Chapter Nine: Wake up call.

Alec didn't say much while walking. To be honest, he didn't say anything. I was lucky if I got two words out of him. It was moments like these where he went silent I wished I had Edward's gift, so I could see what exactly he was thinking about. If I had that gift, I'd be able to unlock a part of Alec he clearly didn't want invaded. I don't think Edward had even invaded Alec's mind. My dad was brave, but I doubted he was that brave. In fact, I don't think anyone was that brave. Who would do something to piss Alec off? Well... there was one person. Me. Not to the extent where he would gladly kill me — which I secretly think Alec would never do anyway. I was just too lovable— but to get a laugh out of it. He was always funny when he was pissed off. I've never seen him fully pissed off, where steam would be fuming from his ears and he would rip someones head off in a minute. I was happy with never seeing that. In fact, personal goal right there. Never get Alec really, really angry. Not unless he gets you angry first.

"We're not watching the stars again, are we?" Alec said; pulling me back into a state of mind.

"Why?" I questioned. Watching the stars, counting them, making pictures out of them, they were all strangely enough one of my favorite things to do. Jacob and I would lay there and do it for hours on end. Then again, it wasn't Jacob I was with... It was Alec. I'd have to figure out what he liked to do instead. I suppose that was the good thing about making new friends. Learning everything about them. Of course, that would be easier if Alec actually let me learn everything about him.

"Because," Alec paused; opening the gate to the large park which had a few kids roaming around here and there. "I don't think you're father would appreciate me taking you home asleep again," He chuckled.

"My dad doesn't appreciate you being here at all, never mind carrying me home."

"True," Alec agreed.

I wasted no time in messing about with anything else the park had to offer. I rushed right towards the swings, where I sat down onto one and put my legs out. Alec walked towards me slowly, watching with lighter eyes. He had to change the contacts on the walk since the previous pair had dissolved completely.

"I get the feeling I really am babysitting rather than investigating you, Renesmee." Alec chuckled, putting down my bag at the posts. I stuck out my tongue in response.

"Push me?"

Alec looked as if he were about to tell me to shove it, but he let out a breath and wandered behind me. I felt his hands take hold of the seat under me, pulling it back slightly and giving it a gentle push. I swung forward, kicking out my legs to give better height. Swinging back, his hands pressed against my back, pushing me forward yet again.

I repeated the process with pushing my legs, while Alec continued to give gentle shoves forward, enhancing my height each swing I had.

"So, have you thought about how depressing your life will return to being once you have to leave?" I said, returning back to Alec. He pushed me forward yet again.

"Whatever you mean by that, Reny... I'll let you know my life is the exact opposite to depressing."

"You enjoy being the Volturi's little minion?" I laughed, finding it hard to believe.

"They are my family, I do whatever it takes to keep them safe and their laws enforced,"

"I take that as a yes," I smirked. "What's it like in Italy?"

"Warm," He scoffed. "Doesn't rain much."

"So you're stuck inside all the time?" I frowned, imagining what it would be like to be locked away in a castle every single day. Never to see the burning sun again. Feel the warmth on my cheeks, or the gentle summer breeze. Surely it was torture?

"Not all the time. We have patrols around the city at night. Make sure no trouble is being caused,"

I found that pretty ironic. Edward and Bella had once said to me that Volterra was the safest place in the world. Safe, because it was ran by vampires... Who killed people. I hardly classed that as safe, but whatever floats their boats. Never the less, Italy would be one of the places I wanted to see before the end of my life, or end of the world. Whichever came first.

"So you're a security guard," I giggled. Alec had came to the conclusion I was swinging high enough, for his gentle pushes on my back had came to a stop. He had moved to stand by the front post, watching me.

"In some ways," He smirked.

"I'd love to see that," I came out bluntly. Alec found this amusing, due to the laugh he produced and the small roll of his eyes.

"Perhaps in centuries to come, you will visit me. I'm sure Aro would be delighted in you coming,"

"Yeah... But Caius wouldn't," I laughed, slowing my swings. Alec chuckled, nodding his head.

Coming closer to the floor, I let my feet drag across the ground to stop me. I reached out, grabbing the chain of the other swing beside my own. Alec watched me with large eyes.

"You know you want too," I grinned.

"I really don't,"

"I'll give you three points?"

Alec, pursing his lips, trying to stop that heavenly smile from appearing nodded and sat down onto the swing in a graceful manner. Well, as graceful as a vampire could. Sitting onto a contraption, judging by his face, he had never used before. The whole thing of him growing up early, was correct. What kid didn't love the swings?

"So, about tomorrow.."

"Ah, you mean the excuse Nathan used to get you to dance with him?" Alec smirked.

I rolled my eyes. "Is that jealousy I hear?"

He glanced to me, scoffing. "You wish,"

I giggled, leaning against the chain of my swing; gazing right at him.

"What are you going to wear?"

"This?" He said, glancing down to his current clothes. As stunning as Alec did look in those, I wouldn't allow it. I couldn't. Aunt Alice's whole 'trend' thing had rubbed off on me. It was rare for me to wear clothes more than twice. I was forever being pampered with new clothes.

"Nope. Tell you what, we're ditching school tomorrow. We're going to Port Angeles and getting you some clothes. Okay?"

Alec furrowed his brows. "But there's nothing wrong with thi—"

Alec stopped mid sentence, for he had leant back on the swing, causing it to tip and Alec to fall flat on his back. If he were human, that would have hurt. He would probably have been left winded also. But he just stared blankly at the sky, trying to figure out how the hell that had happened. I couldn't hold it in any longer. The laughter came gushing out of me like water flowing from a river.

"It's not funny," He scolded. I took no notice. I wanted to tell him it was, that it really, really was; but I couldn't form my words. I was laughing far too hard. Alec had gotten up and moved to my front, rubbing his head. This only caused me to laugh even harder. I was sure there were tears about to form if I carried on.

"Stop laughing," Alec said. I couldn't. I really couldn't. I shook my head in response. Alec moved forward, pushing me back. Granted, I fell. But I wasn't stupid. I had grabbed hold of him, in order not to fall but ended up in pulling him back with me. I was laying on my back with Alec hovering over me. This time, we both laughed. In sync. As one. The sound had caused people to look over our way. Parents, and elder citizens smiled making 'aw' noises. I even heard someone say 'young love' but it was the exact opposite. Young friends.

Once the laughing calmed down, I gazed up into Alec's large violet eyes. He had calmed also, but the smile was there. I could taste his breath again, feeling it linger around my face and on my skin. Consuming me whole, all for what I was. His eyes were inviting me in; for a moment there... I believed Alec was going to kiss me. Not like at the tree, where he was messing around, the look on his face was that of what I had seen in the movies. Compassionate, lustful. All in all, I found myself open to that idea. If he were to kiss me... I wouldn't of pushed him away.

Alas, Alec did get up; clearing his throat awkwardly. "We should return you home to your parents." He said quickly, taking my hand and pulling me to stance.

Home? Why would I want to go home now? I was having way too much fun and all in all, I believed Alec was having fun also. That's what scared him, if he ever got scared. Doubted it. What use to the Volturi was a guard that was scared?

"Why do you keep doing that?" I asked, watching him pick up my bag.

"Do what?"

Oh, he was playing stupid now, was he? Fine. Give me more ammo to throw at him.

"Insist that we should shorten our time together. You're mission is to keep an eye on me, right?"

Alec nodded. "Indeed, it is."

"Then you should be soaking all the time you have with me for your mission! Not trying to hide away from it."

"The respective time was one hour a day. Not the full day, Renesmee. You know that. I'm simply trying to keep your family calm as well as you,"

"Well... Screw my family." Yup. Time to unleash the stubborn. "I'm not going home until you tell me the real reason as to why you don't want to hang out longer than what you promised."

Alec glared at me, thinking I was kidding. To prove my point, I sat down onto the floor, crossing my arms over my chest. This made his eyes flare ever so slightly. I began to fear that if he continued to do that; the contacts would dissolve earlier than what they should. He gave in though, much to my surprise. Reason I knew this, was because he sighed.

"Because," he paused, looking for the right words to say. "as fun as it is being around you... I can't forget why I'm here. My job is to see if you're safe; not to become your friend which is a bit late." He confessed.

"You want to cut our time together because we're friends?" I arched an eyebrow. Alec smirked, shaking his head. "If only it was that simple," he mused to himself, letting out yet another deep sigh.

"Being around you..." Alec took his time, his eyes moving to the floor and his feet shuffling on the floor. Wow, he was really torn up in telling me. Well, it only made me want to know all the more. "It makes me feel human."

Wait... What? I made him feel human? Was that even possible? How could he even class that as a bad thing? I mean... Surely it was a good thing. After all humanity is what stopped us being monsters. Our humanity was all we had left. Why would Alec be so torn up because I made him feel like a human? Because I made him feel... normal? I was flattered, not insulted. Just a little offended that he would take that as a bad thing. I wanted to get up and hug him. It wasn't everyday you were told you made a vampire feel human. Especially a vampire who was sawt to have been the most feared one of the entire world.

"I make you feel human?"

Alec nodded, finally giving me the eye contact I craved. I knew the moment our eyes met he was telling the truth. So sincere, disgusted with himself, feeling pathetic because he was admitting it to me.

"And it confuses me. I've not felt like... this, like myself, in a long.. long time. I thought my humanity was gone, when really... It's not. I've just put it behind me, ignoring it. It... scares me."

There was something I doubted I'd ever hear. Never once did I suspect Alec would be scared of anything. Especially something as simple as his humanity. His confession only made it more clear, him being here, us becoming friends was fate. I was meant to befriend him, in order to save himself.

Slowly, I stood up from my sitting posture and walked towards him. Alec kept still. Very, very still, watching me with his large intense eyes. Whether he didn't like it a mere hour ago, I didn't care. Carefully, I took hold of his arms, pulling them out and then wrapped my own arms around him; pressing my head against his chest. I listened out, hearing nothing. Nothing but the gentle sound of his breathing. Alec kept as still as a statue, but eventually; I felt his arms — hesitantly — move around me. It was faint, but it was a start.

"Just think," I whispered, inhaling his musky scent. "You've just given your first real hug,"

Alec let out a nervous chuckle, nodding his head. Alec was the master of seduction, but to think a simple hug was what got him nervous. It was kinda cute if you think about it...

I pulled away, looking up to his 5'10 stance. "Alright. Lets go home. You go to Port Angeles and feed again, I'll get a good nights rest and then tomorrow... We go shopping,"

Alec nodded, letting me out of his arms. I picked up my bag, putting it over my shoulder. Alec took his soldier stance again; but I nipped that in the bud. Gently and carefully, I took hold of his hand. Alec just looked at it and then to me. He didn't pull it away though. He walked with me, my hand in his. I decided against entwining our fingers.

Now, I just had to convince dad and mom to let me to go this club...

—xXx—

It was still daylight when Alec left me at my grandparents. I didn't have to have super senses to know dad was watching at the window. I was sure Alec knew moments before, because the moment we came close enough for anyone within the large home to see us he had dropped my hand. He clearly didn't want to give anyone the wrong impression, though how could they? Dad was a mind reader, he would see we were only friends. If anything, he'd see what Alec's choice was pushing towards. We couldn't rely on Alice with her visions, since she wasn't able to see a thing involving Alec's decisions when I was around him. I guessed there was a bonus to being a freak of nature. Having privacy in my choices. No aunt Alice to suddenly see something; my dad to see it also and then lose the plot before anything was even thought of.

This is how I was certain they had no idea about this trip to Seattle. Three hours in a car with none other than my highschool crush. Granted, my best friends would be there too, along with my worst nightmare. I doubted Brittany Hill could handle looking at me for five seconds, how could she deal with being in a car with me for three freaking hours. Then again, Alec would be there too, considering he was the one who had most probably pushed Nathan into asking us; so I don't think the three queens of Forks high school would notice me much anyway.

Pushing the door open; I walked into the house utterly shattered. The full day was consistent with Alec acting more human than what I had witnessed before, questions on his and my relationship and most unfortunately, for him anyway, the invitation to join a group of humans on a night out. What fun.

"I'm home," I called out into the house. They all knew it anyway, but for the laughs I may as well make it seem as if they were oblivious. Ever since the rest of the family left for Alaska to join our extended family the house felt pretty much empty. There was never the bellow of uncle Emmett watching the game, or the gentle patter of uncle Jasper playing chess with aunt Alice, or the sound of aunt Rose flicking through her magazine. All in all, I really missed them. More than what I would have suspected. It wasn't for long though. As soon as prom was over; if I got a part in the damn play, we would all be reunited and things would go back to normal. For me and for Alec.

I was met with the warm and welcoming gaze from someone I wouldn't have suspected to be around for at least a while. Jacob moved out from the main room and into my line of vision, a large grin that reassured me he had missed me. Before I could even summon up words to express how... great it was to see him, I was in his arms. A tight, large embrase.

"Nessie,"

A few people still called me that. Ivy being one of them, but I had heard that she had taken a liking to what Alec had been calling me lately, just as Nathan had done. I have no idea as to why I had the sudden thought but I did. I was beginning to dislike the nickname 'Nessie' and prefer the one 'Reny' so much more.

"I've missed you," Jacob breathed, tightening the bear hug. At least I had something to remind me of uncle Em. He always gave the best hugs, even when you didn't want them; you couldn't help but enjoy them none the less.

"I've missed you too! How have you been?" I asked, prolonging the hug. I found myself not wanting to let go. It had felt like it been far too long since I had last seen him and in reality it was only a mere few days. I relied on Jacob, whisking me away to La Push when I felt Bella was getting a bit too far in 'mom mode.' It was only natural, though. All parents wanted to know what their teenagers were getting up too, since they no longer depended on them as much as they used too. But no matter what, Bella knew she would always be my mom. The one I would ultimately turn to when things got hard..

"Eh, same old." Jacob chuckled, eventually letting me go so I could gaze up at his towering posture. He had his hair cropped again, I could tell. Jacob sniffed the air, his nose screwing up. I figured he would have been used to the vampire stench by now, considering he was mainly round us all the time. Evidently not..

"You smell like... Death," His eyes narrowed towards me. Death? Well, that was new. I had always been told my family smelt like bleach. Compliments of Seth Clearwater, whose mind didn't filter what should and should not be said.

"Well... maybe your nose forgot what we smell like?" I shrugged.

Jacob picked at my jumper, leaning down and sniffing it again. I couldn't help but think of 'down doggy, bad boy.' God, maybe Alec was right. His sarcasm was rubbing off on me!

His nose screwed up yet again, with a mild shake of his head. "No, it's definitely you."

Great. I knew exactly what he smelt. Or should I say... who he smelt.

"I'll go for a shower," I quickly said. "What're you doing here anyway?"

Jacob shook the whole 'death stench' off, returning his features to playful and childish. Calm and cool. The usual Jacob look.

"I've been here since four. Alice said she couldn't see that bloodsucker's future so I guessed that meant he was with you,"

I nodded my head, grinning. "Yeah, I made him go to the park."

Jacob frowned, darkly. "The park?"

I nodded, unphased by his look. "It was fun," Shrugging it off, I made my way around him and into the main room. Edward wasn't there. Damnit. Grandma was though, reading a book. She smiled happily up towards me as I walked on past. Jacob was following, like a little dog. Ha. I made a joke.

"Anyway," Jacob continued as I wandered on into the kitchen. Bella was out back with Alice, doing what looked to be like gardening. At least they were doing something to pass the time. I went right to the fridge, pulling out a soda and another for Jacob. Turning around, I tossed it towards him. Jacob caught it in a quick move while I propped myself up on the stool.

"I was hoping you could come down to La Push tomorrow after school," Jacob said, looking hopeful. My gut dropped.

"Actually..." I started, looking down towards the can. This was probably going to come across as strange and surprise him, since I didn't have a social life apart from Jacob and the pack. "I have plans,"

"With who?"

"Friends," I muttered.

"What friends?"

Was it me or was Jacob coming across as a little... clingy? Maybe he couldn't see that I was actually a growing woman and I had other friends, rather than just him. My life was now split into places. I had friends from school, friends from La Push and... friends from Italy, or England, I didn't know what he classed himself as anymore. Italian or English?

I frowned towards Jacob. "Does it matter what friends?"

"Yes, it does."

"Oh, really? And why does it?"

Jacob scoffed, loudly. He cracked the soda open, taking a large drink from it. By the looks of it, that one large gulp finished the whole can. "Because... You're spending too much time with him."

"Him?" I laughed, eyes growing wide. Well, if Jacob wanted to argue then I'd let him have it back. He would clearly be surprised I was sticking up for Alec, but hell... Alec hadn't done anything wrong. "Him has a name, Jacob and its Alec," I snapped back.

"Does it matter what its name is?"

"Oh, Alec is a it now? Shall we go over what you are?"

Jacob's eyes narrowed, his hand crushing the can. "I don't kill innocent people."

Damnit. He had me on that one. Think, Reny, think. Oh god, now I was calling myself that? Ah, god. Defending him and calling myself his nickname? Never the less, I continued to glare at Jacob. I could see it was taking effect, but not as much as I wanted it too. I wanted him to apologize, but I couldn't understand why. It wasn't me he was offending. It was Alec, and what Alec didn't know wouldn't hurt him. But it hurt me, for whatever reason.

"So?" Was that all I could come up with? Seems like it. "What if I chose to eat people? Would you call me an it?"

Jacob's features changed. That got him! "All I want to know is if these plans are with him,"

I crossed my arms on the island within the middle of the kitchen I was sitting at. "So what if they are?"

"Can you stop being so stubborn, Nessie and just answer my damn question?"

I gritted my teeth. "Fine. Friends from school have invited me to go to Seattle with them. If Alec comes it's up to him, but I'm going." I jumped down from the stool, grabbing my soda can, walking around and passing him. Just before leaving, I turned and set eyes on his face.

"And I hope he does come. I like Alec, he's my friend."

With that, I about turned and headed on up the stairs. Leaving a confused, gaping Jacob stunned in the kitchen. Good, he deserved it. As I went upstairs, reaching the landing; Edward came out of Grandpa's office, with Grandpa behind him.

"Seattle?" Edward questioned.

I broke into a half smile. "I love you, Daddy?"

He rolled his eyes, letting out a sigh. "Were you planning on asking me?"

I nodded my head full heartedly. He looked at me somewhat sceptic.

"Please?" If I had to get on my hands and knees and beg, I would. That's how low I would stoop as to having one night away from Forks with friends... and enemies.

Grandpa placed a hand on Edward's shoulder, causing him to look back to him.

"If she is attending with Alec, I'm sure we could ask him to take extra care of her. Alec may be a Volturi member, but from my time with the Volturi he was very respectable and kept to his word."

I gave Grandpa a thankful glance, my hands clutched out in front of me as if praying. Edward looked back towards me, worry still within his eyes.

'I'll be fine, daddy. Ivy, Suzannah and Shannon will be there too.' I thought, eyes widening and giving a gentle pout.

"I suppose if we speak with Alec and he promises to keep you from harm..."

I squealed with delight, throwing my hands around Edward's shoulders, gripping him as tightly as I could. He chuckled and patted my back gently.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you. I promise I will phone you as soon as we arrive!"

Edward nodded, slowly moving past me and heading down the stairs. Grandpa passed also, giving me a gentle wink as he past. Oh yeah, it was epic having a Grandpa as cool as mine. I heard the door slam shut and a awful tearing sound from outside. Jacob had obviously left in a mood. Good, he deserved it.

I managed to phone Ivy, telling her of the invitation. She screamed down the phone, agreeing to go. Seemed everything was falling into place. If Ivy was going, Shannon and Suzannah would be attending also. Another memory I'd be able to treasure as the years pass and the three girls I came to adore would slowly begin to forget I existed. No sad thoughts. This weekend would be all about fun.

Right, shower! With that thought, I rushed right onward to the bathroom. After a half an hour in the relaxing showers, I headed to bed; where I fell asleep instantly. Tomorrow would be one long day, but totally worth it.

—xXx—

'"It's deep." I whispered, looking into the black abyss of the water in front of us. The large gaping hole seemed to have no bottom. Just a endless hole, reaching into nothing. Filled to the rim, so it was almost— in fact, it was— overflowing. My toes curled at the edge, the tips being covered by the water. It was warm, but cold at the same time. The perfect temperature.

"Too deep?"

I glanced up to the figure next to me, his eyes seeming large and soothing. His lips curled into that perfect little smile. Sure, I preferred the full on smile, where he showed his delightful teeth, but this one was just as good. More natural looking.

I put out my hand, taking his within mine. Our fingers instantly intertwined, like I had longed to do from the moment our hands first touched. Alec glanced to them, then back towards my chocolate like eyes.

"Don't let go, okay?"

"Never." He whispered, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.

I looked down at myself, quickly letting his hand go and grabbing the ends of my top. As quick as I could, I pulled it over my head, tossing it to the floor. Leaving me in my swimsuit. Alec was watching with intense eyes. He did the same, peeling off his black shirt and stepping out of his jeans. Leaving him in his boxers. Obviously the Volturi didn't own swimsuits.

Once again, I took his hand; entwining our fingers. I took a large, deep breath.

"On the count of three," I whispered.

Alec nodded. "One."

I smiled towards him. "Two."

Alec gave yet another squeeze of my hand and said the final number. "Three."

I took a large breath and jumped at the same time he did. We plunged right into the water, everything seeming darker. Silence consumed me. Consumed us. Alec's hand was all I could feel other than the water brushing on my skin. Taking one look to my side, I was reassured by crimson eyes. He pointed down.

'Further down?' I thought. Our hands were connected, so he could hear it.

Alec nodded, and began kicking his legs, his free hand pushing water behind us. I did the same, copying his moves. We moved deeper and deeper into the pitless pool. Everything got darker and darker. Before long, I felt Alec switch our direction. We were no longer swimming south, but east. Along a large, bending cave. I did my best to keep up, and before I knew it; he was pulling us upward. Air moved in all around my lungs, relieving me of the breath I had been holding.

"I thought that would never end," I laughed, running my hands over my head, pulling any hair out of my face. Alec was in front of me, treading the water while he flicked his hair to the side; putting it back into the flicked over the brows look.

"It isn't supposed to, I don't think." He replied while water droplets rolled down each side of his face.

I licked my lips, instantly regretting it. Salt water. We were near the sea? In fact, where were we? I looked around at my surroundings. It was a cave, no doubt. Water dripped from above, hitting against the ground that surrounded us, giving gentle noises. There was a longer narrow cave leading off into the distance.

"Where are we?" I whispered.

Alec's lips parted, revealing a toothy grin. I almost melted. "Come with me,"

He climbed out of the water with a graceful pull of himself up. He took my hand, pulling me up also. Quickly, he began pulling me into the darker cave. I loved adventures, don't get me wrong. But who would have thought I would enjoy a cave?

Puddles splashed due to our running, I couldn't help but giggle. Mainly because of the adrenaline consuming me whole. I had no idea where we were going and truth be told, I don't think Alec did either. Alec let go of my hand once we came to a dead end.

"Well that was pointless," I muttered.

Alec gave me a cheeky glance then turned back to the wall blocking us. With a gentle shove, it moved. It actually moved! Revealing blinding sunlight. Alec moved to the side, putting his hand out for me to go on in. Hesitantly, I did. One step after the other, I moved into the warmth. My skin glowed brighter than it ever had. The grass was greener than what I had ever seen, even greener than the moss that covered the bark on the trees within the forest in Forks. I instantly came to the conclusion, we weren't in Forks. I didn't know where we were, nor did I care.

My feet were tickled by the warm summer grass, going on for yards and yards. Trees towered all around me. For a moment, it reminded me of Edward and Bella's meadow, but this was too beautiful. It was closed off, hidden within caves. How Alec, how we, managed to find it, I'd never know. How it was even possible, I wouldn't know. Perhaps, this is a hidden world.

I glanced up towards the burning sun, the sky was clear. No clouds, no rain. Just pure blue. All around me was grass and different colours of flowers. Different breeds and types.

I spun around, despite trying to act like a mature adult. I loved this place. Spinning round and round, I came to a stop; noticing Alec still standing in the darkness of the cave. Watching me, grinning towards me.

"Come out," I put my hands out.

Alec shook his head.

"Please?"

He shook his head again. Putting my hands onto my hips, I frowned towards him. He really could be stubborn, a bit like me. Perhaps his sarcasm was rubbing off on me, but my stubbornness was rubbing off on him.

I began to walk towards him, Alec watched wide eyed. I think he knew what I was going to do. I took one of his hands with mine. "Reny,"

I shook my head, placing a finger upon his lips. They were soft, smooth, cold. Letting it fall again, I took both his hands. Gently, I began to pull him out into the sunlight. Almost instantly, I was overcome with how beautiful he was. His bare chest that was still wet, casting more reflective lights, shimmered perfectly. His face danced to life. Gentle sparkles within the cold marble like skin. Bella was right, seeing a vampire in the light for the first time, was the defining moment.

I released one of his hands, resting it onto his cheek. My thumb, without my permission, ran over his cheek bone. His eyes danced within mine. Reflecting what I could only believe the look on my face. Complete and utter amazement.

"You're beautiful," I whispered; once again running my thumb over his cheekbone. You would have thought there would be holes as to where the crystals were embedded within his skin, but it was smooth. Perfectly smooth.

Alec's hand moved up to mine, keeping it in place upon his cheek. He lent into it, holding it to his face; while his eyes closed and he let out a breath. He then moved my hand to his lips, kissing the tips of each of my fingers.

"And you, my sweet Juliet, are perfection on earth."

"I don't believe we're on earth anymore," I smiled, letting my hands drop with his still in mine.

"Perhaps not," He chuckled, "But wherever we are... I find myself not wanting to leave."

"Neither do I," I admitted.

"Dance with me," He whispered. I looked at him and frowned, fighting off the smile wanting to grow. "There isn't any music."

"Who needs music?" He laughed; bringing my hand up and spinning me. With a quick tug, I was in his arms once again. His hand rested on my waist, the other hand in mine. My free hand rested on his chest by his shoulder. Gently, Alec began to sway us side to side. I couldn't help but giggle. The laughter only continued when Alec began to hum.

"What?" He chuckled, continuing to hum. "You said there was no music,"

"You're cheesy," I laughed; resting my head into his chest, listening to his gentle breathing and his mellow voice humming to a song.

We danced for what seemed like forever. I eventually recognised the tune of the song, but not the name. Hey, I wasn't as perfect as most people thought I was. I knew the tune, that was a start. Recognising that the ending was soon approaching, I looked up through my eyelashes. Alec's chin rested on my head, his eyes closed as he hummed away. It made me think, we didn't have to leave. No one would be able to find us. We could stay here forever. Why couldn't we? We had forever anyway. Spend the rest of our days in the beauty of the sunlight —which hadn't faded in the slightest— and the never ending enjoyment of each other's company.

Gently, I used my gift to summon into Alec's head. 'Alec?'

"Mmhm?" He mused back, then continued to hum.

'... Can I keep you?'

Alec's voice stopped, as did his moving. He lifted his chin off my head and looked down to me, where I returned to look up at him. "I'm yours," He answered. "But Reny, do me one thing first.."

"Anything,"

Alec took a breath, his eyes turning compassionate and... sad?

"Wake up."

"What?" I frowned. No, no. This couldn't be. No, it couldn't be!

"Wake up, Nessie."

He said Nessie! No, this couldn't be happening!

"Nessie! Wake up sweetheart!" I was awoken by the sound of Grandma. I shot up as quickly as I could, feeling around my face. First thing I noticed that I was blushing. Oh dear god.

"You've got Seattle today, my dear."

"Thanks Grandma," I whispered; rubbing my face. She shut the door and returned downstairs. I sighed deeply, looking outwards towards the direction I would usually see the flickering light within the distance. Instead of the light, I saw smoke rising above, obviously coming from the chimney. What just happened? Well, this was going to be a very, very, awkward day...

A/N:

So, like I promised; the update!

I didn't expect to get 80 that quickly! Thank you!

So next update will be soon. I'm going to try make it a little harder for you. 95 reviews and it will be straight away.

(:

-C.H.