Disclaimer – Twilight and its characters belong to Stephanie Meyer

AN – Thanks to you all for putting up with my ad-hoc posting schedule, this story will continue to the end, it may just take me a while to get there.

My heartfelt thanks to kinnetikdreams, who allowed me to borrow her beta'ing skills for in this chapter. And to Pace is the Trick for her ongoing support and wonderful ability to challenge my assumptions on all things vampire.

Please note that this story will contain violence in later chapters. I will provide a warning at the start of those chapters.

Chapter Five

A house divided against itself cannot stand." Abraham Lincoln

Edward had been teaching at the conservatory for a little over a month. He had never thought things could ever be as they were now.

He sat in his office reviewing composition notes written by his students. He was settling into his role as a teacher after a bit of a shaky start. With very little experience in the area of providing, rather than receiving learning, he had tended towards a flexible approach to both lessons and methodology. Initially this worked quite well until a couple of his students attempted to take advantage of his less than structured approach to learning. Upon review he decided that instead of abandoning his teaching method, he modified it, aiming for a perfect balance between structure and flexibility.

Edward had realized early on that continuing to use the previous model of assessment, which required students to only present one or two items a year, tended to make the students lazy and almost disinterested, until of course, such time as the deadline approached. In order to rectify what was, in his mind, an error of judgment in not providing the students the best opportunity for learning, he drew on his own learning experiences.

After years of being with Carlisle Edward well understood a bit about the concepts of carrot, stick and guilt.

He requested that his students submit something/anything of their work once a week. However, in line with his desire to keep things flexible, he allowed that the items could be presented as score, thematic notes or as a performance. But he did stipulate that an example of each format must be presented at least once a month.

There had been an uproar by two of the students who had studied under Mr. Phelps (they had enjoyed the lack of expectation until the final presentation). In the end the Maestro became involved when as the parents of George, a talented young man of 17 who refused to apply himself beyond the basic requirements, formally contacted the school concerned that the new teacher's methods were not in keeping with education needs of their son.

Edward was present at the meeting when the Maestro made it clear that it was Edward's classroom and that he would not interfere with his teaching style, which while different, was no less valid. Edward gleaned during this interview that the Maestro took great pleasure in the turmoil he had unwittingly created and became even more determined to be worthy of the older man's support.

Edward's relationship with the Maestro had been shaky since the revelation of the elder's Italian origins. He spent some time focused on the others thoughts and in the end reassured both himself and Carlisle that the Maestro was a man who lived for his music and the conservatory at the exclusion of anything else. Even thoughts of family were only in the form of warm reminiscences of times and relationships long since past.

The older man's mind was so passive and benign. Edward had felt a little uncomfortable afterward for feeling the need to rummage through his mind.

Once convinced that the Maestro was not a threat, he began to enjoy the older man's company. After the assistance with the rebelling students, Edward had found himself having daily conversations with the man, who started to become a mentor for Edward in respect to teaching. He also assisted the young vampire in shifting his focus and showing him how to interact with music in his capacity as an instructor, rather than as a composer and performer.

The two started to meet almost every day which, due to the Maestro's hectic schedule, tended to be in the middle of the day. Often after their sessions Edward would be persuaded to assist the Maestro with his next class. He was in a state of bliss at receiving such attention, and grateful to the Maestro for helping him overcome his shaky start.

As a result of this somewhat uneasy start, and the attentions from the Maestro, Edward was determined to be available for his students at all times, providing the support they needed to allow them to develop their work and expand their abilities.

This was best demonstrated through the creation of a new class tradition. After each class the oldest two students William and Phillip would venture to the local coffee house where they would discuss the class and generally wind down before heading home. One evening they had invited Edward, so as to continue a topic of discussion from class. From this point Edward would join them for passionate discussion, whilst pretending to drink coffee. These impromptu sessions were a joy to Edward, who was reminded of Paris, sitting in bars and coffee rooms listening to the animated discussions of the musicians and other artists. By the third week he encouraged the younger students George and Kitty to join the group, however the young woman was only able to attend after Edward had guaranteed her safe escort home by 10pm.

It was during these evenings in the coffee house that Edward got to know his students. He was able to truly develop an understanding of their motivations, their passions and desires and really see where their potential lay. On most evenings he would return to the conservatory to make notes on the student's work, or tinker with the pianos. One evening, he was in passionate debate with Will over the preferred performance style of the third movement of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3. It was with some regret that Edward went to end their discussion, as it was necessary for him to escort Kitty home. Will also enjoyed their discussion and was loath to end it. Will, more than any of his class mates, was astounded at the breadth and depth of knowledge of their teacher and the experiences he had had at such a young age. He was determined to learn as much as he could from Edward and with that aim, had joined Edward in escorting Kitty home, so as to not interrupt their discussion.

With Will in tow Edward had a flash of displeasure from the young woman as they left the coffee house, but he presumed it was for the delay more than anything else. On seeing her off at her door (again refusing the invitation to come in for supper) the two young men, still in deep discussion, returned to the conservatory. It was during that evening that Edward became aware that Will did not have an instrument at home on which to practice.

"You are welcome to practice here Will, however I will need to be here to open and close up." Edward had invited. It horrified him that someone of Will's talent and passion did not have access to an instrument for practice. On thinking further, Edward now understood some discrepancies within Will's work which were now more obviously likely due to limited practice opportunities rather than poor understanding.

Will sighed, "The problem is that I assist my mother prior to classes, so the only time I could come in would be the evenings after class."

Edward smiled, "Will, I am usually here until quite late, and it would be no inconvenience to me for you to come back with me after coffee."

So it was arranged. After class the two would escort Kitty home and then return to the conservatory. Initially Edward graded papers and pottered as normal, while Will played until making his goodnights around midnight. This progressed with Edward tutoring Will as he played, often stopping to discuss a technical point, and getting lost in conversation on anything and everything. One evening, after a particular heated discussion on variations on a particular theme, they found themselves playing 'dueling pianos', which ended with them on the floor in fits of laughter.

Edward never knew the joy of having a friend his (human) age before. There was a freedom and delight in just being 'young'.

He was aware that things on the home front were taking a little longer to settle. They had both known that a significant change, like Edward working, would affect the normal order and routine that was central to their lives. He would spend time with Carlisle as much as possible, hunting together when practicable. Edward was quite content with the situation. He was energetic and industrious and enjoyed interacting with humans in a way he had never thought possible.

His passion and drive was such that he would often forget about home, due to work.

He endeavored to meet Carlisle at the end of his shifts at 6am, but from time to time he would get so lost in his own work the time would fly away. Many a time he would not hear Carlisle until he felt a tap on his shoulder. He would startle and look up sheepishly at his mate. Jumping up he would give Carlisle a huge hug. Who in turn would emit an exasperated sigh. On their way home he would regale Carlisle with tales of his day and night, reveling in having news to share.

~*.*~

Carlisle watched his mate, walking beside him. The young vampire chatted away about his evening. Carlisle could clearly see the confidence and joy that this new situation had created for Edward. But within this joy there was concern for his mate. Carlisle knew how easy it could be for one of their kind to become obsessive about one thing over and above everything else. He had tried over the last month to remind Edward of his other obligations, particularly to his home…and more importantly, to his mate.

Carlisle had observed his husband embrace his new role with gusto, he was astounded to see how easily Edward had fit into his new role and had patted himself on the back for clearly being such a wonderful role model for him. Carlisle was glad to see that the time and effort he had put in to preparing Edward was bearing fruit and had seriously thought about writing up his observations and sending them on to Eleazar to assist ease minds, both in the US and Italy, about Edward's long term stability and assimilation. In the end he decided against such a measure as he did not want to be seen to be bragging, he had clearly known his mate better than they ever would. He also recognized (after some thought) that Edward may not be happy to hear that Carlisle was communicating about him to the others.

But underneath his pride and joy in his mate's seeming seamless entry into society, Carlisle was plagued with doubts and concerns. He was eternally thankful that at these times, he had been able to develop a modicum of control in regards to blocking Edward's access to his thoughts.

Over time he had been able to limit the broadcasting of his thoughts to Edward. Together they had investigated the young vampire's talent and the most effective methods for blocking it. Initially their experiments were based on the whimsical notion that Carlisle wished to surprise Edward every now and then. Carlisle had often found it useful, particularly when he was aware his thoughts may anger or distress his mate. Many of his deepest concerns over his mate's newly found independence were locked away from Edward, only to emerge when Carlisle was assured that distance or distraction meant Edward would not be able to hear them.

The smallest of his concerns, but one that had an immediate day to day impact was Edward's neglecting his household duties. In the past Edward had been naturally responsible for the maintenance of the household while Carlisle was at work. Now that they both worked Carlisle tried to help where he could. However the nature of his role (he may be called out at a moment's notice) meant that he felt he could not be relied upon to maintain the house, while Edward's job with standard hours and so on had more flexibility. Carlisle had felt that this arrangement was appropriate and suitable for them, but was happy to review and change something if necessary, in the event that Edward had a period of increased workload.

Over the month he had witnessed a reduction in standards around the house. A number of times Carlisle had needed to remind Edward to complete some chore or another. Indeed once it had been necessary for Carlisle to get up from the book he was reading to remind Edward to collect wood for the fire. While they didn't actually need the fire, he felt it was necessary to give the impression of a normal human household. Upon returning with the wood, Edward had made so much noise, that Carlisle had felt obligated to ask the young vampire to re-stack the pile so that they would not drop and clatter as much. As the young vampire exited the room, Carlisle murmured a quiet thank you, having never looking up from his book the entire time.

This minor issue became a major inconvenience when Carlisle was unable to find a clean and pressed shirt in his wardrobe. He had only just returned from the hospital, when he was called back to work an earlier but unplanned shift. After finding his wardrobe bare, and thinking Edward had not had the opportunity to put the clean clothes away, he entered the laundry room, to find two piles of dirty clothes. He stormed into the sitting room and complained strongly that Edward had been neglecting his duties.

After chastising the young vampire for a few minutes, he waited for an explanation. Edward explained that he was going to get the task done today, but that he was a little miffed that Carlisle held him responsible for the hospital's change in schedule. Carlisle had launched on that statement with gusto, reminding Edward of his obligations and duties to their household and suggesting sarcastically that if he came home in the evenings rather than staying at the conservatory, he would be able to get his tasks done and still have the next day to spend with him - when he wasn't called into the hospital of course.

The sudden sadness in his mate's eyes pulled him up short. Carlisle felt even worse when Edward had explained that he liked to be physically close to Carlisle as much as possible and being at the conservatory, while Carlisle was working, allowed him this opportunity without intruding. Carlisle had felt somewhat embarrassed at his husband's quiet statement. However, inside his heart was soaring, because it was the first intimate comment Edward had made in weeks. He apologized profusely for not understanding why Edward was staying late and gently chastised his mate for not telling him sooner.

The next day a housekeeper was hired.

Despite fixing the issues on the home front, Carlisle was becoming concerned that Edward's absorption in his job and music, was becoming a blatant risk to his health and well being. This was not helped, believed Carlisle, by his mate's developing relationship with the Maestro.

His initial relief at the Maestro's apparent innocence of any duplicity soon shifted. Carlisle became irritated with the man as he started to monopolize more and more of Edward's time. Carlisle understood that Edward needed guidance in regards to teaching and methods, indeed his first confrontation with student's parents would not have gone as well had it not been for the Maestro. However he was also becoming concerned that the man was taking Edward's skill and enthusiasm for granted.

While he could not directly lay blame on the Maestro for any over enthusiasm on Edward's part, Carlisle had discovered the effect of Edward's additional work load soon enough.

The first time Carlisle had surprised Edward by walking up behind him, he had been so annoyed that Edward had not met him at the end of his shift, he had not registered the look of shock on his mate's face when he had placed his hand on his shoulder. However, as this became a regular occurrence, Carlisle had become concerned. Not only could he walk up behind Edward without the other capturing his scent or hearing his footfalls, but on many an occasion Carlisle would be able to stand a few feet behind, his mind completely open to Edward, for up to 10 minutes and the other would not react or seem to notice his presence being so close to him.

It was only after interrogating his mate did he discover that this was directly related to his job and its increasing hours.

Carlisle had been concerned that the change in Edward's life and routine would affect the young vampire's health and well being. He monitored the mind reader carefully for signs of stress, or of being overwhelmed or overstimulated which may set the boy off into anything from a deep depression to a fierce and violent rage.

While Edward's episodes were rarer and rarer, Carlisle knew that any change in their lifestyle or routine could set him off. He watched carefully as the young vampire became more and more involved in his teaching role for signs of instability and irrational behavior. He could not be too careful and monitored and scrutinized every aspect of Edward's mood to identify when an episode approached, which would require Carlisle to take him away to an area deserted by the thoughts of others so he could relax his mind.

Carlisle had accepted, with some resignation, that when his mate's emotional and mental state wavered, it was up to him to pick the young vampire back up. However he did feel that it was Edward's obligation to Carlisle to not let himself get into such a situation, it did not seem fair to Carlisle otherwise.

So when these lapses of attention and awareness continued, Carlisle was acutely aware that there was something different, something wrong in Edward's routine. Following his mate for a couple of days, he was both horrified and extremely angry to find that Edward had misled Carlisle in regards to his hunting schedule. The young vampire's teaching schedule was affecting his ability to feed enough and was putting both of them at risk.

While hating to do so Carlisle had found it vital to, once again, monitor Edward's feeds.

And so, every other morning, at the end of Carlisle's shift, Edward was escorted into the woods to hunt.

~*.*~

February saw the arrival of the largest social event of the town, the hospital gala ball. These events baffled and irritated Carlisle in equal measure. Attendance by senior hospital staff was mandatory, unless you could get rostered on duty, which he had tried and unfortunately the attempt was not successful. Carlisle was of the view that if he was to attend such events then Edward would also be required to be there, to support him in his time of need as a good mate should. This obligation however, was always met with much sulking and complaining by the young vampire.

So, based on past experience, when he advised Edward that they would both be attending the ball, he had expected a similar resigned belligerence from him as he had received in previous years. Instead his request had been met with an entirely different response, which surprised him immensely.

"I was going to tell you I have been asked, by the Maestro, to attend the ball. I indicated that I would most likely be attending with you, but would be available to help him as well during the evening."

Carlisle was shocked, "Available for what?"

"My students have been asked to play during the ball and the Maestro wanted me to assist with the selection of music and supervision of the performances." Edward explained. He was a little perplexed at his mate's shock. He thought Carlisle would be pleased that he would be willing to attend the event.

"Will this be a problem for you?" he asked. For the first time being unsure as to what Carlisle wanted him to do.

"You will not be playing!" Carlisle said looking at Edward. It was only after he shook his head, that Edward realized this had not been a question. Edward wrapped his arms around Carlisle's neck soothing his mate..

"Look on the bright side. If you need to get away from someone I can always plead your assistance." Carlisle chuckled lightly. Actually that would be a perfect way to meet his obligations and assist Edward with his work.

The day of the ball Edward wished to get to the venue early, to allow him time to check the piano and give his students time to practice in peace and quiet. As a result they left the house over two hours before it was due to start.

Carlisle had taken much care in both of their appearance. He always liked to be appropriately dressed for the occasion.

They were dressed in midnight blue tuxedos. The colour chosen by Carlisle who found the blue appeared darker and richer under artificial light and did not have black's tendency to give off a greenish cast, which made the unusual nature of their skin more evident.

Upon arrival at the hall, Edward headed directly to the piano. He had dropped by earlier in the day to tune the instrument, but noticed it had been moved. Muttering to himself he checked that the relocation had not affected the beautiful instrument too much. Once satisfied all was well, he started thumbing through the pile of sheet music, separating them into the pieces to be played by each student.

While Edward was engrossed in his preparations, Carlisle wandered around the large room. He wondered if he should pop into the hospital next door to see if he was needed.

"Don't you even dare," chastised Edward from his position at the piano. "I've never left you at one of these things. You are surly not going to leave me alone here tonight."

Carlisle sighed, it was so unfair. Didn't they understand that he was not a show pony? He hated being paraded out to the wealthy elite as the example of the perfect doctor. He knew the hospital needed a regular source of funding, but why should he have to suffer so the hospital may obtain it. He sighed again.

He stopped his wanderings to watch Edward prepare. Edward looked up and drew in a sharp breath. Carlisle followed his gaze to sight a member of the woman's hospital auxiliary enter the room. "Who is she?" Carlisle inquired, surprised at Edward's reaction.

"She is the mother of Katherine, one of my students."

Carlisle looked back to the lady, "Do I want to know?" he asked.

Edward shook his head ruefully, "let's just say she puts the nurses in your hospital to shame with her planning."

"Well mothers will do anything for their child's happiness…" he had tried to be light hearted, but was concerned that this was the first his mate had mentioned of this issue. It was clearly bothering Edward, and Carlisle felt a little surprised that Edward had not asked for his help.

Edward scowled, "initially I was fine with the situation. The problem now is that it is starting to affect Kitty's class work. Her mother's desire that she marry soon, is interfering with her ability to learn from me. Particularly as they both seem to see me as an eligible suitor."

"Do you need me to help?" Carlisle offered, being careful not to offend.

Edward looked down, "I would appreciate some assistance."

He sighed, "Her mother is actually disappointed with Mr Phelps, as she had spent much effort inviting him to tea, only to have him choose Kitty's classmate over her Kitty. As such she is determined that I be provided with no such escape."

Carlisle was both amazed and horrified that such designs had been made on both Mr. Phelps and Edward.

Don't worry love, I will fix this. Meeting Edward's grateful look, he turned and headed directly for the scheming mother.

Approaching her, he knew the instant she caught sight of him. The way her breath caught and heart rate sped up was a source of amusement to him.

"Hello, I don't believe we have been introduced, I am Dr. Cullen." The woman faltered, but taking his hand she regrouped and returned the introduction, "Dr. Cullen, how lovely to meet you finally. I'm Mrs Pritchard, Eleanor Pritchard."

"Ah Mrs. Pritchard, I understand that your daughter is being taught by my brother at the conservatory. I hear she is doing very well."

Mrs Pritchard started to gush, "Oh yes, we are so proud of Kitty. It is useful for a young lady to apply herself to something before she marries. Do you not agree Dr. Cullen?"

Carlisle nodded his head with a, "hmm." Not wanting to enter into the conversation of the young girl's marriage. The two conversed politely for a short while until Mrs. Pritchard exclaimed.

"You and Mr. Cullen must join us for tea. How would next weekend suit."

Carlisle took this opportunity to deflect the woman's scheming away from Edward.

"I am afraid we will not be available next weekend as we are expected in New York," he explained.

The woman almost burst with excitement, "New York? I love New York! We intend to visit with Kitty at our first convenience. Do you go often? Do you have family there?" the questions were layered with meaning.

"New York City is a lovely place and we know it well. We will be visiting Edward's fiancé's family." He watched as the woman was barely able to keep the shock from her features.

"It is hard for two of them to be separated, however she is responsible for the care of her invalid mother. It has been decided that it is best that she be with her mother as this difficult time so to not be overly burdened by distance. They plan to marry as soon as is practically possible."

Without even looking up he could feel Edward's eyes boring into him.

"Mr. Cullen has never mentioned a fiancé." Carlisle nearly laughed at the indignant disbelieving tone in the woman's voice.

"Well my brother, as Kitty will probably have mentioned, is of a quiet and private disposition. He does not talk easily about personal matters. Also it is very distressing for him to be away from Eliza for long periods of time, so he tends to bury himself in his work."

Carlisle quietly congratulated himself on quarantining Edward from the matchmakers, while also explaining away his shy and retiring nature.

Mrs. Pritchard's tone and demeanor became cooler after the exchange, soon making her excuses to attend to some urgent errand.

Turning back to the stage he walked toward Edward with a light spring in his step. Edward was very lucky to have him to fix things for him Carlisle thought. Very lucky indeed.

"What was that?" Edward demanded, "You know we are going to have to provide proof of this girl at some point."

Carlisle patted his arm.

Don't be so dramatic Edward, it will be fine.

"Dramatic," Edward hissed. "Carlisle the first thing you ever told me about creating a personal history was that the invention of other characters is dangerous as you can get caught out. You have never invented such a story for yourself. Why now for me?"

Edward, I was thinking of you. I was trying to giving you the opportunity of being able to do your job without the distraction of having these debutantes fawning over you. This is the first time the behavior of these damn women could effect your acclimation and I would feel more comfortable if you were off limits to others…for your own comfort, of course.

Edward decided to let the issue go for now, he did not want to get into an argument and ruin what he expected to be an exciting evening.

More people arrived and soon the ball was in full swing. The two vampires kept close to one another as was practicable, and when Edward needed to prepare for his next student's performance, Carlisle would take the opportunity to 'assist', which, much to Edward's annoyance, usually involved his mate sneaking outside for a few moments away from the large crowd.

As the evening progressed Edward had to admit that, as irritated as he was with Carlisle's solution, it definitely worked as he could hear the disappointment of him now being unavailable. As thoughts naturally shifted to the older brother, he wished that they could have created such a workable fiction for Carlisle.

After the ball had been underway for about an hour, Edward became concerned for George. His father had declared his disapproval at the young man attending the ball, but had not outright refused his permission. As time passed Edward suspected that refusal had been made.

As George's set loomed closer Edward sought out the Maestro to discuss what would be done. They agreed to divide George's pieces out to the other students, and Edward pulled Kitty and Will aside to tell them what was happening. He then returned to Carlisle's side who was trying manfully to avoid his fifteenth invitation to tea.

Knowing that all was under control, Edward was shocked when the Maestro stepped on stage, shaking his head at Will who was about to make his way to the piano.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am saddened to say that, due to unforeseen events, our last pianist of the evening will be unable to join us tonight," a smattering of concern was echoed around the room.

"While it had been suggested that one of our previous musicians return to entertain us, instead I will bow to requests that we invite the conservatories newest member of staff to share with us all his amazing talents. Mr. Cullen would you please do us the honor of performing for us?"

Edward froze in panic, looking at Carlisle. Almost unconsciously the older vampire placed a hand on Edward's arm restraining him as the younger attempted to move towards the stage.

NO!

Edward stopped, looking at Carlisle in surprise. He looked back at the Maestro, who was holding a hand out in request.

NO, Edward. He cannot make you do this.

Edward stood looking between the two men.

He was torn between the two men he loved and respected the most, wanting to please them both.

The Maestro! His mentor, and guide to the world of teaching.

Carlisle! His husband! The source of his passion and eternal love.