Piper: School is exhausting, lol, but I'm getting used to it.

I don't own Twilight.

Chapter 26 - Sanctuary

Bella Swan

Their necks crumbled as theirs heads were ripped from their body, and I looked off to side as the bodies caught fire from a thrown match. They got what they deserved, I guess. Being part of the cause that could've exposed vampires to any humans had they been near the city. Their lives were forfeit. It almost seemed sad. They were so close to each other, showing a bond that most don't get to share. But they had to be ended, as their punishment. I understood, but it didn't stop my stomach from feeling a bit hollow.

Their burning body crumbled to ash, their pleading faces disappearing into their own dirt pile. The world was now erased of them, and for a good reason. We all watched as each body part of theirs was burned, blackening and turning to ash seconds after the burn appeared. Once their form as a human disappeared and they were just a pile, the fire began to die down.

The jet black haired boys hiding their faces on my shoulders peaked slowly, eyeing the dust on the ground uneasily. The twins still weren't used to watching executions, and I couldn't blame them after what James had put them through. They both slowly pulled away from me as the ashes were swept away by Demetri and Felix, relaxing once death was cleaned from the floor. I gave each a small smile of reassurance before looking towards Caius, and his eyes met mine. I smiled, and the light in his eyes shifted, the smallest tilt of his lips forming a smirk.

Caius stood from his throne, offering me his hand. I slide mine into his and our fingers intertwined. He led me from the room, Tristan and Adair going off to train with Felix and Demetri once dismissed. Our foot steps were almost silent as we made the traditional walk towards Caius's study.

Life had become smoother after the battle with James and his newborns. It took a few months before the uneasy feelings I had around the Cullens dimmed down, and we had managed to salvage a small friendship before they went back to their little corner of the world to live their lives. We most definately weren't as close as what we used to be, not the least bit, and I don't think that we ever will. It was like a ripple in the water of our lives that wouldn't still.

It has been bout five months since the battle, and about four after the Cullens left. Things have settled into a nice routine. Most important Volturi business happens in the mornings or late afternoon, and Caius and I either stay in his study or the gardens. I've also been spending time with the twins and training my power with Aro.

Not being with Caius twenty-four seven didn't hurt our relationship, really. If anything it probably strengthened it, seeing as if we spent the day doing different things with the other, the more we wanted to see each other. When we were far apart, there was a always a longing there pulling in my chest, and once we were in each other company once again it felt breathing for the first time. I wondered if this was how it felt for all mates. Every time you're together it feels like each breath is your first?

"Bella," Caius said suddenly, snapping me from my thoughts.

I looked at him, seeing him watching me with a raised eyebrow. An embarrassed smile crossed my face when I realized that he had probably been trying to get my attention for the past few minutes, while I was spaced out in my own little world.

"Sorry," I murmured.

Caius watched me for a moment before pulling me closer; placing his arms around my waist, his cloak flowing from his arms and over my shoulders to cover the both of us in its soft, ebony embrace. I wrapped my arms around his torso, pressing my face into the crook of his neck. Caius pulled me from my seat at his desk, onto his lap as he rested his head atop of mine. I smiled softly as we stayed that was, my body wrapped up with his inside his cloak and my head tucked under his as his pen once again began its elegant movements across his parchment.

My mind got foggy as I drowned in his smell, and I lifted a hand to my Volturi crest. I couldn't really see it due to Caius's cloak, but felt it resting above my heart with a careful hand. A small warm feeling bloomed in my chest as I clasped my crest, and a smile crossed my face.

Caius Volturi

Only whenever I held her did I realize how small she was compared to me. But she still managed to fit like a puzzle piece with me, emotionally and physically. She was the only one that did. Any who I may have found an interest in before never fit like she did. They never made me feel like she did. It made my stomach churn when I thought about all of those past interests; so much disgust filled me when I thought of any other snuggled to my chest other then the one currently doing so.

I had my struggles with her, but everything turned out quite peaceful once we straightened out the creases in her life. I will not say that she is a perfect angel, because there is no such thing. She has her faults, as do I. The vampire species isn't as perfect as every makes it out to be. We may have the perfectly sculpted physical features, but on the inside we can all be snarling monsters. All of us. Even the kindest have a little dark side whispering in their ear.

My eyes darted from the piece of parchment in front of me down to my mate, who was watching me write once more. I was still unable to understand what she found so entertaining about what I do, or even me in general. It was quite obvious that I had the same curiosities and interests about her quirks, and I couldn't comprehend that either.

It seemed that having a mate was one big mystery. You didn't know or understand, but it didn't feel like you needed to. The feelings were there and were real, and that seemed to be all that mattered. However, just because the need to understand didn't really present its self, it didn't mean that curiosity didn't peak every once and a while.

"I love you, Caius," Bella murmured, and my chest felt warmer then before.

I raised my hand, brushing my finger tips across her face and tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. Happy with affection returned, she let out a small breath of air. She shifted suddenly, and I looked down at her as she up a bit, looking at my chest. I raised an eyebrow as she moved my cloak around a little bit so that she could get at the Volturi crest hanging around my neck. My crest was larger then hers, a little bit smaller then palm sized.

"What are you doing?" I asked, a small amount of amusement laced in my tone.

She looked up at me, smiling slightly, before looking back down at my crest, "I was just thinking."

"About?" I questioned, shifting so that I was leaning back more comfortable as she rain her fingers over the design of my crest.

"Everything."

She looked up to see me with one eyebrow raised, a silent request for an explanation. She smiled, "I'm just thinking about all that's happened since I woke up from my change."

Bella Swan

Truthfully, I was thinking about what had happened with Caius and I through the time we spent together. I had gotten lost in thought over them, and found myself holding Caius's crest and him questioning me with an amused expression. I merely smiled at him as I continued to think, aware of him watching every facial expression and mood change I went through while doing so. After a moment, I looked up at Caius and our eyes locked.

I tilted my head at him a little, wondering what was going on in his mind. He shook his head, dismissing my question. I opened my mouth to let out a tiny protest, but was quieted with a small touch of his lips on mine. He pulled back swiftly, and I drew my eyebrows together. His mouth quirked, creating a taunting smirk that made me frown softly. He leaned forward once more, this time resting his head on mine. Our eyes stared each other, his with a certain twinkle shining in them and mine dark with confusion.

"Wha-" I was cut off once more, and this time I got an answer.

"You think too much," He murmured, pulling me closer.

For a split moment of a human reminder, I expected to feel my cheeks heat up. Mentally shaking my head, I watched as Caius leaned down and our lips met.

As we showed each other how much we loved one another with a simple kiss, I couldn't help but let my mind wonder how I had been so lucky. I was blessed with a second chance at not only life but love, and it felt amazing to have. The thought of loosing this feeling, loosing Caius, made my stomach clench. Forever sounded heavenly when you had someone to spend it with.

We pulled away slowly, and I looped my arms around his neck, hugging him close. He held me back, his calm breath tickling the back of my neck. My cloudy eyes opened halfway, and I found myself staring at the rain streaked window. I didn't think of Forks when I did so, like I would've done. Instead I thought of the first time I said I love you to Caius, the rain crashing down on us both. A smile met my lips, and my chest exploded with warmth.

The feeling spread like a sickness, and I took in a small breath through my nose. I still never found out what exactly that feeling was. It didn't seem to need a label, but I wanted it to have one. I wanted to call it something to explain the explosive feeling that rained fireworks in my chest every time we touched.

I settled for calling it a simple illness. An infection. We infected each other, and we loved every moment of it.

Piper: End. I hope you guys enjoyed this fanfiction. You guys reviewed so much, I can't believe it. When I first started writing and posting, I never expected people to like my work. I thank all of you who reviewed favorited, alerted, or just plain read the story all the way through. Thank you for being patient with me, those who were. I plan on having a story up soon for you guys. It'll be a Bella/Aro this time.

Please review, and tell me how ya' feel!