Disclaimer: I'm borrowing the characters, just for fun.

Chapter 9 – What Are You To Me

Take a walk through time with me,

Take me to where I forget.

You shall be my sanctuary,

A place where I cease to exist.

Don't ever leave me,

Don't ever leave.

I'll be your savior,

If you'll be my light.

The light I need for eternity.

"I'm not tired," I said once again, sighing with annoyance.

"James, you've been up all night! I can't believe my family let you stay up without any sleep," Edward muttered, glaring at said family.

I couldn't help it, I laughed. Maybe I was delirious from the lack of sleep, but I refused to give up even one minute of Edward's presence. He was my hope, my candle in the dark. He didn't know it yet, and hopefully he'd never find out, but his love saved me in more ways than one.

I smiled up at him, watching his amber eyes sparkle at my apparent amusement. I shook my head, grinning from ear to ear.

"Edward, you sound like a father, or an overbearing mother worried about her young. Stop being so protective. I'm a big boy. I'll sleep when I want to."

'Ha! Take that Edward,' I thought when I saw a look of horror cross his face. Chuckles spread throughout the room.

"Why you–" he started, only to cut off when I wrapped my arms around his waist. He squeezed my shoulder, pulling me closer to his side, and guided me from the room.

"This isn't over James," I heard him say, but I was too caught up in his scent to care. His hold felt surreal. Being held was something I had only ever imagined before. I never wanted to let him go.

But it seemed as if Edward had different plans. He set me down on his piano bench, smirking at my blank look. Sitting beside me, he began to play, a lullaby. I groaned out loud.

"Edward! A lullaby, really? Is that how you're going to get me to sleep?"

"We'll see how long it takes, James. This lullaby is dedicated to you. Feel free to fight its power, if you can!" With a chuckle, he played on.

Since there was nothing I could do, I let the music wash over me, realizing with time that this was not a common lullaby. It started off slow, beautiful, and sad, but before long it transformed into something much, much more.

With each passing moment the melody became faster and far more complex. The backing harmony grew in sound, eventually resonating like a thousand voices, each calling out through the once silent air.

When the notes began to blur with the speed, I gasped, plunging entirely into the piece itself. I lost myself within its complicated depths and found that I was drowning. I could not breathe. Fighting with every fiber of my being to reach the light, I became utterly afraid.

When the darkness was about to take my mind, the music slowed dramatically and the web of tangles cleared. I opened my eyes, panting and blinking at the sudden light. I felt drained. Edward continued to play however, not noticing my alarm.

The music took on a lighter melody now, one that sounded like rain. And after a time, the mystifying notes reached into my soul, soothing my nerves and banishing my fear. I took a deep breath and felt myself relax.

I yawned.

The music slowed even more, changing into a quiet march. I could hear the soldier's footsteps fading off into the distant sun.

I blinked, collapsing against Edward's side when exhaustion suddenly swept over me. It felt as if I had been the one through the war, not those soldiers marching away.

When the music finally stopped, I could barely keep my eyes open. Through the haze in my mind, I felt Edward lift me into his arms and settle me down on the couch.

"Edward," I slurred sleepily, realizing my head was in his lap. He looked down at me, his fingers stroking my hair.

I smiled up at him, as best as I could with my sleep-filled mind. I forced two words out, before giving in to what Edward had wanted me to do all along.

"You win."

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Struggling to remain in the depths of unconsciousness, I snuggled deeper into the warmth of a blanket. I had been dreaming about Edward before a loud sound had woken me. 'It sounded like a hammer,' I thought fleetingly before dismissing the idea. After all, why would a hammer be in my dream?

But then I heard the sound again and stirred, opening my eyes. My vision swam as I stared at, was that Alice? And what was she holding? It looked like a large piece of wood.

"Alice?" I questioned, still in the midst of sleep. She turned to me in surprise.

"It's nothing James. Go back to sleep." She flashed me a smile before disappearing upstairs.

"Alice is right James, you need sleep," a voice stated right above me. It was only then that I realized that I was still in Edward's lap. I turned with a smile, burying my face against his stomach as sleep took me once more.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

When I woke it was dark. I sat up slowly, trying to find my bearings.

"Morning sunshine," a voice spoke through the dark and I jumped.

"Edward?" I questioned smirking, secretly pleased that he hadn't left. "I'd hardly call it morning. What time is it?"

"Eight O'clock." I felt my heart sink.

"What?" I gasped, not believing I had slept the entire day. "Eight at night? Oh no."

"What's wrong James?" Edward whispered, reaching out to stroke my face in concern. Squinting, I could just barely make out his form.

"Nothing, it's just… I wasted the whole day! I wanted to spend some time with you now that you're back. But I've gone and ruined everything. Oh why did you want me to sleep Edward? School starts in a couple of hours and–"

"Shh," Edward said, placing his fingers over my lips to quiet my rant. He waited patiently until I calmed down.

"Silly James," he finally said with a chuckle and I frowned.

"I hardly find it funny–"

"We don't have school tomorrow," he interrupted before I could get upset. "In fact, we don't have it until next Tuesday. It's Easter holiday James. You're mine for the next five days."

The information took time to sink in, but once it did I leapt into his arms, burying my face against his hard chest. I felt strong arms wrap around me as Edward kissed the top of my head.

"Now don't get too comfortable," his silky voice murmured into my hair. "I have orders from Esme. She wants you in the kitchen as soon as you're awake. She said something about not wanting you to starve."

I hummed happily into his chest, reluctant to leave the warmth. While I knew vampires were cold-skinned, Edward had always felt warm to me. It seemed as if my magic embraced us both. It cooled my body down while it heated up his. To me, Edward felt nearly human.

"James," Edward said again, shifting. When I refused to move, he chuckled. "Do you want me to play another lullaby? So you can go back to sleep."

At that I shot up, shouting a no. He laughed at my panicked response.

"Well, come along then. We better not keep Esme waiting. Besides, the sooner you eat, the sooner you can get your gift."

"What?" I asked, confused. He took my hand to guide me through the dark.

The last gift the Cullen's had given me had been the cake. I shifted uncomfortably, not used to other's buying me things. I didn't want them to think they needed to spend money on me in exchange for my love.

"Hey," Edward said, snapping me out of my daze. I blinked, realizing we had stopped walking. I stared at his shadowy form through watery eyes.

"Are you okay?" he asked, taking my hand in both of his. I took a deep breath before answering.

"Edward, you know you never have to give me anything. I'm not a charity case. I have money of my own. I'll love you and your family no matter what."

Through the dark I could see him smile. "Is that what you're worried about? It's not what you think James. This gift will benefit me as much as you I think." He nodded to himself, suddenly looking apprehensive.

I gazed at him suspiciously but he said no more on the matter. Instead he opened the door to the kitchen, allowing light to flood the previously dark room. I closed my eyes in shock, giving them time to adjust. When I opened them again, I saw the entire family sitting around the table, talking quietly to one another.

Alice jumped up almost immediately and ran over to us.

"James! You're finally awake," she said, practically bouncing with excitement. "Do you know? Oh I hope not. I want to be there when you see!"

"He knows there's a gift, nothing else," Edward said before I could answer. Alice nodded and pulled me to an empty chair.

"Hurry up and eat then. I can hardly wait!"

"James dear," Esme interrupted, albeit hesitantly. "I wasn't sure what you liked to eat. It's dinnertime so I made you a steak. I hope that's alright." Mentally grinning at the irony, I told her it was fine. Subconsciously, I wondered if the steak was rare.

"It's delicious Mrs. Cullen," I said with sincerity once I took a bite. If she could have, she would have blushed.

"It's just Esme dear," she responded kindly and I nodded, feeling a slight tightness in my chest at their easy acceptance of me into their family.

Realizing I had to keep up pretenses, I asked if they wanted to eat as well. After all, the Cullen's did not yet know I knew the truth about them. It would look suspicious if I accepted their strange habits far too readily.

Almost immediately, everyone looked uncomfortable. Carlisle gave Edward a meaningful look and I looked away guiltily, eating in silence the rest of the meal.

When finished, I got up to wash the plate, but Esme took it from me.

"Don't worry about it James. Alice looks ready to burst if she has to wait any longer. You kids run along upstairs. It's time for your gift."

I turned to leave, but Carlisle's words stopped me in my tracks.

"Edward, could I have a word with you?" I felt Edward tense by my side.

"Go on James. I'll be right up."

"Okay," I said staring into his eyes. I left with the others, wondering what had happened. I hoped my words hadn't gotten him into trouble.

When we arrived at his room the only thing I could do was stare. What was previously a near-empty room now had a very large bed in the center. The covers were ebony, silky, and very soft. Reverently, I traced the pattern with shaky hands.

"James?" a concerned voice asked from behind. I turned to Jasper with a smile.

"It's beautiful. Thank you." It was all I could say without breaking down. He seemed to understand and gave me a curt nod.

"That's not all."

I turned to Alice who stood nervously by a wardrobe. A moment later she opened it to reveal clothing that looked to be about my size. I walked over in shock, staring at the elegant fabrics with awe.

"These are mine?" I questioned. She nodded uncertainly.

"I like to shop and I thought you'd look good in these. If you don't like them, we can always take them back. Or we could go together sometime to see what kind of clothing you like to wear, or–"

My laughter cut her off. "They're wonderful Alice. I love them all." And I most certainly did. I had dressed well before, but now I'd be sure to look like royalty.

"Thank you," I said once again, speaking to the room at large. "I don't receive gifts very often, so I'm not actually sure what I'm supposed to say. I guess, just, thank you." I swallowed thickly before looking away. "Do you mind if I freshen up a bit before Edward returns?"

"Not at all James. Our home is your home." I nodded, still trying to get a rein on my emotions.

When the others left I welcomed the silence with open arms. I used that time to order my thoughts and found myself falling deeply in love with the Cullen's. It was nice, I realized, to have someone care about you. I smiled at the foreign feeling.

After a quick shower, I emerged from the bathroom in nothing but my boxers. Using a damp towel to dry my hair, I made my way back to the room.

Edward was sitting on the bed when I arrived, a troubled expression on his handsome features. He froze in shock however, at my near-naked appearance. I smirked at him and closed the door.

"Is everything alright?" I asked, thinking about Carlisle.

"James I–" He cut off when I moved closer to him.

"What's wrong Edward?" I practically purred, a predatory gleam in my eyes. He stiffened as I leaned in for a kiss, but the response was instantaneous. He practically melted against my lips.

Growling softly, I pushed him back against the dark fabric, devouring his mouth.

"James, stop, no–" he whimpered when we broke apart for air, but I was not deterred. I began grinding my growing erection against his own rather roughly, shivering as endless shockwaves shot down my spine.

With his strength, Edward rolled us over so that he was the one on top. He looked down with eyes so intense I had to look away. I had never seen such emotion before, least of all not directed towards me. There was so much love there, it had to burn.

I cried out suddenly and arched into him, needing more of him. He responded likewise and began sucking on the tender parts of my neck.

We rocked back and forth, unseeing with the pleasure, unhindered by the time. I had never wanted another more.

When I began to unzip his jeans however, he froze and began to pull away.

"James, stop. We need to slow down," he whispered in my ear. I blinked at him, coming back to myself in a rush. Unfortunately I realized he was right.

Trying to catch our breaths, or at least mine, we lay there holding each other tightly. As I gazed into his eyes, I had to ask one thing.

"Why?"

Edward looked at me intently, a small frown marring his lips. "Why what James?"

"Why me? Why did you choose me?" I had to know.

He was silent for a moment, pondering the answer. After some time, Edward smiled with ease.

"Because you make me feel alive in ways I haven't been for so many years now. You're beautiful James. You, your personality, your mind and heart. You're my Dark Angel." I felt my breath hitch at his words. Slowly, I reached out to trace his face, memorizing each and every line by heart.

In a quiet voice I replied, "Well, if I'm to be your Dark Angel, then you shall be my Timeless Knight. You make me forget the world."