A Bird in the Hand

Thanks to Tanglingshadows, for requesting a look into Aro's mind for her FandomGivesBack auction! Thank you for letting me share this in the outtakes.

The following takes place in late autumn, not long after Bella and Edward first come to Volterra

-A-

The ancient vampire stood in the doorway between library and palace, smiling slightly at the sight before him. For a moment he entertained the idea that those he viewed were completely unaware of his observation. And two of them probably were, immersed in conversation as they were. The human girl, at least, and his brother, who could be aware if he tried.

But Edward Cullen was surely aware, in spite of his polite mask of attention to the words of the others.

He doesn't care about their conversation, Aro observed cynically. He is here to protect the girl. He knows we are hungry, and knows his presence will keep her safer than she would be alone. I imagine he knows our feeding schedule as well as the rest of us.

The young vampire inclined his head toward the grand doors while smiling minutely with just one corner of his lips, as if to say: Touche.

Admiration and jealousy swirled in the darkest corners of Aro's mind, before he willed them to be still, and rest in secret with his deepest, most cherished wish to keep all of the Cullens in Volterra. These were thoughts he only entertained when he knew, through Demetri's spying, that Edward was far enough away on hunt so as not to read his mind. What he wouldn't give to have Edward and Bella's talents at his disposal, of course, but all of the Cullens appealed to him in their own ways.

He would be delighted to gaze on the voluptuous Rosalie in the flesh: of all the beauties at court there were no blondes, and Aro felt this was a shame. He wondered if she would allow him to seduce her, though he guessed it might take centuries to melt her icy demeanor. Her brawny mate would look good opposite Felix. Two powerful and intimidating guards were more balanced and suited to his classical aesthetic tastes than one. Even the gentle and faithful Esme, (a bit too docile perhaps for Aro's tastes) would make a suitable companion for Sulpicia, particularly if she insisted on keeping her ridiculous diet. Sulpicia was loyal and deserved to have a friend he hadn't slept with, and Carlisle would probably prefer it as well.

Carlisle.

Most of all, he wanted his old friend to come back, and ease his loneliness. Carlisle, the only one who never toadied, and never flattered, never wanted anything but the pleasure of his company. These thoughts, of course, were secret. Any similar thoughts he had anywhere near Edward, those thoughts were ordered to stay hidden with the rest. His thoughts obeyed, as everyone did. Aro was always in command of his emotions.

Well, almost always.

Only twice in his vampire life had his emotions overtaken his rational mind, and Aro did not permit himself to think of that. He wished Marcus would follow his example, instead of wallowing for all eternity on things that could not be changed.

He walked in the room, much like a cat slinking by, perhaps to interact, perhaps not. He hadn't decided yet. Addict that he was, he touched his hand to his brother-in-law's shoulder, one mere tip of his finger coming into contact with the papery skin so much like his own. This was a familiar mind, and he slipped past the constant suffering and unbearable memories to get to what he craved most: the talent.

Ribbons of color, swirling around everyone. Bright ropes, like umbilical cords, tying mates and siblings strongest, followed by close friends, then casual lovers and so on. Temporary tentacles of hatred and jealousy, whipping around, sometimes with accuracy, like that of Edward for Demetri. Sometimes the tentacles just flailed, like those of Chelsea's pathetic mate, particularly whenever Aro took her to his bed, or put Afton in his place. Jane's hate was glorious, violent, and perfectly precise. Her loyalty to him was a lovely bright purple ribbon rivaled only by the blue binding her irrevocably to her twin.

Edward and Bella's bonds were still each other's strongest connections, though just remembering the pure blue between Carlisle and his first-made son made Aro sick with envy. At the very thought, through Marcus he saw a tentacle of his own reach out to strike Edward, and he pulled back just in time to stop it, but not soon enough to keep the surprise from flickering in the young man's eyes.

Aro raised his eyebrow slightly, as he realized there was a hole in scheme to keep Edward from seeing his hand- how much he truly desired him as well as Bella, for their talents. Edward could see Marcus' talent just as easily, though only in the moment. He could see Aro's own tentacles of jealousy and spite lashing out, and the deep magenta tendrils of desire. Edward could see this any time Aro was in Marcus' field of vision.

Both men frowned simultaneously, and Aro thought again how similar they were. Just to even things out, Aro placed his other hand on top of Bella's fine dark hair, allowing himself the pleasure of a soft, human touch without the interruption of all those tiresome human thoughts. He heard the undertone of Edward's growl, and laughed.

See, Edward? I don't have to touch you to know how much that would annoy you, he thought pointedly at the young vampire. You react exactly as I would. You condemn me for wanting to possess, but you are just as guilty as I, if not more so.

Aro smiled at Edward's briefly troubled expression. Aro, with his signature talent and a little bit of help from Marcus, was very good at figuring out how to win someone over. He knew even without touching him that the key to winning over this sharp young man had to do with respect, because that is the only thing to which Aro himself responded. Edward was clever, even for a vampire. He sensed through Marcus that Edward also respected Aro's intelligence, and feared his power.

Given enough time, Edward would see that his place was with the Volturi, or his respect and fear of Aro would lead him to the conclusion that he might as well stay and enjoy the prestige. And if he didn't, the boy's temper would surely get him somewhere down the line. He would break his part of the bargain, and they would belong to him, without question or argument.

Edward frowned again, and Aro's smile grew, thinking of several ways to goad the young man's temper, and watching the tentacles whip out at him in Marcus' mind. Angry, red tentacles that Edward couldn't hide, no matter how disciplined the mask.

See, my boy? It works both ways. Aro thought smugly. The real question is, are you more intelligent than you are hot-tempered? And for how long?

Edward's fiery tentacles slowly retracted as the bond for his mate pulsed with intensity. The boy was learning, mastering his volatile emotions just as Aro had once been forced to do. Edward was accomplishing the task very quickly. He was disciplined, organized. He was one to watch out for. Aro tried in vain to stop his own admiration showing, his desire to acquire for his court this brilliant youth, this flattering mirror for his own personality, but the images were all-to-clear in Marcus' unrestrained mind, for both vampires to see.

Respect and fear were never far apart, nor were admiration and jealousy. These four elements together made for a very volatile combination, even more so when mirrored in two such similar personalities.

Aro decided then to withdraw, a temporary retreat in order to keep his secrets.

After all, I can always read you through his memory, Aro taunted mildly as he left the room.

A/N: Lots more FGB scenes and chapters to come!

(repeated from a late edit to chapter 36:)

I also want to thank whoever nominated Canzone for two Vampie awards (in Best Overall and Best Volturi/Nomads)

The list of nominees and link to voting is over here: http:/twificpics(DOT)com/vampawards/?page_id=198(DOT)