Disclaimer: It's Steph's not mine..blah..blah...blah...
I stared at the clouds. Why on earth did it have to be so cloudy? I swung my legs back and forth on the park bench as he spoke of how he cam to Columbus.
"Okay, shall we try again?" I grumbled at his suggestion.
"We've been walking around for hours, Carlisle."
"How many times must I tell you that it is beneficial for you?"
"You said I'm walking well."
"Yes I did, but let us practice some more now."
"Why?"
"I have things to attend to."
"Such as?"
"Come along, Esme," he extended his hand to me.
We walked in silence down a short path. I noticed that he glanced towards the sky all too often. "Expecting rain?," I interjected into the silence. "No," was all he muttered.
We walked back towards the bench, and I was grateful to sit down.
"We should go now," his voice wavered slightly.
"I just sat down."
"I told you I have things to attend to, now please let us go."
"Why are you acting this way? Is something wrong?"
"Esme, please just come now."
"Not until you tell me what is going on."
"Please get in the car," he glanced towards the sky again.
"And what on earth is so interesting up there?!," I was starting to get a tad aggravated.
"We need to go now," he voice was raised a slight fraction.
"Tell me what's going on!," I matched his stare on the sky, and I saw the sun peek through the clouds. Finally the sun was out.
My left eye squinted at something bright just off to my left side. I turned towards it, and became rooted in my place. Have you ever looked outside on a sunny winter morning? They way the sun's rays reflect off the snow, causing it to shimmer like hundreds of little diamonds? That seems to be the best way I can explain what my eyes currently saw.
I shook my head, and rubbed my eyes. He wasn't faced towards me, he stood sideways; eyes straight ahead of him, his face expressionless. I tried to find my words, but I was temporarily mute. My eyes and mind were fixated on his sparkling skin.
I swallowed hard. "Carlisle." He didn't move an inch. I took a hasty step towards him. "Carlisle, what....," I trailed off. What could I say? I couldn't even believe my eyes. I heard him exhale sharply, and he stepped under the tree; the shining ceased.
He gently raised his eyes to meet mine. "Esme," it was barely above a whisper. He leaned against the tree, and held his hand out to me. I stepped forward and took it without hesitation; a ghost of a smile may have graced his lips then.
I went to speak, but he raised a hand to stop me. "Part of me knew this time would arise," he started. I leaned in closer, and rested me head on his arm so I could still see his face. "I don't suppose there is any easy way to put this," he inhaled as if it pained him to do so. "So just tell me then," I whispered. To my surprise I wasn't frightened about what he might tell me.
"Esme, I'm a vampire." My mind froze. What? He's a what? Vampire, Esme. He's a vampire. I didn't know much about them. Though weren't they supposed to be evil creatures of the night, that drank human blood? Not caring, wonderful doctors.
"First and foremost, Esme you must know something that is the very essence of my existence. I don't feed on humans." I raised an eyebrow. "I don't and I never have. Animals provide me with what I need for survival." "So, you are a good vampire?" "Stregoni benefici," he chuckled softly. I again raised an eyebrow. "It's Italian. It means 'good vampire,' basically."
We sat on the bench, and he told me his story or perhaps history is a better term. He was born in the 1640's he wagers as time was not kept efficiently back then. He is 23 years old, physically, so just a year younger than he had told me previously. He told me about his father, and the hunts for creatures that he led. It broke my heart when he told me of how disgusted he was with himself after he was changed. He told me of how he came to feed on animals, and how he became a doctor. He's basically immune to human blood, that's how amazing he is. He briefly told me about his travels, especially Italy.
"I don't have fangs, just sharp teeth and venom. I don't sleep or eat human food. I can't have children. I can go outside when it isn't very sunny," I listened as the facts of his life fell from his lips. He took a deep breath, which he didn't need, because he doesn't have to breathe. "I don't mean to and I shouldn't burden you with this. Not a soul can know about this, Esme." I nodded, still unable to speak. "I really shouldn't have let things get this far." My heart fell. "It's too dangerous, and it's not something you need in your life. I'm not someone you need in your life."
My head was spinning. "Come on I should get you home," he walked towards the car, gently pulling me along with him. I stopped, and after feeling my resistance he turned back to face me. "This doesn't change a thing, Carlisle-," "But Esme, it does," he cut me off. "No it doesn't, Carlisle. I still love you." He stared at me. "The fact that you are a vampire doesn't change the fact that I'm in love with you." My heart felt as though it would burst through my ribs. He seemed lost for words as he continued to stare. "I love you, Carlisle." He closed the space between us, his lips covering mine. Fire swept through my veins as his lips molded to mine.
He stepped back, and held both of my hands. "I love you, too. For the first time in all my years of existence I don't feel alone." Tears threatened to well in my eyes. He truly felt the same way I did. I didn't think this to be possible. "Believe it or not, but I have never been in love, Esme." My heart soared. I let go of his hands, and threw my arms around his waist. He rest his face in my hair.
"Come on, love. It's getting late." Love. I would never get tired of hearing him call me that. I followed him to the car, and rested my head on his shoulder as he drove me home.
A/N: Proceed with caution, fluffiness awaits. :) But then it gets juicy again. Thanks to my readers/reviewers.