April 7th, 2006; Right after the New Moon Epilogue

[themidnightson]

Edward is, for lack of a better word, irritated.

He'd usually be with Bella right now, during her 'Official Visting Hours,' but thanks to the mongrel, she's now being grounded on top of being 'grounded until Charlie decided otherwise.' He'd been smart enough not to ask. Just to let his fingers tighten only ever so gently to squeeze Bella's before, with a single nod and "Cheif Swan" to her father, followed by a quiet "I'll see you at school tomorrow."

Not evening pausing to brush his fingertips or lips against her face, or to tell her he'd be there, later tonight, once Charlie was asleep. She knew that already. Even if her fingers had clutched harder for a second right as he pulled away.

Though he hadn't left until Charlie stopped yelling about the stupidity of everything related to the red motorcycle parked by his cruiser and how she'd 'be lucky to see freedom before he was in the ground.' Charle had gone back to the game he was watching before realizing the bike just appeared. Bella had stomped off, muttering about 'killing Jake' to start dinner, and he'd finally turned the Volvo toward home.

He doesn't think about going anywhere else but home. He knows what the only next step is, and there are hours yet until the sun will set, and even hours from then until he'll need to be back. He parked the car in the garage, at least threw a look in on most of everyone watching the tv (two more deaths in Seattle; a weird recurrence), and headed straight up the stairs.

Taking less time between the bottom of the stairs and standing behind one of the chairs in front of Carlisle's desk, hand resting on the top of it, than he'd taken between his car and the stairs themselves. "Are you busy?"

Comments

[themidnightson]

Edward would agree on Carlisle's part for Alice's words. For how quickly Carlisle made the decision and dashed out his office (for how quickly Carlisle is already looking past them). He would not count, sitting in that office chair, being made to wait through five human minutes, when they lived in hundreds, even thousandths of a second, as quickly.

There's a steady glance in her direction, unavoided, questions asked and answered even before that glance is met. He knows what he knows what he knows what she knows, and sometimes he's glad they aren't always made of anything like words.

[ofthefamily]

It's easy enough to find Esme when they both want to be found, and the book Carlisle knows she is only pretending to read is put off to one side.

"And how are you, my dear?" Esme broaches first. It's the usual question, even if it feels a little small.

Carlisle smiles, timid but real, and grabs Esme's hand. He'll tell the whole story later - or fill in any gaps Alice didn't share.

"I called Edward an idiot."