la belle dame sans merci | carlisle cullen

09

It was dangerous to bring her here. All of a sudden they went from keeping at arm's distance to closer than Carlisle could bear. He forced himself to move, making the mental note to check on her and refill her water glass when she'd fallen asleep.

He was in a daze as he made his way downstairs, thinking more rationally with every step he got away from her. "What the hell has happened today?" He mutters to himself.

"That's what I'm wondering." A voice says from behind him making him turn. Alice stands there, arms crossed. "I told them to stay away a little longer while I checked in. Edward went to get groceries.. just in case."

"Thank you." Carlisle says with a sigh, leaning against the kitchen counter. "Did you see it coming?"

Alice looks out the window at the sun, which is hanging high in the sky now. "A couple of things. I saw you agreeing to take her out of the hospital and figured you might end up here."

Carlisle's eyes were slightly narrowed as Alice sighs a little, "I saw more of a future for the two of you, Carlisle. I know you don't want to hear it.."

"I do." He admitted softly, sinking down so his back was against the cupboards, "More than I care to admit."

Alice gives him a knowing smile, sinking down to sit cross cross across from him. "She's your soulmate, Carlisle. She has to be."

His head falls back against the cupboard, eyes closing as he sighs, "I know. Of course, I know. It's.. odd.. Human souls recycle, I've met her soul before."

Alice's eyes were intent then, "Really?"

"I've been wracking my brain, she seemed so familiar. I couldn't put my finger on it." He opens his eyes to look at his daughter, "It was at a bar in the 30's or 40's. I remember feeling so guilty because Esme was waiting for me and I lingered to speak to her."

"It was your soulmate, you couldn't help it." Alice says, eyes softened. "Esme must have understood."

Carlisle shook his head, "It didn't feel right to keep it from her. She was extremely upset." He laced his fingers in front of her, "I wouldn't subject her to this life then, I won't now but.." he hoped she wouldn't mind Alice being looped in on the situation. "She hasn't told me the situation yet but., before I even got her out of the hospital she was beginning to heal." Alice's eyebrows knit.

"What?" She breathes.

"Minerva said she'd explain everything." Carlisle added, looking down at his hands. "She asked me if I believed in the supernatural."

"Carlisle.."

"I know." He says quietly.

"If she already knows there are supernatural things, you could tell her." Alice couldn't keep the excitement out of her tone, "She'd probably be open to-"

"I know."

It was hours later when Carlisle crept up to check on her, tired of pacing back and fourth. He slipped through the door, careful not to make a sound. She slept on her side with her back to the door, he couldn't see her face until he reached the bedside swapping out her empty glass with a full one. Carlisle hesitated a moment, watching her peaceful face partially concealed by the blanket pulled up to her nose.

His jaw dropped when a gentle glow emanated from under her eyes, a green which flickered under her eyelashes. The same glow begins to shine from the bandage on her forehead— he realizes he's seeing her heal. It takes a few minutes for him to tear himself away, sealing himself in his study.

Carlisle didn't expect her to be okay with him being a vampire just because she knew the supernatural. If anything, she might be more appalled. Vampires didn't exactly have the best reputation. She might look at him and see a monster. It made his heart ache to even think of seeing horror in her eyes.