The smell was a shock to Chris when his eyes focused on the sight in front of him. The smell was unbearable to his fine tuned nose, and he suddenly wished he could bury his nose in Alice's hair in hopes to rid the smell that he was sure made a permanent impression in his senses. As he turned to get some air, he noticed strange smiles on everyone's face, some were fighting looks that, Chris was sure, was the same disgust he currently could not take from his own. He was able to finally catch his breath as he walked back into the house, and around the corner, allowing the new visitor in.
"I was just leaving." Chris coughed out, not looking at anyone in particular. His breath slowed back down and he was finally able to readjust himself and stood there watching the large man enter the house.
"So I noticed." His deep voice had a young tone to it, and his laughter filled the silence quickly, rumbling through Chris's chest.
"Ah, Seth, it is great to see you again. Still having trouble with Leah?" Edward said to the large man, and Chris was suddenly more confused than he was by the smell.
"He's a werewolf." A small voice came from behind him; causing Chris to jump and shriek. The rest the room was laughing as he turned around and noticed an innocent looking Alice sitting on the couch behind him.
'When did she get there, and how did I not notice her before?' He though and Edward gave him a wry smile.
"The smell takes a little time to get used to, but me and him have a unique friendship, so he pops in from time to time." He said as they all went into the kitchen and the sound of food crackling, soon replaced the laughter allowing Chris to relax and sit on the couch. Alice stared at the television as Chris balled his hands into fist before sighing.
"I don't like it when he comes around." She said before Chris had a chance to say anything. He was about to get up and leave again, but decided Alice needed someone to talk to. He sat there and let her continue. "I can't see what is going to happen when it involves them, and it bugs me. I know I haven't had a great track record the last year but, knowing I am not going to have any visions, bug me more." She said, still flipping through channels as Chris began to get comfortable and listened intently to what she had to say. He could hear everyone joking about the show that had happened in the morning as food was being served. Chris had a wild idea, one he knew he shouldn't ask, but he again felt the need to make Alice feel better.
"How long has it been since you have eaten food?" He asked as she looked strangely at him. He could tell that she hadn't entirely taken him seriously, but he needed to try something. "Esme, could you pack some of that food up for me?" he said as if she was right next to him, and as quickly as it came out of his mouth, Esme was there with a bowl of soup.
"What do you need it for?" She asked as she handed him the bowl. He only stood up and motioned for Alice to join him. She obeyed and Esme looked at her, as Alice's look went from a smile to a curious look. The two left the house with the bowl in hand and made it to the garage.
"So, do you want to drive?" He asked still holding the warm bowl against his body, hoping not to spill it. Her face lit up as she quickly jumped into a yellow porche and tried to rush him in. He smiled and as soon as he was able to sit down, they were off speeding through the damp rain. She soon pulled off the road into a park that was abandoned. They quickly found a covered bench and sat down, steam pouring from the bowl as Chris set it down.
"There is a slight risk to this. You will not be as strong as you are now." He warned her as he took off one of his gloves and set it on the table.
"I know, but I am ready." She said as she took a hold of his hand in her own, and her breath suddenly caught as the color had returned to her cheeks and her look started to glow with life. They sat there for fifteen minutes before Alice's breath had returned to normal, and Chris had to rip off his jacket to wrap around her now chilled body. She thanked him through stuttering teeth and looked at the bowl. Her eyes grew as the hunger kicked in and, with her free hand grabbed the bowl and pressed it to her lips. The liquid had a second to touch her mouth before she dropped the bowl and yelp.
"That is hot." She said, rubbing her lip and causing Chris to laugh lightly.
"I told you to be careful." He smiled as she tried again, this time blowing on the hot liquid to cool it down. This let her drink down the warm broth and a smile cross her face as it leaked out the sides of her mouth. Using his free hand, he wiped the mess away and a strange thing happened. Alice's cheeks were pink with life, thanks to Chris's gift, but now they were bright red.
"I'm blushing." She noticed more surprised than Chris was. They both heard the rumbling in her stomach for more food, but noticed the bowl empty. Chris sighed before looking into Alice's eyes.
"I have to let go before you starve to death. If you die before I let go you will not be able to return to your true self." He said looking into her green eyes. It was strange, looking into her eyes that were now human, not the gold that signified her as a Cullen. She took her free hand and gripped onto his hand tighter.
"Not yet." She begged, tears dripping down her face but Chris only sighed. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers, letting his cold lips brush her warm ones, before letting go. She was caught up in the moment to realize he had let go. As soon as he pulled back, her eyes widened. The cold began refilling her body, her skin paling like the moon and she punched the wooden table, breaking one of the boards.
"This isn't fair, why do you have to go?" She pleaded standing up and pacing in front of him at a blinding pace. He shook his head as he smiled.
"You could get hurt and I don't want you to. I am leaving for your safety, what use is a liability in your life?" He asked, reaching for her sensible side, but Alice would hear nothing of it. She raced forward and pressed her lips roughly against his, but the shock of warmth weakened her, and it was easy for Chris to pull her back. His look softened, but the frown that crossed his mouth hurt even him.
"I should probably take you home before they send their tracking dog after you." He faked a smile, hoping to joke about the situation so he wouldn't have to deal with it alone. She forcefully pulled away and headed towards the car, waiting for him to get in before again speeding off towards the house. As soon as they arrived, Alice opened the door loud enough to rip one of them off the hinges, getting looks from every occupant in the room.
"Don't you dare Edward!" she shrieked at her brother as she stomped her way up to her room. Chris slowly made his way into the house and handed Esme the empty bowl, receiving angry glances from everyone but Seth, who only looked like a lost dog. Chris sighed and knew he wasn't going to be able to leave until he explained, but he would not explain without Alice right there.
"Bells go check on Alice. We are going to keep Chris here company." Edward said as he, Emmet and Seth surrounded him; their arms crossed across their chests'. He only lowered his head down and started singing a popular song in his head, keeping his thoughts as far away from the park as possible.
