Till Death (Volturi / Twilight Fanfiction)

21: We get it, you're in love. stfu about it. Jfc.

"Is it an animal?"

"No."

"Is it living?"

"In a way."

"Breathing?"

"No." Taylor pursed her lips.

"Would you tell me what it was? If I asked nicely?" She tried, making the corners of Marcus' lips turn upward in slight. 

"I would, but it would ruin the surprise." Taylor adjusted herself in the passenger seat, moving the seat belt off the crook of her neck. It was irritating her bare skin. Today was warm so she wore a tank with her flannel overshirt wrapped around her waist just in case, she wasn't planning on being in a vehicle so long though. She had met Marcus in the castle, and like every other day before then Aro was between the two. For the past few days, he had been constantly questioning Taylor about her abilities, her likes, and dislikes. He'd then talk his brother up in between his gushing over Taylor. He smiled a lot, showed teeth a lot, Taylor wished she could say she got used to the uncomfortable feeling the other residence had stirred in her. But she hadn't. And perhaps Francis had caught the same feelings because it was getting difficult for Taylor to do her job with how much he had been avoiding her. 

"I wouldn't want to ruin anything." She admitted, signaling an end to her questions. "I'll quit pestering you bout it." 

"You're never pestering me."

"Oh really? I've been talking since you tossed me in the car. It's almost like you were in a hurry or something." Taylor teased, she knew why Marcus was in a rush. Aro seemed to be more excitable than usual, complimenting her appearance and noting her lack of handwear today. She'd forgotten her gloves and was sure she'd be hearing about that later tonight. But before he could get a proper greeting out Marcus was there and Taylor found herself in an expensive looking vehicle leaving a rather surprised Aro in the dust of their rushed exit. Marcus gave Taylor a sly smile.

"I love the sound of your voice, speak all you'd like, it's like a song." Taylor quickly looked out the window, suddenly very interested in the landscape. Ignoring her slightly warmed cheeks. Marcus chuckled. "My brother is enthusiastic, overly so. I apologize for his behavior, it made you uncomfortable." Taylor bit her lip, a bit embarrassed that he could tell.

"It's alright." She faced him once more, with blush lessened. "It's not his fault, I'm just not great with catering to that much energy. Not that your brother is too much!" 

"He can be." 

"I didn't say that, I won't say that. You can say that." 

"Don't filter yourself for my sake cara mia. I know you agree, you are simply dreadful at hiding your exasperation. You've a dimple that appears..." He tapped between his brows a second, before again placing both hands on the wheel. "Right here, and your nose scrunches just a bit. An expression which appears often in Aro's presence. And now, for example, your voice is not pitched so high for politeness' sake." 

"You notice a lot."

"I pay attention the best I can. It's by doing just that, that I know you will enjoy your surprise." Marcus pulled into a driveway, and next to an insane house. 

It was huge, regal even, but not as cold as the castle. It had a welcoming feel to it, with red walls almost like terracotta, and rounded shingles on the roof. It's foundation cradled the home in brown and tanned stones which carried into the entryway arch and outdoor stairs. It sat upon rolling hills in beautifully landscaped greenery. Cypress dotted the yard's edge as well as other plants to give privacy to this oasis. Marcus exited the car, and Taylor moved to do the same. Opening the door to be met with a guiding hand on her back, Marcus rarely made skin contact, he shut the door behind her. She leaned into his side as they made their way into the building, taking in his strangely pleasant aroma. It was a touch earthy, but also sophisticated, like reading a new book in a freshly tilled field. Or burning a cedar bundle in an abandoned temple. Cedar, that was the underlying scent that she could most easily pinpoint. But the rest was unique, indescribable. When Marcus opened the door to reveal an inside just as warm as out, Taylor whistled.