Swiss Alps, March 2007

"Carlisle, turn off the phone or I will confiscate it for the rest of our stay." Her voice was stern, and she did not play. Carlisle was very much aware that his wife can keep to her words. He quickly shut down the Nokia and put into the leather bag on the chair. One message from Edward inquired whether he could borrow the Mercedes while Rosalie repairs his car, then another one from the hospital urgently asking for shift cover. Carlisle sighed, knowing he promised Esme to leave the concerns at home and only focus on her this week. He could only afford one week away in such short notice.

The last year events were perhaps the most trying of their entire lives, even for Carlisle who experienced a handful of tragic and unfortunate confrontations, which not usually ended with the relatively affirmative outcome. The traumatic encounters starting from his tough adolescence, the suffering from transformation and solitude, the challenging time of being with the Volturi – each presented a half-moon-shaped groove in the metaphorical calendar wheel of Carlisle's life. Yet, what happened this winter surpassed Carlisle's previous ordeals not by the trauma but by the piercing anxiety, which from some reason did not cease. He suspected the cause, and although this gateway trip to the Alps was meant to bring them the well-deserved breather, Carlisle hoped to discuss with Esme his persisting fear, which settled down to the pit of his stomach like a stone. He couldn't ignore it anymore, not even here in their lovely chalet on a mountain clearing. Esme had an excellent taste for aesthetics, but Carlisle chose this location, including the accommodation; she practically allowed him only this contribution as she practically organised everything else.

"So, what do you think?" Carlisle smiled at her expectantly while Esme was unpacking her things into drawers. She looked preoccupied with her lingerie as if looking for something specific. Carlisle raised one eyebrow awaiting her answer. "Oh, it's lovely here." She finally looked up to him and gave him her particular smile. That broad smile never failed to charm. Ever since he has witnessed it the first time his knees give away and heart falters. She closed the bottom drawer and walked towards him. He gently welcomed her in a soft embrace. "I wanted to make a good impression; after all, you have been choosing the places of stay since… forever." He ended the sentence with a dramatic sigh, which turned into chuckles. Her grip tightened in response, and she looked up, locking her gaze with him. "Well, there is a reason for that. A few decades ago, I wouldn't entrust you with this task, but I must say this chalet is quite lovely." Carlisle's eyes were now the colour of forest honey with few golden strands sprouting from around his pupils. He watched her with such reverence and she could feel the intensity of his devotion through the power of his gaze. They were both happy to have some time alone, away, she knew he needed to reconnect with her properly, something was still not right with Carlisle. She could sense this shadow of strange emotion, Esme struggled to identify, and when she addressed it, Carlisle just reassured her it was nothing to worry about. Yet, she did. Finally, going away from Forsk and anchoring here was perfect. He had no means of escape, no hospital duty to attend to, no kids to distract him and no arguments to solve. Now, they had a few blessed days for themselves.

Esme's eyes started flittering around the bedroom. The varnished logs lining the walls made her feel cosy, the south wall comprised of only large windows giving the impression of a glass wall. The room was not as big for her liking, but the dim light of small antler chandelier and the large bed filling most of the space felt safe; pleasant and leaving intimate proximity for the two vampires. "It's lovely indeed" she whispered finally and pressed a gentle kiss just above his turtleneck. They arrived in the morning hours just in case the weather forecast would change. They risked nonetheless, but Carlisle and Esme experienced travelling in sunlight throughout the centuries, the risk was perhaps part of the adventure. They quickly unpacked and Carlisle began to change into his hiking attire, which seemed rather outdated. He had brown corduroy trousers, cotton t-shirt hidden underneath thick woollen sweater. Esme raised an eyebrow giggling when he pulled out a black jacket, which she recognised from their hikes from the 60s. "Carlisle, love, first of all. You look like an actor shooting a film from the post-war era. Secondly, it's night, and we are going on a quick hike, we shouldn't meet any people wondering around on those sharp mountain ridges." She sounded amused but in a rather enthralling sweet way. Carlisle looked at her his eyebrow frowned. "You know this is my favourite outfit, it suits me, and for sentimental purposes I took it, we have some Alice's Patagonia set too, but exactly as you say, it's night. Although I wouldn't be so sure with people, the population density here is much more dangerous than back home." He was steadfast in not changing his clothes again, giving her a cheeky smile while he combed his blonde hair. "Fine then, I am going to take the dress then. You're risking someone seeing you like this, well, we better be both in trouble." She smiled a started to remove her clothes.

"Ho, ho, that's a different calibre of responsibility." Carlisle's words were surprised with a hint of concern. Esme looked at him, smiling teasingly, while she put on polka dot plaid dress with a large flowy skirt and tight collared bodice. Carlisle measured her disapprovingly, even though he adored when she wore dresses like that, the power of nostalgia always brought him back to the times where his wife was solely wearing dresses like that. It matched her personality. Yet, now it was 4 a.m., and they were in the mountain valley, the temperature was around four degrees of Celsius. "Darling, come on, I am feeling lucky today," Esme responded nonchalantly, zipping up the dress. "Plus, if any hiker gets close to us we will know before they notice. Please, let's just go quickly. I want to see the sunrise from the summit, and then we will be back, no one will notice us." His concern was rightful, but Esme was in the mood to tease him. She enjoyed being carefree, even though this was undoubtedly walking on thin ice, from some reason she was not as bothered as him. She brushed her caramel locks and went to the hall. Carlisle didn't seem to be convinced but didn't feel like arguing with her; eventually, they could try to return early, and the chalet was very high up secluded from the town. Hence, without further protests, they ran towards the mountain. Carlisle kept thinking about how dangerous Esme's idea was. Even though they were surrounded by pitch-black night as the stars were hidden behind the spring clouds, his instincts were still there. He didn't grab the jacket, as Esme was just in her dress, he would feel silly next to her and she would only keep teasing him.

The alpine crips air was whistling around them as they ran as bullets to the steep saddle. The nature was absolutely breathtaking and so different from what they were used to, much more exposure due to the thin forests. He let Esme lead; they did not need any map nor compass, their enhance ability allowed them to see the peak of the mountain they aimed for, deep in mind he truly savoured the experience. Esme was a vision on her own. It was absurd to see such a beautiful woman ran across the naked rocky area, which would otherwise present a relative challenge to any non-experienced hiker. Yet, she overcame the boulders with such an ease and elegance he almost forgot about everything else. It was just them two, enjoying the freedom to the fullest. Soon they reached the ridge, Esme slowed down and looked behind her shoulder to check on her husband, giving him a wide smile decorating her heart-shaped face with dimples.

He couldn't resist and catch up with her, laughing from the exhilarating run and the whole situation. He didn't like to risk, but what he wouldn't do for her, not after the storm they survived in the previous years. "So? It isn't as bad, is it?" Esme's sang while elevating the running tempo towards the snow-covered peak. "Can we try more human tomorrow?" Carlisle laughed nervously, she tugged his sweater teasingly and sped off from him, leaving a trail in the settled snow layer. He shook his head and followed his wife. Her laugh melted up his entire body, suddenly feeling as if the snow was melting underneath his feet. He wanted to melt into her, right on the mountain peak. Once they reached the place, Carlisle sat on a snowy boulder facing the East. The dark skies slowly sublimed into purplish shade changing from the yet invisible sun streams. Esme was watching the horizon and then turned to face her husband. Their eyes met, full of relief and unconditional devotion. Carlisle held out his arms and Esme nestled between them, sitting down on his lap and turning her face towards his. The snow made his trousers all wet, while her skirt was partially saved, thanks to her position. He opened his lips to say something, but she gently pressed her index finger in his narrow lips. He looked her in the dark honeyed eyes with slight confusion, but she just answered with a mellow smile and then fixed her eyes on the horizon again.

Esme knew Carlisle wanted to speak about something important, but she wanted to savour the serenity at least until the sunrise. Then she would be open for anything he had to share. Anything as always; she would offer him her soul and body. Carlisle nodded in understanding. They did not need verbal communication at this point; he pressed lips to her silky hair and inhaled her calming scent. They both silently enjoyed each other's company on the top of the mountain, in silent reverie. They were fully basking in the bliss of solitude and each other's presence. That. Even though Carlisle still had his senses alerted for any potential hikers coming, the weather was not ideal. Neither will be the sunrise, he thought. They remained unmoving soft in their embrace when the sun began to rise; human eyes would be unable to appreciate the moment as the clouds were too thick to unveil the sun's flare, but it was enough for them. They watched the changing colour of sky silently, and their bodies posed as clothed sculpture, but as soon as first dimmed sunlight reached their alabaster skin, Esme shifted a little. Perhaps it was the unnerving closeness between them, Carlisle's lips did not move in her hair for the whole time, and neither moved his arms secured around her body. Esme tilted her head back, trying to reach the soft spot under his ear and whispered suggestively.

"I have seen a beautiful meadow on our way back." The voice was like warm honey to his ears, sending an electric discharge through his body. Carlisle closed his eyes, savouring the residue of her sweet voice. Having Esme so close for a longer period without any further ministrations turned out to be more challenging than he anticipated, but making love her would be too risqué.

"Take me there" she breathed into his skin this simple command, but that was enough to cloud his mind in need. He adored when she did that. Probably nothing stirred him more than Esme being assertive like this. In a second Carlisle took her into his arms and sped down the snowy mountain massif towards the valley. Esme held onto his nape, her face buried into the crook between shoulder and neck. She was completely unfazed by the velocity her husband rushed down the steep slope, only focusing on the marble she began to kiss sensually. Carlisle reached the said pasture, which was indeed beautiful. It was relatively small cut out in the thin alpine forest, framed with rocks on the southern rim blooming in the colours of purple and yellow, the grass was quite tall as shepherds wouldn't go so high up with their herds. The skies were still grey, but the clouds move quickly, soon the meadow will be blessed with sunlight, and that's what Esme wanted. She loved to bask in the sun; he loved to watch.

Carlisle sat down to the grass and Esme instead of settling next to him straddled his lap, Carlisle gave her a muffled chuckle. His hands wandered around her porcelain heartshaped face, then continued their journey down her spine and circled shapes on the small of her back. Esme looked him deep in the eyes, which were almost the same dark onyx colour as hers. Carlisle could handle his thirst, much better than she did, but it wasn't a blood he was hungry for.

"Now, we can talk." Esme gently cupped his face, her thumb lightly caressing his chiselled cheek. Carlisle laughed again. He wanted to do anything but talk, yet deep down he realised Esme was not blind to the silent agony that he tried to hide so well, she knew Carlisle didn't tell her everything after the Volturi confrontation, nor after the guests left their house. They had some passionate evenings, but something lingered on, and she waited until he opens up. Carlisle gently squeezed her full hips. He looked around as if to check whether there aren't any humans to spy on them. Then he returned his gaze to her. There was no need for small talk; they both knew.

"When Alistair was leaving, we had a talk. It would be futile to suggest that he is always welcome to stop by…" Carlisle said with a smile, but that smile disappeared soon after. What he wanted to say was too heavy for his heart, even heavier to be said out loud to the love of his life. Carlisle was weak even though he tried to be strong for her. His head rested in the alluring valley of her collarbone. He wasn't able to watch her lovely face. "He warned me, my beloved. His last words were nothing but a bitter remark, but it was a warning." Esme buried fingers into his golden crown, stroking him lovingly. She felt fear from his words, an emotion they were both acquainted with far more intimately in the last few months. In that moment, she pondered, when will this fear be nothing but a memory how she wished for that. To get rid of that emotion, eradicate it from their lives. Carlisle continued, his voice heavy and low. "He said, Aro, will not stop being jealous of me and to watch out for my Achilles' heel."

"You know Alistair, he is a tragedian." Esme sounded annoyed. Carlisle shook his head and looked up. His face broken with concern, how come she didn't take this seriously. Was she not paying attention to his words. "Esme, you are my Achilles' heel." His head jerked up now facing her surprised expression. "You are my greatest weakness, and I cannot bear to lose you, it's evident, that by hurting you is the only way to weaken me, our family." Carlisle's urgency was frightening, but she couldn't help but feel offended. "So, that's what I am to you? Your weakness?" She crossed arms on her chest, while Carlisle closed his eyes as a painful response.

"You know very well what I am trying to say, this fear, that now Aro will concentrate his eyes on you." He hissed not at her, but more to the void to release his sudden anger. "It's been settled on the pit of my stomach. This anxiety troubled me constantly." He admitted, and while he wanted to hide his pain twisted face, Esme caught it in her palms. Cradled it and forced him to watch her.

"Carlisle, let him come, I will be ready, and I am not as fragile as you think. I doubt that Aro will do anything for another century." She professed in a stern voice.

"I know you're not frag.." She stopped him again with her palm now.

"Let me finish. I might be your weakness, and you might be mine, we have realised it as soon as we fell in love, but love it is that makes us strong and fierce. You cannot let your worries to overcome you. We can't let our lives to be halted by potential danger. We have to accept it with nothing but courage in our hearts." Her voice softened by the end. She loved his concern, but it pained her, seeing him cloaked in sorrow. While framing his frowned face in her palms, she pressed her lips on his, giving him a full a passionate kiss to seal her words.

"I love how strong you are, and I could never.." He breathed into her partially opened mouth, and she laughed. Carlisle felt much better, letting out the fear that was troubling him in recent months, feeling relieved by Esme's words. "I could never lose you and I will never lose you." Perhaps it was the idea that someone on this earth wanted to snatch Esme out of his life, that made him angry, but at that moment surrounded by soft morning sunlight and vibrant colours of spring, that fury transformed to lust.

"Show me how strong you are my beloved." He breathed again, and Esme's mind became slightly dizzy. Oh, she will show him. She stroked her lap against his tensed groin. Carlisle's hand ardently cupped her hips again; Esme was caught by surprise how urgent he suddenly seemed, but it was not anything new. He was possessive, as much as he tried to hide it. His vampire instincts were inavoidable. His eyes were now filled with need and anger. Esme guiltily enjoyed seeing his desperate need for her and despite, they spent eighty years together, there were but a few instances where they had possessive lovemaking. Funny, how an uneasy conversation led to something like this, a fascinating effect on touched starved married couple.

She pushed him to the tall grass and Carlisle growled quietly his eyes fixed on her, silently begging her to claim him as wildly as she could. Esme smiled and stood up, Carlisle bit his lip and raised an eyebrow in disappointment, but she quickly put her leg on his chest, keeping him down. A surprise would be an understatement. Esme quickly worked on her shoes, and in a second, she held her stockings and laced lingerie in her hand. She gave him a gentle kiss on a forehead, while her hand left hand grabbed his manhood through his trousers.

"I want you to kiss me now." She commanded, Carlisle's hand desperately tried to take her flowy dress off, but all his attacks failed, she didn't want to give him the pleasure of her nude body, not yet. Carlisle watched her expectantly, venom pooling into his mouth, so he had to lick his lips, she teased him in an unbearable manner as she straddled his chest. She began to ride him slowly, rubbing her exposed lap on his thick woollen sweater. Esme smiled and slightly lifted her hips up and Carlisle's hand quickly moved from her hips underneath her skirt, he firmly gripped the back of her thighs, moving underneath her.

"Yes, like this." She professed breathlessly, still stroking his lap. Carlisle disappeared underneath her skirt, just in the right moment when the sun broke through the clouds. Her skin lit up with diamonds, blinding the beauty of the flora around them. Carlisle squeezed her thighs once more in alert, sliding his tongue along the soft skin of her inner thighs. He was in love with these particular areas, Esme's thighs were thick and tender, worth of worshipping, and that's exactly what he did. His tongue kept tasting her skin, while Esme gently slid her hand underneath his trousers. In that instance, his lips ventured further into her lap, carefully brushing over her wet flesh as if he did not want to startle her. Esme's body began to tremble. Her eyes lovingly flittered over the blossoming flowers searching for support as she struggled to hold a balance. Instead, she buried her hand under her skirt, finding Carlisle's hair and pulled his head towards her open lap. Moan escaped from her lips as Carlisle's tongue entered her body. His tongue stroked her sensitive skin, lips gently sucking and moving, while her wetness pooled into his mouth. Carlisle drank from her depths. She tasted like wine; ice spiced with caramel tones.

"More" Esme sighed, her eyes fell heavy from his ministrations, but she couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. Her skirt was hiding Carlisle's bold kisses from the innocent blooming nature. There was something immensely erotic in the fact that she was hiding his passionate act under her dress. On her command, Carlisle slid two fingers inside her thrusting firmly while he violently sucked on her. Esme's moans continued; she couldn't focus on his firm manhood in her hand anymore. The pleasure took complete control over her, so she arched her back, tilting Carlisle's head where she needed him. Her knees rested on each side of Carlisle's face, while he continued to move with his lips, getting intoxicated from her venom. Soon her screams of climax echoed through the alpine nature. Esme fell down on the grass next to him, her body squirming from waves of remaining pleasure. Carlisle licked his lips, mind hazy from Esme's sweetness; it only made him more thirsty. He leaned over her, overwhelmed by her diamond skin and moved down to kiss her temple. The sun was a gentle reminder to wait.

"We must go, the sun is too high, and we are quite exposed here, my dear." He whispered to her ear, finishing the words with a trail of kisses along her jaw. Esme looked like a sleeping beauty. Her hair sprawled on the floral carpet.

"Please, we have to go to my sweet wife." She responded with a giggle and nodded.