46; the one with the wedding

[Warning; smut scenes.]

Just to clarify; anticipation feels foreign in this new body.

It's the morning of the twelfth of august, the day of Bella Swan and Edward Cullens wedding. A day before Elias' and Jaspers claimed birthday. Almost three months since the battle on top the mountain and when he incidentally got turned. 

Elias sighs again, eyeing the reflection in the mirror with distain. His stomaches all funny feeling, tight, and he can't help the way he keeps brushing his fingers over the soft material of his shirt. He's pinpointing his nervousness into how he looks instead of thinking about how the day will go. It's a good method, or it was, until he started worrying about his appearance as well as the day.

He's wearing a black single breasted two piece suit, made entirely out of this smooth expensive material- Elias can't pinpoint the name of it, and it's too late to ask Alice now, but it's really soft. Probably why he can't stop running his fingers over it, allowing the feeling of each individual thread soothe him. It's form fitting, which used to annoy him when he was human because it would make him feel suffocated. Now it just feels nice, and smart! He actually looks smart for once.

He shifts his position, shoving his hands in his slack pockets in attempt to fake normality in himself. It doesn't work. He still feels nervous, looks it too. It's twisting his immortal features in a way that makes him want to get angry. He never liked being nervous. Couldn't that have been forgotten in his human life, just like the scars he used to have?

Eli grumbles lowly, the sound deep in his throat, vibrating against the tight collar and slim black tie. His gaze pinpoints on it, realising how his tie is all twisted. Aggravated at himself, at his own emotions, he reaches up and pulls the tie from around his neck, going to undo it to try tie it again- it's a Uncalculated decision and he moves too quick and too harsh. When he pulls it, the tie shreds with a horrible noise and comes falling out his collar.

Alice is going to kill him.

"Sop stressing Eli," Jasper calls, leaning against the connecting bathroom doorframe, dressed impeccably in his own black suit. His humour laces both his words and his features as he eyes his mate. Elias can't even recall hearing him move. "You'll get grey hairs darlin."

Elias gives him a pointed look before turning back to the body length mirror. His thick dark curls are done up too- pushed back from his face effortlessly. He ruins the work done by running his fingers through them, the action a instinct he can't deny.

Jasper grins to himself, appearing behind Elias, leaning down to rest his chin on the boys shoulder and wrapping his arms around his waist. Elias leans back into him, allowing his scent to calm him. "The red converse you're wearing don't match your colour scheme, Alice will kill you."

Elias grins at him through the mirror. "They match my eyes," he points out, flicking sight to the high tops on his feet and to his face. Underneath the thick lashes, his pupil shine brightly, the colour in this awkward stage from newborn red and vegetarian gold.

Jasper thinks the colour finally reflects the blaze Eli's eyes hold, a wild flame. "So beautiful," he murmurs, lips pressing to the back of Eli's bare neck.

The warmth resting in Eli's bones rises and swims in his frozen limbs, a result of the compliment and the rush of desire sparking in his stomach. Jasper reacts instantly to the warmth, melting further into the back of Eli's body. He sighs deeply, his breath tickling Eli's neck and making his shoulders tighten.

Elias never wants him to let go. It feels too good. He looks too good- it's almost unfair. They're on a tight schedule and Jaspers pressed into his back so tightly that Elias is aware of every inch of muscle that's currently touching him. It makes him shiver and the butterflies he felt earlier to start to swarm harder. Especially with how Jasper looks in his suit, his shoulders in his black jacket, the slacks he wears are too tight over his thighs, the collar presenting into his scarred neck... Elias wants to turn around and climb in his lap and undress him.

"Darlin," Jasper murmurs, humour lighting his facial expression. He must have caught a passing snip of Eli's emotions. A rare occurrence.

"Yes?" Elias hums, tilting his head, his pupil blown wide. If only Jasper could feel his want entirely, he wouldn't be laughing...

"There's no time," the blond warns in a whisper only loud enough for the newborn to hear. He's holding onto Elias with new strength though.

There's no time, Elias repeats, aware of what the words mean but not fully understand. He dusts his hand over the other vampires, tracing the veins on show. They disappear under Jaspers jacket cuffs, Elias wants to undo the cuff links and carry on tracing them. No time.... He reminds himself, but finds his fingers going to the silver cuff links in attempt to take them off.

I could make time.

"That's not your power, unfortunately," Japer tuts, though his voice is rough in arousal and dissatisfaction. Elias must have spoken out loud.

Elias finds Jaspers eyes in the mirror. He wants to, he does, he's not denying Elias out of personal choice. He's even pouting, which shouldn't be as hot as it is- Elias finds himself starting to laugh.

"You're torturing me," Jaspers admits, though he's not complaining.

"I am evil," Elias agrees, cracking a grin.

"The devil," Jasper carries on, moving his hands up to Eli's throat. He pulls out the scraps of tie hanging there and unfastens the top two buttons, allowing Elias to move easier. "That's better. Now you don't need a tie."

"Thank you," he supplies bashfully. "Now," he starts, abandoning looking at Jasper through the mirror and actually turning around to face him with a serious expression. "I want you to try enjoy today without me. Dance with Esme and Alice and anyone I like, but if I see one human from high school come up to offer you condolence's at the fact your human boyfriend died- and I know someone will because I can hear my name being mentioned already- in the poor attempt to flirt with you, I'll murder them."

"Jasper," Nate calls, appearing at the door before Jasper can even attempt to reply. Elias knows he heard him, because he's trying to not laugh. "Your presence is request by Alice."

"I'll see you soon," Jasper promises with a fond shake of his head. "Call my name if you need anything."

"I'll be fine, enjoy the ceremony," Elias orders, kissing the boys cheek quickly before ushering him towards the door. Alice is stressed as is and he does not need her coming up to find him not sticking to her detailed plan when it comes to dress code. The blond vampire casts a look behind him as he walks, his lips pursing, as if trying to keep his reply at bay about the murder Elias is attempting.

Alice calls Jaspers name again in irritation, well, she hisses it under her breath from downstairs, but it's just as good as screaming it. Jasper sighs, finally leaving the room and making an appearance to everyone downstairs.

Elias huffs, pushing his curls from his forehead as they fall, making sure to mask his anxiety again as Nates turns his gaze to him.

"Will you bite heads off if anyone asks Jasper to dance?" The newborn asks, grinning charmingly- too much like a animal again, but Eli doesn't realise that.

Nate smiles back with the same enthusiasm, dimples appearing against his cheeks. "If I do, will it count as a birthday gift?" He bargains.

"The best one anyone could ever give me," Eli promises, because he's sure that all the supernatural are tuned into him talking- they're just as on edge about Eli being around humans- he mouths silently, "don't hesitate, just kill them."

Under the stream of heartbeats, conversations and general noise of human guests downstairs, Eli hears Edward laugh. Bastard.  Elias winces, quickly apologising for the thoughts of the groom in his head. Best not insult Edward of the happiest day of his life.

"Come on spitfire," Nates hand lands on Eli's shoulder, their suits a matching colour, "You have to disappear now, Alice says even more people will be here in a few minutes."

"I don't actually like that nickname you know?" Elias tells, begrudgingly starting to leave. Nate just laughs.

Elias can't walk through the house to leave- he's sure he'd scare a few guests to death with that- so he opts for the window. Luckily enough his bedroom faces away from the back garden- where the ceremony and most guests have gathered- so after a scan of the surroundings with all his senses, Eli jumps from the balcony.

It's less than an eight of a second when he lands in the tall trees, his suit colour masks his presence well. Without missing a beat Eli jumps from branch to branch, his movements as silent as blinking. He travels far enough that no human could ever see him, aware of the risks today especially. He can't see much from far away, but he definitely can hear, which is good enough for him at the moment.

He's waiting against a thick oak tree as he listens to more people arrive, his hearing weaving in and out of conversations. He's looking specifically for someone. It takes a while, he's still getting used to being around so many people, so much noise. It doesn't help that at some points the wind brings the scent of blood to him- in which he looses his concentration as he's too busy ignoring those dark hunting instincts.

"-if I drop them?" Easton voice is small and shaking, hardly a whisper over the noise of people around them.

He sounds just the same. Still very much a child, still too young for the anxiety he has. Elias heart squeezes in pain, even before he catches the new way his voice is foreign to him. He's upset, cautious. That didn't used to be there.

The ten year old gulps, shifts on his feet, the sound like a drum in Eli's ears. It's all signs of nerves. Elias wants to go over and comfort him, to wrap him up so the world can never harm him again. It's a instinct more deeply routed and powerful than his hunting one. It always has been since he first laid eyes on his baby brother in the hospital.

"You'll be fine Easton, I promise," Rosalie says, her usually stoic voice has changed into a eased confidence. Elias hears her lowers herself to the curly haired boys level. He can imagine her smiling softly, "Just walk as tall and careful as you can when I tell you to."

Her encouraged tone relaxes Easton. He shifts on his feet, but this time Eli knows it's to stand taller, "Okay, I can do that Rose," he promises.

Elias wants to tear himself apart and scatter the ashes. Turning, burning for three days, battling his thirst, all little inconveniences in the agony ripping him apart now. That should be him there, reassuring his brother, holding him close, guiding him through life.

But he can't, because Elias Sherwood is dead.

Near the front, Carlisle and Esme are together. Elias hears David and Cassandra step up to greet them and spark a very cautious conversation. They're just as Elias remembers too- strong, observant and so sad.

"Thank you for coming," Esme greets, always so lovely. She brings Cass into a hug, which makes Elias great-full, even if Cassandra's heart leaps in the tell tale sign of fear.

David shifts, fingers twitching. Eli can hear his heart thump. "We're happy to be here for Bella," David replies, tone flat. The way he misses and Edward, isn't lost on anyone. Carlisle doesn't call him on it, entirely too polite and aware that if their own son couldn't win a debate with his parents when he was alive, he doesn't have a chance. The doctor simply changes the subject and engages another topic to discuss. The unease settles around them, allowing the two pairs to connect without any blaring hostility. For a moment Elias wonders if it's Jaspers doing, but he hears the blond upstairs, tormenting Edward, alongside Emmett and Nate.

In the next room Alice and Rosalie work in sync around Bella, hushing her worries of her lack of sleep. A full family. Elias still classes himself as apart of the family, even if he can't be there to celebrate in person.

Elias is aware, through his hearing of paws striking the earth, the scent of a wolf and the way the dark map inside his mind is lighting up with a heat signature larger than anything around them. He turns, his shoulder digging into the bark of the tree and waits patiently for Jace to arrive in his sight.

A ripple of paw steps shift into lighter human ones before Elias does see, but then the sight of bare russet skin belonging to Jace's packed frame isn't hard to find. He walks slowly to Elias, with no true rush. It amuses Eli to no end for some reason.

"Hey Grey," Jace greets, unstable nervousness to his words. He stops shy in front of Eli, a good few feet away still. His smile is teasing despite the edge of his body.

"Hello," Eli greets politely, unaware of what boundaries go where now. He can't help the way he says, "you can't call me grey now, though."

Jace shuffles on his feet, looking up at Elias carefully, making eye contact. Under the new pasty skin tone, the added perfection covering his features, he can still spot bits of his best friend. His red lips still curve crookedly into a never ending smirk, he still shines in eased confidence- or danger, now, with the added weight of fire in his eyes- but it's still Elias. Mostly.

"You'll always be my grey," Jace steps closer, ignoring the shiver of his instincts. He lifts his fists up in the air, like a truce, "Even if you're a freaky looking fucker now."

The cackle of a laughter is more perfect than Jace remembers, yet it's reassuring. Elias makes sure to send a surge of heat to his hands, to warm his skin into a human temperature, then knuckle bumps Jace.

"We good, wolf boy?" He checks, tucking his arms back to his sides.

Jace nods, tension easing out his wide shoulders. "As long as we both don't try take a bite of each other, Cullen," he replies in the same tone.

Elias still doesn't realise his smile is a little too mischievous, or animal, but he grins anyway. "Don't threaten me with a good time," he winks, orange eyes glowing. "Also, legally, I'm not a Cullen."

Jace huffs good heartedly. Still his friend, even if their DNA want them to kill each other now. "You're technically are one, especially in here." He taps to the side of his head.

"Huh, I've been called a lot worse," he hums, tracing his sight over Jace thoroughly. "How have you been?"

"Good, good. Busy with patrol," Jace kicks a stray rock, which doesn't seem as casual as it sounds since he's bare foot. Elias silently laughs to himself. "I visited your brother."

That stops the laugh dead. He thinks back to the way Easton sounded so sad, like it was embedded into his every word. "Thank you, it means more to me than you'll ever know," he manages to say, sincerely. It's his turn to start kicking rocks awkwardly. "How's your pack?"

"Are you asking because you're curious or because you feel obligated to ask?" Jace asks, teeth edged into his bottom lip.

"Glad to know you can still read me like a book," Elias laughs good heartedly, tracing his fingers through his curls when he feels them drop to his forehead.

That's when they hear how the noise of near the house settles into a silence. They turn simultaneously to the ceremony, but they're too far away to see.

"Are you gonna be able to handle this? Can I stay human and watch with you? Or do I shift?" Jace asks, aware of the fact they're both going to get closer out of curiosity and the fact even the devil themselves couldn't stop them witnessing Bella get married.

Elias nods to the direction of the house as indication to make a slow walk. They do, Jace no longer spaces them cautiously- their shoulders brush.

"I'm pretty good at this not hunting blood thing. As long as no one spills it, I'm fine," Elias murmurs, not wanting his voice to travel to any vampire close to them. He looks to Jace with the upmost seriousness, "If I do try to go for anyone, or I get too close, you have to do everything to stop me. I don't care if you rip a arm off, I can attach it again afterwards."

"I believe in you," Jace nods, smiling nervously.

The brides marching song filters to them even from far away. They pause, able to see past the gaps in trees, but not able to see where Bella walks in from. Jace nudges him delicately, pointing up, suggesting they should climb a tree. Elias grins at the good idea and jumps up, not making a sound as he climbs. He finds a thick branch that can handle his weight and settles down on it. Jace comes up a moment later, more careful in climbing since if he slips it will make noise. He sits next to Elias after a moment of debate, snug against his side. Their shoulders touch. Elias is careful to expel heat so he seems human warm.

The place looks gorgeous, that's for sure. Alice really was a mastermind. He's mentally reminds himself to applaud her as he looks around. He's surprised to find his parents sat beside Bella's human family in the front row. Another little secret Alice kept from Elias- much like whatever she'd been planning with Jasper throughout the month.

As the music flows smoothly, the bridesmaids (Alice and Rosalie) walk down the isle, arms hooked through their individual partners (Nate and Emmett), before taking a stand near the waiting groom. Elias is shocked yet again that Jasper- terribly breathtaking in his suit- is standing in the position of best man.

Elias wonders momentarily if they'd given him the position just so he doesn't have to walk down the isle alone. Or perhaps it's because Edward and Jasper had bonded in the recent years past the lines of their old relationship. They both related terribly to the fact they fell for two accident prone humans.

Any thought of his mate and brother is washed away by the tiny steps and rushing heartbeat of Easton walking down the isle.In his defence, he does a great job. He walks slowly and tall, the rings don't shake on the cushion, he even remembers to smile too. Edward gives him a good hearted smile back as he takes the rings off him- just before the ten year old rushes to the front row to Cassandra.

But then Bella walks out and if Eli's heart still beat, it'd skipped. Any sadness or nerves melts out Eli's shoulders as he watches Bella walk down the isle, her flushed face only set on her husband. Her dress is completely elegant and it clings to her like a second skin.

"Pretty," Jace whispers in awe, which is the understatement of the century.

Elias smiles all through the ceremony and when the party claps as Bella and Edward kiss to seal their marriage, Elias and Jace clap with them.

"Wanna move towards the back? They've opened the windows, so it's open plan party. We'll be able to see better then," Eli asks, swinging his legs in the open air. People are moving out of their chairs, following the flow of the reception starting.

"Sure," Jace nods, hauling himself up quite gracefully. He balances easily on the branch, reminding Eli of how he also isn't human. If it was any other time, or perhaps if they'd built up their friendship more, Elias would definitely shove him. You know, as a joke.

Maybe another time, he sighs mentally.

They don't get down and walk around, instead they simply move from branch to branch, which requires some elegant jumps- or in Jace's attempt, a jump from one branch to another that isn't all that stable and snaps- leaving him lunging to another tree for safety. It's good no one's around to hear, because Elias can't stop the laughter that falls out of his thrown back head. Only Jace.

"Shut up," Jace hisses through his own giggles, resting his hand over his loud pumping heart. "Not all of us practise tree walking in our free time, like you Tarzan."

"Tree walking?" Eli chortles.

"Just...shut up," the wolf huffs, continuing on with their off way of travelling.

When they get around, the atmosphere is like a live wire. People are eating, toasting- blushing, in Bellas case. It makes him soften and melt. He's glad she's enjoying her day. There was a million things that could have ruined it, but Alice and he had gone through many plans to stop that.

Speaking of potential things that could ruin today. "How is Jake?" The vampire asks, noticing himself how he stiffens at the mention of Jake. He's concerned, sure, but also very pissed off from how he's been treating Bella and himself.

"He's..." there was no words that Jace could find, Elias could see it in his face. There's nothing that's particularly happy on this joyous day, nothing like a bullshit excuse he'd give if someone else asked. But this is Elias, who listened to the good and bad equally just so someone could get it off their chest. "Not good," the wolf sighs. "He tried getting back in time. He's pretty far north. It's kind of hard keeping track of trivial things like the date when you're trying to throw yourself into being a animal."

Elias wants to reach out, wants to comfort in a language Jace likes, but he's hesitant-not scared- as it's probably not best with how opposed they are to each other. "I thought he came back? You mentioned he was getting closer to home when you called me last time."

Jace shivers delicately. "He did come closer to home. I think you asking him to help softened him, but he just couldn't do it. His minds a wreck...he tries not showing it, but it's hard to block your thoughts out."

Discomfort formed, dancing on Eli's spine in an attempt to make him fidget. "Do you think he'll get over this?" The vampire asks hopefully, pushing back the dislike he has for the boy at the moment.

"In time, yeah," Jace says it like he's speaking from experience. He'd loved Elias before he turned- not in the extent Jake did Bella -and it was a shock to lose the human parts of Elias. But he's gotten over it, or slowly is.

Eli has the urge to thank Jace. For sticking around, for trying. "Jace," Eli swallows, the one word packed in emotion. Jace's brows pinched as he stares at the vampire, beckoning him to carry on.

He would have too, but someone says his name from the party and his head turns instantly. It's not in the usual whispered gossip type that's been happening all day either. It's common knowledge that people were judging Bella and Edward for celebrating their love so close to Elias dying. Fucking idiots.

This time his names said by his sister. It's a toast, spoken by Bella alone. She's flushed as she stands on the stage, her champagne glass raised in honour of the brother that isn't with them, for the brother that encouraged her to celebrate her life and her love without him. It's then he realises that there's a seat left empty on the head table, occupied by the ghost that is Elias Sherwood.

"That's sweet they did that for you," Jace murmurs sadly, aware of the mood shift in the wedding, the somber remembrance of the human boy that's dead, but not entirely so.

"Yeah," the newborn agrees thickly, watching as people start to shake off the sadness. Other than his human family, who's despair remains etched on their faces and always will. Guilt rises in Eli's body, wanting to drown him- drag him under and convince him he's a monster who's not worthy of anything but pain for hurting them.

Elias takes his eyes off the Sherwood's, unable to handle seeing them, instead searching for the blond boy; it's selfish and cowardly, focusing on Jasper, on how despite the face he's playing the role of a man that's lost his true love (and yes he plays distraught easily, the perfect little actor) his eyes slide every other minute to outside, to the woods, where he knows his mate is alive and well.

Elias Sherwood is dead, but he didn't die in vain.

"You ok?" Jace asks, cautiously resting one hand on Eli's stiff shoulder. It's cold since he's forgot to hold onto his warmth as the emotions took his attention.

"Yes," Elias says, and for the first time, he's starting feel it.

•••

If Elias could sweat in nerves, he'd be doing it right now.

"You're doing this?" Jace checks, hovering just in front of him. There's a tremor to his hand, showing his own nervousness at the matter. A small instinct to snarl at the wolf is there, especially since Elias knows it means Jace is driven to shift and attack him. It's from a good place, a place that wants to protect Bella. He focuses on that and ignores to urge to snarl.

"I promise, I can do this," he nods, clenching and unclenching his hands at his side. Jace looks uncertain, but doesn't have the say to dismiss the idea. He's helping. Even if it means potentially attack Elias.

"What's a wedding present doing out here?" Bella asks, her joyous voice louder than her stumbling steps. Under Edward careful arm, she's glowing, either from the moonlight filtering through the trees or because she's completely blissed from her wedding day.

Elias breathes in the clean air, preparing himself for the pain that's about to unleash upon him. He can do this. He steps out of the shadows, leaving Jace hidden but showing himself to the human. "He's hiding from the other humans," he speaks loud enough for her to hear, finding it easy to grin widely at his best friend, his sister.

Bella chokes out a happy sound, her feet freezing on the grass. It's hard to make out the males form in the shadows of her weaker eyesight, but she'd know his voice anywhere.

"Elias," Bella croaks in disbelief, eyes blurry in tears. He steps out again, carefully, into a steam of moonlight.

His pale marble skin shines slightly from where it escapes from the form fitting black suit. He's relaxed, or looks it, but it's a lazy kind of relaxation, like a panther resting. A panther with the oddest orange immortal eyes. Bella doesn't see this, she doesn't mind it- all she sees is his smile and how he's actually here.

"Elias!" She cries, letting go of Edward, running to him, stumbling like always. Edward steps slowing behind her, ready to intervene.

Elias readies himself mentally, ignoring the call of the dark of hunting. He stiffens, but doesn't feel out of control. Bella's warm blood scent knocks into Elias harder than her physical body does. He swallows the lava scorching in his throat and embraces his best friend- under Edwards watchful eyes- he makes sure to use no force.

"Hey there Mrs Cullen, I'm sorry I missed the party. I hope you saved me some cake," he rejoices, pulling away from her since holding her that close is a little tempting, ignoring how he can feel her pulse under his sensitive fingertips.

Bella laughs, so free, so happy. "I've missed you so much," she cries, the tears running over her cheeks and down her chin. He wants to wipe them away, but doesn't trust himself with such a simple touch.

"Don't cry, it's your wedding day," he tuts to her without thought, then as a fresh breeze comes from behind, allowing him to breathe in fresh air, he adds, "Alice will kill you for ruining your makeup. I listened to her for hours as she got you dressed. Even I felt tired after it." He's not even joking.

Bellas smile doesn't even twitch at the mention of makeup. "You look great," she beams, squinting closely, comparing her memory of human Elias. His tans gone, just like his throat scar, but he's just as gorgeous as Bella remembers.

"The eyes are creepy, you can admit it." Elias picks up her hands carefully, Bella notices for the first time that they're like his old temperature, so he must be warming himself for her sake.

The bride realises why he positions his hands carefully a second later too. "You know I can't dance," she groans, yet rests her head on his chest. That's marble hard too, as silent as the grave.

Elias snorts by instinct to not laugh at her- it's a instant mistake, because more of her scent pools into his throat and makes himself stiffen and lock up. Jace steps up silently at the reaction, as well as Edward, but Elias makes stern eye contact. Its ok, he mouths, shaking away the mistake mentally. He swallows more venom and starts swaying her in sync with the music he hears inside the house. She can't hear it, but she doesn't mind.

"Then stand on my feet and I'll twirl us," he orders, remembering her words. A second later she follows it. They dance under the moonlight simply, accompanied by a watchful smiling vampire and a observant hidden werewolf.

Bella fills her lungs with air, making no move to help Elias as they dance- she's surprised again to notice how his scent is so strong now. She understands what Jasper and Edward mean by smoke.

"Did you see everything?" She asks, looking up at him as they spin in simple circles.

She'd missed his presence all day, just like the last three months. It'd why she asked his parents and Easton to come, why they sat them on the head table at dinner. Partially because it reminds her Elias isn't actually gone and because they're her family too.

"Of course," Eli smirks so wide Bella can see a flash of dangerous bright teeth. "And I heard everything. I'm actually surprised you didn't trip down the isle."

She snorts just like he had, "Thanks for the confidence." They twirl again, Bella holds onto the boy tighter as a lump forms in her throat, "I missed you so much, it was so hard at first when we couldn't speak."

Those first moments of immortality come into mind- Elias isn't sure what he'd have done, turned out like, if Jasper hadn't been there. Everything was so disorientating, and instinct driven. Other than Jasper- Jasper is grounding, home, safe.

"Took me a while to get used to everything," the words are relaxed, like him as he lets go of Bellas hand to tap the skin of his neck, "Especially this part."

Bella shivers under his arms the same time a growls comes out Edwards throat. The newborn snaps his head to Edward, orange eyes a fury of fire, "It's a joke, calm it ginger."

Bella giggles again-still her Elias. Still her brother. Still sacrificing himself for others, only this time its pain and agony of hunger just so she can see him on her wedding day.

She frowns, looking up at him seriously. "Does it hurt?"

She should know by now Elias doesn't do serious, or deep conversations. "I've heard it only hurts the first time," he cackles, shoulder shaking in laughter.

Bella understands the innuendo a beat later. Her face pulls up into a grimace, "You're so crude Eli," she huffs.

Elias laughs more- at his joke, at her reaction, he's not sure. He laughs and he likes it, even if each intake of air feels like a inferno shoved down his throat. He'd always withstood fire, this time is no different. It'd just take a little longer to master.

They dance for another song, a more human conversation picking up between them. Bella does most of the talking, and Elias holds his breath to stop the fire as he dances them to the music the human can't hear. 

Edward clears his throat purposely, expression guilty. "Come on Bella, our missing presence is being noticed."

A stricken look crosses Bellas face. She turns back to her brother, a million words still wanting to come out. She wants more time with him, she doesn't want to leave him yet- she'd only just got him back.

"Ah, okay," she stumbles over her words, hugging him again tightly, eyes watering. "Have a good birthday tomorrow Elias, you and Jasper both. And I'll see you soon, we can speak-"

Elias pulls her back softly, giving her a sad smile. "-You'll see me again Bella," he promises.

Then he freezes, wanting to playfully kiss her cheek like he'd usually do- since he knows it will make her blush. But that's too much for his control, so he settles on saying instead, "Enjoy your honeymoon, both of you."

Bella smiles sadly too, the rest of her goodbye stuck. Edward gently guides her from Elias, nodding once at the newborn, his expression telling Elias he's impressed at his control and thankful for making Bella happy.

Elias watches them go momentarily, breathing in deeply for the first time. The alluring scent of human blood is in the air, Elias takes the pain willingly.

"I'm impressed," Jace notes with the upmost respect, coming to stand next to him. "I mean, I don't get the whole blood thing like you do, but that's supposed to not happen, right?"

The newborn hums, turning his head to give the boy a fake bashful look. "I'm stubborn when I want to be, no one can take that from me." He sighs, flicking his gaze down to the watch on his wrist. "You better go inside now."

Jace peers at the time too. He wants food and to dance with Bella. "You're right," he pats Eli's shoulder again in a farewell, going to walk forward.

It's probably not the last time they'll see each other tonight, he'll say goodbye in person before returning to La Push. Elias still can't help the way the words force their way out his mouth- probably a good thing, since if he doesn't show it now, he probably never will. "Thank you for being my friend Jace."

Jace just grins over his shoulder as he goes, like it's the easiest thing in the world.

Elias watches him go easily, left alone in the dark, close enough to hear the party but not actually attend. He allows himself to be alone, calm his thoughts for a moment. He's tired, mentally, from how his emotions have been spiking so much today. He wants a moment, just for himself, to relax.

"Jasper," the newborn calls in sing-song voice, because relaxation and alone don't actually mean what they do, not to him, "come dance with me, my love."

Jasper hears, of course. He's always so in tune for Elias and his needs- it's no surprise that he comes strolling out within the minute. Elias is struck, not for the first time, with how utterly amazing the blond is. It makes his stomach drop and his toes curl.

"Hello," Jasper greets quite simply, unaware of the inner turmoil Elias has to ravage him when he does stuff like that.

"Hi," Elias echos through his own electric smile, reaching out to hold the blond by the hips.

"What are you feeling?" The empath asks, one hand sliding up Eli's jaw and the other to the back of his curls. Elias doesn't answer straight away, too busy watching his face, his golden eyes shining so easily with love and then towards his lips.

Jasper tips his head back and kisses him.

Elias' grins into the kiss, the sensation of his lips lighting his skin up, but he can't deepen it, not really, because he's too busy pulling away and laughing.

"It's rude to ask questions and then not wait for an answer," he tuts, nose wrinkling mockingly.

The blond shrugs, his mouth drifting closer to Eli's. "You look like you needed to be kissed," he excuses.

Elias' brows rise mockingly. "Oh' did I?"

"Yes, actually, I actually think it's happening again," he murmurs sarcastically, closing the difference between them.

Elias shuts his eyes and crushes Jasper closer, deepening the kiss, fingers threading through the silky strands of Jaspers hair. It's entirely maddening, how fast one kiss can change him, how his breathing quickens and desperately his mind turns with the need to touch Jasper.

"Disappear with me?" Jasper hums, pulling back only a little, his mouth moving to tug on Eli's bottom lip. It sends a strike of heat to Eli's skin.

"Thought you'd never ask," the newborn breathes out.

They move, run, tumble, still not entirely detaching. Elias back smacks against a tree when Jasper deems they're far enough away. Jaspers mouth is working on Eli's earlobe- which feels fucking fantastic- and Eli's at mercy to whatever else the blond wants to do to him, he can only grab onto his shoulders and try not beg him to ever stop.

"Don't rip my clothes," he reminds when Jaspers fingers loop in the gap of his shirt, because he has learnt from past mistakes.

Something deep rumbles in Jaspers throat. "They're in the way," he whines, tongue swiping along Eli's jaw as his fingers work properly on the buttons. Elias let's out a soft moan and arches his neck, allowing more space. 

"You look so good in your suit, did I tell you?" Jasper asks, untucking the open shirt from Eli's slacks. His hands move, slide, up to his shoulders, moving the jackets off Eli's form.

Eli's eyes are shut as he tries regaining some sort of brain function. "If I look so good in it, why am I taking it off?" He jests.

"Because you look even better when I can touch you without clothing being in the way?" Is the only reply Jasper gives, finally free Elias of his jacket and then the shirt- it shouldn't be a turn on with how easy he can do that.

Elias' urge to touch battles with the urge to lie back and allow Jasper to do as he wants. He rocks forward, hips meeting hips, and allows his hands to come up to undress Jasper. Jasper, who's teeth are grazing his neck with the upmost importance. 

"You smell good," the blond whines, nose deeply buried into Eli's neck. He bites partially harsh, which sends Elias sucking in a deep breath.

Elias manages to not rip anything as he pulls the shirt and jacket off Jasper, which makes him step away from Eli's neck. Elias grabs him by the cheeks, looking at him seriously. Jasper doesn't give him chance to speak, simply reaching out, pulling them flush together again, knocking Eli's thighs apart with his knee.

"Did you happen to accidentally drink champagne? You seem drunk," he laughs throatily, high on it all. The laugh changes to a moan when Jasper starts mouthing along his neck and chest with new fire. The same time, his hands coming to dip into the waistband of  Elias' slacks.

"Missed you, proud of you," are the only explanation Jaspers gives, reaching for him.

Eli's breath is non existent, "Long words Jasper, use your full sentences. I know you can-" the rest will never be spoken, because Jaspers mouth finds his just as his hand moves along Eli's cock.

"We have to be quick," Elias gasps in Jasper mouth, aware of his control slipping, quite proud of himself for his brain lasting this long. He so wants to take the plunge into deep end, much like Jasper seems to have done, and get lost. Wedding, he remembers. Watch the rest of the wedding.

"Quick, you say?" The blond asks disapprovingly, his accent curling the words. He moves his hand on Eli's cock, applying more pressure.

"Jasper," he tries warning, his head falling on the blondes shoulder. It's comes out a rung out moan. Wedding, what wedding?

Oh, right. "Quick," he orders shakily.

It's the moan that makes Jaspers lips tick up. "Yes, whatever you want," he assures.

"Good boy," Elias whispers, which hitches Jaspers breath to a stop and makes his eyes go all glazed over. Elias dismisses anything else and finally gets lost.

He moves, pulling them to the floor, allowing himself to go under Jasper. The blond is quick, like promised, to rid him of any other clothes, looking rather victorious when he can trail his mouth over every inch of naked skin. He's trailing down, leaving wet kisses in his wake, until he's between Eli's thighs and sucking. Elias is at his complete mercy, only able to wring out his name through his mouth and place his hands on the silky strands of Jaspers bobbing head.

And when he comes undone by his mouth alone, Jasper looks back up with the biggest grin going, his eyes a haze of golden. Elias hooks one leg around his back and pulls him up, needing his mouth on his, wanting to leave teeth marks on the other man's neck, needing his own hands tugging on his curls with equal amount of pain and pleasure.

Then Jasper is moving, positioning himself. Elias finds his hands on the blondes back, beckoning him closer, accidentally scraping his nails down his scarred spine when the blond pushes himself inside of Eli, fucking him. The words harder and faster are wrung out with every strike of hips meeting thigh. Jaspers moaning deeply, following every instruction, holding up Eli's body to his own with no regard to sensuality or over use of strength.

When they come undone, it's with Jaspers teeth sinking into the mark already scarred on Eli's shoulder in the shape of his mouth. It's with Jaspers name strung out Eli's mouth, like always, his body pulling him closer and squeezing like no other.

They lie next to each other after, boneless and brainless, not touching at all. It's like that sometimes. Like even the brush of Jaspers fingers on his wrist will make them both start to sob or explode with the feeling of it all. The love and the happiness. They've spoken about it a lot, when they're fucking like that, burning bright and fast- afterwards it's like they need a moment to catch their breath. Their emotions are so loud as a vampire, so intense.

But it's only a moment, because one of them will roll onto their sides and into the other soon enough, wrapping their arms around another. Words normally come later, when the bloods come back to their brains again, as Elias likes to joke.

And it does, just as expected. It's Jasper who moves, turning to Eli, holding his head up by his hand, the other outstretching to push Eli's hair back. It's probably so messy right now, much like Jaspers. 

"Take my name," the blond states very simply.

Elias is sure his brain is formed properly, so it's probably the fading orgasm that's making him confused. "I think I just did, about a thousand times?"

Jasper actually rolls his eyes with a laugh. "Not my first name, my last."

Oh? Elias thinks, and then with how intense the other vampires gaze is on him, it sinks in. Oh. He knows what that means, but can't help the sharpness of his grin as he rolls to lie on top of the blond. "So I can't take your first name?" He pouts.

Jasper reaches out, holding his jaw very delicately, as if he's the worlds most precious thing. Very opposite of how they've just fucked.  "Take whatever you want for me, it's only yours to begin with. Jasper, Hale, Whitlock, love, mate, you can have it all."

Elias wants to get on his knees and fucking worship that man. It must show in his expression, because Jaspers expression turns cocky and pleased.

"I think Hale works best, despite it technically not being your birth name, it is who you are now," Elias ducks his head, almost shy about the radiating happiness that comes to him. But then his gushing of being asked turns to trepidation to as of why. "I'm not saying no, but why am I exactly taking your name?"

Jasper reaches out once, pressing a short kiss to Elias' mouth. It's barely a brush of lips, but it's the emotion that the blond expels through it that makes Elias feel like he wants to blush. If only he could.

"Because I know how you've been struggling with your own recently. Elias Sherwood is dead, Hayden Cole is the birth name of someone who died long ago. You deserve an identity that gives you a real chance to live," he tells, very thought out, very fact driven.

Elias heart does a summersault, but all his brain gives him as a soft, "Oh."

Jasper actually laughs, his shoulders shaking. He loves rendering Eli absolutely useless. "It's not a marriage proposal, because I know you find the human construct of marriage insulting when it comes to you and I."

Elias nods slowly, remembering their many conversations on life and love. "You are mine in every way, narrowing it down to the title of a husband feels insulting."

The blond hums in agreement. "Exactly, I am yours long before a certificate says so."

"...But you want to narrow it down to a certificate?" The newborn quips.

"I don't need a ceremony. Just your permission to go through with the paperwork. I want you to take my name, to live by a new identity that to any human means you're legally my husband, but we will both know it's very different than that." He brushes his hand over Eli's cheek. "It's more for us to live comfortably and easier, much like how each one of our family have passports and legal documents with the name Cullen on. We all know who we are, what we mean to each other, but everything we do outside of it is just a human notion we have to adapt to."

Eli's mouth spreads wider if possible. "So you're asking me to marry you technically, but not marry you?"

That makes Jasper laugh. "I'm asking if you'd like to be called Elias Hale?" He corrects.

It sounds so right coming out of his mouth. Eli's throat feels dry, his chest tight. "Yes," is the only acceptable answer to Elias.

"Thank you," the blond beams, absolutely thrilled. He pulls Elias to him again, kissing him quickly, one on his lips, his jaw, his neck, a very funny way to show his devotion. It tickles.

"I'm a little surprised you haven't come out with a ring yet," Elias laughs, especially as the blond starts to mockingly bite his ear lobe again. "It seems about right for you, you possessive fool, to want me to wear something that every person who sees it understands that I'm spoken for."

"Check your necklace Darlin," is all the older vampire says, looking a smug fucker if Eli has ever seen one.

Elias looks at his chest where the necklace he always wears is at. It's the one he gave Easton, now swapped from a leather chord to a silver one, since it was covered in blood from when he died. Next to the silver pendant of the sun, threaded through the chain, is a black metal ring.

"You sneaky bastard!"

Yes you lot guessed right. How did you like the proposal! Also, if Elias was in a Hogwarts house, which one would you put him in?

I hope you're staying safe, and are well.

- love Raye.Don't be a silent reader!