𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐈 :: paul lahote

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝓲𝓲𝓲.

iii. MIDNIGHT SECRETS.

FLEUR LOCKLEAR WAS TAKEN ABACK WHEN BELLA SWAN CALLED HER THE NEXT MORNING. Apparently, Bella had impulsively bought three dirt bikes that didn't work the previous day. Now, she was seeking Fleur's father's mechanical expertise to fix them, all without informing Charlie. Knowing her father's penchant for gossip, Fleur had warned Bella that her dad would undoubtedly inform the chief of police for a repayment for helping his daughter with the bikes.

As a result, they had decided to call Jacob Black for assistance, which led Fleur to find herself seated in the passenger seat of Bella's red 1953 Chevrolet pickup truck, heading towards the Black residence.

The Blacks' house wasn't far from Fleur's own, but she didn't object when Bella suggested taking her truck. The house was familiar—a small wooden structure with narrow windows, its dull red paint resembling that of a barn. Jacob Black's head appeared at the window just as the girls pulled up in the truck.

Jacob met them halfway to the house, his excitement evident in the wide grin stretching across his face. His bright teeth stood out in vivid contrast to the deep russet colour of his skin. His hair, for once, was out of its usual ponytail, falling like inky curtains on either side of his broad face.

Jacob had grown into some of his potential since the last time Fleur had seen him. He had passed the stage where the soft muscles of childhood hardened into the solid, lanky build of a teenager; the tendons and veins were now prominent under the red-brown skin of his arms. His face, despite the changes, was still as sweet as Fleur remembered. However, his features had sharpened—the planes of his cheekbones more defined, his jaw squared off, all traces of childish roundness gone.

"Bella!" Jacob's voice carried the same enthusiasm as his smile, and he moved towards them with an easy, confident stride. Bella and Fleur got out of the truck, and Jacob's eyes flicked between the two girls, his grin unwavering.

"Hey, Jake," Bella greeted, a smile of her own forming.

"Long time no see," Fleur added, giving Jacob a small wave.

"Too long," Jacob agreed, his gaze lingering on Bella for a moment longer before he turned his attention back to Fleur. He stopped a few feet away from them, and both girls stared up at him in surprise, leaning their heads back despite the rain pelting their faces.

"You grew again!" Bella accused in amusement.

Jacob laughed, his smile widening impossibly. "Six-five," he announced with self-satisfaction. Fleur noted that his voice was deeper now, though its husky tone still remained.

"Is it ever going to stop?" Fleur asked, and Bella nodded in agreement.

Bella shook her head in disbelief, "You're huge."

"Still beanpoles, though. The both of you," he said with a grimace.

Fleur playfully punched his shoulder, though he didn't even flinch. "You're like a brick wall now," she remarked with a smirk.

"Guess I'm the one protecting you both now," Jacob teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Guess so," Bella said, her smile softening as she looked at her old friend. The rain continued to fall, but the warmth between them was palpable, creating a brief oasis of familiarity and comfort amidst the damp, grey morning.

"Come inside! You're getting all wet." Jacob led the way, twisting his hair in his big hands as he walked. He pulled a rubber band from his hip pocket and wound it around the bundle.