Disclaimer found on chapter 1

Just a reminder: The vampires in this story don't sparkle.

Chapter 5 – Sunshine

Edward was sitting at his piano, composing, when his ears picked up the distinct padding sound of little feet trying to be sneaky coming from his mate's room. Rolling his eyes in a human manner, the vampire immediately went to check on Hera. He was unsurprised to find the girl out of bed… again, despite his assertion that she not leave it without permission. Her arm and leg had both fully healed thanks to her phoenix abilities and were cast-free. Her head, however, was taking much longer because of the seriousness of the wound. She would often suffer through dizzy spells and headaches and Edward was scared to death of her falling down the stairs during an episode.

Even though she was healing faster than any doctor could have dreamed, it was still not quickly enough for the rambunctious child. It was times like this that he wished she wasn't such a rare creature. Had she been human, Nicolas could have brewed Hera a few potions and it would be like nothing ever happened… at least physically. Mentally, he was certain they'd both carry scars for the rest of their existence.

Of course if she were human, then she would be mortal without her nifty advanced healing powers, and would probably be de… no, he wasn't going there. Ever.

The Flamels had discovered the hard way that wizarding potions seemed to have adverse effects on phoenixes. This was learned right after the couple had rescued the girl from her abusive relative's home. The first thing Nicolas had done was give the child a pain potion and the results weren't pretty. Apparently Hera had turned an interesting shade of blue and then threw up for an hour. Even the mild topical bruise removal cream had given the child a nasty rash!

Sighing, Edward made his presence known to his mate. He wanted to laugh when Hera took on a deer-in-the-headlights look. The girl had been living with vampires long enough to know that absolutely nothing got by them. Of course that didn't mean she wouldn't continue to do her best to try. They all loved that about her – her unwillingness to give in and concede defeat. He had no doubt that if Carlisle hadn't expressly forbidden her from flashing while she was recovering, she would have attempted that method of escape by now.

The vampire couldn't help but be pleased at how much more healthy the child was growing on a daily basis. She was finally starting to gain the weight she had lost since her hospitalization and the state of her hair no longer screamed "brain surgery" to him. Rosalie, who had been freaking out over the unruliness of Hera's hair since she joined the family, was beside herself now. Once the part that had been shaved for her operation had started growing back, Esme trimmed the rest so that it would look more evened out.

The results were interesting, to say the least. There wasn't a single spot on Hera's head where her hair would lay flat. It was as if the black silky locks were determined to thumb their proverbial nose at society… refusing to conform to anyone's expectations. Rosalie was nearly ready to throw her plethora of styling products in the trash and join a convent.

Edward thought it was adorable. Her hair matched her personality perfectly.

"Hi Edward… I love you!" The hopeful smile and declaration of love was a nice touch, but wholly unnecessary. They both were well aware of the fact that Edward was a complete pushover when it came to this phoenix.

"I love you too, Hera. Having fun?" Hera had moved herself to the window and was staring outdoors longingly, or at least she had been before he caught her. The entire scene made his fingers itch to snatch her away. His vampire wasn't ready to allow her near windows yet. The first thing he'd done after bringing his mate home was bolt his own window shut.

The child sighed despondently, stirring a need within him to give her anything she wanted in order to see her smile blossom once more. "I know I'm not s'posed to get up, but I miss the sun Edward!"

The vampire stared at his little mate for a few moments before pushing himself off the door he'd been leaning against. He began pulling out warm clothing, urging Hera to dress in what he was laying out for her. Suddenly excited with whatever Edward was planning, she willingly obliged him. Once he was satisfied that she was well covered and unlikely to get chilled, he fastened her charmed pendant around her neck, pocketed her medication, and carried her to his car… after leaving a note for Esme, of course. No sense worrying the family after everything else they'd had to endure since the accident.

Hera's bubbly personality came out during the drive, fueled by the mysterious nature of the endeavor. When they had finally reached their destination, Edward was well updated on her list of favorite songs, the kids from school she missed the most, as well as why the new "Sleepy Sally" doll wasn't nearly as exciting as the television commercials made her seem. He was also forced to swear a solemn oath not to reveal that fact to Alice because she didn't want her sister's feelings to be hurt.

The little girl's bright green eyes widened when she caught sight of the sign marking the entrance to The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage. In her surprise, the little girl lost all capability for speech for almost a full minute. He smiled smugly at the thought that he had been the one to put that expression on her face. He briefly considered getting a t-shirt proclaiming him to be "Best Mate Ever," but decided that it wasn't worth the headache his family members would give him with their delight in teasing him.

He had noticed before that Hera very rarely referred to him as her brother. Even in her thoughts he was "my Edward." She hadn't been told by any of them of their status as mates, nor would she be old enough to understand the significance of it if she had. He could only assume that the subconscious part of her creature that did recognize him wouldn't allow her to develop any sisterly feelings that might complicate their bond when she grew up.

He was more than fine with being her best friend until that time came.

Wow… this story just doesn't want to end. I had planned to make this chapter into a neat little wrap-up but instead they're going to the zoo. (facepalm) It also occurred to me as I reread the previous chapters that the Flamels could have just given Hera a magic potion to make her well, so I had to figure out a reason why they didn't and add it in.

Also, if we're going by Harry Potter dates – cell phones and cool-colored casts didn't exist when the character was five, and I don't want to change it… so let's just chalk any inconsistencies regarding dates up to artistic license.

Last but not least – love all of the reviews I've received on this story and my previous ones. I've tried to personally thank all of you, so if I've forgotten anyone, or if I've been unable to respond because you weren't signed in or have PM disabled, know that I appreciate you more than words could ever express!