Instead of returning to the Cullen house, Seth trotted onto the reservation. Full to the point of sloshing with deer and bear blood, Ellis was relaxed to an almost sleepy like state. they had spent the whole day hunting and darkness had fallen quickly, leaving then to retreat back to familiar territory. Ellis wouldn't have minded staying out all night again as he didn't sleep, but Seth did. So here they were, having slowed to a human walking pace, returning to the reservation.

Seth whined at Ellis, who was following uneasily, overly conscious that he was tolerated here at best. The open distrust and hesitance made him nervous. Half of him was too full to care. Whilst the other half held the usual anxiety he got every time he visited. He knew that he was balanced on a fine line here. Being an imprint only got him so far.

Seth whined again, nose nudging Ellis' shoulder in reassurance as they traveled closer to the settlements and out of the woods. Before they left the trees entirely Seth shifted back to human, taking the shorts that Ellis had been carrying for him. Once he had slipped them on he gave the other a small smile. Then he took the other's cold hand in his burning grip and led him forwards. Ellis allowed him to pull him through the reservation and past numerous houses until he came to a particular door.

The house was homely from the outside, painted a pale yellow that went well with the green window frames. The whole area smelt of Seth and Leah as well as the human smell of Sue. The overlapping scents oddly calming. The familiar scent of water that the family shared, mixed with the woody musk of Seth and the sea breeze of Leah as well of Sue's perfume, gave the home a clean and calming atmosphere. It was easily familiar. Ellis has been here before, but he had never been inside, only ever reaching the door. Light emitted from the downstairs windows and Ellis could hear the sound of two people moving about in the kitchen, Sue and Leah most likely preparing dinner.

Seth opened the door without pausing and walked in. He didn't let go of Ellis' hand, strong grip pulling the boy behind him into the hallway before he could falter. Ellis got a glimpse of cream walls and childhood photographs as well as several pairs of shoes, coats and clothing surrounding the doors as Seth headed straight for the kitchen. Ellis allowing himself to be tugged behind him. The room was warm and homely. With wooden furnishings, modern appliances and green walls, the kitchen portrayed the vibe of a well used room, comfortable and at ease with the occupants. Sue was at the stove, greying ebony hair pulled up into a tight bun as she stirred a bubbling pot of chilli. Whilst Leah was leant against the sink under the window munching on a apple.

Both looked up as The boys entered. Almost instantly their expressions changed. "Seth!" Sue said in surprise, a smile spreading across her face. She was wearing casual comfortable clothes protected by a grey apron, face slightly worn from her day at work. "You should have told me that you were bringing Ellis", she beamed whilst Leah's face twisted slightly, becoming guarded. The girl was in her usual attire of well worn Jean shorts and sports bra, easy to pull on after shifting.

"I was not expecting for you to bring Ellis into our house", she remarked, tone too dry to be overly hostile but it still made Ellis wince internally. He still felt rather emotionally fragile. Seth frowned, upset by her attitude. Upon seeing her little brother's face Leah visibly dissolved slightly. Her manner softened and she took a grumbling bite of her apple. Sue seemed to brighten at Leah's acceptance.

"Well Ellis, it's wonderful to have you. Seth's never brought anyone home before". Seth's ears turned pink and he groaned, blushing as Sue grinned. She took Ellis's hands in hers, flinching slightly at the coldness but not withdrawing. Instead she squeezed them and led him to the kitchen table. "Come and sit down. I've just made dinner".

"Um thank you", Ellis replied hesitantly as Sue bustled him into a seat. "I ate earlier so you don't have to be too worried", he supplied, more for Leah's benefit. She seemed to relax even more at the knowledge that he wouldn't try and eat her mum, and took a seat diagonal from Ellis' position.

"That's nice dear", Sue said as she began setting the table. "I'm glad you have as I wouldn't be able to offer you anything", she muttered, seeming quite sad that she couldn't give him more hospitality. Ellis reassured her that it was fine as Seth danced around, helping her load up dishes and carry them over. There were plates of warm wraps, bowls of rice, cheese and sauces occupying the table surface. Ellis could smell the food and appreciated the flavour of the scents.

Once the table was full, Sue and Seth both took a seat. Seth sitting on Ellis' left and Sue opposite him. There was no fanfare, as soon as everyone was seated Leah and Seth were fighting over the plates. Sue sighed as Seth snatched up the bowl of rice, growling playfully at Leah as he began piling some on to his wrap. Leah hissed back before wrenching the bowl out of his grasp as soon as he was done. "Honestly", Sue remarked as both she and Ellis watched as Seth tried his fold his wrap into a practically bursting burrito. "You wolves and your appetites. Seth dear, please chew your food". Ellis sniggered as Seth nodded at his mother around another huge mouthful.

"Hrrruuuugggghhh".

Sue took the opportunity to fill up her own wrap whilst Leah and Seth still chewed theirs. It was good timing too as within a few minutes they were finished and once again fighting over the food. Sue was obviously well used to these dinner occurrences. Ellis watched with interest as the family ate. They bickered good naturally but there was the sense of something missing. An empty space. It was visible in the strain of Sue's smile, Seth's and Leah's glances at her, and the slight ache in the air. Ellis could tell that they were still missing the loss of Harry Clearwater.

"So Ellis", Sue spoke up as she finished her wrap. "How are you settling in?"

Ellis blinked, faltering for a second. "Um, okay. The Cullens are very nice. They seemed to have accepted me into the family".

"That's good". She smiled at him as she began packing up the empty plates. Seth and Leah both wiped their mouths on napkins and began helping her. Ellis blinked, fascinated at the speed which the food disappeared.

"I'm glad you're here Ellis", she revealed as Leah took the piled plates to the dishwasher. Seth began filling up the sink with warm bubbles.

Sue wore a tired but glad look. "It's been tough", she muttered as she watched her children clear up. "But I'm glad that Seth's got you".

"Mummmmm", Seth whined, blushing. Ellis focused his gaze on to the lace table cloth.

"Shush!" Sue laughed. "It's true. I'd much rather know that my boy was loved, even if it was a vampire. Makes me sleep easier at night".

Ellis faltered at the words, body becoming a statue. Seth noticed and began to dry his hands on a table cloth. "Could you finish up the washing up? Ellis has had a tough day so I'm going to take him upstairs".

"Alright dear", Sue grinned. She winked at Ellis as Seth took his hand and began to lead him out of the kitchen. Ellis hurriedly lowered his head into Seth's shoulder out of embarrassment, hearing Sue chuckle all the way up the stairs.