Down by the Walls of Wapping

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𝕋ℍ𝔼 sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow through the windows of Charlie's house. The smell of grilled steaks and roasted vegetables filled the air as Charlie worked at the grill with his usual focus, flipping the meat with a practiced hand. Rain was setting the table on the back porch, her movements quick and efficient as she arranged plates, napkins, and silverware.

Erian pulled up in his truck, the rumble of the engine dying as he stepped out. He had a relaxed grin on his face, his eyes lighting up when he saw Rain moving about on the porch. The evening air was cool, carrying with it the scent of the forest, mingling with the smoky aroma of the grill. As Erian approached, Rain caught his scent before she heard him, a mix of pine and saltwater that always made her heart flutter.

"Hey," Rain greeted, her voice warm as she turned to him, smiling as she wiped her hands on a towel. "You're just in time. Dad's trying not to burn the steaks this time."

Erian chuckled, shaking his head as he walked up the steps to the porch, his arms slipping around Rain's waist. "Good thing I brought backup," he teased, holding up a small container of homemade sauce. "Figured I'd save the day in case Charlie sets anything on fire."

Rain laughed softly, leaning into his embrace for a moment before stepping back to take the container. "You know him too well."

Charlie, overhearing the conversation, gave a mock glare over his shoulder. "Hey! I can hear you two. I've got this under control."

Erian raised his hands in mock surrender, a grin still on his face. "Just being prepared, Charlie. Can't let a good dinner go to waste."

Charlie grunted, but there was amusement in his eyes. "We'll see who's laughing when you taste these steaks. Go grab a beer, kid, and help Rain finish setting up."

As Erian moved to the cooler by the porch, he grabbed a couple of cold beers, tossing one to Rain before popping his own open. The two shared an easy smile, the kind that comes from being completely at ease with each other. Rain leaned against the railing, watching Erian as he moved about, his strong form catching the last of the sunlight.

Inside the house, it was quiet, but Rain and Erian both knew Bella was upstairs, likely with Edward. The scent of vampire lingered faintly in the air, mixing with the rich smells from the grill. Rain had caught it the moment she stepped out of the car earlier, and Erian had confirmed it with a subtle nod when he arrived. But they ignored it-for tonight. It was about family and good food, not whatever awkwardness lay upstairs.

"So," Erian said, leaning next to her on the railing, his voice low and warm, "you think your dad's ready to admit I'm his favorite?"

Rain snorted, shaking her head with a grin. "Please, he's been ready for weeks. You just need to seal the deal tonight by not letting him ruin the steaks."

Erian chuckled, taking a sip of his beer. "No pressure, then."

The back door opened, and Charlie stepped out, carrying a plate of perfectly grilled steaks, proud of himself. "All right, dinner's served! Told you I had it under control."

Rain winked at Erian, and they both moved to the table. The conversation was light and easy as they all sat down. Charlie told stories from his days as the town's sheriff, ones Rain had heard a hundred times, but they never got old-especially the way Erian listened with genuine interest, laughing at all the right moments.

Rain leaned over to Erian at one point, whispering, "You're really going all out with the charm tonight, huh?"

He smirked, leaning in close, his breath warm against her ear. "Only for you."

Rain felt a shiver run down her spine, but she quickly shoved him playfully. "You're lucky you're cute."

The night carried on with laughter and jokes, the sound of clinking plates and glasses filling the air. Charlie was clearly enjoying himself, and Rain could see the way he looked at Erian with something close to fatherly pride. It warmed her heart to see them getting along so well-two of the most important people in her life, comfortable in each other's company.

But despite the joy and warmth of the evening, the faint tension from upstairs remained. Bella hadn't come down once, and they both knew why. Edward's presence lingered like a ghost, his scent woven into the fabric of the house.

Rain caught Erian's eye across the table, and without needing to say a word, they shared an understanding. Whatever was happening upstairs wasn't their problem tonight. Rain didn't feel any urge to confront Bella or Edward-they had their own issues to sort through. Tonight was about something simpler, something better.

As they cleared the table, Rain leaned into Erian's side, her arm slipping around his waist. "Thanks for coming tonight," she murmured, her voice soft so only he could hear. "It means a lot to me."

Erian wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "Wouldn't miss it for the world," he whispered back, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

The warmth of the evening surrounded them, and for a brief moment, the world outside didn't matter. The vampires, the awkwardness with Bella-none of it - could touch them here, in this small corner of their lives where everything felt right.

The night had settled in, the air cool and crisp, as Rain walked Erian to his truck. The soft hum of crickets filled the silence around them, and the stars above were scattered like diamonds in the velvet sky. Rain stayed close to Erian, their fingers brushing occasionally as they walked together.

"Just promise me you'll sleep properly after patrol. Please," Rain said, her voice soft but laced with concern. She tilted her head up to look at him, her eyes pleading, a hint of vulnerability shining through.

Erian glanced down at her, his heart warming at the sight of her worry. The way her brow creased ever so slightly, the gentle plea in her tone-it all made him feel cherished, like someone who mattered in a way he hadn't before. He smiled softly and leaned down, placing a tender kiss at the corner of her lips, teasingly close but not quite fully giving in.

"I can't promise," Erian whispered, his voice low and soothing, "but I'll try."

Rain smiled, her heart fluttering at his words. She loved how he never over-promised but always showed her how much he cared in the little things. The air between them seemed to hum with warmth, and Rain leaned into him just a little, savoring the moment.

Before they could linger too long, Charlie approached, clearing his throat lightly. Erian turned, his expression softening into respect as he reached out to shake Charlie's hand.

"Thank you for tonight," Erian said, his voice earnest and sincere. "I really appreciate it."

Charlie smiled, nodding, his grip firm but kind. "Not a problem. You're welcome here anytime," he said, his tone warm and genuine. It was clear Charlie had grown fond of Erian, his approval shining in the way he looked at the young man.

Erian gave him a grateful nod before turning back to Rain, who had a small smile tugging at her lips. Charlie offered them both a wave before heading back inside, leaving them in the stillness of the night.

As Erian made his way toward his truck, Rain followed, her steps light. She wasn't ready for the night to end just yet. The bond between them felt so palpable in that moment-every breath, every touch, wrapped in quiet understanding and unspoken words.

Suddenly, Erian stopped and turned back to her. Before she could react, he reached out and took her hand, pulling her gently but firmly toward him. Rain's breath caught in surprise, her heart skipping a beat as she was pulled into his strong arms. She looked up at him, her lips parting to ask what he was doing, but before any words could escape, Erian dipped his head down and kissed her.

It wasn't a rushed kiss, but one filled with so much love and promise that it made her knees weak. His lips pressed softly but fully against hers, his hands resting at her waist, holding her as though she were the most precious thing in his world. The kiss was slow, deliberate, and filled with all the words he couldn't say. Rain melted into him, her fingers curling into his shirt as she kissed him back, feeling the warmth of his love spread through her.

When they finally pulled apart, her heart was racing in her chest, and she looked up at him, her breath catching in her throat.

"I adore you, Raindrop," Erian whispered, his voice husky and filled with emotion. His forehead rested against hers, his breath mingling with hers in the cool night air.

Rain smiled, her eyes softening with affection. "I adore you, wolf boy," she whispered back, her voice teasing but full of love.

Erian chuckled softly, his arms tightening around her just for a moment before he let her go. There was something so natural, so perfect in that moment-two souls bound together by something deeper than words. As Erian pulled away, heading toward his truck, Rain watched him with a smile still playing on her lips, knowing that no matter what, they had something unbreakable.

She stood there for a few more moments, watching as Erian got into his truck, his gaze never leaving hers until the very last second before he drove off into the night. Rain stayed rooted in place, her heart full, knowing that this-this love, this connection-was the most beautiful thing she'd ever known.

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By: SilverMist707

I'm sorry that it is a bit short for you, but I hope you like it as the next chapter will follow the movie more. <3