A/N: As you can probably tell by now, this version of Carlisle is significantly younger than the Carlisle you're familiar with. At this point, both men are very carefree and possibly still human (I haven't decided yet!) But don't worry. I know you probably came here for some hot vampire loving, and you'll get your wish later on down the line. In fact, if you have any ideas you'd like to share, you might even get to write it with me, or submit a chapter of your own if you feel up to it!
If you're not enjoying the story, that's okay, too! I'm just grateful to have any sort of readership at all, really. I do accept spitefics and sporks in my inbox, without any hard feelings. Well, without further ado, here's the second chapter!
Edward walked at a slower pace than he normally would, enjoying the blond's company. He knew that once he stepped foot in his apartment door, he'd catch hell from his roommate, but it was completely worth it for these few moments.
"What's your life's dream?" he asked randomly. "It can't possibly be working in a coffee shop, not with a degree in science."
"I don't know, whatever kind of job I can get, probably studying plants or weather patterns, both highly paid jobs," Carlisle replied and started off towards the elevator.
Edward smiled affectionately, finding this focus on money strangely endearing. He let go of Carlisle's hand and went for the stairs. "I'll race you," he challenged.
Carlisle blushed and rolled his eyes, but nodded. "If you insist." Carlisle got into the elevator and pressed the button for level four.
Challenge accepted. Perfect. Edward wasted no time in running up the spiral staircase, picking up the hem of his trench coat so it wouldn't trip him. He'd never beat this elevator yet, but then, it had been awhile since anyone had accepted his challenge to try.
Carlisle had reached the right floor and walked over to his door to his room; he leaned against the door and waited for the Adonis.
Panting and flushed after running up four flights of twisting stairs, it took Edward at least another two minutes to reach the spot where Carlisle was waiting. He'd taken his cloak off and was carrying it on his arm, using the umbrella as a cane. "When... did you... get here?" he panted.
"A couple minutes back." He said softly. "Do you want to come in for a drink?" He asked softly, resting his hand on the tired Edward's shoulder.
Edward gave a weak, though grateful, smile. "That would be nice," he said. "I don't feel up to facing Jane at the moment." He leaned into Carlisle's slim body, enjoying the green apple and chemical-lemon smell she seemed to emit.
Carlisle patted Edward's shoulder some and unlocked his door. The blond had a nice creamy white, and very on the inside modern apartment. "I hope it's alright." Carlisle said softly.
Edward gazed appreciatively at the interior decor. For a scientist working in a coffee shop, this blond had undeniable style. "It's nice," he said. "My father was an interior decorator. I think he would have approved."
"It's just something I did with the spare of my money from the coffee shop; I did do some apprenticeship during my college days too." Carlisle added with a weak smile. "Coffee or tea?"
'Hmm,' thought Edward. 'I think I may have misinterpreted her offer of a "drink." '
"Tea will be fine," he sighed. 'I'll just have to go out and get some amaretto tomorrow before work,' he thought. Through his slight disappointment, though, he couldn't deny that he was happy to have been invited into Carlisle's home.
"Or, would you like some wine?" Carlisle asked, noticing the disappointment on the lovely boy's face.
"Thank you," said Edward gratefully. While he wasn't exactly an alcoholic, he never wanted to be at home without some form of alcohol in his system. It made his roommate so much easier to bear. Besides, they got along better when he was drunk because he was more likely to let her do stupid things like buy him obnoxiously pink umbrellas and program his ringtone to embarrassingly gay songs.
Then Edward realised he'd never put down his trench coat or the umbrella in question. He did so now, folding the coat and placing it and the umbrella neatly by the door, then taking a seat.
Carlisle smiled. "I have a few bottles, they're over here... it's a built in wine rack to the breakfast bar." He said softly, "on the left side... I'll let you choose." He whispered.
Edward rose and glided over to the wine rack. His fingers skimmed the bottles till he picked out one at random. He turned slowly, careful not to drop it. "Where do you keep your wine glasses?" he asked.
Carlisle moved over to a cupboard above the sink. "Just here." He replied softly and pulled out two glasses. "So what's this Jane woman gonna say when you go back to your flat?" He asked and took a seat on a plush light blue couch.
"I don't know, and I'd rather be completely inebriated when I find out," he said, sitting next to Carlisle and daringly putting his head on 'her' shoulder. Carlisle poured Edward a glass of red wine and himself, deciding to snuggle down with his nice found friend... or soon to be more. Edward sipped his wine appreciatively. He was no connoisseur, but he did enjoy this wine. Suddenly he laughed aloud, remembering a story he'd read last week. The Cask of Amontillado, about how a man's obsession with wine had ultimately led to his downfall
"What's so funny?" Carlisle asked blinking and turned the television, but left it on mute so they could talk freely.
"Oh... I was just thinking about a story I'd read about a man who considered himself an expert in wines. His friend had a vendetta against him for some reason, and used his love of wine to lure him to the basement, where he buried him alive. Forgive me, but it struck me as amusing." Edward drained his glass and stretched out, laying his head in Carlisle's lap, his head pleasantly fuzzy.
"I've heard of that story too, it's a good way of luring someone in, use what they love against them." Carlisle said softly, and gently ran his fingers through Edward's hair. Edward closed his eyes and smiled. This felt good. He nuzzled Carlisle's leg lightly, blushing, wondering if it was appropriate. They'd only just met, and yet... some part of him felt as though he'd known Carlisle for years
"You a light drinker, Edward?" Carlisle asked softly, running his fingers through Edward's hair.
"Not at all," said Edward. "Usually I take much harder drinks than this, but then, I'm usually not so relaxed when I drink."
Carlisle smiled and snuggled down with the Adonis. "It takes me a while to get drunk, but I just drink wine," he replied softly.
"I'll drink anything," Edward confided. "Tequila, amaretto, whiskey, gin. I have a theory that one almost has to be an alcoholic to put up with Jane Billingsworth."
Carlisle smiled and laughed a little. 'I wonder how she'd react if she met me,' Carlisle thought, shaking his head some.
Edward thought the laugh sounded bemused and wondered if Carlisle thought he was an alcoholic. Well, as long as the beauty let him rest here... He stretched again, curling up into a happy little ball. "I feel so relaxed with you, Carlisle," Edward said slowly, taking care not to slur his words.
"So do I, Edward," Carlisle replied, stroking Edward's forehead. He felt that he could relax with Edward, and he was perfect.
Edward beamed. This intelligent, charming creature felt relaxed with him? Now might be the time to make a move. Being careful not to upset Carlisle's hand, Edward stretched up and balanced carefully on his knees. His coordination was usually pretty good, but he was a little self-conscious with Carlisle here. Straightening up, he placed a gentle kiss on Carlisle's slender lips.
The blond's eyes lidded a little and he wrapped his arm around the Adonis and he put his glass on the coffee table, allowing his other arm to wrap around Edward. Edward's eyes started open. Carlisle was hugging him! He usually wasn't one to get excited over such things, but then, it'd been awhile since he'd actually opened up and let someone into his life. And yet here they were, just barely met, and they were making out on her couch. Edward decided to take his late mother's advice and seize the day, putting one leg on either side of Carlisle's, partly to steady himself and partly for the sensual feeling. He kissed Carlisle, more deeply, more passionately, bringing his arms up around the blond's neck. Carlisle gasped and looked up at Edward and jumped a little when he heard a knock at the door and he couldn't help but whine a little, wondering who it was. Edward slid off Carlisle's lap with mingled gratitude and disappointment. Gratitude because he didn't want to get too... excited... with someone he'd just met, and disappointment because this was the first time since freshman year he'd actually kissed a girl.
Carlisle went to answer the door to find a blonde woman he'd never met on the other side. "Can I help you?" he asked quietly, his face a little red.
