One

It was the middle of January, the cold air bit into the skin of the citizens of Forks. Though it did nothing to Nathaniel Salvatore as neither cold or warmth affected him much anymore. It didn't matter what time of year it was, Nate would never be caught without one of his signature black leather jackets.

His wardrobe mostly consisted of what would be considered dark and depressing colors, or, the "bad boy" colors. Black, Dark Blue, Charcoal Gray. Though a little red never hurt anyone. His friend, Alice Cullen, often fussed over his fashion, wanting to brighten his aesthetic a bit with some white and lighter blues. But he never could be swayed.

Though he was considered part of their family and coven, he lived in his own house near the Quileute reservation. The treaty between the Cullen's and the past spirit warriors had nothing to do with him, especially when Nate had saved one of the Quileute's from a red eyed cold one.

Nate had long since been granted access on the reservation, so long as he didn't feed on humans. That wasn't a problem for the middle Salvatore, since he could always compel himself a few blood bags from a hospital every now and then. And when he was desperate, or when one of the Cullen's asked, he would hunt with them.

He had already drank a couple blood bags to start the day and was currently getting dressed for the school day. He hadn't wanted to go to school, considering he looks old enough to be a graduate and start college. But he was bored and his best friend, Rosalie Hale, had begged him. He, along with Rosalie and Emmett were seniors this year, while Alice, Jasper and Edward were juniors. He could just hear his older brother's teasing now.

"Going to school like Steffy, Nate? There are other ways to pass the time, little brother."

He could just imagine the smirk on Damon's face, the smirk that the three brothers seemed to share. Thinking of his older brother, he couldn't help but wonder where he was and what he was doing. And he likely wouldn't know unless he called Damon or Damon called him.

Nate shook his head and grabbed the key to his Harley before leaving his house. He knew the other's would be on their way soon and he'd meet them at the school. Though today wasn't one he was looking forward to. Why? Because Chief Swan's daughter would be starting today, and Alice had a vision about her and Edward. That wasn't the problem, however. It was the feeling he got that unnerved him.

Nathaniel pulled into the lot beside Emmett's jeep. The big bear of a man leaned against it with his arms around Rosalie's shoulder as they waited for him. Nate parked and kicked the stand down, then climbed off and removed his helmet. His raven black hair blowed in the cold air, as his blue eyes scanned tye student parking lot.

He spotted an old, rusty orange Chevy pickup behind Tyler Crowley's kiddnapping van. Nate raised his brows at the couple, who rolled their eyes in return. He strolled to Rosalie's other side, who hooked her arm through his as they began walking towards the gates of hell.

Oh, what fun the day was going to be.

By the time lunch rolled around, Nate had wanted to snap at least a dozen necks. All day he heard about Isabella Swan and the reoccurring gossip about himself and the Cullen's. It was exhausting and he wished he had brought a bottle of bourbon to school with him.

He met with his blonde best friend and Emmett at the cafeteria doors, bracing himself for the obnoxious whispers he could already hear before entering.

"Who are they?" he heard an unfamiliar female voice ask. It was silent for a moment before the school's main gossiper, Jessica Stanley, began to tell who he assumed to be Bella Swan, the details of himself and the Cullen's.

"The big guy with dark hair, his name is Emmett. He's with the blonde girl named Rosalie. And to her right is Nathaniel Salvatore. I heard they're like a throuple or something..." Nate rolled his eyes, tuning the strawberry blonde out and moved to grab his lunch, following his two friends.

Once they sat, Nate could feel eyes burning into him. He glanced up and caught the stare of the new girl. She quickly ducked her head with blush creeping up her neck and covering her cheeks, realizing she got caught. Nate scoffed and began to eat the cheeseburger in his hand.

He felt a tap on his shoulder and glanced to his left, finding Jasper sat next to him. "Hey, Jazz. What you need, brother?"

Jasper sighed, preparing himself for what he hoped wouldn't turn into an argument. "Your brother called me this morning. Damon. He said he couldn't get ahold of you."

Nathaniel rolled his blue eyes, similar to Damon's. He hadn't talked to Damon in a few years and wasn't sure if he was ready to. He grew tore of his and Stefan's rivalry for the past century. He met his old friend's honey-gold eyes. "He can't reach me because I blocked him and Stefan. I refuse to be entangled in their eternal fight."

Jasper shrugged. "Just thought I'd let you know. He said he misses you and he hasn't been around Stefan for over a decade."

"I miss him too, but it would be wrong of me to have contact with one brother and not the other. I miss Stefan as well, but he hasn't even tried getting ahold of me. Not since the last time we were in Mystic Falls."

Again, Jasper shrugged. "Up to you, brother. Either way, I support your decision." And Nate was grateful. He had known Jasper since he was human, through Damon. Both Jasper and his brother having fought in the Civil War together. Damon was close to being changed into a cold one, but Jasper had persuaded his sire, Maria, to let him go. That didn't save the eldest Salvatore brother from eternal life, however. As he was soon after turned into a more traditional vampire by Katherine Pierce.

After school, Nate drove to the reservation. It had been a while since he visited Billy Black and he missed the old man that was like a father figure to him. His own father, Giuseppe Salvatore, was an abusive man that killed his own sons. Nate was the exception, as he had escaped and fled south to New Orleans. But that's a story for another time.

Several minutes later, he pulled up to the tiny red house near the woods. The front door opened as Nate got off the bike. Billy wheeled himself onto the front porch with a warm smile on his face.

"Nate Salvatore, son. It's so good to see you! Come give old Billy a hug."

The Vampire chuckled and sped up the ramp, leaning down to wrap his arms around the Chief of the tribe. "Hey, Billy. Looking good, old man." He complimented him.

A twinkle shown in Billy's eyes as he looked at Nathaniel. "I'm feeling pretty good too. Come on inside, son. How have you been?"

Nate wheeled Billy back inside and into the kitchen, placing him at the table, before taking the seat to his right. "I'm hanging in there. I've been told that Damon has been trying to get ahold of me."

Billy clicked his tongue and shook his head, knowing Nathaniel was warring with himself when it came to his brothers. "Look, son. Just think about what's best for you. They're your brother's. Family means everything. You don't have to put up with their shenanigans, just talk to them. Be there for them from a distance if that's what it takes. You might feel better afterwards. If not, at least you tried. And it'll only be on them." He advised.

Nathaniel sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. "I guess so. I'll give them a call soon. I just don't think I'm ready yet."

Billy put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "When you're ready, son." After that, they spent a couple hours catching up, Jacob joining not long after Nate's arrival. He felt lighter on his way back home. More at peace.

Maybe he and his brothers would work things out and everything will be like they once were. At least, he hoped so.