Lucas- - -
"Introducing the Washington 2nd place marching band, from Forks, under the direction of Lucas McKinley, the Emerald Knights; they will be performing Mythic, with the selections of…"
I sighed, staring at the field for a few moments as the man above rambled on and on. The full Cullen clan was in the audience, plus Bella and Bastion, and now I was waiting until we were under control of the field. The only male drum major was sick with Strep. Quietly, I twirled a finger in my hair before pulling it over my shoulder.
I was dressed in his band shirt and a pair of jeans. I had given my jacket to Bastion, and actually, due to the missing drum major, I was supposed to be subbed in. They rarely allowed it, but I managed to get them to allow it this theme.
"Drum Majors, is your band ready?"
There was silence as Katie called the band to attention. "Band! Attention!"
The snare drums started counting until forty-eight, giving the full band enough for them to get into place; And then the three drum majors, including myself, stepped up to our own places, I in the middle, Katie to the right, and the other girl on the left. I set my hand on my pants leg, the fabric turning black and then my shirt changed as well to the drum major uniform. Black pants, black shoes, and a button up, green shirt that had a black italic 'E' and 'K' on the back, and also a pair of black gloves. And that wasn't any magic, either. It was just using teleportation.
Hands flew up and the band started playing, huge green flags billowing up, the dancers appearing from behind their chosen band member. But then again, this was our marching band. One of the best. I could feel the chain around my neck burning a bit from the heat that was hitting it, but it hardly bothered me now. This was for Fidel, this whole performance. And, truthfully, her funeral was the next day and the church had said that they were planning on doing the service outside, considering that the whole band was planning on going to show their respects.
After Doubt lost control, my next goal was to find the killer of Fidel. And I didn't have a clue where to start, except with the bullets. Carlisle had said she had been found in her apartment and all but one of the shells had been found, and of course I went there. I had found a clip and many, many bullet holes. And the missing shell. A nine millimeter, which was in my jacket pocket; though I hadn't have time to find more just yet.
The full show took a time of ten minutes, and afterwards my arms ached and my head hurt. The sun had come out from behind the clouds and luckily the Cullens were smart and did what the rest of the crowd had, brought umbrella's, which helped a lot on keeping the sun off of their skin. And as soon as we were off the field I went to find Bastion, smiling a bit when I found him, walking up to him from behind him and wrapping my arms around him carefully. "Hello, Beautiful."
Bastion's POV
I leaned back into the embrace, grinning up at him. "You guys were fantastic!" I yelled. That was the last sentence I had time to say before Alice and Bella, who were on either side of me, went on top of him about how amazing the entire show was. They were chatting with each other through the whole performance about how great you were, I told him telepathically. There talked more than they listened…
I looked back at the field, enjoying the beams of sunlight. I smiled, grateful to actually be in control. Enjoying the sun, are we? Came Carlisle's voice into my mind. I nodded, knowing he could see me. Before the show we had had an entire conversation, telepathically of course, on what had happened. He had seemed fascinated enough, and I had to go into a whole history lesson about my past to actually get him to fully understand. After we had finished, which was right before the band performance, I had felt closer to him than before after that and I was grateful. He had also assured me that if I ever felt Doubt was coming back he would have Jasper put him under control.
Are you sure that's alright with him? I asked. Carlisle nodded.
Of course. He always tells me how guilty he is that he can't help you. He's proud to have such a responsibility. …As hard as it may be for you to fully believe it, you're part of our family now, Bastion, plain and simple. Esme has considered you as one of her sons since you first befriended Bella. You're not alone anymore. Plus, you have…
Lucas, I finished for him, smiling. I closed my eyes to enjoy the breeze as Alice and Bella started to finish up their praises on Lucas' performance.
Lucas- - -
I stared uneasily at Alice and Bella for a few moments before closing my eyes, resting my head against Bastion's, hands against his. "Alright. Thank you…" I mumbled, smiling and standing up more. How are you doing? I asked him after a few moments, stealing one of the girl's hats, smiling at her and thanking her as I put it on, covering my ears, hoping they would burn now like they already felt they were doing. And, how is our child doing?
Panther had been quiet up until now, probably because I was nervous about the scoring. Oh sure… ask him how he is…
Shut up, Panther go back to sleep or whatever it is you do…
He quieted down then. Luckily we were the last of the one hundred and fifty bands, and the sun was already starting to set. They had given us a twenty minute break before we were to be there for awards. And as soon as we had gotten ours, we were allowed to leave, and frankly, I wanted to get home and sleep.
Bastion's POV
I yawned and stretched a little before patting my hands on my stomach. Our baby's just fine. It's actually what gave me the strength to fight off doubt… I don't know about you, but I have a feeling this is gonna be one powerful kid… I grinned at the thought.
As for me… I wrapped my arm around his, lacing our fingers together. REALLY happy, for some reason. After those depression spells I'm usually giddy, and since it was Doubt this time… I could be happy for DAYS on end. I giggled. Bella nudged me in the ribs.
"Ow, hey! What was that for?" I asked, rubbing my side.
"You're leaving me out of the conversation again," she pouted. I chuckled and patted her on the head.
"Is it me or have you gotten more…childish?" I asked. I saw her face contort in shock and then anger and I laughed when she swatted away my hand.
"Am not!"
"Are to!" I stuck my tongue out at her and she fumed.
"BASTION! WHY YOU UNGRATEFUL LITTLE-"
"Aaah!" I screamed, running away as Bella flailed her arms everywhere. "Help! She's gonna kill me!" I laughed.
Lucas- - -
I smiled a little, running after Bastion, catching him in my arms and leaning down, kissing him deeply, smirking a bit as the full dance team, plus a couple of the guard and the girls in the band went 'Awww!'. After a bit, I took a few steps away and took his hand gently, "So do we know its gender yet?" I asked finally, in a low whisper.
Most of the marching band knew now that Bastion and I were dating, what they hadn't told Bastion was what was waiting for him at home. It was circulating almost everywhere and the girls were all giggling with excitement, trying to hold back from telling him. Even the Cullens knew and I had asked them not to tell Bella. But actually, what they didn't know is it wasn't at home, it was in my pocket, and awards were in fifteen minutes, which means I would have to make it quick.
Bastion's POV
I crossed my arms in thought. "Well…let's see…" I closed my eyes and thought for a few moments before deciding on my answer. "It's a boy. Definitely," was my response. I couldn't really explain why, though. It was only a hunch that I had. I looked at everyone that was staring at us. If they knew about Lucas and I, then what was with all the whispers?
"Are…they alright?" I asked Lucas, giving the girls a few looks. They seemed to hush up as soon as they noticed me looking at them, but their faces showed that they were using all the strength they had not to burst into fits of giggling again. "They seem…really hyper…"
Lucas- - -
I laughed softly, taking his hand carefully, reaching into my pocket and pulling out what had been hidden for the past three or four hours. Of course by now the full band was staring at us and I knew getting down on one knee wasn't really a good idea. I probably wouldn't get up. So I went for a different idea. Quietly, I turned him around, wrapping my arms around him completely so his arms couldn't move. "Bastion…" I started, what was in my hand hidden in my closed fist.
"From the moment we met…I was in love… so… here I stand today, in between awards and performance, holding you in my arms, wondering if you would marry me?" I opened my fist, holding the ring carefully for him to see, wondering what he would say.
And here's where the full band broke in to one of those long and annoying 'Awww!' things.
Bastion's POV
Stunned wasn't even the word for it. I stared at the ring, but all I could see was a blur of it as I broke into tears, sobbing into his chest. I was filled with happiness…no…something even beyond happiness. God could strike me dead right at that moment and not only would I remain happy, but revive and cry all over.
"Yes!" I sobbed into his chest. "Of…course I'll m-marry you, Lucas!" I heard the entire band whistle, cheer, and applaud, but all my mind was focused on our future, about the wedding, everything. I heard Bella's squeal break through everyone else's and then felt her hug me tightly from behind.
"You're getting married, oh my God!" she screamed. I pulled away from Lucas and took Bella into my arms, spinning her round and round at a fast speed, making her legs leave the ground.
"I'M GETTING MARRIED!" I screamed and then we started screaming and hugging each other and jumping in place and it was a silly moment, all in all, but I was happy. Truly, truly happy. I wished right then and there that I could just let loose my wings and fly, but with so many people looking it wouldn't be the grandest of ideas…
Lucas- - -
I watched him quietly, smiling a bit to myself. How's that for you, Doubt? I wanted to say, but I kept it to myself. I wasn't leaving him. His initial reaction to it kind of surprised me. I didn't expect that loud of a scream from Bastion. But I was quiet, watching him in kind of a dazed look.
You know if I was there right now I'd probably be with them jumping around I looked towards where I heard the voice coming from, going to the next plane and taking a deep breath, staring uneasily at Fidel. Or Fidel's soul exactly. She smiled a bit, moving so she was infront of me now. Most of the people in the normal plane wouldn't notice her, I hoped, but Bastion probably would. I'm glad, I hope you two live happily ever after…
I smiled a bit and walked past her, nodding, picking Bastion up carefully. "Thank you," I whispered quietly, more to him than to her.
Bastion's POV
I nodded, holding his arms with my own. "Even if you were have asked me the first day we met I wouldn't have rejected you." I turned around, facing him before giving him a gentle kiss on the lips. "You were a part of me ever since we shared our first kiss, and that's how you shall remain. Always in my heart." I shared another kiss with him, earning us another squeal from our "fans".
"Now, shouldn't we get going? The awards are about to start after all." I grinned, dashing towards where they were supposed to take place.
Congrats, Edward's voice said in my mind and I smiled.
Thank you. Not just for the congratulations, but for taking me in…for making me part of your family…
Heh, believe me, I was skeptical at first, but I saw the way the others treated you and how you treated Bella…and then Lucas too! How could I not accept you?
Yesh, you sound like you still need time to trust me.
To tell you the truth, I do, Edward responded. But you're family none the less.
I grinned. Hoorah! "I'm on top of the world!" I yelled up into the sky, more joyful than ever.
Lucas - - -
I smiled a bit, watching him go for a few moments before taking his hand gently and pulling him closer, kissing him gently. "I've got to go; we can celebrate later, K?" I smiled at him before heading away with my drum majors and my majorettes, heading for the front of the air conditioned indoor stadium. We were to be on the field, the band and everyone else were to be in the bleachers.
The awards were slow, very slow, and suddenly, it seemed like we were getting closer and closer to one. We were five away when the judges announced a quick break and I fell back.
It was maybe a half an hour and then they started off once more. And this time, amazingly, we weren't second, third, or fourth.
"And the first place in the National Marching Competition, from Forks Washington, the Emerald Knight Band!"
Three words. Oh my god.
Bastion's POV
Screaming wasn't the word for it, but screeching was closer to it. Alice and Bella jumped up and screamed their hearts out. I yelled and whooed, but my volume was no where near that of Bella's, although Emmett helped me beat them at their own screaming game. Congrats, babe! I sent to him telepathically. I knew this was the first time they had one first place, and that was beyond great. This just meant more to celebrate about.
Lucas- - -
The title was beautiful. Being the best marching band in the USA, now that was the most awesome thing ever! I felt like Bastion did not even two hours ago, wanting to jump around so badly and to brag it in peoples faces. But all we got was the title and the award.
When the stadium was empty, well except for the few remaining bands and the people that were with them, I leaned against Katie and closed my eyes, glad she didn't mind. "This was the most insane day ever…" I mumbled after a few seconds.
"Congratulations, Lucas," Edward walked up to us, but his eyes were other places, like one of the other drum majors, the one that had come in second. He looked almost like me, if I would say so myself, except he wasn't a demon, he was a pure blood vampire, I could sense it. He went by the name, if I was correct, of Artemis Vincent-Montgomery.
Vincent… where did I know that name from? My eyes widened suddenly, remembering just where it was from, but I quickly stuffed it into the back of my mind and looked around for Bastion.
Bastion's POV
"…So again, I'm really sorry!" stated Alice for the tenth time in the last five minutes. I chuckled and hugged her before wrapping one arm around her shoulders.
"Cheer up, Alice ! I said it wasn't your fault that Doubt took over. Besides, not even Edward or Emmett could do anything. How were you supposed to know you'd be up against someone so powerful? Don't blame yourself, I said it's alright." I smiled, putting in all the charm and happiness I could muster which finally quieted down Alice. We were walking towards the others. Apparently she still felt very guilty about not being able to help me.
"Well…if you say so…"
"I do!" I chimed and she perked up not a moment later. I sighed. Man, is she hard to cheer up when she's down… I thought, yawning as she rushed towards Jasper. I saw him mouth a "Thank you" and merely replied with a thumbs up. Now it was my turn to have my shoulders hugged by a gigantic arm.
"That's Bastion for ya, always the great, sensitive guy!" Emmett exclaimed, giving me one of his friendly bear hugs. I gasped for air.
"Awe, Emmet…really…you don't, erk, have to…say that…" I choked chuckled and let me go, allowing me to catch my breath. "Please never do that again…"
"Awe, you know you like it!" he grinned, nudging me in the ribs which succeeded in causing me further pain.
"OW! Man, Emmett, one of these days you're gonna kill me," I whined as I rubbed at my ribs. He walked away, laughing. Guess the news has everyone in a weird state, I thought.
Lucas- - -
I stared at the ground for a few moments, and then noticed he was walking over here. His eyes were dark blue and his hair was jet black and braided over his shoulders. Growling after a few seconds, I stood up straight, disappearing towards him, staring at him for a few moments. "Vincent?" I asked quietly.
"Yeah… Dad… what are you doing here?"
"I'm the band director, dumb ass," I growled lowly, staring at him for a few moments before sighing. "Why are-
"I'm a drum major, Dad."
"Please, be quiet… don't call me Dad right now." I stared at him in desperation. "I don't want Bastion finding out I'm a father… if he does, he'll kill me!"
And that's when Edward looked up, "What?" he said quietly, but by now the full Cullens knew, and Bastion probably did as well.
I shook my head, staring at Vincent for a few moments before sighing, looking towards Bastion, watching him, hoping to the gods that he hadn't heard. Vincent was my son, biologically. He was born to one of my old friends, and after a huge fight, and we became just friends, JUST friends. We had been boyfriend and girlfriend until Vincent had been born, and she hadn't told me that she was pregnant until basically a month before. And, now I was dealing with the problems. He lived in Wisconsin. And now nearly eighteen years later, he ended up here.
Life was the shits.
Bastion's POV
If I hadn't already heard it for myself, I would have heard it from Edward's mind, who stated it repeatedly with plenty of curse words to boot. "Lucas is…a father already… He had…a child already…" I kept repeating this to myself as I kept walking. I don't really know what happened to me then. I just kept walking, past Lucas, past The Cullens who were frozen, even past Bella who was as frosty as the others. They simple turned and looked at me in shock as I kept muttering the same thing over and over to myself.
"Lucas…has a son…" For some reason the information wouldn't register… I stopped, looking up at the sky, arms crossed. My face held no expression. If anyone even bothered to look I probably looked as though I were lost in space or something. "Lucas has a son…that he didn't tell me about…" My mind was completely numb, along with most of my body
Lucas- - -
I looked towards Vincent, staring at him coldly, "Thanks," I snarled. "Two hours ago, I had just proposed to the love of my life and now I might not even have a chance to be alive to go to Fidel's funeral!" Suddenly my hand was caught in his shirt, twisting up in it and pulling him so he was inches away. "I should kill you now, you stupid mistake."
Vincent - - -
I stared at him in disbelief. A mistake? How could I have been a mistake… he had told mother that he loved her so many times. But could it have been friendship wise? Or even a show?
And then I realized the angel. Aro had told me about him a while ago. Bastion was Dad's… Before I even knew it my fist connected with his jaw. "Bastard! You stupid bastard! You said you loved her!"
He stumbled back, staring at me. But I didn't have a chance. He was much stronger.
"Then where is she? If she loved me, she'd be here right now, but no. She went for your step-father as soon as you were born!"
What he had said was true. Elena had left him. I shook my head and stood up straighter, looking around for a few moments. Had I just ruined my own father's life? My eyes caught the angel once more and I stared. Dad was in love, and I had just ruined it.
Bastion's POV
Loved her. That actually got through to me in an instant, bringing the child fact with it. Lucas had been in love with a woman. A woman. God, was he straight before he actually met me? Did I change him in some way? Did he regret being with a man, did he find it weird? …Did he find me weird? "You said you loved her." The words echoed through my mind, ripping me to shreds inside. I gripped at my chest, face contorting in pain, and I nearly doubled over as I fell to my knees.
"Bastion!" Emmett was by my side in an instant. "Bastion, are you okay? What's wrong, I-"
"I'm…sorry. I have to…I have to go." I gripped at my ears as those stupid words continued to echo. I couldn't stand to listen to it anymore. "I can't stay here!" I unfolded my wings and flew away, flapping them fiercely. I didn't know where
I was going, but anywhere was better than there.
Lucas- - -
I was quiet for the longest time, staring him for a few moments, "Go tell your director you're leaving," I said under my breath as I turned to look to the band. "Get on the buses! Now! I don't want to hear anything from any of you!" And they listened, keeping in complete and utter silence as they left. Go with them, Edward, please… I said telepathically to him before disappearing.
The next thing I heard was the soft crunch of leaves under my feet. Bastion…? What was I supposed to tell him? How was I supposed to tell him? It wasn't actually the easiest thing to do to go off and tell someone that you love that you had been straight before. And then, finding out from that persons son? That had to be the hardest thing on planet Earth.
Bastion, can I talk to you, please?
Bastion's POV
I was sitting down on the ground, watching a river rush past me as I hugged my knees tightly to my chest, hiding my face in between my legs. I heard Lucas's footsteps from not too far off, as well as his thoughts, but for some reason I couldn't bring myself to reply. I was muttering to myself ever since I had gotten there about anything that really came to mind, like thinking, but talking out the thoughts.
"Lies, always lied… Lucas lied," I muttered, but then replied to myself. "Technically Lucas did not lie because you have never asked him whether he had children before or had pervious relationships with people of the opposite sex."
"It still hurts."
"Hurting is caused mainly by physical attacks, you are hurting emotionally, this is called trauma."
"Is it really called trauma, or does that just mean an ordeal?"
"Should you care? Why hadn't you thought of asking Lucas the kid question before?"
"Why did you even fly away, you two should talk."
"You're a coward."
The weirdest part was that I wasn't even crying, just talking to myself like that in an apathetic voice, like some sort of computer.
Lucas- - -
"I thought you would have hated me if you found out…" I sighed, finally finding him and sitting beside him, not even looking, afraid if I looked at him, I'd start to cry. "Vincent isn't supposed to be alive… I thought that when Elena and I had gotten into the car accident, she had a miscarriage. And she did, too. Then I found out a year after he was born that he was alive…"
Why was I saying this, I didn't know.
"I don't know what happened. Last I had heard was that Elena was in Wisconsin with him and he was human, and his scent is icy now, vampiric."
"Can you forgive me, Bastion?"
Bastion's POV
I sat there, staring at the river for awhile. I had heard everything he had to say, but I didn't know how to reply. I wanted to forgive him, so badly that it hurt, but another part of me was afraid that something else like this could happen, that he could be hiding more things from me, or that I should be a lot more upset then I was right then. I didn't know what to say. I wanted to tell him, "No", but that was out of the question considering that I wanted to forgive him, yet "Yes" didn't really seem like the proper choice either… I didn't know what to do…
"I don't know, I finally admitted. "I want to, but I can't… It hurts Lucas, not the son thing, but that you didn't tell me anything about this, about your previous relationship… You're not the one I'm even upset with, it's me…" That's what made me realize why I couldn't answer Lucas. I didn't really feel he was the one who needed forgiving.
"I'm the one who should be apologizing, I'm sorry."
Lucas- - -
I sighed, staring at him for a few moments before shaking my head. "Bastion, before… I was ashamed… of being gay. And now that I see I'm accepted into this culture, into society, it doesn't bother me at all anymore. But now I'm ashamed of once being straight, of once loving a woman; and now I'm the father of one, possibly two if it even survives with all the stress you go through."
I realized about now that Vincent had followed me, and was hiding probably two hundred feet away. "I understand if you hate me… you don't have to stay with me if you don't want to." My voice caught in my throat with the last few words.
Bastion's POV
At that I couldn't help, but smile, and despite my sad disposition I turned towards him and ran my fingers through his hair, rubbing his neck.
"You know, for someone so intelligent you're awfully dense," I smiled.
"Lucas, I'm not mad or angry at you for anything, okay? Nothing you ever do could make me stop loving you… It's a very cheesy line, I realize that, but it's the truth… I'd never leave you… If anyone would be leaving anyone it would be you who would have to make that decision. Giving up on you would be like killing off a part of myself. I just can't do it." I smiled weakly once again. I stared at him for awhile, thinking before turning away again.
"Your son probably hates my guts, though… I wouldn't blame the guy… He had his own father disappear on him just to find out that not only was he with a guy, but with a stupid emo one…" I glared at the river.
Lucas- - -
I heard Vincent move. I could have cared less if Elena was dead.
"I don't hate your guts because you're stupid and emo," Vincent said bluntly, "I don't even hate your guts." He was quiet, and in the river I could see him look away from us. "I hate Dad for not telling me he was gay, or calling me and telling me he was going to be here, or even calling to say 'Hi, how are you today? How's your life?' You know how that feels? I kind of do hate you, though. I wish that the child inside of you wasn't there… I wish I was the only child still."
I had forgotten he was good with telling things just by looking at a person.
Bastion's POV
I nodded my head in understanding. "I realize you are upset, but you must not hate your father for everything he hasn't done. You have to remember, he thought you were dead… I'm sure that he has acted in a hostile matter towards you, but that is only because you remind him of a past relationship that never worked out. He was betrayed by your mother; the very one he loved and shared a child with. It's only natural that he is mad and upset. I'm not saying you don't have a right to be angry too, but maybe you two should spend sometime trying to get to understand each other better. Previous relationship or not, you are still father and son, forever bonded by that one simple fact.
"I ask of you this simple favor because there are plenty of people out there who…have never had the chance to know their father…" I looked down at the ground. "People who had their fathers never even give them a chance after finding out a certain fact…people whose fathers never want to hear from them ever again for what they are… Most people who have lost their dads that way would give anything to try and settle things with their father… I'm just saying to not waste the chance while you still have it…" I looked towards Vincent, smiling. "You know? And if it truly doesn't end up working out then, at least you gave it a try, and that you talked things out."
I looked down at my stomach. "I have a feeling this little guy won't be coming for awhile… You still have plenty of time to spend with your dad, and even when he is born, that'll only mean you can become a big brother… You know, be the role model that you always wanted your parents to be so that the baby doesn't grow up thinking he was unloved… Such a painful feeling, truly…"
I had these wise spurts often after long periods of depression. Sometimes I needed to learn how to shut my mouth…
Lucas- - -
"I would like to go back to my home, really…" Vincent said in a hushed tone, sitting down beside me, looking at Bastion for a few moments before laughing a bit. "Maybe I'll stay around long enough to get to know him better, or maybe even long enough to see my little… strange half brother."
I couldn't help but chuckle, "He won't be strange, Vincent, just a little different, like you, Bastion, and myself." Shrugging after a few moments, I drew my hair over my shoulder and ran my fingers through it carefully, trying to get out a few knots. "We need to get back to the school before they do…though, or I'll be fired."
I moved to stand up, but smirked after a few seconds and picked Bastion up bridal style, leaning down and pressing our lips together.
And for some reason, Vincent didn't grimace like I thought he would.
Bastion's POV
I was surprised, but that didn't stop my heart from fluttering. I leaned into the kiss, trying my hardest not to moan, before pulling away, smiling my signature smile. "I really needed that," I stated, chuckling before nuzzling into his neck. It suddenly occurred to me that Vincent was still sitting there and I turned my head to look towards him, an apologetic look on my face.
"I'm sorry! I hope this doesn't bother you," I apologized.
Vincent - - -
I smiled and shook my head, "Its fine," I said quietly as I stood up, still getting the hang of being graceful, nearly tripping over my shoes in the process. Stupid… ugly… huge feet; those were from Elena, my feet and my hands, the rest was Dad's genetics.
I had almost always called her Elena, she hated it, but I really didn't care. I had more respect for Dad than her, and she needed to learn that. I was quiet for a few moments before I heard my father's voice.
"If you want you can stay in my apartment, though you're going to have to keep away from the keyboard." I smirked as I thought about that. Last time I had seen him was when I was young, and I had spilled tea on the keyboard and it had fried the last key.
I smirked and nodded, "Fine, as long as you don't make out infront of me."
"You know you like watching it."
Lucas- - -
I watched as he rolled his eyes and walked away from us and I just shrugged, teleporting us, all three of us. Admittedly, teleporting three, well, four if you counted unborn, was tiring. Quietly, I set Bastion on his feet and sat down, closing my eyes, taking a deep breath. The second we got there, the buses pulled up and I sighed, hearing the engines before I saw the rush of kids coming for the door.
Bastion's POV
I was rocking back and forth on my feet, and as the students past by me they gave me a tentative stare, trying to see if I was upset. When they were hit by my happy expression they took it as a good sing and rushed out of the bus happily, mutters and whispers of what possibly happened already spreading throughout them. I sighed and shook my head. Apparently gossip was the one thing that would never change between students…
I looked towards Lucas and Vincent. It seemed my speech had had quite some effect on them. The thought of it made me smile.
"You don't have to worry about the keyboard anymore," I told Vincent. "I fixed it," and gave him a thumbs up, grinning. I then moved behind Lucas and wrapped my arms around his waist, nuzzling up against Lucas' neck comfortably. Thanks for not being mad at me, I sent him telepathically.
Lucas- - -
Why would I be mad at you? I have no reason to be… I smiled a little, leaning back against him and closing my eyes. It felt good to be in his arms, to be able to be near him and not have to worry all that much. He was all but uncomfortable, and he still smelled wonderful.
Where would you like to eat?
Considering Vincent was with me, I figured this much, go out to eat for once. Then I had Fidel's funeral, and then I had a break from teaching as well.
As for Fidel, she had been cremated. It was her wishes, for everything. I had possession of her home, her car went to her ex-boyfriend, and she was to be buried as ashes.
Bastion's POV
Eating. Now there was a start. I felt my face flush as my stomach growled with intense hunger. It felt as though I hadn't eaten in forever.
No idea, I stated. I usually cook a lot, but when I don't cook, Bella and I always go to the same restaurant. It's one of our favorites, after all… Not really sure about the restaurants there are…
"Do you have any idea where you would like to eat?" I asked Vincent. I wasn't a picky eater in the slightest sense. I would try everything, except foreign stuff like cow tongue or bugs… So I decided that asking someone whose taste I didn't know would be the best idea.
Lucas- - -
I looked towards Vincent, who shrugged. "Any place that doesn't cook deep fried things, or somewhere even vegetarian would be good." He was on a diet kick, I could tell already. He looked a bit thin, but it didn't bother me all that much. After a few moments, I remembered one of the places, but it was about an hour away.
Well, actually, it was a Japanese restaurant actually. "Do you eat fish?"
He blinked, staring at me. "Yeah, I do…why?"
"I was thinking of going to Osaka." I turned and looked to Bastion, as if wanting approval.
He nodded, "Alright."
Quietly, I leaned down to him and kissed him carefully before moving away, "But… this time, I think we'll take a car instead… I can't teleport again."
Bastion's POV
"No worries," I stated. "Although you think you're okay enough to drive? Driving while tired is dangerous, you know." I chuckled, letting out an unexpected yawn. It appeared as though I was tired too, but I knew food would be able to solve that problem right away, always did. Low blood sugar made me tired, heck it made everyone tired, so it was only logical.
I looked towards Vincent, still doubting the fact that he accepted me as his dad's…well, as his dad's. Period. I wondered if there was any hidden hostility under that cool demeanor.
Lucas- - -
I shrugged at the thought of driving, "I'll be fine. I drove a motorcycle on two hours of sleep before, I can drive a car when tired..." I shrugged and smiled after a few moments as I waited for the students to finish packing up and then leave. It was maybe five minutes before we were free to go as well. Quietly, I walked outside and looked around for a few moments, finding Edward. "Mind if I borrow your car?" I asked after a few moments, staring at him.
He blinked, then slowly nodded, "Sure," he said quietly, fishing in his pocket for his car key, as did I. We exchanged keys and I smiled a bit.
"Thanks… Edward… I'll have it back before midnight," I teased. If there was something that rivaled Edward's love for Bella and his family, it was his car and music.
Bastion's POV
Edward expression showed it all, he was annoyed. I could tell he wanted to say something back, but all he managed to do was grunt and walk away, arms crossed on his chest. I sighed, shaking my head and shrugging. Sometimes I just couldn't understand people's love of items…
"Welp, shall we go?" I asked, wrapping an arm around Lucas' shoulder.
Lucas- - -
"Yes," I smiled after a few moments, turning my head and kissing him gently. I gently took his hand and pulled him outside, surprised to see that Vincent was already sitting in the back. When I opened the door for Bastion, I noticed his fingers twitching slightly, like he was playing a clarinet, or a saxophone. "What do you play anyway?"
Vincent looked up quickly, "Clariphone, as my friends call it, but I play clarinet and saxophone."
Bastion's POV
After I had sat down in the car I turned towards Vincent and gave him a surprised look. "Really? Same as me, except, I play violin and piano as well." I smiled. Yet another sax player. It was slightly surprising to find that Vincent fingered notes absent mindedly as well, although I always did it with one in hand, not imaginatively.
"Do you like playing them?" I asked, curious.
Vincent- - -
I nodded, looking away from him after a few moments. "I've been playing the clarinet since I was ten, and I've been playing the saxophone since I was fifteen." I stilled my fingers and leaned my head back. "I'm planning on going to one of the colleges up in New York, actually, the Manhattan School of Music has accepted me, and I'm waiting for a reply from one more school I'd like to get in before I decide if I want to go to MSM."
I planned on being like Dad. I wanted to be a band director. And I wanted to attend the same school he had when he was working for his degree. However he had to get his degree twice, and the second time it was the MSM he went to.
Bastion's POV
I nodded. "That's an excellent school," I replied. "I've heard nothing, but good things there. The thing is the city itself. Manhattan can get very overwhelming for those not used to big cities, and even those types of peoples become fatigued from the incredible amount of traffic and people in that city. It's practically the center of the world…" I closed my eyes, slight remnants of Manhattan running through my mind. Before my parents disowned me and all I used to go to school there. Some days I loved it, other days I just wanted to smash every person that stood infront of me… Yup, it sure was a great city.
Lucas- - -
I smiled a bit as I got in, turning the key and pulling the car into reverse, backing out and heading for the highway, picking up speed once I got there. "I attended it the second time I got my degree," I said after a few moments, but barely paid attention otherwise. I really didn't like Manhattan, but I rarely was in it, the last time was nearly twenty years ago. I shrugged the feeling and turned my eyes to the road.
"And the CIA, and ICE."
"Culinary Institute of America and Institute of Culinary Education…" I sighed, one more thing that I hadn't wanted to tell Bastion just yet. But I had attended both as well. "Why do we have to talk about the colleges I went to? Why can't we talk about something else? Like… the wedding… or music, or…"
"Wedding?" Vincent laughed softly.
Bastion's POV
I blinked. "Wow, Lucas, I had no idea you were so educated…" I couldn't help but feel slightly inferior because of it. I quickly knocked away the feeling, only to be hit by the wedding factor. I felt my face flush and I turned to look out the window.
"Yup," I stated, my voice sounding kind of off. The wedding. I had almost forgotten about it. There was so much to prepare for… The song, the place, the guests… Guests… All I knew was that no one from my family was…no…they weren't my family anymore. The Cullens were. Private wedding, then…or…
My mind was suddenly flooded with various thoughts of the wedding. The amount of information needed seemed overwhelming. Maybe we should just keep it simple…
Lucas- - -
I chuckled softly, "Let's keep it simple for now, B…" There was a long bit of silence before I finally took a deep breath and looked to the radio, turning it on, keeping the volume low, searching for a good station, finding one that was mainly classical, like Mozart music basically.
Vincent looked up at me after a few moments and moved over, resting his head on my shoulder.
Bastion's POV
I chuckled and nodded. "Good idea. There wouldn't be enough people to make it complex anyway," I smiled. I looked at how Lucas and Vincent were, finally, getting along and sighed, falling against the seat as though a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Thank God… I thought. I then turned to look out the window again, watching the scenery rush past us. The sight of seeing everything rush past you never ceased to amaze me, even at the slow speed of a car. The only problem was… I yawned. Bein' in cars made me drowsy.
Lucas- - -
It was a little while longer before we reached Osaka and I finally got out, stretching my legs and moving around the car to open the door for Bastion, kissing him gently. Do you think Vincent's like us? I asked after a few seconds as I stepped back and held out my hand to him to help him get out. I mean…sexuality wise.
Bastion's POV
I gratefully took Lucas' hand, yawning as I exited the car and stretched out completely, almost ripping through my shirt from how hard I stretched. That isn't really a question for me to be answering, you know. I mean, it's your son. It would be rude if I was the one to make an assumption, don't you think? I asked him, returning the kiss before wrapping an arm around the waist. Although, I'm not sure… He doesn't seem disgusted by us, but that just may mean he has nothing against gay people… Then again… I snapped my fingers, an idea suddenly popping into my mind... Why don't we see how he reacts at the restaurant? You know, if he sets his eyes on a boy or girl?
Lucas- - -
I nodded, Alright, I don't mind that, but…my thoughts trailed off as Vincent walked past us towards the restaurant, his eyes flickering back towards us after a few moments.
"Coming?" he asked loudly.
"Yes," I sighed, closing the door and locking the car, heading for the door, lacing my fingers with Bastion's.
Bastion's POV
I swung both of our arms as we walked in. The waiter, who I would have considered cute had I not had Lucas standing next to me who's beauty even surpassed Adonis, showed us to our seats. They were next to the windows, thankfully. I would never come to understand my love for staring out windows. The waiter made it apparent that he liked me from the very first words that came out of his mind.
"What would you be eating today? I'd like to recommend the spotted dick for dessert," he stated, looking directly at me. Wow, I thought. Guy has no shame…
"I think we'll start with entrees first," I chuckled. He took it as a good sign by accident and walked away, staring at me the entire time. I didn't give him a second thought and looked at the menu.
Lucas- - -
I growled a little under my breath. There was one thing that was bad about having Bastion as a boyfriend, any guy that liked guys and wasn't taken, stared at him, and it rubbed me the wrong way each time. Quietly, I snaked an arm around Bastion's waist and pulled him closer to me, watching Vincent's eyes flicker after the waiter with a partial glare in them.
"He's a dickhead," Vincent growled as he turned back to look at us. "Stupid ass…"
One thing I'm glad he inherited, my protectiveness, at least I knew if someone went after Bastion and I wasn't around and he was, he'd protect him, well, if he could at least.
"Why do you smell like strawberry wine if you're… you knows…" Vincent was looking directly at Bastion now.
Bastion's POV
I shrugged. "I'm…special?" I chuckled. "Honestly, I have no idea, but there was a myth I heard about." What is it with me and the myths? I thought. "The blood of angels is supremely potent. So much so, in fact, that it is said to be able to get rid of the constant thirst for blood vampires have. In order to stop this the blood is supposed to be odorless, but with the baby and all my blood must be able to give off a distinct scent. The scent probably matches that of what the…well…"smeller" likes to smell… Or I could just smell like strawberry wine all the time… I'll have to ask the Cullens…" The waiter came back and I couldn't help but notice he had unbuttoned his shirt down to his stomach. He was fit, alright, but nothing like Lucas.
"What'll you be having?" he asked quite sensually. It was almost grotesque, the way he was flirting. He glanced at the arm around my waist, but didn't seem to care. I looked towards Vincent. "You guys go first, I still haven't decided yet."
Vincent- - -
I nodded, silently gagging when the waiter came back. Seriously, he was cute to a degree, but, he was still relentlessly flirting with Bastion and it kind of was making not only Dad mad, it was making me mad, too. Quietly, I pulled my hair over my shoulder away from him and looked up at him, smiling a little, trying to get his attention off of the angel. "Vegetarian Yakisoba…"
What was I doing? I was horrible with flirting, but, oh well. My eyes flickered away towards Lucas, then back towards him, wanting to see if the mindless idiot would get his eyes off of Bastion.
Bastion's POV
I chuckled inwardly. I saw the waiter glance towards Vincent and I read his mind at the moment.
Definitely cute, but too young. Now, the guy I was flirting with, on the other hand…
Guess that answers that question, I thought to Lucas before passing the waiter my menu. "Chicken Teriyaki, please?" I asked sincerely. I felt bad for Vincent, though. He deserved some attention. I quickly scanned through the waiter's mind and sent a telepathic message to Vincent.
Psst. Vincent. Compliment him on his pecs and tan, I told him. Apparently, from what I had read, the guy had worked very hard for them… People sure could complex me sometimes…
Vincent - - -
Bastion…what am I getting myself into? I sounded like I was whining, but I hardly cared now. He just basically looked at me once and then looked away.
"Toro Sashimi…" And just how did Dad know how to pronounce everything completely correct? Maybe because I was the youngest one I felt so stupid, or… just because. "And Ika."
I sighed, Help… I'm lost for words… seriously.
Bastion's POV
I sighed mentally. Vincent, if the guy isn't smart enough to give you the time of day then he doesn't deserve you. You should want someone who should be hitting on you like that. Besides, this guy is a player, for sure. I mean, Lucas is being all protective and he still keeps going. And did you listen to that pick up line, I mean really!" I giggled as the waiter walked away with our menus and, from what I read, he thought he had "scored". I sighed.
"This guy is way too desperate for signals," I muttered, resting my head on my arms. "Honestly, Vincent, don't even give him a second thought… You want to know what he's thinking about?" I asked, but gave him the answer anyway.
"'The guys cute, very cute. A few rounds with him, though, and it should be good enough.'" I shook my head. "Hasn't even started dating and already thinking about when would be the right time to dump." I yawned, resting my head on Lucas' shoulder.
Vincent - - -
I watched Dad for a few moments, only to see his eyes narrowed to cat like, staring after the waiter. "Any of the guys I actually like are taken…" I mumbled under my breath, letting my head rest on the table
I heard my father sigh and then he moved a bit. "You deserve better. But men… are harder to find than woman, trust me. One out of probably twenty guys actually like guys more than just friends, like-like them. How many guys have you dated in your lifetime, really?"
"Two…the other drum majors."
"Your band really does the full stick together type things, don't they?" Lucas smirked a bit and sighed, swearing under his breath. "Crap… I forgot…"
Bastion's POV
I shook my head. "The band?" I guessed. Times like these I was glad I wasn't a band director. Way too much to deal with… A few minutes later the waiter came with our orders and I nodded my head in gratitude, quickly digging into my chicken. I saw a grin on the waiter's face and when he left I saw writing on my napkin. I sighed, picking it up to read it.
"Yet another number to add to my collection," I mumbled before passing it to Vincent. "You could put it to a better use than I can," I stated before going back to my food, eating like a graceful, elegant man in a pie eating contest. Fast, but not wasting a spec of food.
Lucas- - -
I shook my head, looking away from him after a few moments. "Nope, you can't eat raw foods," I mumbled quietly, watching my Sashimi for a few moments, "Which means you can't kiss me until I brush my teeth." I moved to sit up, laughing a bit at Vincent's face when he stared at the raw tuna and squid. "What's wrong? Never seen anyone eat raw fish before?"
"No…" He grimaced as he watched me. "But… squid? How can you eat that, Dad?"
I chuckled softly and only shook my head. "I like raw foods."
"I don't…" I watched as he slumped in his chair and laughed a little. "Don't worry, Vincent, you'll find someone."
Bastion's POV
I snapped my fingers. "Oh yeah! Because of the baby!" I stated in realization. I then proceeded to shrug my shoulders.
"It's not like I like eating raw foods anyway so," I took the last bite of my meal. "I'm good." I smiled happily. I looked at the squid that was next to the rest of Lucas' sushi and wondered how he could eat something that had tentacles and a large, pointed head… I shuddered at the thought.
"I'm with Vincent," I replied. "Eating squid seems kinda creepy…like eating octopus…" I shuddered at that thought too.
Lucas- - -
"I've eaten that, too, and I would have ordered it…but, I figured that's a bit too much…" I shrugged though. It's not like it really mattered to me. After a few seconds I leaned over to Bastion, placing a hand infront of his ear and whispering, "Besides, I could order more and have the waiter over as much as I want…" My eyes flickered to Vincent, watching his face go beet red.
Bastion's POV
I giggled, whispering back. "We could do that…but how to get his eyes off of me…?" I leaned forward, resting my head on my hands as I thought it out before forming a good plan. I began whispering the plan to Lucas.
"What we'll do is have him to come back and say we want to order dessert. Then you say some witty, cheesy, or sensual comment and then kiss me, really well. There's no doubt in my mind the waiter won't be disgusted, so when he is we have Vincent comment on how we should get a room and that should score him some points with him, don't you think?" I asked. I thought it was a pretty ingenious plan. I just hope he isn't into threesomes, I thought afterwards…
Lucas- - -
I blinked, staring at him for a few moments before nodding, smirking a bit. "You're really great…" I mumbled quietly, pulling him closer and kissing his temple. "But I have no idea just what to say…"
And then Vincent smirked. "Why don't you just say something about wanting Bastion for dessert?"
I could feel my face flush. I wasn't into cheesy stuff… really, I wasn't. And then Vincent could come up with something off the top his head.
"What do you think, B?"
Bastion's POV
I nodded. "That one's a classic," I agreed, grinning. "Or, you could say that there's no sweeter sweet than me, but that's a little over the top… I guess the first one could work." I nodded. I turned towards Lucas, placing a hand behind his neck before kissing his lips gently. "Just think of it as doing your son a favor, I'm sure it shouldn't be that hard." I smiled before looking towards Vincent.
"I swear, though, if you score that guy had better treat you right…" I told him. Only a few hours of knowing him and already I was acting fatherly… It felt weird…
Lucas - - -
"I like Vincent's…" I leaned back against his hand and kissed him in return, smiling after a few seconds. "Alright, when he comes back," my voice was weak, but hey, for Vincent, right?
Vincent smiled a bit, "Thanks, Dad… Bastion… it means a lot to me…" His voice was sincere, for once.
I finally had enough time to look at him closely. Neither of us had changed, but, still. His hair was black, and down to his shoulders, and his eyes were bright blue. In his right eye, he had fleck of green. Around his neck, however, there was a scar, or at least on the side, in the shape of a cursive 'P'. I sighed, looking away from him. Bastion… look at his neck…
Bastion's POV
Hmm? I looked at the Vincent's neck, seeing a 'P' shaped symbol on it. The fact that it was there confused me and I arched a brow. What's that supposed to mean? I asked. My mind went through everything that had happened in the past hours. It all seemed like so much information it was hard to keep track… But didn't Lucas say he had a tattoo with a letter on it from his sister? Could Vincent's tattoo mean the same with another person? I sighed, holding my head. It was all too much to remember right now…
Lucas- - -
Pandor... I sighed, thinking for a few moments, running through my own mind, trying to figure out where I remembered the name from. Pandor... is his first boyfriend...I think. I remember Elena talking about him a while back. He kind of was cruel... I shook my head after a few moments, staring at the scar.
Vincent moved his hand suddenly, placing it over the letter, watching us. "What's wrong, Bastion?"
Bastion's POV
Ah… So wait, does that mean you knew his sexuality all this time? I asked with an amused tone, but something he had said afterwards got me thinking. A cruel boyfriend, huh? I cast my eyes downward. Boy, did I have my share of those… I remember reading an article on the internet why that was so too. The word repeated in my mind like a computer would state it.
The reason for why many people 'fall' for those who are normally cruel, 'bad boys', is because they are ones that usually live for others. These people fall to those who have problems, believing they can help them, 'fix them' so to speak, or because of the brain's constant and unconscious want for emotional roller coasters. Despite the fact that such people leave the partner in pain, the mind becomes addicted to the highs and lows of the roller coaster of emotions. One moment they're the only person in the world, the next they are as bad as the scum they walk on. This is a sociological problem that most are not aware of so cannot help themselves. Most seek therapy or psychological help to relieve themselves of the stress and pressures of these partners and relationships for these are not what is called 'healthy' relationships.
I hadn't really heard Vincent. I kept looking down at the table, and then the waiter started coming towards us…
Lucas- - -
I blinked, staring at him for a few moments before finally looking away from him and sitting up more, my head pounding with thoughts. Not really… I know some teenagers go through stages like that, other's really are. Pandor was… cruel… sometimes evil, Elena told me one day that he came home with his neck bandaged all the way up his throat and wouldn't allow her to see it.
I watched as Vincent's eyes flickered to the waiter once more. But he, I think he's really like us… do you get what I mean?
Bastion's POV
I believe so, I replied. I quickly shook off the sudden seriousness that had come over me and looked up at the waiter. Okay, here we go… He gave me a smile, a suggestive one at that, and he only smiled at me. …Big surprise…
"So," he stated. His voice sounded as though it had traces of lust in it. "Are you ready for dessert?" If it wasn't obvious to anyone that he was hitting on me then, now it would be plain obvious from how he had said that last sentence. I don't think even people who were about to have sex said it that way to one another often…
Vincent - - -
I was staring at him, as if waiting for him to finally pay attention to me, but some how, something told me not to get my hopes up. The waiter seemed like the kind of guy that only thought about sex. He was one of those… strange men. And would he even like me? Or would he be thinking about my father's fiancée all the time.
I went for the second one, taking very little interest for a few moments and closing my eyes, relaxing against the back of my chair.
"I think we are…" Dad's voice.
Bastion's POV
I felt downhearted at the sight of Vincent giving up, but it was for the best. This guy wasn't right for him, yet already I felt like he had played him. And that got me ticked off for some reason, so using my fast thinking mind, which had gotten me out of tons of trouble, I came up with a nice plan.
"I'll be having one of these," I pointed towards an apple pie with ice cream on top. Why a Japanese restaurant had dessert, let alone apple pie I wasn't sure, but why pass up the chance? I saw the waiter raise an eyebrow and before he got a chance to say anything, I turned towards Lucas, pretending to talk to him now, but having every intention for the waiter to hear.
"The dick I'll share with you later tonight," I told Lucas in a rather husky tone, moving in and kissing him on the lips. Didn't mean to use ya, but play along, for Vincent's sake? I asked him telepathically, winking while his eyes were still open.
Lucas- - -
I nodded, staring down at him for a few moments before closing my eyes and kissing him gently in return. Fine… for Vincent's sake, but I really don't like this waiter… I pulled away a bit, smiling after a few moments, "Alright," I leaned back a bit, looking up at the waiter, "And I'll have the same, what about you, Vincent?"
He looked up blankly at us. "Nothing…"
Bastion's POV
I looked at the waiter. He was gripping his small ordering pad rather tightly, and then the pencil in his other hand snapped in half. I hid my surprise. He huffed, obviously angry, before storming off. Finally, I thought. For kicks, though, I decided to read his mind as he stormed away.
I don't care who he's with, I'm hitting that ass one way or another. Just you wait… I'll get you one day or another…soon…
I looked back at him in shock. Did he just say what I think he said…? I gripped the table slightly before sighing, letting go of the anger slowly. "Idiot," I muttered. What was with those kind of guys? You just can't say no to them…
Lucas- - -
"I knew it was pointless…"
Vincent was staring at us for a few moments before finally just sighing, as if he had given up. "Maybe I should just go back…and give up…" he said quietly, closing his eyes and letting his head fall to the table. "Shouldn't I? I'm sorry I put up such trouble…"
I quickly reached to grab his hand as he stood, but he had moved away before I could. "Vincent…stay, please…"
"Just… no, Dad, I'll be at your apartment…" he shook his head and stepped away. "See ya, Bastion."
Bastion's POV
"Vincent, wait!" I called out, reaching for his hand and taking it in mine. I held it carefully, but firmly. "Please, hear me out…" I sighed, but decided not to make too much of a scene so switched to telepathy.
I know it may be hard to keep going, Vincent, especially when there are ass holes like him in the world, but it's hard trying to find that right guy for you… I've been through many relationships before finding your father… Listen. Just because he wasn't able to see the wonderful heart that you have inside of you, doesn't mean that you're not worth anything or won't find someone. I swear to you, and you could hold me to this until I die. There is someone out there for you, someone who will find you. Someone who will see the great person you are, not wanting to change you or just use you for sex… You may go through a lot of pain before finding him, but you will never be alone. You have your father with you now, and if you so wish…you have me too… We'll be there for you throughout it all until you find him, that I swear.
I had finished and pulled my hands away, staring at the table. "If you want to go I won't stop you, but please, just believe me on that, okay?" I asked.
Vincent- - -
I shook my head as I looked away from him, brushing a few tears from my eyes. "Some of us aren't as strong as you, Bastion," I managed to say before heading outside, taking off as soon as I was out of sight of the restaurant, finding my way to the apartment, picking the lock and getting inside, sitting down on the couch, closing my eyes and curling up, trying to ignore the thoughts racing through my head.
And then the tears came. I couldn't stop them, I could just sit there and listen, and let the stress overcome me. And I gave up. I laid on the couch and closed my eyes.
