Disclaimer: Once again, Harry Potter and Twilight do not belong to me.
A/N: I'm sorry for the wait. This chapter was hard for me to write. Not in the writer's block kind of way, but in the 'I want everything perfect for this chapter' kind of way. Lol. I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 10 – We Are Who We Are
The power of love,
It's such a pure thing.
But with the truth hidden out of sight,
Will it last longer than the eternal moon?
Like a blood red rose, will I see it wilt and die?
Should we conquer the final fate,
And live on, despite the lie?
That very morning when I had woken in Edward's arms, he had whispered that he wanted to take me someplace special. Gazing into his serious amber eyes, I realized how important this moment was for him and readily agreed.
We had walked for a time, silently enjoying each others company, until Edward finally stopped and turned to me with shadowed eyes.
"We're here," he said, his words carrying on the slight breeze. "It's right up ahead James. Go on without me. I'll be right there."
I was confused. Why wasn't he coming? Try as hard as I might, I couldn't understand his solemn tone. After a moment of indecision, I walked forward without him, following the light between the trees.
When I came upon a clearing, I gazed at it with awe. I had never seen anything so beautiful before. 'Except for Edward,' my mind corrected silently and my heart filled with pride.
A stronger gust blew a moment later, separating the clouds above and ruffling my already disheveled hair. Sunlight streamed down as I walked, dreamlike, amidst the first spring flowers growing throughout the field.
'Spring,' I thought with wonder. I had survived the harsh winter and the bitter emotions that came with the cold. As the icy air grew mild, I had found a love. I had also found my life.
"Edward," I whispered quietly, turning back toward the trees. I saw him hidden among the shadows and I reached out to him, wanting him near.
Edward's POV
"Edward," James seemed to beg. Edward closed his eyes, feeling his insides ache at the thought of denying him. He had no choice however, since the sun seemed determined to reveal itself to the damp earth below.
Carlisle's words of warning rang through his mind. 'You have to tell him soon son. You can't keep this from him forever. He has to know the truth about what you are.'
Edward realized now that Carlisle was right. If James knew the truth, he wouldn't have to hide like a coward. He was hurting the one he loved. Edward was scared, however, that James would turn away from him once the truth was known.
He didn't think he'd survive being called a monster, not by James. He'd rather face death than live an eternity alone.
"Edward, please?" James' alluring voice wavered, breaking Edward's trance.
"James, I have something to tell you first–" Edward started, but he cut off when darkness fell over the land. Glancing up, he was relieved to see thick clouds moving in once more.
Edward strode across the field slowly, towards the angel still calling his name.
"What is it, Edward?" James asked once Edward was near.
"Beautiful," Edward whispered, captured by the green eyes. He leaned forward so their lips were a breath away. "Beautiful," he spoke again and kissed James gently. James moaned into the kiss, but Edward broke away, leaving him dazed.
Nearly an hour later they found themselves lying very close together under the cloudy sky. The breeze had picked up, bringing with it a slight chill to the air. Edward felt James shiver with the cold.
"Are you alright?" Edward asked in his velvet voice, staring intently at the figure by his side.
James looked into Edward's eyes for a moment, letting peace roam through himself, before he answered with a small smile.
"I've never been better." He sat up suddenly, a serious expression taking over his face.
"In fact, I can honestly say I've never been this content before. I wanted to thank you Edward, for showing me this. I know what this place means to you.
"This was your sanctuary, wasn't it? Your hidden garden. Your heaven." James paused for a moment and an expression of wonder spread over his face. Edward rose from the ground and took James' hands in his own, waiting patiently for him to speak again.
"But you decided to share it with me." James' voice took on a lost quality to it, as if unable to comprehend that thought.
Abruptly, Edward cupped James' cheek and brought confused eyes up to his own.
"I'd share the world with you if I could, love."
Not a moment later, there was a flash of light and Edward was gone. He tried to ignore the look of surprise, hurt, and betrayal he saw on James' face as he hid, once more, among the trees.
Silence greeted the air as the clouds shifted once again. Edward stepped out slowly, avoiding those pain-filled eyes.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible above the breeze. Edward watched with baited breath as James stood up and made his way over to him.
"Edward," James said brokenly. "Please trust me. Trust me. That's all I'm asking." He held out his hand and waited.
Edward, for his part, was beyond terrified. He realized that this could be the deciding factor. This would be the moment that changed their relationship forever. He could either take James' hand and reveal the truth about himself, or he could walk away with guilt and sorrow. He knew either choice could lead him to lose James forever.
Time stretched on, until hesitantly, he took James' hold. Warm fingers met cold and a look of relief filled James' eyes.
They walked together into the clearing, their eyes scanning the sky. When the clouds shifted again, James tightened his grip.
The sun that reflected off Edward's body was lower in the sky, casting him in an ethereal light. He knew his skin was flawless, shimmering, and beautiful, but he couldn't stop a flinch when he heard James gasp.
"Can you take off your shirt?" he heard him say all too innocently. Giving James a long, hard look Edward complied and tensed when he felt hands run across his chest.
"You're beautiful Edward," James said, his eyes shining in the dimming light.
Edward took a moment to study the baffling creature in front of him. Never before had he met anyone with such quiet acceptance, such calm understanding. James had the wisdom of men many times his age, yet at times he seemed so insecure.
It wasn't until this moment that Edward truly realized James' importance in his life. Without him, his life would've been meaningless and empty. With James though, Edward finally felt complete. He made a vow to himself then, to protect James, to help him, to guide him. And most importantly, to love him for eternity.
"What are you James?" The words escaped his lips before he had a chance for thought. Almost instantly he heard James' heart rate spike.
Despite the internal panic however, James merely looked sad. "Oh Edward," he said as if suddenly tired. He leaned in to embrace the other, resting his head against the naked chest.
"Please don't ask me that. We are what we are. Nothing can change that fact."
Edward felt himself relax at those words. He felt lighter, almost giddy with relief when he realized what James meant.
Bringing James an arms-width away, he had to ask one more thing.
"So what you're saying is that nothing should keep two people apart. If they really love each other, it shouldn't matter if they're from different races or different countries. Or even different species for that matter."
James smiled softly at his words and Edward had to wonder if James knew more than he was letting on.
"No Edward. Nothing should keep two people apart. And I believe we were meant to be with each other. Do you feel it? The bond we share."
Edward did feel that bond.
Harry's POV
The rest of the holiday flew by far too quickly. Each and every moment of Edward's presence made me feel like I was waking from a deep sleep. My life had been nothing more than a dream before: unreal and full of pain. But now I could finally see the colors of the world and hear its song. Edward made that happen for me.
He, in other words, was my heaven. He was my world. He gave me my life and asked for nothing in return. I loved him more than anything. I loved him above my own life.
Our days were spent in his room. Quiet piano music constantly graced us as we explored each other with casual touches and fleeting kisses. Nothing too intimate, but that was fine. For now.
On the first day of school, I walked through the halls in a state of bliss. Nothing and no one bothered me, until lunch. Apparently Bella was about to burst with unasked questions, but I had been too caught up in memories to notice.
As we sat at the lunch table, surrounded by the Cullen's, she finally had to ask.
"So James," she started and stopped. She succeeded in snapping me out of my daze.
"Yes?"
Bella bit her lip, as if unsure how to continue. Edward squeezed my hand from under the table and I smiled, thankful for the silent support.
She narrowed her eyes for a moment, glancing between Edward and me.
"What?" I had to ask. She shook herself and sat back in her chair.
"Nothing. It's just… you look different. That's all."
Confusion must have shown on my face for she hurriedly explained.
"Don't worry, it's nothing serious. I've never seen you look so happy before. Your eyes, they're not as dark. And you carry yourself differently. You look…" she paused as if trying to come up with the perfect word.
"Peaceful."
I smiled at her, squeezing Edward's hand back from under the table.
"I had a good holiday. That's all."
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Weeks passed and summer grew near. The days were warmer, lighter, and perfect. Nothing could have topped the emotions I felt when I was with Edward.
We had decided to alternate between each of our homes after school. After all, I couldn't leave my house empty. We went to my home when we wanted more privacy, which was where we were at now.
The sun was setting. I could see its final orange glow just above the horizon as I lay with my head in Edward's lap. He stroked my hair while watching me read.
As the darkness fell, the library grew chilly so I stood to light the fire. Edward followed me over, gazing at it from behind.
Staring at the embers, I felt something shift in the air. There was desire and something more. I looked up and found Edward watching me with burning eyes.
In the flickering glow, I could see him come closer, like a predator in the night. My breath began to speed up when he bent forward for a kiss. When our lips met, he growled and lowered me to the floor.
"Edward," I gasped, unable to stop myself.
"Shh love. It's time."
Questions instantly shot through my mind with terrifying speed. "Was I ready for this?' I had to ask myself. Of course I was. I loved Edward and that was all that mattered. There would never be any other.
I had waited so long to feel this closeness with another. Years ago I had given up all hope of ever finding someone, but Edward was here, now, and ready to be with me.
I was ready.
Our kiss was passionate, deep. We only broke it so that I could breathe. Edward removed my clothes as well as his own before pulling me even closer to him.
"I'm going to prepare you," he whispered huskily and I shivered despite the heat between us.
"Okay," I whispered back, dazed.
He swallowed my mouth in a tongue-clashing kiss once again to distract me from the pain. When finished, he ran his hands over my flat stomach. I whimpered, feeling a searing heat burn my thigh.
"I need you to spread your legs." Unconsciously, I complied. I was far too lost in the world of sensation to recognize coherent thoughts any longer. It seemed as if Edward had to be the one in charge.
In the next moment, there was a burning pain, followed by the sweetest pleasure I had ever known. My body automatically arched into Edward causing my own erection to brush against his marble-like skin.
I knew I cried out, but couldn't hear my words. It seemed as if I had gone deaf to the outside world. I was met with nothing but silence and a pleasant throbbing.
Grabbing Edward's back with all my strength, I used him as my anchor. As long as we were connected I knew I was safe. After all, he was my haven.
Through the dark in my mind, I felt myself being rocked, gently at first, then with gathering speed. Sharp spikes shot up my spine as he hit that one spot over and over again. I could feel his member grow, prepared to spill over at any moment.
Burning hands grabbed my own member and stroked it. That, along with the sucking sensations on my neck, sent me over edge. My seed shot out all over Edward's stomach creating a sticky coating between us. That only heightened the growing tension between us.
As my hearing gradually returned, I heard Edward's growl. Moving my hold to his waist, I rocked against him as he plunged inside, sending him deeper than ever before. That, apparently, was the trigger he needed for in the next moment his orgasm came. In that one final moment, we finally became one.
We rode it out a little longer, trying to extract all that we could, until we separated enough to catch our breath. My heart pounded fiercely in my ears as I became attuned to the world around me once again.
"How… how did you know this?" I gasped, my words as choppy as my heart. "How to do it I mean."
Edward rolled above me with a smirk on his face.
"Books," was all he said and I laughed.
Review, please! Let me know how I'm doing.
Next chapter: truths are finally revealed!
