Just Some Sisterly Bonding And Slight Invasion Of Privacy

* Hale *

Like promised Lev took things slow,

She kept her distance when we together, never pushed on to sensitive subjects, all in all, she was perfect. That didn't stop the little voice in the back of my head stop screaming to run. Sometimes I had to grip something to keep myself in place. The sparks that tried to tie me to her were terrifying. I wanted to trust her, I wanted to give in to it all, it would be so much easier, yet every night since I met her, I would fall into the same nightmare.

Happy, so incredibly happy, it would change, sometimes we ran through the forest chasing each other, sometimes we were in her home, snuggling on the couch, it didn't matter because it always ended the same. The vibrant colors would dim to a sluggish grey, Lev's light and heart-lifting smile would disappear and her eyes would harden, and she would grab me and kill me. Stab, drown, choke, didn't matter as long as I held her gaze until death claimed me, then I'd wake up always on the couch of her apartment. I'd go looking for her, the same path, through the kitchen to the hallway down her bedroom, where I'd find her with another girl wrapped around her.

Then I wake up for real, sometimes on the floor. My wrist would burn and ache from the sliver bracelet, my eyes red and swollen from silent tears.

This morning was no different.

I pulled myself off the floor just as Miss Darren came barging in.

"Hale, do you have any idea of how late you-" the sentence died off in her mouth as she took me in crouched on the floor.

I swore for a split second her stone-cold face softened a bit, but she snapped up her features so quick I couldn't tell if it actually happened.

She took in a collective sigh.

"You're late to breakfast, again,"

I nodded and fully stood up, brushing my hair out of my face.

"Ok, I'll be down in a second," I turned to pull out some clothes expecting her to strut out like she normally did.

Instead, she took a few tentative steps forward.

"You know Hale, we've noticed your change in behavior lately, and well we've tried to let your night terrors pass but well they're starting to bother the other girls. If you need to talk-"

I spun around in a flash, my eyes stormy.

"I don't need anything from you! I'm fine! Just get out, I said I'd be down in a second," I snapped.

She cleared her throat and nodded sharply.

"Very well then," She closed the door as she stepped out.

I turned back around and knocked all the photo's off the top of my dresser.

"Fuck!" I muttered as tears formed in my eyes.

Before everything happened weeks ago, I hadn't cried since I was twelve. Now it seemed like an everyday thing.

I felt more, my numbing walls seemed to be wearing off and emotion tore at me. It sucked, and I wanted nothing more than to go back to how it was before. When my fragile self was protected by layers of walls and defenses, now it was like they were being served up on a silver platter.

I wiped my eyes and grabbed a pair of jeans and top and changed. I tugged on some boots and left.

I wasn't exactly sure where I was going until I was outside Jack and Mayline's manor.

I went to knock but then the door creaked open. I stepped in, the lights were all off but the wall candles flickered on the walls.

"Hello?" I called out balling up my firsts.

"Hale, I sensed your energy. I have some water in the kettle if you'd like some tea," Jack's voice came from his chair near the lit fireplace. He sat down his book and welcomed me with a smile.

"I didn't mean to barge in. I didn't really know I was coming here until -"

He cut me off with a nod.

"Yes, you need something, so your magic brought you where you could find answers," He strode into the kitchen and poured the steamy water from the kettle into a cup and added some herbs before handing it to me.

"Please sit, let me try to ease your mind,"

I nodded and followed him over to the fireplace, I kicked off my shoes and curled up in the chair.

I savored the heat of the fire, focusing on the flickering of the flames.

"I don't really know how to do this, to talk about things," I admitted.

"Let's start by telling me what the issue is," Jack offered.

I nodded and tucked myself closer together.

"Since this has all started I haven't been myself. I'm more open. I care now, about people and all the emotions I've pushed down and ignored are surfacing again. Then there are the nightmares,"

Jack nodded and took a sip of his tea.

"That's one of the reasons we had to keep you all separated for so long. The family bond we mentioned is very strong. I've noticed it most in Peyton. Each one of you has taken your strongest emotion and spread it through the bond. From what I can tell, you offered up your strength, I can see it in Peyton. I think Jade put out her love of family, I think that's why you all are so close so fast. I believe Peyton gave up her naive and pure heart. That I believe is why you've been so vulnerable lately,"

I chewed on the inside of my lip and pressed the cup to my lips.

"And Ryker? What is he putting out?" I inquired, turning to look at him.

"I'm not positive yet, but I think a sense of calm, you've all taken this just bit too well," he chuckled the last part.

I offered up a small smile.

Outside the clouds were turning more and more grey a storm was rolling in, not unusual for Seattle weather.

Jack followed my gaze.

"Ah yes, a witch will always be intuned with nature, I should put out some pots to collect the water, we are low on rainwater," Jack thought aloud.

The grey clouds stirred in my mind, reminding me of my dream, of the way the color seemed to drain from the world. The only vivid color remaining the Scarlett of blood.

I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to shake it out of my head.

"Hale I do have a question of my own for you," Jack asked in a serious tone.

I looked at him and raised my eyebrows.

"The night when you all were attacked, you were poisoned, you used a very dark, very secret spell to transfer that boy's essence to yourself, how did you know it?"

I thought back to that night, the women's voice whispering in my ear, telling me to fight.

"The spirits I think, even when my magic was dormant, I could hear them sometimes, one in particular, she'd help me, when I needed it," I answered.

Jack leaned back in his chair.

"Interesting,"

I looked down and the question slipped out before I could pull it back in.

"Why were you so upset when you saw me with Lev?"

Jack snapped his gaze to me, he features turned cold.

"Years ago I went to a dark witch, you are all gifted with divination, I asked her to look into the future of the children we were protecting to try and shield them from any uneasy pain. She said that one of the girls would give her heart to a tainted soul, one of you fathers followers,"

"You think that follower is Lev," I confirmed.

He gave a slight nod.

My stomach tightened and my dreams seemed much more real now.

"Do you think Peyton could see it? In his mind?"

"I don't see why not if your sister was willing to open up her magic now. You would have to bring her straight here though,"

"Why?" I asked narrowing my eyes.

"She would be opening her mind to everyone. Do you remember what it was like when you opened yourself to your magic? She will be overloaded with everyone's thoughts,"

I chewed at my lip and got up, setting the cup on its saucer.

"Where are you going?" Jack asked unsettled by my sudden movement.

"If my girlfriend is a treacherous lair I want to know, I'll ask Peyton to help me and if she says no then I'll beat it out if her myself," I scowled and headed to the door, I stopped and turned back to Jack.

"Thank you for answering my questions, and the tea,"

He smiled and tilted his head.

I shut the door behind me and set off to Peyton's.

- Peyton -

I looked over at my alarm clock and figured it was time to get up. I didn't have anything going on today, no magic stuff or training with Hale, and I hadn't gone to a single band practice since I found out that Cooper and Lucy were going behind my back. I found myself alone a lot now, it left to much time to think, and for me, that could be dangerous.

I was rifling through my drawers wondering if maybe I should call Jade and see what she was up to when Mom knocked on my door.

"Come in," I called, pulling out a pair of jeans, not really paying attention to her.

"Umm you have a visitor," her voice was hoarse and she cleared her throat. "Your friend is here,"

I snapped my head up and looked to the door.

Sure enough, Hale was standing next to my mom, the look in her eyes let me know this wasn't just a social visit.

"Oh hey, thanks Mom," I stood up straighter and chewed on my bottom lip.

Mom pressed her lips in a firm line at my hinting dismissal, but she gave Hale a smile and left us.

Hale stepped into my room and just the door.

"I need your help with something," she stated in a firm voice.

I snorted and turned my back to her and pulled off my nightshirt and put on the long-sleeved white shirt, fall was starting to set in and tank top season was over.

"Good morning to you too, I'm well thanks for asking," the wit slipped off my tongue.

Hale scowled but cleared her throat.

"Good morning, how are you? Good, I need your help,"

I rolled my eyes but smiled, I quickly pulled on the jeans and then sat on my bed, using the hairbrush that was on my nightstand to comb through my hair.

"What's up?" I asked giving her my full attention.

She bit the inside of her cheek and stepped closer.

"It's not exactly a light-hearted favor, you don't have to if you don't want to, but I was talking to Jack this morning and he mentioned something. I guess years ago a dark witch told him that one of us would fall for one of Edwards men and I just want to-"

"You want to know if Lev is that person?" I finished for her.

She gave a small nod.

"Yeah, I do, but I'd need you too, get in his head and poke around. Jack said it could be hard for you after you unshield your mind," for the first time since I met Hale her voice was small and insecure, feelings I was well too similar with.

I played with the brush in my hands as I thought.

I knew I was going to have to open myself up to magic sooner or later, it wasn't something I could put off for much longer, I mean I was supposed to help take down an evil mastermind. But Jacks's warning rang in my ears, my mind would become overloaded with the thoughts of everyone around me, that didn't exactly sound fantastic.

I took a look at Hale and my mind was made up. Hale was helping me learn to fight the least I could do was sneak around her girlfriend's mind to see if she was part of team evil.

"Yeah no problem, I assume you want to do this now?" I asked and Hale's eyes shone a bit.

"Yes, she should be at the apartment, we had plans for today,"

I nodded and leaned down and slipped on my boots, and grabbed my purse from the hanger at my door.

"Alright, lets do this," I sighed and led Hale through the apartment and found mom in the kitchen watching Auggie bag pots and pans together.

She perked up when she saw us.

"Hey, mom is it ok if we go out for a bit? Hale needs my help with something," I vaguely asked hoping she wouldn't ask too many questions. How exactly do you explain to your mom that your gonna go snoop around in your sister's girlfriend's mind to see if she's working for your evil biological father who is hellbent on ending all mortal lives an making all the witches bow down to him? Best to leave the details out.

Mom looked between the both of us and her face trying to mask her surprise.

"Of course, Hale maybe you can join us for dinner tonight? Peyton doesn't bring many friends around" her eyes sparkled with hope.

I hid a smirk as I turned to look at Hale who looked like she'd been asked so saw off her arm.

"Oh umm, maybe," her voice cracked and she looked at me with pleading eyes.

"I'll have Peyton text me with a final answer! You girls have fun!"

"Okay, bye Mom!" I chirped and dragged Hale out of the kitchen and didn't let her go until we were on the sidewalk.

Hale cackled and I gave her a narrowed look.

"Guess I'm coming to dinner! I hope they don't ask me any questions,"

I swatted her arm, which only fueled her laugher.

"Oh hush, you better be on your best behavior,"

She calmed down and we settled into a peaceful silence as we walked to Lev's apartment building. I followed her up to a tall building, it was kinda run down but it had a charm to it.

We walked up flights of stairs and stopped in front of a black door.

She knocked on the door and there was a call to come in.

Hale opened the door, and I followed her in.

"Hey, I brought Peyton with me, hope that's okay,"

Lev was in the small kitchen from behind the living room, finishing up some dishes.

She smiled when he saw Hale and seemed to be inching to get to her. Then she looked at me and gave a big smile.

"No problem! It's nice to formally meet you. Hale talks a lot about you,"

My cheeks heated and I glanced at Hale, who just shrugged her shoulders.

"Do you both want some coffee?" She asked pointing to the fresh pot of coffee.

My addiction kicked started my heart and I smiled greedily.

"Yes please!"

Next to me, Hale nodded.

Hale motioned for me to take a seat and Lev got to work on our coffee.

Hale caught me with a look that let me know she'd distract him while I snooped. I gave a confirming nod and block her out, letting my vision fade as I focused on Lev. I good sense his mind humming out, it was easier than I thought. I followed his unique hum until I approached her gates, her mind was shielded, this was probably something every witch was taught to do.

I pushed with my mind trying to force her mental gates open, it was hard but I finally broke through them.

I walked straight in, prodding for anything that seemed off. I was overloaded with an over the sense of protection, a deeply rooted sense to defend something, something so incredibly special to here. A yearning to keep that something close and never let it go. It was love, but it also wasn't, it was stronger than love, it was like she was missing something, that it was lost for a very long time and finally had it back, and he wasn't letting it getaway again. I probed further but I could barely feel anything else the first feeling was so strong.

My head started to ache and I drew back and returned to my own head.

I really wished I hadn't.

My mind exploded. What felt like a million voices rambled in my head and were screaming. They were such a scramble of voices I couldn't make out whole senses.

I squeezed my eyes shut as if that would somehow help.

I could make out Hale a couple of times, but all of Levs neighbors overpowered her, their thoughts screaming out to me.

I felt someone's hands grip around me and suddenly I was up and walking. I sensed Hale next to me and let her guide me. I trusted her, she'd helped me to much not too.

I was warned about what it would be like to expose my magic to this, and I was paying the consequences.

I felt when we hit the street, the pain was awful, everyone we passed on the street, vendors, and drivers, all their thoughts reached me and echoed in my head.

I think Hale could tell because she made me walk faster.

It seemed to go on forever but finally, I felt myself enter a room, and there was less, the voices cut off, I could still hear Hale and a few people outside.

"Lift up her wrist," I low voice commanded and I felt my hand raise.

A cool coil of metal wrapped around my wrist and relief washed over me.

I let out a long sigh and slumped to the floor, rubbing my temples as the pain ebbed. Slowly I was able to open my eyes again.

"Oh good your not dead, all that moaning and whining I thought you might drop dead on the street,"

I raised my finger at her and she chuckled, Jack cleared his throat.

"Feel better?" he asked gruffly.

I nodded and rose back to my feet.

"Yeah, much. Thanks,"

He nodded and let us have some space.

"Are you really okay?" Hale asked looking me over.

I nodded, my mind finally clear.

"Yeah, just took me for a loop is all," I answered.

She nodded, I could tell she was waiting for me to tell her was I saw.

"It's not Lev , I couldn't get passed her love for you I mean, she really, really, loves you. Like, would die for you a thousand times loves you. Like makes me want to ball my eyes out because I'm so lonely love you,"

I saw her stiffen and she pulled into herself.

"When you're up for it you should look into Liam, we need to watch our backs," Hale murdered and I nodded in agreement.

"Did Lev notice me in her head?" I asked biting my lip.

Hale shook her head leaned on the counter.

"No, we carried on just fine you were only in there for a few minutes. When you started your whimpering, I told her you had a migraine and should get you home. She never suspected a thing,"

I let out a sigh of relief and nodded.

"Okay good. So are you coming over for dinner?" I asked trying to lighten the mood.

It worked. Hale let out a small chuckle.

"Sure why not, I've never really had home-cooked, so that will be new,"

Even though she smiled, it panged my heart to hear.

"Well come over around five, and change, the jeans are fine but maybe a nicer top?"

Hale scrunched up her nose and peered over herself.

"Your dress coding me?"

"No just offering some forced guides," I smirked and she gave a light smile and shook her head.

"Alright fine, I should get going, Lev is going to want to check in with me. Thank Peyton, really,"

She gave my shoulder a quick rub and nodded to Jack who was reading the paper in his chair.

I gathered myself and waved goodbye to Jack as well and took off back home. No doubt that I'd find mom sitting on the couch waiting for me to come home, ready to pester me about Hale.

***

Hale knocked at the door at ten after 5. Mom practically ran to open the door.

"Mom your going to scare her away," I muttered as I rolled my eyes.

"Hush," she brushed me off.

Mom opened the door and smiled wide.

"Hale, you look wonderful, please come in, we're so excited to have you over," Mom beamed stepping back to Hale could come in.

Dad was with Auggie in the kitchen, setting the table and such.

Hale had followed my advice and was still in jeans but had on a black tank top with a long knitted gray sweater, her hair long black hair was braided back, she looked like a normal kid, like some girl I'd invited over from school.

"Thanks for having me over, It's been a while since I've had a dinner like this," Hale smiled, but her voice was guarded. She was uncomfortable and it was making me edgy.

"Oh, do your parents work a lot?" Mom probed and I jabbed her side.

"Mom!" I grumbled and gave her a pointed glare.

"What?" she asked staring at me.

Hale gave us a tight-lipped smile.

"Peyton it's fine," she reassured and then looked back at my mom. "I don't have any parents, I was left at the all-girls academy a few blocks down,"

Mom's face softened, but luckily she left it alone.

"Well let's move to the kitchen, dinner Is waiting," Mom lead us to the kitchen.

Auggie was squirming in his high chair and Dad was setting the final things on the table.

He looked over Hale and she took a small step back, my parents didn't notice it but I took note.

"Hello, I'm Peyton's dad, you must be Hale. It's so nice to meet you, we never thought we'd meet any of Peyton's blood friends,"

Hale smiled.

"Neither did I,"

Dad smiled and turned to Auggie.

"Can you say Hi to our guest?"

Auggie who was normally a social butterfly, shy'd into himself.

"Don't worry about it, kids don't normally like me," Hale commented and sat down next to me.

My parents nodded and sat down too.

The meal went pretty well, Mom kept her pestering light hearted and I think Hale might have even enjoyed herself. around seven Hale got ready to leave.

"Do you have to go, your welcome to stay," mom offered, but Hale smiled and shook her head.

"I would, but I can't miss curfew again. Thanks for dinner and having me over,"

"I'll talk to you later, get back safe," I said as my goodbye.

"Thanks," she gave me a deeper look. "For everything,"

I smiled and Hale gave a final nod and left, hurrying down the street.

Mom turned to me and gave me a pleasant look.

"Well that went well, what a nice girl,"

I idememtlly started to laugh, the racks coming do hard I fell back onto the couch, I laughed so hard my chest hurt.