36; limited days left

Just to Clarify; there's only been a few times Jasper stayed when he found himself in Eli's bed.

Mostly, Elias wakes up with the sheets warm when they should be cold and a note explaining how Jaspers had to leave and he'll most likely be outside waiting for school. It's ok, disappointing, sure and Elias' heart takes a painful squeeze every time, but it's fine. 

This morning, he expects the same. Last night Jasper had crawled into his bed like it was a secret and Elias clung to him feeling like all the bad things happening in his life were far away at that moment. He expected a harsher wake up to reality in all honesty. Maybe his mom walking in screaming at him (changing her mind about the apology they gave each other or something) or to be alone, or gasping for breath as Victoria lunged for him in a nightmare.

But as soon as his minds partially awake- very partially- he feels... fine. Good. There's this unmistakable sensation of coldness travelling along his skin. On his chest, along one of his stretched thighs, along the skin of his arms. His cheek rubs against something soft as he shifts, one hand reaches blindly, clenching over the solidness of Jaspers bicep. His heart does a funny loop in his chest.

"You stayed," he mutters hoarsely without meaning to, voice very rough. Grey eyes peak open only to wince when feeling how much light is pouring in through the windows. He burrows his head into Jaspers chest again to hide.

"I'm never leaving you again, not if I can help it," Jasper says in a voice of velvet, so quietly since Elias spoke in a whisper too. "Good morning," he bids, gently moving one hand across the wavy hair falling on Eli's head. The spark of cold from his fingers is a relief on Eli's warm skin.

"Morning," Elias says still with a rough morning voice, clearing his throat, he peaks one eye open- past the stream of light- to stare at the other boy. He looks bemused at the fact his words had caused Eli's heart to race and face to flush. "What time is it?"

Jasper continues looking at Elias, tracing over his features like it's the first time seeing him. The redness of his cheeks deepens. "Six," he answers, not looking at anything to check. Elias believes him wholeheartedly.

"You're diabolical," he hisses, shifting around on the bed, well, on Jasper, since he's got half a leg thrown over his hip and is partially on top of the boy. He elbows the blond in the stomach (not that he can feel the damage, he's stone hard) to grab the covers that had been pushed near their feet in the middle of the night.

He grabs a handful, pulls them over his head to hide the light touching his eyes and flops back down into his previous position. "A god damn devil, why are you waking me up at this ungodly hour?"

Jasper lifts cover to look down at the human- the upturn of his eyebrows and the smirk on his face show his amusement well before his tone does when stating, "You mention god a lot for someone who's not religious."

Elias almost throttles him. "Wake me up in an hour," he tells him, or tries to, the words are muffled by the way he shoves his face into Jaspers chest again. He's just slipped his eyes closed when Jasper starts to laugh. Such a pretty sound.

It'd sound even nicer if it wasn't six in the morning.

"I'm afraid I can't do that," the blond announces, tugging the covers off of Eli's head. The human snaps his head up with a glare that's particularly weak from being half asleep.

Jasper grins in return, teeth flashing, "Todays a special day and you need to get ready before your mother comes in. I can already hear her and David talking about if it's best to wake you now for a early breakfast."

It takes a moment for Eli's mind to fully understand. Special day. School, life outside of his terminal diagnosis, of vampires and werewolves and fire. It's graduation today- he'd actually made it to graduation.

Numb in the news, Or shocked that he'd forgotten within the night, his mouth slips open to reply to Jaspers statement without much emotion. "Uh, depends how I feel standing up. If my head hurts, no breakfast, if it doesn't. I want pancakes."

Jasper makes a move to get up. "I'll go tell her, shall I?" He suggest with such a heavy amount of sarcasm that it does Eli proud.

"Don't move," he warns, glaring with real heat now. Jasper freezes, amused again as he slips his arms around Elias. The human melts into the touch, ignoring the battle that starts to build in his chest. Lean into him more, or move away? The urges aren't equal anymore, but my panic is.

"I want to stay like this," he decides, shoving away the urge to run. Todays going to be a long day, he can tell. If he wants to stay in bed for a few minutes before facing the world, he can. If that so happens to mean he lies on a rock hard chest that's cold to the touch, well... life's funny sometimes. Let he not question it too much.

Jasper doesn't question it either- he's grateful for any attention Elias gives him, or the touches he allows. So he hugs the human closer to his chest, one arm around his back, the other coming up to run his fingers through the waves of dark hair on his head. Elias melts more, practically purring. Jasper has to stop the small burst of laughter that wants to come out.

The moment doesn't last long. Elias stiffens on top of the vampire, and Jaspers is sure his restraint has run thin- he's going to pull away now. But Eli' hand rises to point at something he glimpsed at across the room.

"What the hell is that?" He huffs, eyeing the wrapped rectangular box on his desk. It looked overly extravagant, with its silver shining paper and bow. It has Alice and her schemes written all over it.

Jaspers body shakes as he laughs. "A graduation present from Alice," he confirms. "She dropped it off in the night, apparently you and Bella have one each."

Brows pulling together, he turns back to the vampire and asks, "I thought the party was a present?"

"Yeah, to Alice, from Alice," Jasper snorts, eyes rolling fondly at his sister. He nods back at the box, "that's solely yours."

"If it's a better coloured robe, I'll take it," Eli mumbles, eyeing his yellow graduation robes in distain. Jasper laughs again, easing the tension building in Elias- such a pretty sound, he thinks again, smiling to himself, before the box I in front of him shines a little more in the light.

"Let's get this over with," the human sighs, unsure himself if he's talking about the present or the day in general. Either way, he heaves himself off of Jasper- with great internal effort- and walks across the room to the damn box.

He rips it open with no care for the paper and peers inside as if something might jump out. Jasper watches with another fond roll of his eyes.

The first item Alice left for Elias is a pair of fitted chinos. A quick search of the label- a fancy, foreign, expensive brand. Well, expensive is a guess, but a well educated one. The Cullens liked splashing money on cars and clothes that were extravagant. Not to show off, but because they had more money then they needed, in all honesty.

Elias rolls his eyes at the article of clothing, shifts through the other items in there- there's a thick burgundy oversized sweater and a new pair of black vans. He likes them, so he keeps them and ditches the chinos. "I'm not wearing the chinos. That's too formal and it's seriously not my style."

Jasper clicks his tongue from where he sits on the bed, "It's graduation," he scolds, but only to tease the human.

Elias gives him a scalding look, ruined by the soft smirk on his lips."It's Forks," he almost laughs.

The human blinks and Jaspers suddenly in front of him, holding out a pair of familiar washed out black jeans. They're the flitted ones, with holes in the knees. Eli can't remember if he brought them like that or it's from skateboarding. "I'll tell Alice how these suit you more," he suggests.

"Damn right they do," the human nods, taking the jeans and piling it with the other clothes. "Though I'm sure Alice will still be pouting at the fact she couldn't completely play dress up like she wanted."

Jaspers eyes are shining mischievously. "The horror."

Elias feels Jaspers eyes follow him around the room as he gets his belongings together. He grabs the rest of his needed clothes out of some draws and adds it to the pile on his desk, then grabs his forgotten- and most likely dead- phone from the side and places it on charge. He'll need that today, along with the headphones that are half thrown under his bed.

Eli's on autopilot but stalls momentarily as he reaches into his draws, rummages around until his fingers find a solid surface amongst the clothes. He pulls out a square matte black box. His chest tightens in anxiety as he places it gingerly on the desk. He's waiting for the reaction, watching too.

Jaspers mouth falls open, his shock as bright as his eyes. "You kept the watch?" He asks, wonder-stuck. He picks up the box, which still has the note tucked in from Carlisle. There's hope in those stunning eyes- that watch had been a token, a promise, from Carlisle.

To count down the minutes down to graduation.

"Uh, it might have been buried in my drawer for a few months when you left, it was kinda painful to look at since..." since you left, goes unsaid, "but yeah," Elias keeps his face a careful mask, trying not give a nothing away. Yet his fingers come up to trace his neck scar as Jaspers heavy gaze makes his heart do a somersault. "It's a gift, it reminded me of you, of Carlisle, of everyone. I could never throw it."

He turns, searching around the bedroom for his jeans he wore yesterday. He'd flicked them off and into a corner without care last night. "Still got this too. Sometimes I forget to switch it from pocket to pocket when I wake up late and have to rush around, but most of the time I have it on me."

He finds them under his desk and rummages in the right pocket, feeling prideful when he pulls out the lighter Jasper had gifted him and how clean it was. It didn't even have a scratch- other than the engraving that was supposed to be there.

Jasper takes step forward, a dark look of adoration colouring his face. Elias feels his hands tighten on the lighter as his body sparks in heat that's nothing to do with his power. He knows that look, he knows how Jasper looks when he wants to kiss Elias.

The human can already see it happening, how Jasper wants to toy forwards, tongue running over his lips, golden eyes split between searching Eli's grey ones and flickering to his mouth. Jaspers hands curly into fists at his side and the human knows it's in attempt to stop himself from reaching out- he wants one hand on Eli's hip, one hand on the back of Eli's neck. Using a gentle force to bend his head back so Jasper can lean down and kiss him.

"Jasper," Elias calls, unsure if he's saying it in warning or in order to actually do it. Jaspers head cocks a little, showing he hears, but all Elias can focus on is how clear his eyes are for a moment- he can see everything in them. The reflection of his room, himself, all tinted with gold. The human struggles with it for a moment, struggles seeing how the emotions are as clear as their surroundings. The pain, the regret, the longing, the want- Eli's or Jaspers?-  the human struggles to tell the difference, since his own eyes, his own emotions are colliding with Jaspers. Grey and gold- what a perfect combination.

Jaspers head inches to the right, breaking their eye contact and allowing Eli's poor mind a break. "Someone's coming," the blond whispers, moving too fast for Eli's human eyes to keep up. Or maybe his brains not up to speed as quick as he wants.

"Here, I kept it too," Jasper murmurs from behind him, so close to Eli's ear it makes him suck in a breath. Something gets pushed into his palm, he grips it in a dazed jerk reaction. "You can give it back to me later darlin, I'll see you soon." Before Eli can react, there's lips pressing into the back of his head and then he's alone.

Elias has chance to try act normal just as someone knocks on his bedroom door and walks in. It's his dad, already dressed in a white button up and smart dress trousers. He looks good, his hairs styled and he's shaved and, "Jesus, should I have gotten my hair cut too?" Elias realises.

David winces as he looks at the mess on his sons head. "Maybe," he ponders, making Elias start to run his fingers through his hair in defence. He's been busy.

Moving to the mirror, Eli tries styling it. It's too long all over, falls over his forehead when not styled right and it's starting to form kinks of curls since he doesn't take care of it like he should. "I mean, at least it matches my rugged personality?" He snorts, locking eyes with his dad, who looks like he's trying not to laugh.

"Definitely," he nods, pocketing his hands into his trousers. Elias gets a whiff of cologne from him, a nice one. The one he wears rarely as it's a expensive brand. Jesus, maybe he should take this whole graduation thing more seriously?

"Oh," his dad jerks one hand behind him, remembering what he originally came in for before they started picking at Eli's appearance. "Easton wants pancakes, specifically, he wants you to make them."

"I can do that, just give me ten minutes," the grey eyed boy promises, giving up on his hair. It's no use now. "Let me just get ready and stuff."

David nods, rocks awkwardly on his feet and continues staring at his son. Elias is sure he wants to say something, break their ever lasting tension, or maybe talk about the screaming match he and Cassandra had yesterday. Eli doesn't want to do that right now, todays supposed to be a good day. So he grabs his pile of clothes, gives a twitch of a smile to his dad and goes into the bathroom.

He showers, follows his dads lead to put on some expensive cologne he'd been gifted by Bella, because, and he quotes, "it smells like a exotic camp fire and it reminded me of you."

He eyes his appearance for a whole, trying to figure out what's changed all of a sudden. He's still dying, he's still got those god damn bags under his eyes from a fucked up sleep schedule. His hairs a mess. But he looks... good? Or maybe it's because there's this light airy feeling filling him up ever since he felt Jaspers body under his when waking. Or getting to hear his quiet laugh. Or his smile.

Jasper, Eli remembers, shoved something in his hand before David walked in. He looks to the bathroom sink, where he hastily put it in his rush to get ready and feels his heart stop. It was a black book.

It's his black book.

Jasper kept it. He kept everything Elias ever gave him.

Lips upturning in a smile, Elias reaches one shaky hand out to open the book. His hand writing is familiar, the poems and words are burned into his mind and he doesn't have to read them to remember. What's different, though, is how worn the book is. As if it's been flicked open and closes, hundreds and hundreds of times. Its been reread more times than a religious man rereads the bible.

When Eli looks up into the mirror again, he's not bothered about how his hair looks, or how he's not dressed as smartly as everyone else. All he cares about is Jasper, and how he's caused the light to come back in his own thunderstorm eyes.

Elias finishes his routine with a ridiculous grin on his face. It doesn't even falter when he gets all his belongings- that stupid bright yellow graduation gown- before going downstairs.

Easton makes a noise of surprise at the sight of his older brother walking into the kitchen. "You look like me when I've had too much sugar."

"Thanks," Eli coughs, ignoring how his mom laughs at her sons. The black book, currently trapped in the back pocket of his jeans, feels as heavy as the emotions building in the grey eyed boys chest.

He makes everyone pancakes, rolls his own into a burrito like shape and listens half heartedly as the conversation continues without him. It's a good atmosphere in the house, but a forced one, since every now and then Cassandra's eyes flick to where Eli's hand is bandaged and back down to her own bandaged arms. A permanent reminder of yesterday's argument, of Eli's choice to leave home soon.

They end up getting to school early- after a whole car ride of his mom going on about how proud she is of him for graduating. Elias plugs in headphones, pressing play on a random Queen song so he doesn't have to keep hearing everything. Easton leans against his shoulder, looking up at him with a wordless request, so Elias plugs one of the headphones into his brothers ears.

Parents and family have to gather in the gym whilst students get in line for the ceremony. Elias rushes off with only a grin to his parents and a whispered, "scream extra loud for Bella when her names called," in his brothers ear.

Elias' waits for Bella in line, music still spilling out from his headphones. He's only been alone for five minutes when someone yanks them out. He turns, swear words on his tongue, but is met with Bella and her mischievous smile. He beams at the sight of her.

"Did you even try to do your hair?" She huffs, expression faltering at the sight of him.

Elias sighs out his amusement."I ran my hands through it a few times, if that counts?" He shrugs, bending a little as Bellas hands rise to try sort it for him.

"No, it doesn't count," Bella mumbles, brown eyes concentrating. Eli's sharp grin comes out, it's funny to see her frustrated. She continues twisting stands of his hair, concentrating so hard she doesn't seem to know she's speaking, "it's long now. I like it."

"I don't. It's getting curly, I don't know how to do curls," Eli sniffs, forcing himself to not ruin Bella's work by sweeping the whole lot backwards like he usually does.

Bella pauses, giving him a confused look. "Your hair was curly when it was shorter too," she remembers surely.

"No it was wavey, kind of." He lifts a hand up, pulls on a dark brown strand until uncurls. It's almost to his eyes when straight. "Look at that, that's ridiculous."

Bella laughs good heartedly, running her fingers backwards on his head, finally sorting it in a manner that doesn't make it look bad. "I'm sure Esme will cut it. I think she knows how to do everything," she pauses, pondering her words through, "in the morning, maybe? I don't recon she'll be able to do it tonight."

Elias feels his brows rise... Esme does spend a lot of time watching human tv, trying to learn all the topics and antics happening so she can blend in easier. Or tell her family how to blend in easier. She surely would have watched a hair show once.

"That's actually a good idea," Elias nods, standing straight. He might actually do that.

Bella knocks her shoulder against his. "I'm full of them," she advises, causing him to let out a chuckle.

A person dressed in yellow runs past them, breaking their conversation. Elias feels himself be thrown back into the moment as he scans his surroundings. The situation hits him fully.

"Does today feel a little, I don't know..." the words are out before he can stop them. He can't find the word, but Bella has always seemed to understand what he can't express.

"Anticlimactic?" She supplies, making his eyes light up. He nods, looking back out to the line around them, the noise of everyone talking excitedly. "I think it's just us," Bella realises.

Elias would like to say it's probably a vampire problem, or supernatural problem ruining their mood. But ultimately knows it's down to them only. "Well, at least I'm not alone," he decides, giving Bella with a soft look.

The brown haired girls voice drops into a whisper. "I'm glad you're here," she says, meaning it. Her hand reaches out to his chest, over his heart. The relieving and continues thump, thump, means he's still alive.

"I cheated on all of my tests," the grey eyed boy smirks, trying to stop the way her eyes seem to be a little watery.

She scoffs, "Not graduation. Here, alive, breathing, smiling. Enjoying life," she nods to, well, his face. Elias' grey eyes must still look like a lit up thunderstorm from this morning.

He pulls her into a side hug, his warmth and the smell of cologne making Bella sigh happily.

"It's a big difference from six months ago, isn't it? Bad," he taps the side of his forehead, meaning his tumour, to the poor mental health he had from a broken heart. Then his eyes track to the doors opening, where he can sense the Cullens walking in. They're dressed in robes too, but they don't look bad. Especially Jasper, who sees Elias and starts to grin, "...and good."

Bella, who's hand still rests of his chest, starts to laugh. Elias breaks eye contact with the blond to look down at her in question. "I think I felt your heart beat speed up," she giggles.

Eli's cheeks flush. "I'm feeling nostalgic form memories," he excuses, thought he might as well have liar across his forehead since Bella knows when he's talking shit. "It does make me want to run away. It's probably adrenaline making my heart beat faster."

"Nostalgia?" Bella hums, like she believes him. His cheeks go darker. The words, "fuck off swan" are hissed under his breath. Her laugh doubles.

"Hey," Bella stops suddenly, eyes lighting up. "Do you remember how how we met. How we weren't friends at first."

Eli winces. That was his particular fault- he didn't make close friends at first, not wanting to lie to them about himself. That included Bella and her attempts to befriend him.

"You did almost hit me with your truck," he excuses, mocking a smirk.

She steps out of his hug in offence."You skate in the middle of the road," she huffs.

Eli shrugs like it makes no difference. Which it really doesn't to him. "I've got wide shoulders, you can't say you didn't see me."

Bella bites at his sarcasm, "I saw you grin as you dodged me. You did it on purpose," she states surely.

Eli stops himself from grinning with effort. "Why would I purposely try get ran over?" He asks, only making Bella narrow her eyes further. He breaks, his words coloured in amusement. "Ok it does sound like something I'd do."

Before she can lecture him, another voice calls out,"Bella!"

The sight of Jessica coming over makes Eli's insides shiver.

"Karma for almost hitting me," he laughs, taking a step away from her so he can't be apart of the conversation.

He has no intention of chatting to Jessica behind him, or any of the students today. He'd really separated himself from his human friends since the diagnosis and before that. What's the point in making friends just to leave them when he dies?

Luckily Jessica starts blabbering on to Bella only, since she's stuck behind her- the joys of all their surnames starting with S.

Elias doesn't know how much time passes- his mind fogs over in plans and other things more important than a silly diploma- but it isn't long when the edge of someone's foot nudges his calf.

"Eli," Bella whispers, or it sounds like it. He pulls one of his headphone out again, turning around. Bella sends him a scolding look behind Jessica, "you can't graduate with earphones in. You won't hear them call your name."

"That's why you're here," he whispers back, lifting his hands to demonstrate a shove, "Just push me forward when they call me."

Jessica laughs with him but Bella just gives him a flat stare. "No Elle," she scolds seriously.

He huffs, pausing the music with a grumble- just in time too, since they start calling the names. Elias shrugs into his stupid coloured robe and places his cap on.

It goes quickly after that too, anticlimactic, like Bella had suggested. Or maybe it's because he doesn't tase the freedom the rest of his peers has. He only snaps out of his head twice, first when he sees Jasper walk across the stage- so breathtaking in his robe that it makes Elias feel shitty. Jasper takes his diploma, dodging the handshake the principal tries offering as if he doesn't see it, before gliding off the stage.

Elias may or may not wolf whistle at him, but that's his secret.

"Elias Sherwood," the principle calls out his name on the microphone.

Eli's ears ring slightly as Davids, Easton's and Jaspers cheering start. Any trace of a bad mood gets swept away. He laughs all the way across the stage and when everyone throws their yellow caps into the air, showing off the end of High School.

The parents and families crowd round, conversations roaring everywhere. Elias turns to where his parents were, cackling again when he sees Easton pushing past people. By the time he shoves through he runs straight into Elias' open arms.

"Did you hear us cheer?" He pants, grinning ear to ear, the top of his head barely up to Eli's mid chest. "I tried doing the whistle you did when Bella had her name called, but I couldn't. So I just screamed."

"Hell yes I heard you!" Elias laughs in pride, remembering Bella and her red face. Eli takes his cap off and tucks it on top his brothers dark curls, "that's your reward for being so loud, kid."

"Congratulations honey! I'm so proud of you!" His mom shouts, even though she and David have pushed next to them. Eli has a feeling her ears are still ringing from Easton screaming. She throws her skinny bandaged arms around his shoulders, pulling both her sons into a hug. He's not expecting it, not after recent events, but he makes sure to melt into her and the coconut scent that wraps around her.

"I wouldn't be, I cheated on every test I had," Eli grins cheekily, kissing his moms cheek- she giggles too, unaware of the tells when Elias is being truthful.

"Especially history?" David pipes, settling on patting his oldest sons shoulder when Cass pulls away from him.

"Especially history," Eli groans, the word coasting dread through him. Around them, through the crowd of celebratory students and their families, a familiar face sweeps around.

"Charlie, over here!" Elias calls, hands cupping over his mouth. The pale mans face bobs between strangers as he makes his way over- a blushing brunette shuffling behind him, looking overwhelmed by all the attention.

Elias puts his arm over Bella's shoulder when she's close enough, bending to her ear, "We look horrendous in yellow, I forgot to mention."

A giggle brushes past her lips. "I know," she smacks her un-sprained wrist against his chest, "though at least I don't look more banana like, like you," she teases.

"Bella, Elias, smile!" Cassandra orders, a camera positioned in her sight, focused on the two.

Elias quickly leans into Bellas ear, whispering a smug, "Say vampire dick."

The camera clicks, capturing the moment forever. Elias has his head bent to the shorter girl with one arm around her, his face set in a excited dark way it usually does when he whispers a bad joke. Bella is half way to the colour red, lips curving upwards as she cringes in disgust yet leans naturally into his side- the perfect example of their friendship.

"Another one," Bella orders in a stern voice, waving Easton forward. The nine year old runs between the two, the graduation cap still on his head, curls pushing into his blue green eyes.

This time Elias smiles as nice as he can, squatting down to his brothers height with Bella. Their parents- David, Charlie, Cassandra, look a little emotional as the camera goes off again.

"Give us one second," Bella says to the adults once the camera is safely been put away, her head turned in the other direction of the busy gym.

Elias cranes his neck to see what she does, his heart summersaulting as he spots the Cullens at the edge of the room. He doesn't wait for a reply from his parents as he grabs the crook of Bella's arm, practically throwing fists at the crowd to make a way through. 

Jaspers soft smile greets him when they finally get to the family. Elias separates from Bella, going over the blond boy who owns his heart.

"You look beautiful Darlin," Jaspers southern drawl is riddled in honesty as his eyes rake up and down Eli.

Eli's cheeks warm at the compliment, his heart flipping. "Nothing compared to you," he flirts straight back, doing the same eye motion as the blond- only a little more excessive. Jaspers laugh is quiet but amused.

"Come on you two," Alice chides, almost dancing her way to Eli and Jasper, thin arm hooking through both of theirs, "Esme and Carlisle want a few pictures before you go back."

"Can I get changed out of my robe? Yellow isn't my colour," Elias looks down at the material with a glare.

"Absolutely not, that's ruining the fun," Alice hisses, stationing him next to Jasper along the wall. Carlisle, Nate and Esme stand behind her, watching her move Eli's hair around, tugging Jaspers robes straight. They know not to try stop her.

"I'm starting to think your sisters a control freak," Elias leans up to Jaspers ear to whisper, who reaches out and places a arm around Eli's lower back like he needs steadying. The human leans into his side without thought.

"You're only just realising?" Jasper murmurs, mock shocked. Eli's so close to his face he can see how light his golden eyes are- like the morning, his emotions swim so opening in them. The happiness, the want. They smile at each other.

A camera flashing makes Elias pull back to face Carlisle and Esme. They're checking the photo and look positively thrilled with it, especially Esme.

"Now one with me and Nate," Alice suggests, hopping to Elias side and hugging him around the middle. Nate throws his arm over Jaspers shoulder. The sound of Jaspers laugh is unmistakable amongst all the noise, it makes Eli's face soften just as the camera goes off again. 

They take more photos to remember the day. It's a whole ordeal and Eli gets a little choked up when Esme appears from the crowd of people with Easton and Bella next to her. It's quickly wiped away when he, Bella and Jasper take a photo.

Bella likes Jasper. Though she's aware from past experience and through Elias telling her how her scent makes him on edge. Uncomfortable. It doesn't help that to everyone (other than Elias) sees Jasper as a lean and strong man with stoic expressions that makes it hard to read if he's happy or wanting to kill you.

So when they all stand together- Bella very stiffly- to take a photo, Elias ruins the moment by bursting into hard to stop laughter.

"You're a dick," Bella hisses, eyeing him and Jasper, who's started to smile for real now. "It's not funny. Stop laughing."

Elias does, after a few minutes.

By the time the camera has been put away, Cassandra, Charlie and David have wondered over. Elias eyes his parents with worry as they talk to Carlisle and Esme. The bandage around Eli's palm, the bandages around his moms, seem very obvious now. He can't imagine how they're talking normally, not after yesterday.

"Someone's wants you," a deep voice whispers in Eli's ear, taking away his attention as he shivers.

He blinks, backing his attention to how he and Jasper are huddled next to the wall, the vampires arm still wrapped around his lower back.

"Does this have something to do with the large heat source I can feel walking through the gym doors?" Elias asks quietly, ignoring the urge to look around. Jasper doesn't even look surprised at how Eli's mind still filters his surroundings. Even when he's not paying attention.

"He called ahead, asking for permission. Not that he needed it," the words a equal and without emotion. Eli eyes Jasper with interest- he never did ask him for his opinion on Jace.

Slowly, Elias eases himself from Jaspers side. "One second?" He almost asks, not for permission to leave, but telling the blond to wait there until he gets back.

"I'll see if Nate wants another photo," Jasper decides with a wink, walking to his brother.

Elias turns to the doors. Most of the people have gone now, other than a few families still in the gym to talk. Elias crosses the room without bumping into anyone.

Jace, like Elias, has decided to not dress formal. He's wearing blue jeans and a green cotton shirt- Eli's stomach does a flip at the thought of the werewolf dressing up and coming all the way down here just to see him. Even past his packs - no doubt - judgment.

"Jace, you sneaky little wolf," Elias says, albeit quietly, as soon as he's close.

Jace's face, mixed with apprehension and courage, splits into a grin. "Hey grey," he calls, pulled Elias into a hug. He smells of pine and the woods and the ocean. He must have been on patrol before coming.

Elias allows it for a few moments before pulling back, "Thank you for coming, it means a lot that you've come all the way down here. You have some balls of steel, for sure."

Jace snorts out a tough laugh, looking between Elias and the many vampires across the room. "I couldn't miss your graduation," he says. Eli thinks he might have said that a few times today, not just to himself.

Jace's expression becomes nervous. "I, ugh," a hand comes up to his ink hair. Suddenly, his eyes move everywhere but Eli's face. "I'm also here to apologise. I shouldn't have left you the other day, even if you told me Nate was near you. It could've got you killed. I felt horrible."

"You idiot," Elias laughs, without any heat. Jace's eyes meet his hopefully. "I've still got a beating heart, right? Still got some heat to my skin?" He asks rhetorically, wiggling his fingers around near Jace's face. The werewolf nods. "Then no harm done. No worrying, stress will make you age quicker."

Dark brows pull together. "I don't age?" He reminds slowly.

Eli's eyes roll, "I know, it was a joke," he laughs. His hand moves and wraps around the wolfs wrist. "Come on, you can take some photos with everyone. Apparently it's picture day."

They haven't even taken a step before Jace's feet stick to the floor. "Everyone?" He gulps.

Eli's eyes roll- like he'd do that to the poor wolf. Still, he can't miss the opportunity to tease him. "Scared?" He smirks, which makes Jace glare. "Don't worry, I won't push you too much. I'm happy you're even here. You won't have to go near your 'natural enemies'. I'll tell the Sherwood's and Bella to come to you."

"Jake and Billy was here too," Jace tells him, forgetting how well Elias gift works. He felt them, or Jakes, heat the moment they came. He just didn't look for them. Jace continues on, not noticing the dark look in Eli's eyes, "at the back. They ducked out though, as soon as everyone started to mingle."

"Tell them thanks," Elias mumbles, his manners drilled into him even if he's not on good terms with Jake. Or Billy.

Another round of photos take place. Unlike they'd done with the Cullens, Eli's parents welcome Jace with warmth. Cassandra goes as far as making Jace put his arm around Elias like Jasper had once done. It's on purpose, since Jasper is watching across the gym. Elias can't force a proper smile past the way his teeth ground together in annoyance. So much for moving forward.

"Your mom really doesn't like him, huh?" Jace mumbles, too low for anyone else to hear. He doesn't sound smug, but sorry.

Elias eyes him with a 'you have no idea' expression. "Notice the bandages?" He asks, under his breath, since his moms still taking photos. Jace looks between Elias and Cassandra, clocking on. "That's a result of me telling her I wanted to go to the Cullens at the end of my life."

Jace's hand, on his side, tightens almost painfully as he stiffens. Elias realises maybe 'here and now' isn't  the best way to drop the news to the wolf. Especially as Jace's seems to be shaking a little- tell tale sign of holding back a shift. Across the room, Jasper looks ready to intervene if it isn't for Carlisle standing next to him. Elias narrows his eyes, shaking his head.

"Hey," Eli whispers, making Jace look at him. "I learnt, if I hold onto a bottle of whiskey and get so angry, I can blow it up."

The distraction work, it makes Jace gain control again. "You blew up a bottle of whiskey?" He asks in astonishment.

Elias just grins for another photo.

•••

The humans, minus Jace (though Cassandra had a hell of a time trying to persuade him) go to dinner after graduation. It's packed with other families and they have to push two tables together for the Sherwood/Swan party.

Elias sits between Bella and Easton, trying to not ruin the mood. He can't stop the way his jaw sets though as he thinks back to how friendly his parents are to Jace, compared to the hostility they gave Jasper when around him. He thought, after last nights argument and the midnight conversation with his mom, she'd be more bearable. But it was if she'd forgotten the whole thing.

"Elle, is this supposed to look like this?" A young voice asks, breaking Eli's thoughts.

Easton pokes the hunters chicken on his plate with a fork, unsure of it. Shoulders lightening in humour, Elias nudges his own plate- burger and fries- towards his brother. "Wanna trade?"

Easton looks back at him with eager eyes, nodding. They switch plates without much attention- not that their dad is looking. He, Charlie and Cass are nostalgically talking about their own graduation years ago. Even if a gap in conversation comes up, someone across the aisle in the restaurant pops up to talk. The whole talk was in here, it seemed like.

As soon as Elias tries to eat, another hand comes into his vision, dropping onion rings on his plate. He laughs to himself as he sees Bella wrinkle her nose at the things. She'd ordered a burger too and specifically asked to not have them.

"What's up with you?" Elias asks through chewing, eyesight on the brown haired girl. She's eating, but her eyes are glossed over in thought.

Bella takes time swallow before nodding to the windows to their left. "Is he out there?"

He, meaning Nate. Their official protector for the evening until they got to the Cullens. Edward, Jasper and Emmett left for a quick hunting  trip in the area before going back home to set up for Alice's party.

Elias pauses, closes his eyes and reaches out with his gift to sense their surroundings. Heat bounces around everywhere, especially the restaurant with so many people in it, but he pushes past that and focuses across the road.

"Yeah," he says, feeling the specific lack of heat that tells him there's a vampire. "Just past the tree line."

Bella sighs in relief and goes back to eating her burger with new appetite. Elias nudges her knee with his own under the table, gaining her attention back, "What's up?" He asks seriously.

She shakes her head, "Just...a bad feeling about tonight," her eyes slide to the window, as if she's looking for Nate. "You know how parties go when we're there," she adds the last bit with humour.

Elias scans outside too, despite it being totally dark. Just because its graduation, it didn't mean any of their problems have been forgotten. Someone is after them. A army is in Seattle and with the attention they're making, it could attract the volturi. Who'd come to Forks next to see Elias and Bella alive. It's why the Cullens decided to go to Seattle soon, to try- in Carlisles words- 'explain' to the newborns how they need to stop.

In Eli's opinion, it would come to a fight.

Elias places his fork down, no longer in the mood to eat. When Bella had bad feelings, they were usually right. Look how the first two parties they went to together turned out.

"Third times the charm?" He says, but it sounds dull.

The dinner drags on. Bella and Elias spend the time talking to Easton, allowing his words to wash away their dread. It's hard not to listen to that kid. But even he gets swept up with the ambience of the restaurant- apparently his friends from school are here with their family and older siblings. Elias tries to hide his shock- he hadn't know his best friends were also Angela Weber's twin little brothers.

By the time they drove home, it's seven and dark outside. They aren't alone, either. Charlie had joined them, he and Eli's parents could be head downstairs talking and no doubt drinking to carry on their good mood. Bella and Elias rushes upstairs to his room for some much needed peace.

It was no surprise Nate is already there waiting for them, sitting in the desk chair and his feet up on the desk. He hardly waits for the door to shut before saying, "your room stinks of Jasper."

Elias glares at him, pushing his feet off the desk. "Yeah, well, he comes over at night. What do you expect."

Nate's only reply is a small laugh.

All three of them aren't really fill in the silence kind of people, so they lapse into quietness as they sit there. Nathaniels taking his time looking around, but the two humans are sat doing what they do best. Dreading.

"Is it going to be really over the top?" Elias sighs, knee bouncing as he sits on the edge of the bed. Behind him Bella is leant against his headboard, chewing on her nails whilst she blanks out staring at the white walls.  They can't do much else- they have orders from Alice that they have to come fashionably late.

Nathaniel runs his hands over Eli's desk, fiddling with items of interest. "No, not at all," he declines lightly, brown fingers picking up a small blue mermaid figurine holding a sword and shield- a small metal plate says the words Warsaw on it.

"I thought you said you'd never lie to me?" Elias huffs, knee jerking to a stop as he faux glares at the Cullen.

"I'm not lying," Nate declines, placing the ornament in its place and turning to the two humans without them seeing him move. His long black hair, twisted into a bun at the nape of his neck, doesn't move a inch, "We just have different definitions of over the top."

Bella and Elias groan at the same time- the latter is more exaggerated as he throws himself back on the bed. His head smacks on top of Bella's jean clad thighs.

"Do you think if you had a seizure Alice would excuse us from going?" She whispers, as if Nathaniel won't hear it- there's humour shading over her dread as she stares down at Elias.

The grey eyed boy in question scoffs. "We could have a brain aneurysm and she'd still expect us to walk it off and compliment her hard work," he resorts, then sighs as he fully thinks of it.

He doesn't want to socialise with people from school- he's planning on never seeing them again. He can't shake the feeling something wrong is going to happen- it's starting to make his head ache.

"Elle!" A excited voice hollers- tiny yet loud footsteps round the hallway. Nathaniel opens the door before Easton can run into it- which he would have, because he's going so fast he has to launch himself onto the bed to stop.

He lands on his stomach momentarily before wiggling to sit up, dimples making a appearance as he grins at the two other humans. "Mom said you're going to a party, can I come?"

"The party is going to be full of people and very loud," Elias bids, smirking.

Easton's face scrunches up in disgust. "Ew," he shivers, reminding Bella so much of Elias. "why are you going?" He pouts curiously.

Elias smirks wider, pointing to Nathaniel, "Because his girlfriend is scary when she wants to be," he mumbles, but it doesn't really clear up his brothers confusion- only makes Nathaniel laugh.

"How about after I come back after the party we spend the whole night watching movies?" Eli offers with a soft expression- one only his little brother can bring out.

Easton nods, almost throwing himself off the bed, "I'll pick them out for when you get back!" He screams over his shoulder as he runs back out of the room.

"He has so much energy," Bella laughs, dizzy as she watches him go, "How do you keep up with him?"

"We're both on crack," Elias shrugs.

•••

At exactly eight, they leave Eli's house. There's more people over now- Mr and Mrs Weber have come over, all three (Charlie, David and Weber) are talking about a basketball game in the living room. Mrs Weber and Cassandra are making some slushy like drink that smells of vodka in the kitchen. (Mojitos? Elias can't remember.) Upstairs, he hears the unmistakable sound of Easton laughing, meaning that the Weber's brought their youngest kids with them.

Bella and Elias say a quick goodbye to everyone, ignoring the "you better not drink," thrown Eli's way from his dad. Charlie's eyebrows shoot to his hairline.

"There's no alcohol, dad. Carlisle and Esme are there supervising, you're more than welcome to come and join," Bella calls as they pull on their shoes. They're true words, but even Eli knows some kids are gonna sneak it in.

"No it's fine," Charlie coughs, hating parties much like Bella. "Have fun kids."

Fat luck, Eli almost snorts.

Nate's waiting outside when they walk out. Elias allows Bella the passenger seat and throws himself into the back without any other word.

They drive all the way there silently.

"Bella, Elias?" Nathaniel asks, as both humans are pressed against the cars glass in dread, looking at the beacons of light from thousands of hanging fairy lights highlighting the three mile driveway to the Cullens house

"Yes?" Bella asks, her voice quiet. She turns from the window unlike Elias, so she sees the almost nervous look that covers Nates face.

"Can you try be excited for the party?" He begs, a deep laugh sorting out his mouth, especially when Eli looks at him with expression of 'you what?'

"I know you two aren't exactly in a sociable mood with everything going on, but try pretend to have fun," he pleads, the words hanging heavy on the humans shoulders- maybe they have been a downer of the whole event. "Alice is excited, more so than I've seen her in years."

The Cullens house appears then- a beacon of light and loud music- and both of their guilty thoughts wash away.

Elias grumbles his choice of swear words under his breath as he steps out of the car, but as Nate follows Bella's lead to enter the house, he grins.

Without a second thought Elias ducks- and by ducks he means he fully sprints whilst hoping no one can see him- around the side of the enormous house. Nate said he can't be a mood killer and Elias won't be- he has no intention of socialising.

Well he does- just not with them- with a blond who's been so stressed lately Elias feels like he should relax, laugh, for a few hours.

So knowing the blond can't possibly in the house with that many scents and overflowing people, Eli has a guess to where he is. And he's right. On the back patio there's a round table of chairs near the edge of the garden. All of them empty other than the one furthest away.

Jasper sits casually, his head already turned to Elias. He's happy looking, like he's expecting Eli, like the very presence of Elias appearing brightens his day.

Elias slows his run as the look of devotion freezes his mind. It's the same look from this morning. Then with every closing step, his own happiness builds. "A gorgeous boy like yourself out here all alone?" He wolf whistles, "That's a crime."

Jasper rises a blond brow, standing from his seat as if a invisible sting goes to pull him towards the human. "Well I heard good things come to those who wait," he shoots back, teeth flashing in a true smile under the moonlight.

The same heat spreads down Elias body as he stops in front of the blond. "Well I learnt never to leave a good thing waiting," he pouts, ignoring his heart.

Jaspers grin goes from flirty to serious, "It's a good job you're here now then, isn't it?" He mumbles, dark eyes running over Eli in a way that electrifies every cell.

"Jasper," Elias sighs, but it sounds more like a prayer as the other boys eyes swallow him in feelings he's been trying to push down ever since Jasper came back.

"Yes Elias?" the blond speaks in the same tone- two boys drowning in each other yet burning alive at the same time.

Maybe it's the essence of freedom from graduating, the sudden urge to wail in happiness for even living long enough to see the day- from being able to wake up that morning with the damn option to see Jasper. But the battle weighing Elias down- his two options, desire and fear, controlling him. They crash and burn- one comes up winning.

For a man with limited days left, Elias suddenly realises how stupid he has been wasting all of them, especially as he looks up at this boy- this beautifuly flawed yet perfect boy who will do anything, be anything for Elias.

He steps up to Jasper, mini meters from touching. Heat turns around, coming from Elias and how there's a dark look in eyes as he says, "Jasper...don't let me go again."

One hand reaches out to Eli's hip, the other comes to thread through the curls at the nape of his neck. He tugs lightly, tilting Eli's head back. "Never," he swears.

Elias doesn't wait. He brings his face up to Jaspers own, their lips crashing with the sudden want, need to be with each other.

Jaspers lean arm slide around Eli's waistline, pulling him closer, as if the physical closeness will ever compare to how their souls are intertwined.

Elias filters his hands through Jaspers honey hair. Silky. He tugs on it as he presses them harder together, kissing harder, wanting harder. There's this sound, deep and beautiful, that comes past Jaspers lips- a moan. Straight fire courses Eli's body and rushes to his groin. He'd do anything to hear that again. To keep it going.

Jasper twists them, Eli's feet move on themselves and suddenly his backs against one of the trees. Jaspers kissing him deeper, past their previous boundaries from months ago- it seems their absence from one another did do something good- Eli thinks, grinning into his lips, but it's lost in the way Jasper's knee pushes Eli's legs apart and presses his thigh gently into Eli's groin.

A whine escapes his mouth from shock, the warmth on Eli's skin doubles. Not dangerous, but enough for Jasper to feel how hot he's making Eli feel. Jasper smirks against the humans lips. "Too far?" He asks huskily, pulling apart, his eyes glinting in lust and satisfaction.

Elias can't think properly, can't shift without Jasper rubbing against him or breathing in his scent. He doesn't reply, but he does act- he leans down, kissing Jasper with all his might, then starts to trail his mouth away. To the side of his lips, his jaw, down his neck. Jaspers stops breathing all together, yet his muscles relax completely as Elias starts to kiss and suck along his neck.

He can't leave marks, but the pleasure he's giving Jasper is far more desiring than anything. Jaspers reaction is more desirable. He's leaning fully into Elias now, their hips positioned over each other- and with a smug jolt of shock, he realises it isn't only his jeans what are tight. Jaspers hard too. Elias moans into the blonds skin, sweeps his tongue out-

-crunch. Jaspers hand clenches directly around the tree. They withdraw, give each other a wide stare, then turn to where Jaspers fingers have torn through bark. It should send Elias spiralling. That hand had just been on his throat- but all it does is send more blood rushing to his cock.

"I'm sorry," Jasper breathes out roughly, voice almost hoarse. He removes himself from Elias and that stupid tree. Eli almost whines. "I started that."

"It's okay," Eli soothes in a low voice, his chest rising rapidly. It takes moment for the blood to come back to his brain. "I'm, uh, I'm pretty sure I finished it," he adds with a laugh.

"I don't think either of us are finished," he says quietly, his eyes falling to Eli's tented jeans and then his own.

Elias can't help but laugh. "You tease," he calls, throwing his arms around the man's neck. Jasper hugs him closer carefully, trying to not let the sparks they feel carry on igniting them as they can't finish anything.

"So..." Jasper hums, eyesight flickering Eli's lips, "I can kiss you now?" He asks cautiously.

Elias tries letting how serious he's being show on his face as he admits, "You can do anything you want to me."

The words fall out Eli's mouth and sink into Jaspers brain, dark as ink and as tempting as sin. He groans, mind flickering with dirty thoughts and plans. The humans sharp grin appears. He did that on purpose.

"Elias..." Jasper whispers, serious all of a sudden. "What does this mean for your plans to live?"

Elias feels his heart stop. His mouth opens, no words come.

"Guys," a almost panicked voice calls from the back porch- breaking the trance Eli's mind created that meant he and Jasper are only people on the planet. Suddenly he's thrown back into his senses, not that he ever lost them- they were just tuned into one person.

It's Nate, waving them over with an urgency that panics Elias. Jasper too, by the way his body locks up.

"Are you ok?" Jasper murmurs in Eli's ear, only loud enough for him to hear. He's asking if Eli's cooled down enough to go inside. He is- the dread of the situation has killed any lining desire in his body.

With a nod, Jasper grabs onto Eli's hand before guiding them into the house. Past the flood of teens and thumping party music. Upstairs, to Carlisles study, where it's quieter and no one can see them.

If Elias was panicking before- the sight of Jake, Jace and Embry makes him want to freeze. He hadn't even sensed them- he was too busy warming him and Jasper outside. He's lucky the blondes there, since his legs stop working. This is bad. Jasper pulls him to the other side of the room- furtherest away from the wolves.

"They'll be here in four days," Alice announces, voice grave.

Elias knows what she means instantly- the terror rips through his chest like a bullet would. He doesn't realise his knees go weak until Jasper holds him up by wrapping his arms around Eli. That's too soon. Too soon. Elias had plans.

"This could turn into a blood bath," Carlisle mutters, hands pressing against his lips.

Bella and Elias lock eyes- a silent conversation passing between them. Are you ok? Yes. Are you? I'm fine, they ask, eyes flickering around the room. It's everyone else they worry about. It always has been.

We'll protect them, Elias thinks, his expression shifting as he looks around to every family member. The dark look in his eyes says, I'll do anything.

"Whose behind it?" Edward asks.

Alices eyes fog almost as she replays the vision, "I didn't see anyone I recognise..." she frowns, "maybe one."

Edward blinks, seeing it too. "I know his face, he's local. Riley Biers," he shakes his head, "He didn't start this."

The name rings a bell, but it doesn't connect to a face for Eli, meaning a stranger is attacking the Cullen clan? That doesn't seem right- across the room Bella has the same conclusion, it's shown on her face.

"Whoever did is staying out of the action," Alice sighs.

"They must be playing with the blind spots in your visions," Elias realises, hands tightening over Jaspers, "like how you can't see me. That's what the intruder was testing. They weren't going to hurt Bella or Charlie, they just wanted to see if they could get in and out without Alice seeing."

"But they came for you, too," Jace asks, looking at Elias for answer.

"He must have smelt the death on me, it's there, just under all the smoke." Jaspers hand tightens, Eli knows he's wondering who told him that. The wolves wince, but don't correct him. They can smell it too. "You can't see a future for someone who doesn't have one- that's why he stuck around. If I hadn't called you lot, you wouldn't have know. It was a test."

Alices face flashes in horror of being blinded, Nate presses himself to her side, comforting her. Eli knows she's going to be turmoiling over that- she takes her role as watcher seriously.

"Still," Jasper hums, "the army is coming and there isn't enough to protect the town," the strategy, the strict tone he uses is so unlike the pleasant hum Elias is used to. It makes him sick- it makes him imagine a red eyed Jasper standing next to Maria. Eli's skin prickles, wanting to burn.

"Hold up!" Jake snaps, scanning the room, "What damn army?"

"Newborns," Carlisle tells, his face set in worry, "our kind."

"What are they after?" Jace speaks with worry too. His eyes are on the human boy across the room, his eyes of steel. If Elias is serious, it must be more dangerous than he can even imagine.

"They were passing around Bella's scent," Alice blinks, going back to the vision, "a red blouse."

"They're after Bella?" Eli whispers, the situation wrapping around his throat. Grey eyes connect with brown of the human girls.  Eli feels as if his whole world is collapsing. They're coming after his best friend- they're fighting his family, his mate. They're going to kill the people he loves.

"What the hell does this mean?" Jake demands, looking at the leader now.

Carlisle sighs, "A ugly fight, with life's lost."

There's a moment of pause as the wolves look at each other before a settlement passes between them."Alright," Jake straightens, "we're in."

"No!" Bella whispers, shaking her head, "You'll get yourself killed!"

He stares back at her with a cocky expression- the werewolf bastard side overthrowing the innocent Jake Eli used to like.

"I wasn't asking for permission," he scoffs.

"Apparently you never do," Elias snaps mercilessly at the younger boy, meeting his furious gaze head on. It's the wrong moment, but it's true words. Elias knows he's only said it because there's anger piling next to his fear- anger at people coming for his family. Anger for not being able to help.

Jake steps to him, as if he's going to do something. The threat to his mate makes Jasper straighten up beside Elias, his already stoic face sliding into a terrifying expression that instantly makes Jacob step straight back.

"Jacob," Carlisle calls, moving next to Elias and Jasper, resting a anchoring hand on both boys shoulders, "do you believe Sam will agree to a understanding?"

Jake looks away from the dangerous blond vampire and the equally furious human and back to the leader. "As long as we get to kill some vampires," he smirks.

And just like that, Elias has a feeling it's not just him who has limited days left.

UGHH it's been too long. I'm sorry. Have a 10,000 chapter as payment. Ummm, how do y'all feel about smut? I've never written it before, but I wanna maybe try for this book? Is that something you'd like? I need feedback.

What's yall favourite song at the moment? I need new music.

Don't be a silent reader!