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2023-12-10
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2024-12-07
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3/?
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Fanged

Chapter 3

Notes:

Another day, another chapter! Hope you’re all enjoying the 25 days of fics so far! It’s crazy that it’s already day 7.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3

Bella was, in fact, not a drama queen. This was soon proven to everyone in the room when the poor delivery guy had to make four trips just to bring everything in. Nurses, doctors, cops, and Bella’s father alike all froze and stared in disbelief at the amount of food carried in and stacked high…and all for Bella.

“It’s not for you,” Rosalie said, slapping Charlie’s hand with all of the poise of someone used to others following orders, and all because the man reached for one of the three burgers she had bought Bella.

Not used to this side of Rosalie, Charlie jerked his hand back and rubbed it in a mix of confusion, surprise, and disgruntlement. “Okay, okay, geez. My bad.” His grumbling was more of an act than anything because he knew where Rosalie was coming from. Even when she had smacked his hand away, her worried eyes never left Bella. While his daughter was now safe, Rosalie seemed to be just as protective of Bella as he was, if not more so. Something he didn’t even think was possible.

“Rose, I really can’t eat all this,” Bella complained as the poised blonde started pulling things out of containers and piling them onto a plate in front of her. Even as she complained, she didn’t dare move from her spot under the tray as Rosalie leveled her with a glare every time Bella twitched in a way that hinted at the brunette potentially trying to help or hinder.

“Try,” was Rosalie’s blunt reply.

Bella opened her mouth to try to at least get her to slow down on the food piling, but for the first time since the food was brought in, she breathed in through her nose. The scent of food hit her like a punch in the face, her stomach roaring with a hunger she had never felt before. Then again, it wasn’t like she had experienced getting attacked by a wolf before or the adrenaline that followed, so…

Half of the food Rosalie had started piling up was gone in under a minute. Rosalie frowned at the display as she moved to Bella’s side. “Manners, Bella,” she chided in exasperation, but didn’t actually seem put off by the wild devouring Bella was currently doing. If anything, Rosalie was clearly pleased by Bella’s appetite as she absently brushed Bella’s hair behind her shoulders, holding it out of the way as she tried to minimize some of the mess. “I swear, you’re eating like a beast.”

“Sorry,” Bella mumbled around a mouthful of burger. Yet she couldn’t bring herself to slow down and kept inhaling the food with only a little more control.

Now the nurses, doctors, cop, and Charlie were staring in stunned silence for a whole new reason. 

“Damn Bells, you’ve got an appetite. Good for you,” Charlie said at last. While Charlie was pretty sure his daughter was basically devouring her own weight in food, he chalked it up to the fact that she had almost died. Her body was probably craving calories now that the shock and adrenaline wore off. Yet he couldn’t control his slack jawed expression. After all, Bella was the type to eat a small meal and often not even finish that. Charlie used to joke that she had the appetite of a sloth and moved like one too, since Bella had always been incredibly unathletic and preferred to lay around and read. 

“She does,” Rosalie said with a hint of haughty pride. Bella didn’t even bother answering, too busy swallowing each food item she could get her hands on. By the time Bella had finally slowed to a stop, about three quarters of everything Rosalie had brought in had been decimated.

Finally feeling full, Bella looked up and realized everyone but Rosalie was staring slack jawed. “Uh, sorry,” Bella said sheepishly as she blushed a bright red. “I have no idea what came over me.”

Rosalie was the only one who acted like what she just witnessed was normal, save for a smug smirk on her face due to the fact that clearly she hadn’t overordered for Bella for once. “You better be sorry. You made a mess, just look at you,” Rosalie chided. Before Bella could apologize again while she was looking around for something to clean herself up, Rosalie gripped Bella’s chin in her hand and gently turned the brunette to face her. “You really did eat like an animal. I’m surprised you didn’t get anything in your hair,” Rosalie continued as she dabbed at Bella’s face with a napkin.

“Uh, Rose…?” Bella mumbled awkwardly. While she was used to being taken care of by Rosalie every time she got hurt–which was admittedly way too often thanks to the brunette’s clumsy nature–even she wasn’t used to this level of care. If it was an injury that needed tending to, sure, but for her to clean Bella like this? 

Rosalie paused mid dab at Bella’s mouth, her strong fingers tightening on Bella’s chin for just a moment as she realized just what she was doing and how far she was taking it. Her heart stuttered in her chest, her violet gaze temporarily dipping to Bella’s lips before meeting her best friend’s eyes. Despite all of the ice walls Rosalie put up, she couldn’t stop the slight blush that stained her cheeks as she abruptly pulled back. “You’re injured,” Rosalie explained coolly, narrowing her eyes at Bella as if annoyed by her awkwardness. “Excuse me for not wanting you to move more than necessary when you almost died.” When I almost lost you. The thought was sobering enough for Rosalie to get her emotions under control, although now her heart squeezed for a different reason.

“I can do this much,” Bella assured the blonde as she picked up some napkins to continue cleaning her face up. Yet she took a moment to pause, knowing brown eyes locking with Rosalie’s. “I’m here, Rose,” Bella said softly. “I’m okay.”

“You’re not,” Rosalie couldn’t help but snap back. “If you were truly okay, you wouldn’t be in a hospital bed right now.” Well aware of all of the other pairs of eyes on her, she abruptly focused on putting away the remaining food. “I’ll take care of this and pack up the leftovers for later. You just focus on resting,” she said, relieved to have something to do while she tried to calm down.

Bella, as annoyingly yet endearingly intuitive as ever, took a moment to brush her fingers against the back of Rosalie’s hand that was meant to comfort the blonde, but unknowingly caused Rosalie to become so riled up and almost blush again. How the girl seemed to know every single thing Rosalie felt save for her feelings for her best friend was both endlessly irritating and a relief.

While Rosalie busied herself putting the leftovers away and putting the empty containers in bags for garbage, Bella continued answering the cop’s questions as best as she could. It annoyed Rosalie to no end, especially as Bella’s voice seemed to get more and more tired as time went on.

“Aren’t you done yet?” Rosalie abruptly and scathingly demanded of the cop at one point, just wanting the officer to leave so Bella could actually focus on resting already.

“Rose,” Bella hissed, putting a hand over hers. “It’s okay, calm down. They’re just trying to be thorough.”

With a huff, Rosalie knew she had to restrain herself. Cocking her hip and crossing her arms over her chest, the blonde rested lightly on Bella’s bed. “Fine.” Yet even as she seemed to agree to calm down, the scowl on her lips stayed, her eyes narrowed right at the police officer. The officer wisely kept his mouth shut, finished up as quickly as he could, and left.

“I don’t get why he had to ask so many questions,” Rosalie grumbled, glaring at the officer until he was out of sight. “He knew where it happened and what the damned wolf looks like. Just find the damn thing and be done with it.”

“Now, now. He’s just doing his job, kid. There’s routine to these things,” Charlie did his best to explain while also hoping to calm Rosalie down a little, seeing how Bella seemed to have given up. “Take some deep breaths. Otherwise you might work yourself up into such a state you’ll end up in a hospital bed right next to Bella.” Charlie then looked at his phone and muttered, “I gotta take this.” and hurried outside.

The moment it was just Bella and Rosalie in the hospital room, Rosalie suddenly became more aware of everything. She was aware of just how over the top and protective she’s been acting, how she was finely tuned to the sound of each of Bella’s breaths, to the way Bella’s hand felt, much too hot, on top of hers. At first Bella had put her hand there as a restraint, but now it laid on top of hers, limp yet calming. When Rosalie dared to glance over at Bella she found the brunette’s eyes closed, lips parted slightly as if slack in sleep. Rosalie was in the process of considering whether or not she should take a step away and try to give her best friend some peace when Bella’s eyes suddenly opened.

“I could feel you watching me,” Bella murmured as they flicked over to meet Rosalie’s, a small smile appearing on her face. “You’re worrying too much.”

“I did no such thing,” Rosalie retorted instinctively as she abruptly pulled her hand away and straightened. She immediately regretted the action, missing Bella’s hand on hers fiercely, but she couldn’t take back her action now. “I was trying to figure out if you were asleep or not. You need your rest and…”

“You were worried,” Bella finished when Rosalie trailed off. She let out a soft laugh and immediately winced, which made Rosalie wince as well in sympathy. Thankfully Bella didn’t seem to notice it. 

“Careful,” Rosalie murmured as her hand hovered over Bella’s body with no idea where to rest it or how to help. “Yes, I’m worried. How could I not be after everything that happened?” She knew they had this conversation only a little while ago, yet with each passing second she felt more reasons to worry. “I should have gone to that party with you at the start.” 

“What?” Bella asked as her eyes widened and flicked to a stunned Rosalie’s face. “You shouldn’t feel guilty for this.”

That’s it, Rosalie realized. I’m not just worried about Bella but I’m guilty. Guilty because I was always there to protect her, but the one time she needed me most, I was nowhere to be seen. Not until it was already too late.

“Rose. Tell me you’re not guilty about this. None of this was your fault,” Bella said as she tried to sit up, but Rosalie held her down firmly and carefully.

“Rest,” Rosalie said firmly even as she felt a torrent of emotions well up inside of her. She felt like a failure. A failure who was hit with the realization once again that she almost lost her best friend. But she refused to make this about herself in any way–not now, not in front of Bella. Which meant she forced her face to settle into a cool, emotionless mask. “I’ll get you some more water.”

“But Rose I already have–”

Rosalie was gone in seconds. She hated leaving Bella’s side for even a second but she needed a moment to recoup. Once she got her own emotions firmly back under control she would return to Bella’s side. For now, however, she needed air.

The blonde had only just escaped outside, resting her back against the cold brick of the building and closing her eyes, when she became aware of yelling.

“–Don’t you understand? No one could get through to you! I had to call Phil three–yes, I know! But for god’s sake can’t you care about our daughter for one second? She almost died, Renee!”

Rosalie looked over to find Charlie standing a few feet away. His eyes were dark and furious in the dim lights in a way she had never seen them, his very face red from anger. The poor man looked to be holding back in a way he never had to unless it involved talking to his ex wife. 

As Rosalie didn’t consider it eavesdropping when the other party was being so loud–or when it involved Bella’s welfare–the blonde had no problem keeping her eyes closed and continuing to listen.

“Yes, I know she’s no longer in danger, but she could still use her mother! What do you mean you’ll be there for her when you get back? When are you getting back? Renee?” Charlie looked ready to slam his phone against the wall, but instead shoved it in his pocket before yelling a loud, uncharacteristic, “FUCK!” 

Even as she kept her eyes closed while breathing in the humid night air, Rosalie couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow in response to what was the first curse word she’d ever heard from the man. There was a moment of silence before Charlie’s footsteps came over and stopped right next to her.

“You don’t need to pretend you weren’t listening in, Rosalie. I know you were,” Charlie said. He sounded exhausted and worn down. As if that single phone call had taken ten years off his life. “My fault for being so loud, I guess.”

“I wasn’t pretending anything,” Rosalie said as she kept her eyes closed. She knew on some level that Charlie would appreciate the little act of privacy even if he wouldn’t say it. They fell into a silence for a moment before Rosalie added, “I hate her.”

Charlie simply sighed. “I know you do. Honestly I kinda hate her too.”

“More than anyone else in the world,” Rosalie continued. Her voice was level but cold and vicious in a way that told of her true feelings more than even her blunt words could. Whenever Renee’s name was so much as mentioned, she felt a cold hatred and disgust settle in her stomach. Every time she saw the woman, she had to fight the urge to walk up and slap her across the face no matter where she was or what she was doing. If it weren’t for her being Bella’s mom, she would have done it without hesitation. Yet it was precisely because she was Bella’s mom that Rosalie hated her so much. “Bella deserves better.”

“She does,” Charlie agreed without hesitation. There was sadness in his voice, regret. It was clear like he felt as if everything was his fault. There was a time when Rosalie had secretly hated him too, feeling like there was so much more he could have done to protect Bella. To make sure she never suffered. Yet as she got older she came to realize that he was simply a fool in love who had fallen for the wrong person, and that person had taken advantage of him and tricked him at every turn. Rosalie knew exactly how he felt, because she was the same, in a way–a fool in love. The only difference was that she hadn’t fallen in love with the wrong person, not really. While her love was frustrating and heart ripping and simply a pain to deal with at times, while it could potentially destroy her relationship with the most important person Rosalie would ever have in her life, at the same time she knew that she could never truly regret being in love with Bella. Not really.

“She deserves you,” Rosalie said at last. She could feel Charlie’s surprised stare on the side of her face and finally decided to open her eyes. She looked over at Charlie and arched a single perfect eyebrow. “What? Don’t tell me you never thought it.”

To her surprise, Charlie turned sheepish. “I have. Quite often, actually, although I always feel like I’m not what she deserves either. Like she’s too good for me.” Charlie didn’t know why he was admitting this to his daughter’s best friend. Maybe because he was just too emotionally fragile after everything that happened? Perhaps the wise look in Rosalie’s eyes and the way she seemed to listen and absorb everything? Or maybe just because he knew he was talking to the one person in the world who loved Bella as much as he did. Regardless, Charlie just couldn’t help himself. “Heaven knows I’ve been thinking about it nonstop since this whole thing happened.”

The blonde didn’t say anything in response to that. In truth, Rosalie felt that no one was good enough for Bella, not even herself. Although Charlie certainly came close to it. “So why don’t you?” Rosalie asked.

Charlie’s brow scrunched together in confusion. “Why don’t I what?”

“Become what Bella deserves. Take her to that little backwater hellscape of a town you live in,” Rosalie said with a wave of her hand, unable to help but make a face as she remembered the last time she had been there after Bella had–admittedly quite easily once the puppy dog eyes came out–convinced her to come with. The weather, the trees, the lack of anywhere to go and anything to do…it was the embodiment of everything Rosalie hated. Yet she loved every second of it because Bella was with her. Save for how close a few of those Quileutes were to Bella…that was something that left a bitter taste in her mouth. Rosalie had admittedly turned on the charm and worked on her beauty to the max in the hopes to pull their attention away from her best friend, preferring to have a few annoying followers lusting after her instead of potentially making a move on Bella, but a few of them had been quite stubborn. “She deserves to come home to someone who actually cares about her.”

Charlie laughed softly at Rosalie’s description of Forks before falling quiet. For a moment, he stood there, leaning against the wall next to the teenager as he stared out into the hospital parking lot. “I have,” Charlie admitted at last. “Every time I see her, every time she’s on the phone with me, I offer her to come down to Forks. Remind her that she always has a place in my home. She always says no.”

Rosalie’s eyes widened in shock. “What?” she asked in disbelief. Bella had never told her that Charlie wanted her to live with him, and Bella told Rosalie everything. “You have? Well why isn’t she living with you then?”

“Every time she tells me she has too big of a reason to stay,” Charlie admitted. He looked almost guilty as he turned to face Rosalie fully now. “She has you.”