Chapter nineteen: Promises, promises.

Alec was a hunter. Carefree, but still dazzlingly graceful. He moved so freely through the trees, leading me towards Port Angeles in a out of mind state. It was as if I were watching him in a completely new angle. Well, I was. A angle where I appreciated every aspect that was Alec with great detail. I noted how even the most basic movements he made look sensual and elaborating. When it came down to being in the streets of Port Angeles, Alec crossed dark alleyways and crawled up walls. His nails gripped into the brick effortlessly, gliding him up as if he were simply crawling up them. Of course, I wasn't as fast at climbing as he was. So, even though Alec was clearly in hunter mode, he pulled me up on top of a roof. Then, he set on again. Leaping over gaps from rooftop to rooftop. He would peer down every now and then, clearly looking for a target. Eventually though, he did come to a complete halt, his eyes were glazed and his lips were pressed into a hard line. He was crouching, his hands resting in between his parted legs, barely gripping the edge he was resting on. It took me a moment to realize we were in the slums of Port Angeles. Where the drug dealers, the hookers, gunmen, etc all lived. There was quite a commotion going on below. I had to peek, just to see what Alec's crazed look was set upon. Down below, in the darkness was a male; battering against a locked door. Inside the door was screaming, a woman. She was pleading for him to leave. There was crying in the background too. Children. My heart instantly went out to them. Then, a sudden surge of anger rushed through me. Alec couldn't kill those kids! I wouldn't let him! But, when I looked at him; his eyes weren't on the door, or listening to the commotion going on inside. His dark, hunger burning black eyes were set on the male and the male alone. Every move he made, Alec's slits would follow.

"If you don't open this door, I will kill every single one of you in there, Allisa!" He man was screaming.

"I'll call the cops, Joe! I mean it!" she was yelling back. He was continuing to pound the door. I watched as Alec took a large breath, clearly sniffing out the area.

"Drunk," Alec whispered. I wasn't sure if he was talking to me, or himself. "Drugs," he added. Then, taking yet another sniff, his eyes darkened even more. "Armed."

Wait, what?! This guy was armed?! My heart began to race, frantically. "Armed with what?"

"Gunpowder," Oh shit. He had a gun.

"You're not going down there, are you?"

His eyes twisted towards me, daring and dashing all in the same. I tried not to swoon, even though I seriously wanted too. "If he doesn't go, the girl and her offspring will suffer."

That was all he said before giving a small apologetic smile. "You don't have to watch,"

With that, Alec lent forward; disappearing into the darkness. It took me several moments to spot him, but thankfully the gleam of his necklace gave his location away. His words continued to race through my head. If he doesn't, the mother and kids will. Then it all made sense. The threat the man made. He wanted to hurt them, kill them even. This family, if it could even be classed as a family, was suffering. Alec, in some strange way, was going to make things a whole lot easier for them. By removing the obvious problem.

I don't have to watch was what he said. Oh, but didn't he understand; I wanted too?! I wanted to see him in complete hunter mode. To marvel at how he could so easily take a life. The thought should have scared me, and it did... but it spurred me on all the more. Alec, being in complete control, showing me how dangerous he could be, it was something I couldn't bare to miss.

He was by the dumpster, hidden by the shadows. Watching his prey like some hawk. Then, casually as ever, he walked out of the darkness and into the light of a streetlamp from the end of the ally. He cleared his throat. "Problem?"

The man spun round, giving him a icy glare. "Get lost kid, or I'll do you in too,"

"Do me in too?" Alec mirrored, his tone full of amusements. "Oh, you can try."

"Don't test me, kid. I'll blow your brains out,"

Alec let out a sardonic laugh, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. This wasn't the laugh he did when it was just me and him. This was Alec as his most cold, most emotionless and most scary. I watched, transfixed. "Try, I dare you."

The guy was clearly taken back for the lack of fear Alec was showing. Inside, the girl was shouting on 'Joe.' Wanting to know if he was still there. The guy growled, well attempted too, and pulled out a revolver from his pocket. Before he could even come close to pulling the trigger, Alec had vanished to behind him. Oh, he liked to play with his food then...

He tapped the males shoulder; causing him to spin around and frown. "How did you?!" He screamed in panic.

Alec's eyes burned with fire, rage and complete and utter famishism. "Good night, Joe," Alec said quickly; and like a rocket; he lunged forward. Alec was still so graceful; so elegant. Even when the ripping sound of his teeth sinking through the skin and into the jugular cleared through the air. He clearly crushed the windpipe, for the attempt for the guy to shout for help was stopped. I had to hold my breath, for even at how cleanly Alec was doing this, not a single drip being spilled, the smell was still lingering up to me. God, it made my loins clench up. I wanted to spring forward and take the rest from him. In no time, Alec had finished. Quickly, he picked up the drained body and flung it over his shoulder. He climbed up the wall yet again, coming to me. I backed up from the edge out of instinct. He tossed the body onto the floor, which made a 'crack' sound. Probably the skull hitting the concrete. I cringed.

"Sorry," Alec said, his eyes now beginning to lighten from the darkness. I watched as the red began to eat away at the black. It was like a live show. A fight to be the dominant colour. "I'll be careful at how I put them down next time,"

Alec obviously saw my flinch. I smiled at him in response. "Shouldn't we dispose of the body?"

He nodded. "Not yet," he was watching down below again. The door opened, and the light haired woman; with wrinkled eyes, and a wet face peaked out. Looking for any signs of 'Joe.' Relief flooded around her, she let out a breath and smiled. "We're safe, girls!"

She shut the door quickly, and I watched as Alec's lips curved into a small, ghost like smile. "Now, we dispose of him."

Alec moved again, taking him and putting him over his shoulder. "You did well, Reny. Staying up here. I'm very impressed," he said; casually walking across the roof. I followed a few inches behind, eyes on him.

"Yeah well, it was pretty easy on my part. You provided quite a epic show."

"I do aim to please," he smirked.

"It would have been better with popcorn," I muttered.

"Perhaps next time, my dear."

"There will be a next time?" I almost glowed at the thought.

"That all depends on your choice, Reny. It's nice having someone to eat with, other than your family."

"We're not really eating together, we hunted..."

"I don't normally hunt," He said, scoffing yet again. "Our food gets delivered. We don't need to step foot out of the castle if we don't wish too."

"Oh, what a shame." I mused, beginning to catch up so I was walking by his side.

"Shame?" Alec repeated, looking at me. He was totally unaffected by the weight on his shoulder. Joe wasn't a small man. He was around four times the size of Alec. Maybe uncle Emmett's height. A size bigger, in muscle. Well, I wouldn't call it muscle. More fat than muscle. I watched in awe. "Why a shame?" he eventually asked.

"Then the world wouldn't get to hear you and your amazing one liners."

"I am good at those, aren't I?" he beamed quickly towards me, looking like an everyday human teenage boy receiving a compliment. Minus the four hundred pound sumo wrestler on his shoulder.

"Yup. Did you come up with that all on your own?" I scoffed.

"I did actually, right in the moment, Reny. It was all in the moment," he winked; and set on. I laughed, mainly to myself. Also mainly to him for making this topic funny. Alec really was a character, wasn't he? He was so different from everyone else I knew. I liked it. I liked him. I really, really liked him. I rushed on after him, planning to keep up. But planning, and doing are two completely different things.

—xXx—

"You know, you never really told me about yourself," I said to Alec when he resurfaced from taking the body underwater to bury him where no one would find him. His hair was clinging to his face, while I was clinging to his cloak. His shirt was mashed against his body, hanging on for dear life. I momentarily swooned. "I didn't?" Alec replied, his eyebrow arching while walking from the water.

I nodded, unable to carry on speaking. I needed to catch my breath.

"I was pretty sure I told you everything the other night," he said rather coy and bemused.

"You told me about your past. That's not you now." I shrugged. "I'm just curious, y'know."

"When aren't you curious?" He scoffed. "Alright, what do you want to know?" He asked, taking the cloak from me.

"Everything." I mimicked his words from the day at the lake.

He rolled his eyes. "Specifically, Reny."

"I mean it, everything. Apart from your past. I know that. And that you love books, and don't see the problem with personal space. The basics. Your favorite colour, time of day, hobbies, if you've ever been in love... Y'know, after Grace. Like, as a vampire... Oh, and why you keep flinching when I take your hand,"

He frowned. "Alright. Lets go for a coffee and chat this over,"

Playfully, but out of spite, he put out his hand. I took it, and noticed he didn't flinch. Which, made him give me a I-didn't-flinch-then-did-I smile. Oh, he could be annoying. He pulled me up, and began to walk back to the main part of Port Angeles. "Or we could chat over this while walking,"

Alec's eyes narrowed, but he kept them forward so that I couldn't see. Pft, did he think my eyesight was that terrible? Now that his eyes were a burning shade of red, I couldn't take my own eyes off them. I loved that colour. I was slowly beginning to class that as my favorite colour. "The basics," Alec repeated. He let out a shallow breath, his lips forming into a tight line. "Favorite colour; red or black. It was blue for a number of years. Maybe seventy five. Favorite time of day would be dusk,"

"Why dusk?"

His eyes became alive with fire. "It's the breaking point of day and night. Just when the sun is about to evacuate the sky, its simply breathtaking."

Slowly, I felt my eyes moving up to the sky. We were perhaps an hour away from sundown, or dusk as Alec put it. Maybe I'd see what he was on about. "Hobbies," Alec then continued. "When I was four hundred and... nine, I enjoyed photography, art and such."

"Is that how you got so good at drawing?" I asked, tilting my head to the side.

"I suppose, since that's all I would do when not out on missions as such."

"Sit in your room... drawing?"

He nodded, smirking at a thought. "Or leaning out the window, taking photographs of my fellow coven members in the gardens of the castle,"

"Stalkery." I mused.

He let out a little chuckle. "I grew out of that after a year or so, took time up with reading; which I still enjoy immensely." He shrugged. "I practiced the art of dancing,"

"Dancing? Like.. ballet?" I blanched, the thought of Alec in tights and a leotard being all too appealing.

"No," he smirked. "Waltzing, etc. I found that most people have their own way as to letting off steam," he shrugged. "Dancing was one of them, I enjoyed that; but it grew tiring after a few years."

"Then what?" I frowned, practically craving more information. He cast me a sideway glance, his lips pursed. "I began to terrorize my fellow guard members with my gift,"

My brows instantly pulled up. "How?"

"Blind man's bluff," he smirked. "Literally, blind.."

I tried to imagine what it would be like to be in a room full of light, or whatever, then suddenly the sight being taken from me. I instantly repelled from the idea. If my sight was taken from me, then how would I be able to look at his perfect face?!

"Then play practical jokes on the newer guards that had just joined."

I frowned, becoming more interested as he went along. Who could blame me? I had never stepped foot out of Forks, never wanted too; and yet he had travelled the world. He lived in Italy for christ sake! How more amazing could things get?! "They didn't know the castle all that well. I'd take their senses, move them to the other side and then leave. Let them try and find their way around." He scoffed, as if reliving the memory. I momentarily smiled.

"And, no. I have not. As a human, I only believed I loved her because I was weak and subsied to human emotion. Now, I'm above all that. I do not love, nor do I feel. If I am completely honest, Reny... I don't believe in love."

"You... You don't believe in love?!" I gaped, eyes wide. "But... But Bella and Edward, Aro and his wife.."

"Your mother was human, she could have loved easily. Your father... Well, I just see him as weak; no offence. As for Aro and Sulplica... They are not in love. Aro simply married her because he saw use of her being his mate. No love..."

"That's... so sad!"

"What is?"

"You, not believing in love. It's the only thing we have left!"

"That might be so, but I don't need it; nor do I want it."

Silence followed after that, and I felt myself growing more and more annoyed every time I thought of him not believing in love. Then it dawned on me the final bit of information Alec was to provide. The explanation as to why he keeps flinching when I, without telling him, take his hand. Of course, our hands were locked fine now; but that was because he offered it, so he expected it to come. I waited.

And waited.

And waited.

"Alec?" I finally said, frowning.

"Yes?"

"You're not carrying on," I said, exasperated.

"There is nothing else to say.."

"You're being a brute, Alec. You know there is one more thing I wanna know."

"And what is that?" Alec asked, not moving his eyes from in front of him. I had half a mind to pull his arm from its socket; maybe that would get his damned attention!

"Why do you keep flinching when I take your hand?"

Alec let out a low scoff. "I didn't flinch when you took it mere moments before," he pointed out.

"I know, but at the school."

He shrugged. "Took me off guard, that was all."

"You? Off guard. You're a crap liar Alec."

"On the contrary, I am the best bluffer you will ever meet,"

Somehow, I didn't know if I should believe him or not. I simply rolled my eyes. "It's just that you were fine up until after the audition," I mused.

"Renesmee," — Oh, full name. He was being serious. —"Just drop it, okay? I've given you a reasonable answer. Stop looking into it more than what it is,"

I frowned, dumbfounded. I had seriously hit a nerve, but I couldn't understand why. I mean, it was a harmless question, right? It he was flinching at me taking his hand, surely he could tell me why, and then I could stop myself from doing it the way that makes him flinch. Like, maybe I was grabbing it too hard, or too soft, being a bit too forward... Oh, the possibilities were outstandingly large. "Fine," I snapped, letting out a bitter edge to my tone.

He glanced to me, his eyes as hard as my tone. "You're angry."

"Well done,"

"Why?"

I shrugged. "It's nothing,"

"It clearly is," He stated matter-of-factly.

"Stop looking into it more than what it is," I mirrored, tone still hard. He let out a spine chilling sigh, grazed his thumb across my knuckles and continued to walk, dragging me along. "Is there anything else on your list you wish to know?"

I looked up to him through my lashes, finding his eyes now soft and sincere. How could I stay angry? I couldn't. I let a small shiver erupt through me before I could think. Alec instantly pulled up on it. Quickly, he took the cloak he was holding—since he didn't put it on when he took it from me— and put it over me. Warmth consumed me after a matter of moments. I began to go on with a list, which Alec happily went along with, giving mind numbingly great answers. I felt like, even more than what I did when he told me his past, I knew him better than before. We really were moving forward, even if Alec was holding back every now and again.

—xXx—

We ended up ditching the coffee idea, and heading back to the cottage. I was far too absorbed in the idea of learning more about Alec to even notice the fact we were now back in Forks and he was pushing the door of the cottage open, bringing me into the warmth. Pulling off his cloak; and putting it onto the back of the sofa, I gently fell onto the soft comforter. Alec wandered on it and put the kettle on. I was about to ask what he was doing, but he returned with a warm mug of hot chocolate, which I happily drank. When he sat beside me, he flicked on the T.V, and began to search through the channels.

"OH! STOP!" I yelled, quickly. Alec froze, his finger just on the 'next' button.

"I love this movie!"

"What is it?"

I gaped at him. "For a old vampire, you really are slow with the movies, aren't you?"

He shrugged, but continued to wait for my answer. "It's P.S; I love you. One of the best romance movies you will ever see... Ever!" Thankfully, it was only just beginning. Outside, the rain was picking up and hitting against the window; while it bounced off the ground; making sweet sounds. He turned up the volume.

"Alright, then you have to sleep. You have school tomorrow, remember." Alec mused, resting back and kicking his shoes off. I watched in a daze at how human he could be some times, even when he was acting like my dad. Gently, he placed his feet onto the coffee table; and got more comfortable. I eased in closer to him, resting my head against his shoulder. "What's your favorite movie?" I whispered.

"I don't tend to watch movies," he muttered back.

"You'll love this one, you old hopeless romantic."

"Hopeless romantic?" He scoffed. "No, not romantic. Just hopeless,"

I frowned at his words, trying to process them. I chose not to question it, for Alec was sitting too sharply with me on his shoulder for any questions. I knew it would most probably cause more of an argument and it was best just to keep quiet. The movie began to role, which took my attention instantly.

—xXx—

When the credits began to roll, I began to giggle. I couldn't help it. That one line always got me. Alec looked to me, seriously confused. His brow arched, and his eyes immense with curiosity. "It's like kissing my sister.." I repeated the line from the movie, making him scoff.

Then his eyes lit up with what seemed to be amusement. "You're crying." He smirked.

I frowned, and shook my head. "No. I'm not?"

"Reny, you are." He raised his hand, brushed it under my eye, then showed me the shiny liquid on his finger tip.

"I had something in my eye!" That was the best thing I could come up with? Seriously?! He let out a laugh, which caused my cheeks to flush ten shades. He seemed to relax somehow. "Yes, Reny. You did... Tears."

I frowned, playfully punching his arm. He scoffed back, flicking his hand over my leg as an attempted hit back. Oh, he was interested in playing now was he? Again, I pushed his arm, causing his posture to lean to the left. I quickly jumped up; and flicked his head with my own hand. His eyes came alive in that moment. Daringly dashing. Almost like the way they did when we had a snowball fight. "Renesmee Cullen, you are in for it."

"You'll have to catch me first," I said quickly, then bounded across the house; hiding behind the other side of the island in the kitchen. Alec strolled in, his lips in a devious grin. He moved to the left, as did I. Again, his eyes flared. "I will end up catching you, Reny."

"I'd like to see you try,"

"Your forgetting I expertise in paralysis. I could easily stop you from moving."

"And you forget I can invade your mind with my vivid imagination. I could easily made you see a girly fantasy." I smirked, continuing to move to the left, then to the right when Alec switched directions. "Plus, that would be cheating."

"Who said I wanted to play fair?" He grinned, then quickly leaped across the island. I was too quick though; rushing back through to the sofa. He was right behind me; his proximity too close; causing me to fall back onto the sofa over the arm. I did manage to grab onto him; pulling him down with me; much like the swing incident.

"Got you,"

"You cheated." I whispered back.

His eyes continued to dance in mine. "Bad me,"

I brought my hand up, taking hold of his cheek and brushing my hand over his skin. His eyes didn't falter to close. "Do you think maybe... I could come see you?"

"See me?" Alec repeated. I felt the strands of my hair being played with. It took me a moment to realize that Alec had his hand in my hair; stroking it gently. "In Italy?"

I nodded, my own eyes dancing in his own. "Well... I'd have to think about that."

I scoffed, which only made him smile. "Of course. I find myself wishing I didn't have to return. This time away has been the best in my life,"

"Mine too," I replied. "If I could have my way... I'd have you be here forever."

"Forever is a very long time, Renesmee." He whispered, his eyes even more deeper.

"Not long enough," I whispered. I was sure my mom has said that to my dad before, but I wasn't sure. Hell, I didn't even want to think about them right now!

Alec let out a gentle breath, which invaded my face. Only causing my eyes to close momentarily. "Perhaps, you should sleep now." he pulled up away from me, pulling me up at the same time. "Go, rest now."

I watched him move to sit on the other end of the other side of the sofa; eyes set on the credits rolling down the screen. I sighed, and moved through the cottage. Then, grabbing the cover laying on my bed, I dragged it through the house and back to the sofa; where I sat down beside Alec; quickly, and wrapped it around us both. I grabbed his arm, moving it around me; so my head was resting partly on his side. He was gazing down at me, confused beyond the max. I looked up towards him through my lashes and flashed a grin.

"What are you doing? You have a perfectly good bed through the other room, Renesmee."

I shrugged. "I like the couch better."

His brow creased. "Why?"

"Because I can stay closer to you."

He let out a small scoff. "Go, off to bed."

I shook my head, hugging into him tighter. "Nope, I like it here."

"You're being stubborn," he whispered. I merely shrugged.

"My bed isn't really all that perfect," I added, heavy eyed.

"Isn't it?" He asked. I yawned while shaking my head.

"Why not?"

"Because it doesn't have you there to hug into. I like your hugs," I mused. Nuzzling my head in even closer to him and letting my eyes close. "And your smell. It calms me..."

Alec didn't reply. He just kept still. "You're not going to go, are you?"

"I'm not moving, no. If that's what you're asking." he said, gently.

I smiled slightly. "Partly what I'm asking, but that will do for now."

He let out a low and gentle chuckle. Then, I felt a small pressure to my head and the feeling of his breath running through. Alec, as gentle as ever, kissed the top of my head. "Goodnight, Reny."

The moment he said that, I fell far into the oblivion.

—xXx—

I awoke to the gentle movements of breathing. When I looked up, Alec was looking down at me. His features were light. His eyes were violet. He had contacts? When did he put them in? I let out a little smile, while stretching my arms. "Hi," I whispered.

"Hi," He smiled back.

"When did you get contacts?" I asked, sitting up.

"Five minutes ago. I changed as well, and made you something to eat. We have school,"

His answer was so straightforward, yet it still left me in a total daze. I gazed up at him, bemused to say the least. Ah, school. Another torture full day of having to deal with the fact I couldn't sit with my friends, or tell them the latest on my strange life. Let them in with the information of my amazing trip with Alec. Not the one where he basically tore a guy's throat out, but resulted in saving a family; but the one where I took a photo of us. Which, was now my screensaver. Again, I slumped down while Alec got up. "Come on, it's only six."

I groaned, and watched him wander out of the room. I let my eyes close again, debating if I should get up or not. Without knowledge, I dozed. "Come on, Renesmee. We're going to be late."

I awoke to the stir of Alec shaking my shoulder. I sighed again, stretching out once more. "Late? It's only six." I repeated his words, sitting up fully this time.

"It was six.. Now it's seven thirty."

I was up within an instant. Seven thirty?! Crap! I had fallen asleep, for an hour and a half! Oh, damnit. I hadn't done this in god knows how long. I hurried out of the living room, almost tripping on my cover that was now on the floor. I must have kicked it off during the night. I quickly changed into a pair of clothes from my room, and was out in an instant. Luckily, Alec had a piece of toast ready. On the side, was what looked like a cooked breakfast, but it was plated up and covered. Ah, I felt seriously guilty in that instant. I should have gotten up when I was told, that way I could have enjoyed what Alec had took the liberty in making me. I took the toast, never the less. Thanking him, I chewed on it while shoving my flats on. A simple pair of jeans, and a blue hoodie over a plain white tee-shirt, was what I was permitted to. My hair was just shoved up into a messy bun, but I liked it none the less. I thanked every single day ever since aunt Rose showed me how to do it perfectly. I continued to eat the toast while rushing out the door. Alec was behind me, and before I could turn with a gasp; Alec was holding the thing I had forgotten. My bag. My lips curved sheepishly.

"Thank you," I whispered, taking it from him. He bowed his head, shrugging. "I believe the term goes 'You'd lose your head if it wasn't screwed on?'" He arched a brow, mockingly.

"Are you mocking me?" I frowned. Alec closed the door swiftly, and it was then I got to take in full detail of the clothes he was wearing. Grey jeans, sneakers and a black leather jacket rolled over on top of his black shirt. Perhaps that shirt was Alec's favorite, since he was forever freaking wearing it! But who was I to complain, if you could even class this as complaining. I mean, I loved Alec's style. It was always so damn-mouth-droppingly-hot. But the leather jacket? Where the hell did he pull that one from?

"I wouldn't dream of it, Reny." He purred, causing my knees to want to buckle from under me. You dare, I warned them. I rolled my eyes towards him, which only caused a low chuckle to erupt from his throat. He took my hand and began to pull me along.

Eventually, when we arrived to school; everyone was out in the parking lot. When I say everyone, I mean my former lifelines; Suzannah, Ivy and Shannon. They were chatting idly to one another. Across from them, was Nathan and his friends. Mercedes and Amber were there also. Amber was flicking around with her hair, while Mercedes was texting away. I smiled sarcastically to myself in reminiscence to the time I actually willingly had a peaceful conversation with them. Alec had by this point let my hand fall adrift and sauntered beside me as we made our way towards the building. To my surprise however, Amber stopped with the hair flicking; and smiled in my direction. She nudged Mercedes, who too gave me a friendly grin. I just returned a sly, shy, confused and slightly concerned smile back, and averted my eyes back to where we were walking.

"They are watching you," Alec said rather tonelessly.

"Who?"

"Everyone." He smirked. "Your friends," he simplified. I took a small glance, which confirmed his words. They were watching me. I didn't take the time to look enough to see what emotion they were wearing, and quickened my pace. Alec held open the door when we reached it and I wandered on in.

"They might wish to speak to you soon, Renesmee." Alec said. "Perhaps you shouldn't be so wrapped up in trying to avoid their eye contact, for that will get you nowhere."

"Maybe I don't want to go nowhere."

"You and I both know that if a lie."

I glared up at him, but who was I kidding. Alec was right. He was always right. I gave a inward sigh, and nodded. "Maybe tomorrow," I whispered.

"When you find out you have gotten the part of Juliet?" Alec smirked.

"Which I won't be playing,"

"Which you will be playing."

"Won't."

"Will,"

"Will not!"

"Why not?" Alec frowned, his eyes piercing into mine. My breath hitched.

"Because... like I said, I don't feel comfortable doing anything like that unless its with you."

Alec's eyes darkened slightly. My pulse began to run wild. "As flattering as that is, Reny... Sometimes you have to go outside your comfort zone in order to keep others happy."

"Like you do with me?" I challenged. At this point, we had come a halt in the middle of the corridor. My arms were crossed over my chest, and Alec's hung happily at his side. "What are you implying?"

"That you go out of your way to keep my happy." I shrugged.

He scoffed. "Renesmee, perhaps I should remind you as to who I am.."

"You don't need too. I know who you are. What you are. Why you are the way you are. And I still believe, deep down, you care if I'm happy or not."

His jaw clenched firmly. "Lets get to class,"

He snapped around and began in a quick pace down the narrow length. I hurried after him, flying high within my soul. I had stood up to Alec stronger than what I had ever done before, and better yet, he didn't deny what I was stating! So, perhaps there was a little... even a small molecule of him that cared if I was happy. Why else would he be dragging himself through school, helping me at the start to try and get Nathan, going to a damn club with me, going shopping, taking me to the park... The list goes on! Alec, did care. I knew it. And I would prove it, somehow.

—xXx—

"You're mad at me." I mused while sitting at the lunch table. The first lessons had gone rather long. Dragging out to the point where I just wanted to fall asleep. Though, that might have been because Alec refused to say a word to me throughout the morning. I could only imagine it was because I caught him off guard, yet again; since apparently I had a real gift at doing that to him, and made him uneasy. Who cared? I was just stating the truth.

He didn't answer. He was glaring down at my blueberry muffin, picking at it. "I wasn't planning on eating that or anything," I shrugged, finishing the rest of my salad. He didn't so much as break a smile. He pushed the mushed muffin back towards me, probably imagining that I would try and salvage it. I rolled my eyes, and took a drink of the my water.

"Did you hear?" A girl squeaked while walking behind us. "Nathan said no to going to the prom with Brittany! That's why she's not in today! She was so angry, she kicked her car and broke her toe!"

I couldn't help but flinch. Ouch. I hadn't broken a limb before, but I could imagine it must of hurt. Especially kicking a car. Poor girl. But that only brought my thoughts back to one thing that I had put out.

"Prom," I groaned, eyes shutting. "I need to pick out a dress."

I peaked towards Alec, who was now looking at me. His eyes were light and curious. Perhaps maybe he'll talk to me now. "Hey, you were probably around at that time. Got any tips on a Italian Venice masked ball dress and mask?"

Alec's eyes peaked up at this moment. Fire licked around the sides of his perfectly detailed slits. Oh, well now I had his attention I wouldn't give it back for a while. "Italian Venice masked ball?" Alec repeated, his tone somewhat composed and sounding... home sick? AW!

I nodded. "There was a debate on a James bond theme, but it came to the conclusion it had already been done. So, we went with a classic. Any tips?"

His lips curved delicately. "I could sit and tell you many, many factors on that subject."

"I have time," I grinned.

"What about class?" Alec arched an eyebrow. I simply shrugged.

"It's only History then gym. I don't think Mr. Yates will mind us not being there, and as for Coach Newton, he's too busy with keeping an eye on his golden boy," I pointed my chin towards Nathan's table. Alec scoffed.

"So, we will be ditching?"

I nodded. "Never done it before out of spite, but hell... There is a first for everything."

Alec flashed his teeth and nodded. "Come on then,"

He stood up gracefully, and I tried to follow in his footsteps, but ended up catching my knee on the table, making a thud. Damnit, Renesmee! He didn't mind though, he just hurried on out the cafeteria, and I followed as eagerly. We reached the parking lot in no time, passed the cars and down the stairs. Quickly heading down to main town Forks. We found a little coffee shop, which I hadn't been in at all in the years I had lived here, and sat way in the back in a secluded both. That way, we couldn't, and wouldn't —hopefully— get interrupted.

"Alright, so you know the origin of the masked ball, correct?" Alec got right on the facts. I laughed, nodding.

"Italy, duh."

He rolled his eyes. "Just making sure. Alright, so... The mask itself is a weird and wonderful thing. It can vary up to metal masks all the way to being satin, or silk, or feather. In fact.."

I began to tune out, just watching his lips move. It wasn't that I wasn't interested. It was just the hypnotic stare of his lips compelled me to put all my attention on them. To think... I kissed them. I had them on my lips. His soft, heavenly taste right there... on my mouth. But it wasn't just his lips that had me in a trance. It was how lost Alec looked when saying all these things! He really did love Italy... Didn't he? Of course he did. It was the only place he knew where he wasn't called a witch, or under threat of being burned alive for being a twin, or being different! Aro had taken Alec, a corrupted little boy, and put him in the hands of power. He had taken it so well, might I add. He was no longer scared, nor little. Alec wasn't that small boy that Aro rescued centuries ago. Alec was now a man who was defyingly beautiful beyond hope.

"Renesmee?"

I blinked. "Huh?"

"You're blushing. Are you alright?"

Oh crap! Damnit! "Sorry. It's just a bit hot in here.." Because of you, my thoughts screamed. I thanked the lord I wasn't holding his hand or something!

Alec nodded slightly. "As I was saying... The dress is mainly consistent of darker colours and in the style of Vandyke, but that was back in the Renaissance era," he scoffed.

I smiled partly. "You really do know your stuff,"

He shrugged. "I had to attend countless Masquerade balls. Aro was quite fond of them,"

I laughed. "I can just imagine you in a mask,"

"I'll have you know... I looked rather fetching,"

Oh, I can believe that...

"Anyway," Alec continued. "Then there is the dancing."

"I think they'll be dancing the way they want too at the prom," I shrugged.

His lips tweaked into a devilish smile. "But no one will be doing the correct Venice masked ball waltz,"

"You know it?"

"Every man in that era knew that dance. Well... the upper classed ones that is." He scoffed. "I will never forget the seven days of complete and utter torture of having to dance with Sulpicia and Athenodora over and over until I got it right."

I laughed. "Seven days?"

He nodded. "The same tune. Over and over and over... I was still humming that damn tune four years afterwards!"

I let out a even louder roar of laughter. "Do you think you could teach me it?" I grinned.

Alec's eyebrows arched. "The Viennese Waltz?"

I nodded. Alec seemed to hesitate, but I gave him the best puppy dog look I could comply. Alec, eventually, let out a breath and nodded. "We will need a large amount of space. The cottage is far too small, even if we were to rid of the furniture?"

I pursed my lips. "What about... A meadow?"

Alec arched an eyebrow, his lips pursing also. "A meadow... That might work. You'll need to take me to it first, however."

I nodded. "Sure!"

"And we will need a portable stereo, in order for you to learn the moves in time with the music."

"I'm sure my uncle Emmett has one in his closet somewhere."

"Alright, and Renesmee?"

I smiled, brightly might I add, too him. "Yes?"

"Try your hardest not to take seven days. I don't think Jane would be able to handle another four years of my constant humming."

I laughed, putting my hand onto my chest; over my heart. "I promise."

He grinned, leaning back in the chair and glancing up towards a waitress finally making her way over.

—xXx—

When I looked to the clock, and it showed it was the end of school, I had finished the rest of my coffee. Alec had continued to go on about steps that were tricky, and that we should perhaps go over first. Just so that I could get the hang of them. He was looking out for me in a way, I figured. Learning the harder steps to it first was the best option, because once they were mastered; then the rest would be piss easy... I hoped.

The whole walk, Alec spoke of the Renaissance era, of how much fun it was most of the time. I could just picture him, in a crowded room, sweeping some freshly groomed girl, with a long dress and a mask that complimented her face divinely, off her feet. Of course, she would have been beautiful. There was no way in hell Alec could have settled for a ordinary looking girl. Not with the way he looks. She would have to be tall, with long blonde hair, and bright eyes. Someone like... Aunt Rose. Who could have the world at her feet and to make matters better for her, she would of had Alec there too. In total, this had been the most Alec had spoken the whole time I'd known him. Perhaps being found by Aro was the best thing for him and his sister. Being in Italy was where he was supposed to be.

When we arrived home, I settled into going to find a stereo. Alec told me to meet him outside within fifteen minutes. I figured, it would take forever to learn how to dance. Considering he usually left me with an hour to be ready to spend the day with him. Oh well. The more time with him, the merrier. When finding the 'boom box' as uncle Emmett labeled it, I hurried out. Alec was standing; his cloak huddled around him. Bella was watching us from the window, but didn't ask what we were up too. We disappeared into the tree's and headed right for Bella and Edward's meadow. Bella was forever bringing me here, but it had finally come to some good use. A dance arena. The tree's were surrounding the open area. Speaks of sunlight flooded down through trees, lighting up certain points in the area.

"Warm up," Alec said, setting the box down and placing a disk inside. I figured maybe he burned the song onto a disk while I had been getting things. I did as I was told, though. Stretching my legs, arms and waist. Who knew those hideous dance lessons with Mrs. Crane for gym would come in handy. She had taught us the basic warm ups, which I was using to my full advantage now. Alec had peeled off his cloak, folded it up and placed it beside the stereo.

Then, he looked right at me. "Warm enough?"

I smirked, shrugging. "I think so."

He nodded. "Alright. I'll talk you through them first.. Then when I believe you to be ready, I'll start with the music."

He strolled over to me, and casually took my hands in his.

"We start like this."

He held both my hands loosely on his infront of us. "First, the female curtsies like this." He gently bent his legs, lowering himself down and bowing his head towards our hands. Then, gracefully standing up, his eyes met mine again.

"Then, the male, bows like this." He lent forward, without bending his legs and lowered his head. I nodded. "Then," Alec paused; letting our hands go. "We place our hands up; barely touching and circle."

He lifted his hands into the air, spread out. I mimicked his actions, and began to circle; keeping my hands up, ever so close to his. After three turns of circling; he stopped. "Then, our hands touch." He placed his hands back onto mine. Still straight; but palm to palm. "Again, we circle the other way."

I had to fight the laughter, but copied him. Alec was so serious when it came down to this. It was almost hysterically funny. To think, this was what they did all the freaking time. Was there any real dancing? Or was it all circling and hand touching, non touching stuff? Again, three times, he came to a stop. "Bring your left hand up, arching it over your head, and clasp the tips of my fingers on my right hand."

I did as I was told, and again, we began to move around; staring at one another deeply in the eyes. He then twirled me, gently, then brought me closer to him.

"Now, you place your hands onto my shoulders."

I did, rather happily. Finally! His hands moved to my waist; taking a secure hold. He lifted me quickly, and did a half turn. I let out a little shriek, and he smirked. Bastard. When my feet were on the floor yet again, he kept his left hand on my waist, and raised his right one. "Now, you take this hand... And we begin."

I took his hand, but not without a sarcastic roll of my eyes. "I thought we already began."

"Oh no. That was just the introduction. Evaluation of the partner. Taking in their weaknesses, etc."

I laughed. "Do I have any?"

Alec's eyes sparkled, only causing my breath to fault. "No. You are a natural."

"And you are a flirt," I smirked.

He shrugged. "Another trait men had to have in the Renaissance era. We had to be charming,"

"I see, but... Alec, I have news for you. This isn't the Renaissance era anymore."

He smirked. "I know, but a little bit of charm doesn't hurt anyone. Now, stop talking. We aren't finished yet."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes yet again. "Sorry,"

"You will be if you stand on my toes." He playfully winked. "Now... We move to the left.."

This went on for hours. Countless hours, of Alec bowing, non hand touching, hand touching, spins, waltzing across the grass, more spins, more lifts, more non hand touching and hand touching. I could see why it took him so long to remember the damn steps perfectly! It was so confusing. And what made me feel even more sorry for him, he had to do it perfectly... in time with other people. Over and over again! I doubted I would be doing this at the prom, I just wanted to know how to do it; y'know. Take a little bit of interest in Alec's culture. Clearly, I was in deeper than what I could manage. Every freaking time I got something wrong, Alec would do what Sulpicia and Athenodora did to him. Restart the whole thing from the beginning. Eventually though, I did get to hear the harmonic sound of what the music tasted like. It was light, slow at points, but then it would make up for that. I noted, that every quick note; it would be a hard move. Then, slower; it would be something simple as a lift and half turn, or switch of directions. When the song came to an end, for what had to be the seventeenth time. Alec was gazing down at me with such a look, I could have melted to the floor. "You did it. All correctly."

"I did?!" My own surprise made up for the both of us. I did it?! I got it right?!

"You did amazingly."

"Can we do it again? This time... Without you going 'one, two, three?'"

"You think you could handle that?"

"Alec... I know that damn song better than you probably."

"I highly doubt that." He smirked. He vanished from my touch; and was at the box; hitting 'play' once again. Before the music could start, he was infront of me again. He placed out his hands and I took them gently. He held them out in front of us, and I took a gentle breath. Right... I could do this. The music started, and I dipped down in time with the music and waited three beats. Alec might not have been saying 'one, two, three,' aloud, but he was in my head. Alec then bowed, his eyes closing. After three beats, Alec stood. I moved my hands away; and held them up at the same time he did. Then, began to move around in a circle in time with the music. One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three.

We paused, and brought our palms together in front of us. Again, we began to circle each other the other way. One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three. I quickly put my hands onto his shoulders, and Alec placed his hands onto my waist; quickly half spinning me and placing me down. My hand met his, while the other stayed on his shoulder. Naturally, the man was the leader. So, with his lead, he began to move us forward. Or, backwards for me. Then, abruptly move backwards again, forwards for me. Another half spin, so we were facing the other way; he began forward once more. He pulled out, moving me into a quick spin, and then pulled me back into his arms, so I was facing forward; and he was behind me. With a rush of heat, I felt his pelvis on my hip. I wanted to shudder, but I held it in. Alec began to move us forward, left then right and with another spin, I was back facing him. I noticed, Alec was grinning. Trying to hold back laughter, clearly. His smile, as infectious as ever, rubbed off on me; and I found myself smiling up at him while he moved us back and forth gracefully. Waltzing us from corner to corner over the verity of land. Every now and then, we would graze under a sunlight spot, causing his skin to shimmer. I tried to ignore it, for the effects would be terminal. This went on for a total of three minutes and twenty eight seconds. Then, I curtsied, while he bowed; our hands resting in the same way they were when we started.

When the music came to a halt, I looked up and squealed, throwing my arms around him in triumph! It took Alec seven days to learn that. Granted, my performance probably wasn't as perfect as it was expected to have been in that time era, but I was pretty darn happy with it. He laughed; and spun me yet again. He really was getting used to this... human thing. How to react at a hug. Or maybe he was just used to me throwing my arms around him by now. I scoffed, and grinned up at him with large, happy eyes when he rested me down again.

"Not bad for a first timer, eh?" I boasted.

"Not bad at all," he repeated. "Perhaps, I can speak to Aro when I return to Italy and ask for a Masquerade ball to happen for a later birthday of yours. Then, you and I can dance to that."

"With other people? At the exact same time?" I blinked. Oh god!

He nodded. "I don't see why not. I'm sure Aro would be thrilled."

"I'm sure my dad would be too," I stated sarcastically.

Alec smirked. "Your father wouldn't dream of turning down an invitation from the Volturi... That would be suicide,"

I rolled my eyes. "Alright then. It's on. My eighteenth. Promise?."

"Promise," He grinned.

"And I'll bet I'll be better at this dance than you possibly ever could be."

His eyes lit up in a devilish manner. "Are you challenging me?"

"It's on like donky kong."

He let out a laugh and nodded. "Alright, if you are better than I, which I highly doubt you will be, I will take you to Juliet's wall. But, if you are not... What do I get?"

"Fifty points?" I offered, smirking.

Alec laughed again. God, I loved that sound. "Something a little better, please."

I frowned. "Hmm... Alright. Me."

His eyes narrowed. "You?"

I nodded.

"Why you?"

I shrugged. "Why not? A dude that has everything. What else could he possibly need to have? Something that isn't his. In this case... It being me."

He laughed. "Go on."

"Yours for an entire day. To do with what you wish."

"No restrictions?" Alec seemed to be liking this idea all the more.

"None."

"Deal. For your eighteenth, Reny."

"Two years will fly by," I smirked.

"Better get your dancing shoes ready. For, I'm not going to let you win; which I had planned to do before your appealing offer."

"Trash talk? What happened to charm?"

Alec scoffed. "You want charming?" he offered his arm. "I shall walk you home, m'lady. It's getting far to dark now, and I'm sure you have studies in the morning."

"I'd like to study you," I let it roll off my tongue before I could stop it. Thankfully, Alec was still in play mode. So, he was none the wiser. He thought I was simply teasing. Thank god!

"Perhaps one day, I may allow you to do so." He winked.

Promises. Promises.

A/N:

So, because I've been so behind on that extra chapter; I'm going to give a task. Get me to 290 reviews, and I'll post it. Think you can do that? ;)

Anyhoo, as you can see there are a severe amount of flirting going on here. And... You get to see what Alec thinks about it all... IN THE NEXT CHAPTER.

So, better get those reviews in, eh?

I love you all!

-C.H