Meaningful Artifacts [Edward/Jacob]

twelve

Edward's not sure how he'd gotten to this point in his life, but he'll take it over what he'd thought a divorce would be. Instead of vile looks and passive aggressive words, he gets this.  He's currently inside of Charlie's home with no excuse. Ren's at a friend's house and Charlie's at work. He shouldn't be here, and yet, here he is seated on his ex-father-in-law's couch while Bella grabs herself some snacks from the kitchen. 

"So, tell me everything this time." she says, popping a chip into her mouth as she plops herself down next to him.

He's not even sure how to begin. How do you begin with something like this? If it were anyone else, it'd be easier. This is Jacob they're talking about, though. Edward wasn't around for what he and Bella had going on but he knew it, whatever it was, meant something. Maybe not to Bella, but in the little time they'd spent together, she'd managed to sink her claws in deep. He was young, vulnerable, and impressionable and she'd, even if unintentionally, taken full advantage. She may not like him, but that doesn't mean she wants Edward to. 

"It's Jacob..." he starts out and watches as her chewing slows and her eyes squint.

"I thought you said that was a work thing." she says, tone clearly accusing him of lying. 

"It was, but I still..."

 He feels like a teen spilling his crush to his best friend. Though, instead he's a grown man stuck in a teen's body spilling his infatuation with a former fling of his ex-wife's...to his ex-wife. It's ludicrous at best. He could be telling this to anyone, he was sure his brothers would love to know about this new update in his absurd love life.  

 "He's different." 

Despite whatever is going on between them currently, Jacob seems to have matured quite a bit. He's not the same kid who huffed and puffed because he wasn't getting his way. He seemed open to forgiving whatever qualms he and Edward may have had in the past.  

Not only that, but he carries himself differently. He's not trying to intimidate everyone. He seems relaxed, sure of himself, and even a little timid at times. It's quite the contrast from just a couple of years ago. 

There are also quite a few physical changes. His hair was longer, almost to the middle of his back. He kept it held back in a hair tie, but he'd pulled it out, citing a headache, the last time they were together. When he'd gotten sick in the parking lot, he'd leaned into Edward and even his scent had changed. Instead of the standard "wet dog" smell that every werewolf seemed to have to Edward's nose, he smelled like something soft and calming. He didn't seem put off by Edward's scent either. His smile was a lot warmer, like he was actually enjoying himself...

Bella doesn't say anything, patiently waiting to hear more as she crunches on another chip. 

"He's matured a lot." Is all he provides and watches as Bella quirks an eyebrow. 

"Which means?" she mutters around the rim of her glass before taking a sip of wine. 

"Well, he seems willing to talk out our differences and he doesn't look at me like I'm the enemy." Edward tries to explain. 

"You mean he's pretty and nice now." She provides. 

The observation is so blunt that Edward reels back, mouth stuttering as he tries to catch up.

"N-no, I-" He starts and is immediately cut off as Bella latches on to his discomfort. 

"Oh, don't even try it. I saw him at Carver's. He's got the doe eyes, the long hair, a softer body." She's looking at him as if she's a lawyer in court trying a case as she jabs a chip at him, "He's real cozy lookin' and you like that."