Let us continue on with this journey between this unlikely couple. I have seen all your thoughts on this, and I can ensure you, I have plans on answering them accordingly. It will come in time, rest assured.
Now, you know what to do. *Wink*
Aro was sitting staring into the flames. It was late at night, and he had left young Miss Swan to her own devices for now. Hopefully she would be sleeping, though he did not have high hopes.
It had been another gruelling day of trying to penetrate her facade. She wasn't keen on it, which made him angry and impatient in turn. He did his best to keep that side down and away from her. She would never yield to him if he kept losing his temper with her.
He had done his best to keep up a conversation with her for a great part of the day, insisting on spending time with her, so that they may get to know each other. Things felt awkward and rigid around her though. He sensed that she had no intention of giving in, not any time soon at least, and he felt the consequences. So did she. He could tell she was getting increasingly tired. He knew he deserved the pain, he had been hurting her gravely. He gritted his teeth as a sharp jab pierced his skull, just behind his ear.
He endured it soundlessly, not wanting to draw attention to his suffering. It would only make him seem weak. He rubbed at his head, grinding his teeth as another piercing sting ran through him.
"Are you actually... Preening?"
Aro righted himself slowly, glancing over his shoulder.
Caius stood leaning casually against the door frame, regarding Aro's rather tense countenance.
"Brother," Aro greeted, sighing tiredly, though that was never a feeling meant for vampires. He let his arm fall onto the armrest of his chair.
"You seem rather tense." Caius noted.
"That is because I am in pain, Caius," Aro explained casually.
Silence emanated from his brother.
"It would be because of a certain young lady, I would presume?" Caius sat down in the chair beside Aro.
Aro simply nodded.
"Is she not agreeable?"
Aro felt a new flash of pain.
"Definitely not agreeable, no," he confirmed softly.
There was a long silence.
"Have you tried giving her a gift?" Caius suggested.
Aro shook his head once.
"Women like gifts," Caius continued.
"Not this one," Aro said. He had seen it in Edward's mind. She absolutely despised surprises.
Caius grunted in sympathy.
"A poem, perhaps?" He suggested.
"I do not think a poem will sway her unfortunately."
His brother had already run out of ideas. He was a great strategist when it came to their enemies. Romance on the other hand, he was willfully ignorant.
"It's a complicated thing, when a bond is there, but love is not." He sighed.
"I do wonder how the Cullen's took her departure? They cannot be pleased with it," he mused, smirking.
Aro said nothing. He felt far too preoccupied with more important matters than what the Cullen's might think of him at the moment. They meant nothing. Only Carlisle might have some impact, but even his advice would be useless at the moment.
He got to his feet.
"Where are you going?" Caius asked.
Aro stared into the flames for a few more seconds before answering.
"To the library. I may have an idea."
The next day, Aro found himself at her door once more. He held a tray of various breakfast items. Pancakes, eggs and toast. He also had a book for her, with a rose placed on top. He figured he couldn't go completely wrong with pancakes and books. He knocked and waited.
There was no answer. He cocked his head and listened. There was the tiniest whimper and some scraping noises.
"Isabella?" He called, listening intently.
No sound came.
He carefully opened the door, and peered inside. She was nowhere to be seen. He placed the tray on a small table and walked swiftly through the rooms, searching for her. He ended at the bathroom door which was a jar.
A soft groan could be heard from inside.
He peered into the room. For bathrooms in general this was quite large. He took a step inside, dearly hoping he wasn't going to find her in a compromising situation. Once he entered however, he knew she was sick. He could smell it. He found her by the toilet, huddled around the bowl.
"Isabella?" He said softly, walking to her and kneeling beside her. She didn't respond.
"Are you alright?"
"Go away," she croaked weakly.
"Are you unwell?" He persisted.
Just then she grew rigid and vomited into the toilet. Not that much came up, her stomach being quite empty.
"I take that as a yes," he said softly.
"Please just leave," she rasped.
He didn't move an inch.
"How long have you felt like this?" He asked her solemnly.
"Forever," she responded, lifting a heavy arm, pushing her hair out of the way.
"I see," he responded.
"Can't you just let me die in peace?" She asked miserably.
He looked her over. The few days she had spent in Italy had taken their toll on her. He guessed she hadn't eaten at all since landing here. Her clothes hung on her frame, already at least a size too big. He heaved an inward sigh.
"I am afraid not."
Then he proceeded to lift her up, carefully cradling her against his chest.
"No," she croaked weakly. "Don't."
"I am sorry, but I have to," he merely responded.
He lifted her to the sitting area of her room, carefully placing her down on the sofa. Then he picked up the tray of food and placed it on the coffee table.
She didn't move.
He sat down beside her, and even though he knew she wouldn't like it, he placed her across his lap, so that he cradled her once more.
"Your refusal to give in is killing you," he murmured, leaning forward to collect the glass of freshly squeezed apple juice.
"Good," she croaked thickly.
She tried to struggle, but she was so tired she could barely move.
"Please drink," he admonished.
"No, I will only get more sick. It will come right back up," she murmured.
"Not when I am with you," he responded softly. "Here, take a sip."
He tipped the glass against her parched lips, but she squeezed them shut in protest.
"Isabella," he admonished sternly. "Drink."
She refused.
"Why must you be so difficult? I am trying to help you. Will you not allow me to do that, at least?" He asked, his voice almost pleading.
She groaned softly in response.
"Please do not do this to me," he begged.
Her breathing was deep and slow, her body exhausted. She gave a deep sigh, and to his immense relief, parted her lips slightly.
He allowed a small sip to pass her lips and she swallowed thickly.
"Thank you," he crooned.
She had been tense the entire time, waiting to see if she could keep it down. When it didn't come back up, she opened her mouth and took a larger gulp. They sat in silence as he slowly let her drink the entire glass. He knew she was quite ill, but even so, he relished their closeness. She would most likely fight him again once she had regained some of her strength, but for now she had no choice.
"Is that better?" He asked, looking into her face. Her skin was still slightly damp, and she kept her eyes closed.
She gave a non committal shrug and said nothing.
Neither did he. It wasn't long before he realised she had drifted off. She was sleeping in his lap. He pondered the significance of this, while keeping completely still. She woke an hour or so later, her face buried in the crook of his neck. She took a series of deep breaths as she slowly came to. Aro waited on tenterhooks to see if she would bolt from his lap.
She didn't.
"Damn, why do you smell so good?" She murmured into his skin. He didn't know what to say to that.
"I am a vampire. That is what we do," he responded softly.
"Hmmm," she took another deep breath. He wondered worriedly if she was quite lucid.
"How are you feeling?" He asked.
"Tired. Hungry. Thirsty."
He nodded slowly.
He called for Jane in an undertone that carried especially well for vampires, but humans could not hear.
She appeared in a flash, her face showing no emotion at the rather intimate position in which she had found her king.
"Bring me a new tray of breakfast please. And take this one. Arrange it as it originally was. Then light the fire for me," he instructed in the same voice. She bowed briefly and was gone.
It took her less than ten minutes to return with the food. Aro was pleased by her efficiency, and gave her a smile of approval. The blonde placed it on the table right beside the couch, and immediately got a fire going, then bowed again and left.
It took a few moments for Bella to catch the whiff of food, and he could practically hear her mouth water.
"Here," he said, grabbing a fresh glass of apple juice and placing it against her lips.
This time she gulped it down without a fight. He grabbed a fork and scooped up some of the scrambled egg, and was relieved that she took the mouthful of food from him. He patiently fed her, until she had had enough. Then he merely held her close as she rested against him.
He had been so preoccupied with her that he hadn't noticed it before now, but the pain that had been wracking his system had vanished. He wondered if it was because she was finally giving in. He dared not hope. Perhaps it was merely their close proximity that did the trick.
"Are you feeling better?" He asked gently after a while.
"Yes," she whispered.
"Still tired?"
"Exhausted," she confirmed.
"It is quite alright, you can sleep if you wish," he said softly.
She didn't answer, her body growing slightly limp as she crashed almost instantly. Her face was pressed against his throat as she slept, and he could follow her dreams as if watching a movie. His own face appeared a few times, and he had to do his best to keep completely still. Even when they, in her dreams, kissed.
The afternoon was waning when she woke with a slight start a few hours later, her body jerking slightly.
Aro kept still, waiting in tense silence. She relaxed somewhat again, and once again proceeded to breathe him in. He gave her a tender squeeze. This made her grow rigid, and she suddenly sat bolt upright in his lap. He did not stop her as she practically fell from his person and scrambled away from him. He remained seated as she turned to him. They regarded each other for a long moment.
"How long did I sleep?" She asked apprehensively.
"Only a few hours."
She stared in disbelief.
"I haven't been able to sleep since I met you," she said.
"I realise that," he agreed.
"Why?" She demanded.
He sighed softly.
"I think it has something to do with our bond. It requires us to… Be closer. Otherwise we have trouble functioning in a normal capacity."
"You have been sick too?" She asked, frowning.
"In a manner of speaking."
She hesitated and then slumped into the sofa opposite him. Her eyes fell on the tray now only containing the pancakes and book. Her gaze lingered on the rose.
Then she looked back at him.
"I was trying to be romantic," he explained, gesturing towards the display.
"However, your condition was…" he trailed off softly.
She gave a tiny smile, as if his efforts had pleased her even so.
"What book is it?" She asked curiously.
Aro picked up the cover and slowly leaned forward, handing it to her.
"It is by Emily Brontë. Poems."
She took it gingerly from him and placed it in her lap. He knew her favourite book was by the same author, having seen it in Edward's mind. He did not mention this though.
She slowly paged through it.
"If it is not to your taste,-" she looked up at him.
"No, it's great actually. Thank you." He gave her a soft smile, but said nothing. They sat staring at each other for a long awkward moment.
"I think, I'm going to take a bath," she finally said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. He nodded his approval, and she gave another awkward smile before getting up and going to the bathroom. Aro followed her with his eyes until she vanished from view. Then he breathed a sigh of relief. He finally felt like he was getting somewhere with her. He slid a hand down his face and settled into his seat. He would wait for her to finish her bath. Then they could talk some more. He felt a strumming go through his system at the thought of spending more time with her and gave a soft chuckle. He was already quite taken with her. Despite her opposition towards him. Or perhaps because of it. He found he rather liked the challenge of charming her.
Bella returned from a long soak after almost two hours. Darkness had fallen, and the flames in the fire was the only light source. Aro sat where she had left him, and she cautiously walked to the opposite sofa and sat down. She was wearing a thick fluffy bathrobe, and she gingerly tucked the edges beneath her thighs. He watched her intently, not quite able to suppress the flash of desire that had surged through him as he saw her. Her skin practically glowed from the hot water, her wet hair clinging to her throat.
"Was it a nice bath?" He asked, smirking as he took in her relaxed state. She nodded briefly, and picked up the book, eagerly opening it to the first page. He kept silent as she read for a while. He was merely so relieved that she allowed him to be near her, the relief from the pain quite a treat. She seemed to enjoy it as well, because she had a small smile on her lips.
Suddenly she glanced up at him, apparently about to say something, then she shook her head slightly. He grew curious.
"What is it?" He finally asked her.
"I just…." She gave a soft chuckle. "I never thought you could be romantic," she finally said, smirking.
Aro smirked right back at her.
"It has been known to happen," he responded smoothly.
She shook her head again, still chuckling.
"It just doesn't match you somehow," she responded.
"Well, I relish the occasional break from being a ruthless ruler."
She laughed at that.
"Was that a joke?" She asked, snorting slightly.
He regarded her silently, however his lips parted in a slightly toothy grin. She laughed again.
"You believe me to be humourless, Miss Swan?" He asked suavely.
She pondered the question.
"I don't really know you that well."
"Still, you must have some impression of me by now?" He asked, almost not daring to say the words.
She was silent for a long time.
"You are like Black Velvet, Aro. An enigma," she finally said. "First you are kind to me, then you… Assault me, and then you care for me while I'm sick. I'm confused."
He kept his gaze on her as she spoke. When she finished, he remained silent for a long time. Then he got up slowly, walking to the fireplace. He stared into the flames in silent contemplation for a long time.
"I admit that my actions regarding you have been… Misguided."
She gave a tiny scoff.
"You don't say."
He turned back towards her.
"Quite," he agreed.
She swallowed thickly as she watched his face. He sighed deeply.
"I have many regrets in my immortal life, Isabella. None compare to how I feel about my treatment of you. You deserved... so much better."
She remained silent. He walked slowly over to her, and knelt right beside her. He could hear her heartbeat escalate rapidly. He looked intently at her for a second.
"I was selfish and greedy. I will do everything in my power to make amends to you. I have learned from my mistake. Will you do me the honour of forgiving me?" He then asked.
She gave a small gasp, her brown eyes flitting between his red ones.
She swallowed again, and glanced down at the book, then back up at him. He smelled the brine in her tears before he ever saw the sparkles from the salty liquid.
She gave a terse nod, a single tear falling from her eye, landing on the book cover.
"Thank you so much," he said softly.
He wanted to wipe her cheek, but knew better than to touch her at the moment. He would have to wait for her to be ready.
He began to get up, placing a hand on the armrest as he did so, when her hand suddenly descended upon his. He froze at the touch and his gaze snapped to her face. She was looking at him with an entirely different expression on her face. He could not read it. She was biting her lip apprehensively as if waiting for something. Then it clicked.
He slowly leaned forward, taking in her reaction as he approached her. He heard her heart skip a beat and her breathing catching in her chest, but this time he sensed it was not with fear.
Ever so slowly, Aro narrowed the space between them, stopping when their lips almost touched. He wanted her to take the final step if it were to happen. Her breathing rattled through her as she closed her eyes, apparently picking up the courage. Then, licking her lips, she closed the distance between them, kissing him fully on the mouth. He felt a sort of explosion happen in his chest, as he felt her lips touching his. The kiss was chaste and far too brief. She pulled back within a couple of seconds, however they were both breathing as if they had been running a marathon. Aro peered into her soft eyes for a long moment, then he leaned in again, kissing her tenderly once, twice before he relented, placing a last kiss at the edge of her mouth, pulling back so as to not overwhelm her. He got to his feet and went back to his original seat. His dead heart, however, soared.
Things are getting interesting, eh? Or nay? Let me know what you think! It's all fluffy and dandy now, but darkness shall return. You have been warned. *Wink*
Oh, and did you see the reference to yours truly? Didn't realise it until after I had written it. Made myself laugh, then cry because my throat hurts too much for that sort of luxury. Lol!
-Pancakes