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This fic is inspired by Chapter 21 of Little Angel of Forks written by 'jmolly'.
( s/5400302/21/Little-Angel-of-Forks)
But the setting of 'Sleeping vampires' are very different from the original. It'll be explained in the story. Sorry for the occasional grammer errors or misspellings, I'm not an English speaker. But I'll do my best!
Twilight and all the charactors belong to SM. I'm just playing with them.
1.
"Carlisle, can I ask you a question?"
A question flitted through my mind one day when I was bored to death. We were the only people at home. Everyone else went hunting, and Nessie was playing with Jake outside somewhere.
"Of course, Bella. Go ahead."
"I was going to ask this sooner, but I totally forgot after I was turned! Well... this is from when I was human. Edward had said 'In general, vampires don't sleep.', so I wonder... is there somehow a way...?"
My father-in-law smiled.
"That's a great question. Where do I start... We have known that Jasper's gift is physical, not mental, before the discovery of your mental shield. Remember?"
"Oh... what?!"
"It's true. Emotions seem like mental things, but Jasper's gift feels and produces the chemicals of emotions. That's physical. The circulatory system of humans and vampires are very different, but the nervous system of the two species are more similar than we thought. Of course, the actual chemicals are not the same, but the operation methods are the same. When a human is feeling fear, adrenaline runs through the body. When a vampire is feeling fear, the corresponding vampire-version of chemical to adrenaline runs through the body, too."
"So, what's that related to sleeping...?"
"One day, I asked Jasper to get me into sleeping state. It was a hard day at work, and Esme was not at home. Usually when I'm in the same situation I just go to my office and suffer alone, but maybe that day my emotional pain was too strong for him to bear. Jasper asked me what he can do for me. I laughed halfheartedly and said, 'If you picked up drowsy emotions enough at school, maybe you can have me sleep.' I didn't think it would work. But it worked! Jasper used his full power to put me to sleep, and I was unconscious for 8 hours. I was refreshed, all mental fatigue gone."
"Oh, wow! So Jasper's gift is the answer?"
"Ah, no. That's not the end of the story. Since that day, I began to study vampire-version of chemicals that Jasper's gift produces. Especially what induces us to sleep. It was not simple to draw 'blood', or body fluid from vampires, as needles can't just pierce through our skin. But if I bite into the skin first and put needles in between the bite mark, I can easily draw body fluid from myself. Not as smooth as drawing from human veins, however, because all blood vessels from human body become a vestigial organ when we're turned. Unlike humans, vampires have open circulatory system. There's no 'blood' anymore. It's replaced with something like 'hemolymph', similar to insects or some mollusca. We don't need heart to pump hemolymph all over the body. Muscles themselves move the fluid."
"Why do you use the term 'body fluid' or 'hemolymph', instead of common term, 'venom'?"
"That's because it's inaccurate. 'Venom', which infects humans to turn into vampires, is only from our mouth. You already know the lubricant of our eyes. Gastric fluid, or whatever, is also different from others. It's ironic, isn't it? The lubricant can dissolve plastic but our gastric fluid can't dissolve mere solid food! If that was reversed, our human charade would be much easier."
"So... the chemicals you're studying?"
"Oh, right. We were talking about that. It's simple. I compared the body fluid of normal state and sleeping state, to find differences of chemical composition between them. Edward willingly volunteered to be a subject of this sleeping experiment. Later I succeeded to synthesize the chemical artificially, and even made it into edible liquid medicine. A cup of the medicine provides us 8~10 hours of sleep. Though..."
"Though...?"
"There's a side effect, unlike direct influence of Jasper's gift."
I was intrigued.
"What is that?"
"We sleepwalk. Not all the time, though, only an hour before waking up. REM sleep, I think, like humans. That's why we don't try to sleep often. It can get... a bit... embarrassing."
I was getting more and more intrigued.
"What kinds of embarrassing things?"
"Like in humans' dreams, the sleepwalking vampire percieves their surroundings vaguely. What matters is context. Let's say I'm a sleepwalking vampire. If you tell me I'm in a bar, I would like to order drink, instinctively. When the context is humane enough, I would even think myself human. The behavior will be based mostly on my human memory, but also on my longer life experiences. But if you say I'm in a battlefield of newborn war, there's a possibility I would attack you right away. So, if you want to handle a sleepwalking vampire, it's important to give them an impression that they're in a safe shelter. We usually use the setting of a bar. It's pretty safe, also with music and comfort, drowsiness... if you're lucky, they would likely go back to dreamless sleep. But they wake up if they realise they're vampires."
"As long as I use the setting of a bar, I can see all of you act like human? Based on your human memory, mixed with vampire memory, but thinking you're all humans? That sounds fun! What about the timeline?"
"The timeline is chaotic, based on the context. It differs every time. Do you really... want to see us sleepwalking? Like you understood, as long as the setting is the bar, it's pretty safe. But remember. When we're sleepwalking, we act like human. That means we order and eat drink, food, and even smoke inside the house! Do you really want to see that?"
"YES!"
I was unusually excited.
2.
"Remember, we're taking the medicine now. That means we'll all be sleepwalking by this evening. I hope this... will be a great entertainment to you?"
Every vampire member of the family besides me was holding wine glass, full of clear fluid. I invited Nessie and Jake (they're currently at La Push) to come by the evening, to show them this... entertainment.
"It's been so long since I last slept. I'm looking forward to the refreshment."
Esme looked happy.
"Now, Bella's going to watch Edward sleep! What a reversal of fate!"
Emmett exclaimed.
"Everyone, cheers. Drink at one go, and go straight to your bed."
3.
It was just minutes past six when I heard someone wakes... no, gets up. Judging by the direction, it was Edward. Surely, it was him, walking towards me with huge smile on his face.
"Hello, Edward. You had a good night's sleep?"
"Hey, Bella. A nap, in fact. I had the strangest dream."
"What were they about?"
"You could laugh. I was dying from the influenza, and someone saved me by turning me into a vampire! That's really random and absurd, isn't it? What's the difference with death and living as an undead anyway? I think the fear of catching the flu produced the dream."
He shook his head, still laughing from the dream.
"Speaking of flu, you shouldn't be here in crowded bar like this if you're afraid of catching it. What brings you here?"
I asked, setting the 'context'. Edward shrugged.
"Oh, come on. I'm a regular here. And look around. Certainly not crowded. It's safe. What brought me here...? I'm not sure. Maybe to see you, my lady?" He winked.
I laughed at his hopeless flirting. Well, not hopeless to me. It was super effective.
"Maybe to play? You're our occasional pianist, remember?"
"Oh, of course! What do you want me to play today?"
"Anything you like. I love anything as long as you're the one playing."
Edward grinned, and sat down. The music was not that different from those played when he was... sane. Beautiful as ever.
"Someone's playing!"
Esme exclaimed, walking towards us from nowhere. I didn't hear her. I waved at her.
"Esme! Good to see you."
Esme stared at me for a short moment. She smiled politely.
"Are you a new waitress, Miss..."
"Bella Swan. Nice to meet you." I decided to go as Swan, not to confuse the Cullens by the name. Carlisle had said the timeline is chaotic. "And this is Edward, our occasional pianist."
"Edward Masen. I'm not professional, though. My father wants me to be a lawyer like him. Well... I think I have no choice in that. It's a family matter." Edward shook his hand with Esme.
"It's nice to meet you two young men. I'm Esme Evenson... no, Platt. Esme Platt. Sorry, out of habit. I'm a war widow, you see. I'm trying to forget my husband."
"Because you miss him a lot?" Edward asked.
"No." Esme denied firmly. "He was... abusive. I'm glad he died."
Edward growled in a vampire manner. Yeah, very human, Edward.
"WHAT!" The music ceased. "I'm glad he's already dead, too. Otherwise, I would have killed him myself."
"Killing is not the answer, young man." Carlisle said, appearing from nowhere like Esme.
Esme's eyes widened.
"Aren't you... Dr. Cullen? I thought I would never see you again!"
"Miss Platt! What a surprise. I didn't think I would meet you again, either! How have you been? It's been a few years."
"Well, it was... eventful. You heard our conversation, didn't you?"
"Yes, the last bit. I'm sorry for all of that. If you need help, call me anytime. I'll always be there for you. I should never have left." He looked genuinely regretful. I wondered about the timeline. Is Carlisle already a 'vampire'? I interrupted their exchange.
"Sorry to interrupt, but would you like to order?"
If Carlisle declines, he's possibly a vampire now. I waited in anticipation.
"Ah, yes, of course. I would like to drink a cup of coffee. It's going to be a long, tiring night shift. Uneventful, I hope." So he's also 'human'.
This bar served coffee?
"Wait for a moment, please." I retreated to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. Just then, there was a ruckus at the front door. Oh. I nearly forgot.
"So, what's going on here? Bells?" That was Jacob.
"Mommy! I'm home!" That was Nessie.
"Who are they, Bella?" Edward was on my side.
"Oh, don't worry about them. That's Jacob Black, the owner of this bar. And that's Nessie, my daughter. I couldn't leave her alone at home, so I bring her to work."
Jake and Nessie stood where they were, puzzled. This is getting interesting. Behave and act as I direct, I mouthed. They nodded, still dazed. As I was engrossed with them, Edward returned to the piano and resumed playing. Carlisle and Esme were talking in a friendly manner, whatever was it about.
"That young man is not as violent as I thought before. He's talented, and makes me peaceful." Carlisle closed his eyes and absorbed the music.
"His name's Edward Masen. It's a pity this is just a hobby. He said he has to be a lawyer for his father's sake." Esme said quietly. So, the memory of the previous conversation remains until this weird collective dream ends?
"Actually, I want to enlist, but my mother is not pleased everytime I say that."
"I would have too, if my son said that. My husband died in the war, remember? It's dangerous. Oh, talking about him... I want you to know that I returned to my original surname, Carlisle. Just... I want you to know, that's all." Esme smiled at him shyly.
First name basis already? They're unbelievable. I decided to fuel them a little. This is going to be fun.
"Maybe you should dance?" I suggested to Esme. "Dancing is casual enough, but also intimate."
Esme giggled.
"Shall we have a dance?" She asked Carlisle.
"Of course, my lady." He stood up, holding Esme's hand.
"Edward, music for dance, please?" I requested. Edward grinned, and started to play. Carlisle and Esme danced gracefully, too graceful for 'humans'.
"What is this act about?" Jake whispered, so that the 'humans' couldn't hear.
"They're sleepwalking. I'll explain later. Just enjoy the present." I said.
"They're cute!" Nessie squealed, not so quietly. Luckily, the sleepwalking vampires didn't notice.
At the third dance, someone else appeared on the stage.
"Dancing night, huh? I wish I've dressed up more appropriately. Today's outfit is too plain." Rosalie muttered. I waved at her.
"Rose! You're here!"
"Who are you? How do you know my name?" Rosalie glared at me warily.
Edward snorted behind me, still playing the dance music. "Seriously? Everyone in this town knows the infamous Rosalie Hale, if you didn't notice yourself."
The timeline is chaotic, indeed.
"Well... I guess. Wait, is that...? I've never seen that doctor and his wife attending dance parties before. What has suddenly gotten into them?" Rosalie gaped at the couple, who were still into each other.
"Actually, Esme is not my wife—" Carlisle winked at Esme, flirtingly. "—yet."
If Esme could blush, she certainly would have.
"HEY, LOVEBIRDS! GET A ROOM!" Emmett shouted, running into Rosalie with a loud CRACK. But nobody found it strange. Jake and Nessie giggled at the background.
Rose rolled her eyes. "Careful, Emmett. You'll break my bones, idiot."
"So, who's that?" Edward looked interested.
"This is Emmett McCarty, my fiance. Oh, but he's not my first. My ex-fiance was such a—" I jumped at the inconceivable swearing. I've never heard Rosalie curse like that! Carlisle and Esme also gaped at her, their dance session long forgotten. "—so I ditched him."
"I wish I can shoot him with my shotgun. You know, I have one to hunt bears. But I can't. He's too rich. I'll probably be in jail by the next day." Emmett said darkly.
"I can't believe I'm saying this twice today! Killing is not the answer." Carlisle shook his head bitterly. "Do you think—"
"HELP! THEY'RE DEMONS!" Jasper was yelling alongside of Alice.
Alice patted his arms reassuringly. "This bar is safe. I saw it. Come on, Major. I know it's safe. I just know."
They hurried to the living room. Jasper was panting like he's short of breath. Well, he's feeling 'human' now.
"Major? As in the army?" Of course, Edward was interested. He's eager to enlist in this timeline.
"Yes! Everyone, this is Major Jasper Whitlock. And I'm Alice. It's nice to see you all! You're all going to be my great friends!" Alice was excited like usual. I chuckled. Jake shook his head and Nessie was beaming at her.
"I think I've heard of him before..." Carlisle murmured to himself. "Oh! I know, you were in the Confederate, is that correct?"
"Yes, but there's no time—"
Jasper was interrupted by Edward.
"Confederate? That's silly. The Civil War ended dacades ago! You must be fighting in the Great War, aren't you?"
Jasper looked confused. Oh, no. He's going to wake up if the timeline—
"You mean the World War I?" Carlisle added calmly.
"World War I? Wait... that means there's going to be another..." Poor Edward was also confused all over.
"Yes! The World War II is going to break out in 1939." Alice said matter-of-factly.
"How do you know?" Rose asked.
"That's because I can see the future. I see it."
"You're a witch!" Carlisle stood up suddenly, making everyone jump.
Emmett boomed with laughter. "Oh, come on. There's no such thing as witches!"
Carlisle didn't falter. "But without witchcraft, how can you just see the future? I can't believe it. All of these witches my father executed were innocent, but this one... isn't it obvious?"
"She must be just talking nonsense. Cool it down." Esme tugged his arm.
"No, I cannot. If she's not a witch, then she must be a vampire."
I heard Jake and Nessie holding breath. This is so close.
"A vampire, seriously?" Emmett was laughing like mad again. "This is getting more ridiculous than ever! I like it here."
"I heard that some vampires have special ability, like her. It's called a gift." Carlisle continued, his tone very serious. "You have to believe me. Aro had told me—" He paused. "—wait... Aro...?"
He blinked. And he drew his breath.
"Oh, now I know." He whispered to me, "I'm awake."
4.
It took several minutes for everyone to wake up after that. Fortunately, no one really consumed human food—this time, at least, Carlisle remarked, still laughing—and nothing in the living room was broken.
"That was... bizarre." Jacob said. "You guys should sleep more often."
"That was fun! It's a shame my sleeping is natural." Seriously, Nessie? "I want to sleepwalk with you!" My daughter is really something.
THE END.