Beginning Notes:

Hello, I decided to make a place to put the one shots for this book into a different work. It makes it easier on me to keep track of what chapter is up and to not interrupt the main story. The Christmas Special will be moved over there!

Thank you!

I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 37: Movie Night and Plans for Tomorrow

Faye POV

I felt the tires shift from pavement to dirt, and I sat up, glancing out the window to see the forest closing in around us. My tail—and Ivy's too—started wagging uncontrollably as the Cullens' house came into view. The sound of my tail thumping made Robyn laugh, her voice warm and full of affection.

"I know, I'm excited too," she said, her grin spreading wide. "I can't wait to see them either."

Sliding out of the car, she reached over and picked me up from the passenger seat, holding me securely as we made our way to the door. Just as her hand raised to knock, the door swung open, startling us both. I let out a small yip of surprise, feeling Robyn flinch slightly her grip tightening protectively before we were swept into a comfortable, familiar hug.

My nose twitched as I caught the familiar scent of lavender and roses, tinged with a hint of spice. It could only be one person. That scent was unmistakable.

Robyn must have realized it too, because she mumbled softly, almost shyly, "Hey, Rose."

Rosalie's arms tightened briefly around us before she loosened them, leaning back to get a good look. Her sharp gaze swept over us, as if checking for any signs of trouble.

"Uh, Rose? What's wrong?" Robyn asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Rosalie shook her head, though the slight furrow in her brow betrayed her. "It's nothing… I just don't like you two being out so late. It worries me. What if something happens?"

Her words hit like a sudden chill, and Robyn and I froze. Worry? For us? The thought was so foreign it almost felt out of place.

I ducked my head, the weight of her concern pressing down on me. Back when I was nine or ten, no one cared where I was, let alone worried if I was out late. I used to wander the streets aimlessly whenever one of my foster families got tired of me. They'd shove me out the door, muttering excuses, and I'd end up roaming the neighborhood. Some nights I'd sit at the park until it got too cold or hide away in the corner of the library until they locked up.

Robyn shifted a bit, her silence just as heavy. She had her own memories, ones she'd shared with me before. For her, it started around twelve or thirteen when her babysitters often had "better things to do," they'd slip her a five-dollar bill and tell her to go somewhere—anywhere that wasn't home but to be back before her parents came back. She'd spend hours in random places, counting the minutes until it was okay to return. Not that her parents would notice if she was home, anyway.

I glanced at Robyn, seeing the same mix of emotions flicker across her face: confusion, disbelief, and something that might have been longing. Rosalie's words weren't just concern—they were love, plain and simple. A love neither of us knew how to process.

"We're not used to that," Robyn said finally, her voice quiet pulling me closer. "People worrying about us, I mean." I nodded my head sadly as Ivy let out a small whine.

"Humans can be so cruel."

Rosalie's expression softened, her golden eyes warm and filled with something that made my chest ache. "Well, you'd better get used to it," she said, her voice steady but impossibly gentle. "Because I do worry. I can't help it. You both matter to me—more than you probably realize. So you'd better prepare yourselves, because I'm going to worry about you every second of every day, and that's not changing anytime soon."

The silence stretched between us, heavy but not uncomfortable. Robyn shifted on her feet, biting her lip as if she didn't know how to respond. I couldn't blame her—I didn't either.

Suddenly, I felt weightless, like I was floating. Robyn let out a small, startled screech, snapping me out of the moment. That's when it clicked—the reason I felt like I was floating was because Robyn had been scooped up, with me still cradled in her arms.

Her screech quickly turned into a cascade of giggles, and it didn't take long for me to figure out who was responsible. Emmett. Of course. His booming laugh confirmed it as he effortlessly held us both, grinning like he'd just won a prize.

"How's it hanging, kiddos?" Emmett's deep voice was brimming with amusement, his grin so wide it was impossible not to smile back.

Robyn rolled her eyes, though the giggles still bubbled out of her. "Emmett, you can't just grab people like that!" she scolded half-heartedly, clutching me tighter in her arms.

"Sure I can! I just did, " he said, unbothered, giving us a playful bounce in his arms. "You're both light as feathers. Besides, I missed you!"

I let out a huff, half-annoyed but mostly amused, as my tail betrayed me by wagging harder. Robyn, on the other hand, couldn't stop laughing, her cheeks flushed pink.

"Put us down, you big lug!" she finally managed between breaths, swatting at him.

Emmett chuckled but gently set us on our feet, making sure Robyn was steady before releasing her. "Alright, alright," he said with a grin. "But seriously, it's about time you guys got here. Rose has been pacing like a mom waiting for her kids to get home from their first day of school—or their first night out with friends."

"Emmett," Rosalie warned, her voice sharp but her lips twitching in the faintest of smiles.

"What?" he said, throwing his hands up innocently. "It's true!"

Robyn glanced at Rosalie, her expression softening. "I'm sorry we worried you," she murmured. "We just wanted to see you guys before calling it a night."

Rosalie's stern expression softened, her features warming as she reached out to gently pull us closer, her arm brushing protectively against Robyn's shoulder as we made our way further into the house. "You don't need to apologize," she said softly. "I just… I want you both safe. That's all."

Her words carried a tenderness that made my chest tighten. Robyn nodded, her lips twitching into a small smile.

Emmett clapped his hands, his booming voice drawing our attention. "Alright, what's the plan? Midnight snacks? Storytime? Or are we all piling onto the couch for a movie night?"

Robyn tilted her head, her gaze drifting toward the window where the last rays of sunlight stretched into a warm, golden-orange glow. "Movie night?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow at him. "It's getting late, and I promised Charlie we'd be back before it gets too dark."

For a split second, I noticed Emmett's jaw tighten, his playful demeanor slipping into something more guarded. Jealousy? Maybe. It was gone as quickly as it came, though, replaced by his usual easygoing grin. Robyn didn't seem to notice as she continued, her tone softening. "But… I guess one movie wouldn't hurt, right?"

She was looking down towards me, her hands running gently over my fur as if seeking my opinion. When I nodded my head eagerly, her lips curved into a small smile. "Alright, one movie," she agreed. I started barking excitedly.

Ooh, can we watch a horror movie? Also, can I go to Rose's room to change? I wanna watch the movie in my human form! I asked, my tail wagging eagerly.

"A horror movie?!" Ivy's voice chimed in, even more excited than mine. "I want to watch it too! Robyn, can you ask for us? Pretty please?"

Robyn chuckled, clearly amused by our enthusiasm. "Alright, alright," she said, glancing over at Emmett and Rosalie, who were both watching us with curious expressions.

Clearing her throat, Robyn tried to keep her voice steady. "Uh, so… Faye suggested we watch a horror movie. And uh—" She glanced around the room nervously, her voice dropping to a whisper. "—someone else is very excited about it." Her words earned a knowing smile from Rosalie and a chuckle from Emmett. Rose shook her head. "Don't worry, Carlisle is working the night shift and Esme went to give him his "lunch." Jasper and Alice are out hunting right now. They should be back later though."

Robyn nodded her head as she continued, "Oh! By the way, Faye wants to know if she can go to your room, Rose, to change back into her human form since her clothes are in there."

Rosalie's golden eyes softened, her lips curving into a gentle smile as she reached out her hands toward me. "How about I take Faye to my room to get her changed while you two set up the living room for the movie?" she offered.

Robyn nodded, carefully transferring me into Rosalie's arms. "Sounds good," she said, her gaze briefly meeting Rosalie's before turning to Emmett.

Emmett grinned and threw an arm around Robyn's shoulders, already steering her toward the living room. "Come on, kiddo. Let's raid Esme's kitchen for snacks. No horror movie is complete without popcorn and way too much candy."

As they disappeared around the corner, Rosalie adjusted her hold on me, her touch light but secure. "Let's get you changed, baby bear," she murmured, her voice warm as she carried me toward her room. I nuzzled closer, soaking in the comfort and security she always seemed to radiate.

When we reached her room, she nudged the door open with her shoulder, the soft creak of the hinges breaking the silence. Inside, the room was pristine and welcoming, the room was a mix of Rosalie's style mixed and Emmett's in every detail.

The walls were painted a soft lavender, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. Car and gaming posters added a splash of personality, decorating the space with pops of energy. In one corner, a makeup vanity stood neatly organized, while a desktop computer sat on the desk beside it, blending function with style.

The soothing scent of lavender and wood washed over me, instantly easing the tension in my shoulders. She glanced down at me, her golden eyes soft but laced with concern, silently asking if I was alright. I nodded in response, offering what I hoped would be a small, reassuring puppy smile. Though her expression didn't fully relax, she didn't press further.

Rosalie set me down gently on her plush bed, her eyes scanning me briefly as though ensuring I was alright. "Wait here a moment," she said softly, brushing a hand over my head before heading to her closet. A few moments later, she returned with my folded clothes, setting them neatly on the bed beside me.

"Take your time," she murmured, kneeling to meet my gaze. "I'll be right outside the door if you need anything, okay?" Her tone was light, but her golden eyes glimmered with quiet concern.

I nodded again, grateful for her understanding. Her smile lingered for a moment before she slipped out of the room, closing the door softly behind her. True to her word, she stepped out but didn't go far as I heard soft footsteps stop right outside the door.

As I began to shift back, my thoughts lingered on Rosalie's reaction when we came over late. Her worry was so foreign, so unlike anything I'd ever experienced. For most of my life, no one cared where I was or what I was doing. Being out late, wandering aimlessly, or even sleeping in odd corners of the city had always been normal to me. No one waited up. No one worried.

I knew Robyn felt the same. I'd seen it in the way she froze when Rosalie spoke, her eyes flickering with a mix of surprise and uncertainty. We'd both grown up believing that being overlooked was just the way of the world. But Rosalie cared. She cared in a way that was impossible to ignore.

It wasn't just her words that stuck with me. It was the way she'd looked at us, her golden eyes filled with an unspoken promise. The way her voice softened, steady and full of something I couldn't put into words—love, maybe? Or something even deeper than that. Maybe I am just going crazy or seeing something that I wish was there. I don't know…

As the shift completed, I reached for the clothes she'd set out. Once dressed, I hesitated at the door. My hand hovered over the handle as I took a deep breath, steeling myself. I still wasn't used to this—to being cared for, to being wanted. It felt fragile, like glass in my hands, and I didn't want to drop it.

Just as my hand reached for the door handle, Ivy cleared her throat pointedly. "Aren't you forgetting something?" she asked, her tone dripping with mock impatience.

I stood there in confusion. What do you mean?

She let out an exaggerated sigh, the kind that only Ivy could manage to make sound both dramatic and endearing at the same time. "I mean, don't you think it's finally time to deal with this ?" She says vaguely making me a bit more confused. "You know, the whole shifting-back-and-forth-and-always-ending-up-naked thing?"

My cheeks heated as I sputtered, I… uh—well—

Ivy raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by my flustered attempt at a response. "Exactly. Look, I get it, you've been putting it off, but honestly, if you don't do it now, when will you? And let's face it—making a spell to keep our clothes intact when we shift is long overdue."

I crossed my arms, trying to come up with a counterargument, but she steamrolled ahead before I could speak.

"Besides," she added with a nonchalant tone, "once it's done, we can finally focus on the important things—like watching this horror movie. Priorities, Faye."

I let out an internal groan, but deep down, I knew she was right. "Fine, fine," I muttered, "Let's get this over with."

Ivy grinned triumphantly, clearly pleased with herself. "That's the spirit. Now, let's work some magic."

A soft knock at the door startled me, making me jump slightly. "Faye? Are you alright?" Rose called out quietly.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied. "Just need to do something real quick. I'll be out soon!"

I heard a faint "okay" in response before I turned back, my thoughts already drifting. I closed my eyes, focusing on a quick spell. As the words began to form in my mind and Ivy seemed satisfied with it, I gathered my energy and cast it, ensuring my intentions were clear.

"By moon's glow and sunlight's ray,

Let any of my clothes stay as I sway.

Through fur or feather, scale or skin,

Keep them whole as forms begin and end.

This spell I cast, my will made true,

Shift with grace, my clothes stay too."

I felt the energy flow through me as the spell took effect. To be sure it worked, I decided to test it before leaving the room. Closing my eyes, I focused and shifted into an owl. In a heartbeat, feathers replaced flesh, and though my owl form showed no trace of clothing, I could still feel the faint sensation of the fabric bonded to me, like a second skin beneath the feathers. When I shifted back, everything was exactly as it should be—my clothes intact, perfectly in place as if nothing had changed. A relieved smile spread across my face. Perfect.

When I opened the door, Rosalie was leaning casually against the wall, her arms crossed in a way that somehow managed to look both effortless and protective. The faintest hint of worry flickered across her face, but it softened the moment her golden eyes met mine. A small, knowing smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

"Hey," she said softly, her voice a perfect blend of warmth and curiosity. "All good?"

I nodded quickly, unable to keep the shy smile from spreading across my face. "Hi, Rose. Yep, all good," I replied, my voice quieter than I intended. Something about her presence always made me feel safe, but it also made my chest ache in a way I didn't fully understand.

The urge to launch myself into her arms bubbled up inside me, the thought so sudden and strong it nearly overwhelmed me. Ivy, ever tuned into my thoughts, was relentless. " Do it. Do it. Just do it! " she chanted in my head, her excitement practically vibrating through me.

But doubt crept in just as quickly. I don't know, Ivy… What if she doesn't… What if Rosalie didn't want that kind of affection from me right now? What if I am being too much?

Ivy didn't seem deterred by my hesitation. Instead, her voice rang out in my mind, gentle but insistent. "Faye, if she didn't want affection from you, do you think she'd still be here, waiting so patiently? Just standing there for you?"

I bit my lip, her words sinking in, though the doubt in my chest was hard to shake. Ivy, never one to back down, pressed on, her tone softening. "I know it's hard not to doubt yourself when it comes to affection, but think about it. If she takes even one step closer to you, wouldn't that be a sign she does? Just look for that, okay?"

I hesitated, glancing up at Rosalie through my lashes while my hands fidgeting with the hem of my shirt. Her expression softened, her brows drawing together in quiet concern, as if she could sense my internal struggle. Her sharp eyes flickered with recognition, and she took a small step closer. "Are you sure you're okay?" she asked gently, her arms opening slightly.

"See? " Ivy whispered triumphantly. " She's waiting for you, Faye."

That tiny movement and Ivy's encouragement was all it took to push my doubt aside. Before I could second-guess myself, I closed the distance between us, practically throwing myself into her arms.

For a moment, I panicked. For half a second, my heart raced with the fear that I'd made a mistake, but Rosalie didn't hesitate. Her arms came around me instantly, wrapping me in a hug that was as firm as it was comforting.

"There you are," she murmured, her voice low and soothing. Her hand gently brushed over the back of my head smoothing my hair, the motion making me relax even further. "There's my brave girl."

I buried my face in her stomach, breathing in her familiar scent of roses and lavender. Ivy, smug as ever, chimed in. "Told you so."

For once I didn't argue with her. Yeah, I guess you're right.

Rosalie pulled back slightly, just enough to look at me. Her hand brushed a stray strand of hair from my face, and her golden eyes searched mine. "You ready to join the others?" she asked gently, as if giving me the space to say no if I needed more time.

I nodded, offering a shy but genuine smile. "Yeah, I'm ready."

Before I could say anything else, Ivy's voice cut in brightly as she momentarily took over. "Yep, me too! But we're expecting cuddles, just so you know!" She switched back just as quickly, leaving me stifling a laugh.

Rosalie blinked in surprise, then let out a warm chuckle, shaking her head in amusement. She gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze, letting her hand rest there, grounding me with a comforting sense of security. As we made our way down the hall, an unfamiliar lightness began to settle over me—a feeling I hadn't felt in what seemed like forever.

When we came back downstairs, the living room looked cozy and ready for a movie night. Blankets were spread across the long couch, and Robyn was curled up with a bowl of popcorn balanced on her lap. Emmett stood in front of the TV, holding three DVD cases in his hands, his face scrunched up in indecision.

As soon as he noticed us, his face lit up with a broad grin. "There you are!" he said, crossing the room in a few strides. Before I could react, he scooped me up in a bear hug and spun me around a little bit, making both Ivy and me burst into giggles.

"How you doing, baby bear?" he asked, his voice warm and teasing.

I nodded, nuzzling into him and taking in the familiar, comforting scent of him—wood with a hint of campfire smoke. "I'm good. So, did you decide on a movie yet?"

Emmett set me gently back on my feet, though a slight pout tugged at his lips. "Kind of," he admitted, holding up the three cases for me to see. "Robyn and I narrowed it down to Child's Play , IT , or Friday the 13th . But she said we should let you guys weigh in before we picked one. Too bad we can't just watch all of them tonight." He let out a playful dramatic sigh.

His dramatic sigh made Robyn chuckle from her spot on the couch. "Emmett, we don't have all night," she teased, popping a piece of popcorn into her mouth before setting the bowl on the table—probably to stop herself from unknowingly eating more. "Maybe, we can have another movie night on the weekend."

Emmett's grin returned full force. "That's what I'm talking about!" he boomed, scooping up a throw blanket left nearby and draping it dramatically over his shoulder like a cape. "Prepare yourselves for the future ultimate movie night experience!" Seeing that, Robyn and I couldn't help but giggle. I caught Rose shaking her head, but the faint tilt of her lips and the glimmer of amusement in her eyes gave her away.

Now, back to the movie choices… I decided to ask Ivy's opinion.

Is there one you'd like to watch?

Ivy tilted her head thoughtfully. "Mmm, I'm not sure. I've never seen these movies before, so I'll leave it up to you. I'll be happy with any!

I considered the options for a moment, glancing over at Emmett. Tugging on his shirt to get his attention, I grinned shyly. "Well, how about Chucky ? You can't go wrong with a classic, right?" Rose nodded, silently agreeing with my decision.

Emmett's face lit up like a kid at Christmas. "Absolutely!" he said, practically bouncing as he grabbed the Child's Play DVD and slid it into the player.

As the TV flickered to life, I nestled into the middle of the couch with Robyn, leaning into her warmth. She draped the blanket over us more and placed the bowl of popcorn on my lap, her touch comforting and familiar. On my other side, Rosalie settled gracefully into the cushion, her presence calm and steady.

When the movie started, Emmett plopped down beside Robyn, effectively sandwiching us between him and Rosalie. It felt like a cozy cocoon, the perfect setup for a horror movie night.

Even though I'd seen this movie before, I could never call it bad—it was a classic. Ivy seemed to enjoy it a lot, too! Toward the end, Alice and Jasper returned from their hunt and joined us, settling onto the open couch nearby.

When the movie ended, we chatted about our favorite parts and the ones we didn't like as much. At some point, Rose mentioned she'd noticed me unconsciously brushing my bangs out of my eyes while watching. I hadn't even realized I was doing it.

"What do you think about Emmett and I taking you both to get haircuts tomorrow in Port Angeles? After school?" Rose asked, glancing between Robyn and me to gauge our reactions.

Robyn and I immediately perked up at the suggestion, exchanging excited looks.

"Really?" I asked, a smile tugging at my lips. "That sounds great!"

Robyn nodded eagerly, her eyes lighting up. "I can't wait to cut my hair shorter!"

Alice suddenly jumped into the conversation, making Robyn and I flinch slightly. "Port Angeles?! I want to come!"

Rose shot her a pointed glare. Whether it was because Alice startled us or because she was trying to tag along, I couldn't tell.

"No, Alice," Rose said firmly. "If you come, we'll never get their hair cut. Let's be honest—you'll get distracted by clothes and forget all about the haircut."

Alice pouted dramatically, crossing her arms.

Robyn seemed to get an idea, her face lighting up. "You know, Alice, maybe we can plan a separate trip. I've been meaning to pick out a new outfit, and I'm sure Faye could use some clothes too. The place I lived before didn't have many options, and the clothes weren't the best quality… You remember where I used to live, right?"

Alice's pout instantly transformed into an excited grin, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, absolutely! We'll make it a shopping day! And don't worry—I'll find the perfect outfits for you and Faye. Of course I remember where you're from! What kind of friend wouldn't? You're from Phoenix, right? But wait—are you telling me they don't have good quality clothes there?"

Robyn shook her head. "No, they didn't—or at least the ones I went to didn't. I didn't really have many friends to go shopping with anyway," she admitted, her voice quiet. Then, with a hint of determination, she added, "But I think I want to try out a new style of clothing."

Oh, I see what she's doing. She is testing is see if the spell worked.

"Smart girl."

I spoke up, curious. "Hey, Alice, did I ever tell you where I'm from?"

Alice blinked, a puzzled look crossing her face. "No, I don't think you have," Alice said, her brow furrowing slightly as she tried to remember. "All I know is that we met you in the woods when you were a bear, and you let me pet your fluffy fur. I do know that you guys are Rosalie's and Emmett bond children. We never really got the chance to talk, though. So, where are you from, Faye?"

I gave her a small, shy smile, my cheeks flushing as I remembered her petting me. "I guess that's true. I'm from New York, but I've been living in Forks for a while now."

When Alice noticed my reddening cheeks, she let out a squeal of excitement and instantly pulled me into a tight hug, ignoring the growls coming from Rose and Emmett. "Oh my god! You're so cute! I can't wait to play dress-up with you!"

Well, on the bright side, my spell worked. On the not-so-bright side, I'm currently being smuggled in Alice's hug.

I could see Robyn stifle a laugh behind her hand while Ivy giggled at my situation.

Hey, don't you dare laugh! Robyn, you know you're coming shopping too, right?!

Hearing that, Robyn's expression faltered for a moment remembering that fact before deciding to change the subject by turning to Rose, who was still glaring at Alice. "Hey, Rose, that's okay, right? If we go shopping with Alice another day?"

Rose seemed surprised at first but then nodded, offering a small smile. "Yeah, of course, little bird. You don't have to ask permission."

Robyn's gaze dropped shyly, then she glanced up at Rose with a hesitant look. "Can you come too?"

Rose's smile softened as she pulled Robyn gently to her side. "Of course I can!"

Emmett chimed in, feigning offense. "Hey! What, am I chopped liver?"

Robyn flashed him a cheeky grin. "Well, I was going to ask you, but I wasn't sure if you'd want to go shopping with us. More specifically, with Alice." Emmett seemed to realize his mistake the moment Alice's excited expression shifted toward him, making him flinch. It was clear she was already brainstorming ways to "improve" his wardrobe. "You know what?" he said, holding up his hands in surrender. "You girls have fun!"

Suddenly, I felt Alice's arms loosen around me, making me look up to see what was happening. I'd completely forgotten she was holding me.

"Why don't you let go of Faye, darlin', before Rose loses her patience?" Jasper's voice was calm but teasing.

Alice pouted but reluctantly released me. "Dear sister, she's just so cute! Are you sure I can't steal her?"

Before I could respond, Rose scooped me up in her arms, letting out a low growl. Emmett shot Alice a glare as well. Robyn looked at Alice with amused eyes but I could also see the lingering tension in her posture. Her amusement didn't fully mask the flicker of unease that passed across her face.

Alice quickly raised her hands in surrender, her pout turning into a playful smile. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding! Well, I'll see you guys later. I got to go map out which stores to go to first." And with that Alice left with Jasper following close behind her.

Robyn pulled out her phone and called someone, causing us to exchange confused glances. "Hey, Dad?"

Emmett tensed up for a moment but quickly relaxed, hoping Robyn wouldn't notice.

"I wanted to ask if it's okay if I go get my haircut with Rosalie after school tomorrow. I've been wanting to cut my hair, and she offered to take me."

I heard Charlie's voice on the other end, giving his approval and asking if she needed any money. Robyn glanced at Rose for an answer, and Rose shook her head, signaling no.

"No, she says it's on her. She wants to make it up to me for how Edward treated me when we broke up. She wants me to think of it as a gesture of a new friendship."

Charlie agreed but then asked about Moxie. Robyn quickly responded, thinking on her feet. "Moxie will be coming with me. Rosalie wants to buy her a toy, and I think it'll be good for Moxie to get used to being around more people."

Charlie mumbled in agreement, then asked when we'd be back since it was getting dark. "We're actually about to head home now. Sorry, we decided to watch a movie before I left."

He told her it was fine, just to come back safe. Robyn assured him she would and said goodbye before hanging up. She turned towards Emmett and Rose sadly. "I guess, it's time we head back." At that Ivy let out a whine thinking about leaving our bonds but we knew it was for the best. We all gathered into a group hug with a worried Rose making Robyn promise to call her as soon as we get home which she easily agreed to. Once we got in the car, I shifted back into Moxie, and we drove to Charlie's, buzzing with excitement for tomorrow.