Carlisle shot up in bed and looked wide eyed around the room. He flexed his shoulders, but the phantom pain was gone. It was just a dream, a nightmare. He hadn't had one of those since he had been a human child.

He felt his body tremble, and looked around the room. Eleazar, who would very often stay with him while he slept, watching over him as he rested, was nowhere to be seen. He whimpered and rubbed a little hand over his teary eyes before sliding out of the bed, padding to the door, and out of the bedroom. Slowly making his way down the hall, he saw Eleazar siting in his chair reading by the fire. Running over to him as fast as he could, Carlisle climbed into his lap uninvited and latched onto his chest, crying.

"Carlisle?" Eleazar wrapped his arms around the child, peering down at the boy, concerned. "What is wrong, mi nino?" he asked while rubbing the child's little heaving back.

"El-zar lub me wight?" Carlisle asked, his face buried in the man's chest. His voice was muffled, but Eleazar's sharp hearing clearly picked up what he had said.

"Very much, Carlisle," he told the child, wondering what had brought this about. He knew the child needed to be reassured a lot, but it never came out of the blue like this. This sort of thing was usually precipitated by something. He stroked the child's back and hushed him gently.

"P-Pwomise? No mattew what?" the youth asked in a shaky little voice, full of anxiety and fear.

"No matter what," Eleazar assured, concern evident in his voice.

"Even though I'm bad?" the tiny tot pushed.

"Carlisle Cullen where is this coming from? You most certainly are not bad," Eleazar scolded firmly while pulling the little one back from his chest to look him in the eyes.

"I am," Carlisle told him sadly. "Fathew thinked so," he added in a small voice.

Eleazar would like to have drained the life out of that man himself for all that he had broken in his poor boy. Not that Ele wouldn't gladly fix it, it was the least he could do for his friend whom he really did love, but none the less it was work that should not have to be tackled. How a man could be so hateful to his own child, the Spaniard would never be able to understand.

Eleazar cupped Carlisle's chin in his hand and ran his thumb across the child's soft cheek.

"Your father was not a very nice man. He did not understand or appreciate what a treasure he had in you."

"I tilled my mom," Carlisle said in a barely audible voice, tears streaming down his cheeks. He had never known his mother growing up, but he had still missed her all the same. He often wondered if his father would have loved him if she hadn't died while giving birth to him.

"Oh, muchachito," Eleazar said sadly. "No little one. I know you know in your heart that that is not truth."

"Carlisle truth." The little boy sniffled.

"Not this time, chiquillo. This time Carlisle is very much mistaken," Eleazar told him while still holding his chin in his hand and peering down into his eyes, continuing to stroke the child's cheek with his thumb. Carlisle leaned into the touch like an affection starved kitten, which Ele knew was probably not far from the truth. He didn't know a whole lot about Carlisle's time as a human, or how rocky his childhood had been, but he did know that his mother had died in childbirth and he had grown up without her. He wished he had known what an ass the other man's father had been well before now.

"Fathew said…," Carlisle began only to have Eleazar interrupt him.

"No, bebe, you had no control over that. It was a tragedy that your mother was taken from you, but the Lord had other plans for her, and unfortunately you had to suffer without her. That was not your fault, and if your father ever told you it was he was wrong. He never should have told you that. You are a very good little boy, you were before and you are now. You were also a very good man, and you will be again." Eleazar really hoped he was covering it all here. He didn't want Carlisle to ever doubt himself like this.

"But I do bad fings like frowing tantwums, and bweakin wules," Carlisle pointed out.

"No, ninito, you have done naughty things like all little boys do, and I love you just the same even when you do those things. You are always, always a good sweet boy," the Spaniard told him.

"Carlisle good?" The child asked, needing to make sure.

"Si, Carlisle is very good." Eleazar kissed his head and smiled down at him wiping his tears away. "Want to tell El-zar what has you so upset now?"

"Bad dweam," Carlisle answered quietly.

"I see. What was this bad dream about, little one?" Eleazar asked.

Carlisle flexed his shoulders again as if expecting pain to be there. He peered up at his friend and nibbled his bottom lip. "I was liddow and wif fathew, and he was weally mad at me cuz I was bad. I stealed somfin, El-zar. That's weally bad," He admitted sadly.

Eleazar stroked the hair from his brow having a feeling this was more of a memory resurfacing than a true nightmare. "It is naughty to steal," he said, putting emphasis on the word naughty. "What else happened?"

Carlisle started to squirm in the man's lap as he looked down at his tiny feet. "He yell at me and whip me. He hate me. It was weal… He hate me," he admitted under his breath.

Eleazar nodded, he had suspected as much. He held the child close and offered him the comfort he was sure the boy had never gotten from his father. "I don't think he really hated you, little one," he said, though he wasn't sure he believed that himself. The man sure seemed to have been the embodiment of hatred.

"He did hate me. I didn't even mean to be bad." Carlisle started crying again.

"Naughty. It was naughty, yes, but you were not bad," Eleazar corrected again. "And no, you did not mean to be naughty, but little boys sometimes make mistakes. It is how they learn to grow up and be good men. You were a very good man, and you are a very good little boy. I did not know your padre, but he was wrong with how he treated you."

"Wong?" Carlisle asked, batting large brown eyes up at him.

"Yes, sweet boy, very wrong. You didn't deserve any of what he did to you," the Spaniard assured him.

Carlisle nuzzled his head against the man's chest and yawned big. "Fathew wong and El-zar lub me," he said as if just needing to hear it again.

"Exactly," Eleazar said, rubbing his back.

"Carlisle stay hewe wif El-zar," the baby said sleepily.

"Of course Carlisle can stay right here. Close your eyes, bebe," Eleazar coaxed while rocking his little friend gently.

Feeling safe and secure, Carlisle drifted off to sleep, snuggled in against the first person to ever really love him.

As Carlisle slept in his lap, Eleazar wove his fingers through his tiny friend's fine pale hair. Soft whimpers escaped the little bundle, and he would occasionally flinch, but the older man's touch soon quieted him and allowed him to rest peacefully.

It was while the child was still and drooling over the Spaniard's finely tailored slacks that Eleazar reached a decision. The castle was far too dangerous for the vampire child. Regardless of how he came about his current state, their home was no longer safe for him, nor was it fair to keep Carlisle cooped up like this all the time.

The little one's near miss with Jane had been as much the elder's fault as the child's. True, Carlisle had not followed the rules in place for his safety, but perhaps that was because the rules were simply too hard on one so young.

A child's boundless energy and curiosity needed outlets. One as intelligent as Carlisle had a drive to explore and learn that could not be contained like this. The adult locked within the small body was educated, but this second emergence of the child required experience to help unlock that knowledge. Once he was able to regain his ability to read, books would serve to spark his memories, but for now nothing would compare to the education provided by discovery.

Carefully removing the thumb from the little's mouth, Eleazar sighed.

"Must not ruin your teeth, nino," he whispered and chuckled to himself before continuing to struggle between his desire to serve the greater good, and his self-imposed responsibility to his friend.

Carlisle needed the freedom to run and play. A child should be frolicking in the sun and fresh air. Trapped in the dark, dampness of the Volterra castle was completely the wrong environment to raise a little one. Besides, God had given his companion a second chance at childhood for a reason. Perhaps it was to allow for him to experience what he had missed out on his first time around, and if so, Eleazar would have to do everything in his power to see to it that Carlisle finally enjoyed what it meant to be a carefree little boy.

Being outside the city and away from the ever watchful eyes of the Volturi would also give the Spaniard a chance to search for a cure for his friend's condition. While he didn't mind Carlisle's regression, he felt certain that the century old adult must be frustrated by his child induced limitations. There had to be a way to return the scholar to his old self, and Eleazar would not stop until he had uncovered that secret.

Yes, they had to leave Volterra, but the question of how this could be accomplished remained to be answered.

If he disappeared in the night, Aro would send Demitri after him. Once the tracker picked up his trail all would be lost. No. He would have to gain Aro's permission to go. Marcus and Caius would not even notice his absence, but the leader most certainly would.

Eleazar continued to contemplate his options until Carlisle groaned softly and stretched as much as the cramped space would allow.

Scooping the sleeping boy into his arms and hugging him against his chest, the Spaniard stood and made his way into the bed chamber. Once there, he carefully shifted Carlisle into one arm to free up the other so he could pull down the sheets before setting the little one down in the center of the bed. Drawing the covers back over the tiny body, Eleazar bent down and brushed a lock of hair off of the child's face before placing a light kiss on his forehead.

Eleazar suddenly froze and narrowed his eyes as his mind drifted. A vision of the adult Carlisle in his same position struck him and caused him to chuckle. He would have never dreamed that he would be moved to show his friend such attention, but that was then. For now he was just a little bébé who had a great need for reassurance and thrived on the affection that he had never known.

As he tucked the blanket around Carlisle, the tyke began to move. Small fists shot out from under the blanket to rub the sleep out of his eyes. Blinking, the child bore of look of confusion as he tried to focus on his surroundings.

"El-zar?"

"I'm right here, nino."

"No, go," the quiet voice pleaded.

"I'm not going anywhere, Carlisle. I just thought you would be more comfortable in here."

"Was kay with El-zar."

"And you shall still be 'kay' with me. I'll stay right here until morning, but then you must promise to stay put and be my good little chico. I have something very important to take care of, but I won't be able to do a good job if I must worry for my amigo."

"I good, El-zar. No bad Carlisle. No more."

"You have always been very good, muchacho. Now it's El-zar's turn at being good by doing right for his ñaño."


"You reek of human," Caius remarked with a sneer of disgust. "How dare you come before us in such a state."

"Please forgive me, Master. I was picking something up in the marketplace when I received word that you would see me. I regret that I had no time to change," the Spaniard offered as a form of apology, while he bowed his head low.

Before Caius could hiss a response, Aro's hand came to rest on his wrist. The eldest brother glared harshly at his dark haired co-leader, but allowed him to take over.

"So, you wish to leave us. Now why would you desire such a thing, Eleazar? Are you unhappy here? Have you not been treated well? Is there something about our company that you find displeasing?"

"No, Master Aro. That is the furthest thing from truth. Such thoughts you have," Eleazar scoffed. "I merely wish to find Carlisle. My friend's absence has been weighing on my mind and troubling my heart. I fear that he may have run into some sort of trouble and only wish to see to his safe return."

"And how long do you plan on this mission taking?"

"It should depend on how long I must look to find what I seek, but I say - oh, three, maybe four days. Carlisle has been known to wander far, but I think not in this case."

The ancient vampire crossed his legs as he leaned back on his throne. Placing his elbows on the arms of the chair, he steepled his fingers together lightly while a look of deep concentration colored his features.

"Eleazar, why do you wear gloves in my presence?"

"It is the fashion in the city. I wear them only to better blend in among the humans."

"You would not be trying to hide anything from me, now would you, fledgling?"

"Only a fool would attempt such things, Master. I may engage in foolish moments, but I assure you, fool I am not."

Eleazar quickly stripped the soft brown kid glove from his left hand. Pocketing the protective article of clothing, he extended his hand towards Aro, but the ancient leader waved the offer away.

"Show me what you have found upon your return, dear friend. For now, I have more pressing matters that require my attention. Your request is granted, Eleazar. You have one week in which to find Carlisle and return him to me."

"Thank you, Master," the Spaniard politely replied as he bowed low before backing out of the throne room. Once outside the chamber, he quickly made his escape down the stairs towards his rooms to gather his things and Carlisle for their departure.


The lost little boy huddled against the large wooden wheel of the wood crafter's cart while he hugged his toy close for comfort. Carlisle grew more nervous by the second as he stared out at the hive of activity around him. He needed his El-zar, but he was afraid to call for the man. The child knew that Eleazar would make everything better, and he loved the safe feeling that the man's embrace provided, but he knew that he had been very naughty, and now would be in trouble. El-zar had promised to spank his bare bottom if he broke the rules again and that was exactly what Carlisle had done.


Once they had traveled a safe distance from the castle and were nearing the marketplace, Eleazar magically produced his tiny traveling companion from beneath his long coat. Placing the blond haired tot down, the tall Spaniard knelt down and explained the new rules for life outside the castle.

"Carlisle, we must pass through the market to get to the city gates. I need for you to stay beside me. I don't know how the temptation of so many humans concentrated in one place will affect you, and we can afford no mishaps today.

I hope you will be fine, but with one so young, I fear that you may be prone to give into your desires."

"Carry me," the little one demanded as he held up his arms towards his friend.

"I want to, amigo, but fear us being spotted by a member of the Guard out on patrol. They would be more likely to notice you in my arms than at my heel. The niños are always underfoot so here you blend in. As soon as we are out of the city I shall carry you if that is still your wish, but I think you will be more interested in seeing what is to be seen at that point."

Giving the child a cheerful smile, the adult took his charge's hands in his as he gazed into Carlisle's brilliant gold eyes.

"Truth now, chico. This is very importante. Are you feeling any thirst?"

"No, El-zar. Still full fro brefuss."

In preparation for their departure, Eleazar had acquired a young goat from a nearby farmer and brought it back to the child with instructions to drink his fill. The goat woke the boy's thirst and Carlisle tackled it with the greed and excitement of a true child.

When he could drink no more, the boy passed the lifeless body back to his guardian to drain and dispose of. Eleazar found a band of beggars who were too happy with the donated meat to even question its gnawed on and bloodless condition.

The vampire consoled himself with the knowledge that at least his companion's strange diet meant that no part of his victim need ever go to waste. That fact made the often sour tasting nectar a bit easier for the man to stomach.

"Bueno, amigo. Now tell me, where will you stay?"

"Wift you."

"Excelente! You're a very good boy, Carlisle," the Spaniard praised. "So good in fact that a little special someone wants to be your friend."

Reaching into the inside breast pocket of his long overcoat, Eleazar withdrew a small rusty colored figure of fabric and yarn. As he held it out for his friend to take, the elder chuckled to see Carlisle's shocked expression.

"Foxy," the lad squeaked while timidly reaching out a hand to stroke the bushy tail.

"Indeed he is, amigo, and he needs you to keep him safe from the hunters. Can you do that? Will you be a friend to Mr. Zorro and keep him well?"

Huge bright gold eyes looked up from the cuddly toy to find the elder smiling back at him.

"Carlisle takes care," he affirmed with a nod.

"Then he will be your special friend. Hold him tight and keep him from harm."

Carlisle gently plucked the toy fox from Eleazar's hand and crushed it against his chest as he hugged it tight.

"Lub him, El-zar. Lub him ever."

"That makes me happy to hear, chico. Now your new friend, he needs a name. What shall you call your amiguito rojo?"

"Rojo?"

"Si. Rojo. The color red."

"Likes name," the little boy declared as he held his toy up. "Rojo!"

Eleazar grinned as he ruffled Carlisle's platinum hair.

"Is a good name, amigo. Rojo the zorro."

The child rushed the man and threw his arms around Eleazar's neck while still holding on tightly to his toy.

"Thankyou, El-zar."

Returning the little one's embrace, the Spaniard took a moment to bask in the warm expression of pure joy before easing the boy back.

"Alright, nino, Rojo will help keep you as safe as you keep him, but we must hurry and be on our way.

Now, listen close to El-zar. If you feel that you're getting thirsty, I want you and Rojo to hold your breathing. That helps until we get away from the humans.

So, tell me, amigo, are you ready to depart on a great adventure?"

"Yes!" the lad exclaimed as his eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Then let us be off. The world ahead awaits."

The sights, scents and sounds swiftly overwhelmed the child. He was a bit frightened, but the allure of the undiscovered was much more overpowering. Though his throat uncomfortably ached from the enticing scent of human blood, it was trinkets and wares that caused the most problem. They all called to Carlisle,wishing to be touched and studied. He really did try his best to do as he was told and stay near Eleazar, but a bright flutter of wings proved more alluring than a cart of toys, and would become his undoing.

The iridescent blue powdery wings of a large butterfly captivated and amazed the budding scientist. Carlisle could not believe that something so small and fragile had the courage to float through the noisy bustling mob. He feared that the beautiful creature would be crushed or caught by a bird, so he made it his duty to see it safely to its destination. Once the magical being came to a rest on a flower growing proudly in the castle's garden, the youth deemed his task complete, and puffed up a bit at having done a good thing.

Only then did he look up expecting to find his El-zar beaming with pride, but he discovered that he was alone. He had no idea where he was. Nothing looked familiar and his El-zar had gotten lost.

Frantically, Carlisle raced through the sea of legs as he searched for the Spaniard. He scanned every face that walked by, but was far too frightened to call out the man's name.

Popping out of the crowd, the boy found himself in the path of a hard working cart pony. When faced with the tiny predator, the equine spooked. Rolling eyes and striking hooves met the would-be attacker, sending the frighten child fleeing further away from his desired path.

Ducking beneath a vendor table, the lad darted far too quickly from cart to cart until he came to rest here in the shadow of the wood worker's stand - lost, lonely and too afraid to move another inch.

Hugging his knees to his chest, Carlisle wept. He no longer cared that he would be punished, he just wanted Eleazar. He needed his friend, and the thought that he may never see him again broke the little boy's unbeating heart.

He clung to Rojo, the last thing his El-zar had ever given him, but his new friend could not make the sadness go away. The bright button eyes would help keep a look out for danger, but the fox still could not comfort him like his amigo could.

Large venom tears splashed down on the child's hands and quickly matted the toy's fluffy tail. Carlisle was fast becoming completely distraught. He had been bad. He broke his promise, and now El-zar was gone forever. He didn't deserve to have his friend. He didn't even deserve to have Rojo, but he couldn't help wanting them both by his side.

A wail erupted from the child seconds before a large strong hand grasped his upper arm firmly and pulled him up to his feet. Immediately, Carlisle began to fight, but a familiar voice and a sturdy smack to the seat of the boy's pants caused him to freeze.

"Carlisle Cullen, what did I tell you? You do not run off like that."

Eleazar had crouched down and was now holding both of his young friend's arms in his strong grip while he glared into Carlisle's black eyes.

"Nino, I didn't know what had happened to you. You could have been caught. You could have been badly hurt."

The Spaniard gave the boy a slight shake to break his trance. Tears rushed down the child's cheeks in response.

"Don't ever do that again to me, chico. You must listen what I tell you to do. You make it difficult to keep you safe when you go off on your own like this. This worry is not good for Eleazar's heart."

"El-zar!" Carlisle dropped his toy on the ground as he threw himself into the older man's arms. The boy's fear of punishment was eclipsed by his need to verify that his friend had really retuned for him. Sobbing hard, he clung to Eleazar and absorbed all the comfort that the man could give.

"You're okay, Carlisle. It will be alright, but we must move now. We draw too much attention."

Retrieving the dropped toy, Eleazar slipped it back into his pocket before securing a stronger hold on his tiny miscreant and rose to his feet.

"Signore, excuse per favore," the vendor called, as he touched the dark stranger's hard shoulder. "I could not help overhearing. It looks as though you are having a little trouble with the ragazzo."

Eleazar gave the man a half smile while avoiding making full eye contact with the human.

"Sì. We are still learning the finer points of following direction," the tall pale man admitted while the child buried his face against the broad shoulder. "He is actually a good boy, but even the best have testing moments."

"Certo. That they do, which is why I would like for you to have this." The man produced a small hardwood paddle, seemingly from thin air, and presented it to Eleazar. "I have only just finished it to replace my own, but it appears that you have a greater need I at the moment."

"Oh, I fear that I can't afford such fine workmanship, but thank you the same."

"There is no charge. It is a regalo from one padre to another. It has enough bite to gain your bambino's respect, but not so much that he learns fear. I use it on my own children when I need them to know that I mean the business."

"Gracias, señor. A most generous gift, to be sure."

Wishing to expedite their departure, Eleazar accepted the implement and placed it in the same pocket that currently housed Carlisle's foxy friend.

"Thank you again. Now I fear that we must be on our way, but your kindness shall be long remembered."

The Spaniard gave the man a polite tip of the head before hurrying off towards the city gates and freedom beyond.

When Volterra was nothing more than a dot on the horizon, Eleazar stopped in the shade of a secluded grove and put Carlisle down. Fully expecting the youth to be excited to finally be out where he could run and play, the elder was rather shocked when the boy's arms locked around his leg instead.

After a second of thought, Eleazar opened his jacket and dug in his pocket before being stunned by a high pitched cry.

Without releasing his hold on the man's leg, Carlisle scuttled around behind him as he whimpered, "No, El-zar. No paddle. Sowrey. Be good. Prowmis."

"Carlisle."

"No, El-zar. No. Didn't mean it. Axdent. Not go nowhere again."

"Carlisle, stop."

The older man went to reach for the child, but Carlisle quickly let go of his friend and jumped back as he shielded his fanny with both hands.

"Please, no," the little boy cried.

"Chico, come here," the man called softly, but Carlisle only cried harder as he shook his head.

With a sigh, Eleazar crouched down to the child's level while he searched his coat pocket. The little boy watched his every move, appearing to be willing to bolt at a moment's notice should the paddle make an appearance. Instead, his friend removed the little fabric fox from his nest and brushed the dirt away, before holding the toy out for Carlisle.

Sensing some kind of trap, the boy actually took a step backward while tears continued to track down his cheeks.

"You no longer want Rojo, amigo? What's that Rojo?" The Spaniard held the fox up to his ear and nodded while his face bore a serious expression. "You are sad that Carlisle no longer loves you? Yes, zorro, I can understand how you feel, but maybe you bit the niño and frightened him? No, you say? Then you must have done something naughty, but I shouldn't worry. Carlisle still loves you very much, and he would never turn a friend away no matter what he has done."

Ele looked back over at the little blond imp, noting that his tears seemed to be slowing as be started to calm down.

"Carlisle, mi amigo, little Rojo is very sad to think that he has done wrong. Why don't you hold him for a while to make him feel better?"

The child continued to keep his distance while shaking his head.

"El-zar take care of Rojo. Carlisle too bad. Rojo serves better."

Eleazar drew a deeper breath before consulting with the fox again.

"Rojo doesn't want me, chico. He say only Carlisle can forgive and make him happy again."

Lowering his gaze, the boy shuffled towards Eleazar and cautiously accepted the stuffed animal that was saturated in his friend's familiar scent. Holding it to his chest, Carlisle finally looked up to meet the Spaniard's eyes.

"Trouble."

"Si, amigo. There could have caused a great deal of trouble. You must never run off like that. You made me promise." The elder spoke gently as he brushed the hair out of his little friend's eyes. "A man always keeps his promises, even a man as young as you."

Standing, the dark haired vampire held his hand out for the child to take.

"Let's find a place to sit and relax until the sun falls lower in the sky."

Carlisle placed his hand in Eleazar's and allowed himself to be led further back into the trees. Coming to a small clearing, the elder stopped and sat down at the base of a tree — stretching his long legs out with a groan. Looking up, he was a little surprised to find the boy standing before him with his head bowed. Lightly tapping Carlisle's chin caused the child to glance up with stress darkened eyes that further worried the adult.

"Why not go play for a while. I'm sure there is much to be found if you only look, and Rojo can be your guide. Just make sure to stay where you can see El-zar, okay? There is to be no more losses today."

Carlisle shook his head before letting it fall again.

"Is there something wrong, niño? Do you not feel well?"

Eleazar knew that it was impossible for an adult vampire to become ill, but who could tell the reactions of a child, especially one who came to his condition at the odd way that Carlisle had.

When Carlisle again shook his head, the Spaniard's anxiety increased.

"What is wrong, bebe? What hurts you?"

The young boy rubbed his belly as he hazard a glance up at his guardian.

"Flipping and fuzzy."

"Flipping?" Eleazar frowned while he search for a reason for such a response. Suddenly his brows shot up as a thought struck him. "Amigo, does something worry you?"

This time the child nodded as he quickly glanced down from the man's searching ruby eyes.

"Carlisle trouble. El-zar prowmiss spank. Mam keeps prowmiss."

"Ah. Sí. I understand the problem of the flippy tummy now. Has this been a bother the whole time we travel?"

Carlisle shrugged while keeping his eyes downcast, but his bottom lip jutted out in a pitiful pout.

"Come sit, muchacho. We talk so you know there is nothing to fear."

With a pat to his lap, Eleazar called Carlisle to join him. This time the child wasted no time in cuddling up against his protector, but as he went to hide his face, a single finger tipped his head up. "No, niño. I wish to see your eyes while I speak this."

The man could see the fear in the youth's eyes and clearly tracked his rapid breathing. If there had been a heartbeat to accompany his breath, that heart would have surely burst from the little one's chest.

"Shh, chico. You're alright No harm has befallen."

"Trouble," the child repeated.

"Sí, you were in trouble, but no more. I feel the lesson of listening to Eleazar when he says stay near has already been learned. All is forgiven, amigo. There will be no more punishment to follow. Not this time."

The concept of forgiveness was nearly foreign to the lad, but forgiveness without retribution was a ridiculous thought entirely.

"No. El-zar not spank, so Carlisle not forgibbin."

"Hmm, and who is in the charge here, little one? Hmm? El-zar or Carlisle?"

"El-zar," the child answered quietly before beginning to nervously chew on his lip.

"Correct," the man replied as he tapped the tip of Carlisle's nose. "So if El-zar say no spanking today, then no spanking will be."

"El-zar say mam keep prowmiss."

"And he does, but he must also be aware of when what he promised is not in the best interested of others. In this case, a good, proper spanking was not required, niño. Carlisle's fear from being lost, along with one spank from Eleazar's hand was punishment enough to change someone's misbehavior. That is all we aim to do. Job is done, so any more would not be good. This is not a case for punishment, Carlisle; this is a case for leniency."

Carlisle's brow knitted as he tried to understand the complex concept that his father had neglected to teach him.

"But, amigo, know that should you wander away again, there will be no more leniency. El-zar will be quite cross, and Carlisle's naughty back-end will be most upset with not being able to sit for a week. I will not care where you are found, young mister Cullen, I will not hesitate to spank on the spot. Since I break first promise, you are sure I will keep this one."

One more time Eleazar found himself being strangled as Carlisle hugged him tightly around the neck.

"Lub, El-zar."

"El-zar loves you back, muchacho. He loves you too much to let you get lost or hurt," the Spaniard replied as he snuggled his amigo while rubbing his back gently. "Just be as good as you can be, Carlisle. I know it can be difficult, but I would hate to make good on that promise."

"Bery good."

Eleazar held onto the child for a few moments more then lifted him up to place him on his feet. Turning Carlisle around so he faced the sun filled clearing, he gave the boy a light smack and ordered, "Go play. Go see what you can find, then bring back to show me."

"El-zar, play wift."

The adult sighed, but couldn't deny the bubbly child a thing.

"What shall we play, amigo?"

"Hide seek."

Carlisle giggled madly at the expression on Eleazar's face.

"I think we play enough of that for a day," the older man said as he rose to his feet and caught the youngster beneath the arms, tossing the laughing child into the air. Catching Carlisle and spinning him around, Eleazar dropped to the ground on his back with the little boy perched on top of him.

"I'll hide and seek you, niño travieso."

With a playful growl, the Spaniard reached up and tickled the youth, causing Carlisle to squeal with delight.

"How's that for hide and go squeak?"

"No, El-zar. Wong," Carlisle giggled more as he swatted that the man's hands and wiggled away. Hopping to his feet, the boy challenged, "El-zar! El-zar! Catch, El-zar! Catch me!"

The child laughed loudly as he ran across the clearing with the warm sun streaming down on him. His infectious laughter brought a smile of contentment to the elder vampire's face.

"That is as it should be, my friend. Nothing but happiness for you now," Eleazar remarked to himself as he got up and gave chase to the giggling boy who finally knew what it truly felt like to be a child.


AN: And that, folks, is all we have. If you want this to continue, let me know and I'll go give Maudlin a poke. Personally, I would like to see Carlisle back to his adult self. I fear that a run in with Aro would be unavoidable, so maybe we should just allow our heroes to stay on the run to places that we can't follow. Let me know what y'all think, and thanks so very much for taking the time to read and review this little silly sidetrack. Your support makes all the difference in the world. *hugs*