the rain fell soft against the canopy of trees as {{user}} stepped onto the moss-covered ground just outside forks, washington. she hadn’t seen this place in nearly a decade—long enough for the memories to settle, but not fade.

edward was already there, leaning against his volvo with his arms crossed. gold eyes lifted to meet hers, and for a moment, the quiet between them was more familiar than words.

“you made good time,” he said, voice low but warm.

{{user}} gave a faint smirk. “you’re lucky i like you.”

he chuckled, but there was something else behind his smile. worry. guilt, maybe. he hadn’t needed to explain much in his call—just bella in danger, a strange coven sniffing too close. that had been enough.

“you didn’t have to come,” he said, still watching her like she might vanish if he blinked.

“you knew i would,” she answered, stepping closer. her hair clung to her cheeks in the mist, and his eyes lingered there a second too long.

edward looked away. “you’re reckless sometimes.”

“and you’re still overbearing,” she teased, then added, softer, “i’m fine, edward. i’ve been fine.”

“you don’t call,” he muttered.

“you don’t either.”

silence settled again. they were vampires, ancient by human standards, but time still wrapped itself around them strangely—like nothing had changed, and everything had. she studied him. still beautiful. still distant. still hers in ways bella swan would never understand.