Abel lays in Emmett's arms that night, not wanting to let him go, in fear that he'll disappear if he does. Emmett's not complaining. Lauren did come home and she welcomed Emmett back with a genuine smile and she went to her room.
"I don't want you to disappear again," Abel says.
"I won't... unless it's to hunt," Emmett says. "You're not tempting, but your friend is. Lauren knows, she'll know why I have to hunt if I'm staying here since no one else is back and I'm sure Bella..."
"She can't know," Abel says as he curls in closer to Emmett. "She's finally smiling again. You being here and not Edward? She'll be heartbroken all over again."
"Then she won't know," Emmett murmurs.
"Can I still go to La Push?" Abel asks. "Emily wants to exchange more recipes."
"I'm not as controlling as Edward," Emmett replies. "I don't care. Just be careful."
"I will. I have you back now." Abel kisses Emmett after he moves his head,
Emmett kisses him back instantly and he moves to where Abel's laying on his back and Emmett's over him, kissing him deeply. They don't do anything more. They just cuddle.
*****
"He'll be okay," Lauren says to Emmett when he prepares to go meet with the pack alpha and to hunt. "He's over the worst. He's just being dramatic. He hates being sick."
Emmett chuckles. "Good to know," he says in response. "I'm not leaving Forks. I'll be back."
"I know you will," Lauren replies. "I researched mates while you were gone, and Abel told me what he could."
Emmett nods with a gentle smile before he leaves. Lauren goes to check on Abel before she calls Paul and tells him she's staying home with Abel today instead of coming to hang with the guys, and they all understand. They like Abel, too.
Lauren lays with Abel and they cuddle while Emmett is hunting.
