Something Better Than Forever
by Skydancinghobbit
Chapter 5- Of Class and Cullen
It was nice to be alone, not to have to smile and look pleased; a relief to stare dejectedly out the window at the sheeting rain and let just a few tears escape.
Bella Swan, Twilight, Chapter 1, p.9
Lulled by the purring of the aircrafts engines Bella slid quickly into the domain of her dreams. They had departed Italy a little over two hours beforehand, the jet was piloted by Felix a young tracker vampire who had surprised Bella, armed with such a warm personality she would have swiftly placed him in the category of possible friend, had it not been for the fact he was one of the most ruthless inner circle Volturi guards. It seemed when one has all the time in the world to learn it is very possible to acquire different talents. Jane in her spare time composed classical music, her brother raced cars and Master Aro? Well it was Alice who betrayed this piece of information, bursting into her room just as the clock struck 9 with all the pent up energy of a teenager who is holding some great and terrible secret.
He sang, Opera to be exact!
The thought of his rich velvety baritone purring into her ear to the strains of her favorite song, music of the night was a pleasant thought indeed to Bella who mused on its many possibilities as she placed a few belongings in her new luggage for the journey home. She had just folded a new cloak when Alice spoke again handing her the last few items to be stored away in carry on before smirking for all she was worth.
"You've got good taste Bella, the melody would suit him I think, hmm now all we need to do is get a custom mask"
Both women burst into giggles. Bella going off to a hot bath and Alice to finish some last minute shopping, or so she said leaving the mortal to wonder in a rather bemused fashion if there was anything left in the stalls she hadn't yet added to their collection of souvenirs. Ah well the vendors would have plenty of time to restock before their next visit Bella reasoned. Her night was peaceful and at first light they had boarded the jet. Even she couldn't find enough brain cells this early to respond more than a smile to the overly perky announcement made over the intercom as they took their seats.
"Welcome mortals and Immortals alike, thank you for choosing Vampire airlines, one flight direct to the dreary overcast state of Washington USA, coffee will be served shortly, enjoy your flight"
Alice too was biting her lip to check her giggles as she handed Bella a stack of brand new cooking magazines much to her delight and the pair began happily planning meals weeks and months ahead of time, all with her mother's approval. Esme would cook, Bella would eat, it was a simple system and she had long ago stopped fighting the arrangement merely savoring every mouthwatering forkful and making sure to rain compliments on her gracious hosts. Jane, observing with interested detachment even roused herself from the reserve nature of her place to contribute to the debate now and again supplying a unique spice when the ideas of the others ran rather dry.
"Alice I don't think it'll work"
"It totally will! Trust me Bella!"
"Can Vampires even taste hot sauce?"
"Hmm interesting notion"
"Hot sauce?"
So the debate carried on until at least after a divine meal of shells and cheese brought along especially for the mortal. Bella fell asleep; they landed a few hours later in a private hangar of the airline complete with car rental service and a friendly old song playing on the radio. There while the plane refueled they said farewell. Felix happily touching Bella on the shoulder eager to see her again in a few short years as there was many sights of Italy she missed. Eager to be a tour guide he left her with a list, itinerary and even good restaurant listings for the trip.
Jane was quiet, bidding Bella a cool farewell before suddenly casting her hand inside her cloak and withdrawing it offering Bella a small box, something about her manner made Bella frown; it was almost like she was acting against her will as she spoke through gritted teeth.
"I was instructed by the Master to leave this in your keeping until your return"
Mystified Bella took the package wondering what on earth a 3,000 year old vampire would send her. Yet the simple gesture struck a chord within her, making her feel warm all over. Tucking it carefully into her bag she nodded gently in Jane's direction.
"If Aro wishes it then, I will keep it safe"
Seeming pleased with this response the Italians departed, Bella following Alice to a drool worthy piece of engineering, bright red and baring a familiar horse logo, it was something to be treasured. She all but purred as they drove off. Stopping first to collect a few items Bella did not go inside, too keenly aware of the desertion she had suffered not all that long ago. She might have forgiven Alice but the others would take time to return to her good graces. Family did not just abandon their own. Humming lightly while she waited Bella suddenly remembered the box, curiosity being one of her faults she wasted little time in locating and opening the small box.
Inside nestled between sheets of delicate silk rested a small pendant, it was so delicate it appeared to be made from stained glass. In the sunlight it almost seemed to glow, its red hues soothing as she quickly fastened the clasp. Tucking it safely out of sight as Alice returned. Her eyes were dancing with glee. Sliding into the driver's seat she reached for her hand clasping it gently as she placed a small bag next to her companion.
"Oh Bella, did you open it?"
Bracing herself for a high decimal squeal sure to make the dogs in the next county howl; Bella nodded. Pulling her hair back gently to reveal the gem, Alice studied it with a great detail, a frown creasing her brow as she reached out to touch the gem. She was gone in a moment, leaving Bella to wonder what on earth was going on before she was back again clutching an old leather volume from Carlisle's library. Flipping page after page she kept glancing at the jewel then back at the book.
"Hmm it's not here, odd I've seen that pendant before somewhere"
Alice's tone was brooding as she closed the book with an unsatisfied air and started the engine. Bella then pushed the mystery of the jewelry to the back of her mind, seeing no point in getting all bothered about something so pointless. She chose instead to open the bag with a smile.
"Really Alice?"
"Well the guard is good at modifying human memory but its best to have solid proof of a sleepover"
This made sense as in retrospect Bella couldn't see having to explain coming home with that kind of weariness jet lag brings, except possibly one of Alice's sleepovers, her smile faded as she curled into the seat as the familiar rain began to patter against the window. As they pulled up to the Swan residence Alice was silent. Reaching out once more to catch her hand she spoke quietly as she gently raised Bella's chin to meet her eyes.
"I never meant to hurt you so Bella, if it takes the rest of your lifetime I will earn your trust again, we all will"
"I never blamed you Alice, with Jasper's accident I assumed you'd need some time alone that was acceptable, it was the behavior of the rest of the family I find appalling….you just don't leave family behind, you just don't"
Not the best farewell between friends but there was nothing left to say, opening the door she stepped into the rain, feeling how it oddly suited her mood, ever since touching foot to her own soil something had seemed out of place. Wrong, not like air sickness but rather that of the heart. It had been subtly gnawing at her all day and it was unfair to make Alice suffer for it. Striding inside she started a meal for her father. Frozen beef stew that the unnamed guard had been kind enough to pull from the freezer the day before, Setting a timer Bella shuffled upstairs opening a closet she picked up her guitar sitting on her bed she leaned back against the headboard and closed her eyes, allowing her fingers to caress the strings. Music was a hidden talent she rarely indulged beyond when her soul needed an outlet.
The melody was cloyingly sad, like a dark love ballad of old or a passionate Spanish tango. It suited her mood.
Somewhere between the last few chords she fell asleep the instrument hitting the carpet with an unheard soft thump as she slid into dreams.
%%
A soft voice whispered in her ear, cool hands tracing timeless patterns across her skin, the familiar strains of the song she had just played caressed the background as Bella raised her head. Gazing into a pair of familiar milky crimson eyes for a moment, before flowing into the timeless rhythm and steps of a Tango.
"Aro"
It was a plea and promise wrapped into a single spoken word as she was pulled close to his body, inhaling the familiar scent of his cologne; the slight chill penetrating through the fabric of her black gown as she rested her head gently on his shoulder he stirred causing a lock of his dark hair to fall into her reach and she reached up to touch the gleaming strands with reverent fingers, glorying in their silken feel that was better than her imaginings
"Yes Mia Cara?
"How are you here?"
Somehow she knew even in this perfect moment that this was a dream yet she didn't care, she felt safe, treasured, and whole for the first time since that horrible meeting in the forest. Aro bowed as the strains began again slowing in tempo but still keeping the Tango's intimate touch as he offered her his hand. Leading her effortlessly through the steps.
"You hold my heart Cara; I will always be here when you are in pain"
His words faded into silence as suddenly Bella jerked awake to the sound of the front door opening and her father calling loudly.
"Bells! The timers going crazy!"
Rising with a groan; Bella rubbed sleep from her eyes ready to laugh off the somewhat erotic dream as a combination of jet lag, too much rich food, and flying across the ocean, before realizing the familiar scent of Aro's cologne still lingered in the air.
It was nice to be alone, not to have to smile and look pleased; a relief to stare dejectedly out the window at the sheeting rain and let just a few tears escape.
Bella Swan, Twilight, Chapter 1, p.9
Lulled by the purring of the aircrafts engines Bella slid quickly into the domain of her dreams. They had departed Italy a little over two hours beforehand, the jet was piloted by Felix a young tracker vampire who had surprised Bella, armed with such a warm personality she would have swiftly placed him in the category of possible friend, had it not been for the fact he was one of the most ruthless inner circle Volturi guards. It seemed when one has all the time in the world to learn it is very possible to acquire different talents. Jane in her spare time composed classical music, her brother raced cars and Master Aro? Well it was Alice who betrayed this piece of information, bursting into her room just as the clock struck 9 with all the pent up energy of a teenager who is holding some great and terrible secret.
He sang, Opera to be exact!
The thought of his rich velvety baritone purring into her ear to the strains of her favorite song, music of the night was a pleasant thought indeed to Bella who mused on its many possibilities as she placed a few belongings in her new luggage for the journey home. She had just folded a new cloak when Alice spoke again handing her the last few items to be stored away in carry on before smirking for all she was worth.
"You've got good taste Bella, the melody would suit him I think, hmm now all we need to do is get a custom mask"
Both women burst into giggles. Bella going off to a hot bath and Alice to finish some last minute shopping, or so she said leaving the mortal to wonder in a rather bemused fashion if there was anything left in the stalls she hadn't yet added to their collection of souvenirs. Ah well the vendors would have plenty of time to restock before their next visit Bella reasoned. Her night was peaceful and at first light they had boarded the jet. Even she couldn't find enough brain cells this early to respond more than a smile to the overly perky announcement made over the intercom as they took their seats.
"Welcome mortals and Immortals alike, thank you for choosing Vampire airlines, one flight direct to the dreary overcast state of Washington USA, coffee will be served shortly, enjoy your flight"
Alice too was biting her lip to check her giggles as she handed Bella a stack of brand new cooking magazines much to her delight and the pair began happily planning meals weeks and months ahead of time, all with her mother's approval. Esme would cook, Bella would eat, it was a simple system and she had long ago stopped fighting the arrangement merely savoring every mouthwatering forkful and making sure to rain compliments on her gracious hosts. Jane, observing with interested detachment even roused herself from the reserve nature of her place to contribute to the debate now and again supplying a unique spice when the ideas of the others ran rather dry.
"Alice I don't think it'll work"
"It totally will! Trust me Bella!"
"Can Vampires even taste hot sauce?"
"Hmm interesting notion"
"Hot sauce?"
So the debate carried on until at least after a divine meal of shells and cheese brought along especially for the mortal. Bella fell asleep; they landed a few hours later in a private hangar of the airline complete with car rental service and a friendly old song playing on the radio. There while the plane refueled they said farewell. Felix happily touching Bella on the shoulder eager to see her again in a few short years as there was many sights of Italy she missed. Eager to be a tour guide he left her with a list, itinerary and even good restaurant listings for the trip.
Jane was quiet, bidding Bella a cool farewell before suddenly casting her hand inside her cloak and withdrawing it offering Bella a small box, something about her manner made Bella frown; it was almost like she was acting against her will as she spoke through gritted teeth.
"I was instructed by the Master to leave this in your keeping until your return"
Mystified Bella took the package wondering what on earth a 3,000 year old vampire would send her. Yet the simple gesture struck a chord within her, making her feel warm all over. Tucking it carefully into her bag she nodded gently in Jane's direction.
"If Aro wishes it then, I will keep it safe"
Seeming pleased with this response the Italians departed, Bella following Alice to a drool worthy piece of engineering, bright red and baring a familiar horse logo, it was something to be treasured. She all but purred as they drove off. Stopping first to collect a few items Bella did not go inside, too keenly aware of the desertion she had suffered not all that long ago. She might have forgiven Alice but the others would take time to return to her good graces. Family did not just abandon their own. Humming lightly while she waited Bella suddenly remembered the box, curiosity being one of her faults she wasted little time in locating and opening the small box.
Inside nestled between sheets of delicate silk rested a small pendant, it was so delicate it appeared to be made from stained glass. In the sunlight it almost seemed to glow, its red hues soothing as she quickly fastened the clasp. Tucking it safely out of sight as Alice returned. Her eyes were dancing with glee. Sliding into the driver's seat she reached for her hand clasping it gently as she placed a small bag next to her companion.
"Oh Bella, did you open it?"
Bracing herself for a high decimal squeal sure to make the dogs in the next county howl; Bella nodded. Pulling her hair back gently to reveal the gem, Alice studied it with a great detail, a frown creasing her brow as she reached out to touch the gem. She was gone in a moment, leaving Bella to wonder what on earth was going on before she was back again clutching an old leather volume from Carlisle's library. Flipping page after page she kept glancing at the jewel then back at the book.
"Hmm it's not here, odd I've seen that pendant before somewhere"
Alice's tone was brooding as she closed the book with an unsatisfied air and started the engine. Bella then pushed the mystery of the jewelry to the back of her mind, seeing no point in getting all bothered about something so pointless. She chose instead to open the bag with a smile.
"Really Alice?"
"Well the guard is good at modifying human memory but its best to have solid proof of a sleepover"
This made sense as in retrospect Bella couldn't see having to explain coming home with that kind of weariness jet lag brings, except possibly one of Alice's sleepovers, her smile faded as she curled into the seat as the familiar rain began to patter against the window. As they pulled up to the Swan residence Alice was silent. Reaching out once more to catch her hand she spoke quietly as she gently raised Bella's chin to meet her eyes.
"I never meant to hurt you so Bella, if it takes the rest of your lifetime I will earn your trust again, we all will"
"I never blamed you Alice, with Jasper's accident I assumed you'd need some time alone that was acceptable, it was the behavior of the rest of the family I find appalling….you just don't leave family behind, you just don't"
Not the best farewell between friends but there was nothing left to say, opening the door she stepped into the rain, feeling how it oddly suited her mood, ever since touching foot to her own soil something had seemed out of place. Wrong, not like air sickness but rather that of the heart. It had been subtly gnawing at her all day and it was unfair to make Alice suffer for it. Striding inside she started a meal for her father. Frozen beef stew that the unnamed guard had been kind enough to pull from the freezer the day before, Setting a timer Bella shuffled upstairs opening a closet she picked up her guitar sitting on her bed she leaned back against the headboard and closed her eyes, allowing her fingers to caress the strings. Music was a hidden talent she rarely indulged beyond when her soul needed an outlet.
The melody was cloyingly sad, like a dark love ballad of old or a passionate Spanish tango. It suited her mood.
Somewhere between the last few chords she fell asleep the instrument hitting the carpet with an unheard soft thump as she slid into dreams.
%%
A soft voice whispered in her ear, cool hands tracing timeless patterns across her skin, the familiar strains of the song she had just played caressed the background as Bella raised her head. Gazing into a pair of familiar milky crimson eyes for a moment, before flowing into the timeless rhythm and steps of a Tango.
"Aro"
It was a plea and promise wrapped into a single spoken word as she was pulled close to his body, inhaling the familiar scent of his cologne; the slight chill penetrating through the fabric of her black gown as she rested her head gently on his shoulder he stirred causing a lock of his dark hair to fall into her reach and she reached up to touch the gleaming strands with reverent fingers, glorying in their silken feel that was better than her imaginings
"Yes Mia Cara?
"How are you here?"
Somehow she knew even in this perfect moment that this was a dream yet she didn't care, she felt safe, treasured, and whole for the first time since that horrible meeting in the forest. Aro bowed as the strains began again slowing in tempo but still keeping the Tango's intimate touch as he offered her his hand. Leading her effortlessly through the steps.
"You hold my heart Cara; I will always be here when you are in pain"
His words faded into silence as suddenly Bella jerked awake to the sound of the front door opening and her father calling loudly.
"Bells! The timers going crazy!"
Rising with a groan; Bella rubbed sleep from her eyes ready to laugh off the somewhat erotic dream as a combination of jet lag, too much rich food, and flying across the ocean, before realizing the familiar scent of Aro's cologne still lingered in the air.