Hi,

I hope everyone is doing good! Another successful chapter, written before school, starts back up tomorrow. I hope you enjoy it!

Always and Forever,

Ari.

Warnings for all chapters: Mentions of death, funerals 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 29: I Know You

"Moments caught in time. Simple memories spread out before me. Timeless reminders of how life goes on, even when it feels as if you cannot."

― Jay Long

5:33 a.m. Clearwater House, La Push, Washington

I combed Leah's hair, taking care not to pull or yank. I started to braid her hair, remembering I was in Leah's position a few years ago, and she was the one braiding mine. I stared at her through the mirror, seeing the blank look in her eyes. I finished tying the single braid for the ceremony. I set my hands on her shoulders, "your clothes are on your bed."

"We are both stuck here. Has reality struck yet?" Leah stared at me through the mirror, her eyes no longer blank but furious. I sighed, knowing she went through a lot these past few days, and I wasn't going to engage. "His genes are the ones telling him that you're the one. He wouldn't have even looked at you if he didn't shift." Blood rushed to my ears, and all I could hear was my heart pounding. "Don't be stupid. Leave all of this behind. You're dad would-"

"Enough before you keep saying things you will regret." I looked away from her, trying to control the onslaught of emotions. "I'm going to leave you to get dressed." I kept my eyes on the floor, trying to keep my composure. "Call if you need anything." I trusted him with everything I had and wouldn't let her words change my mind.

I shuffled out of the room, blinking rapidly, hearing her curse to herself. I knocked on Seth's door, waiting for him to give me the okay to come in. The door opened, and Seth stood taller than me, fidgeting with his tie. "She didn't mean it."

I brushed his hands away, moving to fix his tie, "I know." I started fixing it while he fiddled with his hands. "You need anything else?" Seth shook his head while I finished with his tie. I smoothed out his shirt, stepping back. I turned away from his room and headed towards the kitchen, where a few women remained. They ignored me for the most part, a few glancing at me then looking away, and I felt unease settle in my bones. The women were finishing up with the food, "need any help?"

"No, we are almost done," Jen Littlesea smiled, patting her hands dry with a red dish towel. "Leah and Seth, almost ready?" I nodded, wringing my hands, feeling like I needed to do something. "I'll be outside with Em. Let me know if you need anything." Jen nodded, stirring one of the pots on the stove. I left the kitchen, ignoring the whispering of the other women. I stepped out into the cool air, seeing Embry leaning against the railing. He was in a simple buttoned-up long sleeve with slacks, and I wondered if he was burning. Paul always complained about how overheated he got when wearing something other than a t-shirt and shorts. "Hey, Em."

"Rys," He gave a friendly smile, looking back to the trees. "Not hanging with the Aunties?"

I smirked, leaning against the rail beside him, "Not at that level yet." He laughed, glancing back at the house. "Your mom at home?"

Embry stiffened at the mention of his mom, and he shook his head. I didn't want to stress him out further. "You good?" I nodded, clasping my hands together. "Pain does crazy things to people."

"It does," I agreed, trying not to dwell on Leah's anger and hurt. "But, we still have to answer to the crazy things it makes us do."

He bumped my shoulder, and I could feel the warmth radiating off of him. "Yeah, we do." Embry scanned the trees again, "Paul with Sue?" I nodded, bringing my arms closer to my chest. "They are ready and coming." I stood straight when the screen door opened, and Seth stepped out, followed by Leah, and she walked down the steps heading towards my car. Seth moved towards us, watching his sister. Embry clasped Seth on the shoulder, "Let's go." Embry led him down the steps, and I followed them, pulling out my keys from my pocket.

6:15 a.m. Cemetary, La Push, Washington

A warm hand settled on my arm, and I clasped my hand over Leah's, pulling her closer. Her nails dug into my arm, and I held onto her tightly. We walked to where the others were gathered, and the others parted as Seth stepped forward. He made his way to his mom underneath the white tent, towering over her slightly as he held on to her, his face buried in her shoulder. Leah stopped, and I saw her gaze on the beautiful wooden casket engraved with fish and waves. Tears gathered in her eyes, and I wrapped an arm around her, waiting until she was ready to move forward. "I can't."

"You can," I whispered, taking most of her weight. "We can stay right here until your ready, but you can do this, Leah. Even when it feels that you can't."

Leah took a deep breath, her eyes staying on the casket, and she took a step forward, then another with her nails still embedded in my arm. Slowly, we reached Sue and Seth, and her nails lessened until she was enveloped by Sue and Seth. I stepped back, allowing the family to mourn together as I searched for Jay and Paul, and they were standing together near the back with the rest of the guys. I met Paul's gaze, and I could see the question in his eyes, and I nodded, turning my attention away when a warm hand settled on my arm. Seth's tearful eyes stared down at me, and I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him to sit. I grabbed the tissues out of my pocket, wiped his cheeks, then pressed a new one to his free hand. I felt the others around us sit, waiting for Sue and the other elders to start. Seth sniffed, wiping his nose, his head resting on my shoulder, and I rubbed his arm. I watched Sue gently set Leah in the chair beside Seth. Leah leaned into Seth, and I rested my hand on her back, rubbing her back. I grabbed another tissue, offering it to her. Sue walked to the other elders. The singing started to grow, and it felt like the pain would never lessen.

Flashback: 6:45 a.m. Cemetary, La Push, Washington

The singing felt far away, and I stared at the casket engraved with fish and paintbrushes. The casket holding my dad's body was beautiful, and he deserved nothing but the best. A shivering body was pressed against my side, and I listened to my brother's sniffles, putting my arm around him, trying to shield him from the cold. I couldn't feel anything and wished the nightmare would end. I stared at my mom, her nails digging into the casket as she kneeled beside the casket, her hand over her heart as she sobbed. Sue stood behind her, singing, giving her strength. A hand rested on my shoulder, and warmth bloomed throughout my body. I didn't bother to turn to see who stood behind me, singing, trying to provide strength. I wished they wouldn't waste their prayers on me but give them to my brother, someone deserving of the kindness of their strength. I fought against the warmth, wanting the numbness to return. It was easier than the pain and despair. I didn't want the warmth; I only wanted the warmth of my dad's hugs. I closed my eyes, hearing dad's chasting voice at the selfishness and the ugliness that filled my heart and mind. He should've never gotten intoxicated, and I wished he had thought twice about getting behind the wheel. I wanted to hate him for leaving like this, abandoning us, and recklessly ending his life because of the damn bottle.

"Rys," I opened my eyes, peering down at Jay, and he sat up, and I let him go, watching hands settle on his shoulders. The hands let him go after a few moments, and he moved towards mom, settling beside her. He leaned his head on her shoulder, and she reached to comfort him as she continued to cry. Her wet brown eyes trailed back to me, and I could see her waiting for me to join, but I couldn't bring my legs to move. I knew this would be the end if I did, and I wasn't ready to let go, so I stayed planted in my chair.

Another hand rested on the shoulder my brother no longer occupied, and I closed my eyes, feeling them start to burn, but I refused to cry. He didn't deserve my tears, not when he was the reason they were there. "I can't do this." The hand that brought warmth squeezed my shoulder, "How can I say goodbye when I am not ready."

"You can, Laryssa." I couldn't place the voice, and the warmth intensified, "you are saying goodbye to his physical body, but his spirit will always be with you." I grabbed the hand, clenching it tightly, "Focus, and you can feel him here with you. The soft breeze against your face, the rain when it touches your skin and when the sun shines, and he sends the sun's rays to warm you." I allowed the tears to fall, letting the sorrow go, "when you're ready, we stand behind you as strength to help you go. Remember, you are Danny's daughter, Laryssa. Always remember that you can, even when it feels like you can't."

I took a sharp breath, squeezing the hand one last time before letting go, standing, and walking to his casket. I set my hand on the paintbrush before kneeling before it. I pressed my forehead to the side, digging my nails into the wood. "Goodbye, dad." I stayed there until I could no longer feel my legs, and the numbness took hold.

End of Flashback

12:33 p.m. Clearwater House, La Push, Washington

I set the plates in front of the Clearwater siblings, silently urging them to eat. Seth immediately started to eat, his newly cut hair made a curtain beside his face, and Leah stayed staring at the trees, her short hair blowing in the wind. Jay sat beside Leah, opened her water bottle, and set her utensils beside her plate. "Here," Jay got impatient as minutes passed, and Leah didn't eat. He placed her fork into her hand. Leah twirled the fork in her hand, taking a bite to appease him.

I tucked Seth's hair behind his ears and set my hands on Seth's shoulders, "I'm going to finish serving, and I'll be right over there," I gestured to the tables where the other women were. Seth bobbed his head, continuing to eat. I glanced at Jay, and he nodded, keeping an eye on them. 'Gently.' I mouthed, squeezing Seth's shoulders before leaving.

I weaved through the tables, asking if the elders needed anything and shaking a few hands. "Laryssa, can you take over?" I nodded, grabbing the spoon from Enla Fuller. "Thanks, sweetie." I fought the shutter at the term of endearment. I was thrilled that Norris wasn't in attendance; it felt easier to breathe knowing I didn't have to be vigilant.

I focused on the line, continuing to scoop the fresh berries. "Hi, Marie," a familiar voice had me flinging berries across the table, which earned me a dirty look from Verna. I glanced at Grace in front of me, a sheepish grin on her face as she put the berries I spilled on her plate. I took her in, the blond hair and green contacts throwing me off. She was dressed in expensive clothing and jewelry that looked out of place. She looked like an outsider, and I wished this was a crazy fever dream. The man beside her cleared his throat, and I stared at him. I saw her falter as I studied the man who stuck out against the rest of us. I searched both of their hands, seeing them hidden behind leather gloves. "This is-"

"Mark Odina," I answered for her, and the white, blue-eyed, not a hair out of place dark-haired man grinned, inclining his head. He looked like he had stepped out of one of the magazines she used to obsess over. I could feel others' curious stares at us, and I tried not to fidget. My eyes shot back to Grace, wondering what was going through her mind and why she decided to bring him to a funeral with everyone here. She studied me, seeing the displeasure, her brow twitching in annoyance. I glanced over her shoulder at Jay, anxiety welling in my chest, watching him sitting with his back towards us, unprepared. I begged her with my eyes not to bring him to Jay.

"Laryssa!" My attention was drawn away from Jay to Sue and her beckoning me to go to her. Embry stood next to her, his brows furrowed as he stared at Grace. I caught his eye, and he mouthed Paul's name. I nodded, trying to force my heart to calm down.

"Excuse me," I didn't dare look at the two individuals before me as I gave the spoon to Verna. I ignored her glare as I left my serving station.

"Marie, find me when you are done," Grace called, and I saw Jay's head shoot up, and he turned, his eyes widening when he saw Grace, and a glare overtook his face when he studied the male next to her. He took a deep breath, the glare leaving his face, before turning back around and focusing on the two Clearwater siblings. I wanted to go to comfort him, to try and relieve the tension I knew he was harboring.

I didn't bother answering as I walked to Sue, watching her sit on her swing. I reached her, and she grabbed my arm, pulling me to sit beside her, kicking her leg, and letting the swing move. The coolness of the breeze felt like a nice distraction from the worry trying to claw its way out of my stomach. "I have not seen you eat once." She set a plate of fresh fish on my lap, "eat. You have been taking care of us for days; let the other women handle it for now."

"Did you eat," I asked, waiting before I touched the plate. Sue gave me a tiny smile, patting my leg, "we can share then." I put it between us, and she started picking at the fish first, gesturing for me to do the same. I hesitantly scanned the tables, seeing her flawless blond hair sitting away from Jay. I breathed a sigh of relief, taking a small piece of fish. I didn't have the stomach to eat, and Paul came from where the men were cooking the fish, two bottles of water in his hands. His brows were furrowed, and I wanted the worry to leave his face. Paul reached Sue and me just as the swing stopped. He squatted before us and put the waters beside us. His warm hand rested on my knee, and I took comfort from his warmth. I reach out a hand, rubbing his arm, silently thanking him. I opened one of the waters, playing with the cap.

"How are you doing, Sue," He glanced at her, squeezing my knee, while I took a small sip of water.

"Taking it day by day," Sue reached forward, ruffling his hair. "Thanks for the water." He nodded, leaning into her hand slightly. "Will you check on the kids? Jay looks tense, and he relaxes when you are with him." Paul's brown eyes drifted to me, and I nodded to him, feeling him squeeze my knee again.

"Wait, drink something," I pushed my opened water into his hand, knowing that the smoke from the fish must've been a lot, and she doubted that he would drink water.

He took a drink of water, setting it back in my hand. Paul squeezed my hand before going to where Jay and the others were sitting. I watched Paul settle next to Jay and squeeze his shoulder. My eyes drifted back to Grace, and I saw her watching them. I was thankful that she only studied them and didn't make a move to go to them. "I saw her a few minutes ago when she gave me her condolences and figured I could give you some time to get used to the idea that she was here."

I turned to look at Sue, and she continued to eat the fish, watching her kids. Even with everything going on, she was still watching out for us. "Thanks."

"It's what family does," she grasped my hand tightly. "Now, eat, please." She let go of my hand, and I took a bigger bite, rocking the swing as we watched the others eat.

2:33 p.m. Clearwater House, La Push, Washington

Paul wrapped his arm around his sister's shoulder as the others gathered around the fire for the last part of the funeral. He could see her eyes darting around the others, and he knew she was looking for mom and her new husband. Jayden couldn't bear to look around the fire and see his mom with someone else. He pulled his jacket closer, the wind still seeping through as if he was wearing a thin jacket. He hated the cold and wished for the sun. A warm hand settled on his shoulder, and he looked up, seeing Paul's worried eyes. "Cold?" Jay nodded, and when Paul held his free arm up, he stepped under his arm without hesitation. He could get used to the perk of his protector heat, and he understood why his sister always craved his hugs. Jay caught Rys' eyes, and they softened as she pulled out the beanie he forgot from her jacket pocket. He was still frustrated with her, but when she did little things like remembering something so tiny, he felt guilt settle in his stomach.

"Thanks," he took it from her, putting it on his head. She sent him a small smile and put her hands back into her pockets. Paul's arms tightened over them both. He took a minute to study his sister, and he could see how tense she was, but when Paul held her tighter, the tension slowly melted away from her body. Rys rested her head on his chest, but he could see her eyes still darting around, looking for what was causing her anxiety. He reached behind Paul, grabbing her jacket, silently trying to give her strength to ease her worry. Laryssa took a deep breath in, trying to relax. He shifted into Paul, and Paul glanced down at him, "Can we sleep at your place again?"

"Of course," Paul rubbed his shoulder. It felt nice to have an older brother, someone to rely on that wasn't his sister or Leah. "We are almost done, and you can rest... comfortably," He added. Jay felt his body grow heavy at the thought of rest. He had been up since three, and the past few nights had been rough, with little sleep. Everything was stirring up the emotions he had buried with his dad, and he was growing anxious with Harry's death, Seth's constant changing into a furball or, as he calls it, 'protector,' Leah's shutdowns, Sue's crying and his growing fear of his sister spiraling. He glanced around the fire again as the new looming anxiety piled on top of the rest when he thought of his mom on the Rez with her new husband. "Relax, little brother." The more he tried, the more it felt like everything was breaking apart. His breath stuttered, and to his horror, he felt tears leak out of his eyes. Paul kept his arm around him as he let himself be pulled in between him and Laryssa.

He smelt a mix of sandalwood and flowers as Laryssa engulfed him in a hug, and Paul kept his arms around them both. "It's alright, sweetheart. We've got you." He buried his face in her neck, clutching them both tightly. A warm hand rubbed his neck, and he felt their arms tighten.

"I'm sorry," He let out a stuttered breath, and so many things crossed his mind, but it all stopped when he rested against them. "I didn't mean to cry."

Laryssa pulled back, bringing her warm hands to cup his face as she wiped his tears. "They help cleanse our hearts and soul. Don't apologize for crying." He leaned against her again, bunching her jacket in her hands. Her arms wrapped around him, rubbing his shoulder.

Jayden could feel the warmth stemming from her and Paul. "Let it all out, little brother. Don't let it weigh you down. Give it to our creator and ancestors, who will guide you." With one hand, he let go of her jacket, reaching out to hold onto Paul. "We've got you, little one." He followed their words, tears leaking behind his squeezed eyes, and let out his anxiety and anger, praying for strength and guidance.

3:49 p.m. Clearwater House, La Push, Washington

I poured the food into the last gallon bag, cursing when I realized I had run out of the bags. I wanted to finish quickly so I could disappear from the eyes that followed me everywhere. I wished I had brought my tennis shoes, my sore feet protesting as I moved further down the table. I faltered when a pale hand reached out for the empty dirty bowl, "I can help ya."

"It's not your job," I tried not to be rude, as I wiped down the table.

"Your ma said that we all help out, and we got here late," Mark said, collecting the rest of the bowls and spoons.

"Funny that she remembers that," I scoffed under my breath, watching his hands freeze and his blue eyes pierce through me. "We don't need help," I stared back at him, "or want it."

"Marie, stop it," a manicured hand with a big band clasped around my wrist, squeezing painfully. "He's just trying to help."

"Let go." I glared at her, trying not to make a big scene.

She let go of my wrist, bringing her hand to her chest. "Marie, I don't want to fight. I just want to talk, and I wish you would've found me when you were done."

"Does it look like I am done?" I went back to wiping the table, unable to keep the irritation from my voice. "It may surprise you, but not everything revolves around you."

"I deserve that." I didn't bother to look up at them, but I could see Mark place a comforting hand on her. Disgust welled in my throat at the sickening scene before me, and I hoped that Jay wasn't seeing it. I folded the rag, took the bowls he piled, and saw Seth and Jay beside Paul's truck. Seth was doing a good job of keeping him distracted. Paul moved from the tree line and took a step toward me. I gestured to Jay, telling him to stay with him. I could handle Grace and Mark. "Who is that," Grace asked, and I followed her gaze to where Paul and the boys were watching us.

"My boyfriend," I set the bowls back on the table with a loud thunk, pulling everyone's attention back to us.

"Is he why you haven't been home? We have been there for two days, and you or your brother haven't been there at all," Grace took a step towards him, and I blocked her path. "Where have you been?"

"Your nurse is why we haven't been there," I said, daring her to continue to refute what happened by the man she cheated with. Grace stepped back like I slapped her, and I finally caught onto her words that she had been here, knowing about Harry's death and still not showing her pitiful face. Rage boiled in my chest, and I hated how selfish she was. "I am exhausted and don't have the patience to deal with you or him." I glowered at her. "I have been here, trying to hold everything down to ensure our family is okay. To do the least for Sue, who did everything for us when dad died and hearing you say you've been here on the Rez not helping her when she carried you pisses me off, so just stop."

"Answer the question." Grace moved towards me, "I am too young to be a grandma. Come home this instan-"

"This is not the appropriate time or pl-" Mark started, and I laughed at him cutting him off as he tried to get a handle on a situation he didn't even know how to handle.

"You wanna help out so much, Mike? Take your wife away before things escalate," I put the bowls back on the table harder than necessary. I let out a deep breath, seeing the hurt expression on Mark's face when I called him by another name. "You're right; this isn't the time or place."

Grace opened her mouth, "Grace, love, let her be." Mark said, reaching forward to take the bowls as he causally looked around at the others watching them. "We are going to clear the rest of this up." Grace looked like she wanted to continue to argue, but she shut her mouth, looking around her. I saw a few of the women quickly look away, and I could already hear the gossip. "Laryssa, I know this is not the time or place, but maybe we can all talk tomorrow or the day after."

I glanced at Grace, and she refused to meet my eyes. Dad always used to say that I got my mom's stubbornness, and he needed to be the mediator between us. Pain tore through my body when I realized we no longer had him to try and find the bridge to meet in the middle. I had given her so much leeway, and she took advantage of it. "We no longer have our mediator, so I wouldn't count on it." Grace kept her gaze on the table, flinching at my words. I turned away from them, seeing Emily struggling with a stack of dirty pots. I rushed to her, taking some from her grip.

"Thanks," Emily smiled, walking towards where a few ladies gathered to wash the dishes. She set her pile down, and I set mine off to the side. She wrapped her arm around mine as we walked back, "we got it from here. Sue and Leah are asleep, and we are just doing cleanup." I looked around, seeing almost everything was done. "Get some rest." She rubbed my arm, letting me go. "Make sure she gets to rest, Paul."

I was startled to see Paul standing next to Emily. I must've been exhausted because I didn't see him walk up. He moved forward, resting his hand on the side of my neck, his thumb stroking my skin. "I will. The boys are settled in the truck." I grabbed his wrist, keeping him close. "See you later, Emily." Paul stepped forward, wrapping his arm around me, walking to the vehicles. I peered over his shoulder, seeing Grace and Mark watching us. "Can you drive home?" I sniffed, nodding, pulling the keys out of my pocket. I unlocked the door, and he opened it for me. "I'll meet you at home. Go first, and I'll follow you." I got in, squeezing his hand one last time, and he squeezed back before letting go and closing the door.

4:29 p.m. Lahote House, La Push, Washington

"You guys need anything," I heard Paul ask the boys as I sat on the couch, fiddling with the water bottle. I couldn't focus on their conversation, and I only saw him nod to them, leaving the door open, and he looked at me and moved to sit on the coffee table. Paul reached towards me, putting his calloused hands on my cheeks, and I leaned forward, resting my head against his chin. I felt him reach forward, pulling me onto his lap until my legs rested on either side of his hips. I laid my head on his shoulder, wrapping my arms around his neck, feeling comforted as I was pressed close to him. Paul stood up, his hands holding my body steady as he carried me to his room. He closed the door behind us, sitting on his bed.

"Tell me about your dream," I said, wanting to hear his voice.

Paul tugged me back, pressing a quick kiss to my lips. "It's so mundane, but it made me feel good."

I pulled back, messing with the hair on the nape of his neck. "Tell me," I urged, seeing his cheeks flush. He tilted his head forward, brushing his nose against mine softly.

"It's a sunny day," he pulled back, observing me lazily. "We surfed, and you took your first wave, and then you crashed into me." He laughed, and I tugged his hair playfully, trying to bite down my grin. "I was so proud and excited, maybe a little hurt," I chuckled, looking at his teasing grin. Paul took my right hand from his hair, pressing it against his clothed chest, right on his heart, "my heart content." I could feel the steady beat as I used my thumb to stroke his chest. "Then we were back here, and you taught me how to make a good steak with potatoes. Which was delicious, by the way."

"You tasted it in your dream," I laughed, gently knocking my forehead against his, "must be where all the drool came from."

Paul lightly pinched my side, "brat."

I pushed myself into him, "I'm not a brat. I'm your sweetheart." He hummed, not saying anything, and I tugged on his hair, earning a bite on my cheek. I squeezed his pec, earning a snort as he tried to move away from my hand. I stopped, a wide grin overtaking my face, "Lover, are you ticklish?"

"No," his voice cracked, and I dug my fingers into his sides, and his reaction was instantaneous. Paul jerked, flipping us, and I fought against him, but he won, holding my hands above my head as he straddled my legs. I wiggled underneath him, trying to get comfortable, showing him how satisfied I was as I stretched out on the bed. He knew I would use it to my advantage. Paul stared at me, pressing kisses all over my face before pulling back so I could grin at him, sighing softly when he pressed his full weight against me, his face tucked into my neck. When his breath hit my ear, I shivered, "I am in love with you. Not because the protector is controlling me but because you see me. I love you, Laryssa. You are my heart."

He let my hands go, and I immediately put my arms around him, holding him closer to me. I tilted his head back, letting my fingers trail against his skin. "Paul, I love you too, and nothing will cause me to doubt you or the love we share. Nothing." I grabbed his hand, bringing it to rest on my heart. "I don't have doubts because my heart knows and trusts you." Paul held me tighter, "I want to know everything about you. The good, bad, ticklish," He laughed when I pushed my finger into his side. "I want to know the mundane things, the dreams that make you feel safe and happy because we can make our good dreams come true."

"I know you," He said, tracing his fingers against my chest. Paul moved from resting on me and gathered me into his embrace, "and you know me." I lay against him, holding him tightly.

5:10 p.m. Lahote House, La Push, Washington

He squeezed her before helping her to sit up. She whined, trying to use her body weight to keep her from having to sit up. "Stay sitting up for a few minutes, Rys."

Paul leaned forwards, pressing a quick kiss to her pouting lips. He kneeled, pressing his hands to her tight calves, and she sighed in relief when he dug his fingers into her muscles. "You don't need to."

"Relax," Paul eased, moving to take her shoes off. "You've taken care of everyone; let me do the same for you." He tossed her shoes to the side, massaging her soles, watching her eyes roll back, and soft breaths escape her mouth. "I'm throwing the shoes away."

"No," Her eyes shot open, pressing her fingers into his shoulders, "they are my favorite."

Paul rolled his eyes, not understanding why she wore them if it was painful. He took off her socks, rubbing her legs outside of her pants. Her eyes met his as his hands trailed up her thighs, feeling her shiver, and Paul loved the intimacy of being with her. Keeping one hand on her, he reached under her pillow, pulling out his shirt that she loved sleeping in. He set it beside her, giving her an out, "want me to finish?" Laryssa nodded, her eyes droopy from lack of sleep, and he moved to the button on her pants, undoing them. His fingers trailed to her shirt, gently starting to tug it off; he balled it up and tossed it to the side. She kept her eyes on him, and Paul reached around her, looking for the clasp on her bra, only finding fabric behind her.

She snorted, "it unhooks in the front." He pulled back, seeing the small plastic clasp.

"Can I?" He asked, putting his hands on her thighs, waiting until she gave him permission.

"Yeah," His fingers brushed against her skin, trying to figure out how to unclasp it. "Need help?"

"No, I got it," Paul tried not to grin in victory when he heard the small click. He reached for the sleep shirt, putting it over her, covering her, so she could take off her bra. She took it off, pushing her arms through his shirt, and he pulled it down, watching as it bunched around her hips.

Paul moved to take off her pants, only for her hand to touch his shoulder. "I forgot to shave my legs."

"Let me see your hand." She gave him her hand, and he let it rub gently against his chin. "I'm prickly too." Laryssa grinned, stroking his cheek, leaning down to brush her nose against his. Paul let her hand go, moving to her pants, gently lifting her hips and pulling them off. He felt the stubble on her legs and ran his hands over her thighs, pressing against her tight muscles. "Don't move, okay?" Laryssa stroked his cheek again, and he stood up, moving to the restroom. He filtered through her makeup bag, looking for the wipes and cream she used after she cleaned her face, and he could only find the makeup wipes. He grabbed them, took them, and kneeled before her again. She opened her eyes, "I couldn't find the cream thing."

"I ran out," She reached for the wipe, and he held it out of her reach.

"I got it," Paul pulled one out of the package, gently taking off the makeup. He applied light pressure against her eyes, wiping until nothing else came off. He grabbed another, ensuring he got it all, "all done." Paul smiled at her, tucking her hair behind her ear as he stood. "Sleep."

"Let me help you," She grabbed his arm, standing, and his hands settled on her waist. He faltered, seeing how exhausted she was. "Please," She pleaded with him, and he couldn't deny her. Paul nodded, feeling her fingers, starting to unbutton his dress shirt. She took her time, and he felt the tips of her fingers brush against his skin. Laryssa slowly removed the shirt, dropping it on her discarded clothes. She pulled the blankets and sheets back before she pressed a kiss over his heart, gently rubbing his arms. He knew his muscles would've been sore if he didn't have the protector's strength, but it felt nice to feel her skin on his. Her hands made their way down to his hands before she squeezed them gently. "Do you want shorts?"

"Boxers," Paul let her hands go, shivering when her fingers touched the skin above his pants. She undid the button on his pants, sliding them down before gently guiding him to sit on the bed. Once his pants were all the way off, she folded them, placing them on top of their clothes. His hands were drawn to her, and he gently pulled her to his chest, laying them back on the bed. Laryssa moved, intertwining their legs, reaching down to pull the sheet up to their waists. He brushed her hair away from her face before intertwining his hand with hers. His other hand settled on her back, keeping her pressed against him.

A/N - Descriptions of the funerals may not follow Quileute traditions; I did try and look for some, but I didn't find anything. But then I thought, sometimes, outsiders shouldn't know what stays in families or cultures. So, I improvised.