AN: Thank you for your reviews! See you at the bottom!

Human: Rag'n'Bone Man

The days had settled into something resembling a routine. Bella and Edward usually spent hours in the morning training, her marksmanship and hand-to-hand combat skills improving with each session. Edward was patient, though firm, correcting her stances and guiding her through drills. Every time his hands brushed hers or he spoke in that low, raspy tone of his, Bella's heart betrayed her, stuttering in her chest.

She tried to ignore it, to push down the odd feelings she couldn't identify whenever he was near. There was too much at stake—too much danger to allow herself the distraction.

But it was getting harder to pretend she didn't notice the way her pulse quickened when he stood close, or how her breath hitched when he flashed one of his rare, fleeting smiles at her when he was proud of something she'd done.

It didn't help that Edward and Jasper's presence was an ongoing reminder that she was out of her depth. Two men who carried danger like a second skin, their skill so blatantly obvious in everything they did. And yet, somehow, their easy back-and-forth brought a strange comfort to the cabin—something that felt almost… normal.

Almost.

That was how Bella found herself seated in a patch of grass outside the cabin one cool afternoon, her arms resting lazily over her knees as she watched Edward and Jasper circle each other. They'd both been reluctant to "spar" when she'd first brought it up—Edward with a raised brow and a dry "Isn't you bruising me enough for the week?"—but she'd pushed back, saying she wanted to see how it was done.

"You're always telling me I need to pay attention. So show me," she'd argued.

To her surprise, Jasper had grinned, the challenge lighting up his face as he cracked his knuckles. "What do you say, Edward? You've been getting soft sitting around here playing teacher."

Edward had exhaled slowly through his nose, smirking faintly. "Alright, Whitlock," he muttered, rolling up his sleeves. "Try not to cry too hard."

And so, here they were.

Jake sat happily beside Bella, his squeaky toy gripped tightly between his paws. Every now and then, he'd let out an excited squeak, almost as if cheering alongside Bella.

"Okay," Jasper said, his voice laced with amusement as he squared up, fists loose but ready. "Let's see if you still remember how to move, Agent Masen."

Edward cocked his head, lips twitching. "Still bitter about the last time, Whitlock?"

Jasper chuckled darkly. "Nah. Just looking forward to wiping that smirk off your face."

Their movements were seamless, like two parts of the same machine—each strike, block, and counter perfectly timed. Bella sat frozen, her eyes wide as the fight unfolded before her. This wasn't the careful, measured pace of her morning drills with Edward; this was raw and electric, a rhythm born of experience and instinct.

Jasper moved first, darting in with a jab aimed at Edward's ribs. Edward sidestepped easily, his body twisting just out of reach, his reaction almost lazy in its response. Without missing a beat, he countered with a sharp hook, the air hissing between them. Jasper pivoted, slipping the blow by a hair, his feet light, his grin sharp and focused.

"That's it?" Jasper taunted, a grin flashing across his face as they reset. "You're making this too easy for me, man. You gettin' slow on me?"

"Not slow," Edward replied, circling him. His voice dropped low, his words screaming challenge. "Just patient. Also, call me that again and see what fuckin' happens."

"Eddie, Eddie, Eddie," Jasper teased in a sing-song voice before lunging forward again.

To Bella, it was like watching a choreographed dance where every move threatened to land a devastating blow. They didn't waste energy, and there were no unnecessary movements. Every shift of their weight, every twitch of their muscles was deliberate, and well thought out.

Edward advanced, his strikes controlled but relentless, testing Jasper's defenses. Jasper met him with equal parts skill and strength, ducking a punch before sweeping his leg out in an attempt to trip him. Edward caught the motion, stepping back with a quick smirk, as if to say nice try.

Bella couldn't tear her eyes away. This was more than sparring—there was a language between them, silent but clear, forged through years of trust and hard-earned skill. The ease with which they moved, countered, and challenged each other made her stomach tighten. She'd been training for days and still felt like a stumbling novice, yet here they were, two men capable of keeping death at bay with nothing but their fists.

She didn't know whether to be in awe or terrified. Maybe both.

Jasper lunged again, but Edward was ready this time. He blocked the strike with a sharp twist of his forearm, the smack of contact echoing in the small clearing. Before Jasper could recover, Edward shifted his weight and drove his shoulder into him, forcing Jasper back a step.

"Getting cocky," Edward snorted.

Jasper grinned, unfazed. "Nah. Just giving you a fair shot, Eddie."

Edward's eyes narrowed, though he was smiling. "You just can't help yourself, can you?"

With a sudden burst of speed, Edward closed the distance between them. A jab to Jasper's side forced him to block, leaving an opening Edward didn't waste. He caught Jasper's wrist, twisting it just enough to off-balance him before sweeping a leg behind Jasper's knee.

The motion was fluid, effortless, and in a split second, Jasper's footing gave way. Edward drove him down to the ground, pinning him with one knee to his chest and a firm grip on his arm. The entire maneuver happened so fast Bella barely had time to process it.

Holy shit.

"Say it," Edward ordered, his tone casual but victorious, his smirk infuriatingly smug.

Pinned beneath him, Jasper let out a breathless laugh, the edges of his grin still sharp with mischief. "Fine," Jasper rasped, hands up in mock surrender. "I yield. Damn, you're still as mean as ever."

Edward released him and stood smoothly, holding out a hand to help Jasper up. "You deserved that."

Jasper took his hand and got to his feet, brushing himself off. "Deserved it or not, I'll remind you that's the first win you've had in a while. Must feel nice."

Edward rolled his eyes, but Bella didn't miss the amusement behind it. "Keep talking, and we'll go for round two."

Jasper smirked, pointing a finger at him as he stepped back. "Careful. I'm feeling generous today."

Bella finally let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, shaking her head in disbelief. "That was…" She searched for the right word, gesturing helplessly at the two of them. "Ridiculous."

Jasper turned to her, grinning as if they hadn't just been one wrong move away from breaking bones. "What can I say? We like to keep things interesting."

Edward shot her a glance, his smirk returning. "Pay attention, Bella. There's a lesson in this."

"Oh? And what's that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Edward grabbed a water bottle from the ground and tossed it toward Jasper before answering, "Stay calm. Stay focused. And never get distracted by someone who talks way too much shit."

Jasper barked out a laugh. "He's talking about me, by the way."

Bella snorted, shaking her head as she leaned back against a nearby tree. Jake, who had been watching with equal parts fascination and contentment, let out a soft bark, as if agreeing with her assessment of the chaos. She scratched behind his ears absentmindedly, her lips curving into a smile.

Jasper took a swig of water, then walked back in his previous spot. He rolled his shoulders, a grin flashing across his face as he gestured toward Edward. "Actually, how 'bout that round two, Eddie? Or you tapping out already?"

Edward arched an eyebrow. "You really want to push your luck?"

"Always," Jasper shot back, dropping into a loose stance. "Come on. Show me what you've got."

Without another word, Edward and Jasper began circling again, both of their muscles taut and ready. Jasper struck first, feinting left before ducking low and driving into Edward's space. Edward twisted sharply to avoid him, but Jasper was unabating, forcing Edward to backpedal with a series of quick, calculated moves.

Anticipating Edward's counter, Jasper dropped low, hooking his leg behind Edward's knee. With a swift yank and a hard shift of weight, Jasper took Edward down, the impact landing with a solid thud.

"Gotcha," Jasper said, breathless and triumphant.

Edward stared up at him, his expression somewhere between annoyed and impressed. "Enjoy it while it lasts," he muttered, though there was no real bite to his words.

Jasper barked out a laugh. "Oh, I will. Trust me."

Edward sat up, brushing dirt and grass from his shirt before glancing over at Bella, who looked far too entertained. At his look of disbelief, she shrugged, a grin tugging at her lips as she leaned back on her hands.

"What? It's nice seeing someone knock you around for a change."

Jasper doubled over, laughing at that, and even Edward shook his head, though the glint of amusement in his green eyes didn't go unnoticed.

"Come on," Edward said, pushing himself to his feet and striding over to her. He offered Bella a hand, the teasing edge back in his voice. "Your turn. Back to work."

Bella groaned dramatically, flopping back into the grass as Jake happily rolled onto his back beside her. "I take it back! I just want to cheer from the sidelines."

"Nice try," Edward replied, bushy eyebrows rising. "On your feet, Bella. You're not off the hook yet."

She let out an exaggerated sigh but couldn't quite hide the smile as she grabbed his hand, hers feeling ridiculously small in his. Edward pulled her to her feet with an easy strength, and she stumbled slightly before steadying herself.

Behind them, Jasper shook his head. "Careful, Bella. Next thing you know, you'll be pinning Edward to the ground too."

Edward shot him a glare. "Don't give her ideas."

Bella snorted, rolling her eyes as she dusted off her cargos. "Yeah, because that's happening anytime soon."

The smell of warm pine lingered in the air, mingling with the subtle scent of soap as Bella stepped into the living room, her damp hair curling softly around her shoulders. She felt lighter after her shower and dinner, though the day's training still left a dull ache in her muscles.

Edward and Jasper were deep in quiet conversation, Edward lounging on the couch with one arm draped along the back while Jasper occupied the old leather armchair. Their voices were hushed, Edward's low and measured while Jasper's carried a casual ease that seemed habitual. Whatever they were talking about stopped the moment Bella entered. Both men looked up, their faces unreadable.

She paused, eyes darting between the two. "Don't stop on my account," she teased, a small grin pulling at her lips. "I wouldn't dare interrupt such a serious conversation."

Edward rolled his eyes faintly and ran his fingers through his hair, tousling the dark bronze strands in that way he always did when slightly exasperated. "It's nothing for you to worry about," he said, though not unkindly.

"Of course not," Bella said dryly.

"Is everything okay?" Edward asked.

She took a step further into the room, letting out a soft sigh. "I'm fine. Just…" She shrugged, meeting Edward's gaze. "Bored."

Jasper, who had been watching her with his usual easy grin, leaned back in the armchair, his hands clasped loosely over his chest. "Well, hell," he said, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "I can fix that. Sit yourself down, darlin'. I'll tell you a story."

Bella hesitated, intrigued, her brow lifting slightly. "A story?"

"You heard me." He motioned to the empty space on the couch next to Edward. "Come on. You look like you could use a distraction, and I've got plenty to share."

Bella glanced at Edward, who gave a slight shrug of indifference. With curiosity getting the better of her, she walked over to the couch and sank down onto the opposite end, tucking her legs beneath her. "All right," she said, settling in. "Let's hear it."

Jasper smirked, shifting slightly as if settling into a rhythm he knew well. "Ever hear of the French Foreign Legion?"

Bella tilted her head. "A little. You mentioned it before, but I don't know much about it."

"Well," Jasper began, his drawl more pronounced as he launched into the story, "it's not a club you join for fun, I can tell you that. I was eighteen—stupid, angry, and running from a life I didn't want to go back to. My old man… let's just say he wasn't exactly a shining example of fatherhood. Didn't see much point in staying put when I had nothing to lose, so I signed up for the Legion."

"Just like that?" Bella asked, already caught up in his words.

Jasper chuckled softly. "Not quite. They don't exactly roll out the red carpet. The French Foreign Legion takes anyone, sure—convicts, deserters, runaways like me—but they make you earn it. You don't walk in with a name; they strip that from you. You're given a number. An identity you've got to rebuild from the ground up."

Bella frowned, her arms looping loosely around her legs. "That sounds… intense."

"Oh, it was," Jasper said, his grin faltering slightly as if the memory tugged at him. "Training was brutal. They took us out to the middle of nowhere—deserts, mountains, jungles. They beat the weakness out of you, or they broke you trying. There were days I thought I'd die before I ever earned the right to wear that white képi."

"The what?" Bella asked, curiosity lighting up her face.

"The képi blanc," Jasper clarified, miming a cap on his head. "The symbol of a Legionnaire. You don't get one until you prove yourself, and by the time you do, you've bled for it." He paused, his gaze distant. "But you know what the hardest part was? It wasn't the training. It was learning how to fight for the man next to you—someone you'd barely known, someone who didn't even speak your language. That's what the Legion teaches you. Loyalty. Brotherhood. You fight for each other because that's all you've got."

Bella was silent, her wide eyes fixed on Jasper. She was engrossed, her lips slightly parted as if hanging on every word. Edward, still seated on the couch, noticed it—the way she looked at Jasper with something like awe, her mind entirely consumed by the story. He found himself taking in the way her expression softened into that innocent, almost childlike wonder.

It struck him harder than it should have.

Here she was—a brilliant scientist, one who had unknowingly created something that could wreak havoc on the world—sitting there with that light in her eyes, captivated by a tale of grit and brotherhood. Edward couldn't help but think of how untouched she had been by the darkness of the world, at least until now. She was strong, yes, but she was still… innocent.

Too innocent.

A sobering thought settled in his chest like a weight, one that was persistent, constant, always nagging its way to the forefront of his mind just about every time he looked at her.

She doesn't belong in this world.

And yet, here she was, thrust into it without warning, and he was the one tasked with protecting her. His resolve hardened further, that quiet, steady burn inside him roaring hotter. He would fight to keep that spark in her alive—no matter the cost.

Meanwhile, Jasper continued, his voice lowering as he shifted into the heart of his story. "There was this mission in Mali—early on in my service. A rebel group had holed up in a desert compound, and we were sent in to flush them out. I remember thinking I was ready. I'd trained, pushed my limits, done everything they'd asked. But when the bullets started flying, nothing prepares you for that kind of chaos. Your world narrows down to a single instinct—survive."

Bella swallowed hard. "What happened?"

"My squad got pinned down in a canyon. Outnumbered, no cover, and it was hotter than Hades ballsack. I thought we were done for. Then, my sergeant—mean son of a bitch, tougher than nails—shouted at us to move. Said if we were going to die, we'd die moving forward." He let out a breath. "So we did. We charged that compound, guns blazing, like men possessed. I swear the rebels thought we were insane because they scattered faster than we could fire."

Bella shook her head, a mixture of disbelief and admiration in her expression. "That's… insane."

"Maybe," Jasper agreed, a fondness lacing his words, "but we survived. And I learned something that day; sometimes the only way out is through. You don't wait for the fight to come to you. You take the fight to them."

Bella sat back, letting out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "I can't believe you lived through all that."

Jasper grinned, tipping an imaginary hat. "And I'm still pretty, too."

Bella laughed softly, shaking her head. "Unbelievable."

Edward's voice cut in then, low and even. "Don't encourage him. His ego's big enough as it is."

Jasper shot Edward an indignant look. "It's not ego if it's true."

Bella smiled, warmth settling in her chest. The world suddenly felt lighter, if only for a little while. Jasper's story, wild and gritty as it was, somehow made her feel.. peaceful? Maybe.

Purposed, definitely.

Maybe it was the message woven into it—that you didn't wait for chaos to swallow you.

You moved forward.

She glanced at Edward, who was watching her now—his gaze steady, unreadable. A quiet acknowledgment seemed to pass between them.

You take the fight to them.

Bella nodded to herself, a flicker of determination igniting in her chest.

"I think I needed to hear that," she admitted quietly. "Thanks, Jasper."

"Anytime, darlin'. Anytime."

The next morning, the cabin was steeped in an unusual calm.

Bella stood at the sink, a knife in hand as she carefully sliced an apple while Jake sprawled lazily on the floor at her feet, his tail thumping rhythmically against the wood, waiting for scraps to fall his way.

At the table, Edward sat with sleeves rolled up, his focus trained on a rifle laid out in front him. His hands moved skillfully as he cleaned and reassembled the weapon, the quiet clicks of metal and the faint scrape of a brush the only sounds between them.

Bella glanced over her shoulder, arching an eyebrow as she popped a slice of apple into her mouth. "You know, you're really killing the whole 'peaceful morning in the countryside' vibe over there."

Edward didn't look up, but the corner of his mouth twitched, that almost-smile of his teasing at the edges. "And here I thought I was the picture of domestic bliss."

"Oh, yeah," Bella teased, smirking. "Nothing says cozy cabin getaway like a guy oiling a sniper rifle at the breakfast table."

Edward finally looked up, one eyebrow raising. "You'd be surprised how many people find this kind of security relaxing."

"Yeah, real relaxing," Bella shot back, turning to drop a slice of apple onto the floor for Jake, who devoured it with enthusiasm. "I'm sure guests would love it. Welcome to Camp Paranoia: Complimentary gun oil and existential dread included."

Edward huffed a quiet laugh, the sound low and warm. He never knew what would come out of her mouth half the time. "Preparedness isn't paranoia, Bella. It's survival. Breakfast and a little show."

"Breakfast and a show?" Bella repeated, giving him a mock glare as she leaned against the counter. "Right, because what pairs better with coffee than a live demonstration of 'How Not To Die 101'?"

Edward smirked, his hands never stopping as he pieced the rifle back together. "Someone's got to make sure we don't die. You can thank me later."

"Spoken like a true assassin." She gestured toward the rifle with her knife, then went back to cutting. "Besides, does that thing really need another cleaning? You've touched it more than I've touched my coffee mug."

Edward leaned back slightly, pretending to consider her words. "What can I say? I like to keep my hands busy."

The moment the words left his mouth, Edward paused, his smirk faltering as he realized how it sounded. Bella froze, the knife hovering mid-slice, her cheeks flushing almost instantly at the accidental innuendo.

"Oh," she said, blinking as she turned to look at him. "Well, that's… good to know."

Edward's jaw ticked as he looked back down at the rifle with sudden, intense focus. He cleared his throat. "I meant—working. My hands. On this." He gestured vaguely to the disassembled weapon, though the faint color rising to his ears betrayed him.

"No, no," Bella cut in, biting back a laugh. "By all means, don't let me stop you. Busy hands, and all."

Edward exhaled through his nose, his lips twitching as though he were fighting a grin. "Glad you find this entertaining," he muttered.

"Oh, I'm thoroughly entertained," she replied, tossing him a teasing look. "But be careful, Edward. You might be starting to grow on me. Scariness and all."

Edward shook his head, a quiet laugh rumbling in his chest as he returned back to his work. "Dangerous territory, Bella."

For a moment, the room settled back into its gentle rhythm—and the silence felt almost comfortable, a welcomed pocket of normalcy.

Until Edward's hands suddenly stilled.

The shift was so subtle Bella almost didn't catch it. She turned, her smile fading as she saw him freeze mid-motion, his head tilting ever so slightly, as if listening for something only he could hear. The relaxed lines of his face hardened, his gaze sharpening in an instant.

"Edward?" Bella's voice was barely above a whisper, her stomach dropping.

He didn't respond, his eyes narrowing as they flicked toward the front window. Slowly, his hand went for the other gun on the table, a handgun. "Get Jake," he ordered quietly, his tone clipped.

Bella's pulse quickened as she crouched to grab the leash, her hands trembling. "What's happening?" she asked, but she already knew the answer.

Edward checked the gun with a cold, mechanical click before holding it out to her. "Take this."

Bella stared at it, her chest constricting. "What? No—I can't—"

"Take it, Bella," Edward said, his tone leaving no room for argument. His eyes locked onto hers, and she nearly shrunk under the heat behind them. "You're not shooting unless you have no other choice. You stay behind me, and you stay low. But if someone gets to me—gets to us—" He paused, his green eyes locking onto hers, and Bella felt like she was suffocating at the implication. "You don't hesitate. Say you understand, Bella."

Bella swallowed hard, her fingers closing shakily around the weapon's cold grip. The weight of it felt heavier than it had all the other times she's held one—heavier because this wasn't training.

This was survival.

"Okay," she whispered, though her voice quivered. Then, she quickly forced out, "I understand."

The bathroom door swung open, and Jasper strode out, rolling his sleeves up. He caught the sound of the engine immediately, his blue eyes sharpening as they flicked to Edward. "We expecting guests?"

"Uninvited ones," Edward replied, grabbing his rifle off the table and moving toward the side door to peek outside.

Jasper let out a low, humorless chuckle as he grabbed his sidearm from the table. "They sure are persistent motherfuckers, aren't they?"

Bella clipped Jake's leash onto his collar, fighting to steady her breathing. The dog sensed her unease, pressing close to her side, his low growl rumbling deep in his chest.

Outside, the engine growled closer, tires kicking up gravel as the vehicle skidded to a stop

Then, there was silence—the kind that sucked all the air from the room.

Edward pulled away from the window sharply. "Too late," he muttered. "They're here."

Before Bella could react, the first shot rang out, shattering the front window exploded inward, glass shards spraying like knives across the room. Bella crouched to the ground with a yelp, instinct taking over as she pulled Jake down with her. Bullets tore through the walls, punching holes into the cabin with a deafening roar.

"Down!" Edward barked, grabbing Bella's arm and hauling her behind the kitchen counter. She hit the floor hard, her knees scraping against the wood as Jake whined beside her, his leash taut in her grip.

Jasper moved quickly, already crouched by the door, returning fire with short, measured bursts. His shots were quickly lined up, cutting through the barrage of shots. Edward joined him, ducking to fire two rounds out the window before dropping back to cover.

"Four of them," Edward ground out over the gunfire, absolutely too calm given those odds. "Heavily armed. Moving fast."

Bella's pulse roared in her ears, her breath coming in short, sharp bursts. The gun in her hands felt impossibly heavy, her fingers trembling around it. She clutched it to her chest, her back pressed against the counter as wood splintered above her and shards of glass rained down.

Edward glanced at her briefly, taking in the absolute panic misting over her eyes. "Hey," he whispered fiercely, forcing her eyes to look into his. "You're okay. Just stay down and keep Jake with you."

She nodded numbly, flinching as another hail of gunfire tore through the cabin, rattling the walls. It felt like the building itself was groaning under the assault.

Edward swore under his breath. "Jasper, watch the left flank!"

"Already on it, Eddie!" Jasper shouted back, his movements fluid and controlled as he fired again.

Bella clutched the gun Edward had given her, her hands trembling as she forced herself to focus on his face. He turned to her. "Remember. Stay low. Stay behind me. If anyone gets too close…" He glanced pointedly at the weapon in her hands. "You know what to do."

"Okay," she choked out, her voice breaking. She gripped Jake's leash tightly, pressing herself further against the counter as if she could disappear into it.

Another round of bullets tore through the cabin, louder, closer. The sharp scent of gunpowder filled the air, acrid and metallic. Bella flinched at every shot, her body trembling with adrenaline.

Edward glanced over the counter again, cursing under his breath. "They're moving in. We can't stay here."

"Back door," Jasper called out, already inching toward the hallway while keeping his gun trained on the window. "We'll use the tree line to get clear."

Edward nodded, turning back to Bella. His eyes were intense, and he reached a hand out to touch her arm. "You okay? Stay with me."

Bella swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her ears. "Got it."

Edward moved first, leading her toward the narrow hallway while Jasper provided cover fire. Bullets still tore through the walls, splintering wood and whistling past them like angry hornets. Bella ducked her head, shielding Jake as they hurried through the back exit.

The moment they were outside, Edward grabbed Bella's wrist, pulling her close as they darted toward the trees. The sounds of gunfire followed them, bursts of light flashing in the shadowed forest as their attackers kept firing.

The forest loomed ahead like a dark wall, the towering trees swallowing them as they ran. Edward's grip on her wrist was firm, pulling her along as gunfire erupted behind them again, rounds snapping through branches and striking tree trunks with sharp cracks.

Jasper fired over his shoulder as he covered their escape. "Keep moving!" he shouted.

Bella's breath came in ragged gasps, her legs burning as she stumbled through the underbrush. Branches whipped at her face, the cold air stinging her lungs. Jake ran beside her, leash forgotten as he stayed close, his ears pinned back and his body tense.

Edward led them deeper into the woods until the sounds of gunfire finally faded, replaced by the eerie quiet of the forest. He pulled them to a stop behind a fallen tree, crouching low as he scanned the surrounding area.

Bella collapsed against the trunk, her chest heaving, her entire body trembling. The gun was still clutched tightly in her hand, the metal now slick with sweat.

Jasper crouched nearby, his gaze flicking back toward the direction of the cabin. "They'll regroup. That wasn't just an attack—they're probing us, testing our position."

Edward ran a hand through his hair, his face shadowed and unreadable. "We'll need to keep moving. They won't stop until they find us."

Bella swallowed hard, her voice hoarse. "And what happens when they do?"

Edward turned to her, his green eyes fierce, the answer clear in his expression before he said it aloud. "Then we fight."