“So…” Xavier turned to Alice and Rosalie, “Tell me about the preparation for the music video fundraiser at the school. How is that going?” he questioned.

Alice’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “It’s coming along great! We’ve got the sets ready, and everyone is so enthusiastic.” She leaned forward, her enthusiasm infectious. “We’ve been working on the set designs for weeks. We wanted something that really captures the spirit of the school and the theme of the video. We’ve got a backdrop with hand-painted murals, and we’re using some props from the drama club to add depth.”

Xavier nodded, genuinely impressed. “That sounds amazing. Have you thought about the lighting? It is crucial for setting the mood. We will be doing everything in one take anyway.”

Alice’s face lit up. “Absolutely. We’ve got stage lights from the theater department, and we’re experimenting with different angles and filters to create the right ambiance. We want to make sure the lighting enhances the visual appeal without overshadowing the performers.”

Xavier chuckled. “What overshadowing?” he said. “The dancers will be wearing animal mascot costumes. The only thing we need to generate via computers is the fox.”

Alice’s and Rosalie’s eyes lit up in unison.

Ikaris could hear the thought echoing in their minds, it came with a strong hint of excitement.

“No, do not catch an actual fox for the music video,” He ordered.

Such childishness he expected from Alice but Rosalie possessing a childish side was not something he expected.

“We always get excited when it’s our first time doing something,” Alice voiced. “Not a lot of opportunity to work with cameras when they are anathema to your existence.”

Xavier shrugged. “What is the use of a long life if you can’t live?” he felt a sense of soberness behind those words, even if he didn’t possess the memories to go with it.

Rosalie opened her laptop, showing him some of the mascot costume designs. “What do you think?” she asked, her voice tinged with pride.

The screen displayed sketches of elaborate costumes, each one intricately detailed and bursting with school spirit.

Xavier was impressed; he examined all the designs, nodding in approval at the creativity involved. “They’re fantastic, but maybe tone down the sexiness on the girls’ costumes a bit,” he suggested gently. “You want the focus to be on the performance, not just the outfits.”

Rosalie gestured to Alice and she immediately justified. “Sexy is better,” she spat, almost defensively.

Xavier narrowed his eyes. “A sexy horse?” he snorted. “Remind me again, how does that look?”

Alice would have blushed if she could. “Very extraordinary?” she questioningly guessed.

Rosalie raised an eyebrow as she adjusted some notes on the laptop. “Noted,” she said with a nod. “We want them to be eye-catching but appropriate. I’ll make some adjustments.”

Xavier continued, “What about the cameras? How are you planning to shoot the video?”

Alice jumped in, her excitement palpable. “We’re using a couple of handheld camcorders from the AV club, and we’ve borrowed a professional camera from a local studio for the main shots. We’ve planned out different camera angles to capture the best moments. We’ll have stationary shots for stability and some dynamic ones to add energy to the performance. We’re also experimenting with a dolly track for smooth motion shots.”

“Heavy duty stuff,” Xavier admired, rubbing his chin.

As the conversation about the fundraiser continued, Xavier borrowed Rosalie’s laptop, introducing them to a relatively unknown platform. “Have you heard of YouTube?” he asked, a glint of knowing in his eyes. “It’s going to be huge in the future. It’s a place where you can upload and share videos with a global audience. Imagine all the people who could see your music video.”

“Why this platform though?” Rosalie questioned, suspicions lingering in her mind. “I mean, how does this help us get enough money for prom?”

“They are just starting and trying to attract viewers so they offer monetary rewards based on how many times your video is viewed,” Xavier revealed. “If we can get enough views short-term, we can make enough for prom and then some.”

“Do we need a contract?” Rosalie perked up. “Emmett went to law school once.”

Alice leaned in close to Xavier’s ear. “He didn’t graduate,” she whispered.

Rosalie’s hand blurred for a moment, punching Alice’s shoulder – what should have sounded like a smack echoed as if a rock tumbling down a mountainside.

Xavier winced. “I don’t know if that hurts or not.”

“Anyways, about this YouTube thing,” Alice jotted a mental note down. “I’ll keep an eye on it,” she said with a grin. “Sounds like a game-changer.”

Xavier smiled, somehow infected with Alice’s enthusiasm. “It’s all about planning and execution. Make sure you storyboard each scene so you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. And don’t forget the importance of post-production. Editing can make a huge difference in the final product.”

“That’s Mike and Eric’s job,” Rosalie said. “And from the way you’re talking, it seems like you won’t be attending school for a while yet.”

Xavier patted his shoulder. “My imaginary injury,” he joked. “I can’t come back too soon when a canister explodes a couple of feet above me. At least, I should stick it out for a month. It’s only been two weeks.”

“Close to three weeks,” Rosalie interrupted. “Enough to start limping down the halls at school,” she added.

Xavier and Alice burst into a fit of giggles.

The Eternal tried desperately to stop himself but upon reconciling his countless years of memories with his current teenage spirit, and the fact that he was next to Alice and Rosalie – immortal vampires frozen in their teens – he could no longer hold back his inner childishness.

The laughter lasted for a while, much to Rosalie’s confusion.

“We’ll make sure everything is perfect,” Alice said determinedly. “The fundraising video will be incredible.”

Xavier nodded, swept up by the atmosphere.

Sometimes, he had to remind himself that prom, in a teenager’s mind, trumped matters of cosmic importance.

“You know, the best projects come from passion and joy,” The Eternal added, patting Rosalie and Alice’s shoulders respectively. “I’ll be back at school in time to edit the final cut.”

They continued discussing the finer details of the music video, each suggestion building on the last, creating a vibrant tapestry of nonsensical things that Xavier knew would become relevant in a few years.

“And—”

Alice’s bubbling voice was cut short as she stared into the distance for a couple of seconds, seeing a decision in progress.

Almost on cue, Emmett and Jasper, growing restless with the girls’ chatter, made their way onto the balcony.

At first, they merely stood and observed the conversation but eventually, they nudged each other and turned to Xavier. “How about a race through the forest?” Emmett suggested, his competitive spirit shining through his eager grin.

Rosalie and Alice exchanged exasperated glances, their eyes rolling in perfect synchrony.

“Honestly, you two,” Rosalie sighed, shaking her head. “Make sure you don’t get hurt and come back in one piece, or I’ll beat you to a pulp.”

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Emmett winced…

Alice added with a teasing smile, “And don’t play too rough. Remember what happened last time?” the look in her eyes was threatening.

The corner of Jasper’s lips curled slightly – as close to a smile as he could manage without showing teeth; for him, showing teeth was the same as indicating his need to eat.

‘He’s too tightly wound,’ Xavier noted, feeling uncomfortable every time he was confronted with Jasper.

It was like that one person at work you knew was being mistreated to the point he would snap one day, shooting up the place and taking as many people with him as he could, but you did not know which day that would be.

Jasper and Emmett smiled, undeterred by their wives’ playful admonishments.

“Want to come along, Xavier?” Emmet offered. “It will be fun.”

The Eternal shook his head with a gentle smile. “Thanks, but I will have to sit this one out. My powers are on the fritz.”

What Xavier didn’t say was the fact that going anywhere with Jasper and Emmett in his weakened state would likely result in his demise - in an immortal existence, friends were just enemies that had yet to occur.

The two vampires shrugged, already focused on the thrill of the impending race.

With a final wave, they leaped from the balcony and disappeared amongst the underbrush, dashing into the night as their forms blurred into the darkness.

Rosalie sighed again, more fondly this time, as she watched them disappear. “Those boys,” she muttered. “Always look for an excuse to enjoy themselves.”

Alice chuckled, nudging Xavier with her elbow. “You made the right choice. They’re impossible when they get competitive.”

“Sometimes I forget those guys are your husbands,” The Eternal smiled. “It must be nice being married and constantly young.”

Rosalie smiled sadly. “There is a certain sadness to it as well.”

“We don’t get to do a lot of the things normal couples do,” Alice echoed the sentiment. “There will always be that WHAT IF at the back of your mind, you know?”

Xavier quirked a brow. “And you think it’s any different when you are human?” he snorted. “Don’t idolize humanity too much just because you have forgotten what it’s like. Remember, humans were the original monsters.”

“That is something I will never forget,” Rosalie growled.

Xavier felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing that sound – it was something inhuman but also comforting, as if a purring cat, only this cat could rip your throat out with a swipe.

“I swear you are the only person capable of thinking Rosalie is cute,” Alice giggled.

Rosalie quirked a brow. “You think I am cute?” she met his eyes challengingly. “You do know I can rip your throat out with my teeth in the blink of an eye.”

“That’s what’s so cute,” The Eternal chuckled, eyes narrowing in turn. “—that you think you can rip my throat out. You are more likely to get your head ripped off in turn,” he stated.

Despite the tense statements, everyone was smiles…

Rosalie’s competitive spirit flared, genuinely interested in, if they attacked at the same time, would she be able to kill Xavier or would he be able to kill her?

Alice, subtly, placed herself between the violent duo before they could act on their random, stubborn thoughts.

They settled in comfortably, the three of them chatting animatedly about their plans; Xavier thoroughly introduced them to YouTube, explaining its potential to revolutionize how videos were shared.

Alice took diligent notes, her excitement growing with every word.

Rosalie, meanwhile, fine-turned her costume designs, taking Xavier’s earlier feedback to heart.

As the evening wore on, the sound of laughter and the buzz of creativity filled the balcony.

Eventually, Emmett and Jasper returned, Alice and Rosalie dragged Xavier back into the living room, and Carlisle, Edward, and Esme returned from their discussion in the study.

The night deepened, and a sense of contentment filled the Eternal as he observed the lively interaction of The Cullens, especially Rosalie and Alice who were clinging to the current sense of normalcy he brought.

“I should head home,” Xavier muttered.

Alice and Rosalie paused…

Carlisle stepped forward, Esme in tow, as he offered The Eternal a hand. “Thank you for bearing with us this evening,” he said. “Your company was refreshing.”

“You’re welcome to my garden any time,” Esme added. “You do know where it is?”

“23 ½ miles in that direction,” The Eternal pointed south at an upward slant. “Quite well hidden too. I guess I know now why that land ownership was weird.”

Esme smiled in response.

Xavier shook Carlisle’s hand, then Jasper’s, Emmett’s, and the rest of the family, only Alice pulling him into a hug that would have shattered the bones of an ordinary person.

A thought suddenly wormed its way into The Eternal’s mind.

Alice paused and stared into the distance for an instant, recovering her faculties with a small smile. “That’s an interesting idea,” she voiced. “Xavier wants to use the piano, Edward.”

Edward narrowed his eyes at Xavier, examining his hands for a moment before a smirk wormed its way onto his face. “I actually like that idea,” he replied.

As someone enamored with music, Edward did not really have anyone capable of mirroring his interest so eventually, he lost interest in the songs that had spoken to him over the years.

‘Maybe… if it’s him,’ Edward thought. ‘I can find that spark again.’

The Eternal felt a flutter in his stomach and, even without noticing it, he levitated over to the piano with an eagerness that betrayed his growing solemn façade.

“Is it tuned?” Xavier questioned, pressing a key and trying to match the sound to his memory.

It was richer than he remembered, speaking to Edward’s ability with tuning and taking care of a piano.

With a deep breath, Xavier placed his hands on the piano; his posture was relaxed yet focused.

As he began to play, his left hand pressed down on the A note in a low octave, while his right hand formed the A major chord.

His voice soon joined the notes…

Oh, to see without my eyes

The first time that you kissed me

Boundless by the time I cried

I built your walls around me

White noise, what an awful sound

Fumbling by Rogue River

Feel my feet above the ground

Hand of God, deliver me

The notes rang out clearly, filling the room with a soft, gentle melody.

Xavier's hands moved smoothly to the next chord. His left hand pressed the E note in a low octave, and his right hand transitioned to the E major chord. The chord struck with a delicate touch, resonating sweetly in the air.

Oh, oh woe-oh-woah is me

The first time that you touched me

Oh, will wonders ever cease?

Blessed be the mystery of love

His fingers shifted effortlessly to the F# note in a low octave for the next chord. The F# minor chord formed under his right hand, played softly to maintain the tender mood of the song.

Lord, I no longer believe

Drowned in living waters

Cursed by the love that I received

From my brother's daughter

Like Hephaestion, who died

Alexander's lover

Now my riverbed has dried

Shall I find no other?

Xavier's focus was absolute, his mind attuned to the music in his head, capturing the subtle timing and expression that made "Mystery of Love" so captivating.

Oh, oh woe-oh-woah is me

I'm running like a plover

Now I'm prone to misery

The birthmark on your shoulder reminds me

The D major chord followed, his left hand pressing the D note while his right hand formed the chord. The notes blended beautifully, creating a serene and emotional atmosphere.

How much sorrow can I take?

Blackbird on my shoulder

And what difference does it make

When this love is over?

Shall I sleep within your bed?

River of unhappiness

Hold your hands upon my head

Till I breathe my last breath

As he moved into the chorus, Xavier's hands danced across the keys, his left hand providing a steady foundation with the root notes while his right hand added richness to the chords. The music flowed with a gentle, flowing rhythm, each chord change smooth and seamless.

The Cullens listened in rapt silence, moved by the beauty of the song. Xavier's performance was heartfelt and intimate, each note resonating with deep emotion. He played with a delicate touch, letting the melody and harmonies wash over the room.

Oh, oh woe-oh-woah is me

The last time that you touched me

Oh, will wonders ever cease?

Blessed be the mystery of love

When the notes faded, the room was filled with a profound sense of peace; Xavier looked up, meeting the eyes of his audience.

Everyone’s eyes were closed except for Alice, she looked directly at him… through him, in some ways.

It made him uncomfortable…

While The Cullens lingered on the aftertaste of the music, The Eternal felt a pulse of satisfaction rippled through his body, bringing a surge of cosmic energy to his unstable form.

Xavier levitated off the bench, nodded at Alice once to say goodbye, and disappeared in a sudden burst of wind, leaving a stream of smoke from the living room to the balcony and into the night skies.