There were few places that Art could be himself in Forks.

Not personality wise, of course. Art was always Art. But he had to take you somewhere special to just exist in his body, free from the concern of prying eyes and speculation.

So this had become your favorite place. Lush, soft grass, patches of gorgeous flowers all around the two of you in your perfect clearing. That's not even mentioning the sun, warm rays hitting your skin after nearly a week of the consistent cloud cover you were provided when in town.

And then there was Art.

Arms behind his head, skin glittering in the sun like a million diamonds come to life. You could spend an eternity just staring at him. Soon, you would.

Art had been more than resistant to the idea for a long time, telling you he'd rather die than see you turned into a vampire, than to watch you become a monster like him. But right now, as he bathed in the rarity of light, he seemed at peace.

Maybe it would last. Maybe not.

One of his eyes cracked open, a lopsided, lazy grin on his face. "What do you think you're looking at?"

You knew what was coming next, and the only thing you could do was raise your arms, just in time for him to grab you by the waist and push you back into the grass, his face nuzzling into your neck. You also knew that he was holding himself back, that just letting go and being carefree would end up with you being hurled into the dirt, likely with a few broken bones as a souvenir.

That was a big part of it. You wanted Art to be able to just relax and be around you. Because even in this place where he can exist in the sun, he still can't be affectionate without controlling every minute detail of his actions.

It made you sad to think about, so Art's next words were a more than welcome distraction from your line of concern. "One day you'll miss sunbathing too. Don't think I don't feel you staring."