I think your adjectives for Paul's emotions - intellectual, multi-syllabic adjectives (withering, undiluted, cancerous, exigent and debilitating) serve not just to describe feelings (a bleak anguish) but also work to deepen the character, make Paul more than how he describes himself - the indigent, violent, sexy beast. He certainly is all that [swoon] but the formal precision of your descriptions show a character who is (a) self-aware and (b) much, much more intelligent than first impressions would lead you to think.

I like Emily meddling; she shares information, offers options (take a walk to Paul's), without pushing. She's a really strong secondary character & I like the painting - that she's more than just a domestic goddess. And poor Bella, her broken sentence about Jacob wants/I don't want says it all...you make her more appealing by not having her just using Jacob; this is not an oblivious Bella, she feels an obligation to try to respond to him and she wants to, even as her lack of response convinces her that she's still broken by Edward.

O yeah, turbulent is an excellent word for your Paul here. He completely discounts himself, doesn't he, as a wolf and a protector, boiling himself down to externals - the shitty job, the shitty house, the shitty behavior. And wise Emily - I must figure out how you make steadiness so compelling - sees beyond and knows that Bella will too.

In thinking about why I so enjoyed the pack going into *hysterics* on Paul, I think it's because you balance the humor, the comfort, and the torment that the pack represents.

Wow i swear i was there with them the whole chapter o_O that was intense

I think Jacob is the perfect choice to let us know Paul's backstory - casual, dismissive but not completely indifferent. Just enough there for Bella/us to really explore: what does that mean for Paul? And that flash of violence and anger that starts their relationship?

My recollection (from the first posting) of how beautifully you handle the Jacob/Bella connection is certainly borne out by that kiss. Because what really makes her happy is the big bear hug. And he knows that (the little pucker ... aww!). It's all here, the good intentions, the deep affection, the lack of spark.

I followed this story when you first posted it. I love it.

OMG ! i'm so glad you reposted this ! i hadn't read it yet ! awesome ! It feels like christmas morning !

*go back to reading*

Great story. I could hardly stop reading. And i loved the when Paul scares pluto. Looking forward to your next story. ;)

I'm so happy you reposted this story. This is my fav Bella/Paul story. Can't wait for the sequel... :)

I am just soooo happy to see this story up again, I almost cried!

And I am soooo glad that you are writing this sequel

Although it was a long time ago, I hope you remember what I said when I sent that pm, I meant every word, and stil do!

You have no idea how happy I am to see you active again, you truly are one of the best writers, in and out of fandom 3

Loved it just as much the second time as the first Darlin'! I didn't review every chapter like I did almost every chapter the first time around, sorry. But it was great reading it again!

loved it

Chris! I'm so happy to see you back on FFn girl, I missed your happy advice and input. I thought about texting you, since you told me I could a lonnng time ago, but wasn't sure if the number was the same and yatt yatta lol.

Be Like Water is still one of my most favorite fics out there. I'm glad to see it back on FFn.

Will you be reposting Under The Harvest Moon?

Oh! So you will write a sequel? Awesome! I can't wait!

I'm glad that you made this the epilogue.

Love this story.

And your Paul is so swoon worthy. :)

***sighs***