Hi everyone! So this is my first chapter after reaching 1,000 hits! Probably seems really silly but it seemed like a big deal to me ;)

In response to a question I got about Nathan's mortality...

I've been trying to keep it somewhat ambiguous, this chapter will offer a little clarity, but it will become a major theme later in the fic. Nate and his mother both believe that he is indeed mortal, but they can't be positive just yet. It'll become a lot more clear later =D

Enjoy!

Nathan

What a day.

My first rebellious act in Forks; ditching class. It wasn't a very studious decision; considering I already missed a day of classes because Jasper. But really, could anyone say no to Edward? I'd kill for another opportunity to be alone with Edward. It would be nice to just hang out and enjoy eachother's company without some sort of crisis looming over our heads.

I continued to answer his questions (which were getting progressively more difficult) throughout the car ride. I had a question for him but wasn't sure if it would be offensive . How did a Vampire, who hasn't eaten human food willingly in who knows how long, know a good place to eat?

"Are you really related to your Aunt?" Edward continued to question me – barely giving me time to think.

"No – I never met her until I moved to Forks."

"Then who is she?" Edward looked at me with a curiously, almost defensively – completely ignoring the road yet again. He couldn't possibly think she was dangerous?

"Not a clue. But she's harmless, and doesn't spend much time at home…No complaints here"

"Why did you come to Forks?"

That was a difficult question…

"There were a lot of reasons." I said knowing that my attempt to dodge his question would be in vain. The entire day he was absolutely relentless; not allowing me to sidestep anything while he continued with the interrogation?

"Such as…?" Edward asked grinned smugly – I couldn't help but notice the unnatural whiteness of his teeth. He was breathtaking regardless of expression, but his smile was my favorite. I'd do anything to make him smile. Whenever I saw him happy it made every risk worth it…it was hard to believe that those perfect teeth were actually razor sharp weapons. Just looking at Edward I usually had a hard time believing that he was a predator. Maybe that's why he was so effective?

"I wanted to run away. It felt like I was always hiding in Hong Kong, little did I know I'd have to hide even more in Forks…until." I let my sentence trail off while I thought of Edward. If I hadn't met Edward, I would still be hiding in this dismal city.

"We met." Edward answered for me – his eyes mirroring the same emotion in mine

"Do you like Forks?"

There was something deeper than the surface in the question. Luckily, I knew my answer without having to think about it.

"Now I do." I said – unable to keep a sheepish smile from my lips.

Luckily the questions ceased when we our route became clear. The Volvo hummed quietly while he drove up the paved expanse of the forest toward his house.

"Do you need to get something…?" I asked confused.

"Yes. We need to get you something to eat." He grinned.

"I'm confused."

"Nathan, I'm going to cook you something." Edward said like it was obvious. Was it? I couldn't help but picture Edward in an apron and chef's hat. Sometimes my imagination was a little too much.

"But …you don't like food…" I tried to explain without offending him. He rolled his eyes.

"My sense of smell is much more refined than yours." He said smugly.

"We'll see" I challenged. Knowing Edward, he was probably an amazing cook – he was perfect at everything. Was he just naturally gifted, or was it years worth of practice…at…everything? Probably both.

"How old are you?" I asked, grateful that I finally had an opportunity to ask something.

"91"

The number wasn't what gave me a deep aching feeling in my stomach. I could feel panic edging closer and closer while I pieced everything together. My mother was somewhere around 135 years old and didn't look a day over 25. But she was my mother. How could Edward have any sort of feelings for me? Didn't he just see me as a child?

The car stopped and I was aware of myself again. Edward was looking at me with a very controlled expression. He was waiting for me to say something, his eyes carrying a weight that I didn't understand.

"What are you thinking?" I asked taking his hand in mine. The cold touch of his skin was familiar enough to make me comfortable discussing what I'd just considered.

"You're going to jump out of the car and run screaming. It was only a matter of time before I said something would terrify you." Edward explained, his tone just as safe as his expression.

If I wasn't so shocked that he misinterpreted my emotions I would probably have laughed. He was thinking that I was scared? When would he stop thinking of me like I was human? If I could adapt to the fact that he was different; then he should be capable of giving me the same luxury

"Uh, I'm not scared."

"Your face said it all Nathan…" He said with that same small grin I loved – but this time it was a shield to mask what he was really feeling.

"My mom is significantly older than you, and looks about twenty-five. It doesn't bother me."

"What is it then?" He snapped

I sighed and looked down – letting my attention to drift from my worries to the leather interior of the Volvo. It was silly, completely irrational, but I couldn't avoid believing it.

"Nathan, please." He asked me with such desperation that my body physically reacted to his anguish. It took more effort than it should have to avoid clinging to him; hoping that our body contact would mend his hurt feelings.

"I…" I paused.

"You must see me as a child….so juvenile." I said, shaking my head at the sudden emotion that rushed through me; leaving me light headed.

I sat with an aghast expression when Edward laughed at my confession. What on earth could be funny about this? The misery that had been consuming me the past minute switched over to irritation; something that happened to me more often than I'd like to admit

"I tell you that I'm nearly a century old, and you're afraid I won't like you?" Trying to keep the amusement out of his face.

"Don't I seem immature to you? I mean, I'm just a child compared to you" I asked without looking into his topaz eyes. I knew the moment I looked into that flawless face that this moment would be over, I'd just surrender under his god-like beauty.

His cold hand brushed against my cheek and pulled my face in his direction so I was forced to look into his eyes. My heart quickened while he moved in closer and closer until we connected in a soft, chaste kiss. It took more discipline than I knew I had to keep the kiss innocent before he pulled away smiling.

"I wouldn't change a single thing about you.

"You didn't answer my question." I said somberly, although it was hard to pout when my sadness was so quickly replaced by the high that often occurred when Edward told me how he felt about it. It still seemed like such a dream – I hope I never wake up.

Edward laughed sweetly opening the door – and before his door closed he was at my side and had the door opened with a smile on his face. I didn't do a double take…more like a triple take until I got out of the door and took his hand in mine.

"Nifty." I remarked before walking into the house with him – thrilled to be hand in hand.

Edward rolled his eyes before commenting "Your reactions aren't normal" while I slipped my boots off on a placemat in one swift motion.

"Maybe not for a human." I shrugged.

"Speaking of that…" Edward grinned. I knew he was up to no good. This face meant two things – he was about to do something that I'd probably love, and hate myself for being so enamored by whatever effortless motion he was going to commit.

His arms wrapped around my waist in a smooth motion – I mirrored his action instinctively.

"I like seeing the real you."

It took me a bit to get what that meant, but the second I understood I dropped my illusions; feeling completely at ease. The Cullen's house was an escape for me in more way than one. Although the only other time I'd been here it was a much different environment, I felt absolutely safe in this fortress. It probably wasn't very smart feeling at ease here – considering it was a house of predators, but I felt normal here; something that I'd never really felt before.

After over a century of wearing 'shine' as she called it (illusion was apparently too fantastical sounding) it didn't take my mother the slightest bit of effort to maintain her facade. Because of this she expected something similar from me. But with the Cullens…I could be myself and they…well, Edward would accept me.

"Better?" I smiled.

"Absolutely." And kissed me again before we walked upstairs. Even the priceless art that was plastered the walls up the spiral staircase couldn't distract me from Edward's presence

Once we reached the kitchen I saw Esme who was seated at the antique dining table, reading an old looking leather-bound book. She looked up and beamed toward us feigning surprise; I knew she'd probably heard us before we even walked into the house.

"Hi you two. What are you doing out of school?" She asked in a faux disapproving tone

"Nathan couldn't have anything in the cafeteria…So I'm going to make something." Edward grinned.

"Oh, Why's that?"

"He's a vegetarian too" Edward grinned

"Exciting! You know, I think this is the first time we have an excuse to use the kitchen." Esme joked while smiling at me.

"So you actually keep food here?" I asked.

"Of course. Just in case someone were to come over we need to seem…normal." Edward explained, ushering me to the seat where I sat down a next to Esme. He walked away from me, somewhat hesitantly, and began to prepare something in several pots and pans.

Edward was preoccupied finely cutting some ingredient that I couldn't smell or see. Everything was easy for Edward, he could have held a conversation in the midst of his culinary display without exerting any effort. But he didn't. At first I drifted toward the unlikely – he was upset with me for some unknown reason. But then it dawned on me. Either Esme wanted to talk to me – or he wanted me to talk to her. Atleast that's what I would do in his situation.

"What were you reading Esme?" I asked in an interested tone, glancing at Edward briefly for a second, I could have sworn he had a small grin on his face although his back was turned.

She feigned modesty at the question. Yep, Edward certainly had something planned. "Its actually a folklore book. You inspired me to read more about Sidhe."

I couldn't help but show the interest . I was aware of most stories – so I wondered which rendition she was reading.

"Oh cool. You know you could just ask me if you have any questions" I grinned

Esme responded seeing through my question from the beginning. "I figured since I'm sitting across the table from one, it might be best to brush up on my history."

"Find anything interesting?" .

Esme touched her fingertip to her lips pensively. The act seemed to make her appear even younger than she usual, she could have easily passed for 18.

"Do humans really grow obsessed after just seeing you?" She asked curiously.

"Um…I can see that being true. If I were to ever be…intimate with a human they develop a rather…intense attraction to me, and I'm not full Sidhe. People react more strongly to my mother sometimes. I think it depends"

My hands rubbed against the textures of the hard wood dining table. Okay so maybe I welcomed her questioning – but now that it started I felt a little uncomfortable of what she might find out. I wasn't exactly hiding something, but there were many things that are either a.) untrue or b.) I wished they weren't true. It also seemed so taboo to answer these questions, I still wasn't used to being so open.

"So you could you ever be involved with a human?" Esme asked – but her question was obviously for Edward, not me. Through my peripherals I could see Edward stiffen for a second and then quickly continue his knife work.

"I don't think its an option. They'd end up acting more like a slave than a lover…" This was something I'd put a lot of thought into throughout my life. Every single time I was intimate with a human it had ended very badly. Until I met Edward I'd accepted the fact that I would never have the luxury of falling in love, just as my mother realized.

The silence bothered me. Did I kill the mood?

"Then its very lucky you and Edward met…In Forks of all places! We're so glad to have you here Nathan…" she said from the heart, extending her hand to cover mine. Her skin had the same temperature as Edward's. There was also a roughness that I couldn't really explain…It was like when you touched a marble statue, although the surface may have been smooth you also knew it was hard and inmalleable.

I opened myself up to Edward. There were emotions running through me that I didn't understand – all I wanted was for Edward to know that I was feeling whatever high this was.

I turned around and Edward was just there. He took the seat next to me and I could smell the meal in front of me. The citrus scent was juxtaposed to the rest of the house that maintained a very clean smell. I glanced at the delicately decorated bowl; its contents looked to be some sort of citrus salad with spinach, pine nuts, and plenty of other ingredients I couldn't pick out. It both looked and smelled incredible; and he'd only spent maybe fifteen minutes making it. How had I doubted is culinary ability? Of course it would taste great; nothing Edward did was less than perfect.

Before I could eat my meal I turned my head from Esme to Edward, Esme's hand still on mine. My thoughts stopped for a split second while I took in his unnatural beauty.

They accept me..… I thought enthusiastically, perfectly aware Edward would hear it. I wasn't quite used to monitoring my thoughts – actually – I would probably never get used to censuring them. Because of this they drifted toward something much more morose.

I'd never been accepted anywhere. I didn't hold any sort of grudge against my mother for the way she'd raised me. I knew she didn't know how to react to my apparent mrotality. It was something that she'd never known; and would never understand. Sure there was a chance that I was immortal – but everything seemed to be working against me. And none of us were willing to do the only actual test to be certain. Because of that I would always be more human than sidhe – I was temporary. And yet I would never be able to live in peace with humans. Until I met Edward I was convinced a life of isolation would be the only option.

He merely smiled at me. His topaz eyes were like liquid gold, the warmth radiating from them was warmer than his physical body would ever be. I'm not sure how I knew, but he wanted me to tell Esme how I felt. I think?

"It'll make her happy." He mused, pouring me a glass of water from an elegant pitcher.

I turned my head toward Esme, leaning in a way that I was both facing her and having my shoulder graze Edward's in the same position.

I was never good with words…and sat there struggling with something that sounded incredibly cheesy even to me while Esme smiled at me expectantly.

"Well…I've never been accepted anywhere. At least, for how I really am…" I paused for a second, hoping the words would come to me. "It just means so much to me, I really appreciate how welcoming you've been."

I took my hand back in a smooth and casual motion to avoid any potential awkwardness. A human would have felt uncomfortable from such a prolonged touch. It didn't bother me – but would it bother a vampire? After all, they were human at one point of time. That was only one reason…I also wanted to be able to touch Edward freely.

"Nate…" She shortened name. Most people, actually, everyone used Nate rather than Nathan. Except for Edward of course. When she said it though there was an echo of familiarity that made me significantly more comfortable with the conversation.

"You're part of the family now. And we're all thrilled to have you here with us."

"Thanks, Esme." I said smiling at her, hoping that the simple words would show my genuine gratitude. She returned the smile – and then I turned to look at Edward.

"It looks great." I commented. The salad looked so beautiful part of me didn't even want to eat it.

"Eat" Edward demanded; pushing the fork toward me.

I took a bit and relished how the citrus played on my pallette. I'd skipped breakfast again today – my stomach was too filled with butterflies this morning to even fathom eating something. I started to pick at the salad faster than was probably polite, but knew that Edward didn't mind.

It tastes as good as it smells. I commented. Him being able to read my thoughts could be quite convenient. It made avoiding eating with my mouth full a much easier obstacle.

"Told you" he teased

I wonder if my blood tastes as good at it smells…My thoughts were never a safe place to be. I instantly stiffened and so did Edward. I was ready for him to be offended at my grotesque train of thought but he just grinned thoughtfully and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek that left a tingling after-thought.

"I'm sure it tastes even better. But fortunately for you…I have no intention of finding out."

"No complaints here" I teased – my mouth somewhat full from a rather large bite of spinach and artichokes.

"Can you…eat human food?" I asked hesitantly.

"Remember, today is my day for questions." He reminded me.

I fought a groan but instead looked into his eyes and watched his features soften into the warmth that told me I'd won.

"Just one?" I pleaded

Edward rolled his eyes at me and took the fork out of my hand before I could even react and took a bite from the salad. He looked like he even enjoyed it.

"Did it taste good?"

"Awful. But its something we need to do on occasion, even though we all hate it."

I took another bite and he smiled, but I wasn't sure why.

I'd almost finished my salad at this point. He watched me in silence while I mentally organized all of the things I would have to do in the next couple of days. Ugh, there was a lot to do. A paper for English, a study guide for an exam in biology, and some French homework. None of it would really be much work. The French would probably take ten minutes at the most; I'd been spending most of my summer Holidays in France since I was born. I was originally miffed at the fact I was only in French 3, only to find out French 3 was as high as the curriculum went. Gotta love small towns.

"Why France?" Edward asked curiously. He allowed his hand to trace the contour of my neck down to my spine. His cold fingers barely touched me but served as a powerful distraction. I gazed into his topaz eyes when everything went blank – I couldn't focus on anything but the grazing of his fingers against my flesh and those ocher eyes of his.

"Uh..what?" He had asked a question? Right?

"Why do you go to France every summer?" Edward grinned, maintaining the same trail of his hand. He knew exactly what he was doing, and just the fact that he knew how he affected me made heat rise right up to my cheeks.

Still blank.

"Edward." I said in a warning tone.

"Hmm?" He grinned – he didn't even have to hear my thoughts to know what was going on inside my head.

"I can't focus." I admitted. As I did such I could feel the redness growing even stronger before I began to visually suppressing it. The blush would be gone now, hopefully.

"You know…" He whispered – his voice sounding audibly velvet, as if the smoothness of it coated my skin. "I like knowing that I affect you in such a way."

"I …like…it too…." I stammered at the coolness of his breath dancing across my neck.

Just at the peak of my light-headedness, he took my bowl out from under me and washed it within a couple of seconds. He leaned casually against the counter observing me inquisitively.

"We have the rest of the day, what would you like to do now?"

There were a lot of things I'd like to do in Edward's presence. Unfortunately for me – none of those seemed possible at this point, atleast if I wanted to come out of it alive. A small obstacle, but I'm sure we could get past Edward's desire to kill me without enough effort. Eventually.

The most practical thing was homework…there was just so much. I skipped school to do homework – so much for a rebellion.

"I can take you home." He ansered almost eagerly.

Did he want me to leave? I could feel my stomach drop at the thought of it.

"Of course not…" Edward said incredulously. "I always want you here…"

"Forever then." I said in a casual tone – even though the words weren't casual at all. I was serious.

"As long as its good for you." He grinned, but I didn't like the sound of that.

"Can I do my homework here. I like it here…with you." I had tacked on the last part of the sentence just to make myself clear. Although the 'with you' section felt implied. Of course I wanted Edward with me, my life would be fulfilled if I never had to leave him ever again.

"Of course. I have some to do as well." He said soft enough that made me want to go up to him and hug him with all my might. If I'd hugged a human with all my strength I would probably end up breaking a rib or two; I bet Edward would barely even feel it.

So I did, minus the rib-breaking part. I stood up from the table and walked toward him. I could feel my pulse hasten as he got closer and closer. It was like I was moving in slow motion; those couple of feet felt like forever. After reaching him my two arms curled around his firm torso and I rested my head against his chest. His arms enveloped me like a protective shield – his chin balancing on the top of my head. I was suddenly glad he was taller than me.

I took in a large breath to take in his scent. It was a cool, sweet scent that encompassed so many different fragrances…it also was a catalyst for a very physical reaction for me. Just the smell of him made me breath anxiously and hold him a bit tighter. Quintessential Edward.

"You smell nice too." He teased, placing a small kiss on the top of my head. He made no movement to break from the hug and I was perfectly content where I stood. I could feel the smile on his lips – just knowing that I could make him smile made me melt.

"What do I smell like?"

"Hm…Jasmine and Orchids right after a rain."

I looked up, and from this angle it wasn't an easy task. The close proximity between us made it difficult to think – but I formed my question. "Are you serious?" I asked incredulously. Even if vampires had the most refined sense of smell, I seriously doubt I have a floral scent.

"Very. Its…intoxicating."

"Does everyone have such…exotic scents?"

"Yours is unique…although it may not affect my family as it does me, yours is very different." He sounded somber. Why was he sad…?

"I wonder if my mom has a similar scent." I thought out loud

"Will I get to meet her?"

Didn't like that question. Nope, not at all. What would my mother think of Edward? Would I tell her he wasn't human? I'm not really sure what she would think of that – she was prone to being unpredictable. In the end though, it didn't matter whether she accepted us or not…everything seemed so insignificant compared to our love.

"If you want to." I answered truthfully.

"I do." He grinned playfully. "You never said, how old is she?"

"Somewhere around 135."

Edward whispered something that I couldn't understand – which I wasn't sure was a good or a bad thing. Nothing else seemed to have changed…

"What did you just say?" I asked inquisitively.

"Sometimes I forget that you're not completely human. I don't know if I'll ever get used to it." He whispered.

"I hope not…Because then I couldn't do this." I teased, before bringing my finger to trail across his muscled arm. I let my finger graze the absolute whiteness of his forearm while pushing a small part of me into that touch. The part that you couldn't to see or describe – it was something that you could only understand if you experienced it.

I knew the affect it would have…my small touch would seem like so much more to him, that innocent touch holding all of the pleasure of a climax. I intensify it too much…wouldn't want him to lose control again. Just enough to remind him that I was much more than just human.

"Nathan…behave…please" he choked out.

I sighed dramatically – leaning in for a chaste kiss that lasted but a moment – Edward still seemed a bit shell-shocked from my teasing.

"You're going to pay for that" He smiled wickedly in my direction.

"I certainly hope so."