Learning to Fly

Thank you to my beta mxpi1970 and my ever loyal pre readers who keep me on the right track.

My apologies that this chapter is a little late in coming. The next update should be in two weeks.

As always, all characters created and owned by Stephenie Meyer.

~xxXxx~

CHAPTER 6

EPOV

The kiss broke; the only sounds in the room our rapid breathing as we fought for control. I rested my forehead against his, feeling his breath on my face as I inhaled his scent, so happy that one piece of the jigsaw had slotted into place. Pulling back a fraction, I watched his eyes flutter open, their rich depths drawing me in as they refocused on mine. When he spoke, his voice was a breathless whisper.

"I've missed that more than you know."

My breathing faltered and my stomach flipped. Swallowing hard, I summoned my courage.

"I thought, before all this confusion I mean, I thought that maybe we'd gone out for drinks or something to eat, and made out in the car on the way home. I had no idea." Carlisle looked at me questioningly and I felt myself blush under his scrutiny. "Sorry, I'm not making much sense, am I. Ah... today, when I got home from the hospital, I noticed the fragrance of unfamiliar cologne on my pillows. I thought maybe it had been a gift or something and I'd forgotten, but, for some reason I couldn't fathom, the scent seemed oddly comforting to me. It felt weird."

I sucked in a ragged breath before continuing, my courage starting to waver. My words came out in a rush as I struggled not to stumble over them, my eyes downcast.

"But standing here, kissing you, I can smell it again. It's your cologne, and the only reason my bed would smell of you is if you'd been in it - which means we must have slept together." It was a statement rather than a question.

When I dragged my eyes back to his he was watching me intently, our hands still entwined, his thumb lightly rubbing across my knuckles.

"Does that scare you?" His question was tentative.

"No." I blinked, realising it was true. "I'm just surprised, that's all. I've never... you know... with a guy before."

He smiled, looking bashful, and my insides fluttered faster than a hummingbird's wings.

"We don't have to do that again if you don't want to. I'm not assuming anything here, Edward, we take this as slow as you want. I meant what I said before - if you change your mind about us..."

I silenced him with another kiss, my hand reaching out to pull him closer to me, passion rising as our tongues reached out and explored, touching tentatively at first, then growing bolder. My body was aflame from my feet to the roots of my hair. Never in all my life had I been kissed like this – so expertly and thoroughly. There was no fumbling, no awkwardness, just pure lust storming through my body as the kiss continued, ferocious in its intensity. I felt I would suffocate if I let him go, his lips so moulded to mine that we were one entity as we stood locked together in desire, no longer a part of space and time.

Finally pulling away I nuzzled into the hollow of his throat, my hot breath fanning across his neck as I trailed upward, leaving feather light kisses along his flushed skin. When my nose reached the underside of his jaw I stopped and inhaled deeply, finding the potent mix of cologne and heat on his skin utterly intoxicating. I listened to his uneven breathing and quiet gasps, thrilled by his responses to me. Leaving the soft, fragrant recesses of his throat I moved slowly along his smooth jaw line until I reached his slightly parted, expressive lips, claiming them once more as my own. This time my hand found his hair and tangled into its softness, pulling him closer still as he deepened the kiss, my knees weakening as my body demanded his touch, craving his flesh against mine. I loved the total loss of control, handing myself over to him in total acceptance, relinquishing my power to his authority. It had felt so right being naked with him; there had been no fear, only lust and pleasure and need...

Where did that come from?

Racking my brain I couldn't conjure up any memory of the event my mind was referring to, only that odd feeling of chasing a dream that was unravelling before my eyes, fragile as a soap bubble. Perhaps I was merely fantasising, hallucinating through lack of oxygen, but as he pillaged my willing mouth I surrendered completely, moaning as I pressed myself against him tighter than ivy on an oak. My hand slid up under his shirt, my splayed fingers feeling his heat as they roamed the expanse of his back. I heard his muffled groan as the kiss intensified, his muscles jumping at my touch. My jeans had tightened considerably and I realised now that it wasn't just mine that were affected. This time when we pulled apart it was all I could do not to start unbuckling his belt.

I couldn't deny that my body yearned for him; all those fantasises I had had about him were nothing compared to this all-encompassing need burning through me, erasing all caution and doubt in its path. This thing we had, he and I, it was right and I wanted to tell him so, but I knew his response would be to wait – wait until I could remember fully. I understood how scared he was, but I wanted to tell him that just being with him gave me a sense of completion I hadn't felt in forever.

"Carlisle..."

"Mmhmm?" His breathing was laboured; his darkened eyes drank me in.

"I think we better get going before your friend comes to find us. Let's go and get something to eat. I don't want this date to end just yet. It's my best first date ever." I smiled at him, feeling the heat rise in my face as I did so.

He laughed, stroking his thumb across his lower lip absentmindedly. This time I reached out and caught his hand; he looked surprised until I touched that same thumb to my lip, kissing the fleshy pad softly. His breath caught and he reached out to capture my free hand.

"Let's go say goodbye to Sam and find a nice restaurant before I break my promise to myself and drag you into the back seat of the Mercedes." He chuckled, his eyes still dark with desire.

We walked slowly out of the Dome, stopping once to look back at the calm scene all around us. Carlisle looked at me with a mischievous smile.

"You know, I think those fish got to see more than their money's worth."

I grinned, bumping his shoulder playfully as we walked at a leisurely pace back through the exhibits, stopping to admire the giant octopus as he glided across his gigantic tank to investigate us. As we reached the exit, I saw a light on in a room marked 'Staff Only'. Carlisle called out.

"We're off, Sam. Thank you for the favour." I heard an answering call.

"No worries, brother. Anytime. See you soon."

"We'll have a drink soon, my friend. The tab will be on me."

"I'll hold you to that, doc." His laugh was as deep as his voice and seemed oddly fitting in its surroundings, as if the heavy waves of high tide were rumbling all around us.

Carlisle led me outside into the cool, dark air and we walked back toward the car, our hands clasped.

"So – where are we going to eat?" I didn't really know of any good places; usually I just picked up a slice of pizza if I was in a hurry. Good food wasn't something I ate too often and I was a little concerned as to where Carlisle would want to go.

"I know a little family run place that does really good steak if you're interested. Or if you want seafood we can go to ..."

"Steak is good. In fact I haven't had a decent steak in forever. You won't hate me if I order it well done, will you? I used to get grief from Emmett for that. He said it killed the flavour, but I just like it cooked."

He laughed and turned, walking backwards for a few seconds while he looked at me.

"However you want it is fine with me, Edward."

His words sent shivers through me as I forgot all about food for a moment, my mouth dry. I pulled him closer to me and we walked the short distance to the Mercedes, our hands locked together, our bodies in constant contact. He unlocked the car and slipped gracefully inside; I climbed in the other side and just sat for a moment, waiting for Carlisle to start the car. When he didn't I risked a look at him, and as soon as our eyes met the air crackled with sexual energy. Turning in my seat, I gazed at him for a moment before reaching out to stroke his neck above the collar of his shirt. He turned toward me and I ran my fingers over his beautiful lips before leaning over and claiming them once more, powerless to resist him. His head fell back as I pressed him against the headrest, leaving his lips to explore his throat once more. This time I ventured lower, into the open collar of his shirt, his breathing became a little uneven as I ran my tongue around the 'v' of exposed flesh. Cupping his face, I ran my lips across his cheek working my way slowly around until I nuzzled his ear, mouthing his earlobe before touching the tip of my tongue against the outer shell, circling it slowly inward, bathing the skin in warmth. His breathing was now very laboured; when he suddenly spoke, he struggled to keep his voice even against the onslaught of my tongue and his obvious arousal.

"Edward, stop. We can't do this. Not here. We'll get arrested for indecency." My lips brushed against the damp skin and he groaned, my breath spilling into his ear.

"Then take us somewhere we can do this. Please, Carlisle."

~xxXxx~

CPOV

My head spun as his mouth systematically sought out my most sensitive spots, teasing them mercilessly. I hadn't been joking about the back seat – every cell in my over-stimulated body screamed at me to pull him into the back of the car and rip off the clothes that displayed his body to such perfection. My jeans were incredibly tight and I could feel dampness on the fabric beneath as I struggled to regain control. It was too soon... too soon... too soon...

Focus! My god it's hot in here.

Before his hands could reach for my belt and release my aching flesh, I summoned my last ounce of restraint. Running my hand through my hair, I sat up in my seat and started the engine. Edward sat back; as I reached for the lights I saw movement on the footpath in the shadows and realised how close we had come to being seen. The windows were fogged and I turned on the air vents as I edged out of the parking bay and turned for the main road.

I could hear Edward's loud breathing as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to ease the pressure. I headed for town and we drove in silence for a couple of minutes before he realised we weren't headed back in the direction of his apartment.

"Uhh... Carlisle? Where are we going?" He sounded confused.

"We're going for dinner, like we planned. You need some decent food inside you and I'm willing to bet you haven't been grocery shopping since this morning. Unless Emmett came over and stocked your fridge for you, that is."

Edward snorted with laughter. "Yeah, like that was ever going to happen! I'll go grocery shopping tomorrow and stock up on essentials. What little fresh food I had went bad while I was gone – all my food now has a furry coating."

I grimaced. "Let me prescribe the penicillin, Edward. Leave the home grown variety well alone."

Looking at him sideways, I grinned. At that moment my stomach growled and I realised I hadn't eaten in hours due to my nervous anticipation of tonight. Edward snickered quietly.

"You didn't eat before tonight either, did you?" I shook my head. He looked down as he spoke. "Glad it wasn't just me. I was so nervous about this, even though I couldn't wait for it to happen. I swear I was like a girl on her first ever date – trying to find the right outfit to impress you. It's kinda pathetic." He laughed dryly.

Slowing to a stop at the lights, I looked over at him sitting next to me, flushed with embarrassment.

"Well, if it helps, I can tell you that purple suits you very, very well."

The lights went green and seeing the little restaurant up ahead I slowed and pulled in, easing the car into an empty space. As I switched off the engine and unfastened my seatbelt, I looked over at him.

"In fact, right now you look like Christmas morning to me. The best gift I could ever ask for."

I stroked his freshly shaven jaw with the backs of my fingers and he leaned into me. We kissed, breaking away before it could become heated once more.

"Hungry?"

He didn't have to answer for me to know that he hungered for more than steak.

We walked into the inviting warmth, the place just as I remembered. I had barely closed the door when I was spotted by Demetri who came rushing over to hug me, exclaiming loudly that it had been too long since my last visit. I agreed with him and turned to introduce Edward to my old friend. As they shook hands, I heard a loud scream from the kitchen and Irina appeared, her arms wide, as she rushed to embrace me. I was enveloped in a tight hug as she muttered words both of castigation and happiness at my reappearance. I had known the couple for many years and ate here regularly back when Marcus and I wanted a little time to ourselves away from hospital gossip and customers. We were treated like family after our first visit when Irina had burned herself badly in the kitchen. I had treated and dressed the burn on the premises and told her to come in to see me the next day. They were so grateful and I was told there would always be a table for us at Oleander's.

Demetri's eyes sparkled as he took in mine and Edward's clasped hands, leading us to the private booths on the far side where we would not be disturbed. I thanked him, and he produced menus with a flourish before retiring discreetly. The restaurant was quiet despite the hour, and we were alone in our cosy corner, comfortable on the curved, leather banquettes, our legs touching under the table. The only direct light came from the solitary candle on the table that cast a dancing shadow on the wall of the booth. I knew what I would order but I waited for Edward to choose. When Demetri returned I ordered a medium steak in peppercorn sauce with a house salad. Edward, on the other hand, ordered a well done steak, no sauce, fries, and asked for tomato ketchup. I shook my head, laughing, as Demetri's eyebrows shot up into his hair. Catching his eye, I also ordered two cold beers. I wondered what Irina would make of her prized steak being covered with ketchup, and smirked. Returning with the beers, Demetri also slid over a small bread basket.

Passing Edward his beer, I decided to make a toast. Looking into his beautiful green eyes, I raised my bottle.

"To us."

"To us," he echoed, touching the bottles together before each taking a pull, the cool liquid soothing to my parched throat.

I couldn't take my eyes off of him. The purple shirt he wore suited him so perfectly, and I'm sure Alice would agree that it went well with my black choice, not that I was worried about being coordinated. In my honest opinion, both shirts would look even better on my bedroom floor, but I was trying hard to keep my mind out of the bedroom and just enjoy Edward's company, fully clothed.

While we waited for the food to arrive, we talked about our interests and to my delight I discovered that he too had a love for classical music. It transpired that Edward was an accomplished pianist having taken classes since he was small.

"Would you play for me some time?"

He smiled awkwardly.

"I'd love to, but I don't have a piano here in Seattle. My mom used to rent one for me when I lived at home. I don't know anywhere around here that has one for public use. If I get a bigger place someday then I'd love to have my own. It's a dream of mine."

The food arrived and smelled amazing; for the first time that evening I was able to concentrate on something other than the beautiful man in front of me. I cut into the succulent steak, cooked to perfection, and was about to take a bite when I noticed with amusement that Edward was delicately dipping his fries into the ketchup one by one, rather than just smothering them with sauce. He caught me watching and stopped.

"What? You don't like fries and ketchup?"

"Not personally, no. I'm sorry; I didn't mean to stare, I was just looking at your hands. Now that I know you're a musician I can see that you really do have the most perfect fingers for a pianist."

He looked surprised for a moment, looking at his hand and frowning, flexing the fingers before picking up his knife and slicing into his steak.

"I'm glad you like them, Doctor. They are good for other things too." He chewed his steak and chased it with a mouthful of beer. I waited for him to swallow before replying with a smile,

"Oh, Edward, I know they are."

He blushed and gripped his cutlery tightly, cutting off the blood supply to his fingertips. I wanted to reach across and soothe him, to apologise for my comment, but when he looked at me again with huge, darkened eyes I realised he wasn't mad with me, just frustrated at having a barrier between us. I barely tasted the rest of my meal, although I'm sure it was as excellent as ever. We talked about our work and our friends until Edward had finished his steak, leaving some of his fries untouched. When I asked if I could have one, he picked up a fry and placed it in front of my lips for me to sample. I took it between my teeth and ate it, my gaze locked to his. Holding his hand in place I sucked in his long, elegant finger, all the time rubbing my forefinger in light circles over his upright palm. I watched his skin flush, a moan escaping his throat as I slid my lips from the finger and kissed the tip. Before things could spiral out of control, Demetri reappeared to enquire if we would dessert and coffee. I shook my head; looking to Edward I saw him do the same and I asked for the bill.

Standing to leave, I saw Edward try to adjust his jeans surreptitiously. Crossing the small space between us, I slid my hand into his and I felt him relax as he gripped it like a drowning man would a life raft. Paying the bill, and brushing off Edward's attempt to split it, I was asked by Irina to take a look at a new painting her husband had purchased. Knowing my love of art, he very much wanted my opinion on its quality and authenticity. I was more than happy to take a look and so Edward and I were led through to the private rooms at the back of the restaurant. They were furnished in rich, opulent colours that I recognised as Irina's influence. Delicious plum and gold voile drapes hung at the windows, the furniture covered in rich aubergine and plum velvet throws with delicate golden stitching. The overall effect was warm and welcoming, and a touch Moroccan in my opinion. Leading us through the rooms, Demetri paused at a magnificent painting in what looked to be an ornate gilded frame, quite possibly the original from its time.

I had to let go of Edward's hand as Irina whisked him away to proudly show off her home; I hadn't yet heard them return. The soft strains of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata drifted through from another room, and I looked at Demetri, confused. He silently pointed to Irina, standing transfixed outside an open door. My feet carried me unbidden to her side and my eyes fell on a beautiful old piano at which sat Edward, his eyes closed, fingers flying over the keys. The music swelled with so much power and emotion it was as if his soul was laid bare for me to see, and it pulled at my gut until I could barely draw breath. Confusion, frustration and pain were written plainly across his face, and for one brief moment I almost feared for him until I heard the mood shift and felt the change in emotion. The melancholy notes were so poignant, so stunningly beautiful, made all the more so because they were played with such raw passion. The melody made me want to weep for lost loves and for lost, lonely souls, for surely Edward, as he displayed his heart to me, was lost without his memory.

As the music quieted and faded, he opened his eyes and belatedly realised he had an audience. He tried to apologise, but was cut off by Irina who hugged him, telling him that it was the first time her piano had truly been played by a maestro. Walking over to his side, I stroked his face as he lifted it to me, his eyes full of want and craving. Conscious of our company I looked to the door to find it closed, leaving us alone in the cosy, intimate room. Giving in to an overwhelming pull I leaned down and kissed him, the nearness of him, and the touch of him, more essential to me now than the air in my lungs.

Oh my darling.

Taking his hand I pulled him to his feet, the only noise in the room the soft, wet sounds of our kisses blended into the symphony of our ragged breathing.

Our lips reluctantly parted, and I looked deep into his eyes.

"Let's get you home. It's been a long day."

Our hands still intertwined, I led him to the door and out into the hallway. Irina appeared and, with a beaming smile, hugged us both, ordering us to visit again soon. Demetri clapped me on the back and, shaking Edward's hand, told him he was welcome to come play their piano whenever he wished. Edward looked awkward, but his thank you was sincere. As we walked out to the car, he was silent and didn't speak again until we were seated inside.

When he spoke, his words stunned me.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to embarrass you in there in front of your friends. It's just been so long since I played and I forgot it was someone's house. I just sat down for a moment and played without thinking."

His hands were twisting as he sat looking straight ahead. I reached out, stilling his hands with mine.

"Look at me, please?" He grimaced before complying, and I saw fear and self loathing etched into his beautiful features. As he quickly looked away again, I was at a loss.

Why are you scared, my love?

"You think you embarrassed me?" My voice barely registered above a whisper. "Edward, you were amazing back there. You had Irina almost in tears; and me... well, I've never seen someone so lost in their own world. I was afraid you wouldn't want to let me in."

His eyes flew to my face. He looked bewildered.

"You were afraid? Why? You could do some much better than me. I'm damaged. What were probably the most important memories of my life are missing, and I may never get them back. That terrifies me – that I may never remember us, how we began and how that felt." Pulling his hand away, he banged his fist down hard on his thigh.

"If that is the case, then we will make those memories again for you - together. I can't not see you, not have you in my life. You own me, Edward Masen. Body and soul I'm yours, and I don't ever want that to change."

It was my turn to be scared; the thought of life without Edward caused my stomach to twist painfully. I remembered my promise to him as he lay unconscious in that hospital bed: no more sleeping alone – he belonged with me. While I tried to do the right thing and resist his advances, despite ample provocation, I knew that being apart from him wasn't an option. My defences were down, and if he wanted me tonight I wouldn't fight him anymore. We would make new memories together, strong memories that would shine bright within us for all the years yet to come.

I started the car, pulling out of the restaurant parking bay and heading back toward Edward's home. Once on the main road, I reached over and laced my hand with his as we drove in silence, each in turn looking over at the other. Arriving at his building a short trip later, I pulled up outside and turned off the engine, using our joined hands to put it into neutral. Slipping off my seatbelt with one hand I waited; the ball now firmly in his court. Whatever happened now was his choice. Either way, he would be in comforting and familiar surroundings.

The mood in the car was so different to earlier when it had been all lust, desire and heat. Now I felt only tension and worry swirling around us.

"Do you need anything?" I ventured, my thumb brushing his fingers affectionately.

If he's changed his mind, accept it. You've told him how you feel.

Had I?

He turned to me, and I felt my heart skip.

"Come up?"

His eyes looked... bleak. Releasing his hand, I climbed out of the car and waited for him to unlock the building door, holding it open for me as I followed him up to where my most recent memories of us together were centred. He bolted the apartment door behind us and walked through to his bedroom, sitting down on the edge of the bed. I now felt genuine concern – his behaviour was different.

"Edward, are you feeling alright? Is it your head?"

Following him through, I was at his side in mere moments, checking his stitches for any sign of swelling.

"It hurts." His hands fisted at his sides, his eyes clenched shut.

"I have painkillers in my bag. I'll go and fetch them from the car."

Unlocking the door, I flew downstairs and retrieved the bag from the trunk. Back inside I poured him a glass of water, handing it to him with the drugs in my palm, as I eyed him anxiously. He swallowed them with a little difficulty and chased them down with more water.

"Lie down," I urged, helping him off with his shoes and socks and waiting for him to unbuckle his belt so I could slide the denim down his legs and over his feet. Pulling the covers over him, I stroked his unruly hair soothingly, and placed a soft kiss on his forehead before standing.

"Where are you going?" His voice was groggy now.

"You need to rest. Your body is exhausted after all the excitement tonight... you've overdone it and it's all my fault."

"Don't leave ... stay with me... "

His plea was all it took. Slipping off my jeans and shirt, I carefully climbed in beside him. His warm legs immediately tangled around mine as he snuggled into my chest, his body automatically finding its favourite sleeping position just as it had the last time we shared a bed. My heart swelled with love for him, and I couldn't deny it anymore. I held him close and kissed his bruised temple gently as he slipped into slumber.

"I love you, Edward."

~xxXxx~