Impressions of Three Men in Black - A Poly!Volturi Kings tale
Celeste, Aro, Caius, and Marcus set off on their three days at sea, sailing around the island of Sicily. Will such close quarters make it harder or easier for the human and her three mates to get along?
Chapter Eleven
Sea, sun and...fun?
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The day was cloudy and warm, perfect for the three vampires and their human mate to begin their sea journey. They were picked up by a car at the villa and driven to the pier, where they boarded the yacht together. Celeste's eyes widened when she took in the dream vessel before her. She'd never been on a yacht, but one this luxurious was more than she could expect. It was huge and beautifully appointed. Celeste couldn't wait to check out every square foot. They were greeted by the staff who were lined up, waiting on deck.
"Did you know it looked like this?" she asked Aro.
Of course he knew. "Nothing is too good, cara, if it pleases you," he replied, his fingers stroking her chin.
The captain turned to speak with Aro, Marcus, and Caius, while the chef came over to talk with Celeste.
"Buongiorno, Miss Celeste. I am Chef Emilio Costa. I understand you love international cuisine. I do hope to present you with some excellent choices for your meals. The Volturi masters do not eat human food, so it will be my pleasure to treat your palate to some of my original dishes."
Celeste flashed a smile at the vampire in the chef hat. "Grazie, Chef Emilio. Frankly, I was surprised to hear a vampire would want to remain a chef while being unable to eat his own creations."
Chef Emilio laughed. "If you would be so kind as to tell me if you enjoyed them, I would be most appreciative, Miss Celeste. It will be my honour to serve you. And if you have anything special you'd like, let me know."
"And I'd be happy to share my thoughts with you. I'm truly looking forward to seeing your daily menus." She noticed Marcus waving to her, and excused herself to go to him while the staff returned to their duties.
When she reached Marcus' side, he slid an arm around her waist, drawing her close. He leaned down to kiss her temple. "Are you enjoying yourself, my love?"
"It just started, Marcus, but I am excited to get underway." She gave the tall vampire a tight hug and excused herself to go to her cabin. "Uh, Marcus, which cabin is mine by the way?"
He led her away from the others and inside the boat. There was a sizable living area, with comfortable looking furniture, a large HDTV set into one of the walls. It had a built-in music system as well. Celeste liked listening to music, so was happy to see that. A dining table sat in a sectioned off area just past the living room. Marcus led Celeste downstairs to a short hall.
Pointing to the first door on the right, he said, "This is my cabin. Across the hall is Caius' cabin, and next to his is Aro's. Your cabin is here, my dear." He opened the last door on the right to reveal a very large room with a king-sized bed. There was a dresser, a chair in each of the opposite corners, and an elegant ensuite bathroom. Side tables held lamps providing light within.
"Marcus, it's gorgeous. I love it! I could live here for more than just four days." She moved around the room, checking out everything. She smiled and turned to her mate. "Thank you again for all this. I love you so much." She hugged him, then tilted her head back, waiting for him to bend down and kiss her.
His cold lips captured hers with a passion he had not felt in ages. He knew he would again be the last to spend any time with her privately, but he was a patient man. Had he not waited for thousands of years to feel this happy again? The time he had to wait to be alone with her was nothing in comparison.
"Get comfortable, my love. Unpack and begin relaxing. I will see you up on deck?"
"Yes, Marcus. I'll wash up and change, and be right out."
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The boat was underway, apparent by the low rumbling of the engine. It felt so comforting, she knew she'd have no trouble falling asleep to its hum.
Unpacking, she chose a swimsuit to wear, deciding on the one that was Heidi's choice. But sudden shyness made her put on the matching cover-up. She grabbed the bottle of SPF lotion, and put on one of her new scarves and her very dark JackieO-isque sunglasses.
Celeste left her cabin and walked down the short hallway to the stairs, then up to the living area. She stepped out onto the rear deck and into the sunlight, where three pairs of red eyes turned to stare at her.
"Your suit is not the same one you had at the villa, my dear," Aro said, obviously distracted.
Celeste was trying not to feel embarrassed. These were her mates, after all. "Heidi didn't feel the suit Chelsea picked out for me showed enough skin. This was her choice." Celeste spun in a circle, the white with teal polka dots cover-up flaring out, displaying the teal bikini beneath it.
Caius couldn't help but stare, his eyes darkening. "It's very pretty, Celeste. You're...very pretty."
"It's entirely too revealing," Aro chided." But he had to admit, if only to himself, Heidi had made an excellent selection.
Celeste noticed Aro and Marcus were dressed in swim trunks and loose-fitting t-shirts, while Caius wore a lightweight open jacket. The fact they had impervious skin meant no need for SPF. She smiled at them all, thinking how cute they looked, sitting on the deck chairs like any human. She planted herself on the lounger next to Marcus, who had said nothing, but she knew his eyes had been following her since she had appeared through the living room doors.
"Love, may I ask a favour of you? I need to have this sun protectant smeared on my back, and I can't reach. Would you mind?"
"Not at all, Celeste. I would be happy to assist you." Marcus ignored the stare Aro was giving him, weary of his brother's continued jealousy. When Celeste sat on her lounger, Marcus sat next to her and began to apply the lotion on her back. Her flesh was warm, made more so by her being in the sun. She sat upright while he rubbed her back and shoulders, making sure to cover every inch of her exposed skin, from her neck down to her waist. After a few minutes, he felt her relax under his ministrations as she sighed with pleasure.
"That feels marvelous, Marcus." His cold hands actually felt good against her skin in the warm Mediterranean sun. She accepted the bottle from him, putting a bit of the lotion on her ears before applying some on her arms and legs. She set it next to her lounger and lay back, stretching and sighing. It got very quiet. She opened her eyes beneath the sunglasses to see her mates were still there, unmoving. They were just watching her. "Can you not do that? It's making me uncomfortable."
"What would you have us do, love?" Aro asked.
"Talk, play cards, go for a dip in the small pool." Celeste smiled. Surely their existence didn't depend on her. It was all too strange.
A steward silently brought Celeste a cool drink, setting it down on the table beside her. "Thank you. It's looks delicious," she said to him, before he left with a smile while she observed his skin sparkling in the sunlight. "I forget they're vampires too," she laughed, grabbing Marcus's hand and squeezing.
The movement of the boat was creating a slight coolong breeze. Celeste wondered if there were any shipboard actvities, something to distract her mates. "Caius, my darling, is there any skeet shooting equipment on board?"
The blonde vampire thought a moment. "I'll go ask someone. You like to shoot?"
"I've done some target shooting. Handguns, rifles, bows."
The warrior in Caius was impressed by his mate. "If I find anything, you'll shoot against me?"
Celeste waved an arm in the air. "I will, and I'll beat you too."
"Challenge accepted," he replied. He hoped they did have such diversions aboard and went off to find it.
Success made Caius a happy man. He and Celeste stood at the stern of the boat, taking turns shooting at the clay discs. Celeste was good, but Caius was better. That this was a rifle and not his usual sword impressed Celeste. She really didn't know how modern these vampires were. They used technlogy such as cell phones and laptops, yet at times, they seemed locked in time, their time being long ago. Well, if they were going to be her mates, they'd have to just keep up.
When they had finished, Caius put away the equipment and returned to Celeste's side in no time. She was gazing down at the passing water, her arms resting on the railing. Caius came up behind her, one hand on the railing while the other sat on her far shoulder. He kissed her cheek, smiling at her when she turned to face him.
Celeste kissed her mate back, and told him how fun it was to shoot with him. "We need to do that more often when we return to Volterra."
Caius assured her they would do more in future. "Now, Celeste, sing for me that song you were singing in the shower. THe one I interrupted. The one about the vampire and his human lover."
Aro and Marcus both looked up. "What song?" Aro asked.
"It's nothing, Aro, Marcus. Caius caught me singing a song I knew from years ago while I was showering. He came in and I was ...oh never mind. Not making things better. In any case, it humoured me to think how appropos it was to my current situation.
"Then sing it for us, my dear," Marcus insisted.
"All right, but it will have to be a cappella, so maybe not as good as if I had music." Celeste looked out to the ocean to gather the music in her head.
She began to sing the tune and words, looking at none of her mates.
"In the darkest hour of nighttime
As the moonlight's silver mist
Crawled along the streets of passion
Disregarding earthly sins.
'Twas the night I left my home
Threw away my old key
Looking for a new beginning
Trod I on the fallen leaves.
Slowly walked I to the chapel
Peeking through the misty haze
Found myself among the tombstones
Looking for familiar names.
There I saw him in the shadows
Standing still and all alone
Full of hope and excitement
In my heart I welcomed love."
Celeste turned to face her mates, glancing at each one at a time for the chorus, since it was exactly how she felt about them all.
"I want to be with you forever, Till the last breath of the universe."
Caius joined her for the second round of chorus, his voice very good as a singer. He remembered the next few lines as those being sung by the male vampire.
"Do not speak about forever
Death will end your mortal love
Leaving me with grief and sorrow
No forgiveness from above."
Celeste sang the next part alone, her eyes gazing at Caius now.
"Can you help me conquer death?
I'll surrender to your kiss
Give me your eternal promise
Fill me with immortal bliss.
I want to be with you forever, Till the last breath of the universe."
Caius nuzzled her neck from behind while she continued the song, his teeth teasing her soft skin.
"Shivered I with tingling pleasure
As his mouth touched my vein
Phantom hands of sweet sensations
Gently soothed my blood-red pain.
As I dreamt about forever
And the ecstasy of flight
Sheltered he my freezing body
From the early morning light.
I want to be with you forever, Till the last breath of the universe."
Both sang the chorus several times, then the song was finished.
"Caius, you have a beautiful voice," Celeste said with admiration. She impulsively hugged him.
"The song suits us, my love," he replied, kissing her once more.
That is, until someone cleared their throat. It was Aro, who applauded politely, even as he fumed inside. "Brava, Celeste, brava. You sing very well too." His expression when he looked to Caius was not one of appreciation.
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Celeste had the stereo on one of her favourite songs. She started dancing to it, spinning and swaying where appropriate. She loved using her arms and hands to emphasize the beat. Aro come to stand in front of her. His expression changed when his eyes lit up as he smiled at her. His hand reached out to her. She took his hand with her right and placed her left one on his shoulder. His eyes never left hers as he started to move, leading her in the steps he knew so well. How long had it been since he had danced.
Aro and Celeste moved in tune to the music with one another. Celeste felt as if she were in another time, the very atmosphere changed when she was with Aro. It was bizarre, yet felt wholly normal at the same time.
When the music stopped, neither let go of the other. Aro held her eyes with his. He leaned in to kiss her, satisfied when he heard a moan low in her throat. Without warning, Celeste disengaged herself from him.
"That was lovely, Aro. Thank you for the dance."
"Of course, my dear. We do dance well together, don't we." He wondered why she had broken away from him so abruptly.
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Celeste sat at the outside deck table along with Aro, Marcus and Caius. Lunch had been served, and she has eaten every morsal on her plate, thanking Chef Emilio for such a tasty meal. Afterwards, she explained the rules of poker to her three mates, a smirk on her face.
Caius' face lit up. He was glad to be sitting on her left and scooched his chair a little bit closer to her.
Marcus and Aro looked at one another, but were willing to humour their human. It could be an interesting engagement. She was just happy to have found a deck of cards in the living room desk drawer.
Celeste dealt the first hand, picking her cards up, then waited to see what would happen. Her hand wasn't the best, two tens, a queen, a six and a three. She went around the table to ask her mates if they needed new cards. Caius tossed down three to which Celeste gave him three new cards. Aro tossed down two, while Marcus tossed one card.
"So you must have a good hand, love?" she asked her tallest mate.
He merely gave her a small almost nonexistent smile.
In fact, Marcus had drawn two pair and then another card to match for a full house.
"Are you sure you've never played poker before, Marcus?"
"I'm sure. My game of choice was Whist."
She frowned, saying, "I've heard of that, but don't know how to play. Maybe you can teach me some time."
She took back the cards and dealt a new round.
Caius was playing with her thigh beneath the table, his hand sliding up and down her warm flesh.
Celeste looked at him, frowning. "You're just trying to distract me."
"Brother, please keep your hands to yourself," Aro demanded.
"I have the right to touch my mate, Aro. Keep your thoughts to yourself," Caius retorted.
Celeste listened while Aro and Caius argued, accusing each other of currying favouritism from her. She tried to intercede, but she finally lost her temper with them completely.
"Stop it, both of you! I'm sick of this! Aro, you tell me you love me, then act this way. Is it love, or just a desire to possess me? I won't be owned property!" Celeste took a deep breath, trying to calm down. She turned to Marcus, whispering to him, "Please, Marcus, do something."
"Brothers, stop this now. You're not making our mate happy by this bickering."
"Here we are..." Celeste said, standing, "...on this luxuriously fabulous yacht, with beautiful weather and this wonderfully calm ocean, and you're making me want to jump overboard. I'm done!" She turned to stomp back to her cabin when she tripped over the edge of the step up, falling against the low side of the boat, and tumbling over it into the water below.
Celeste was suddenly disoriented, sinking into the ocean, unsure which way was up. The water was growing darker and colder, as she sank, and fear was taking hold of her mind.
It took Aro a quarter of a second to jump over the side and into the water. Beneath the surface, his eyes scanned for Celeste, seeing her slowly sinking downward. With a few kicks of his legs, he was reaching out to her. He grabbed her arm and pulled, rising to the surface and pushing her head above water. Marcus hung over the side, reaching for Celeste while Caius hung the movable ladder over the edge. When Aro pushed her to the ladder, two sets of eager hands brought her on board. He swung his body up and over the edge onto the deck and stood there, soaking wet. Celeste was lying on the deck, coughing up water. Caius flew to the cabin and was back in moments with a large towel in his hands. He wrapped it around Celeste who was now sitting on a deck chair, courtesy of Marcus. She was shaking from the cold water and shock.
Caius sat on one side of her while Marcus sat on the other. They both held their mate in their arms, careful not to press too close and chill her.
Aro brought her the cover up and waited. He noticed her shivering. "Is she all right, Marcus?" Aro was worried about his mate, but grateful she had not drowned.
"I'm fine, just cold. I can swim, believe me. I was just disoriented. Then when it got darker, I was scared. The next thing I know, I'm being pulled up toward the lighter water." She looked up at Aro, examining his stance and expression. She took the cover up from his hands, and once she had donned it, Marcus' strong arms picked her up and took her to her cabin. He left her in the bathroom, where Celeste removed her swimsuit and left it in the sink. She dried off with one the white fluffy towels hanging on a rack, then put on the robe that was hanging on the door hook. She wound the towel around her head and went back into the cabin to see three worried vampires waiting for her. Aro must have changed, since he was now in dry clothes.
Sitting on the bed, she waved her hand to them, silently asking them to sit with her. She piled up the pillows and lay back against them. "Thank you, everyone, for taking such good care of me. And you, Aro, for pulling me from the drink." Celeste gave him a genuine smile of gratitude.
"Are you feeling well, amore mio?" Caius asked. He held out a hand out to her.
Celeste took his hand and squeezed it as hard as she was able. "I'm fine. It's odd how even small trauma can affect someone. Do you mind getting me some hot tea, Caius?"
"Of course not," He said, nodding with a smile. "You rest, Celeste. We'll behave, so you'll have no more accidents." He flashed from her cabin and to the kitchen to ask one of the stewards to fix up a tray for the tea.
Marcus took her hand. "Are you sure you didn't hit your head, Celeste?" He peered at her with concern.
"I'm fine. It was my own fault, Marcus. I wasn't watching where I was going. I'm just sorry I blew up at you all." She looked to Marcus when she asked if she could speak with Aro, alone. He gave her a knowing smile and left the cabin. Caius had only just returned with the tray and was less agreeable. "You'll be able to hear everything we say anyway, Caius, so no sour looks." She waited for him to leave.
Aro turned to Celeste, his brows raised. "You wish to speak with me, cara?"
"Yes, Aro. Look. I know you and I have had some issues, and at times they seem ridiculous, but then I end up angry at you, even though I love you very much."
Aro's expression softened on hearing her words. "And how do we resolve these issues, my dear?" He slid over on the bed so that his body was next to hers as he lay back against the pillows.
"I'm not sure. I just wanted to thank you for saving me." She leaned over and kissed him.
Aro held her hand and kissed her temple. "I could not lose you, persona amata. You are too important...to us all. And this is why we must discuss your change soon. Until you are like us, you're not safe. Humans are too fragile."
Celeste laughed, then nestled even closer to Aro. His body was cold against her, but she was finally warming up from her impromptu dunking. She closed her eyes, once she felt his arm move around her. His fingers began to caress her forehead. "You're going to put me to sleep, my love."
"That is what I'm hoping. I will awaken you before supper is served. Now stop talking and let me help you to relax."
Out on deck, Caius mumbled to himself. "Aro is always snaking his way into her attentions."
"Jealous, brother? Aro has the hardest time of us all at letting her build any trust in him. She loves you and me already. We make it easy for her. Aro does not. Today he saved her life. That should have a positive effect on her feelings for him."
Caius huffed, but sat back. "Very well. Perhaps now he will not feel jealousy himself. It was becoming annoying."
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Around 6:00 pm, Celeste woke up, her stomach growling in hunger. She sae Aro had gone, so quickly dressed in a lightweight sundress and sandals, and left her cabin to go to the dining room. Chef Emilio already had her place set. One of the stewards stood at the side of her seat, then held it for her so she could sit. He poured her a glass of wine, looking up suddenly when the three masters flashed into the room. He gave them a slight bow of his head and backed into the kitchen.
Marcus bent to kiss Celeste on the cheek. "Did you have a nice nap, my dear?"
"I did, but I almost slept through supper. Please, everyone sit down." She noticed their change of clothing. "You all look so handsome this evening."
One of the stewards placed a plate of appetizers in front of Celeste. Today's meal would be centered around seafood, Chef Emilio had told her after lunch.
When Chef Emilio came out to see how Celeste was enjoying his offering, he brought her main course himself, Sicilian swordfish with roasted potatoes. "I hope you enjoy this dish that I prepared for you, Miss Celeste." He watched while she took a bite, nodding to the Volturi masters seated at the table.
"It's delicious. Oh Aro, it's too bad you, Marcus, and Caius can't enjoy human food. Chef Emilio, I love seafood, but have never had swordfish. The combination of spices and the addition of the kalamata olives...perfetto. Thank you for the introduction to something I have not tried."
He leaned down and kissed Celeste's hand. "And you honour me with your praise."
Aro waved his hand at the vampire, dismissing him.
"That was rude, Aro. He was only happy I enjoyed his cooking." She sighed, but finished her meal.
For dessert, Celeste was served a pair of cheese blintzes with strawberry sauce. As an ending to her meal, she was more than satisfied. Standing, she told her mates she would be right back, and headed for the kitchen.
"Chef Emilio, I wanted you to know I enjoyed everything today. I also would like to apologise for Aro's behavior. At times he can be..."
"You do not have to apologise for me, cara." Aro walked into the kitchen and stood behind Celeste, his hands resting on her waist. "I am sorry if I insulted you and your talent, Chef Costa. Celeste does not approve. You have served her well. It's good that she enjoys your cuisine. When she is happy, I am happy." Aro's words held a hidden threat as well as an apology.
Chef Emilio was aware of the Volturi reputation. "Thank you, Master Aro. Miss Celeste." When he saw Aro lead his mate from the kitchen, he went back to cleaning up, and preparing for tomorrow's menu. As long as Miss Celeste backed him, Master Aro would not dare touch him.
Celeste and Aro joined Marcus and Caius on deck. The stars sparkled overhead, while the sea was calm, allowing the yacht to sail through the waters with little motion. She turned to her obstinate mate and thanked him for apologising to Chef Emilio.
"Do you see my side of things, Aro? I love you, but I can't seem to say it enough for you." She saw Marcus and Caius beside her and directed her words to them as well. "We will have to be a family, all four of us. Or this is not going to work. Now tonight, Aro will be with me, but it doesn't mean I don't love you, Caius, or you, Marcus." She went and kissed each of them, adding a tight hug. Then she and Aro left, heading for her cabin.
Maybe she could convince him once and for all, his attitude was more harmful to their relationship than anything he feared. She had to show Aro that she loved each of them individually when she was with each of them. That had to be the mate bond at work, and he would have to accept it. She could not love one more than the others.
Celeste's revery was interrupted by Aro's arm moving around her as he led her to her cabin.
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A/N : So perhaps things are finally improving between our three favourite Italian vampires and their lovely human. I personally could not do what Celeste is doing, trying to live as the mate of three men. I do agree that when she is with each, she loves them wholeheartedly as individuals. I would feel the same.
The lyrics are to the song I adore listening to while writing Volturi fanfics is Vampire's Kiss by Stargasm. I found it on youtube last year.
Sorry this took so long. My writing muse has been kept away by the stress monster. But I am still writing. Thanks for reading my tales!