Set just after 'New Moon' no disastrous 18th party. Beau is human.
The Cullen's are invited to a wedding of an old friend of Carine and Earnest's and Beau who is invited, comes along to a vampire wedding as Edythe's date and Edythe has been asked to sing at the wedding. - I do not own the songs or Life and Death characters.
Your packages have arrived. On the dot.
I glanced up from my book I was reading at the dining table when Archie's thoughts shouted at the forefront of my mind, making me flinch slightly and Beau glancing at me, obvious confusion and worry in his sharp blue eyes. I smiled in return, shaking my head slightly.
"Thank you, Archie." I muttered, closing my book without bothering with a bookmark since I was more than capable of remembering where I was up to in the four-hundred over page novel.
Archie poked his head around the door, a big grin on his face and he was interrupted by my booming sister, who practically whooped down the stairs, landing on the floor with a thump.
"God forbid you break the floor Eleanor. Earnest may kill you after spending hours cleaning it like it is now." Beau laughed and Eleanor grinned.
"Wouldn't be the first or last time." Her response brought in Earnest around the kitchen who just stood at the door, staring at Eleanor who glanced away like a kid who was caught saying no to their parents when they asked them to do something so simple. "I misspoke dad." Earnest nodded slowly.
"Yes. You did." And he slowly disappeared out the room, while I was sniggering behind me book and Beau looked stunned and Eleanor was sulking at being caught out. But then her expression changed and she lit up like a kid on Christmas.
"The Packages! They've arrived!" And she was gone in barely a millisecond.
"What packages did she get?" Beau asked, closing his books from our biology class, obviously finished for the day. He stretched his arms, earning a slight crack that had me worried but seeing him uncaring or acting in pain or discomfort I let it go. A part of me – a big part – was hypervigilant these past few months while Beau had been recovering from his run in with Joss. Thankfully the boot was off his foot and he was capable of walking as easily – well, easily enough with the occasional trip up – as he could. I knew I could relax and back off a little but I couldn't help over worrying about everything, especially since my involvement in his life had already caused issues and serious injury.
Beau was always quick to catch on how I always seemed to feel and assure me he was okay and he never blamed me for anything. A part of me was always grateful for his extreme understanding but there was always gonna be a little pest in there, bothering me. Making me overthink.
"Uh, it's not just Eleanor. It's most of us. We ordered a few things from an online shop that had some really good clothes." Beau looked perplexed as his eyes twinkled slightly.
"Don't you have an entire wardrobe of clothes?" He leaned in, resting his arms against the table and I smirked.
"I do. But Archie has an entire wardrobe twice the size of mine, dedicated to himself and Jess. He's actually considering breaking down the walls and making a wardrobe just for Jess and keeping that one for himself." Beau laughed, throwing his head back and my gaze briefly flew to his exposed throat but so caught up in his amusement and joy, it was surprisingly easy to skip over.
"Why does that not surprise me. I would think he would consider making a wardrobe dedicated to each item. One for black tie occasions. One for casual, etc." I groaned inwardly.
"Don't give him the idea, dammit." Beau smirked and stood up, stumbling slightly as I reached out to steady him but he was fine. He walked to the kitchen, pulling out a drink from the fridge and a glass from the cupboard.
"So, did you get something for yourself?" I could smell the heat and rush of blood as he kept his gaze on the coke he poured into his glass. The blackened liquid always made me grimace, wondering how anyone could like at that and think they wanted it. His cheeks were red slightly and I smiled faintly.
"Um, yes I did. I got a dress and some shoes to go together. As did Eleanor and Jess. Archie and Royal and the parents have what they need already. We just thought why not."
"What's the occasion?"
"We have a wedding in a month. An old friend of Carine and Earnest, is getting married. We all got invited." I hesitated and opened my mouth to continue. "And so did you."
"So, did you as well." Archie cut in appearing into the dining room with Eleanor and Jess on edge as Archie carried a large, cardboard box. The shuffling of plastic and silk, and chiffon could be heard.
"Wait, what?" Beau started, stumbling at the fridge, dropping the coke bottle. Thankfully its cap was still on otherwise even Earnest might've scolded Beau in despair. Beau stared at us stunned while I glared at Archie who was grinning wickedly.
"They invited you as well, if you'd like to go." I finished off quickly. "I was going to ask but wasn't sure how you'd feel, especially since the guests are pretty vampires." Beau frowned, sipping his drink slowly.
"They know I am human." I nodded slowly.
"Yes, but you'll be safe. It's gonna be at a hall, so you wouldn't be the only human there. Especially for the reception." Beau frowned and I smiled faintly. "Carine's friend works in business every now and then, so he has a few human acquaintances and friends. And they don't share our diet, but they are very good with control."
Beau nodded slowly, thinking deeply and Archie sniggered.
"Edythe and Royal were asked to join the band for their first dance." I threw my pen at Archie who barely shifted as it snapped against his forehead. He just grinned at Beau who look surprised and stunned but his lips spread into a smile.
"You doing the piano? Did you have to make a song?" I shrugged, feeling slightly embarrassed and Archie patted my shoulder.
"Oh no my dear boy. Dear old Edy was asked to sing, Royal is doing the piano." Beau's eyes grew brighter, a look of awe and pure delight made me think for one second I was actually bringing blood into my cheeks.
"For Edythe, I'll be her plus one." My siblings whooped and Eleanor shoved Archie out the way, he almost fell as she reached for the package.
"Now we gotta check these out." Eleanor pulled out her package, ripping into the plastic while Beau came around to join the little group around me. Eleanor pulled out a warm shade of red material and held it up, revealing a short, red dress with a flowy skirt and then the box with her bright, red and black heels with gold buckle on the side.
Jessamine took her packages and left while Archie grinned at her, throwing a sneaky wink.
"I hope you give me a show with that dress. Because I cannot wait to take that off you, baby."
Oh God, smite me where I sit.
"What did you get?" Beau pulled out my packages from the box and I opened the package with my dress, revealing the gorgeous, vintage, light pink chiffon dress with floral prints and matching pink, satin heels with a silver diamond edge. Beau whistled quietly and his cheeks grew brighter as the blood flooded his cheeks but he smiled softly. "Pink, I can see it on you. And I can't wait to see it in person."
I smiled brightly, leaning against him as he leant down and kissed my forehead.
I had to be honest, I was worried how Charlie would react. Sure, he was hesitant but after consulting Earnest and Earnest was more than happy for Beau to join and there would be separate rooms of course.
What he doesn't know, wouldn't hurt…
Charlie was happy to chip in for the ticket and Beau preferred to chip in for his own ticket rather than my parents providing money for it. It's one of the things I admire and love about him.
It was an hour flight to the city, arriving Friday night during school break and we would be leaving on Sunday night and be back on Monday morning. Knowing Archie and Eleanor, those two crazies would be spending the entire Saturday getting themselves and everyone dressed and readied to perfection.
I was stuck in a bedroom with Eleanor and Jess, while Beau was stuck with the whirlwind and Royal. Earnest and Carine had their room and were greeting others in the lobby, obviously in no rush.
Goodluck to them when Archie was ready for them.
Eleanor was playing music aloud in our hotel room as we showered and got ready, the volume loud enough to travel the boy's room next door. I could Beau laughing when Eleanor started with Girl's Just Want to Have Fun and I could hear him humming along quietly as he and Archie moved around.
Since Beau decided to come along, I'd be more excited than nervous even though I knew this could be serious but considering the several humans attending and since none of us wanted to be on the Volturi's hit list, we had already gone hunting and were sufficiently satisfied, to the point of being almost full and heavy with blood in our stomachs
Jess did up the buttons on the back of my dress and I twirled gracefully in the mirror, a bright smile gracing my face as I admired the shape of the dress which thankfully fit me just right. The pink against my marble complexion seemed to add some blush to me, only just. I was worried the colour was clash with my hair but it thankfully didn't and suited me just right, made my hair have a slight pinkish hue within the copper locks. My hair done up ruffled but styled-that-way bun at the back of head after it had been curled with the curlers and a couple strands brushed against my neck, curling against my jawline. A hair pin with pink diamonds was strategically placed over my bun, holding it neatly in place, giving my hair some shine and glints within.
The heels added a few inches of height to me, would be nice against Beau. Ever the tall, lovable human I adored.
A thin, delicate silver chain hung around my neck, the small, pink cherry-blossom pendant from Pandora dipping close to the demure cleavage showing with the slightly deep, rounded neckline.
After I slipped on my shoes and applied the final bits of my makeup, some silver and pink sliver eyeshadow, some eye-liner and mascara and a slight brush of soft, coral-pink lipstick, I left my room at Archie's beckoning.
Dude, seriously. Fix your boy-toys hair.
I would've protested heavily at the reference of love-and-leave-them type of guys until I entered the room, coming across the amusing sight of Archie grumbling over Beau's hair which proved to remain greater adversary that Archie could not defeat. Yet.
I hope Archie will never get his way.
I giggled, stepping further into the room while Archie scowled at me and then at Beau.
"For once, I give in. For now." Archie pointed at Beau, a deep frown marring his face. "I will tame that blasted hair of yours." Beau rolled his eyes, running his fingers through his beautiful brown hair.
"Goodluck with that. My mums tried for almost eighteen years." Beau winked at me and I grinned.
"I quite like. It looks perfect on him." Obviously not what Archie wanted to hear, he threw his arms up and walked out grumbling in frustration.
It is not over. I will triumph. I've faced greater adversaries before. Beau's hair will be no different than when Royal got that a horrible stain on his tux during Carine and Earnest's anniversary.
I snorted, shaking my head and turned to Beau, only to realize he was staring at me. I found myself frozen at the doorway, enjoying the way his eyes travelled over me, slowly taking in everything and a soft, loving smile graced his face.
"Wow, you're…wow." At a lost for words, I rubbed his jaw, his bright blue eyes intense and burning within a look I couldn't quite recall but it had a warmth grow in my chest and me smiling, glancing away bashfully.
"Thank you." I glanced over his form and I bit my lip. "You look very handsome." He blushed heavily as he played with his sleeves.
"Do I look like I make a good James Bond?" He winked and I laughed aloud, stepping closer until I stood in front of him. My heart so full as I stared at this human who could make me smile and laugh so freely. I fixed his collar around his neck.
"Hmm, maybe, as long as you don't trip your way avoiding the bad guys chasing you down." Beau frowned, rubbing his chin.
"Damn. Guess my career as a super spy is finished." He sighs, shaking his head forlornly and it took everything in me to not start laughing. His glaze flickered to me and his lips curled upward into a smirk and he placed his hands modestly on my hips as he pulled me closer. My breath faltered, a thrumming sensation under my stone skin, I thought for a second I was brought to life again. "At least I have the femme fatale to keep by my side." He winked and stunned I was until I burst into laughter, bending over in half, leaning against Beau as I let loose. "You laugh, you'll get your comeuppance Cullen."
Before I could say anything, Eleanor pounded on the wall between our bedrooms and shouted through.
"Here you go Bond." And Murder on the Dancefloor chimed through the speakers while I rolled my eyes.
"That's my sister." I sighed heavily and Beau chuckled.
"Yeah, I don't have any and I wonder if that's a good thing or not." I shook my head against his chest.
"Let's not go there."
I heard that. And for that, I have plans now for you.
I groaned at Eleanor's thoughts but she kept them hidden from me…for now.
Good god they're everywhere.
Mouth-watering indeed.
Shame this is not on the dinner menu.
The thoughts of other vampires had me slightly on edge but Archie had seen that everyone would be on their best behaviour at least while we were seated, waiting for the ceremony to start.
But it wasn't just vampires whose thoughts were overbearing and loud but Mikhail's human acquaintances from work, most whom were older, stuffy men with their bored wives looking for a goodnight and drinks and free food.
Good God, what a family.
A view indeed. Even the young ones are stunning, not surprising with those parents.
Wonder what kind of products the doctor uses? Maybe she gets surgery.
God, the girl in pink is so fucking delectable. Those legs in those heels. Maybe she could use a mature man.
Lord, don't let me snap someone's snap.
My grip on Beau's hand tightened slightly and he thankfully pulled away before I could accidentally crush his hand and he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, keeping me closer as if he was aware that the thoughts floundering inside my head.
We didn't have to wait long until the wedding march started playing and we all stood up, turning to the entryway where the bride appeared. Dressed in a beautiful mermaid gown with a long veil down over her face and a bouquet of red roses in hand as she moved gracefully down the aisle as if she was floating on air. Her dark auburn hair flowed like a waterfall down past her shoulders as she walked past and came to a stop before Mikhail, whose smile could light up the entire city. Pure joy in his eyes behind the contacts he wore to hide the ever-present red.
Once the minister allowed us to sit, we listened to an hour-long sermon until the vows and I dos were announced. I heard very few weepy thoughts at the beautiful words, and my family were sharing their loving moments with each partner as they remembered their own words to each other. Beau's hand on mine tightened and I glanced at him to find his eyes on me, smiling, pure love in them. I leaned in closer to him, our shoulders and arms pressed against one another as we listened.
"I now pronounce you, husband and wife." The minister gestured to the couple. "You may now kiss the bride." He held his wife against him as he kissed her deeply while we stood and applauded. Eleanor let out a few whoops next to Beau who jumped slightly but laughed heartily. I was caught of guard as Beau turned me slightly to him and suddenly his lips were on mine, his hand gently caressing my cheek as he kissed me softly, before pulling away, kissing my temple.
The large hall where all the guests were ushered in and we turned to face the happy couple as they trailed in after, arms intertwined, their eyes not having left each other's. My family were sat at a table and servers worked at the buffet table to prepare for dinner. The dancing started first, people already moving onto the dancefloor and dancing.
Carine and Earnest congratulated the couple as they approached our table and we took our turns hugging and shaking hands, though Beau kept his distance and they did too out of caution.
"We are so glad you all could make it and we are grateful you and your brother could jump in for our first dance. Carine said you had a beautiful singing voice." I smiled bashfully.
"Thank you, I hope to do well."
Why did I agree to this?
You'll be fine. Breathe, lol, just breathe.
I rolled my eyes at Jess's words but I was pulled away by Royal as we had to take our place soon. Beau watched me leave with a grin and threw me a thumbs up.
That human, I swear.
Following Royal who was adjusting his black bow tie and cuffs, as if he could appear more presentable with the way he looked. Eleanor was a stickler for how Royal dressed and Royal was too prideful whenever we are out, even for just casual occasions.
Let us blow the blow of those humans and your bumbling boyfriend.
I glared at Royal who only smirked and winked at me as we were ushered on the stage overlooking the crowd. Royal took his spot at the piano and I calmly stood behind the human who spoke into the mic as guests sat down and Mikhail and his wife, Bria stood at the edge of the dancefloor.
The human cleared his throat as he gestured for people to quieten down and take their seats and to raise their glasses for the new happy couple.
"Let us raise a toast to Mikhail and Bria. You have been a great lad to work with and we are overjoyed for you and may your marriage last longer than most of our ever did."
Wow, he went in alright.
Dude has no taste.
The human has no class, I'll say. His poor wife.
I barely hid my smile while Royal coughed behind his hand as there were a few awkward laughs and huffs in the crowd.
"Anyway, we have a family friend here who will be starting the happy couples first dance, so let's give them a hand." The crowd applauded as I stepped forward, trying not to shy away from the hundred eyes on me, mixes of blue, greens, browns amongst the humans and several red and gold eyes and a beautiful pair of deep, ocean blue. The lights dimmed until they were just on us, the band as the band started playing and the piano started twinkling through the room.
With a deep breath, I leaned in and started to sing the words I had easily memorized with Royal for over a month.
"The sun is setting
And you're right here by my side
And the movie is playing
But we won't be watching tonight
Every look, every touch
Makes me wanna give you my heart
I be crushin' on you, baby
Stay the way you are"
Mikhail walked his wife into the middle of the dancefloor, the lights following them as they slowly started to dance on the floor and I couldn't help swaying slightly to the music as my voice grew louder at the chorus.
"'Cause I never knew, I never knew
You could hold moonlight in your hands
'Til the night I held you
You are my moonlight
Moonlight"
Opening my eyes as I watched the couple dance and then to the crowd beyond and I saw couples standing at the edge of the floor or in the back holding onto each other, I didn't have to be Jess to feel the love and romance in the air.
My voice echoed through the room and my eyes landed at my families table and I almost stuttered my words when I met those beautiful blue eyes. Awe-filled, he was leaning his chin on both his palms, a look of never-changing awe on his face as he watched me with adoration. I almost laughed when I saw Beau's phone held up by Archie, who winked at me as he recorded me, his other arm wrapped lovingly around Jess.
I kiss his fingertips
As I'm wishing he's all mine
He's giving me Elvis
With some James Dean in his eyes
Puts his lips on my neck
Makes me want to give him my body
I be fallin' for you, baby
And I just can't stop
'Cause I never knew, I never knew
You could hold moonlight in your hands
'Til the night I held you
You are my moonlight
Moonlight
Baby, I be fallin'
You're my moonlight
Moonlight
Beau was swaying his head slightly back and forth almost in time with me as I got further involved in the music, my voice echoing through the room clearly.
He's so bossy
He makes me dance
Tryna sit in the back of his whip
And just cancel my plans
Sweet like candy
But he's such a man
He knows just what it does
When he's holding me tight
And he calls me "Moonlight" too
My voice trailed off, a slight echo in its wake and once the room was lit up again and the couple on the dancefloor and all the guests turned to us and started applauding as we bowed in return. Me and Royal standing together and bowing together before hurrying off the stage so we could return to our family.
That's my hot sugar!
Gross El.
Eleanor practically pounced on Royal once he stood before our table and Beau hadn't moved from his awestruck position. He smiled warmly at me, slowly standing up.
"You were incredible."
"Thank you." I smiled, kissing his lips as he held me close, his arm wrapped around my waist. I pulled away gently even though he tried to follow after, a slight groan leaving him. "I don't suppose you'd still be too nervous to dance." Beau sighed but smiled faintly, rubbing my lower back as he kissed my forehead.
"After that, I'm pretty much unable to say no to you."
Whipped! He so fucking whipped! Are you an angel or vampire? 'Cause I'm starting to wonder now.
Shut up El.
I glared at Eleanor who grinned at me as Royal pulled her to the dancefloor where the crowd was starting to spill into. Earnest and Carine were already moving smoothly together, looking like perfection in black and silver together.
"Let's get on out there and party it up!" Archie clapped Beau on the shoulder as he and Jess hurried past us and onto the floor where Heaven is a Place on Earth started to play. Beau laughed, dragging me onto the floor as he whispered into my ear.
"Those lyrics hold more truth than they realize." I threw my head back as I laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck as he gripped my waist holding me close as we swayed to the beat.
The next song gonna be good.
Archie's thoughts echoed through my head and I laughed. Beau looked at me questioningly and I grinned.
"Maneater." Was all I said and when the song played from Hall and Oates started playing, Beau laughed loudly.
"Are you gonna eat me up?" Beau wiggled his eyebrows, catching me off guard but I smirked, slowly pulling from his grasp, swaying my hips to the beat, holding his hands in mine as he stretched out holding me.
"Don't tempt me." I pirouetted under his arm, spinning into his body, my back against his front as I reached up my free arm to wrap around his neck and pull him closer as I whispered into his ear. "Because I may not hold back." And being a little too free-spirited, I shimmied against his front before spinning out and away from again while Beau stuttered and his eyes darkened as he shook his head.
"You're so evil." I took his hand and leaned in close, my eyes burning into his eyes as I dazzled him.
"I know." And he kissed me. Hard and soft, his lips moulding to my lips as he gripped my waist and held me close until there was no air or space between us. I struggled not to cling too tightly but held him easily to me, enjoying the warmth and love spreading through my stone-cold body and into my chest which heated.
Guess who's gonna tie the knot next!?
I ignored the words persisting within my head, leaning back against my seat as I drove down the highway.
Probably gotta prepare for a spring wedding. I can already see it.
He could and he was right now. So was I.
"Archie, relax. You got wedding fever, I've gathered that. Hell, the whole party could see that. Poor Jess had to calm you down."
Archie grinned widely.
"How about cherry blossom style wedding? Could go to Japan after graduation? Or should we have a wild, extravagant party in Vegas?" Jess shook her head, groaning into her hands while Beau looked extremely perplexed.
"How many times have you been married?" Jess sighed at Beau's question as she answered.
"Twice now."
"Third times a charm." Archie sung out loud and we all groaned.
"What about Royal and Eleanor? Earnest and Carine?"
"Royal and Eleanor, gosh they've been married about eight times now. They look a good party and vow renewal. Royal isn't fussed. I think their goal is to slowly be married in every single country or state they haven't been married in already." Beau nodded slowly at Archie's answer as if it made completely unnecessary sense.
"Carine and Earnest only four times."
"They planning another in five years." Archie grinned and I rolled my eyes. Beau nodded along as he sat back in his seat and we pulled up as the lights turned orange and El, Royal and the parents pulled up next to us. Eleanor pushed the accelerator while Beau groaned.
"Oh lord, she is nuts." I laughed as Eleanor rolled down her window, grinning at us from her spot in the drivers seat. She rolled the volume as loud as she could as she shouted at Beau.
"This is for you Beau and Edy!" As the song sexual tones of Pony started to play out and Beau blushed heavily but the lights barely flashed green before I left El behind in a cloud of dust while she cheered loudly. I rolled my eyes while Jess and Archie sniggered.
"Will that be your first song as husband and wife?" Jess leaned in. The shock made me swerve slightly at the thought and I almost smacked Jess until Beau spoke up, looking a little embarrassed but a sharp glint in his eyes as he smirked.
"Nah, that will part of the honeymoon playlist."
Song is Moonlight by Ariana Grande
