Well, we've made it to the end of the first installment. I hope you all have enjoyed reading this as much as I've enjoyed writing it! I hope you've found the changes made to my versions of Beau and Edward intriguing if anything. I'd love to hear what your thoughts are on what you think will happen next, as well as what you'd like to see happen between the characters.

Thank you again!

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: UNDER TWILIGHT

I hadn't been sitting all that long, but I was growing restless as Alice continued to fuss about me. It didn't help that she had me sitting in nothing but a tight white tee and my underwear. She had been spending the past hour meticulously washing, drying, combing and styling my hair.

"Is all of this really necessary, Alice?" I risked asking as I heard her begin shaking a bottle of hairspray."

"Yes, absolutely," she assured, her tone sharp. She sprayed my hair, her cool fingers gently guiding lock into place. "This is your first prom. This is a huge human milestone."

"Alice, it's just prom. It's not that big of a deal. Besides," I said gesturing towards my leg, still wrapped in a dark blue cast, "it's not like I'll be doing a lot of dancing."

"Edward is looking forward to this, Beau." Alice's tone was still stern. I signed, nodding. Edward and I'd rarely continued our conversation on my becoming a vampire since I'd returned from Phoenix. I had found myself, once again, the center of attention, not only at school, but throughout the whole town. There had been no way to conceal the scandal of Johnathan MaCoy and Judge Lawrence Matthew's arrest. The District Attorney's office, with the help of a special task force established by Phoenix PD and the FBI were looking into each case that MaCoy and Matthews had been involved in, discovering more back-ally dealings and corruption than previously thought. Each case had been reopened, and many convictions overturned. There would be lawsuits filed against the two, as well as against the city and state of Arizona for years to come.

My own story had made nationwide news, there had simply been no way around it. My name had been cleared, Alex and Jericho finally behind bars with Alex's father and the judge—though each under watchful protection, but justice had been served. Peers and adults alike gawked at me wherever I went, looks ranging from pity to wonder. Though I rarely found myself alone in these moments, always being led away from my mother, Jessica, Angela, or Edward and Alice.

Another added celebration had come while I had still been in the hospital. My father had to rush back to California when Loretta gone into labor three days past her due date. She had been right, and had given birth to a healthy baby boy, Hector Benjamin-Lucas Swan.

The excitement, on top of trying to heal and mend my broken body, all while trying to stay on top of school work, had distracted me, mostly. The one time, late at night, with Edward in my arms, that the subject of my change had been brought up, Edward informed me that there was still much to consider, and at the very least, he would not begin to entertain me changing until after high school. He was adamant that I experience as many human moments as possible. I sensed he hoped that with the more human experiences I had, the less I'd be ready to become a vampire. It was another vain hope.

Finally, Alice spun the chair I sat in across her enormous vanity, to gaze upon my reflection. I smile. My hair had never looked so timeless. My dark mahogany locks were gentled curled, thick waves framed my face, exaggerating my jawline and cheekbones. Alice had fixed my hair so that it fell and followed along the shape and curve of my skull, ending just at the nap of my neck.

"Beautiful work, Alice."

She beamed. "I knew you'd love it. She moved towards her bed, where a large black garment bag laid. She brought it toward me, too eager to unzip it in a human speed. Carefully perched on a wooden hanger, was a deep sapphire, nearly navy, velvet jacket. I noticed the dress pants hanging below the bottom of the jacket, the exact same color. Along with these were a navy vest with damask floral patterning, a bright white button up, and a golden tie that matched the color of the Cullen's eyes.

"Wow," I mouthed, smiling. Alice nodded her head excitingly.

"I know," she agreed. "You are going to look breathtaking in this.

"I'm not sure about all that," I laughed. "I will be standing next to Edward."

"Edward won't be able to take his eyes off you."

I blushed. Alice helped dress me, taking time to gently guide my left leg and cast through the fabric. When I was finally dressed, Alice guided me towards her large, antiqued, full-length mirror. I almost didn't recognize the young man standing back at me. For the briefest of moments he looked like he belong in the Cullen household, almost as good-looking as the vampire next to him—save for the cast.

"You're a miracle worker, Alice."

'It helps having such an exquisite canvas just needing some additional enhancements."

As soon as Alice was dressed, in a black satin dress with a long, pleated, ruffled skirt that was cut into two above the knee. She looked like a young, hornless Maleficent…graceful and ethereal. She smiled at the compliments I provided to her. Alice helped me hovel to the large winding staircase where Edward waited.

Our eyes each focused on one another, the same, giddy, goofy smiles spreading along our lips. Edward licked his lips before gently biting down on the bottom lip as he approached me. His cold arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me into him, gently. I smiled down at him, unable to compose a coherent sentence. He was dressed in a similarly designed and made suit, only his was colored a deep emerald. His vest the same shade of green as his jacket, his dress shirt and tie a deep onyx. With the contrast against his pale skin, his beauty was absolutely surreal. I played with one of his jacket's lapels.

"You look…so…so inhumanly dazzling, Darling," I finally managed to croak out.

Edward ran the back of one of his cool hands down the length of my face. "I pale in comparison to you," he said simply, and as if he thought the absurdity were true. I laughed. He reached to grab my head, guiding my face down to his to meet his lips. As we kissed, I made to sure to keep breathing.

"Ahem," a soft voice breaking through my thoughtless bliss. We each turned, looking down at Alice, her hands on her hips. "We have people waiting."

I groaned, but Edward only laughed. "Be good. Let them have their fun," he whispered in my ear. I sighed, but nodded.

"Lead the way," I told him. Edward bent his arm out to me, letting me wrap my arm around the crook of his elbow. We descended the stairs slowly, Edward letting me balance all my weight on him as we went. Squeals of delight and soft coos filled the air the moment we made it to the first landing.

Our mothers were each there, beaming down at us, cameras in hand.

"Smile," my mother ordered. Edward wrapped the arm around my waist tighter, pulling me further into him, my hans resting on his chest and shoulder respectfully. Esme and my mom took several more photos, Alice passing by us without being noticed. Once the cameras were down from our moms' faces, Edward escorted me down the remaining stairs.

Our mothers were there to greet us, pulling us apart from each other.

My mother reached up, cupping my face into her hands. Her eyes were glazed with tears and bewilderment. "You look wonderful, Beau. I'm not sure where all the time went. It feels like yesterday I was brining you home from the hospital."

"Well technically you did bring me home from the hospital a month-and-a-half ago," I teased. My shook her head.

"You know what I mean."

I smiled, clutching the hand that rested on the right side of my face. "I know, Mom." She looked so much the same as she had in the photos of my baby years, almost as if no time had passed us at all—but she held onto me as though decades had swam by us. I wasn't her little baby anymore. She was now just allowing herself to realize that.

I glanced over to where Edward and Esme stood, in positions similar to the ones my mother and I were in. Esme was as radiant as her son, her words spoken in a manner only accessible for him to hear.

"Why don't we get a few more photos in front of the house, and let these boys get to enjoying their night?"

I looked behind me. Carlisle and Sean Clearwater were each making their way from the designated space of the living room. That had been two developments I had not foreseen. The first being the pace in which my mother and Sean's relationship had progressed since returning from Arizona. They seemed to progress rather quickly, far faster than my father had with Loretta, though I knew I had no room to judge them for that, knowing just how swiftly Edward and I had moved into our relationship. And in all my interactions with Sean, I knew that he was someone I could trust with my mother, a kind man, a sweet and funny man, someone who would remind my mother to have fun.

The second development had been one that had caught me off guard entirely. Sean had been waiting at the house the day we all returned, with his son, Seth, to help my mother and I into the house. The moment I saw them waiting for us on the porch I grew tense, Edward had been sitting with me in the backseat. I had looked over to him, wondering if his face had fallen as mine had. He had just looked at me with a smile, shaking his head. Sean nor his son seemed to have any qualm with Edward being there; Sean had even thanked him for coming to get me, and staying. The hostility I would have imagined based on how Billy had acted was not there. That had befuddled me. I knew Sean Clearwater was a Quileute Elder, like Billy.

Edward's explanation later that evening had only further confused me. Sean knew what the Cullens were, he just didn't care. Rather, he was unbothered by what they were, and did not hang on to the prejudices that the other elders clung to. Edward had mentioned that Sean was unique among the Quileute tribe members, refusing to see evil where there was no evidence of such.

Sean shook his head, smiling at me, his arms held out in disbelief. "Look at you, Pititchu. You look so grown up."

"Thank you, Sean."

My mother left him and fell into Sean's side comfortably.

"You both look absolutely stunning. The whole school's going to be staring," Carlisle added.

"I think that'll be more due to the fact we're going together, but sure, let's chalk it up to looking like LA club promotors." My tone was only half joking. Edward pulled me into his side, laughing so only I could hear, pressing his cool lips discreetly onto my neck.

"Beau will be the most spectacular one there," Edward purred. I felt my cheeks blush instantly.

"I think you're a little biased," I retorted.

Esme escorted us all outside into the vast yard. With an incredibly detailed and creative eye, she has stand under one of the large redwood trees that grew from the ground. Edward and I posed in varying ways while our moms took countless photos. We each took a turn pinning the boutonnieres we'd selected for one another on our lapels. I was beginning to grow self-conscious when Edward held me tight towards him. Under the cover of the tree, where the slim rays of sun would not catch him, he gently pulled me into a soft kiss. I nearly groaned when my mother had "awed".

Eventfully we were both free of the onlooking adults, who had wished us well, my mother and Sean opting to stay with Esme and Carlisle until Edward would bring us back.

Edward helped me into his car, being very careful as he helped guide me into the passenger seat. When he had me settled, he got in the driver's seat and headed back out the long, narrow drive.

"I did mention that you looked very nice, didn't I?" I verified with a smile as he drove.

"Yes." He grinned again. "And I did tell you how utterly gorgeous and bewitching you are, correct?"

"Not in so many words," I admitted with an embrassed chuckle.

He we drove, I thought back to several nights ago, when I had gotten a worried text from Jessica. She had altered me to the fact that Taylor, for some ungodly reason, was still under the delusion that I was going to prom with her. I'd panicked, showing Edward the message. He merely laughed, taking the phone from me. His thumb flew across the screen too fast for me see what his response had been, but I had heard a returning message from Jess. Edward had clicked on the message's attachment, before placing the phone against his ear. I heard the call only ringing once.

"Hello, Taylor, this is Edward Cullen." His voice was very friendly, on the surface. I knew it well enough to catch the soft edge of menace. I could only imagine the look on Taylor's face. "I'm sorry if there's been some kind of miscommunication, but Beau is going to be unavailable Saturday night." Edward's tone changed, and the threat in his voice was suddenly much more evident as he continued. "To be perfectly honest, he'll be unavailable every night, as far as anyone besides myself and his friends are concerned. No offense. I do apologize for the change in your plans. I'm sure there's still someone you can find to go with you. But, and I'd think it were quite clearly obvious, that Beau is my boyfriend. Please do not continue making him uncomfortable." He hadn't sound sorry at all, simply very serious.

He ended the call before she could speak, a huge smirk on his face. I'd simply smiled, laughing lightly, before pulling him into my arms where he stayed all night as I slept.

"You know, I'm way overdue for more bad luck. I'll probably break my other leg, somehow," I said jokingly.

Edward rolled his eyes as he looked at me. "You'll be fine. No more breaking of any bones. I'll be on full guard duty all evening."

"Hmmm. Well in that case, maybe I should try crowd surfing at some point."

He eyed me darkly as I smiled. "Let's not push the limits of fate and my capabilities too much."

"Where did Alice go?" I asked, suddenly realizing for the first time I had not seen her since she descended the stairs back at the house.

"She went on ahead to meet the others. We're the ones pushing the boundaries of being fashionably late."

I looked towards the road, nodding. There had been very, very little progress with Rosalie. I had not mentioned what Edward had told me in the hospital, about her coming to Arizona directly to hand off evidence to the DA or that her and I somehow had "many things" in common as Edward'd put it. I got the feeling doing so would have only made things worse. She didn't quite ignore me, however, but nodded politely whenever she saw me. Once, I'd sworn I'd seen her attempt a smile—it looked like the attempt had looked excruciating. I was on very good terms with her sometimes-husband. Emmett loved having me around—treating me every bit as a little brother as he treated Edward. Always, he thought my "bizarre" inhuman reactions were hilarious…and of course there was the fact that I fell down a lot, and he found that to be so hysterical.

We were at the school now; Rosalie's red convertible was utterly conspicuous in the parking lot. The clouds were thin today, a few streaks of sunlight escaping through far away in the west. He got out and walked around the car to open my door. He held out his hand.

I reached for it gladly, easing myself out of the leather seat. The hesitation only came as we drew closer to the prom's entrance.

He sighed. "When someone wants to kill you, you're brave as a lion — and then when someone mentions dancing..." He shook his head.

I rolled my eyes. "You've seen the videos of my performances; I had months to learn the choreography, I can't dance freestyle."

"Beau, I won't let anything hurt you — not even yourself. I won't let go of you once, I promise."

I thought about that and suddenly felt much better. He could see that in my face.
"There, now," he said gently, "it won't be so bad." He tugged me closer into him. He kept his arm tightly around me, supporting me as I limped toward the school.

In Phoenix, they held proms in hotel ballrooms. This dance was in the gym, of course. It was probably the only room in town big enough for a dance. When we got inside, I laughed. There were actual balloon arches and twisted garlands of pastel crepe paper festooning the walls.

"This looks almost exactly like the prom scene from, Carrie," I snickered.

"Well," he muttered as we slowly approached the ticket table — he was carrying most of my weight, but I still had to shuffle and wobble my feet forward — "there are more than enough vampires present to make it a horror movie."

I looked toward the dance floor; a wide gap had formed in the center of the floor, where two couples whirled gracefully. The other dancers pressed to the sides of the room to give them space — no one wanted to stand in contrast with such radiance. Emmett and Jasper were intimidating and flawless in classic tuxedos. And Rosalie was... well, Rosalie. She was beyond belief. Her vivid scarlet dress was backless, tight to her calves where it flared into a wide ruffled train, with a neckline that plunged to her waist. I pitied every girl in the room, even myself was included in that pity.

"Do you want me to bolt the doors so you can massacre the unsuspecting townsfolk?" I whispered conspiratorially.

"Only if you start telekinetically bringing the gym down…if that is where you'd fit into that scheme." He smiled up at me.

"Well duh, I'm always with the vampires, of course."

He rolled his eyes. "Anything to get out of freestyle dancing."

"Anything."

He pulled our tickets from inside a jacket pocket, gave them to the attendant at the desk, then turned me toward the dance floor. I cringed against his arm and dragged my feet.

"I've got all night," he warned.

"You just love any excuse to see me make a fool out of myself, don't you?"

His crooked smile had been my answer. Carefully he towed me out to where his family was twirling elegantly — if in a style totally unsuitable to the present time and music. I watched in envy.

"Damn." My voice could not conceal my jealousy of his family's talent and gracefulness. "I'm totally going to make a fool out of myself!" I could feel the panic bubbling up inside my chest. Even without a broken leg, I was incredibly out of my league.

"Don't worry, silly," he whispered up to me. "I'll lead." He put my arms around his waist and lifted me to slide his feet under mine, his hands up around my neck.

And then we were whirling, too.

"I feel like I'm five years old," I laughed after a few minutes of effortless waltzing.

"You don't look five," he purred, pulling me closer for a second, so that my feet were briefly a foot from the ground.

Alice caught my eye on a turn and smiled in encouragement — I smiled back. I wasn't the least bit surprised to realize that I was actually enjoying myself…how could I not? When I was at prom with him.

"Okay, this isn't half bad," I admitted.

But Edward was staring toward the doors, and his face was angry.

"What is it?" I wondered aloud. I followed his gaze, disoriented by the spinning, but finally I could see what was bothering him. Jacob Black, not in a tux, but in a long-sleeved white shirt and tie, his hair smoothed back into his usual ponytail, was crossing the floor toward us.

After the first shock of recognition, I couldn't help but feel bad for Jacob. He was clearly uncomfortable — excruciatingly so. His face was apologetic as his eyes met mine.

Edward snarled very quietly.

"Behave!" I hissed.

Edward's voice was scathing. "He wants to chat with you."

Jacob reached us then, the embarrassment and apology even more evident on his face.

"Hey, Beau, I was hoping you would be here." I could see through the lie, Jacob had been hoping the exact opposite. But his smile was just as warm as ever.

"Hey, Jake." I smiled back. "What brings you here?"

"Ugh..," his eyes were suddenly on Edward. "Can we step outside, for a minute?" he asked tentatively, glancing back at Edward, looking more uncomfortable than ever. I was shocked to notice that Jacob didn't have to look up. He must have grown half a foot since the first time I'd seen him, he was only a few inches shorter than I was now.

Edward's face was composed, his expression blank. His only answer was to set me carefully on my feet, and take a step back. "I'll go get you something to drink," he said stepping away.

"Sorry," Jacob said amiably.

Edward just nodded, looking at me intently before he turned to walk away.

Jacob cautiously helped me from the dance floor to one of the outdoor sitting areas. We meandered towards a wooden bench, sitting next to one another.

"So…how did you end up here tonight?" I asked without true curiosity. Considering Edward's reaction, I could guess.

He laughed guiltily. "Ugh..well can you believe my dad paid me eighty bucks to come to your prom?" he admitted, slightly ashamed.

"Yes, I can," I muttered, nodding my head once. "Well, I hope you're enjoying yourself, at least. Seen anything you like?" I teased, nodding toward a group of girls lined up against the wall like pastel confections.

His face scrunched up. "Ugh, not really."

"Still carrying that torch for Leah Clearwater, huh?" I joked nudging him.

"Shut up," he laughed.

"I can probably put in a good word for you, now that her dad is dating my mom."

"She's like twenty now."

"Ewwww…yeah I can't in good conscious condone that.

We laughed together.

"You look nice, by the way," he added, "very grown up."

"Thank you. So why don't you tell me why Billy pay you to come here?" I asked quickly, though I knew the answer.

Jacob didn't seem grateful for the subject change; he looked away, uncomfortable again. "He said it was a 'safe' place to talk to you. I swear the old man is losing his mind." I joined in his laughter weakly.

"Anyway, he said that if I told you something, he would get me that master cylinder I need," he confessed with a sheepish grin.

"Tell me, then. I want you to get your car finished." I grinned back. At least Jacob didn't believe any of this. It made the situation a bit easier. From my peripheral vision, I saw Edward watching as he leaned against the doorframe, his own face expressionless. I saw a sophomore in a pink dress eyeing him with timid speculation, but he didn't seem to be aware of her.

Jacob looked away again, ashamed. "Don't get mad, okay?"

"There's no way I'll be mad at you, Jacob," I assured him. "I won't even be mad at Billy. Just say what you have to."

"Well — this is so stupid, I'm sorry, Beau — he wants you to break up with your boyfriend. He asked me to tell you 'please.'" He shook his head in disgust. "I swear it's not a homophobe thing, Dad isn't like that. He's just…"

"He's just still very superstitious," I finished for him.

"Yeah. He was... kind of over the top when you got hurt down in Phoenix. He didn't believe..."Jacob trailed off self-consciously.

My eyes narrowed. "I fell."

"I know that," Jacob said quickly.

"He thinks Edward had something to do with me getting hurt." It wasn't a question, and despite my promise, I was angry. Jacob wouldn't meet my eyes. We were sitting so far apart from one another now, it looked as though we'd had a fight.

"Look, Jacob, I know Billy probably won't believe this, but just so you know" — he looked at me now, responding to the new earnestness in my voice — "Edward really did save my life. If it weren't for Edward and his father, I'd be dead."

"I know," he claimed, but he sounded like my sincere words had affected him some. Maybe he'd be able to convince Billy of this much, at least. "Sean said the same thing. Told my dad to put…put old prejudices behind him."

"Hey, I'm sorry you had to come do this, Jacob," I apologized. "At any rate, you get your parts, right? And an extra eighty bucks."

"Yeah," he muttered. He was still looking awkward... upset.

"There's more, isn't there?" I asked already knowing.

"Forget it," he mumbled, "I'll get a job and save the money myself."

I glared down at him until he met my gaze. "Just spit it out, Jacob."

"It's so bad."

"I don't care. Tell me," I insisted.

"Okay... but, geez, this sounds so fucking creepy." He shook his head. "He said to tell you, no, to warn you, that — and this is his plural, not mine" — he lifted one hand from where it had rested on the bench, fixing it on his chest where his heart was—'"We'll be watching.'" He watched warily for my reaction.

It sounded like something from one of the Godfather movies. I laughed out loud. "Sorry you had to do this, Jake," I snickered.

"Yeah. Me too." He grinned in relief. His eyes were appraising as they raked quickly over my face to ensure that I wasn't upset with him. "So, should I tell him you said to butt the hell out?" he asked hopefully.

"No," I sighed. "Tell him I said thanks. I know he means well."

"Will do. I really am sorry about this—I didn't meant to interrupt you and your boyfriend."

"It's fine Jake. Now you can fix your car and can come hang out whenever you'd like."

"Yeah. You and your mom are welcome anytime. We need to schedule another fishing trip."

"Sounds great. Tell me the time and place, and we'll be there."

We each stood up from where we were sitting. I wobbled for a moment. Jacob had reached out to catch me, but I felt a pair of strong, cold hands steady me before he had the chance.

Edward's voice began speaking. "That's all right, Jacob. I'll take it from here." Jacob flinched, and stared wide-eyed at Edward, who stood just beside us.

"Hey, I didn't see you coming," he mumbled. "I'm sorry I had to interrupt. Hope you both have a great rest of your night. I'll see you soon, Beau." He stepped back, waving excitedly.

I smiled. "Yeah, I'll see you later. Let me know when that fishing trip is."

"Will do! Sorry, again," he said again before he turned to find the car he'd driven in, in the crowded parking lot.

Edward's arm wound around me, pulling me back to the gym, we entered just as the next song started. It was a little up-tempo for slow dancing, but that didn't seem to concern him. He leaned his head just under my neck, resting on my shoulder, content.

"Feeling better?" I teased.

"Not really," he said tersely.

"Don't be mad at Billy," I sighed. "He just worries about me for my mother's sake. It's nothing personal."

"I'm not mad at Billy," he corrected in a clipped voice. "But his son is irritating me."

I pulled back to look at him. His face was very serious.

"Why?"

"First of all, he made me break my promise."

I stared at him in confusion.

He half-smiled. "I promised I wouldn't let go of you tonight," he explained.

"Oh. Well, I forgive you."

"Thanks. But there's something else." Edward frowned.

I waited patiently.

"He said you looked good," he finally continued, his frown deepening. "That's practically an insult, the way you look right now. You're much more than stunning."

I laughed. "Well, Jake is straight—that's about as nice a compliment you're gonna get from a straight guy to another man. And, as I said before, you might be a little biased."

"I don't think that's it. Besides, I have excellent eyesight." We were twirling again, my feet on his as he held me close.

"So, one human experience down. How many more do you plan on insisting I have?" I wondered.

He looked up at me, he considered for a moment, and then changed direction, spinning me through the crowd to the back door of the gym. I caught a glimpse of Jessica and Luke dancing, staring at me curiously. Jessica waved, and I smiled back quickly. Angela was there, too, looking blissfully happy in the arms of little Ben Cheney; she didn't look up from his eyes, a head lower than hers. Lee and Samantha, Taylor and Lauren, glaring toward us, with Conner; I could name every face that spiraled past me. And then we were outdoors, in the cool, dim light of a fading sunset.

As soon as we were alone, he swung me up into his arms, and carried me across the dark grounds till he reached the shadow of the madrone trees. We stood there, our arms embracing one another, swaying to the soften sound of the music playing from the gymnasium. The moon was already up, visible through the gauzy clouds, and his face glowed pale in the white light. His mouth was hard, his eyes troubled.

"How many?" I prompted softly.

He ignored me, staring past my shoulder, up at the moon. "Twilight, again," he murmured. "Another ending. No matter how perfect the day is, it always has to end."

"Some things don't have to end," I reminded through my teeth, instantly tense.

He sighed.

"Beau, there are so many left," he said slowly, finally answering my question, "a lifetime of human moments to experience. I wanted us to come tonight because I don't want you to miss anything. I don't want my presence to take anything away from you, if I can help it. I want you to be human. I want your life to continue as it would have if I'd died in nineteen-eighteen like I should have."

I shuddered at his words, and then shook my head angrily. "We've talked about this. You said, deep down you want me to change…so that I can stay with you, forever."

"The deepest, most selfish aspect of myself wants that. Because I never want to lose you."

"Then listen to that part. I mean, no human experience is ever going to be as wonderful if you're not there with me to share them. And I don't think being a vampire changes that? It just makes those experiences more intense and enjoyable."

We were quiet for a minute; he stared at the moon and I stared at him. I wished there was some way to explain how very uninterested I was in a normal human life.

"Will you tell me something?" he asked, glancing up at me with a slight smile.

"Don't I always?"

"Just promise you'll tell me," he insisted, grinning. He sighed deeply. "Are you really that willing?" The pain was back in his eyes. I bit my lip and nodded.

"So ready for this to be the end," he murmured, almost to himself, "for this to be the twilight of your life, though your life has barely started. You're ready to give up everything."

"I've told you, it's not the end, it's only just the beginning," I disagreed under my breath.

"I'm not worth it," he said sadly.

"When are you going to finally see yourself the way I do? How can I help you shut Hyde up for good?" I asked, raising my eyebrows. "I don't understand how you can be so blind."

"That may be something we have to work on for awhile," he joked, it was marred by his uncertainty.

I sighed. But his mercurial mood shifted on me. He pursed his lips, and his eyes were probing. He examined my face for a long moment.

"You're ready now, then?" he asked. Our swaying ceased.

"Yes." I answered eagerly.

"Truly?" He smiled, and inclined his head slowly until his cold lips brushed against the skin just under the corner of my jaw. "Right now?" he whispered, his breath blowing cool on my neck. I shivered involuntarily.

"Yes," I whispered, so my voice wouldn't have a chance to break. If he thought I was bluffing, he was going to be disappointed. I'd already made this decision, and I was sure. It didn't matter that my body was rigid as a plank, my hands balled into fists, my breathing erratic...

He chuckled darkly, and leaned away. His face didn't look all that disappointed. "You can't really believe that I would give in so easily," he said with a sour edge to his mocking tone. "Not tonight, at least?"

"A boy can dream."

His eyebrows rose. "Is that what you dream about? Being a monster?"

"Not at all," I said, frowning at his word choice. We both knew that he was no monster. "Mostly I dream about being with you forever."

His expression changed, softened and even giddy by the subtle ache in my voice.

"Beau." His fingers lightly traced the shape of my lips. "I will change you, one day, once you've had time to truly think about what that all means, what it will all entail, once you've realized each sacrifice and considered them in length. One day, if it is still what you desire. Isn't that knowledge enough?"

I smiled under his fingertips. "Enough for now."

He sighed, but smiled at my tenacity. No one was going to surrender tonight. He exhaled, and the sound was practically a growl.

I touched his face. "Look," I said. "I love you more than everything else in the world combined. Isn't that enough?"

"Yes, it is enough," he answered, smiling. "Enough for forever."

And we leaned towards each other, our lips crashing against the other's, kissing under the brilliant glow of the moon.