. It was comfortable and the hours went by like nothing. Marcus dropped Aidetzi off in front of the General Store like last time and the two said their goodbyes hoping to meet each other again next time Aidetzi visited. Marcus got back home a few hours later and parked the car in front of the house. He stepped inside and caught Lawrence in the midst of looking after the baby, holding a toy in front of Robby's face as he attempted to grab at it.

"Where's mamma and Didi?" Marcus asked.

"They at church," Lawrence answered. "Your mamma finally took up that offer from the gals in town about that weekly poker game."

"And here I thought mamma would never gamble a day in her life," Marcus sighed.

"She claimed they gamble with little pieces of wood instead of real money," Lawrence shrugged. "They left dinner on the stove."

"Good," Marcus said and walked to the kitchen.

"I see you've been cozyin' up to my girl," Lawrence mumbled.

"Your 'girl' is Didi, so worry about cozying up with her rather than holding any delusion about Aidie," Marcus said.

"I'm sure you told her different, but I did have a thing for 'er," Lawrence said.

"What exactly is it about this whole thing that bothers you? The fact that she don't want you no more or the fact that she rather have me?" Marcus said, then cleared his throat. "We're just friends, so don't worry about it. Not that you should've been worryin' about it to begin with."

"Bullshit you two just friends," Lawrence said, exasperated. "You just want 'er 'cause I had her."

"Don't kid yourself," Marcus huffed and poured himself some water. He walked to the table and sat down with his plate and water. "Though I do get what you saw in her. She's a good woman. Luckily for you, you already got a good woman. So keep your mind on the one you got."

"Fine," Lawrence grumbled. "So you plannin' to ask Aidie out like the 'good woman' you keep callin' 'er? Or's she not good enough for ya?" Marcus was thoughtful a moment. He had been growing really fond of Aidetzi. Talking to her was effortless: like breathing. And she was a good woman. She reminded Marcus of his mother quite a bit. He knew Lawrence was just trying to get under his skin, but it made him think and finally he smiled.

"Oh no," Marcus said and drank some of his water. "No, I'm not too good for her. Might be the other way," he continued. "She's certainly too good for you, but most females are."

"Fuck you," Lawrence said.

"Watch your mouth in front of my nephew," Marcus scolded. He went to his dinner and once he finished up and cleaned up the dishes, he went back to his car to grab the book Aidetzi had given him.

"The hell's that?" Lawrence asked when Marcus came back inside.

"Something Aidie was reading at the stop. Since I let her burrow my collection of Lovecraft, she let me burrow Sense and Sensibility."

"Ain't that a woman's book or somethin'?" Lawrence said.

"Doesn't matter," Marcus said. "It's her favorite, so I'm adding it to my list of things to read."

Lawrence rolled his eyes while Marcus went upstairs to the bedroom he shared with his mother and started reading. He found the book to be rather dry at first, but he kept reading, making a point to read, at minimum, a chapter a night so he could finish before next month when Aidetzi was due to return for her visit with Bernadette. By November, Natalie was ready to burst. She was already suffering pains when Jae returned home from work and voting that day. Before long, the winner of the election was announced: Franklin D. Roosevelt. He'd won in a landslide victory with over 472 votes in the electoral college plus his win in the popular vote. A landslide victory by all accounts. The news was met with great rejoicing and there was a renewed hope that things would finally start going back on track and everything would be alright.

Kevin wrote a letter to Amber immediately following the announcement of the election results. He expressed an eagerness that changes would soon be made that would help bring the country back from the edge. Shortly after the election results were announced, Natalie finally gave birth to hers and Jae's second son. A boy: Salem Embry Dauer. Salem looked more like Natalie than JJ did, but Salem still had plenty of his father and Jae was delighted with the new addition. While Natalie rested immediately after the birth, Jae held Salem lovingly and looked after JJ, helping the boy get to know his new little brother. Forks was delighted with the news, though it widely became a joke that the ladies of the town had not rubbed Natalie's belly nearly enough since the birth was of a boy rather than the little girl everyone was hoping for. Of course, they all said, they could always try again later. 'Later', Natalie made a point to say, was the operative word in that statement.

That November had truly been an eventful one. After Thanksgiving, Aidetzi simply went to the base with Bernadette and her son and husband for her monthly visit. Aidetzi spent the night, intentionally that time, and enjoyed a nice breakfast and coffee with Bernadette and her family with plenty of leftovers to nibble on. Particularly the apple pie. Eventually Aidetzi left and made her way to the stop where she would usually board and, though she couldn't say she was surprised, she saw Marcus parked in his car on the road beside the stop and saw him reading the newspaper. Aidetzi smiled and walked up to the car. Marcus noticed her right away and smiled kindly.

"Morning, Aidie," Marcus smiled.

"Morning, Marcus," Aidetzi replied. "I assume, seeing as you're not reading Sense and Sensibility, that you've finished it?"

"Yes, ma'am. It's resting in the passenger's seat for you."

"What did you think?"

"It was cute," Marcus shrugged. "A little dull at parts, but I admit I was a little enamored with Colonel Brandon."

"I love him too," Aidetzi smiled. "He loved Marianne from the beginning."

Marcus smiled warmly. "Hop in and I'll get you back home." Aidetzi grinned and walked around the car and got in. She picked up her book as she got in and skimmed through it momentarily before looking at Marcus.

"So how long did it take you to finish reading this?" she asked.

"A few weeks," Marcus said. "Worst case scenario I read at least one chapter a night, so long as I was able to finish the book before you came back."

"How long were you waiting for me?" Aidetzi asked.

"At least 30 minutes," Marcus smiled. "But it wasn't so bad. The peace and quiet did me a world of good as it turns out."

"I like sitting in the woods when I can," Aidetzi said. "When we were little, we all used to cliff dive off a bluff near the village."

"Too cold for that right now," Marcus said. "So how was your Thanksgiving?"

"Same as it always is: the whole family gets together, we make more food than we normally would and we all eat until we can't move."

"It's good to know you can afford that much food," Marcus said.

"My brother's wife's side of the family can," Aidetzi said. "But we'll also catch and grow our own food, so that makes things easier and less expensive."

"I see," Marcus said. "We saved up for Thanksgiving and Christmas so we could have a nice feast both times and get Robby some presents."

"Just Robby?" Aidetzi asked.

"Yeah, just Robby," Marcus said. "Just because we've all hit on hard times doesn't mean Robby shouldn't have a good Christmas."

"You're a fine Uncle," Aidetzi praised and Marcs smiled.

"Thanks," Marcus said. "Now if only we didn't all have to work the day before and after Christmas."

"Didi works?" Aidetzi asked.

"She does now, yes," Marcus said. "Before '29 she didn't need to, but after that she decided to start working to contribute financially. She just works at a local grocery store as a cashier."

"I take it your mother looks after Robby through the day?"

"Yeah, but she doesn't mind. In fact I think she prefers it," Marcus chuckled. "So gets to shape Robby exactly as she sees fit right under Didi's nose."

Aidetzi giggled, "Sounds like my mother with my nephews."

"No nieces?"

"Not yet," Aidetzi said. "Oh, Natalie had the baby by the way."

"Oh, yeah, your sister-in-law was pregnant," Marcus said. "So I assume she had a boy then?"

"Yes," Aidetzi smiled. "A handsome little boy they've named Salem."

"I love that name," Marcus grinned. "I know a few people back home named after cities. I love those kinds of names."

"Yeah, Salem Embry Dauer is a good name," Aidetzi said.

Marcus whistled a little, "Mighty fine name indeed. What's your older Nephew's name again?"

"Well, my oldest nephew is Wren. He's a little cutie. Then Jay Jacob Dauer and finally Salem."

"JJ's his nickname you'd said?"

"Yeah, we all call him JJ. He's started to try walking on his own, but most of the time he just plops on his butt. You should see Jae. He's a proud dad."

"He does want that really big family, right?"

"Yeah, for some reason," Aidetzi smiled. "Natalie's not as eager to have that many kids, but they've started with two like she said. She said she wants to wait a while longer before they have anymore."

"Give the poor thing a break as it were," Marcus chuckled.

Aidetzi nodded, "Exactly. My mom might have been able to have her fair share of Irish twins, but most aren't so strong as her."

Marcus laughed, "And 12 of them no less."

"Well, we're not all Irish twins. Embry and I would be considered that. Then she had a break between me and the triplets. Then she got another break before going into what I can only describe as a baby frenzy in 1912. After she had Peta, it seemed like she was always pregnant until she finally told my dad to get fixed so they wouldn't have anymore."

"Fixed?" Marcus asked.

"It's a procedure a family friend of ours knows that makes a man unable to have kids."

"After 12 children, I'd say such a procedure could be called a God send," Marcus chuckled.

"What's funny about that is mom made dad get it after she'd had Zephyr. He was supposed to be the last one, but I guess dad misunderstood the directions or something and he got mom pregnant one last time."

"Go out with a bang as they say," Marcus said and the two of them laughed even harder. "The youngest is Grae, right?"

"Very good," Aidetzi said.

"Might I ask you something?" Marcus asked suddenly.

"What's that?" Aidetzi said.

"I've been driving you back home a few times. It always takes hours, but we talk the whole time. And we find so many things to talk about. I guess what I'm getting at is I wanted to take you on a proper date one of these days. I can save up a little and take you to dinner or we can go for a walk in the park up in the city."

Aidetzi hesitated momentarily. "Marcus….that's sweet, but I'm not sure I'm really up for it. I mean, you caught me with your brother-in-law. I know you said you don't blame me or aren't mad at me, but don't you think us seeing one another like that would be in poor taste?"

"Do you think so?" Marcus asked, a little sad.

"I just don't want what we've got to turn into me treating you like a replacement."

"Do you think of me as a replacement?" Marcus asked.

"No!" Aidetzi hurried to say, "Not at all. I've enjoyed our time together. I really have. I just….."

"I assure you, Aidie, on my mamma's life, I'm not married," Marcus said, trying to joke. Aidetzi did smile a little.

"I believe you," Aidetzi finally said.

"How about this," Marcus said, smiling again. "If I can guess the names of all your siblings in order of age, will you let me take you to a movie?"

"You don't have to," Aidetzi said, blushing.

"At least let me try?" Marcus asked. Aidetzi smiled and finally nodded. "Alright," Marcus said, clearing his throat. "So it goes Embry, you, the triplets….Jae, Rae and…um."

"Starts with an S," Aidetzi assisted along, giggling.

"Sharisa," Marcus said, remembering the name after the hint. "Then…..Gaeli..."

"One before her," Aidetzi said. Marcus thought a while before answering.

"Okay, let me start over. Embry, you, Jae, Rae, Sharisa….Peta?" Aidetzi giggled a little and nodded, encouraging Marcus to continue. "Okay, so then it's Gaeli. Then the twins, Taraq and Bayaq…then….Aiya?" Aidetzi nodded. "Okay, good. So after Aiya it's Zephyr and ends with Grae."

Aidetzi giggled a little more and clapped. "That was very good."

"So what do you say? Is it a date?"

Aidetzi smiled a little more, blushing all the while. "Alright, you've earned it. It's a date."

After winning a date with Aidetzi, they talked about when it should be. By the time they returned to Forks, they agreed Aidetzi would make her way up to the base and Marcus would pick her up from the stop at 6 for a movie in the city. They talked normally after that agreement and Marcus dropped her off in front of the General Store as always.

"Thank you again for the ride," Aidetzi said once they were parked.

"And thank you for the date," Marcus smiled. "So Friday at 6."

"Friday at 6," Aidetzi nodded. Rather unexpectedly, Marcus gently took her hand and placed a kiss on it.

"That's what a gentlemen does, right?"

Aidetzi blushed, "That's what I'm told."

"I'll miss you under Friday," Marcus smiled. "I haven't been to a movie in years, but I hear these days they have actual sound. I mean besides some background music."

"Doesn't that sound fun?" Aidetzi answered. "I'll miss you until Friday."

Aidetzi and Marcus finally said goodbye as Aidetzi got out of the car. She waved goodbye and walked into the General Store and saw Natalie sitting behind the register with Salem. JJ was in the corner of the shop playing with his toys trying to stay out of trouble.

"Hey Aidie," Jae said when she walked in. "How's Bernadette doing?"

"She's alright," Aidetzi said. "Still full as a tick."

"Aren't we all?" Jae joked.

"I'll be going back sooner than usual," Aidetzi said.

"Will you?" Jae responded.

"Yeah. You know that guy that's been driving me home? Marcus? He asked me on a date." Jae looked at her a moment, a little apprehensive.

"And this is the same guy whose sister attacked you after you were caught in bed with her husband?" Jae asked.

"Yes, Jae, that guy," Aidetzi said. "I said no at first, but he listed all you guys in order of your age, so I agreed to a date."

"That is impressive," Natalie smiled.

"I don't know," Jae said, and then looked at Natalie. "Natalie, you and I haven't gone on a proper date in a long time. How about we join Aidetzi for her date when she goes out with Marcus?"

"Who said you two were invited?" Aidetzi asked.

"I did," Jae smiled. "Think of it this way, Aidie. If he's worth your time, he won't mind us being there."

"I mind you being there," Aidetzi said.

"Tough," Jae grinned and looked at Natalie. "Maybe we should bring JJ and Salem. They've never been to the city have they?"

"I'm sure we can get our parents to look after them," Natalie smiled, noticing Aidetzi was less than pleased. "So when's our date?"

"Friday at six," Aidetzi grumbled.

"I'll talk Hailey and see if he'll let me leave a little early," Jae said. "Can't you have your dates on Saturday like a normal person?"

"Well, Jae, I'm sorry MY date is inconveniently timed for you, but it wasn't scheduled with you in mind."

"Try to be more considerate next time," Jae teased with a chuckle. "We'll talk to our parents later and see if they can watch the kids."

Aidetzi had one last moment to grumble before going to the back where her bike was and making the trip back to the tribe. When she returned, Nathan and Tomoeh were sitting together near a fire amidst the tribe watching Scarlet play with a few other children. She'd gotten so tall in recent years. She'd turned 7 that past spring and she looked more and more like Tomoeh the older she got. Her hair had gotten very long and, much like her aunt Natalie, she simply refused to cut it. So Tomoeh often had it braided for her and sometimes twisted in a bun held together with string. She took a careful look at Tomoeh in particular. She'd not been herself as of late. At the moment, she appeared to be sleeping against Nathan's shoulder while he looked after their daughter. The following day, Kevin came to the tribe since it was a Sunday and spent the day with everyone. He noticed Nathan was less interested in spending time, preferring to stay near Tomoeh.

"Is she alright?" Kevin asked Kyle while the two were in Renesmee's and Jacob's house playing cards with Embry and Jae.

"She's been really drowsy and she's felt symptoms of nausea," Kyle said.

"So she's finally pregnant?" Kevin asked hopefully, but Kyle shook his head.

"I'm afraid not. That's what we'd hoped, but mom and I both ran the proper tests and she's not pregnant. She's felt nausea that is similar to her previous morning sickness, she's been spotting rather than having proper periods, and she's experienced bloating, so she thought she was. But mom and I both examined her numerous times. We even asked Carlisle to come down to examine her, but she's not pregnant. Now she's started feeling a lot of pressure and abdominal pain."

"So she's sick?" Kevin asked.

"We're assuming so," Kyle said. "I've been going to Port Angeles lately trying to find any medical literature that might tell us what's wrong. At this point, the only thing I know definitively is it's causing her discomfort and has evidently rendered her infertile."

"How has she handled the news?" Kevin asked.

"Not very well," Kyle said. "Since mom and I told her we were certain by this point she was infertile, she's been really depressed. Nathan does what he can to cheer her up, but she feels like she let him down. I made a point to explain that to Nathan so he could take the necessary steps to reassure her."

"Do you think it's anything serious?" Kevin asked.

"I have no way of knowing," Kyle answered honestly. "It could be a minor ailment or something serious, but the symptoms she's been experiences could be from any range of things, not least of all her depression."

"What have you and mom been able to do?" Kevin asked.

"We started with tribal medicine and aroma therapy to help her moods. That did help a little, but it did nothing for any discomfort she was feeling. That's when I gave her something a little more modern. It's a rather simple pain reliever, but I can't permit her to take it very often. It's a little more potent."

"How long before this will pass do you think?"

"I don't know," Kyle said and sighed, placing his cards on the table. "I'm tapping out."

Kevin eventually left, promising to return soon, and went back into the city to return to work. It soon came to be Friday afternoon. Jae worked a half day at the shop upon request, though Hailey wasn't pleased when Leah offered to look after JJ and Salem while Natalie and Jae were gone. Their neighbor offering to help should have been of comfort to Hailey, but the woman proved to be too willing to talk to the children in a high pitched voice for his liking and trying to focus on a clock became unbearably difficult. Leah found the site rather funny, but didn't voice the sentiment. With the kids looked after, Jae and Natalie made the trip to the naval base arriving at the appointed time as promised. Aidetzi was still rather annoyed with her brother and sister-in-law's presence, though that annoyance reduced a little when Marcus was coming into sight with his own insistent chaperone. Though when it was clear who that chaperone was, Aidetzi became really uncomfortable.

"You see, mamma?" Marcus chuckled when they approached the group. "You didn't need to come after all. Aidetzi brought her brother to chaperone." Aidetzi smiled that he knew who her companions were, though his mother wasn't convinced.

"Well, child, all the more eyes then," Mrs. Carter said.

"I'm assuming this is your wife," Marcus said to Jae, "so deductive reasoning makes you Jae. Am I right?"

"You'd be correct," Jae smiled. "And yes, this is my wife Natalie. You're Marcus Carter?"

"That's right," Marcus said. "And this is my mother, Ruth Carter. Mamma, allow me to properly introduce you to Aidetzi Call. That's her brother Jae and his wife Natalie."

"Good afternoon," Mrs. Carter said briefly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Carter," Aidetzi smiled kindly.

"We already met, child," Mrs. Carter said. "Now young man, I hope you plan to buy us dinner. I already made dinner for Didi and the no-good."

"Don't worry about paying for me and Natalie," Jae said. "Just focus on Aidie and Mrs. Carter."

"Much appreciated," Marcus smiled. "So there's a little restaurant on base that we can go to. Then we'll make our way to the movie theatre."

"And none of that monster movie nonsense," Mrs. Carter proclaimed.

"Don't worry, Mamma, I'm sure we'll find a good movie to watch."

"Good. Now let's get to dinner."

Upon Mrs. Carter's insistence, they finally left and went to the diner that happened to be rather close to the bar. Aidetzi sat beside her brother and Natalie while Marcus sat beside his mother in the booth. Marcus barely got in a word. Mrs. Carter dominated the conversation, asking Aidetzi question after question, still rather less than impressed with her given the circumstances under which they met.

"Now, child," Mrs. Carter said when they'd been seated. "I don't think it's a shock to you that when Marcus said he wanted to court you, I was less that pleased."

"I can understand that, ma'am," Aidetzi answered calmly.

"I'm to understand Marcus has been driving you home from time to time whenever you visit?"

"Yes, ma'am," Aidetzi said. "A good friend of mine's husband was re-stationed at this location not long ago, so I started visiting her. Marcus was kind enough to drive me home on those occasions since he caught me leaving the base."

"I see," Mrs. Carter said. The waiter picked that moment to step in for their orders. They started with their drinks and the waiter left with their orders. "Now tell me child," Mrs. Carter said, "You're an Indian girl aren't you?"

"I'm Quileute, yes," Aidetzi said.

"And you live in Forks?"

"Near there, yes," Aidetzi nodded.

"And you're the eldest of how many?"

"2nd oldest of 12, ma'am," Aidetzi said.

"Two of my sisters and I are triplets," Jae smiled.

"Well," Mrs. Carter said, finally impressed. "However did your mother manage that?"

"She's still not sure, honestly," Aidetzi answered and Mrs. Carter smiled a little.

"Lord knows I barely managed two," Mrs. Carter said, but wasted no time getting right back to business. "Now how old are you?"

"I'm 27," Aidetzi said.

"And how are you still not married at your age?" she asked a little critically.

"Mamma, don't ask so rudely," Marcus defended.

"I have a right to ask an obvious question," Mrs. Carter said and returned her attention to Aidetzi expectantly.

"I just never met anyone that I wanted to marry," Aidetzi answered. "As I imagine this is where you're going with your question, I thought perhaps that Lawrence would ask to marry me but obviously that wasn't possible. Though allow me to defend myself again in that he did not at any point tell me he was married or a father. I never saw a ring, I never saw wedding photos or really any photos, nothing. All he told me was he was from South Carolina, he worked in maintenance for the navy, he had a sister, though apparently that's incorrect, and his mother had passed away."

"Well, you're right that's where I was going with my line of questioning," Mrs. Carter sighed. "And aside from the sister, yes, that's all true. I never I'd be happy that poor woman was dead, but if she knew about all her son's philandering, she'd beat him stupid."

"He did speak very highly of her," Aidetzi said.

"Least that no-good can do," Mrs. Carter said, then cleared her throat. "Anyway, I don't mind telling you that I'm rather irked with the situation more than just my son-in-law's involvement. I'm left to assume you are not a God fearing woman?"

"I was raised with a belief if the spirits of the natural world and order. A singular God has never been part of that equation."

"So you're a pagan?" she asked.

"If that's the technical term for it, then yes, I suppose I am," Aidetzi answered.

"And are you aware that we are Baptist? Devoutly so, in fact?"

"I do recall Marcus mentioning that being his faith," Aidetzi nodded awkwardly. "I don't know if he mentioned it being devout but-"

"It better be if he doesn't want his mother to be sore with him," Mrs. Carter said mostly at Marcus, who just smiled at his mother.

"Try to relax, mamma," Marcus said. "We're supposed to be having a good time."

"I am relaxed," Mrs. Carter said. Finally the waiter returned with their drinks and took their order. Since nothing was really appealing to her, Natalie asked to stick with just bread and water. "Child, don't be silly. Eat something proper," Mrs. Carter said before the waiter could leave.

"It's alright, Mrs. Carter," Natalie said kindly. "I suffer a number of food allergies, so I need to be mindful of what I eat."

"Well, tell him that, child," Mrs. Carter scolded. "The boy's not psychic. Tell him what you need him to do." The waiter stood there awkwardly and looked back at Natalie waiting for her to say something.

"Umm…" Natalie said. "How do you cook your beans?"

"In water?" The waiter asked.

"Yes, but how do you season it?"

"Um…..some spices and ham hawks for a few hours."

"Okay," Natalie said. "What about veggies? Do you think you could steam a few for me and just use salt and pepper to season?"

"I can ask the cook," the waiter said.

"If that's not too much trouble, I'll take the steamed veggies. Otherwise, plain bread will do just fine." The waiter wrote down the order and finally excused himself to attend to their food.

"Good lord, child, what was wrong with the beans?" Mrs. Carter asked.

"I don't eat meat," Natalie answered politely.

"Why on Earth not?"

"I just don't care for it," Natalie said. "So, Marcus, how long have you belonged to the Navy?"

"Well, I don't so much belong to the navy so much as I'm just the man that keeps the ships in good order," Marcus smiled, pleased to finally get on pleasant conversation.

"That sounds exciting," Natalie smiled. "Jae works for an old family friend at the General Store. Weren't you saying Hailey might leave the shop to you once he retires?"

"Yes, he did," Jae smiled. "He'd never admit it, but we're close."

"Why would he not admit it?" Mrs. Carter asked. "Because you're an Indian?"

"Because he hates kids," Jae chuckled.

"I don't follow," Mrs. Carter said.

"What happened is he'd married my wife's cousin before any of us were born. When I was little, I just took a shine to him and really liked him. He's really good with fixing clocks and packet watches and I thought it was really interesting. I kept hanging around him and he taught me how to fix watches and taught me how to speak German. He really didn't like me when I was child largely because I was a child, but I started getting under his skin little by little until we became really close."

"Does he treat his own children so callously?" Mrs. Carter asked.

"He doesn't have kids," Jae said. "He hates kids and never wanted kids so he went to a lot of medical trouble to make sure he can't have kids."

"So you're the son he never thought he wanted?" Marcus joked.

"I like to think that he thinks of me that way," Jae smiled. "What about your dad?"

"He passed away a few years ago," Marcus said.

"Never was there a finer man than your father, God rest his soul," Mrs. Carter said.

"Marcus speaks very highly of him," Aidetzi said. "I wish I could have met him. Your husband was also Marcus, right?"

"Yes," Mrs. Carter nodded. "I wish he could have seen you both have children," she said to Marcus. "He would have adored Robby."

"I know, mamma," Marcus smiled and rubbed his mother's back. "Now you're father is still alive and healthy is he not?"

"He is," Jae nodded. "You could say he doesn't look anything near his age."

"An enviable trait if it proves true in the preferred direction," Mrs. Carter said.

Mrs. Carter continued asking Aidetzi about her parents, how she grew up, and topics of her interest to a point where it felt as though Aidetzi wasn't so much as on a date rather than in the midst of an interrogation. Even when they were eating dinner, she barely got the chance to eat her food for asking so many questions. Eventually Marcus insisted they needed to leave so they could all see the movie and when they arrived, Mrs. Carter was content to watch a Bette Davis movie. It really had been a long time since Natalie and Jae had the chance to see a moving picture together, especially with how different the show was compared to other's they'd seen. They sat together in that theatre for an hour and a half in silence watching the movie. Marcus managed to smile at Aidetzi and hold her hand without his mother noticing. After the movie ended, it was pitch black outside and late into the night.

"So what did you think of the movie?" Marcus asked Aidetzi.

"It was enjoyable," she answered.

"Marcus, baby," Mrs. Carter said. "Now I'm fit to be tired. I can't keep up with you kids like I used to. So why don't you let Aidetzi and her friends go home so we can go home and get some proper sleep."

"Mother, be reasonable," Marcus chuckled. "It's late. They won't be able to get a ride back at this hour. We should let them spend the night."

"That won't be necessary," Aidetzi said. "Jae, do you have enough for a hotel?"

"Oh, don't waste your money on a hotel," Marcus said. "We'll maneuver the space around so you guys have a place to sleep."

"Marcus, really, that's very sweet but I'm not comfortable spending the night," Aidetzi answered bluntly.

"You listen to her, Marcus," Mrs. Carter. "I know the church has some cots available, so they can all sleep there."

"Thank you, Mrs. Carter," Aidetzi answered in relief. Although she suspected it wasn't to be helpful, Aidetzi was relieved for the suggestion.

"Are you sure?" Marcus asked.

"I'm sure," Aidetzi smiled. "Just show us where the church is and we'll get out of your hair."

Despite Marcus's initial protesting, his mother won the battle and led everyone to the Baptist church they attended and the pastor of the church kindly allowed Aidetzi, Jae and Natalie to spend the night.

"Thank you for tonight, Marcus," Aidetzi smiled. "I had a nice time."

"It was a pleasure seeing you under more acceptable circumstances," Mrs. Carter said. Marcus glanced at his mother a moment and then returned a smile to Aidetzi.

"Well, thank you for accepting my invitation, Aidie. I hope we can do this again really soon." Aidetzi smiled.

"Good night, Marcus. Good night, Mrs. Carter."

Aidetzi practically fled into the church to join her brother and Natalie, desperate to get away. Mrs. Carter had made her uncomfortable the whole time, her questions becoming more and more invasive at times. She much preferred when it was just her and Marcus and they could talk normally. That's when she had a good time with Marcus. Once they were all downstairs where the pastor had rested the cots, Aidetzi sat on hers while Jae and Natalie stubbornly shared one.

"So was that a date or were you being tried for murder?" Jae joked.

"I was being tried for adultery," Aidetzi answered sarcastically.

"Try to take a deep breath, Aidie. Honestly, even if she was a touch overbearing this time, she'll probably calm down once she actually gets to know you. Besides, the fact that she was even there tells me everything I need to know about Marcus."

"And what's that?" Aidetzi asked.

"At least by usual custom, having a chaperone on the date legitimizes it. He's not treating you like a fling."

"If you say so," Aidetzi said. "All the same, after that I'm not sure I want to see him again."

"Why? I thought you liked him."

"I do," Aidetzi said. "His mother just makes me uncomfortable. Hell, I wasn't even completely comfortable going on this date. The last thing I want is to be someone else's sloppy seconds."

"Do you really think he would have brought his mother along if he thought of you as sloppy seconds?" Natalie asked. "Sure, she was pushy, but the fact that he thinks enough of you to properly introduce you to his mother speaks volumes."

"The only one who spoke volumes tonight was Mrs. Carter and Bette Davis." Aidetzi laid back down on the cot content to just go to sleep.

Seeing as she didn't want to be bothered, Jae and Natalie got on the cots and got ready to sleep, but then Natalie woke up rather suddenly in the middle of the night and forced Jae to wake up so they could run home. She remembered Leah didn't have any milk for the babies. They didn't bother waking Aidie and made a run for it back home and slept at the General Store so Natalie could get to Leah's and Hailey's house first thing in the morning to tend to Salem and JJ. Aidetzi woke up in the morning and saw the note left beside her from Jae telling her they needed to rush home. Rolling her eyes, she tossed the paper into a waste bin and got out of bed rather irritated. She cleaned up a bit and was met by the pastor that morning when she stepped into the hall. He offered her some coffee and bread for her trip. While she was sitting in a pew eating her breakfast, someone came into the church. She ignored it until whoever came in was standing right beside her.

"Morning," Lawrence said. Aidetzi glanced up and smiled politely.

"What bring you to church on a Saturday?" Aidetzi asked.

"I was ordered to go out and buy some coffee. Apparently we're out. Didi drinks the stuff like it grows off a tree for free."

"Then what are you doing talking to me? You've got more important things to do."

"If you consider buying coffee important, I suppose that's true," Lawrence chuckled and sat beside Aidetzi. "Fortunately, I don't consider coffee that important."

"Unfortunately, if your wife considers it important, your disinterest is overruled," Aidetzi said. "And if things are the same here as back in forks, you'll want to get that coffee before it runs out."

"Don't worry, baby, it won't run out," Lawrence said. "So you went on a date with Marcus last night?"

"Yes," Aidetzi answered.

"With the dragon mamma herself I hear," Lawrence chuckled. "Don't worry, I feel your pain. Aside from her breathing down your neck all night, how was your date?"

"Unfortunately, there wasn't an opportunity for it to graduate from her breathing down my neck. It was nice when we saw a movie together, but she ended the date after that."

"Yeah, she's a stickler," Lawrence smiled. "Damn shame you didn't enjoy yourself more. Marcus thinks you had a great time."

"When I wasn't speaking to Mrs. Carter, I was," Aidetzi said. She put aside the remainder of her bread and coffee and stood from the pew. "I'll get going. Pastor, thank you for housing me for the night."

"Not at all, Aidie," the Pastor answered and returned to his previous task, though he continued to look on as Aidetzi tried leaving the awkward situation she was in.

"Let me see about burrowing a car and I'll get you home," Lawrence said.

"No, don't worry about me. You've been tasked with an errand, so you'd better get to it," Aidetzi said and walked past him in the pew to get to the aisle. She left the church seemingly with no further incident but Lawrence as it turned out wasn't very far behind.

"Aidie, baby," Lawrence said and walked around so he was standing in front of her. "Listen, I know you're sore with me. But there ain't no reason we can't be friends."

"Lawrence, it's a little more than me being 'sore' with you. You turned me into the other woman. I don't take too kindly to that I'll have you know."

"I know," Lawrence said, holding up his hands in surrender. "You're right baby, I was wrong."

"Stop calling me baby," Aidetzi said. "It's not doing you any favors."

"Sorry, Aidie. Habit," Lawrence said. "Come on, let me make it up to you. I fucked up, I know that."

"I'm not the one you need to make it up to, Lawrence," Aidetzi said. "You need to make this up to your wife. And by the way Mrs. Carter talked about you, it doesn't sound as though you've been doing that."

"I could walk on water and turn water into wine and she'd still be mad," Lawrence said dismissively.

"Have you tried the miracle of five loaves and 2 fish?" Aidetzi asked sarcastically. "Might be a little more to everyone's liking."

"It's next on my list," Lawrence played along with a chuckle. "Come on, baby, let me make it up to you."

"Mr. Macon," the Pastor's voice came from the entrance. "Now far be it from me to intrude on a conversation, but I do recall you saying Mrs. Macon asked you to buy the family coffee. Unless Miss Call is selling said coffee I would recommend you get yourself to the store. You hear?"

"Yes, Pastor," Lawrence answered politely. "I'll get right on that. We're just old friends and we're catching up."

"Yes, I'm well aware of that, boy," the Pastor said. "Coffee. Now." Having been put in his place, Lawrence nodded to the pastor and walked away without another word to Aidetzi. She took a moment to relax a little when the Pastor walked up behind her and patted her on the back. Aidetzi jumped and relaxed when she realized it was just the Pastor.

"I'm sorry," Aidetzi said.

"Don't be, Aidie," the Pastor said. "You go ahead and get home. If he claims anything besides what happened, I'll stand up for you."

"Thank you," Aidetzi said.

After another deep breath, Aidetzi started walking away. The walk back to the car stop was cold and lonely. She didn't have anything with her to read once she reached the stop, so she sat against the tree and just took a nap. It occurred to her to maybe go to Bernadette's house, but she didn't want to pop in uninvited especially on a Saturday. Of course, trying to sleep was difficult given that it was freezing. Worse yet, it started snowing. And yet she stayed at that stop stubbornly until she heard a car roll up. She wasn't really surprised to see it was Marcus. However, he was surprised to see her in the snow.

"Jesus, Aidie, what are you doing out here in the snow? And where's your brother and sister-in-law?" Marcus asked as he stepped out of the car and walked around to her.

"They had to return home early so they could get back to the kids. I'm just waiting for the car," Aidetzi said.

"You could've stayed at the church if you needed. Pastor Brown liked you well enough, so he wouldn't have minded."

"Yes, he was very kind, but I didn't want to put him out. Besides, I just wanted to leave."

"Yeah, he told me what happened," Marcus said and sighed. "Look, Aidie, I'm sorry about him."

"It's alright, Marcus," Aidetzi said. "It's a small navy base. He was bound to see me eventually." Aidetzi stood from the ground and brushed the snow off her butt. "What time is it?"

"9," Marcus answered. "That car's not due until the afternoon. You would've caught your death by cold out here."

"I'm hardy. I'll be alright," Aidetzi said.

"Aidie, let me drive you home, alright? It's too cold for you to be out here waiting hours for a car." Aidetzi looked at him prepared to say no, but he looked pleading and as though he'd not take no for an answer, so she nodded and got into the car. Once Marcus was behind the wheel, he got to the right road and made his way to Forks. "So how'd you sleep last night?"

"I slept fine," Aidetzi said. "Pastor Brown was very accommodating."

"I'm glad to hear it," Marcus said. "I'm sorry about mother last night. She was just trying to get to know you a little better."

"It's alright, you don't have to apologize," Aidetzi said. "I brought my brother and his wife uninvited so I've no room to be upset."

"I hadn't meant to bring mother, but she was adamant. I assume your brother was of a similar mindset?"

"Essentially," Aidetzi said.

"Well, your brother and sister-in-law were very nice. Mamma didn't say it when we were all together, but she's fond of Jae."

"Everyone loves Jae," Aidetzi sighed.

"You don't?"

"Of course I like him," Aidetzi said. "I'm just stating a plain fact of our lives." Marcus smiled, keeping his eyes on the road. "Please don't tell anyone about this morning. I'm sure Pastor Brown already told you what happened but I don't want anyone getting the wrong idea."

"Don't worry, I won't say a word," Marcus said. "And yes, Pastor Brown told me everything, so Lawrence is going to find my boot in his ass before the day ends." Aidetzi smiled weakly. "And thanks for standing up for Didi."

"It's the least I can do," Aidetzi said.

"He also said Lawrence had implied you didn't have fun last night," Marcus shifted topics.

"I had fun when we were really on a date," Aidetzi said. "When we were holding hands watching the movie, I was thoroughly enjoying myself. I just wasn't having so much fun when I was on a date with your mother."

Marcus smiled, "Don't let mamma put you off. If it makes you feel better, she'd treat you that way on our first date no matter who you were or how you met."

"Somehow I suspect that's not entirely true," Aidetzi said. "I don't think she likes me."

"She likes you more than before," Marcus said. "When we got back, she told me she thought you were a sweet girl and she wouldn't mind meeting you again."

"Thank you, I suppose," Aidetzi said.

"Unless you don't want to go on another date," Marcus asked solemnly.

"With you, I'd love to," Aidetzi answered, smiling kindly. "Although if your mother insists we are babysat, might I recommend just you, me, Jae and Natalie?"

"After all the nice things she said about Jae, I'm sure she'd be just fine with that," Marcus chuckled. "So when can I take you out again?"

"How about you come to me?" Aidetzi said, devising a small plot in her head. It was the one thing Lawrence absolutely never did and, in retrospect, she knew why. "My little brother is quite the poker player."

"Is he now?" Marcus raised a brow.

"I wouldn't get too confident," Aidetzi giggled, finally feeling much better. "Jae's pretty ruthless."

"Is that a challenge, Miss Call?"

"That depends on whether or not you're up for it," Aidetzi said.

"You sure you want to bark up that tree?" Marcus teased.

"You'll just have to ask Jae," Aidetzi said. "When would you like to come to Forks?"

"We're on our way now," Marcus said.

"But won't your mother get upset if you're late?"

"Oh, don't worry about it, Aidie," Marcus smiled. "I'm a grown man and if I'd like to challenge my woman's little brother to poker, I damn well will."

Aidetzi blushed at the title he'd given her. "Just be prepared," she finally said. "I told you Jae's pretty ruthless and I mean it."

"Well, he ain't never met me," Marcus said confidently. Aidetzi smiled and patted his shoulder.

"Your funeral," she said and the two of them laughed out loud. Marcus took a hold of her hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

"His, Aidie. His," he joked and placed one more kiss on her hand.

Since they'd not been able to do so the night before, they talked a little about the movie and even made plans to see another one later. Perhaps Saturday the following week and Marcus would driver her home. Once they finally got to Forks, they parked in front of Hailey's and Leah's house since the General Store was closed for the day. They walked up to the door and knocked, waiting until Leah opened.

"Oh, there you are," Leah said. Then she looked at the man behind her. "You must be Marcus."

"Yes, ma'am," Marcus smiled and held out his hand to shake hers. Leah accepted. "Now I hear from Aidie that her little brother is a, what word did you use Aidie? 'Ruthless' poker player?"

"She'd be right about that," Jae said, walking over to the door with a smile. "Am I to assume you're challenging me?"

"If you think you're up to it," Marcus taunted and Jae laughed a little.

"I might ask you the same question," Jae said. "Come on in. We're having some apple cider and the kids are down for a nap." Jae and Leah stepped aside to let them is. Hailey waved dismissively at them and continued his work on his clock.

"I assume that's Hailey?" Marcus said.

"Mr. Dauer," Hailey corrected firmly. "Have some respect when in someone's house." Marcus was taken aback by Hailey's rather harsh reception.

"Don't let him bother you," Jae whispered. "He treats everyone that way. The thing to remember is he hates you first, learns to like you later."

"Might be helpful to know you attract more flies with honey than vinegar."

"I don't much care for flies," Hailey mumbled his retort. Marcus chuckled and left Hailey alone, going to the kitchen table with Jae.

"Let me take your coat," Leah said, taking Marcus's and Aidetzi's coats so they could be more comfortable. "Hailey, where did you put the cards?"

"They should be in the drawer of my nightstand," Hailey answered, never taking his eyes off his clock.

"I'll grab those cards for you. Jae, you get them some apple cider. It's homemade," Leah said proudly as she ran up the stairs being as quiet as possible so she wouldn't wake JJ or Salem.

"Sorry to leave you, Aidie," Jae said. "But we realized we hadn't left any milk with Leah or Hailey, so we needed to get back."

"It's alright," Aidetzi said. "Their stomachs before my ride home, I understand." They all laughed a little as Jae handed them a glass and refilled Natalie's.

"Natalie, are you playing with us?"

"No, I'll pass," Natalie said.

"What about you?" Jae asked Aidetzi.

"I'll let this little tiff be between you and Marcus," Aidetzi said.

"Fair enough," Jae said. "You can act as a lucky charm. He'll need all the luck he can get."

"Now you're just pissin' me off, kid," Marcus laughed and sat down at the table after accepting his cider. Leah returned downstairs with the cards and put them on the table.

"Is there room for any more players?" Leah asked.

"Sure," Jae said. "Uncle Hailey, do you want to join us?"

"Hold on," Hailey said and finished tightening one screw before putting down the clock he was working on, pushing away the magnifying glass he was using and coming to the table. He took his usual seat at the table, pulled out his heatedly despised reading glasses, and cut the deck. "Marcus is it?" Hailey asked.

"Yes, Mr. Dauer," Marcus answered.

"Alright, Marcus, I'll tell you this once and once only. I take poker very seriously. Needless to say, I take threats very seriously too. So if you're claiming you're good at this game, I expect it."

"You won't be disappointed, sir," Marcus promised and Jae chuckled.

After his little speech, Hailey broke down the rules for their game they proceeded to play. First round, both Marcus and Jae got nothing while Hailey got a two pair. Leah won with a three of a kind. Keeping track with their names on a piece of paper, Leah put a tally under her name and they moved on to the next round. Marcus won the second round with a 2 pair and then even won the third round a High Card. During the fourth round, Salem started whimpering and inevitably crying, which woke JJ and made him start crying. Natalie went upstairs to attend to them and returned downstairs shortly after with the boys in her arms. She sat back down beside Jae who accepted JJ when he'd reached for him.

"Don't tell anyone my hand, JJ," Jae said to JJ who just laughed.

Several hands later, Marcus managed two more wins, but he sadly lost, all three of them did, quite badly, to Leah. She offered more cider to the men to nurse their shared wounded pride which they accepted, though Hailey contested he simply let Leah win. She laughed and answered, 'sure you did, darling', and got them all their cider. After the game, Jae suggested Marcus come back to the tribe for a while to have dinner with everyone. Marcus gladly agreed and they all took the cart to the tribe where Marcus got the chance to meet everyone else. And, indeed, as his mother had said, Embry and Caevia seemed to be fortunate to not look their age in just the right direction.

"So," Marcus asked when he was momentarily alone with Hailey, "How old are Aidie's parents?"

"I'm going to tell you something, Marcus, and it'll save you a load of trouble."

"What's that?"

"Don't ask questions," Hailey said.

"But-"

"Shh," Hailey said. "Just trust me and don't ask questions. You'll be happier for it, I assure you. Perhaps slightly annoyed, but happier."

"Fine," Marcus said with a sigh. "I won't ask questions."

"Good man," Hailey said.

Just as he was told, Marcus didn't ask anyone's age and let Embry ask most of the questions. Marcus got a small taste of his mother's medicine experiencing a similar grilling from Embry Sr. Although he did commend him for actually making a trip to the village to meet everyone unlike the 'last one'. Marcus stayed much later than he'd intended and, since it was so dark, he was invited to spend the night. Jae and Natalie invited Marcus to stay the night with them, warning the kids would likely wake him early, to which he reminded them he had a 1 year old living in his house and he was plenty used to the sound of baby cries. Sure enough, at 3 in the morning, Salem was crying bright and Natalie attended to him. Once he was calm, she brought Salem with to hers and Jae's bed.

"Dirty or hungry?" Jae mumbled in a sleepy voice when Natalie returned to bed.

"Both," Natalie answered. "He's alright now, but he still wants to snuggle."

Jae smiled, head still against his pillow and eyes still closed. "He's sleeping with us then?"

"Unless you mind," Natalie smiled.

"I don't," Jae said and opened his arms to her so she and Salem could scoot closer. "JJ's still asleep?"

"Didn't even stir," Natalie nodded. "I think he might be too tired to let his little brother wake him."

"To be so lucky," Jae joked and kissed Natalie's head. "I said I was going on patrol tomorrow night, right?"

"I think you did," Natalie nodded against Jae's chest.

Jae yawned, "I'll stay close to the house."

"I know," Natalie smiled and kissed his chest, then rubbed Salem's head. Salem uttered some slight whimpers at the disruption but they quickly dissipated and he continued sleeping. "Night again."

"Night," Jae smiled. "I love you."

"I love you too," Natalie replied and soon fell back asleep with Salem sleeping between her and Jae.

Thankfully, after an initial startling from Salem's cries, Marcus fell back asleep and was awake again around six that morning. Natalie was making breakfast downstairs with Salem nestled in a little basket packed with blankets and Jae sitting on the floor playing with JJ. Aidetzi arrived not long after and joined them all for breakfast. After breakfast, Aidetzi and Marcus burrowed Jae's and Natalie's bikes and made their way back to town. The car was still in front of Hailey's house when they arrived. They placed the bikes beside the house and Aidetzi walked Marcus back to his car.

"Well, that was much better," Marcus chuckled once he was at the driver's side door. "Mamma will scream something fierce, though, once I get home."

"Why?"

"I missed church," Marcus said and they both smiled at each other.

"I guess say a few Hail Maries and you'll be fine," Aidetzi said.

"Now, now, Aidie, only Catholics do that. I'm Baptist."

"Alright," Aidetzi shrugged. "Whatever your equivalent is then. Send everyone my best for me when you get home."

"I sure will," Marcus grinned. "Now more importantly, when can I see you again?"

"You already got two dates in a row," Aidetzi said. "We'd better slow down."

"Honestly, I don't really want to," Marcus said and walked just a little closer to Aidetzi while ensuring they did not appear indecent to passerby's in the streets. "You've got me by the heartstrings, Miss Call."

"I'm sure I don't," Aidetzi teased. "You should get back. I wouldn't want to deprive your mother of her two cents."

"Throwing me to the wolves?" Marcus smiled.

"I already introduced you to the wolves. I'm throwing you to a lion," Aidetzi joked. Marcus chuckled, despite not understanding the full extent of the joke, and nodded.

"Your 'pack' is far nicer for the record," Marcus said. "So your people believe you were born from wolves do they?"

"We know," Aidetzi corrected with a smile.

"It's a good story," Marcus smiled. "So really. When can I see you again?"

"When do you want to see me?"

"Saturday," Marcus said. "We'll go to the park together. They should have the Christmas decorations up by then." Aidetzi looked as though she'd say no, but Marcus had a plan. "I'll ensure my mother does not join us," he answered.

"Would she tolerate that answer?" Aidetzi asked.

"I'll make her," Marcus said. "It might mean we're going on a double date with a friend of mine, but I'll make her."

"Alright," Aidetzi finally smiled, giving in. "I'll take the car up and meet you at the stop."

"I'll pick you up," Marcus said. "You're my date after all."

"What time?"

"I'll be here 10," Marcus promised.

"You don't have to be that early," Aidetzi said.

"I want to be that early," Marcus smiled. "Now seeing as we're in public, I won't ask for a kiss, but might I get a hug instead?"

Aidetzi giggled a little and walked closer so he could hug her. He rocked her back and forth gently a moment before he finally let her go. "You get home, alright? The lion's mood is only worsening the longer you take."

"Damn straight," Marcus mumbled under his breath and opened the door to the car. Before getting in, he took Aidetzi's hand and planted a kiss on it. "It's what I can get away with."

Aidetzi blushed, "Indeed."

"Until Saturday, Aidie," Marcus smiled.

"Until Saturday, Marcus," Aidetzi replied. Marcus finally got into the car and drove away, but not without sending a kind wave goodbye Aidetzi's way. She stood in the road and watched him drive away and was forced out of her trance when someone walked up behind her.

"I'm glad we got to meet him," Jae said. "He was nice."

"He is," Aidetzi smiled.

"Aw, you're smitten, aren't you?" Jae chuckled.

"Perhaps I am. What of it?" Aidetzi asked, still smiling as she watched the road where Marcus had driven off.

"Nothing," Jae said. "I'm just relieved this one turned out to be a home run. After Lawrence, anyone's a home run."

"Please don't talk about him," Aidetzi sighed.

"You'll probably have to get used to it," Jae said. "If you and Marcus get married, Lawrence will be your brother in law."

"Jae, please, I just ate," Aidetzi complained. "Besides, we've been on one date. Marriage is a little presumptuous, wouldn't you say?"

"Considering the times he's driven you home, it's more like several dates," Jae said. "Hell, his mother already drilled you about religion. That certainly says you're wife material I'd think."

"While I'm sure you and the others are peachy keen to see me married off sometime soon, can you give me some space? Go bother Sharisa. She's not married yet, now is she?"

"She's seeing someone at least," Jae said.

"Well, now I am too. So calm your panties and let me have my fun."

Jae chuckled, "Alright, alright, I'll leave you be. But for the record, I like him. Even if he's not the greatest poker player."

"Leah handed all your heads to you on a silver platter, so don't start making fun of him for being bad at poker," Aidetzi defended.

"Fine," Jae smiled.

Marcus made the long drive back to the base feeling much better now than he had during their date Friday. He'd been worried Aidetzi was not enjoying herself, but he loved that she'd soldiered through the whole ordeal. And now, having met her family, regardless of being a touch eccentric to say the least, he was growing all the fonder of her. He went straight home once he'd returned to the base and parked outside. Mrs. Carter heard the car from inside the house and stepped out in her slippers and heavy coat with a wooden spoon in her hand.

"There you are!" Mrs. Carter said. "Do you mind explaining to me where you've been? You had me worried somethin' fierce!"

"Sorry, mamma, I drove Aidie back home and I got a chance to meet her family. Why, I enjoyed their company so much that by the time I realized the hour, it was too dark and too late, so her brother kindly allowed me to spend the night with him and Natalie. Wait until you get to meet JJ and Salem, mamma. They're precious."

"Honestly," Mrs. Carter calmed just a little at the mention of Jae and children, but she was still a little angry. "Being gone all hours of the night and day. If your plan is to give your poor mamma a heart attack, well then you damned near succeeded."

"I'm sorry, mamma," Marcus said, regardless of his smile and walked back in the house. Lawrence was at the table trying to feed Robby while Didi was at the stove continuing their soup for dinner. "Didi, do we have enough ketchup to put in the soup?"

"For a normal person yes, but your standards won't be met," Didi said.

"Damn it, Didi, why couldn't you tell your husband to get ketchup while he was out instead of just coffee?"

"Because we weren't out of ketchup," Didi said.

"So when are you seeing Aidie again?" Lawrence asked.

"Now you focus on my grandbaby, you hear!" Mrs. Carter barked at Lawrence and then turned back to Marcus. "So when are you seeing Miss Call again? I assume you're planning to?"

"Next Saturday," Marcus grinned. "I'm going to take her for a walk in the park."

"Well that sounds lovely," Mrs. Carter said. "I think the fresh air will do me good."

"Mamma, I think Aidie needs a little break. I'll talk to a friend of mine and we'll all go on a double date."

"Young man, if she can't handle your mamma, then she ain't worth it," Mrs. Carter protested.

"In all fairness, mamma, you were a little mean to her," Marcus said. "How about this? We'll go to the park, but I'll bring her to the diner for dinner and you're welcome to join us."

"Invite her here," Mrs. Carter said. "That diner is too much money."

"What about him?" Marcus asked regarding Lawrence.

"What about me?" Lawrence asked.

"You know exactly what," Marcus said pointedly.

"Mamma, I'd really rather she not come here for dinner," Didi said.

"Oh, come on, Didi, don't be that way," Marcus said.

"I will be that way," Didi said.

"Alright, never mind then. I'll just see about making something for us and we'll eat on the porch like orphan children."

"Don't be ridiculous," Mrs. Carter said. "Didi, you and Lawrence go to counseling that night or something. Or have a date just the two of you."

"What about Robby?" Didi asked.

"What do you mean, 'what about Robby'? I'll look after him. I'm fully capable of looking after my grandbaby. I do it every day don't I?"

"Fine," Didi said. "We'll go see Pastor Brown that evening."

"And Marcus, you tell that girl I expect her to be dressed nicely. Wouldn't kill her to doll up her hair pretty for company."

"She's the company, mamma," Marcus smiled kindly.

"Whatever," Mrs. Carter said.

Mrs. Carter went back to the kitchen to help Didi while Marcus sat at the table with Lawrence to play with the baby. Aidetzi, having a feeling she'd have to contend with Mrs. Carter whether she liked it or not, went to the Cullen house and asked Alice if she could burrow a nice dress to wear. It took some time to find one tall enough, but she located a little fitted dress usually meant for spring with its little flower pattern and white belt, but Alice had a little white jacket Aidetzi could wear with it as well as a nice pair of nylons and black Mary Janes and white winter gloves. Come Saturday, Aidetzi was in the outfit Alice helped her pick out waiting in Hailey's and Leah's house for Marcus to arrive.

"Aidie," Leah said.

"What?" Aidetzi asked. Then Leah kneeled down behind Aidetzi and straightened the back of her stockings so the lines on the back of the nylons lined up perfectly straight.

"That's all," Leah said with a smile and went back to what she'd been doing. Soon Marcus finally drove up to the house and Aidetzi stepped out as soon as she saw him. He exited the car and walked around to greet her and seemed momentarily dazed, but chuckled eventually.

"Morning, beautiful," Marcus said.

"Morning, handsome," Aidetzi smiled back. He was in a nice suit, probably his Sunday best, with a sweater vest under a heavy coat.

"Nylons," he smiled. "I love nylons."

"Everyone loves nylons," Aidetzi giggled. With a grin, Marcus stepped aside and opened the door to his car, helping Aidetzi in. Then he went around to the driver's seat and they started the trip up to the base. "So has the park put of the Christmas decorations?"

"Yes, ma'am," Marcus smiled. "We're meeting a friend of mine and his wife there. I do have to warn you that mamma insisted you come to dinner." Aidetzi looked immediately uncomfortable, but Marcus reassured her. "Don't worry, Lawrence and Didi will be out. We made sure of it. They're meeting with Pastor Brown for counseling."

"Alright," Aidetzi said. "Good thing I dressed up then."

"You look beautiful," Marcus complimented and Aidetzi blushed. They went straight to the park in question when they reached the city and met a man named Tyler and his wife Victoria.

As Marcus promised, the park was riddled with Christmas lights lining the trees to the point where they hadn't realized it when the sun was going down. Marcus held Aidetzi's hand the whole time and his friends were very kind to her. Eventually it came time that they needed to go to his house for dinner, so they eventually said goodbye to his friends and got to the car to return to go to the house. Once they were outside, Aidetzi realized she was shaking. Last she'd been in that house, she'd smacked her head against the table and started bleeding on their floor.

"You alright?" Marcus asked.

"No," Aidetzi answered honestly. "I'm nervous."

"Don't worry," Marcus said with a smile, taking her hand reassuringly. "Mamma promised she'd be nice this time."

Aidetzi smiled back and they finally left the car and went into the house. Mrs. Carter served a bean soup that was left over from earlier with Robby already asleep in a little basket on the table. She welcomed Aidetzi in the house, far nicer to her than she'd been before, and the three sat down together and had a pleasant dinner. Aidetzi got to ask the questions for a change and came to find Ruth Carter was really a big softy once you got to know her. Ruth went on and on about her childhood. She too was daughter to a former slave and had been born in South Carolina. She'd not known her father well since he'd died when she was little and she relayed stories of her mother that depicted the woman as rather cold, though given she had been a house slave with a rather handsy master with a taste for abuse, it became rather understandable. She spoke more about Marcus Sr. and spoke glowingly of the man, recalling him as being the love of her life and a man that adored his children. Aidetzi got to speak pleasantly about her own parents and siblings and Mrs. Carter gushed about Jae which Aidetzi was used to.

By the time they had to leave so as to avoid Lawrence and Didi, Aidetzi was actually sad to leave. Whether it was because she genuinely wanted to give her a chance or because Marcus told her to, she was far nicer to her and the two had spoken as though they were old friends. They left the house and proceeded with the drive back.

"Did you have a better time with mamma this time?" Marcus teased and Aidetzi giggled.

"I did," she said. "I hope it's like that every time I meet her from now on."

"I suspect it will be," Marcus smiled. "I'll know by the time I get back. She's not one to withhold her opinion."

"I noticed," Aidetzi answered. A moment of silence passed after they laughed together which Aidetzi eventually broke. "Thank you for tonight. I had a wonderful time."

"I'm glad," Marcus smiled. "So this time when I ask when I can see you again, will you still hesitate with an answer?"

"Not this time," Aidetzi smiled. "How about you come to Forks next week and we can spend the day with my family. They really like you."

"They do?"

"Yeah," Aidetzi nodded. "I know daddy was hard on you, but he does really like you."

"Well, I think that sounds like a great idea. Although I might have to ask that we make visiting Hailey and Leah part of the trip. I need to defend my wounded pride."

Aidetzi laughed, "You guys and poker."

"This is serious business, Aidie," Marcus said. "I can't sit back and let myself lose that badly. My brothers in basic training would skin me if they knew I lost that badly."

"They can't very well be upset if you never say anything," Aidetzi said.

"I'll know, and that's the point," Marcus chuckled. Aidetzi rolled her eyes and glanced out the window looking at the snow.

"What's winter like in South Carolina?"

"No snow," Marcus said. "At least nothing like this."

"I take it you don't much care for it?" Aidetzi asked.

"Can't say as I do, but all in all this place as its positives," Marcus answered and winked at Aidetzi. She blushed again and stared at her hands. Then Marcus took her hand in his, keeping the other on the wheel, and brought it up to his lips for a kiss. "I admit I hope no one's outside watching when we get back. I'd love nothing more than a good night kiss."

"Would you now?" Aidetzi said, shivering a little, but not from the cold. His large hands were so warm and his lips were warmer.

"If you'd let me steal one," Marcus smiled. He looked at her and when he did, his smile softened. They shared a look at left him wanting that kiss sooner rather than later.

He needed to think more clearly since the dirt road was snowy, so he stopped the car as carefully as he could, but once it was stopped, he had the car parked and turned his attention to Aidetzi. He was about to ask, but Aidetzi came a little closer and kissed him gently without any further warning than the look in her eyes before they closed. Aidetzi touched his face while Marcus brought his hand to the back of her neck. What started as a simple kiss quickly escalated to their lips crushing one another's passionately and desperately. A spark lit and they didn't want to smother it. They did eventually end the kiss, though not for wanting to. Rather, Marcus didn't want things going any further. Not in his car at least. When he did pull away, Aidetzi's eyes were slightly glazed over with lust and it sent a jolt of arousal up his spin.

"Thank you for being so kid as to let me kiss you like that," Marcus finally smiled.

"The pleasure's all mine," Aidetzi said, pulling away. They continued the driver back to Forks and by the time they got there, it was the middle of the night and, as Marcus had hoped, they were good and alone.

"I'm dropping you off at Mr. Dauer's house, right?"

"Yeah," Aidetzi nodded. Once in front of Hailey's house, Marcus parked the car but Aidetzi didn't get out right away. "Thank you for taking me home."

"The pleasure's all mine," Marcus said and Aidetzi licked her lips. "I'll be here Saturday next week by noon at latest. I do need to ensure I go home that day, though. If I miss another Sunday at church mother will have a fit."

Aidetzi smiled, "Well, we wouldn't want that."

"No ma'am, we would not," Marcus said with a tone of longing. Aidetzi had started licking her lips a little and it was desperately seductive. "I can't wait to see you again, Aidie."

"You too, Marcus," Aidetzi returned, shivering again. Marcus leaned over to give her another kiss and her lips parted, eyes closed, as he came closer.

When their lips touched, that spark from before returned with a vengeance. Once again, what should have been brief and tender was long and feverish. He brought a hand to her knee touching the stockings and enjoying the resistance of the nylons on his rough hands. With her own hands pressed against his chest, she enjoyed the taste of him while her fingers felt the soft fabric of his sweater vest through her gloves. Sadly, the cut of her dress and how tight it was wouldn't permit his hand to go much further than her lower thigh, but he savored the feel all the same. They eventually parted once they were breathless of their kiss and seemed to share a look of need.

"I love you," Marcus whispered to her suddenly and the proclamation was met with another rush of desire.

"I love you," Aidetzi answered back and kissed him again. They would have kissed all night had they not been interrupted by the sound of footsteps in the snow. They pulled away and looked in its direction, but breathed a sigh of relief and even a small laugh when they realized it was just a raccoon.

"Once again, thank you for the good night kiss," Marcus said.

"You meant what you said just now?" Aidetzi asked and Marcus nodded without a moment's hesitation.

"I do," Marcus answered lovingly. "What about you?"

"Yes," Aidetzi answered.

"Then I'd say that's a perfect end to our second date," Marcus smiled. He stole one last kiss before pulling away to exit the car. He walked around and helped Aidetzi out, walking her to the door of the Dauer house. "Should I meet you here again?"

"This is the best spot," Aidetzi nodded. "Hailey will help us get to the tribe. I wish the car would fit, but honestly the cart barely does as it is."

"It's alright," Marcus said. "A good bike ride never hurt anybody."

Aidetzi smiled. "Well, good night, Marcus."

"Good night Aidie," Marcus smiled and stole just one more kiss. "I love you. I'll see you Saturday."

"I love you too," Aidetzi answered as Marcus walked back to his car. He waited for her to let herself inside before finally driving off to return to the base feeling like the luckiest man alive.