Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer and Summit Entertainment own all things Twilight-related. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter Title: A Heart's Duet
Rating: T
Characters: Carlisle/Edward
Timeframe: Three months, post-honeymoon
(~ * ~ * ~)
I was deeply engrossed in my latest financial report when I heard the shimmering sound of descending notes and chords on our baby grand piano. Smiling, I recognized the Schubert Impromptu in A-flat major instantly, it being one of my favorites. We were all thrilled that Edward was finally pursuing a degree in music performance. It was something he'd always wanted, and in doing so, the rest of us were treated to hours upon hours of beautiful music while he practiced.
I listened intently, closing my eyes. I'd seen enough recitals of this piece, beginning around the mid-1800s, to practically visualize Edward's long, capable fingers commanding the keyboard, but something seemed off. A moment of careful consideration revealed the answer: the tone he was setting was much too...rough; the exposition should have been far lighter and airier if he were trying to stay true to the music. Curious, I set my papers aside and went in search of my oldest friend.
When I stepped into the living area, I found Edward hunched over the piano with brows furrowed and a pained expression on his face as he pounded the keys.
Edward?
His fingers never stopped what they were doing, but he immediately glanced up, looking surprised that I was even there. He acknowledged me with a slight nod before refocusing his attention back to the music, but I wasn't the least bit fooled. Something was worrying him.
I approached the piano casually, hands in my pockets. Leaning against the back of a nearby sofa, I regarded Edward intently, knowing full well he wouldn't be able to ignore me forever. He eventually looked up again, and the half-sheepish, half-irritated gaze he shot me nearly made me laugh aloud.
What troubles you, Edward? I thought, allowing my amusement to color the words.
He paused, then gestured vaguely, tilting his head towards the staircase.
Puzzled, I listened carefully, but the only noise I heard was a soft hitch of breath followed by a shaky moan. A smile tugged at my lips as I recognized Bella's voice. Silently backing away from the momentary intrusion, I blocked all awareness of the intimate encounter taking place upstairs. Privacy was highly regarded among vampires, whose enhanced hearing spared no one within a certain radius, and this household was no exception.
Shifting my attention back to Edward, it suddenly occurred to me that he was concentrating far too hard – and not on his music.
Edward, I scolded sternly.
For the first time, his fingers hesitated, slowing Schubert's progress to approximately half-speed. I waited calmly for an explanation, watching him for any sign that he'd withdrawn all of his senses, gifted or otherwise, from the lovers. Edward's face smoothed out after a few moments, a decidedly guilty look replacing the previously focused one.
Edward? I tried when he remained silent.
"I just worry when he's with her, Carlisle," Edward finally whispered.
Who?
"Emmett."
Ahh, now things were starting to make some sense. I shifted, stretching out a bit against the sofa and crossing my legs. Edward had confided in me weeks before the wedding that he wasn't certain Emmett was ready to be with Bella intimately. Emmett had a heart of pure gold, but he was the largest of us men, and was by far the most boisterous. I'd been careful to spend extra time with him, explaining and demonstrating in various ways the level of fragility with which he would be dealing. Friendly bear hugs with Bella were one thing; intercourse was something altogether different. In time, though, I'd grown very confident that Emmett could rein in his strength and demeanor while with her. Obviously Edward disagreed.
I understand, Edward. We're all very protective of Bella, but you do know that Emmett would never deliberately hurt her?
He nodded slowly, smoothly sliding Schubert off the keyboard in favor of two-octave arpeggios, both ascending and descending in half-steps. "It would only take one mistake..." he trailed off.
I paused, considering. Edward had a valid point, but there was so much more he needed to know. Unfortunately, being so headstrong, he would likely not accept the merit of my own assurances – at least not wholly.
You should speak with Emmett about this.
A pained smile crossed his features as he shook his head slowly. "I'm not stirring the hornet's nest. He'd take my questions the wrong way, and then Rose would get involved – because she always does – and the next thing you know I'd be a pile of smoldering ash."
"That is completely absurd," I insisted out loud.
He glanced at me, his expression unreadable. "Is it?"
Emmett is a kind-hearted man. He would see your polite inquiries as nothing more than a husband's genuine concern for the well being of his wife.
Think of it this way, I continued when Edward remained silent. If Emmett had similar concerns about you with any of the ladies, wouldn't you want to know? Wouldn't you wish to discuss the matter and ease his fears?
I could see the wheels turning in Edward's head. His hands flew up and down the keyboard almost in a frenzy, the internal struggle he felt voiced in powerful intervals. "I wouldn't even know how to begin," he finally admitted.
You could start with the apology you owe him and Bella. For eavesdropping.
Edward's demeanor changed instantly, shoulders slumping as all of his fingers slid off the piano save one, his right index, which pressed slowly and mournfully on Middle C. He hung his head and closed his eyes, bracing his forehead against the music rack.
I blinked in surprise; this was most definitely not the reaction I'd been expecting. Crossing the few steps between us, I grasped his shoulders and squeezed. Please talk to me, Edward. Somehow I knew this was no longer just about his fears regarding Emmett's control.
A small, barely noticeable laugh reached my ears. "There's nothing to say, really," he murmured, "except that I'm truly sorry to have disappointed you, Carlisle. I will offer my apologies to Emmett and Bella as soon as possible; you have my word."
Moving quietly, I let go and sat next to Edward on the piano bench. I watched him patiently, silently willing him to look at me. He did open his eyes eventually, but it took a long time before he raised his head to meet my gaze. When he did, I said, "I never doubted you would," hoping the sincerity of my words would ring true.
His pupils dilated slightly before he looked down again, and for a moment I thought I'd seen a flash of lust swirling in their depths. Taking a slow but deep breath, I tried to remember the last time Edward and I had connected on an intimate level...and found it was definitely longer than I'd thought. It was true the girls tended to keep us rather busy in that department, but he'd never expressed any dissatisfaction...just as he'd never voiced his continued concern to me about Emmett and Bella.
I quickly reviewed the past few months in my head, purposely focusing on memories of Edward, and what I found stunned me. In hindsight, I realized he'd been alarmingly withdrawn and moody, preferring the company of the baby grand to that of any of us. I'd attributed it to the intense practice schedule he had for school, but what if that weren't the case at all?
Edward and I were the only males in this coven with bisexual tendencies. What if he desired my company and felt he couldn't approach me for some reason? What if, heaven forbid, I'd inadvertently done something to make him think I no longer cared? Jealousy had rarely been an issue in our family, but feeling left out was an equally disturbing scenario that probably hadn't been discussed nearly enough. I certainly didn't wish any of my spouses to feel unloved, even in the slightest.
Edward was still quietly playing Middle C, staring blankly at the keys, but he stopped as soon as I reached for the keyboard. I was no virtuoso by any means, but I'd learned enough over the centuries to manage some of the easier masterpieces, including the one I held most dear to my long-dead heart.
With the lightest of touches, I began the opening strains of Chopin's Rain Drops Prelude, hoping Edward would recognize its significance. I played for a few measures before casting a sideways glance – and a small smile – in his direction. He was smiling faintly as well, though his attention was thoroughly fixed on my fingers.
Of course he remembered.
It had been just the two of us back then, and I'd been alone for centuries without any of the physical comforts Edward had still desperately – and silently – longed for. One evening, as a Chopin recording filled our home with joyful music, despondency had driven him to make an impassioned plea for, of all things, a simple hug. My surprise and remorse couldn't have been greater once I'd realized how forlorn he'd become, and I'd gratefully taken him into my arms and held him closely. By the time the prelude had begun, our lips had found each other for the very first time, both of us having realized that we'd never truly been alone at all...nor would we ever be again.
It was a cherished memory for me, and I hoped it was for Edward as well.
He finally tore his gaze away from the keyboard to look at me. I made sure every bit of love and desire I held for him was reflected in my eyes. "There is no burden that can't be shared, Edward," I whispered. "I am always here for you, and I love you very much."
"I've missed you, Carlisle," he said sadly.
Abandoning the piano, I wrapped one hand around the back of his neck and pulled him close, gently touching our foreheads together. His warm natural scent permeated my senses, stirring more than just past recollections. "Please forgive me for misinterpreting your distance."
Edward laughed softly. "You've done nothing wrong; it's me. Any kind of change, even a welcome one, tends to unsettle my equilibrium. I'm always a little lost...and unsure."
His honesty touched me profoundly, and I responded by tilting my head and capturing his lips for a long, meaningful kiss. "Let those feelings go, Edward," I murmured when we finally parted. "I've found you."
The corners of Edward's mouth tugged into a grin then, and I knew everything would be just fine. "Thank you."
Smiling back, I trailed my thumb along his bottom lip until I saw his pupils dilate and his fists clench...until his need was almost as palpable as my own. "The sun will be setting shortly," I whispered. "I would very much like to watch the colors fade against your skin."
Edward exhaled sharply, a minute shudder rippling through his frame. He watched me as I got up and walked slowly towards the stairs, tossing my most devastating come-hither look over my shoulder. I knew very well it wouldn't be long before he followed.
And I was right.
(~ * ~ finis~ * ~)
If you would like to hear the Schubert piece that Edward was playing in this story, you can find a wonderful recording here: www . youtube . com / watch?v=kMCjhf72Dj0&feature=fvst (fill in spaces)
Story Recs!
If you're at all interested in the Carlisle/Edward pairing, I highly recommend reading chapter one of "Submit" by cjmuehlb. It's easily a stand-alone story (I believe the author intended it to end there originally), and is one of the most keenly unique and exhilarating explorations of Carlisle's role in the Cullen family that I've read. Be prepared for Alpha!Carlisle, but I promise there are no whips or chains, nor is there any superficial storytelling. It's deep, poignant, and...very primal. In a good way!
Another wonderful story that explores the canon relationship between Carlisle and Edward from the very beginning is "Prelude in C" by AllTheOtherNamesAreUsed. This story is just beautiful in all respects, from the detailed, expressive writing style to the vivid, true-to-canon characterizations. I absolutely love this Carlisle! I'm told the storyline as a whole will eventually include some of the other characters as well – something I'm really looking forward to!
