Disclaimer – Twilight and its characters belong to Stephanie Meyer

AN – Sorry for the delay in posting, thank you for your patience. In the words of Marvin the Paranoid Android, "Life! Don't talk to me about life." Please note that this story will contain violence in later chapters. I will provide a warning at the start of those chapters.

Chapter Three

A memory is what is left when something happens and does not completely unhappen. - Edward de Bono

Unable to contain his excitement, Carlisle raced home at the end of his shift. He was desperate to find out what had occurred in Edward's meeting. He had been surprised and disappointed that Edward had not dropped by the hospital afterwards. He understood that Edward felt uncomfortable intruding on his mate's work but he had hoped the younger vampire would have put aside those concerns in this matter.

While the matter had not distracted him from his duties, Carlisle had speculated throughout his shift on the possible purpose of the meeting. As much as he hated to doubt Edward, he wondered if the other had made some innocent error which would require them to leave before they had even settled in. He had berated himself throughout the night for not paying more attention to the interview to monitor what had been said.

Arriving home, he heard the sound of Edward playing and hoped that this was a good sign.

He opened the front door. Before even putting his bag down, he asked the question that had been occupying him all night.

So how did it go? What did they say?

Edward ceased playing and frowned. This brought Carlisle up short. Thinking back to his entry into the house, Carlisle suddenly realized why Edward was not pleased.

"I'm sorry! I - I - I - forgot! I was just so excited to find out how it went."

He composed himself, "I am very sorry, please forgive me!"

Edward tipped his head to one side and smiled. He knew it was often difficult for Carlisle to commit to their agreement.

Upon Edward's return from his 'time away' (as Carlisle endearingly called it) rules were established between the two to better their communication. The most important of these for Edward was that when they were both in the same room, Carlisle was required to verbalize, to speak to Edward.

Prior to their discussion, Carlisle had not appreciated the comfort it gave Edward when Carlisle made the effort to speak to him, rather than interact purely by thought. In Edward's opinion, Carlisle's use of thoughts over speaking for communication, smacked of laziness. Edward held that Carlisle assumed Edward would 'do all the work' to focus on Carlisle's thoughts.

Edward had also found it difficult to limit his intrusion to those thoughts Carlisle wanted him to be aware, and those he did not. While not able to stop the other thoughts reaching him, by insisting Carlisle verbalize in his presence, he found he was able to focus on the conversation, as precedence over the sub-text happening underneath. The exception to the rule was Carlisle could communicate via thought when they were out in public, and there was something that could not wait, or would be inappropriate for outsiders to hear.

Carlisle insisted on a further compromise for when they were conversing at home – when they were located in separate rooms, conversation could be performed via Carlisle's thoughts and Edward speaking. While they recognised that they could easily speak to each other, no matter where in the house they were, Edward, knowing the comfort it gave Carlisle to not have to speak to an empty room, had conceded this point.

It had also been agreed the rule did not apply whilst they were making love. They both felt that the connection was too much of a sacrifice to give up.

"It's alright," Edward soothed. "This is an usual situation."

"Well?" demanded Carlisle, "what did they want?"

Edward moved to the sofa, gesturing for Carlisle to join him. When both were seated, Edward took a deep breath and started.

"It turns out that Maestro had only planned to supervise the Masters program. Performing keynote lectures while his tutor, Mr. Phelps, was to run the practical classes." He paused and smirked. "It turns out Mr. Phelps eloped last night with one of the students. Quite a scandal!" He shared an amused look with Carlisle, before continuing.

"The result of all this, is that they have no one to perform the role of tutor for the masters program."

Carlisle frowned, unsure as to where the conversation was heading. His immediate concern was that Edward may not be able to pursue his music in Oberon, and that the young vampire may wish to move elsewhere to do so.

Carlisle did not want to move again. His first shift at the hospital had been relaxing, as he had once again put his medical skills into practice. Since Edward had entered his life ten years before, it had been necessary to put aside his medical skills, more than once, to support the young vampire.

He did not blame Edward for all the circumstances that had made it necessary. However he could not deny that he would be quite put out should he have to start again due to a faux pas of Edwards. His current position was a wonderful combination of patient care and medical research, both of which he enjoyed immensely.

He noticed that Edward appeared more nervous than distraught. This confused him even more.

"So are they going to delay, or cancel, the program?" he prompts.

"Well that depends," Edward replied with a small smile.

"On what?" Carlisle asked shortly, frustrated with Edward procrastination.

Aware of his mate's growing irritation, Edward looked Carlisle in the eye.

"It depends, on whether or not I accept the tutor position."

Carlisle's jaw dropped. He had not expected this. This would change everything they had planned.

He watched Edward run his hands through his hair, the sure sign that the young vampire was nervous. Carlisle caught Edward's hands, holding them in Edwards lap, stroking them with his thumbs. "Go on Edward, what happened?"

Edward looked down at their joined hands and then up again at Carlisle. "They were impressed with my audition. However, they felt that I was too advanced for the Masters' Program."

Carlisle chuckled. The fact that Edward was more advanced that the average Masters student was not surprising. They had both hoped that this would not affect his chances of joining the program.

It was the interaction with other musicians that Edward craved most of all. Interaction Carlisle had agreed was important for Edward's continued musical, and social, development.

Edward continued. "Despite the feeling that I was too advanced, the Maestro wished me to stay at the school. He wanted to find an alternative position for me. Before recent events, the plan had been to offer me the opportunity to study directly under him, attending classes as I wished. But then…"

He trailed off, glancing down to their joined hands.

Taking a deep breath, he continued rapidly, "I asked about class times, as I was concerned about both sunlight and my work hours conflicting with yours. It turns out the Masters students classes start after noon, with lectures and theory first, and practical classes in the late afternoon and evenings."

He paused, capturing Carlisle's gaze. Carlisle had been less focused on Edward's words, instead watching with joy the glow of excitement that had appeared on Edward's face.

"Carlisle, I want to do this…..But only with your blessing."

Carlisle looked down at their joined hands. He could feel Edward buzzing with nervous excitement.

In the brief time he had to absorb the offer, he identified a number of challenges that the change in plan would bring to their household.

However, all of that was moot. He could not deny his beautiful Edward anything.

"If this is what you want, then of course you have my blessing. Not that you need it."

Moving closer to Edward, he wrapped his arms around him in an almost fierce embrace. Holding Edward, Carlisle suddenly felt apprehensive. Berating himself, he shook off the feeling of trepidation.

Over the course of the morning they mulled over the difference between Edward being a student and Edward working as a teacher. During the conversation, Carlisle gently raised the question of Edward's feelings in regards to him making money from his music.

Prior to the move and the decision that Edward become a music student, they had discussed the possibility of Edward composing and playing outside the home. While investigating the various options, Carlisle had suggested Edward play professionally. The idea had been somewhat abhorrent to Edward. It had taken Edwards a number of attempts before he was able to explain to Carlisle that he wrote and played for Carlisle, and he felt he would be unfaithful to his mate if he bartered his passion for money.

Carlisle was rocked by this revelation and had not brought the subject up again. So when discussing the conservatory's offer, Carlisle carefully raised this as a concern. After thinking about the situation, Edward decided that this was different as his salary was based on his teaching, not performing. He reasoned that for those few times that he did play, he would image Carlisle listening outside the window. (Which, he smirked, he was sure would be the truth, for at least the first few lessons. Carlisle ducked his head at the comment, as he had planned to do exactly that.)

Mid-morning, Edward rang the conservatory, advising the Maestro that, after discussions with his brother, he would be happy to accept the generous offer. The two vampires then shifted the discussion to the change in preparations necessary to make Edward ready for life - not as a student, but as a teacher.

On closer consideration, they agreed that this was inadvertently an ideal situation. Edward would only be interacting with a maximum of 3-5 students in a large room (removing the concentration of scent he would have encountered as one of a larger class of students). In addition, Carlisle was pleased that Edward's working hours would be fewer than he would have had as a student, allowing them more time together at home.

Much to Edward's annoyance, Carlisle insisted on having him fitted for a new wardrobe.

("We must, at least, have you looking a couple of years older than your students," Carlisle had explained. "They know you are young, but trust me, Edward, it will be easier if we get you looking closer to 22 than 17.")

Edward remained sensitive about his age. He resigned himself to Carlisle's ministrations and, to his mate's surprise, offered no protest or resistance at the tailors.

~*.*~

It was Edward's first day of work.

Carlisle was not sure which of them was the more nervous. He had an unshakable urge to grab Edward and not let him leave the house. He also knew such actions would not be well received as Edward would doubtless believe that his reaction had more to do with their past rather than their present situation.

He had to constantly remind himself that this was what Edward wanted. And, churning emotions and feelings of possessiveness aside, he had committed to supporting his mate in this endeavour.

Carlisle had to admit to himself that he was saddened Edward had decided against medicine. He knew that there was a part of him that enjoyed the mentor role, and desired to see his protégé develop into a MD or medical specialist. He tried to reassure himself that there would be ample time for that in their eternity together.

His musings were interrupted by Edward's voice floating down from the floor above.

"You have got to be kidding me. We both know what will happen if I am that close to human blood! Control I have, but purposefully walking up to the buffet is not something I think I can handle."

Carlisle snorted.

Edward was not subtle about his control, or lack thereof, for human blood. Carlisle suspected the young vampire's language and jokes acted as a buffer against his brooding and self-flagellation over past indiscretions. Complete silence from the floor above, seemed to confirm the suspicions.

Carlisle sighed.

They both knew that medical training was not a current option. Maybe not even for another 50 years.

"Maybe not for forever," a quiet voice sighed behind him.

Carlisle turned to look at Edward, dressed and ready for his first day. It pained his heart to think that the young vampire might be correct. Reaching out his hand, he grasped the others firmly, giving it a slight squeeze.

"Maybe. Maybe not. Who can tell?"

Patting his knee, he invited the young vampire to sit. Edward walked round the chair and settled into his mate's lap. He relaxed in Carlisle's embrace, enjoying the simple comfort of being held.

"Why are you ready so early?" asked Carlisle. "I thought you didn't need to be there until two this after noon?"

"I don't. I just… I don't know… wanted to get ready. I have to check out the room … there is more paperwork I have to look at…" He stopped his ramblings and looked down at his hands, embarrassed.

They had promised each other that there would be no secrets between them, no brushing over things. However, sometimes it was hard to keep that promise without feeling weak! Carlisle waited patiently, stroking his love's hair, knowing that whatever it was would emerge soon enough.

When it does it is barely a whisper. "I am frightened of messing everything up….again."

Carlisle sighed at Edward's confession.

He knew from where this insecurity stemmed, and while a part of him wished to comfort Edward, murmuring that he had never - not once! - 'messed everything up', they both knew that it was not true. Edward still felt guilty for leaving Carlisle and for all the horrible things that he had done while away.

Edward had been away for six months. Six months when the boy had abandoned both Carlisle and his teachings: Edward had used his talent to seek out, and feed from, murders, rapists and other criminals.

But even knowing this, Carlisle had accepted Edward back without hesitation on his return.

Although badly hurt by Edward's abandonment (and his abhorrent behaviour during their separation, though he would never mention it), the pain and loss for Carlisle had been even more acute. Still, there had been no question in Carlisle's mind of taking the young vampire back.

He had been lost without his mate.

Carlisle clenched his eyes against the memory of returning home from work, only to find the house deserted, and a note precariously balanced upon the ruins of Edward's piano. He could not bring himself to recall the argument that had triggered both the damage, and the letter. The memories of reading Edward's pain and anger spewing from the pages - had Carlisle tightening his grip on Edward, as if he would vanish again.

During Edward's absence, Carlisle had given up on his professional life, and neglected his most basic needs. After weeks of immobility and despair, he travelled in an attempt to track his wayward mate. But after each futile endeavour, he would return to the house, shattered and desperate for a sign that Edward might have returned in his absence.

The day of Edward's homecoming was arguably the happiest of Carlisle's entire existence. Returning from a long overdue hunt, he had found the boy, curled up in the foetal position, on the front porch. The sight of his love clutching himself, rocking and whimpering, had torn him up inside. In one move, he had raced to Edward, sweeping him up in his arms.

Explanations and apologies would come later. Over the next twelve hours, Carlisle held his love, rocking him gently, kissing his head and cheeks. A constant monologue of thought – Thank God. You came back to me. I love you – revealed his elation and profound gratitude at Edward's return.

At one point, Carlisle had noticed that the young vampire was starving. He pierced his own wrist to feed him. As the boy fed from his sire, Carlisle hummed quietly with joy, finally able to accept the truth that Edward had returned to him - to be looked after and cared for by his mate, just as it should be.

Throughout the following week, Carlisle had had moments when he recalled the pain and suffering he had gone through while Edward was away. He refused to dwell on them, vowing from that day he would never allow such a separation to occur again. He resolved to ensure the boy was happy no matter what.

Comprehending Carlisle's thoughts, Edward began to sob into the other man's shoulder. He was desperately sorry for what he had put them both through, at times flashing back to the first weeks after his return - where every thought from Carlisle had been a confused mass of love, pain, gratitude, relief and sorrow.

While the relationship had returned to that of a married couple, Edward often felt that he would never be able to fully compensate Carlisle for the damage that he had inflicted on their relationship. He was very conscious of not wanting to be a nuisance and mess up what they had rebuilt.

Edward started to shake in Carlisle's arms, curling into a ball, trying to get as close to his mate as possible.

"Nothing is going to happen! Everything is fine!" Carlisle soothed, kissing his hair.

Edward sobbed louder. Carlisle, in an automatic response to soothe and care for his mate, pierced the skin of his wrist, placing the bleeding gash up to Edward's mouth. Without hesitation, Edward held Carlisle's wrist to his mouth, suckling lightly. Carlisle rocked them both, murmuring soothing noises into Edward's hair, much like he had on that miraculous night.

Edward squirmed as the combination of his mate's blood and the rocking movement on Carlisle's lap triggered sensations of pleasure and desire. He shifted, fully aware of Carlisle's arousal. Edward whimpered, attempting to move into a position in which he could find relief.

Carlisle released his wrist from Edward's grasp and ran his fingers down Edward's cheek.

Why don't I help you feel better upstairs?

Edward nodded shyly.

With that permission, Carlisle scooped him up, carrying him to their bedroom. Placing his mate gently on the bed, he removed their clothing and lay down next to Edward. He gathered the lad into his arms in a sweet but passionate kiss.

A delicious moan from Edward encouraged Carlisle to deepen the kiss, throwing all of his love and desire into the joining of their mouths and tongues. The taste of Edward, already intoxicating, was all the more arousing when combined with the taste of his own blood.

Carlisle's wanted Edward there and then, but he had promised to help Edward feel better. Instead of heading straight for Edward's entrance, Carlisle kissed, nipped and licked his way down Edward's body.

Carlisle focused on those areas where he knew Edward was most sensitive. He travelled down the perfect body, paying attention to Edward's neck (with Carlisle's scar), nipples, and navel - a place where Edward was unusually sensitive, Carlisle's attentions of which always elicited a giggle or squeal (which Carlisle found absolutely adorable).

Edward's moans were music to Carlisle's ears as he moved down along Edwards hips, nosing his hard length, and then continued further down gently fondling his testicles.

The sensation of Carlisle's ministrations caused Edward to arch off the bed. "Oh Carlisle… Please!"

Patience love!

Carlisle moved up to Edward's hard length, and slowly took it in his mouth. Edward reached down to run his fingers through Carlisle's hair, then tightened his grip as the sensation of Carlisle's mouth on him started to push him to climax.

Panting, he pulled Carlisle's head up. "Not like this. I need you!"

Carlisle nodded. He moved down Edward's body, gently opening his mate's legs wide. He pooled a generous amount of venom in his mouth spreading it around Edward's entrance. His tongue slipped in and out a number of times to ensure the other was fully prepared.

Edward gasped at the sensations. He looked up at Carlisle and begged, "Please Carlisle…NOW!"

Carlisle carefully positioned himself at Edward's entrance, entering in a slow but continuous motion until he was fully sheathed inside his mate. He reached up for Edward's hands and held them above Edward's head. He locked his husband's gaze, gently moving within him.

Edward moved his own hips in an attempt to increase the pace. Carlisle held him gently, but firmly, restricting the movement.

No, Love.

Carlisle continued the slow pace, leaning down and taking him in a passionate kiss. They moved as one, never breaking their gaze. The odd moan, whimper, or "I love you" the only sounds breaking the noise of their bodies moving together.

The pleasure created by their coupling increased slowly. It was a delicious sensation which washed over them and absorbed everything but each other. They were so immersed in each other and the sensations growing within them, that they were not aware of their impending climax until it was upon them.

Crying out together, they maintained eye contact as their orgasms crashed over them. Edward started to shake, from the sensations from both his own climax, as well as those thoughts received from Carlisle. Carlisle lay down and held his lover tightly while the boy rode out the surge of pleasure.

They lay quietly, holding each other for a long while. Carlisle leaned into Edward, kissing him gently.

Whenever you doubt yourself and worry about making mistakes, I want you to remember this time - you and I together like this. I am so proud of you, my Edward - my creation! - I love you forever, no matter what.

Despite the truth in it, Edward was uncomfortable when Carlisle talked of him as something he had made. He always felt like a possession, which was something he had difficultly reconciling with their marriage.

He shook off the thought, responding light-heartedly, "You start going all proud parent on me and I am going to develop a twisted Oedipus complex. "