Something Better Than Forever
by Skydancinghobbit
Chapter 9: Seduction by
Shakespeare.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
It was ridiculous, and egotistical, to think that I could affect anyone that strongly. It was impossible. And yet I couldn’t stop worrying that it was true.
Bella Swan, Twilight, Chapter 2, p.31
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bella was sure she had died of a heart attack right there in her seat as he addressed the class. With his ivory skin and long dark hair pulled back by what looked like a single chopstick of the same green shade as his eyes he was a vision. The sharp pain in the region of her chest reminded her to take a breath and she accordingly did so. Inhaling, that now all too familiar scent into her, with a slow deep breath. Oddly enough, none of her classmates seemed to be bothered in the least and it suddenly struck her that perhaps she was the only one to notice it at all.
Heady notion indeed, the telltale sparkle in Alice's eye was proof enough of her guess. He settled to business, calling attendance with a practiced air, that made her wonder if this was not the first time he had taught a class. That concluded as he slid a pair of black rimmed glasses onto his nose and opened the planner scanning the notes. Bella heard a soft chuckle escape his lips. For a moment their eyes met and the corner of his mouth curved just a fraction of an inch in greeting before again addressing the class.
"I find that your professor had started your classic lit training. Can anyone tell me which title you are currently reviewing"
Bella had to bite her lip, to check her laugh, as every female raised their hand with an eagerness rarely displayed in this room. Amazing what a handsome sub will do. Yet, there was a tiny part of Bella that reared its ugly head on seeing how many of her classmate stared at him so hungrily. Somewhat startled she faced the feeling, demanding it identify itself and the answer surprised her.
She was jealous!
Luckily Aro chose his target well, picking the only person in the room who had not raised their hand, as he rose from the desk and leaned casually against the front of his desk.
"Mr. Cullen perhaps you would be kind enough to enlighten me?"
Bella felt a chill run down her spine. She was about to turn and watch when a soft touch on her shoulder and shake of the head from Alice prevented it. This was dangerous ground and she knew it. How she longed to watch their silent interactions! A moment only went by as Edward wisely answered the question.
"Romeo and Juliet, we left off at the middle of scene, 5"
The hesitation was there for only a moment yet Bella felt as if it lasted an age. She knew that scene. Surely Aro was not going to...Yet there was a glitter in those green eyes she did not trust. He had a plan and whatever it was could bode very badly, for poor Edward, if he reacted wrongly.
"Excellent. Now I know how much the Bard can bore you if you simply read it from a page; so i suggest a demonstration as we are lucky enough to have three Shakespeare enthusiasts in the room"
"Mr. Cullen, Miss Swan would you do the honors?"
Obediently the scrape of two chairs was heard as she approached the desk turning to face Edward with guarded eyes. His golden depths burned with silent fury, as Aro approached showing them the place to start she drew in a sharp breath as the two males gazed at each other in silent contest before Edward gave way. Dropping his head a moment in submission which Aro played on assuming a good natured expression.
"Oh cheer up Mr. Cullen, you shall play the last few lines of young Tybalt, then I will release you back to the comfort of your chair; never fear"
It did the trick and the head raised again, only with practice of long years with a speed only a hair faster than one would have wagered possible had anyone else been watching. Edward however had the good sense to only nod before Aro turned to her, expression shifting ever so slightly, like the edges of a painting softened by the hues of watercolors.
"Miss Swan you have previous acting experience or so my planner tells me, would you oblige the class with a rendition of the ill fated Juliet for this scene?"
"Of course Professor, I don't need the book"
She waved away the copy he offered. It was not pride or vanity that caused her response, but confidence. She had read it a hundred times, watched theatre performances and even graced the stage, in the highly sought after role, herself, for a short time in answer to a plea for help when the shows original leading lady contracted food poisioning the night before.
"Very well then; if you have no objection to playing to an actor of more, advanced years beirfly playing two roles we shall begin with the rebuke and tybalts exit. Could someone dim the lights please?"
Feeling like she was the spectator at some ancient gladiator match, Bella watched the two men slip effortlessly into their roles. Yet enough malice glittered in their eyes to make her well aware this short scene went far deeper between them, then simple English lit had to offer. Indeed she nearly gasped aloud as Aro began, his voice roughening to that of an angry father rebuking a junior who had incurred his displeasure.
CAPULET
“Go to, go to;
you are a saucy boy: is’t so, indeed?
This trick my chance to scathe you: I know what?
You must contrary me! marry, tis’ time.
Well said, my hearts! you are a princox; go:
Be quiet, or -- More light, more light! For shame!
I’ll make you quiet! What, cheerly, my hearts!”
A soft gasp, among the class, was heard but so hushed it didn't break the mood. Never before had they, or anyone else, heard the lines spoken so fluidly as if the mannerisms and habits of those days were second nature to the speaker. Bella realised in silent wonder how close to the truth those words rang, for it was not impossible that Aro could have lived in England during the time when these works were first penned; yet she held her breath for the moody rebuke to follow. Delivered as it was through the pale lips recently so tightly pressed into a thin line it was a wonder that it was heard at all.
TYBALT
“Patience perforce with wilful choler meeting
Makes my flesh tremble in their different greeting.
I will withdraw: but this intrusion shall
Now seeming sweet convert to bitter gall.”
So Edward left the scene, his eyes lingering on the remaining actors a thousand unspoken threats lingering in that one look as he took his seat with slow dragging steps as if longing to rush back and put a stop to the play's inevitable next scene. She had no time to wonder about his mood or guess how far this would carry as at that moment a gentle hand lifted her own from the table where it rested with infinite slowness.
ROMEO [TO JULIET]
“If I profane with my unworthiest hand
This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this:
My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand
To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss”
Her mouth ran dry as he raised her hand to his lips following the dictates of the script. Staring into his eyes what women could doubt their utter sincerity. Luckily she recognised the prompt as he again brushed silken cool lips across her skin so quickly the human eye had no chance of catching the motion. Yet two other pairs in the room saw it all as she slid into her role letting the room fall away around her as she offered him a smile .
JULIET
“Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much,
Which mannerly devotion shows in this;”
Alice later would regale her on the spark of fire that lit in those emerald eyes as she uttered the words of timeless romance shifting their touch so their hand rested palm to palm for only long enough so everyone could see as she continued on allowing their hands to drop the moment after her line came to a close.
“For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch,
And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.”
Soft sighs rang clear now as her classmates began to recognise the familiar lines and a few closed their eyes; the better to simply listen. Bella however was held captive in his eyes as a smile touched his lips. Teasing humor now coming into his eyes as if he was daring her to call him on the question later even as he uttered it in perfect calm and innocence. Yet those very hands mentioned in her last line were positively itching to run through the hair now so easily within her reach.
ROMEO
“Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too?”
Oh yes they do!, her mind whispered naughtily to her, and nearly on cue her eyes fixed on that very place even as she moved away as the play bid with a smile and rebuke. Only too aware of his measured steps as he followed, keeping ever a polite distance and the roles of teacher and student completely obvious; yet there was an aching intimacy all the same.
JULIET
“Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer.”
Alice was holding a crumpled kleenex as she watched transfixed as they continued on. Aro smiling on the class now as he broke the moment with a wink that caused many to giggle as he finished his line.
ROMEO
“O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do;
They pray, grant thou, lest faith turn to despair.”
Bella could bet there were a couple men in the room busily scribbling the line down to be used later in life, probably at their first college party. She merely rolled her eyes as the next line came to pass, she delivered it as if she were a patient teacher reasoning with a young student made to sit, for lessons, when a summers heat was beckoning the young to play the hours away.
JULIET
“Saints do not move, though grant for prayers' sake.”
Stepping suddenly close to her, Aro raised a single eyebrow in question if he had permission to go through with the stage directions for the next line. Rolling her eyes again she answered with her eyes and he relaxed as he moved closer to declare his line. Heedless of the grinding sound of teeth coming from the back row.
ROMEO
“Then move not, while my prayer's effect I take.
Thus from my lips, by yours, my sin is purged.”
So saying he moved in, covering her lips in a kiss that Bella felt to the very bottom of her toes as they curled in her sneakers. Though void of passion or cheapness it sparked an ember deep within her as he withdrew after only a moment to respond to the catcalls and giggles that blanketed the room.
“Oh if you think this was bad, its said in Elizabethan times all the roles in this play were portrayed by young men.”
Here the moment ended with the chiming of his watch, while the class wrapped their minds around the image of this scene acted by men. Aro withdrew to the rear of the class to bring the lights from their half dim setting back to full glare. Once more the teacher of before.
“I'm afraid thats all we have time for today. Tonight's homework, review that Chapter and describe the ways the play can still be considered a modern love story”
The bell rang shortly after sending good natured grumbles through the class as they gathered their things and left, a few stopping by Bella to compliment her acting. Mike teasing her gently about being a secret broadway star and urging her to audition for the school play that year, which Bella good naturedly declined. The Little Shop of Horrors was not her favorite show.
Alice waited until the crowd had thinned before attacking her with a hug that was just shy of causing bruising.
“That was wonderful! I've never seen any of the plays acted out before, it truly came alive!”
Blushing, Bella laughed.
“I suppose; but its been nearly a year since I acted it the last time I'm afraid my timing wasn't the best but thank you, dear friend, for the vote of confidence”
Thus distracted with happy conversation, Bella hardly noticed when Edward left the room; but was held back a moment, by the plans Alice was making of a cookout with Charlie invited later in the week. Recipes and suggestions followed and they departed the class together bickering over the importance of potato salad at such an event. Main dish or favorite side?
Bella, however, was only too aware of the pair of now green eyes that followed her out the door, burning into her back with an intensity that spoke of later; even though she never turned around.
Bella understood.
It was ridiculous, and egotistical, to think that I could affect anyone that strongly. It was impossible. And yet I couldn’t stop worrying that it was true.
Bella Swan, Twilight, Chapter 2, p.31
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bella was sure she had died of a heart attack right there in her seat as he addressed the class. With his ivory skin and long dark hair pulled back by what looked like a single chopstick of the same green shade as his eyes he was a vision. The sharp pain in the region of her chest reminded her to take a breath and she accordingly did so. Inhaling, that now all too familiar scent into her, with a slow deep breath. Oddly enough, none of her classmates seemed to be bothered in the least and it suddenly struck her that perhaps she was the only one to notice it at all.
Heady notion indeed, the telltale sparkle in Alice's eye was proof enough of her guess. He settled to business, calling attendance with a practiced air, that made her wonder if this was not the first time he had taught a class. That concluded as he slid a pair of black rimmed glasses onto his nose and opened the planner scanning the notes. Bella heard a soft chuckle escape his lips. For a moment their eyes met and the corner of his mouth curved just a fraction of an inch in greeting before again addressing the class.
"I find that your professor had started your classic lit training. Can anyone tell me which title you are currently reviewing"
Bella had to bite her lip, to check her laugh, as every female raised their hand with an eagerness rarely displayed in this room. Amazing what a handsome sub will do. Yet, there was a tiny part of Bella that reared its ugly head on seeing how many of her classmate stared at him so hungrily. Somewhat startled she faced the feeling, demanding it identify itself and the answer surprised her.
She was jealous!
Luckily Aro chose his target well, picking the only person in the room who had not raised their hand, as he rose from the desk and leaned casually against the front of his desk.
"Mr. Cullen perhaps you would be kind enough to enlighten me?"
Bella felt a chill run down her spine. She was about to turn and watch when a soft touch on her shoulder and shake of the head from Alice prevented it. This was dangerous ground and she knew it. How she longed to watch their silent interactions! A moment only went by as Edward wisely answered the question.
"Romeo and Juliet, we left off at the middle of scene, 5"
The hesitation was there for only a moment yet Bella felt as if it lasted an age. She knew that scene. Surely Aro was not going to...Yet there was a glitter in those green eyes she did not trust. He had a plan and whatever it was could bode very badly, for poor Edward, if he reacted wrongly.
"Excellent. Now I know how much the Bard can bore you if you simply read it from a page; so i suggest a demonstration as we are lucky enough to have three Shakespeare enthusiasts in the room"
"Mr. Cullen, Miss Swan would you do the honors?"
Obediently the scrape of two chairs was heard as she approached the desk turning to face Edward with guarded eyes. His golden depths burned with silent fury, as Aro approached showing them the place to start she drew in a sharp breath as the two males gazed at each other in silent contest before Edward gave way. Dropping his head a moment in submission which Aro played on assuming a good natured expression.
"Oh cheer up Mr. Cullen, you shall play the last few lines of young Tybalt, then I will release you back to the comfort of your chair; never fear"
It did the trick and the head raised again, only with practice of long years with a speed only a hair faster than one would have wagered possible had anyone else been watching. Edward however had the good sense to only nod before Aro turned to her, expression shifting ever so slightly, like the edges of a painting softened by the hues of watercolors.
"Miss Swan you have previous acting experience or so my planner tells me, would you oblige the class with a rendition of the ill fated Juliet for this scene?"
"Of course Professor, I don't need the book"
She waved away the copy he offered. It was not pride or vanity that caused her response, but confidence. She had read it a hundred times, watched theatre performances and even graced the stage, in the highly sought after role, herself, for a short time in answer to a plea for help when the shows original leading lady contracted food poisioning the night before.
"Very well then; if you have no objection to playing to an actor of more, advanced years beirfly playing two roles we shall begin with the rebuke and tybalts exit. Could someone dim the lights please?"
Feeling like she was the spectator at some ancient gladiator match, Bella watched the two men slip effortlessly into their roles. Yet enough malice glittered in their eyes to make her well aware this short scene went far deeper between them, then simple English lit had to offer. Indeed she nearly gasped aloud as Aro began, his voice roughening to that of an angry father rebuking a junior who had incurred his displeasure.
CAPULET
“Go to, go to;
you are a saucy boy: is’t so, indeed?
This trick my chance to scathe you: I know what?
You must contrary me! marry, tis’ time.
Well said, my hearts! you are a princox; go:
Be quiet, or -- More light, more light! For shame!
I’ll make you quiet! What, cheerly, my hearts!”
A soft gasp, among the class, was heard but so hushed it didn't break the mood. Never before had they, or anyone else, heard the lines spoken so fluidly as if the mannerisms and habits of those days were second nature to the speaker. Bella realised in silent wonder how close to the truth those words rang, for it was not impossible that Aro could have lived in England during the time when these works were first penned; yet she held her breath for the moody rebuke to follow. Delivered as it was through the pale lips recently so tightly pressed into a thin line it was a wonder that it was heard at all.
TYBALT
“Patience perforce with wilful choler meeting
Makes my flesh tremble in their different greeting.
I will withdraw: but this intrusion shall
Now seeming sweet convert to bitter gall.”
So Edward left the scene, his eyes lingering on the remaining actors a thousand unspoken threats lingering in that one look as he took his seat with slow dragging steps as if longing to rush back and put a stop to the play's inevitable next scene. She had no time to wonder about his mood or guess how far this would carry as at that moment a gentle hand lifted her own from the table where it rested with infinite slowness.
ROMEO [TO JULIET]
“If I profane with my unworthiest hand
This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this:
My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand
To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss”
Her mouth ran dry as he raised her hand to his lips following the dictates of the script. Staring into his eyes what women could doubt their utter sincerity. Luckily she recognised the prompt as he again brushed silken cool lips across her skin so quickly the human eye had no chance of catching the motion. Yet two other pairs in the room saw it all as she slid into her role letting the room fall away around her as she offered him a smile .
JULIET
“Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much,
Which mannerly devotion shows in this;”
Alice later would regale her on the spark of fire that lit in those emerald eyes as she uttered the words of timeless romance shifting their touch so their hand rested palm to palm for only long enough so everyone could see as she continued on allowing their hands to drop the moment after her line came to a close.
“For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch,
And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.”
Soft sighs rang clear now as her classmates began to recognise the familiar lines and a few closed their eyes; the better to simply listen. Bella however was held captive in his eyes as a smile touched his lips. Teasing humor now coming into his eyes as if he was daring her to call him on the question later even as he uttered it in perfect calm and innocence. Yet those very hands mentioned in her last line were positively itching to run through the hair now so easily within her reach.
ROMEO
“Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too?”
Oh yes they do!, her mind whispered naughtily to her, and nearly on cue her eyes fixed on that very place even as she moved away as the play bid with a smile and rebuke. Only too aware of his measured steps as he followed, keeping ever a polite distance and the roles of teacher and student completely obvious; yet there was an aching intimacy all the same.
JULIET
“Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer.”
Alice was holding a crumpled kleenex as she watched transfixed as they continued on. Aro smiling on the class now as he broke the moment with a wink that caused many to giggle as he finished his line.
ROMEO
“O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do;
They pray, grant thou, lest faith turn to despair.”
Bella could bet there were a couple men in the room busily scribbling the line down to be used later in life, probably at their first college party. She merely rolled her eyes as the next line came to pass, she delivered it as if she were a patient teacher reasoning with a young student made to sit, for lessons, when a summers heat was beckoning the young to play the hours away.
JULIET
“Saints do not move, though grant for prayers' sake.”
Stepping suddenly close to her, Aro raised a single eyebrow in question if he had permission to go through with the stage directions for the next line. Rolling her eyes again she answered with her eyes and he relaxed as he moved closer to declare his line. Heedless of the grinding sound of teeth coming from the back row.
ROMEO
“Then move not, while my prayer's effect I take.
Thus from my lips, by yours, my sin is purged.”
So saying he moved in, covering her lips in a kiss that Bella felt to the very bottom of her toes as they curled in her sneakers. Though void of passion or cheapness it sparked an ember deep within her as he withdrew after only a moment to respond to the catcalls and giggles that blanketed the room.
“Oh if you think this was bad, its said in Elizabethan times all the roles in this play were portrayed by young men.”
Here the moment ended with the chiming of his watch, while the class wrapped their minds around the image of this scene acted by men. Aro withdrew to the rear of the class to bring the lights from their half dim setting back to full glare. Once more the teacher of before.
“I'm afraid thats all we have time for today. Tonight's homework, review that Chapter and describe the ways the play can still be considered a modern love story”
The bell rang shortly after sending good natured grumbles through the class as they gathered their things and left, a few stopping by Bella to compliment her acting. Mike teasing her gently about being a secret broadway star and urging her to audition for the school play that year, which Bella good naturedly declined. The Little Shop of Horrors was not her favorite show.
Alice waited until the crowd had thinned before attacking her with a hug that was just shy of causing bruising.
“That was wonderful! I've never seen any of the plays acted out before, it truly came alive!”
Blushing, Bella laughed.
“I suppose; but its been nearly a year since I acted it the last time I'm afraid my timing wasn't the best but thank you, dear friend, for the vote of confidence”
Thus distracted with happy conversation, Bella hardly noticed when Edward left the room; but was held back a moment, by the plans Alice was making of a cookout with Charlie invited later in the week. Recipes and suggestions followed and they departed the class together bickering over the importance of potato salad at such an event. Main dish or favorite side?
Bella, however, was only too aware of the pair of now green eyes that followed her out the door, burning into her back with an intensity that spoke of later; even though she never turned around.
Bella understood.