Hi,

I hope everyone is doing well. I tripped at work and messed up my ankle. Then I messed up my knee, and things aren't going so great with my family. So, December hasn't been kind to me, but here we are in January, and I hope it's going to be a kind month! Happy New Year! Enjoy Chapter 28!

Always and Forever,

Ari.

Warnings for all chapters: Mentions of anxiety, parental arguing, silent treatment, bullying, emotional abuse, discussion of death, implied sexual relationships, unwanted touching, sexual assault, suicide attempt using a medication, suicidal ideation, manipulation, panic attack, abandonment, stress, abandonment.

Disclaimer: I only own my O.C.s and parts of the plot you do not recognize from the Twilight Saga.

Chapter 28: Fussing Over You

"I think of you only twice a day - when I am alone and when I am with someone else."

― Amit Kalantri, I Love You Too

6:33 a.m. Lahote House, La Push, Washington

He never thought that this would be his life. A protector for his tribe or someone with a family to protect. Paul never thought he would be the family type, he deemed it wishful thinking with Tiffany, and he told himself that he never wanted to be like his mother. Yet, with Laryssa, Jay, John and his brothers, he found himself loving being with them and wanting to earn his place with them. Even though Jay was pissed at him, he wouldn't trade it for anything. Sometimes it scared him; he had never had anyone besides his dad, and having them was nerve-wracking because a small part of him was scared they would leave. They would see that the pissed-off man wasn't worth it. Then he would be alone.

Paul stared out at the trees, and once he truly concentrated, he could hear Laryssa and Seth's deep breaths as they stayed in the dream world and Jay's light footsteps as he walked to the front door. The front door squeaked as he tried to pull it open without making a noise, and Paul heard the small, sharp breath and waited for Jay to decide.

Go back in or come out.

He ventured out further, his steps tentative, and Paul felt that if he moved too quickly, he would spook him. "Did you tell her not to tell me," Jay asked, flinging his body beside Paul on the porch, his back hitting against the pole as he bit his nails. Paul saw him try and hide his wince behind his thumb. His heavy breathing disturbed the silence of the forest. Paul kept his eyes on the trees, waiting for Sam to show. He knew how pissed Jay still was and kept trying to remind himself that he was still young and to have patience.

"I asked her to wait," Paul glanced away from the trees, staring at Jay gnawing on his nails. It was still dark out, and at times like this, he loved his improved vision. Even through the dark, Paul could see Jay perfectly. When the words left his lips, he saw Jay's sneer before he masked it. Jay paused, squinting at him, his brows furrowing. "Jay, it's a dangerous secret." Jay opened his mouth to protest, "It's not that I don't trust you." Paul reached over, clasping Jay's shoulder, brushing his thumb against Jay's neck, trying to will him to understand. "This secret can be a burden, one I didn't want you to carry yet."

"Yet?" Jay asked, staring at the trees swaying with the slight breeze. Paul heard the crunch of shoes against the gravel. "You would've told me eventually?" The hope in his voice caused Paul to ignore the crunch of shoes.

"Of course," He pulled Jay into his side when he felt his skin start to cool.

"I forgive you," Jay whispered as he rested his head against his shoulder, not looking at Sam when he stood at the bottom of the steps.

Paul faltered; gratefulness settled right beside the frustration in his chest. The last thing he wanted was to have Jay's anger directed just at Laryssa.

"Sam," Paul greeted, feeling Jay's full weight settle against him. "Seth's still passed out. Want me to get him?"

"No, let him sleep," Sam looked exhausted, and Paul never wanted the burden of being a leader, and he was perfectly fine with being third in command. "Jayden, are you okay?" Jay nodded, choosing to focus on his chewed nails rather than answering. Jay shifted closer, Paul rubbed his arm, and Sam pursed his lips, silently asking Paul how he was.

"We will be okay," Paul answered the silent question. "Leah?" Paul watched Sam flinch, and he didn't want to be trapped listening to the hurt and feeling the pain from the two of them.

"Jared and Embry reported that she's managing. She should be asleep now," Sam managed to keep his tone even. "Once Seth is up, we need to meet." Paul nodded, resting his head on Jay's. His mind felt tired, but his body was alert. He'd be happy if he could forgo the meeting. "Call when you are on your way." Sam stared down at Jay, his eyes blinking slowly, and Paul felt Jay's breath even out. "I will. Get some rest. Seth's exhausted. We should have about three or four more hours until he gets up." Sam glanced away from Jay, his eyes surveying the woods, and Paul picked up the heavy steps of the others. "Or not," Paul winced, knowing Sam wouldn't get a chance to rest until he knew the Clearwaters were settled.

Sam grimaced, his gaze landing back on Jay. "Any signs for him?" Paul shook his head; he hoped that Jay didn't shift, and he didn't want Jay to go against them and hated that Seth would. "I thought we were going to have three."

"Me too," Paul murmured, tightening his arm around Jay. "I'm going to get him inside." Sam stepped away, glancing back at the others coming out of the trees. "I'll call when Seth's awake, but it may not be until later. He struggled last night and needed to be submerged in cold water."

"Alright. Leah should sleep for a few more hours, then we can all meet," Sam rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at Jared when he came to stand next to Sam.

Jared walked up the steps, holding a bag up for Paul to take. Paul grabbed the bag, his mouth watering at the faint smell of breakfast sandwiches. "Emily asked me to give these to you, and I'll take the little rugrat inside." Jared leaned down to take Jay.

"I got him," Paul assured, not wanting to give him up. Jared frowned, standing up straight, his arms dropping to his sides. "Thanks for bringing these," he shook the bag, feeling slightly awkward when Jared faltered. Paul gently lifted Jay, hoping that he wouldn't wake up. "See you soon."

8:44 a.m. Lahote House, La Push, Washington

Paul curled around her, pressing his face into her hair. He could smell his shampoo and light traces of hers, and he missed the smell of her shampoo. After she decided to wade with Seth in the water, Paul ensured she took a warm shower so she didn't get sick. He pulled away, tucking her hair behind her ear. Paul held his arm back over her, hoping she would stay asleep. Her breathing changed, and he knew she was exiting the dream world.

Laryssa burrowed closer to him, her arm settled loosely on his side. He felt her fingertips lightly start to scratch his back. "Mornin," Her voice was still thick with sleep, "lover." Her eyes stayed firmly shut, and he kissed her forehead, trying not to grin too wide. He loved when she called him that; he could tell she knew it too.

"You're so cute when you're half asleep like this," Paul murmured, trailing his hand up and down her back. Her wild hair was curling at the tips, and the drool on her chin was endearing. He heard her heart speed up and goosebumps rise on her skin.

She opened one eye before closing it again, "lies." Laryssa moved in his arms so she was at his eye level.

"Truth," he rubbed his nose against hers. "Especially with the drool." She shoved him, sitting up and rubbing her face. Paul held in his laugh and tried to ease her back down. "Babeeee."

Laryssa glowered at him, batting his hands away. She moved to get up, and he pounced, pulling her back down so he hovered over her. "Let me wash my face." He shook his head, gently laying his body on hers. He held most of his weight off her and tucked his face into her neck. Her hands trailed to his sides, and she pulled him so that he wasn't holding his weight from her. "You're in the dog house." He squeezed her sides, earning a laugh from her. Paul tried to take his weight off her again, but she held fast. He couldn't understand why she loved taking his weight. "Don't; you're okay," She soothed, running her fingers down his spine. His body relaxed at her touch, and he laid on top of her. He relaxed his mind since the boys were still passed out.

"Emily made us food," He mumbled, his eyes feeling heavy. "I ate, but the rest are in the microwave for you and the boys." Paul wanted to sleep but knew he needed to be awake to take Seth.

"How long have you been up," Her voice was soft, and if she kept going with the soft touches, he would pass out. His nose brushed the side of her neck, trying to fight against the pull of sleep.

"Since five," Her fingers paused from her soft touches at his admission. He kept a soft whine from escaping when she stopped, "I'm okay."

Laryssa's fingers trailed from his back to his chin. Gently, like he was made of glass, she tilted his head up. Her brown eyes studied his face, and he grinned at her trying to get her to believe he was okay. Laryssa softly stroked his cheek, and a powerful burst of love flooded his body. She treated him like the most precious thing. Her fingers silently urged his eyes to close, "I've got us. Let me help. Sleep."

He wanted to fall under the spell of sleep, but he couldn't; he needed to take Seth as soon as he woke up. "I can't. Seth..."

"I'll wake you up when he wakes up, deal?" She comforted him, trying her best to get him to sleep. He nodded, his relaxed mind unwilling to argue with her. She maneuvered their bodies so he was lying on her arm and she could keep him close. Her heart thumped steadily in his ear, and he allowed it to bring him to the brink of sleep. The soft trails of her fingers on his skin eased him back into the dream world.

9:24 a.m. Lahote House, La Push, Washington

I gently moved away from him, faltering when he sighed in his sleep. I got up from the bed carefully, going around the bed to pull the sheet up on his body. Before moving to the restroom, I kissed his forehead quickly, grabbing my phone off the charger.

I closed the door with a soft click, staring at myself in the mirror. I grimaced, seeing flecks of dried drool on my cheek. My hair was wild and sticking out in various places, and I didn't see what he saw. I ran my hands through my tangled mane, quickly moving through my morning routine. I braided my hair quickly, cursing at myself, noticing that I had forgotten the leggings in my bag. The chill in the air was uncomfortable, and I rubbed my legs, grimacing at the growing stubble. I needed to go home soon, and I'm sure Jay was tired of crashing into a bed that wasn't his. My phone started buzzing rapidly, and I picked it up, seeing Sue's name flashing across the screen.

I rushed out of the restroom, Paul's snores confirmed he was still passed out, and Jay was snoring on the couch. I quickly walked to where Seth was and peeked my head into the room, and he was curled into a tight ball, drooling over the pillow.

I held my phone to my ear, "Hi, Sue. Did you get my texts last night?" I had hoped she didn't drive to my house since we ended up at Paul's.

"Hi, yes. Thanks for keeping me updated. How is my baby?" She sounded exhausted, and I hoped she had eaten something and slept.

I closed the door, moving to sit outside. I sat on the top steps, "Seth's still asleep. After we took him to the water, Paul took us back to his house, and I sat with him until he fell asleep. He should wake up around noon. Do you want me to have him call you when he wakes up?"

Sue let out a shaky breath, "yes. Can you drive with me to Forks this afternoon?"

"Of course, I'll drive you. Did you eat yet," I asked, chewing on my nails. A gust of wind swept over me, and I shivered, trying not to let the sound echo through the phone.

"No, Emily's gonna be here soon. I'll eat. Take care of my baby," Sue whispered, and the sniffle traveled through the line.

"I will." Sue sniffed again, and I heard the deep breath she took. "See you soon." The line clicked off, and I set my phone down on the wood and looked at the dewy grass. I hoped Leah was okay and she wasn't suffering. I knew the loss of a parent and understood the pain the Clearwater siblings felt. It wasn't fair.

Flashback: Unknown. Chiago House, La Push, Washington

The grass was wet and cold, and it seeped into my jeans. I cradled the note in my hands, running my fingers over the elegant scrawl. I could feel the indention of how hard he pressed into the paper when he wrote it. I blocked out the screams from the house.

Pretty Girl, remember that you are trying, and that's good enough. Be home soon. -Dad

I pressed the paper close to me, letting it comfort me. It was the last words of encouragement my dad had given me. The thunder rumbled in the background, and the smell of rain wafted through the air. I needed to force myself up to get away, but I couldn't get up. I didn't want to see Grace or watch her tears. Her tears would only signify that it was real and not a nightmare if I went back in. I wanted the earth to open and swallow me whole, so I could wake up. "Rys?" I looked up, seeing Seth pause a few feet away from me, a yellow umbrella held over his head. I tried to smile at him, trying to force myself up. "Can I join you?" I nodded, stopping my fumbling, and he moved to kneel in front of me. "It's going to rain soon." He held the umbrella over us.

"I know, I can smell it." My voice sounded muffled. "You should get inside, so you don't get sick." I wanted to reach out and ruffle his fluffy hair, but my limbs wouldn't move.

"What's a little rain to a Rez kid," Seth grinned, shrugging his shoulders. "Remember that us Rez kids can do anything... even avoid getting sick."

I glanced up at the cloudy sky. "What's that?" Seth shuffled closer to me, and I could see him peering closer to see what was in my hands. I let my hands drop slowly, and Seth's hair touched my cheek. "A note?" I sniffed, staring back at the note. "Pretty Girl, remember that you are trying, and that's good enough. Be home soon. Dad."

I felt my eyes start to burn as the words left his lips. I shoved it down, pulling it back. "Stop trying to get out of going inside. Even Rez kids get sick."

"I'll go if you go. Rez kids stick together," Seth bumped my shoulder, and I didn't know how to tell him I couldn't get up. "Deal?"

I felt a cool wind on my cheek. "Deal." Seth stood and offered his hand before I could attempt to get to my feet. I took his hand, and he tugged, trying to help me stand. I got to my feet, and my body felt heavy.

I tried to pull my hand away, but Seth grabbed my hand, gently pulling me towards the house. I bent down so he didn't have to walk on his toes. I hesitated at the steps, and Seth stopped beside me. I didn't want to go in. "Just try... if you can't, then it's okay." My eyes shot to Seth, and he sent me a small unsure smile. "Like your dad said."

I nodded, ruffling his hair. I let go of his hand, putting my arm around his shoulder and squeezing him. I sniffed, and I let him go, turning to face him. I put my hands on his cheeks, "Never change, Seth. Promise?"

Seth scrunched his nose, nodding. My hands dropped as I looked at the house. "C'mon, let's go inside."

11:34 a.m. Lahote House, La Push, Washington

The house was silent as I sketched at the table. I took a bite out of the sandwich, shading in the fish. I wondered if dad and Harry were fishing together, taking the time to catch up with each other. I made a silent promise to Harry that I would watch out for them as they did for Jay and me. The door opened, and Seth shuffled out, his hair standing up in multiple directions, his pants rumpled from sleep. His brown eyes locked with mine, and I sent him an encouraging smile. Seth stayed planted in the doorway, and I pointed to the restroom. I felt relieved that he must have gotten a deep sleep with the lines embedded on his face and chest. He nodded, rushing to the restroom. I closed my sketchbook, finishing the rest of my sandwich. I got up, got two sandwiches out for him, and poured a glass of orange juice. Jay let out a loud snore and turned on the couch, letting his blanket fall to the floor. The restroom door opened, and Seth walked out; his hair was tied back away from his face. He eyed Jay, moving to him, picking the blanket up off the floor and covering him gently. I turned my back to them and busied myself with putting my notebook in my bag. I could hear Seth shuffling closer to me, and I turned, noticing his red cheeks. "Morning," I reached out to him, running my hand over his hair.

Seth sniffed, putting his head on my shoulder, "It wasn't a dream."

I felt my throat close at his broken voice. I shoved the emotion down, putting my arms around him, and rubbing his back. I hated that it was a reach, and he sprouted overnight. "No, it wasn't." I held him until he pulled back. I brushed my fingers over his cheeks, guiding him to sit down. "Let's try eating something."

Seth started to unwrap a sandwich, and he took a small bite. "Mom?"

"She called earlier. Here," I set my phone on the table for Seth to call. "She wants you to call her."

Seth nodded slowly, taking a bigger bite. "Leah?"

"I don't know. Paul might know," I glanced at his room. I was about to reach for my phone to put in my password, and Seth tapped his fingers against my phone, bypassing my lock screen. I didn't question how he knew my password. "I'll go get him. Eat and call your mom. I'll be right through there," I gestured towards Paul's room.

"Thanks, Rys," His voice was soft. "For everything."

I put my hand on his shoulder, waiting until he met my eyes. "There is nothing to thank me for, and I've got you." Seth's hand covered mine before he let go. I pressed a kiss to his hair, letting him go to wake Paul. I trailed to the room, not wanting to wake him up. I closed the door behind me, smiling when I saw him stretched out on the bed like a starfish, drool escaping his mouth. I sat on the edge of the bed, shaking my head, when I noticed the sheet in a ball at the end of the bed. I rested my hand on his back, gently starting to scratch his back, "Paul." He grunted, cracking his eye open. "Seth's awake." He nodded into the pillow before heaving himself up and sitting behind me. Paul rested his head on my shoulder, his arm curling around my stomach. "Sleep okay?"

"Yeah," His breath warmed my neck, and I rested my head on his. I didn't want them to go, but I understood they needed to, just like I needed to talk to Jay. "It was a good dream, and I'll tell you about it later."

"Can't wait," I rested my hand on his hair, scratching his scalp lightly. "I'm going to take Sue to Forks." Paul nodded, his arm tightening before he yawned, and I laughed, inching away from the ticklish feeling.

"Jay seemed better this morning," Paul pressed his body closer to mine so I was cocooned in his warm embrace. I pressed back against him, content to just be with him. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to put you in a position where you couldn't tell him."

I tiled my head up to peer back at him. It wasn't his fault, and I hated when he tried to apologize for things that were out of his control. "Paul, you don't have to apologize. I understand why you wanted to wait, and I'd do it again. There are some things that we do that Jay won't understand." I rubbed his arm, trying to soothe the guilt he was trying to take on. "We are going to be okay, he's going to be upset at me for a while, but we will be okay."

"I don't like it," He replied, tilting his head to the right, listening to whatever was happening in the living room. "It was my choice-"

"Sweetheart, you can't make me do anything. I had a choice whether or not to keep the secret, and I chose too, my choice, my decision. Besides, all siblings fight. He will come around," I leaned up to kiss his cheek. "Jay awake?"

"Yeah, he's fussing over Seth." Paul sighed, squeezing me tightly before letting go. He got up from the bed, scratching his hair, and I could see he would need a haircut soon. I brought my legs up to the bed, watching him get ready. He raised his arms to stretch, and I could see his muscles contract with the movement. "Fussing over others must be a Chiago specialty," He smirked over his shoulder, flexing his muscles.

I rolled my eyes at him, biting my lip to keep from smiling. "We go the extra mile for those we love." Paul grinned, pulling his shoes on. I stood up, moving towards him, reaching out to rest my hand on his back. "Which reminds me," I slid my hand to his chin, pulling him gently to look at me, "you need a haircut."

"You can cut it later," He murmured, leaning down to gently knock his nose against mine. "My lips are hurting," Paul pressed his thumb to his lips, pouting slightly, "can you kiss them to make them feel better?" I snorted, my forehead bumping against his chin when I tried to hide my amusement. Paul's rough fingers trailed against my neck until they rested against my chin, tilting my head to look back at him. "They need some fussing over, c'mon my heart, please."

As much as I wanted to laugh, my body felt warm when he called me his heart. "You are incorrigible, lover." I pressed my lips to him, tangling my fingers in his hair as I pulled him closer. I drew back, seeing his eyes still closed, "never change." He surged forward, pressing his lips against mine, and I smiled against him.