Night eventually fell, the sky cloaked in deep indigo and heavy with clouds that swallowed the stars. The silver moonlight tried to break through, spilling faint beams across the quiet forest roads. It was the kind of night that carried silence in its bones—still, profound, and a little too fleeting. Neither Lucas nor Rosalie wanted the evening to end, but time was merciless, and they both knew, they had to go so that they can meet again.
The car rolled to a gentle stop in front of the Cullens' house. The lights inside glowed softly against the dark, welcoming yet watchful. Rosalie turned slightly in her seat, reluctant to move, her golden eyes lingering on Lucas as if holding on to him for just a little longer.
"I don't want this day to end," she whispered, her voice carrying a fragile softness as she want to stay with him.
Lucas gave her a small smile, though his heart carried the same ache. "Me neither, Rose. But tomorrow's waiting for us."
Her lips curved in the faintest smile as she reached out, brushing her hand against his. "Tomorrow… and the day after… and the day after that," she said, almost like a promise to herself that this moment wasn't fleeting and there will be more of this movement.
Their eyes met, as she leaned closer. Her hand rose to his cheek, her thumb tracing the line of his skin with a tenderness that carried more meaning than words could. "My love," she said softly. Her tone carried warmth, devotion, and something deeper—something unshakable.
He leaned into her touch, his own hand covering hers. "Thank you for coming into my life," he murmured, as though confessing that before her, he was completely alone.
Her smile deepened at his words—words so filled with love they couldn't be unseen.
"Well, Luc… it's time for you to go home. But—wait a second," she said suddenly, slipping out of the car with inhuman grace. "I'll be right back."
Before he could respond, she was out of the car in a blur of motion, vanishing toward the house with her lightning speed. Lucas blinked, caught between awe and confusion, watching her disappear and then reappear moments later with a small bag in her hand.
"Luc, this is your dinner. I asked Esme to cook it for you so you can relax when you get home," she said, placing the warm bag in his hands, her fingers brushing lightly against his, while thinking about him living alone which made her feel sad and want to live with him, so that he didn't feel lonely.
Lucas looked at her, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "You'll be a caring wife and I am waiting for that day," he said warmly, glancing at the dinner before meeting her eyes again. "And thanks, Mrs. Esme for me."
Rosalie's smile turned almost shy, though her composure remained flawless. "I will."said while almost melting at his complement.
She hesitated, her eyes locked on him as if unwilling to let go. "Good night, my Luc. Be careful on the road." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying her reluctance.
He gave her a small nod, his tone equally heavy. "Good night, my Rose. And I will."
Lucas started the car, his heart feel like he didn't want to go. He lifted his hand in a final wave, and Rosalie mirrored the gesture, standing still as she watched him drive away. Her golden eyes followed the car until the glow of his taillights vanished into the night.
As she stepped back inside, Esme was waiting by the door, a knowing smile on her face. "Well, he is handsome—and very charming. Those earrings suit him," she teased gently, making Rosalie's expression soften into a faint blush which can't be seen because of her flawless skin, though her face gave little away.
"He said thanks, for the dinner," Rosalie replied quickly, changing the subject as she moved further inside. Alice and Lisa were sitting nearby, their faces lit with knowing smiles. Emmett and Jasper were lost in their video game, fingers flying over controllers with competitive growls. Carlisle was still at the hospital, and Edward was nowhere to be seen.
"So how was your date, my beautiful sister Roselia?" Alice asked playfully, her tone laced with mischief while looking at her.
Rosalie rolled her eyes, but the softness in her voice betrayed her. "It was… beautiful," she admitted quietly, her mind already replaying every second she spen with Lucas.
Lisa grinned and stepped closer. "We can tell. That smile of yours says it all."
"Finally," Lisa added warmly, stepping closer to pull her into a hug, "we get to see your true smile."
"Yeah… we finally got to see her smiling," Esme added softly, her voice filled with motherly joy.
Alice leaned forward, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So… tell me. Where did you two go?"asked while looking at her face full of smile.
Rosalie allowed herself a faint smirk, her tone still calm but touched with a rare gentleness, as she began recounting the evening while thinking about Lucas.
...
Meanwhile, Lucas sat at his table, savoring each bite of the dinner Esme had made. "This is… delicious," he whispered to himself, chewing slowly as if memorizing the taste.
Tonight, he felt something he hadn't felt in his first life—belonging. He remembered being an orphan, growing up without family, working tirelessly just to survive. Love had never been in his reach back then—he had convinced himself he couldn't give it, nor receive it.
But now, he had Rosalie. He had friends. And for once in both lifetimes, he felt like he truly wasn't alone.
"Thank you, God… for everything," Lucas said softly, a genuine smile spreading across his face.
.
.
.