[English isn't my first language, so please be kind!]
[All characters belongs to Stephenie Meyer!]
15
Layers of Time
- You should stay longer, you know, this hotel isn't an evil plan to attract anyone to death - said Aro, omitting from Carlisle that this was Caius' original plan from this place.
"A hotel full of horror," Caius said on that occasion, "I loved it!"
He was supervising his friend packing. Esme had already finished and was helping Emmett and Renesmee with their suitcases because both didn't know how to fold their clothes properly.
Carlisle smiled every time Aro came up with another attempt to make him stay. They certainly had a great time at the hotel, it was the first time Carlisle left on vacations from the hospital and had a break from taking care of Renesmee in a long time. His favorite part was being able to sit on the balcony of his room and read for a while, with Esme by his side of course.
- I wanted to stay a few more days, but we need to meet Alice and Jasper, and Renesmee also needs to go back to school.
Aro turned his face and crossed his arms, if the Cullens really liked the hotel they would stay longer, wouldn't they? And Edward was suspicious of everyone all the time, very irritating.
Carlisle took a deep breath, he would miss the aroma of the mountains and that cool breeze, but not Aro's difficult temper.
- But I have to congratulate you, Aro, this hotel, the girl you adopted, is your second chance to make things right.
- I know that - Aro looked back at him - and you know I'm trying.
- I know - Carlisle smiled, closing the suitcase - you can always do everything, but how about you put food in the fridge the next time? Renesmee can drink blood, but she's in a phase of preferring human food.
- Stop reminding me of my failures! - Aro rolled his eyes.
- Oh! - Carlisle smiled, someone else had arrived in the room - It's truly an honor to see you again, Sulpicia.
The woman had a fragile but elegant semblance, she had the same height as Aro, as well as the youthful look, but while Aro enjoyed being the center of attention, Sulpicia preferred to admire his brightness from distance.
- Hello, Carlisle - her voice was soft, like a warm hug in form of words - I'm sorry I didn't come earlier to greet you, I think I'm working too much.
- So you kept writing? - Carlisle asked, he still remembered the countless novels and poetry that Sulpicia used to write on her small and cozy studio at Volterra. He was sure that Aro had made a perfect replica of the place somewhere in the hotel, as well as a private library, as he doubted Sulpicia had left her novels behind.
- Yes - she nodded with a smile. Sulpicia was wearing a black long-sleeved dress, a little more modern than the clothes she used to wear in Volterra, but still conservative - I try to stop writing, but new ideas come up every day and it is very easy to publish things on the internet now, anyone can read and give me a sincere opinion about my work.
- So you don't trust my opinions? – Aro asked.
- You're too biased sometimes - replied Sulpicia, pinching him on the arm.
Carlisle noticed how Sulpicia and Elia looked alike, although Aro's favorite seemed to be a little more rebellious, they had the same long and black hair and pale skin, and Carlisle suspected both also had brown eyes before turn into vampires. If Aro ever decided to change his life the three of them could certainly pass as a real family in the human world.
The doctor imagined the scenario for a second and ended up smiling, which made Aro stand in front of his wife.
- What? - Aro asked, pretending he didn't was curious about what Carlisle was thinking.
- Nothing - replied the golden-eyed vampire - let's meet with Caius and Marcus, so I can say my goodbyes.
- With some luck perhaps you can see Athenodora too - said Sulpicia, accompanying him - she composed another symphony this month, a true masterpiece.
The Cullens left in their luxury cars during the twilight, according to Carlisle's thoughts they would cross the country and meet Alice and Jasper before catching a plane home. Aro's team lined up in front of the hotel to say goodbye to the family, but soon they ran back inside to meet the last nomads who were also leaving.
The hotel was almost empty, which for Aro meant concern, but for his team, moments of rest, at least for the next few months.
He realized that the arrival of the Cullens and their little wolf friend had affected some of their most important members. Alec looked sad as he said goodbye to Renesmee, and Jane, even though she didn't want to show it, seemed to feel sorry for her brother. Both were transformed too soon, with so much to experience, but they didn't have time.
Renata also seemed to try to hold her emotions when she said goodbye to Seth. The boy held her hand tightly, but the vampire looked ashamed. As soon as he got into the car, she turned away and went back inside the hotel, being followed closely by Santiago.
Emmett and Felix had a loud and emotional farewell. They seemed to be friends for a long time, even though they only met a few days ago, but Emmett promised to call Felix every day and tell more about the soap operas that were on TV, as well as participating in online video game tournaments as a team.
- I like them - said Sulpicia. Aro had taken her out to the garden to watch the roses bloom. The sky was still colorful, the twilight was not over yet. - you shouldn't have done that unnecessary war.
- I know - Aro sighed - but I think that power changes people.
- I haven't changed - Sulpicia crossed her legs. Aro always liked to see her in profile - you changed, that castle pushed us away and you tried to do the same with this hotel.
Aro nodded, he would let Sulpicia say whatever she wanted, she had that right after all, people who loved each other shouldn't be apart like that, and Aro almost thought he would lose her when he brought Elia to the family without asking Sulpicia first.
- But I'm happy to see you changing - Sulpicia smiled, she touched Aro's nose the same way she did when was still human and was startled to feel the coldness of his skin for the first time - but Carlisle's arrival prevented you from celebrating Elia's birthday properly.
- I will compensate her - Aro said, he was surprised that Sulpicia talked about that at first, but also relieved, maybe now they could really be a family.
- You shouldn't have let your rival stop you from fulfilling your duties as a father.
- Carlisle isn't my rival - Aro sighed. Why did everyone say that to him?
- Elia is growing up, maybe she wants to spend time outside the hotel after she and Demetri get married.
- She gets what? - Aro laughed - No, my daughter won't get married, especially not with Demetri.
- Really? - Sulpicia pinched Aro's arm again - Are we really having this conversation again a hundred years later?
Aro muttered words in Italian that Sulpicia wouldn't dare to repeat.
- You hurt Didyme so much, even her wedding - Sulpicia pushed Aro's hair away from his face - let Elia live her life without interruptions, isn't that why you brought her here? Because she remind you of your sister?
Aro shrugged, Sulpicia didn't know the whole story, so she wasn't sure why Aro avoided talking about his sister, but she was right about Elia. When Aro saw her, it was as if Didyme had really come back to life.
That's why Aro had chosen Sulpicia, because she didn't mind telling him the truth right away. Perhaps Caius had a similar relationship with Athenodora, because that woman made him shut up with a blink of an eye, something very rare.
- Let's forget the past, it's time - Sulpicia said.
Aro agreed with his wife, but soon Sulpicia attention turned to the roses, which has finally bloomed fully.
Here it is, the final chapter! Did you guys enjoyed the road so far? I have to say that I was surprised at myself for writing 15 chapters of a story that originally would have only 1. I love the Volturi, I love writing about them, I'm not sure if I will continue writing, but I had an idea about Aro and Sulpicia while writing that maybe, just maybe, it could become something more in the future. Oh, I almost forgot to say that I am also posting this fanfic on AO3, I have the same name if you want to look for me there. Thank you to everyone who read this far and for following Twilight. I didn't imagine having so many readers, so thank you to each one of you. I hope us to meet again, someday. Stay safe.