Bella McLeod

Healer

This is my first Twilight fic, and it is a femlash, featuring Bella and Rosalie as a couple. So, if you don't like, please head somewhere else.

As an introduction, you may want to read "Snape McLeod" since the Bella that trained Tobias there is the same one here, only a decade later. It's not a requirement for you to read it, especially since I will try and untangle things as the story progresses. I altered the timeline to fit my needs, so… she met Snape in 1997, they parted ways in 2000 and it is now 2011, when she moves to Forks with Charlie.

Bare in mind that I do not own Twilight, nor its characters, so if you recognize any of them, THEY'RE NOT MINE. I only own the idea of making Bella Swan part of Clan McLeod.

I also not own the Highlander series, characters and concepts.

Remember to leave your reviews…

Bella McLeod

Chapter 18

Healer

The rest of the day went by in a blur. I didn't really pay attention at all to anything around me but her, which was totally not like me, I was always aware of my surroundings. But her telling me she'd take her chances was thrilling and I was barely able to control myself and not jump her right there and then. It took me a while to realize during Biology that Mr. Banner had decided to project a film about cellular reproduction, but as soon as the lights went off, Bella was once again everything I could focus on.

I was stunned by the unexpected energy that flowed through me, amazed that it was possible to be more aware of her than I already was. A strong impulse to reach over and touch her, to stroke her face in the darkness, completely overwhelmed me. I crossed my arms tightly across my chest, my hands balling into fists. I was losing my mind. I could only refrain for a few minutes before I glanced back.

My eyes, of their own accord, flickered to her. I smiled sheepishly as I realized her posture was identical to mine, fists clenched under her arms, right down to the eyes, peering sideways at me. I grinned when she caught up to the same fact and at the same time we both uncrossed our arms and reached for each other's hands. We met halfway and I interlaced our fingers, smiling when she gently squeezed my hand in hers in a silent gesture of content and agreement.

It was absolutely ridiculous that I felt dizzy, but I did. She just had that reaction on me and I couldn't help but wonder what had her life been like so far. How many of her kind had she defeated, how many did she know and considered friends, or allies. How had she met Clara? How many accidents had she been involved in? How many times had she died? I suddenly only wanted to hold her in my arms and never let her go, keep her safe from everything, prevent her from ever dying again.

The hour seemed very long. I couldn't concentrate on the movie, I tried unsuccessfully to relax, but the energy I felt between Bella and myself, and the fact that I really wanted to know more about her past didn't let me.

I breathed a sigh of relief when Mr. Banner flicked the lights back on at the end of class, and I stood up, still holding Bella's hand in mine, which earned a chuckle from beside me.

"Well, that was interesting," she murmured.

"Umm," was all I was able to respond.

"Will you escort me to gym?"

"Sure. Shall we?" I asked, leading her to Gym.

We walked in silence, still holding hands. I paused at the door; I turned to say goodbye. My goodbye stuck in my throat when she raised her hand and then swiftly brushed the length of my cheekbone with her fingertips. She let go of my hand and then turned without a word striding quickly away from me.

I headed to my last class, but once again I couldn't focus. I found myself thinking about my mate and just missing her proximity. As soon as class was over I hurried toward gym again to wait for Bella to come out.

I was waiting, leaning casually against the side of the gym, when she finally did her breathtaking face looked untroubled and playfull. As she walked to my side, I felt a peculiar sense of relief.

"Hi," I breathed, smiling hugely.

"Hello." Her answering smile was brilliant.

"How was Gym?"

"The usual" she smirked "though Mike has an interesting theory about you"

"Really?" Now I was intrigued. I shifted my focus slightly, looking over her shoulder and glanced to see Mike's back as he walked away. "What?" I demanded.

"I'll tell you later"

I eyed her but nodded in agreement and lead the way to my car. We had to stop a few steps away, a crowd of people, all boys, were surrounding it.

Edward and Alice approached us ready to climb to the Volvo that was parked right beside my M3.

"I should have told you" said Alice smirking, which lead me to believe that she had not said anything at all on purpose

I sighed and headed to my convertible and opened the passenger door for Bella to climb in. One of the kids asked me which model it was.

"An M3." I answered briskly.

"I didn't know you were into cars Hale"

"Just once in a while" I said as got in and started the engine

"You can't blame them, you know" said Bella once we were getting out of the parking lot.

I sighed "I suppose you're right. I sometimes forget"

"Are you angry?" she asked

I looked at her confused "What would make you think that?"

"I was expecting your questions today, I guess"

"Oh" I glanced briefly at her and she had a sad expression on her face which made me hurt "I do have questions Bella, I just didn't want to overwhelm you with them. And to be honest, I am expecting more questions from you too"

"What a pair we make uh?" she asked

"Yeah" I smiled "How about you tell me about Newton's theory?"

"Let me ask you something before I do that, because of what he said. Is that alright?" She asked timidly

"Shoot"

"When you feed, you hunt right?" she asked. I nodded. "Will I get to see that?"

"Absolutely not" I said firmly

"Why?" I didn't answer right away and Bella just looked pointedly at me. "I'm not afraid of you Rose. I thought we had made that clear" I sighed

"The problem is that I am afraid" I said defeated. She was about to say something when I cut her short "When we feed, we give ourselves over to our senses… especially our sense of smell. If you were anywhere near me when I lost control that way…" I stopped to collect my thoughts "I don't want to hurt you, and with your alluring blood, I'm not sure I could contain myself"

"That's a moot point you know" she said certain

"It's not"

"It is Rose. You already proved to be able to control your instinct around my blood. Remember? When Raoul pierced through my body." A growl built inside me and I could not stop it before it reached Bella's ears. "Cute. But not the point. Point is you know it as well as I do." She concluded

"I do not find you dying a cute thought" I said gritting my teeth

"No. I don't either" she said seriously "You being angry AND growling over something that already past and will not change, is cute" She said smiling sadly. We kept in silence for a few minutes. I knew deep down she was right about me being able to control myself. My instinct to protect my mate would overpower any other instinct. "Are you angry?" she asked carefully when we reached her home.

"Definitely." I sighed.

"With me?"

"No. With me actually. You are very important to me Bella, you don't understand how much. And the truth is that even when I could never hurt you on purpose, I'm not ready to let you see the monster I really am"

"You're not a monster. But I'll respect your privacy regarding your feeding. Deal?"

"Maybe… if you do tell me now what Newton said to make you think of that."

"Oh, right. Almost forgot about that," she said smiling. "He doesn't like the fact that we are an item now"

"Figures" I growled "Newton likes you. But if he tries anything I might forget he is human and picture him as an elk"

"No need to do that." Bella said calmly. "He won't hit on me or try anything weird. So don't worry about him. However what he said when I asked him to mind his own business is what got me thinking" She smiled and got out of the car, heading toward her house.

I opened the door and followed her, as soon as we reached the porch I grabbed her hand and stopped her from opening the front door.

"Will you tell me what Newton said?" I pleaded looking into her eyes.

Bella smiled and in a second she was kissing me softly. I smiled into her lips and held her tightly. I had to hold myself from deepening the kiss, because that would certainly lead to something else. When Bella retreated for breath she was still smiling.

"Mike's right" she said and I looked at her totally confused by that. She turned around and opened the door to her house. I growled and she just smiled broadly. "Don't be like that" she teased me "He said you look at me as if I were food. As if you were just about to devour me at any moment"

I froze at that. I did not think I was being that obvious to human eyes. I looked down, worried that my mate would reconsider our relationship "Sorry" I muttered

"Don't be" she said cupping my cheek. "I do love you. It's good to know you don't only love me, but that you also want me" she let go and stepped inside her home. "Oh, Rose?" she called back. See leaned on the doorframe with a faint smile on her lips.

"Yes?"

"Brace yourself, tomorrow it's my turn."

"Your turn to what?" She smiled wider.

"Ask the questions. You did not take the chance I gave you today so…" And then she closed the door and was gone.

I smiled as I walked to my car. It was clear she wasn't planning on leaving me tomorrow, if nothing else.

I spent the night planning my course of action for Saturday with Alice's and Esme's help. Esme would help me preparing the food that I would present to my mate and I finally conceded to Alice that she could dress me up, however, that was it. I would choose where to take her.

Edward kept mostly quiet even when asked for his opinion. I was thankful for that, since I had not approached the subject with Bella yet. Jasper and Carslile were worried, but both of them, seemed to be content with my happiness.

Next morning I headed to Bella's home again. Like yesterday, I parked in front the Swan's residence as Chief Swan was leaving. I waited in the car, not daring to be too obvious about watching Bella as she shut the door of her home behind her.

She walked to the car, pausing before opening the door and stepping in. She was smiling, relaxed and, as usual, perfect and beautiful.

"Good morning." I greeted. "How are you today?" My eyes roamed over her face noticing that she had bags under her eyes.

"Good, thank you." She simply said.

"You look tired." I pointed out as I started up the engine

"I couldn't sleep much," she confessed, swinging her hair around her shoulder "Tobias came by."

"Did he?" I growled

She cupped my face smirking "Calm down, he's leaving tomorrow." She said letting go of my face "He decided to go back, even when both Duncan and I disagree. But it's his choice after all" She explained

I frowned "Why don't you want him to go back?"

"It's not really safe for him yet"

"Why?"

"Nuh uh" she said looking at me "You lost your chance. I'm asking the questions. But to ease your mind, it is because it is too soon since he died. People there might still recognize him, especially because he wants to teach again. I'll tell you all about it when it's not my turn to ask the questions"

"Oh. What do you want to know?" My forehead creased. I couldn't imagine anything about me, aside the obvious vampire thing, that could be in any way interesting to her.

"What's your favorite color?" she asked, her face grave. I rolled my eyes.

"Really?" I asked amused "That's what you want to know?"

"Yes" she said flatly "we did not properly use our time under the rain last time to get to know each other's favorites. So I'm taking matters into my hands"

I sighed and thought about that "It changes from time to time. A few weeks ago it was red."

"What's your favorite color now then?" She was still solemn.

"Probably brown." I said, thinking about her eyes and her hair.

"Brown?" she asked skeptically.

I thought about it before answering "Sure. Brown is warm. I miss brown. I can't go to warm places because of what we are, so I do miss it" I complained. I looked briefly at her and I could see it there "But I think brown has found me" I said smiling.

"I think you're right, and I am glad about it" she said smiling back. She reached over, swiftly, to briefly caress my cheek. We were at the school by now so I turned back to look out through the windshield in order to pull into a parking space. "What music is in your CD player right now?" she asked, her face contorted into a small smirk

"I've been listening in an endless loop to Isabelle Pierre. And for that I blame you." I chuckled with my confession. I had been listening "Evangeline" more often than not since I learnt that she liked that song too. I flipped open a compartment under the car's CD player, pulled out one of the CDs that were jammed into the small space, and handed it to her

"You too uh?" She raised an eyebrow examining the familiar cover art.

I nodded "I keep humming it my mind too. I think Edward is already annoyed about Evangeline. He ended up tossing out a copy of the original poem and an essay about Evangeline and Gabriel"

"Whose problem is it?" she asked smirking while we walked to her English class.

When we met again for lunch, she questioned me relentlessly about every insignificant detail of my existence. Movies I'd liked and hated, places I'd been and few places I wanted to go, and books… endlessly books.

She was truly fascinated by the books I liked and made me promise to lend her my favorite, which she hadn't read yet. And she was quite amused about me liking cars and mechanics.

"You'll have to help me with the truck then" she stated "It's a jewel and needs to be taken care of. Then I'll see how good you are with cars" she concluded smirking

"Was already planning on tuning your truck anyway" I said nonchalantly

I couldn't remember the last time I'd talked so much… last time had to be when I was still human. At some point I was certain I must be boring her, but the absolute absorption of her face, and her strange stream of questions, compelled me to continue.

Mostly her questions were easy, and safe. Except for which was my favorite dinosaur, who actually thinks about it?

"well, for starters paleontologists" she told me seriously

"Do I look like a paleontologist Bella?" I asked amused

"Well, no, but maybe it is something you would be interested in doing at some point" She said smiling at me

"No, not something I would pursuit. Not even as a hobby" I told her chuckling while bringing her hand to my lips.

"Ok, what about film makers? The Jurassik Park franchise must be based on the film makers favorite dinosaurs" she added playfully.

She did not let go of that until I randomly chose the Brachiosaurus as my favorite dinosaur.

"Oh, so a vegetarian?" she asked amused

"Herbivorous would be the actual term for them" I added playfully

She never once asked me how old I was, how I had been turned, or about my human life at all. She was truly interested in knowing me, for whom and what I am now and that made me smile.

Suddenly, she burst laughing out loud. And everyone in the cafeteria turned to look at her with confusion and awe on their faces, myself included.

"What?" I asked warily

"It's just that something just clicked on my mind now" She said still laughing. After a few minutes, of her still chuckling she looked up and met my confused gaze "Emmett… Nintendo… new meaning to… Mario Bross" she said between laughs trying to catch her breath.

I could hear then Emmett snickering from our usual table, and I glanced up to see my siblings chuckling slightly surely remembering what Bella now understood about Emmett and his first Nintendo. So I laughed too.

"Yup" I finally said. "Definitely a new meaning"

We finally stood up and headed to Biology.

"What kinds of flowers do you prefer?" she fired off.

I curiously eyed her. "Like real flowers? Or in the sense of tulips and roses as you do?" I asked amused.

"In that sense, I do believe you are like me Rose, or else we would not be a couple, right?" She asked looking intently at my eyes.

Bella had continued with her quizzing up until Mr. Banner entered the room, dragging the audiovisual frame again. As the teacher approached the light switch, I leaned forward on the table, resting my chin on my folded arms. I didn't look at the movie though, my focus was once again on her face. She sighed in relief when Mr. Banner turned the lights on, finally glancing at me; I rose in silence and then stood still, waiting for her.

We walked toward the gym in silence, like yesterday. And, also like yesterday, she touched my face wordlessly before she turned and walked away.

Last hour passed quickly and I headed to Gym to wait for Bella to be ready to leave. Eventually she made it out the door, and I felt the same relief when I saw her walking toward me, a wide smile automatically spreading across my face.

She smiled too before launching into more examination. Her questions were different now, though, not as easily answered. She wanted to know how my senses worked now, insisting on descriptions of anything she wasn't familiar with.

We sat in front of Charlie's house for hours, as the sky darkened and rain plummeted around us in a sudden deluge. I tried to describe impossible things like the scent of an elk being different to one of a bear, and definitely different than humans. How when it rained it was easier to catch our prey. How accurate our sight was. And generally, what made us what we were, but then again, never did she ask how I was turned, what it takes for that, or when did I become a vampire.

I found myself using my hands as I tried to describe everything to her. Her quiet, probing questions kept me talking freely, forgetting, in the dim light of the storm, to be worried about what we both really were.

Finally, when I had finished detailing my room at home, she paused instead of responding with another question, quietly looking around.

"Are you finished?" I asked.

"Not even close… but we have company." She said taking hold of her coat and heading out into the rain, toward the woods behind her home.

"Bella!" I called out after her following closely.

"Promise me something" She asked me still looking around. I assume she was trying to find the source of her Buzzing. "Do not interfere" she demanded. I was about to argue but she sternly looked at me and the look on her face made me shut up "It is one of the rules. No outside interference is allowed." She said setting her eyes on the nearby path. I could hear heavy footsteps approaching in the rain. "Promise!" Demanded Bella again.

I nodded when I noticed someone coming out through that path. "I promise. But please be safe" I said looking at her again. She smiled and nodded. Focusing again on the figure that had come from the forest.

I could see by Bella's posture that she had not recognized this man. He looked around 30 and like Bella was wearing a long rain coat, however was already gasping a samurai sword on his hands.

Revised A/N (June 2022): Hi! How's everything going for you?

Question..s….

What is the most random thing anyone has ever asked you? For me the most random question ever is "if you were a home appliance, what would you be?"

On a side note, not, I have not watched yet the newest Jurassic Park Movie, though I really want to do so, it is tricky when you live on board a cruise ship.

Original A/N: If any of you is from Mexico, well, you do know how it can get… so good news for you all my faithful readers! Tequila was not that much last night! So I got up early in the morning and started typing before the parade started, which explains the update.

Hope you all liked it.

Thank you all for adding this fic your alerts and favorites, and thank you so much for adding ME to your alerts and favorites. I am honored.

Remember to leave your reviews… they nourish my imagination.

And if you have a twitter account and are interested, you can follow me at OriginalHealer