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Post by swivelcanines on Apr 27, 2008 16:02:29 GMT -5
He folded his arms across his bare chest and focused on the pigeons that were hopping around just out of arm’s length, finally figuring it was alright to land now that the wolves were gone. He didn’t have a desire to look at Embry, he already knew what he would see, and he wasn’t some pervert (there was a different between being perverted and being a pervert, you know).
Finally when he heard the rustle of clothing he looked back and caught the heavy pack of books before it hit him in the face. “Oh, that’s fucking nice,” he scowled, slinging it over his shoulder. He couldn’t stop his own smile spreading across his face though at the sight of Embry’s. He made it so difficult to be broody.
“Fantastic,” he said sarcastically, bumping shoulders with Embry as he started walking down the shady path to his house. He was a bit hesitant; it was never fun to be yelled at. Especially by his mom. She managed to make him feel guilty about the silliest of things, but that was her job, he supposed.
“You don’t have to come, you can head home,” Paul said, looking at him from the corner of his eye. “I mean, it’s gonna be ugly.”
He caught site of his house ahead of the path and froze in tracks. He could see a tall man leaning against the door frame, arms crossed in a position similar to his own. Wincing, he turned to Embry head-on, muttering, “Actually, since Sam’s here, you might want to jet as soon as possible.”
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Post by embry on Apr 27, 2008 16:28:49 GMT -5
"Hey, you caught it so no complaints," Embry said, stretching languidly. If it broke your nose then you can complain." But since it would've healed in a total of three minutes or so, he couldn't complain that much. God bless super speedy wolf healing rates. It was one of the perks of this job that, at times, seemed to have so many negative aspects.
He returned the shoulder bump easily and, after glancing around to see that there was no one near them in the clearing, he pressed his lips against Paul's once in a soft, chaste motion. It was so easy to do that, but for the fact that Embry had to check before he did. It drove him nuts, the town and the people in it were so close minded. "I'm just kidding," he said in an attempt to sound placating. "You won't be killed. And if you get grounded, I'll visit. ...Or sneak in through the window."
This seemed like a completely reasonable option to Embry (he was actually good at climbing trees) and he glanced at Paul with raised eyebrows at his words. "I think I'll risk it out if you can stand having me there." He would leave if Paul wanted, but he'd rather be there for him. He knew from personal experience, the entire process was infuriating and exhausting, and he wanted to be there afterwards.
"It's fine," Embry said when Paul moved in front of him. "I'd have to see Sam eventually. I'll walk with you up to the door at least, okay? If you still want me to head off then I'll leave, but I'm not going to run as if I'm scared of him." He looked straight into Paul's green eyes. "I know why you lost your temper. Even I can understand wantign to hurt that kid."
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Post by swivelcanines on Apr 27, 2008 16:42:20 GMT -5
He grumbled inaudibly under his breathe. Sure, he had caught it, and yeah, it would heal fast even if he hadn’t, but still. It would have hurt. And turning up at home with blood all over his face didn’t sound like the greatest idea, considering the situation he has just been in.
Smiling into the kiss, Paul hooked his fingers into Embry’s belt loops and pulled him in for another. He probably wouldn’t get to do that for awhile but he wasn’t worried. Things would turn out how they turned out.
“Maybe not killed,’ he admitted, “but definitely hit with a spoon a few times. By my mom and by Emily. Maybe Leah, too. But she does that all the time anyway.”
He laughed aloud at Embry’s words. “Would you really?” he asked, looking at him with surprise and affection in his eyes. “Try not to break your neck or anything.” That wouldn’t be good.
Shrugging, he sighed, “Alright. Your funeral,” he muttered under his breathe. His mom liked Embry and Sam was a great guy, he and Paul got along fine and he would understand, but he would still be upset and probably give Paul a punishment on top of his mother’s. Sam was his leader though and he had too much respect to say anything back to him. Besides, he had good intentions, for all that was worth.
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Post by embry on Apr 27, 2008 16:59:30 GMT -5
The kisses were brief and warm an wonderful, more of affection than lust and Embry enjoyed them before they had to break apart and continue down the path towards Paul's home. He knew he would probably suffer not being able to cuddle with Paul or kiss Paul as much as he could now. The punishment would fall, both from Mrs. Angustus and from Sam, and they didn't even realize they were punishing Embry, too. Paul-withdraw was a serious problem for the young werewolf/boy.
"Well at least you heal fast. Maybe the spoon will break," he offered, as though this was a positive note. "Then they couldn't hit you with it anymore at least." He knew Emily's wouldn't, though. The woman was amazing, they never broke. Even on hard teenaged boy werewolf heads. She must've had a method or wrist flick or something. Maybe she practiced on Sam.
Embry nodded, then grinned. "Sure," he said. "No problem. You're only on the second floor, I won't break my neck. An arm, maybe," he joked, "but that'll heal quick anyway, so it's not like it matters." He imagined himself vaulting into Paul's room and for some reason, it didn't seem strange at all. A bit fun, but not too strange.
"If it is, I want to be buried in the sun and if you fall in love with anyone after I died for your ass, I'm haunting you," Embry said, the last part in a low whisper so as not to let anyone over hear the words. A grin grew on his face and he approached the house with Paul, not looking at all scared of the tall, angry looking man leaning in the doorway. "Hey, Sam."
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Post by swivelcanines on Apr 27, 2008 17:08:44 GMT -5
He brushed his palm against the back of Embry’s hand in what could have been taken as a casual, accidental brush. He gave him a small smile, trying not to let his fear show too much; a mother’s wrath was the worst that could be encountered. Women’s scorn yada yada yada.
“If they didn’t have a spoon I’m sure they’d just start using the metal mixers,” he said, wincing at the thought. Sure, they were light, but metal was bound to hurt much more than wood.
“Hey,” he said quietly, pulling Embry back a bit with the tug his hand. “Wait.” He looked past Embry for a brief moment, watching as Sam raised his eyebrows at him in a way that clearly meant ‘come on, let’s get this over with then’. Looking back at Embry, he leaned in and kissed him, a soft brush against his lips, no smile in place. His hands were shaking just a bit, because, well, this was as close to facing his fears as Paul would ever get. Kissing Embry in front of someone, even if it was Sam, was hard.
Pulling back just a bit, he whispered against his skin, “I love you.” A flush rose in his cheeks and he stepped back, suddenly hesitant, brushing past the other boy to give Sam a playful grin.
“What are you doing here, Sam?” he laughed, wiggling his eyebrows. Maybe if he got Sam in a good mood he wouldn’t kick his ass.
Sam glowered at him and hit the back of his head, not too hard but enough to hurt. “Get inside, your mom wants to talk to you.” He looked back at Embry and his expression softened a bit. “Hey. Can I talk to you for a moment?”
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Post by embry on Apr 27, 2008 17:22:01 GMT -5
Embry feared women. Well, angry women at least, but he had a good reason to. Emily was scary with her spoon, Leah was scary in general, and his own mother didn't use a spoon. If he ever pissed her off to any serious degree, she'd smack him. Not abuse but 'You're being an idiot, I don't care if you're five inches taller, get your ass down here and knock whatever it is the hell off' sort of thing. There was a kind of fearful respect for his mother...even without the spoon. Embry winced. "Ooh. Never say that in front of Leah or Emily. I really don't want to be hit with one of those, so don't give them any ideas!"
Embry smiled against the warm lips, and leaned down for just a brief second, putting them forehead to forehead. "Thank you," he whispered his reply against the other's lips. "I love you, too." Thank you and I love you and that's all there was to say. He knew that it was hard for Paul to acknowledge the entire situation was further proof of how deep his devotion. At least, it was in Embry's eyes, and he appreciated it, he really did.
Embry trailed after, wincing when Sam began to perform boyfriend abuse. He considered protesting, but knew it wasn't his place. If Paul was above him in pack, Sam was untouchable. Anythign he said or did went. Embry might not have been omega, but he wasn't beta, either. "See you, Paul," he murmured, casting a sympathetic smile. "Um, yeah, that's fine, Sam. What's up?"
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Post by swivelcanines on Apr 27, 2008 17:33:38 GMT -5
“Uh…hi mom.”
She narrowed her eyes and crossed her thin arms across her chest (he knew he got it from her). She looked pissed beyond words. He slunk into the chair opposite of her, preparing himself for the verbal beating of his life.
“Nice of you to show up,” she said coolly.
“Um…nice to see you, too, mom?” he said, looking at her hopefully.
Whack.
“What were you thinking?!” she yelled at him, throwing her arms up. He shrunk in his chair, eying the wooden spoon she held in her hand, then adverting his gaze to the counter. A metal mixer rested there, with his name on it. Eyes widening in fear, he looked back at her, panicked.
“Ma,” he whined, raising a hand to protect his face. “Come on, please don’t hit me.”
She hit him again. “Oh, and I wonder if that was what the poor boy you tortured today asked you?” Whack. “Unbelievable!” Whack. “What was going through your head?!” Whack, whack.
He scowled, but not at her (he wasn’t suicidal), instead looking at the folded hands in his lap. He knew better than to interrupt her rant. She wouldn’t listen if he tried to explain himself right now, anyway.
“The kid has a broken nose, Paul! God, is this how I raised you to act?! Do you honestly think this is acceptable behavior? You better Thank God tonight when you go bed that his mother isn’t pressing charges! You could have gone to jail!” She looked so upset, but he couldn’t do much to comfort her; he knew what she was saying was true.
“I’m sorry,” he said grudgingly.
“Sorry isn’t going to make it better! You are,” she paused, measuring his expression, and started over. “Look, Paul, I know how it is,” he tone was soft and sad this time as she sat across from him. “I know I haven’t always been there to help you, and it’s a small town. But you can’t hurt people like that. You know how strong you are, you know that that boy doesn’t stand a chance.” He looked up and met her gaze, borrowing Embry’s kicked puppy expression. She sighed.
“You’re grounded,” she said, her tone more forceful now. “Until I say so. I already talked to Sam, you can only go to bonfires and patrols. Anything besides school and rehearsals is off limits, do you understand?”
He tried to hide his smile; if he grinned now she’d whack him again. But he could still see Embry at rehearsals, and he had mentioned sneaking into his room. There were drawbacks though; he felt a lump in his throat as he thought about the time he’d miss with Jared and Leah. They had both graduated and so he would only see them as he ended his patrols. “Okay, thanks mom,” he murmured, rubbing his hand up his arm sheepishly.
“Now…go to your room or something,” she said, kissing him briefly on the forehead. “Do your homework. We’ll find out about your school punishment tomorrow.” She bit her lip, worriedly at that part, obviously scared that he might be expelled.
He marched up the stairs, and though he felt relieved that that was finished (for the most part), he was anxious as to what was being said outside between Sam and Embry. He’d just have to wait until later to find out.
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Post by swivelteeth on Apr 27, 2008 17:41:02 GMT -5
Sam sighed and walked down the porch steps, standing across from Embry. “What happened?” He watched Paul’s retreating figure until it disappeared into the house, a look of disapproval on his face. “The kid got hurt pretty bad.” He turned a suspicious eye on Embry though didn’t say anything.
“You’ll be happy to know I convinced the boy to not press charges.” A flicker of a grin appeared at the corner of his lips. He had had fun doing that. He hadn’t hurt the kid but he had used some pretty colorful language. Damn right he was going to defend his brothers, and he was sure that the kid deserved whatever he got. It didn’t make what Paul did any better though.
He didn’t say anything about the kiss he had just witnessed. He was simply happy they were both happy and had found each other, though of course, having imprinted already, knew there was something better out there for the both of them, something probably healthier. It wasn’t his first choice for either of them, but he loved them both enough to be happy for them. There was love without imprinting, he knew. He had loved Leah once, after all.
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Post by embry on Apr 27, 2008 17:50:32 GMT -5
"It's pretty obvious," Embry admitted. He wanted to say that there had been a lot of underhandedness going on, but it was pretty straight forward. The kid had too big a mouth and Paul had lost his very short temper. "Paul got pissed because the kid was running his mouth. Not that I blame him-- I wanted to hit him, too." A disgusted look grew on Embry's face and considering Embry was the calmest, this was saying something. "And the kid's better off than he could have been. I pulled Paul off him and got him out before he phased in front of everyone."
Embry dropped his gaze for a moment to hide his relief. "Thank you, Sam," he said and he felt better. He wasn't sure if Paul could've come out all right if the kid had pressed charges-- he would've had a solid case. Paul's prior bad acts would work against him in any court of law, no matter what provocation the boy had given. And their secret would probably come out.
"Are you...can I ask what his punishment is going to be, Sam?" Embry watched his leader carefully, waiting for the answer.
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Post by swivelteeth on Apr 27, 2008 19:52:38 GMT -5
Sam was completely baffled but tried hard (and failed) not to let it show. What could the kid have said to get him so angry? Even Embry looked upset. Though he wanted to know what that moron Matt had said it wasn’t his business and it didn’t matter. If Embry justified Paul’s actions than whatever beating Matt had gotten it was deserved.
He laughed, shaking his head. “You know, I talked to him afterwards.” Well, it been more of cursing than talking. “Trust me, you won’t have any problems from him again. But don’t tell Emily that,” he said quickly. Emily would probably decapitate him; she hated foul language.
He patted Embry’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. No matter what happens with you and Paul,” he started, giving him a knowing look, “I’m here for you. The whole pack is here.” He meant it, too. They were brothers and that wasn’t going to change because who Embry loved or what Paul did in defense of that feeling.
“Punishment? Well, I can tell his mom is going to skin ‘em alive anyhow. I’d give him extra patrols but he doesn’t sleep enough as it is.” He narrowed his eyes just a bit. “Which, I’m hoping, you won’t interfere with.”
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Post by embry on Apr 27, 2008 20:20:54 GMT -5
Embry flushed at the curious gaze on Sam's face and glanced down the street, not meeting Sam's eyes when he spoke. "It wasn't Paul's fault," he added. "The guy was screwing with me. Somehow he knew...I mean, about Paul and.... Well, he was pissing me off and then Paul walked up at the wrong time and gave him a warning and told him to get lost. And the kid continued, and made a shot about his mom." He chose to avoid adding that the boy had been trying to leave when Paul had begun wailing on him.
Casting his friend and pack leader a smile, he said, "My lips are sealed." Assuming that Sam would keep certain details to himself such as the reasons behind Paul throwing the first punches. Embry didn't want the entire pack to know that Paul was getting himself in trouble over Embry because some idiot couldn't keep his mouth shut. He felt bad enough.
"Thanks, Sam, I appreciate that." His eyes told exactly how much and he added, "I think Paul will, too. I think it's been...harder on him." He flushed, not wanting to unload his troubles on Sam. Though he liked and trusted him, he doubted the pack leader wanted to know anymore about the complicated relationship he was in.
Embry froze, eyes wide. "It's not-- it's not like that!" he protested. Not yet, anyway, and though he had no problems with it being like that, he was seventeen and Paul could get in a lot of trouble if it was like that. Which was one of the few (very few) things that kept Embry from merely jumping him and putting an end to the awkward pauses and hesitations between far enough and too far.
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Post by swivelteeth on Apr 27, 2008 20:31:10 GMT -5
Sam gave him a sympathetic look. He had never had a problem with people in the community of La Push (besides the few people who thought he was running some sort of cult) so he couldn’t offer empathy, but he could see how hard it was on Embry. “People can be stupid sometimes Embry. You gotta feel bad for them, if they hate love, I mean, damn, that’s screwed up. Don’t lend an ear to it.”
He beamed gratefully before understanding washed over his features. “Oh,” he realized, and laughed again. “My lips are sealed, too.” He wasn’t planning on saying anything anyway (to except Emily of course) but he was sure Embry would feel better hearing it.
“You can talk to me about it if you ever need to,” Sam promised. “Paul can be a stubborn ass sometimes, but he has his reasons. I’m sure you can understand that.”
His eyebrows rose. He hadn’t meant it that way at all, but apparently Embry had some things on his mind other than what Sam was referring to. Smirking ever so slightly he shrugged. “Mhm. Alright,” he teased. “Whatever you say.”
“I also wanted to tell you that if your grades start slipping I’ll take you off patrols.” With a new relationship things could be even more strained on the young man and the last thing Sam wanted to do was stress him out, though taking away patrols was just as much a punishment as it was a gift.
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Post by embry on Apr 27, 2008 20:46:26 GMT -5
Sam was right. Because Sam was always right and he managed to always be right without it being completely infuriating. Embry would never know how he managed it. "I know. I can't feel sorry for them like you can, though," he said, and the lightest, oddest tone entered his voice. If everyone in the pack had their reason for rage, their reason for phasing, this was his. "I never will. I can ignore it as well as anyone, but I can't hear it and think how pathetic they are and poor them."
Embry collected himself, casting Sam a carefully placed smile. "Then we have an understanding. Thanks." Heknew Sam would hold up his end of the bargain. Sam was good about things like that. Emily would know, because Sam and Emily were like one person, but that was fine with Embry. Emily was sweet, he loved her dearly and she never gossiped.
"Yeah, maybe I'll take you up on that," Embry said. He wouldn't, though. He wasn't sure Sam could understand. It wasn't about Paul being stubborn, it was Embry fear of whether Paul would ever manage to be comfortable with the entire situation and the things that people would say. Embry had spent his life defying the norms of the small reservation, and Paul was only just beginning beyond his fighting.
A flush and muttered, unintelligible phrase escaped Embry before he shook his head. "I'm fine. You need us out there, right? And since Paul's grounded and needs sleep, I can take a few shifts when you need me." His grades were still fine, and as long as he tested well he should manage all right.
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Post by swivelteeth on Apr 27, 2008 20:53:58 GMT -5
“There’s nothing wrong about anger. Just don’t let it turn into hate. It’s not healthy, not even healthy to hate the vampires.” He knew most of the pack disagreed with him on that, and yeah, he disliked them as much as the next person, but hate was going to get him next to no where. You couldn’t lead an army on hate, you had to lead it on reason. And if the vampires broke the treaty, then he’d take action. But not because of an ancient grudge.
Sam nodded, his eyes carefully shielded and devoid of emotion. “Alright,” he said slowly. “The same goes for Paul – if you need me to kick his ass, just say so.” He grin, lop-sided, and stuffed his hands into his pockets.
“I do need you out there but I don’t want you guys to ever feel like this is your responsibility.” He pursued his lips and looked down. These were his insecurities, his problems, and he wouldn’t say any of it to Embry. He had to look strong for the pack, and the poor kid had enough on his plate as it was. “Just make sure your grades don’t slip,” he warned, shaking a finger at him before grinning and patting him on the back. “I’m gonna head out. Don’t be a stranger,” he called over his shoulder as he walked down the foot-worn path that lead from the Angustus’s back porch to the main street.
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Post by embry on Apr 27, 2008 21:04:35 GMT -5
Vampires were fine. He didn't like the Cullens, but they were better than the blood suckers who fed on humans and as long as they kept to the treaty and kept on their side of the line, Embry didn't much care one way or the other. He understood it more through Bella than anything-- she couldn't help that she'd fallen in love with one of them, and since the girl didn't seem stupid, he had to assume the Cullens had their good traits. Well, maybe not the temperamental blond chick. She was a pain in the ass and she'd gone after Paul. "I don't hate them, but I'm done with them," he said. "Pity is a waste of time."
Embry laughed, low and warm. "Yeah, I have no doubt you might be able to knock some sense into the idiot, either." Well, he may have been an idiot, but he was Embry's idiot and that was what mattered.
"I don't, but I know if we don't take patrols you do, and you'll work yourself half to death. And Emily will beat us and give us no more baked goods." His smile was teasing, but he truly did feel worry for Sam. He would work himself until he couldn't go anymore if the pack let him. Ironically, Embry flipped him an absent salute. "Yes, sir. See you around, Paul." He waited, pausing, until Sam was out of sight range and headed around the side of the house.
He paused, studying the second floor windows and then turned to an old oak tree not too far from one of the windows. Embry dropped his backpack (this would be tricky enough without it) and levered himself up with the sort of grace not expected of someone as lanky as he was. None the less, he got himself up no worse for the wear and, leaning over, wrapped his knuckles against Paul's windowpane. "Open the window. This is uncomfortable and I'm not up for reciting Shakespeare!"
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