Author's Note: Before you start reading, I should probably point out that this story contains both homoerotic and incestuous undertones – but please, don't let that stop you from reading it. I'm actually very proud of this one.

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Aro's presence vexed me, even though he did nothing but hover soundlessly at my side as I moved through the long stone corridor. He had said there was something he wanted to show me, but never revealed what it was, which irritated me. Of course, I already knew what it concerned, but the fact that he would not let me know frustrated me.

For some time now, I had been thinking about leaving the Volturi for good. Not merely because I had grown tired of acting noble – when I was in fact no less than a monster – and not because I was bored with the Volterra vampires, but because the Volturi coven had begun to change their ways lately, and the direction in which it was heading worried me greatly.

I felt I could no longer stand by and watch as they tortured their victims, growing more and more cruel by the day. I was sickened to see the blood glisten upon their pale lips, and the vision of those innocent creatures walking into the castle – never to walk out of it – would never cease to torment me.

The Volturi had always been grim in their own way, but truly now they were turning cruel, barbaric – the last shreds of respect for life disintegrating from their beings.

I had started to wonder if it were possible to find another way of living – one that would fit me better. I knew I didn't want to stay with them, but I also knew that I could never stand being on my own, alone. My heart yearned to find some place where I could feel at home, without the lust for human blood and the terrible screams of humans being murdered. I longed for the company of others like me.

And Aro – what with his convenient ability to read me by the touch of a hand and his touchy-feely attitude – knew all of this, and desperately tried to convince me not to leave. But in spite of his best efforts – and they were numerous – his arguments would only push me further away from him. Hearing him debate the many reasons why I should stay with the coven, I became more certain than ever that I shouldn't dwell there any longer than necessary. It just wasn't the place for me any more.

I was certain that this thing he now wanted to show me – whatever it was – had to do with another one of his attempts to get me to stay. But there was something unusual in his silence today, and in his posture; something almost smug.

"What is this, Aro? What are you up to?"

Though I didn't look at him, I could sense his grin widening. He was planning something, all right.

I sighed. How long would this go on? How long would he keep up his futile attempts before he realized that I wasn't about to change my mind? And how long until I found the courage – or the strength, or whatever it was I was waiting for – to take what little belongings I had and leave?

"Oh, you'll see," he said dreamily. "Once we reach your chambers."

I felt the slight brush of his fingertips against the back of my hand, as he checked to see whether I had any clue what was awaiting me.

I did not. Nothing could have prepared me for it.

Once we came to the door of my room, he stood in front of me and gave me a hard long stare, a haughty smile dancing upon his lips. He was absolutely stunning and absolutely terrifying; the red eyes wide and glowing against the whiteness of his skin. His lips parting, he leaned in, barely touching my cheek with his breath.

"Be polite."

Watching him walk off, I hesitated to open the door.

Did I really want to step right into yet another one of Aro's ridiculous plots? I thought not. Yet, at the same time, there was something urging me to pass through that door and allow me to lay my eyes upon whatever was waiting for me on the other side; a feeling of security and comfort, a feeling of love.

Odd, I thought, as I entered.

I blinked for a moment, scanning the room for guards to jump at me – or really anything alarming or unusual. Instead I found myself looking at an image so sweet, I almost didn't believe my eyes.

Upon the large satin-covered bed sat two young men, close to each other; their red eyes curiously watching me already as I stepped into the room, as if they had been awaiting my arrival. Their beauty – it truly was breathtaking – made it hard to estimate their human age, but they must have been somewhere around the age of twenty when they were turned. No doubt about it, they were vampires now.

For a long while, I did nothing but stare at them, dazed by the sight of their magnificent faces.

Who were they? What were they doing here?

Neither of them spoke a word. In silence they sat watching me, arms wrapped around each other's waists. They were both dressed in white shirts, unbuttoned so that they revealed to pale, hairless chests. There was a calm and serenity about them that astounded me; like they'd been sitting there for eons, silently watching, waiting.

Then one of them spoke up.

"Signore Cullen?"

His voice was beautiful; so smooth and flowing as it rolled over his thin lips and into the air. He had an utterly exquisite face; narrow without being weak, with high cheekbones, and light honey curls hanging at his shoulders.

"I am Jasper," the boy went on. "This is my brother, Edward."

He made a small gesture toward the other boy. Though they shared an undeniable, yet hard-to-define beauty, the other boy's jaw was a lot stronger than his brother's, and his hair was shorter, straighter and more sort of reddish than blonde.

I didn't really know what to reply. What did they want? What part did they have in Aro's plan?

Finally regaining control over my legs, I stepped further into the room – shutting the door behind me – their eyes watching me intently even as I sat down in my favourite armchair.

A moment's silence passed, while I pondered the situation. Since I didn't know quite what to say or do, I asked them: "Can I do anything for you? Is that why you're here – because you need advice on something?"

Really, it wasn't as much of a long-shot as it might seem. It had occurred more than once that young vampires and newcomers to the coven came to me with spiritual or moral dilemmas. Over the last century, the role I had gained in the Volturi was almost that of a priest.

But the boy named Jasper merely smiled, tenderly caressing his brother's cheek.

"It is we who are here to help you."

Patiently I waited for him to explain further, but in vain.

Silently observing them, I was amazed at the intimacy of their simple touches. Even as they sat there completely still, waiting for me to say something, their breathing seemed in sync. Their bodies were pressed so close, and were so motionless, they looked like a statue of some ancient lovers; inseparable and indestructible. They were so peaceful, so immaculate together.

The feeling of security that I had experienced in the hallway reached me once again, as I caught Jasper's eye.

"Are you really brothers?"

"Twins," he corrected.

"I see," I said, hesitating slightly. "Were you ... created at the same time as well?"

"Yes. We are two times twins."

How beautiful, I thought. Truly inseparable.

"Edward is my brother and my lover, for all intended purposes."

His words, though unusually solemn for someone so young, didn't surprise me; it seemed only natural that these two would share every kind of bond possible. I found myself hardly even seeing them as individuals; they seemed more of an entity, meant to be together, and never apart.

"Edward is to me what no other person could ever be. He is a part of myself. If ever anything would happen to him and I would be left behind, I would kill myself. I would kill myself and I would die broken-hearted."

"As I would for you, dear brother," said Edward, speaking up for the first time.

I wasn't at all shocked to hear the absolute affection in his voice, neither the look of deepest understanding they were now exchanging.

Jasper lightly touched his brother's ear, looking with intent into his red eyes.

I had known these youngsters for such a short time, but already I was completely fascinated by them. I had never seen such love or dependence in vampires and, quite frankly, it bewildered me. Was it possible that we – creatures of evil and of darkness – could experience such emotions? Was it possible for us to find a love that was beyond life itself – damned though that life may be?

An hour ago, my immediate answer would have been no. And yet, right in front of me were the most definite evidence I could ever ask for.

What did this mean?

Pushing my questions aside for now, I was curious to find out more about these extraordinary boys.

"Are you new to the coven? New to this life?"

"Quite," Jasper replied. "Aro made us himself, some months ago."

"You seem much calmer than most newborns."

"We've had our share of rebelliousness," said Jasper, smiling mischievously.

Strange, indeed. So Aro had personally created these two? The fact only puzzled me more. Normally, Aro only handled the selection, but left the actual turning to Caius. He had always had trouble with stopping himself in time to save the victim. So what did it mean that he had changed these two? Why put out so much effort for them?

"May I approach you?" Edward asked suddenly.

The questions caught me off my feet, but I told him of course and he rose ever so slowly from the bed, softly slipping loose of his brother's grip. Once he reached me, he sunk onto his knees, carefully taking one of my hands and holding it between his own. Looking down at him, I felt my heart quiver at the beauty and the innocence of his face.

"We have been told so many things about you. So many people have told us, with such respect in their voices, about your intellect and your morals, of your elegance and depth and of your beauty. Seeing you now – hearing you speak – I know that all of their words were true. And I know that you carry a lot of sorrow inside your heart. I can see it in your mind; it shines through every thought. My brother and I are here to rid you of these sorrows. We are here to prove to you that as vampires, we are not the monsters you make us out to be. We are here to give you what Aro and the others have been unable to give you."

He paused, throwing a subtle glance and a smile at his brother, and then looked up at me once more.

"We find you intriguing, as you do us. And we are certain that the three of us will learn much from each other, and that we will love each other deeply."

My mind was working at double its normal speed, trying to comprehend what Edward had just told me and still trying to figure out the details to Aro's plan. The boys were watching me silently, awaiting my response. Meanwhile, thoughts and questions were racing aimlessly inside my mind.

"I don't understand," I said, finally. "You mean … when you said you are here to help me … You weren't actually made … for me, were you?"

Staring from one face to another, I understood that their smiles meant yes. Yes, Aro had made them so that he could give them to me; like inanimate objects without wills of their own. Yes, they were fully aware that they had been made for this purpose and this purpose only. And yes, they were obviously completely content with that; for what reasons I couldn't possibly understand.

"This is madness," I said, pulling my hand away from Edward. "This is completely insane!"

Rising from the chair, I rushed to the door and tore it open. The hallway was empty, but in my anger I screamed for Aro. And sure enough; a moment later I could sense the unmistakable scent of grass and wood, the smell of nature that I knew was his. I approached him as he rounded the corner, furious with him in a way I had scarcely been before. But his face showed no emotion, other than the conceited satisfaction he had shown me earlier.

Grabbing him by the arm, I spat out the words: "What were you thinking? What the hell were you thinking!"

His smile widened, revealing a set of pearly white teeth.

"Don't you like them?"

"Like them! Have you gone completely out of your mind? This is so way out of line – It's the most despicable thing you have ever done!"

"Calm down, you child," he said, tearing loose of my grip, suddenly agitated.

Brushing the sleeve of his cape like I had befouled it, he straightened his back in an attempt to seem superior, even though he hardly reached the height of my nose.

"How could you do that! Have you not got a heart at all any more? Two young and beautiful, perfectly innocent creatures … How could you do this? And for what – for another one of your ridiculous games?"

"Oh, shut up, Carlisle. I am doing you a favour."

"A favour?" The word made me laugh. "Had you even the slightest idea who I am, you would know that in my eyes, this is one of the worst things you could ever have done. You should know by know my feelings about creating new ones!"

"Of course I know how you feel about it! I know you better than anyone. Which is why I know that this is actually the best thing I could have done for you. Trust me, my friend – my intentions are nothing but good. I did this for you."

"Oh, really? Good intention's, huh? And would you mind explaining your good intentions for me, because I really don't see it!"

"I'll explain it all to you, if only you shut up and let me."

I stared at him, my mind blazing with anger.

Softly he placed his hand at my shoulder and led me to one of the stone benches along the wall. Once we were seated, he turned to me and took my hand, holding it affectionately between his own. His features were friendlier now, as if he was preparing to explain something extremely complex to a child.

"I understand that this might seem an odd way for me to help you – I do. But really, this isthe absolute best thing for you right now." He made a short pause, gently stroking the back of my hand. "I've seen your concerns; you know that I have. Every single one of them. I understand your sorrow and your longing perhaps better than you yourself do. I have heard all of your questions. You are wondering if this is the only way for creatures like us to live. You are wondering what else is out there, and you want to explore other life styles. You no longer agree with the way we do things around here. I hold no grudge or judgement against you for that; to each its own. All I want is for you to be happy, Carlisle. That is all I ever wanted. So I have been doing a lot of thinking, and I finally realized what had to be done. You regret the fact that you never had the time to marry, or to have a family, don't you? And this – this coven of monsters – it has been a good enough substitute for a very long time, but it can no longer meet your needs. So you long for something else."

It was strange how I had never formulated my emotions in these kinds of words, and still I knew that every word he spoke was true. It felt as if he had torn open my chest and plucked them straight from my heart.

I said nothing. What could I say?

Aro continued.

"I chose young Jasper and young Edward for you, knowing that you would be intrigued by their beauty and their ability to love so deeply. I chose them in hope that they could satisfy your need both for depth and beauty and love, as well as your need for a family. I explained this to them right from the start, and they were glad to do it. They have had a hard life, despite their young age, and the promise of a passionate and intelligent father-figure warmed their hearts. They were not forced into this life, believe me; they wanted it. They begged me to change them and I could do nothing but heed their plea. And really, I couldn't have given them a greater gift. I gave them eternal beauty and eternal youth and eternal life. I gave them forever in each other's arms; the very thing that all young lovers so dream of. And I gave them you, in the same way that I gave you them. You may not know it yet, but you need each other so very much."

He said nothing for a moment, awaiting my response. But I couldn't find any words to express what I was feeling, so he went on: "They're very special, you know. Have you figured out their unusual abilities yet?"

"Abilities?"

"Yes. Edward is a mind-reader, but unlike myself he can read a person from afar. And Jasper has the very unique ability to manipulate your emotions without you ever even knowing it. Fascinating, don't you think? I have honestly never seen anything like it." He paused for another moment, then asked: "So, do you understand now why I did it?"

I nodded slowly.

I had strongly miscalculated Aro's intelligence on this matter. Of course I knew that despite his noble, so called intentions, this was just another means for him to try and convince me not to leave; and it was in fact his best attempt so far. His words echoed in my mind: You regret the fact that you never had the time to marry and have a family, don't you? And this – this coven of monsters – it has been a good enough substitute for a very long time, but it can no longer meet your needs. So you long for something else.

I hated the fact that he was right. I hated the fact that his plan was working better than he could perhaps have imagined it would. I hated the fact that I had already grown so fond of Jasper and Edward, wanting to get to know them better and study the strong bond they shared.

"Now. I'm sure the boys are wondering where you've gone to. You shouldn't keep them waiting."

And with those words, he rose and left, his steps making no audible sounds against the cold granite floor. I dwelled but a few seconds on the bench before I too got to my feet.

When I returned, they were both sitting on the bed again, as if Edward had never risen at all. Their eyes were already turned in my direction when I entered, like they had known I would appear in the doorway at that exact moment.

I sighed and sat down, pushing back a streak of hair that had fallen into my eyes.

They said nothing, and neither did I.

This changed everything.

Aro had finally turned the tables on me. I simply couldn't leave now that these two were depending on me, and he knew that.

It wasn't their fault, the way things had turned out, and I couldn't punish them for Aro's misbehaviour. Perhaps he was right; perhaps he did know me better than anyone … How else would he know that this would work? I was probably the only vampire who could be convinced – not by blood offerings or riches' – but with love and beauty. Aro knew this so well, and I deeply hated and loved him for it.

Watching their beautiful faces, I wondered at the ease with which they had stepped into this world of darkness. To them it was a blessing, not a curse. To them it was the closest thing to heaven; to share eternity together.

Maybe Edward had been right. Maybe vampires mustn't be monsters; maybe we are capable of something else, something better, and I had just not discovered it yet. Jasper and Edward were undeniable proof that in being evil, our kind is still capable of loving. I had thought myself condemned to desire and bitterness, but had been proven wrong by these delicate creatures in front of me. The thought made me tremble. I had been so completely mistaken. And the fact that Aro had been the one to finally opened my eyes to this humiliated me. I had thought him a simple-minded being, with no interest whatsoever for subjects such as love and emotion – but obviously I had been wrong. Perhaps he understood far more about our nature than I would ever know.

I felt as if everything around me had started to crumble; the very foundation upon which I had built my view on life was collapsing beneath me. I didn't know what to believe in any longer.

I looked at them again, and realized that Edward must be following my thoughts very closely, for he was staring intently at me; his eyes compassionate and warm. And just as I thought this, I realized that there was a certain mood sort of hovering in the room, trying to break into the despair that surrounded me. Jasper too was looking straight at me, his head slightly tilted to the side.

Oh, these boys. These beautiful, beautiful boys. Aro really couldn't have chosen anyone better than them. Without a word spoken, they both knew exactly what I was going through, and it was the first time in my life that that had ever happened.

Both of them smiled at me, sweet and innocent as saints and with the splendour of saints as well. I felt like walking up to them an embracing them, pressing them hard against my chest as my tears stained their skin – but I remained seated. I felt somehow inferior to them; unworthy of even being in their presence. Truly, this was the greatest gift I had ever received.

Bless Aro. Bless him to the heavens.

I had already fallen deeply in love with these boys, had already begun my worshipping of them for their magnificence and their ability to love. Once again I found myself unable to express the emotions in me. I wanted to tell them of my love and respect for them, but was unable to.

"You are overwhelmed," Jasper stated simply.

"Yes," I replied, a nervous laughter escaping me. "Very much so."

"So you are glad, then?"

"Yes. Very glad."

That didn't even cover half of it. I felt more joyous than I had in a hundred years.

"As are we. We already feel the utmost affection for you. May we further on address you as Carlisle?"

I nodded.

I realized just then that they both kept saying we, always speaking as an entity instead of two individuals. It didn't surprise me all that much, but it was an interesting observation, I thought. And I couldn't help but wonder if they were ever apart, if they ever left each other's side. I found it hard to imagine them separated and on their own. They belonged together, always – it was as simple as that.

After a moment of gathering strength and courage, I rose to my feet and approached them. Coming to a halt in front of them, I sank to my knees – much like Edward had done before me – and looked up at them. I felt small, meaningless next to them, but it was in no way an uncomfortable feeling; in fact, it felt relieving.

Bowing my neck, I carefully laid my head to rest upon Jasper's lap. As he placed his hand on my hair, softly stroking it as if comforting me, I finally felt the tears well up in my eyes. My heart erupted with emotion, and I wept; overwhelmed by the love that was inside me and all around me. I could feel Edward's fingers gently touch my neck, tenderly gracing my hard cold skin.

I had found home. I had found a family. I had found love.

And I wept, letting go of all the sorrows locked inside of me. In pure ecstasy, I believed that I was being touched by angels; that these creatures of unfathomable beauty had been sent by the very God I had started to doubt. And I let the tears stain my face for the first time in almost two centuries, hoping it would relieve me of my despair and my sadness.

And indeed these angels, sent from the heavens, brought me peace.

I don't know how much time had passed when finally my eyes went dry and I fell into a trance-like state, dreaming of visions I had since long forgotten. All the world's beauty became obvious to me. The magic of simply walking this earth, of being blessed with extraordinary senses and resilience, seemed infinite. Hope returned to me. Life returned to me, even though I had been dead for so long.

Had I fallen into the eternal slumber right then and there, it wouldn't have mattered all that much to me – if not for the fact that I now shared my existence with Jasper and Edward. I wanted to stay awake so that I could be with them. I wanted to share all of life's offerings with them.

My sons and brothers and lovers. And how I loved them; it was beyond anything I could ever have imagined.

And they were mine eternally, as I was eternally theirs.

Love, it seemed, had caught me off guard and blessed me. And I was thankful.