These Are The Moments

[Alice Cullen]

-Often, Henry and I would make our way out the forest near twilight. He liked to watch me hunt, take down a mountain lion or elk, although he himself didn't feed. The last few weeks since returning from Volterra, having him here...I can't find the words. I have absolutely zero recall about my life before I was turned, but for the odd visions and occasional glimpse. I know Carlisle has a file on me, I know Nessa could at any given time, tell me what I wanted. Even Henry had offered to tell me of how he came to find me in that insane asylum. But I always demurred. What I had in the past didn't matter. If it was so horrible that I chose to forget it, why would I WANT to remember? There was reason for it, although I knew I couldn't evade it forever. What interested me most was Henry, his life as a human, as a vampire. Aside from Carlisle, Henry was possibly the most controlled, composed and utterly serene vampire I'd ever met. Nothing upset him, nothing seemed to phase him on any level.

I was going to miss him. Incredibly so. More than I thought possible. Carlisle would always be my father, always. Esme, her place in my life was that of the most beloved of mothers. But Henry? I can't even explain it. Guardian. Protector. And that didn't even cover it. Words. So very paltry when it came to expressing what you felt deep in your soul.

He asked me to come with him again, out into the gloaming and I went, without question. The sun, streaming in weakly through the puffy grayish white clouds hovering over Forks, touched his face and mine in bursts as we walked in silence, the only sound the soft crunch of the woodland floor. I'd left Jazz back at the house with Esme and Carlisle, deep in a discussion of moving. Again. We knew it was coming soon. We couldn't stay in Forks forever. People were already beginning to question certain things they found..odd..about us. I would miss this place, though. Which brought me to this- Henry? When....?

[Henry]

*I knew what question she was asking and I hurt to hear it, but I'd never lie to Alice. Never. Reaching out and taking her small, cool hand in my own and raising it up to brush a kiss over her knuckles* Soon, my pixie. The next few days. I don't want to give Aro ANY reason to set foot here in Forks. Or take my lagging about as a sign of breaching our contract. *I paused a few moments, falling silent as I drank in the quiet beauty of the forest, how the dimming light only served to enhance the inner glow that always seemed to shine from my child. We walked a bit more, I held tight to her hand* Alice, you must make me a promise. One favor, I know I have no right to ask it, but I need something from you.

[Alice Cullen]

-I glanced up at him and nodded- Of course, Henry. Anything. You saved my family. Regardless of anything else, THAT is the most important thing. So, if it's within my power, I'll do anything you ask of me. -I meant it. For my family, no price was too high-

[Henry]

"Don't, for any reason, come again to Volterra. I mean that. Do you understand me? I won't risk you like that and I won't put it beneath Aro to find loopholes to get at you or the Cullens again. He is cunning and he is brilliantly mad. Even if you have cause to think it's for the best, no matter what you see...just stay as far from Italy as you can."

*We came to a small clearing that outcropped over the ocean and stepped through. I could hear the wolves rustling behind us, watching but respectful. This was neutral ground for us all but I felt something akin to thanks for them, for watching out for what was mine*

[Alice Cullen]

-Frowning, I made to argue but he laid fingers over my lips and just gazed at me with those deep, thoughtful eyes. Neither of us spoke. He was asking for more than I could agree to. I had come to love Henry in the last few weeks, as my Maker, as my "father" and as a part of the puzzle that made up Mary Alice Brandon Cullen Hale. There was no way I would ever, could ever, sit by and let something happen to him, not if I could stop it or change it. But I also knew Henry was a warrior, a poet, a silent sentinel who could take care of himself. He was as wise as Carlisle. He was stronger than Emmett. He was faster than Edward. He was as protective of me as Jazz. These men in my life, Henry included...what had I done to deserve such faithfulness? Such unmitigated loyalty? I finally gave a jerky nod- I promise, Henry. -Turning away from him, not feeling the promise and yet my mouth gave the words so easily- Tell me more about Didyme? I wish I had known her....

[Henry]

*chuckling inwardly, in no way did I take her uneasy acquiescence at face value. But I would keep her safe at all costs, even from her own nature. Helping her to sit down on the sturdy boulder nearest me, I took a seat by her side. The sky darkened a bit more, the dull waves roared and crashed against the cliffs below as I began to speak once more of my beloved sister. Alice was far more like her than she would ever know. It went beyond the exterior looks, their souls were made of the same things. As I spoke, I watched how the wind toyed with Alice's dark wispy hair, how her golden eyes, large and trustful, haunting and wistful kept on my face, drinking in all I said. These were the moments I'd hold onto when I was under Aro's guard. The moments I would cherish when I was no longer by her side*