*Addi's POV*

As we settled into the cozy, private area of Bella Italia, the soft glow of candlelight illuminated the table, casting a warm ambiance around us. The restaurant buzzed with the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses, but within our secluded corner, it felt as if we had entered a world of our own. Aro, Marcus, and Caius, radiated an elegant aura, with their presence both comforting and intriguing to me. I could still feel my excitement mingling with a hint of nervousness, with a fluttering sensation in my stomach as we prepared to enjoy our evening together.

Once the waiter approached, I had made my decision for a simple refreshment. "I'll just have a glass of water, please." I said with a smile. The Kings, on the other hand, ordered a fine bottle of wine, their refined tastes evident even in their selections. I watched with interest as the waiter noted their order, also aware that the Guard—a few tables away—mirrored the Kings' choice, also opting for wine to maintain the charade.

As the waiter departed, I couldn't help but chuckle lightly, breaking the ice in the conversation. "It must be quite the challenge for you all to act like humans, wasting money on something you can't even drink. I mean, what's the point of ordering wine if you can't enjoy it?" I remarked, with my tone playful yet curious. Aro leaned back in his chair, with a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Ah, but it's all part of the game, isn't it? We may not partake in the wine, but we find pleasure in the experience of being among humans, even if it is fleeting. It allows us to blend in, to observe and enjoy this world from a distance." He replied, as his eyes were twinkling with amusement.

Marcus nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it doesn't bother us at all. It's rare that we venture out into the human world, so when we do, we embrace it fully. The cost of a bottle of wine is negligible compared to the enjoyment of the evening." He said, with his voice calm and reflective, as his gaze swept over the restaurant, taking in the atmosphere. "Besides, it allows us to maintain the façade that keeps us hidden in plain sight. For centuries, we've learned that blending in is crucial to our existence. A glass of wine can deflect suspicion and create a sense of normalcy, even if it's just a pretense." Marcus continued, sounding thoughtful.

Caius, who had been listening intently, interjected with a hint of mischief in his voice. "And it offers us the opportunity to experience the ambiance, the laughter, and the essence of human connection—albeit from a distance. We may not taste the wine, but we can savor the atmosphere." He said, as he leaned back slightly, with a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "Besides, it is quite entertaining to watch the reactions of those around us when they see us enjoying ourselves. It creates an air of intrigue." He added.

I couldn't help but smile at their words, feeling a rush of admiration for their ability to navigate the complexities of their existence. "I suppose that makes sense. You've lived for so long; it must be fascinating to observe human behaviors and interactions from your unique perspective." I replied, as my curiosity piqued. Aro nodded enthusiastically as he responded, "Exactly! Each gathering is an opportunity for us to learn and explore. Humanity is a tapestry of emotions, connections, and experiences. Even if we cannot partake in everything, we can still appreciate the beauty of these moments." His gaze softened as he looked at me, with the intensity in his expression unmistakable. "And tonight, we have the pleasure of sharing this experience with you, Addi." He added.

Just then, the waiter returned with our drinks. He placed a beautifully crafted glass of water in front of me and poured the wine for the Kings, who lifted their glasses in a silent toast. I watched as the deep red liquid swirled within the crystal glass, with its aroma wafting toward me. "To new experiences." Aro said, raising his glass, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. I raised my glass of water, feeling a sense of camaraderie. "To new experiences." I echoed, with my heart swelling with warmth. I took a sip, savoring the cool crispness of my water while the Kings elegantly pretended to indulge in their wine. The evening was just beginning and I could sense that this was a night I would remember for a long time.

As the waiter returned to their table, I glanced at the menu one last time before placing my order. "I'll have the mushroom ravioli, please." I said, politely and kindly. The waiter nodded, jotting down my order before turning to the Kings, who exchanged knowing glances. "We're on a special diet tonight." Aro said, with a playful wink, leaving the waiter slightly puzzled but amused as he walked away.

Once the waiter was out of earshot, Aro, Marcus, and Caius leaned forward, with their chins resting on their clasped hands, staring at me with expressions of pure admiration. The candlelight flickered softly, enhancing the warm glow of my skin and causing my blue eyes to shimmer like sapphires. I felt their gaze on me when I turned my head slightly, with a smile tugging at my lips. "What is it?" I asked, as my curiosity piqued.

With a synchronized rhythm, the Kings responded, their voices low and sincere. "We're just admiring how beautiful you look tonight." Marcus said, with his eyes reflecting a deep affection. "The candlelight captures your blue eyes perfectly." Caius added, a hint of pride evident in his tone. "And your wavy blonde hair really suits your features." Aro concluded, as his gaze was unwavering. I felt my cheeks warm at their compliments, with a mixture of shyness and happiness washing over me. "Thank you." I replied, with my smile broadening as I brushed a strand of my hair behind my ear. Their admiration made me feel cherished and special, a sensation I hadn't fully expected.

After a moment of comfortable silence, Aro, Marcus, and Caius leaned in even closer, with a hint of curiosity in their expressions. "What are you thinking about, my dear?" Aro asked, with his voice gentle and inviting. I hesitated for a moment before answering his question. "It feels strange, in a good way, to be on my very first date at nearly eighteen years old." I admitted, as my eyes were sparkling with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The Kings exchanged glances, clearly intrigued by my admission. "When will you turn eighteen?" Caius inquired, his voice playful yet sincere. I replied, "On June 8th, just a week from now." I felt a twinge of excitement at the thought of my birthday, but also a hint of nervousness about what it would mean to officially enter adulthood.

The Kings reacted with palpable enthusiasm. "That's wonderful!" Aro exclaimed, with his expression lighting up as if the news were a personal celebration for him. "We must make this special for you, Addi!" He suggested. "Yes. Reaching adulthood is a significant milestone. It deserves to be celebrated." Marcus chimed in, with his calm demeanor not hiding the delight evident in his voice. Caius leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "You may think it's not a big deal, but it is. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. We'll ensure it's memorable." He insisted, as his tone was filled with determination.

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. "Honestly, it's really not a big deal. I don't need anything extravagant. Just a simple gathering would be fine. Maybe a small party with you guys, the Cullens, and the Guard. That's all I want. Just a chance to celebrate with my family and those who mean the most to me." I said, with my modesty shining through. The Kings exchanged glances, thoughtfully, as they processed my request. "A small party sounds perfect. Intimate gatherings often hold the most meaning." Aro said, nodding in agreement. Caius smiled, his demeanor softening. "We respect your wishes, Addi. It's your celebration, after all. We'll make sure it's exactly what you want." "We can plan something that reflects you—something personal and heartfelt. It will be a night to remember, filled with laughter and love." Marcus added.

I felt my heart swell at their support. The idea of celebrating my birthday with the Volturi Kings, the Guard, and the Cullens filled me with warmth and anticipation. It was a comforting thought, knowing I would not only be surrounded by those I loved, but also celebrated by those who held a significant place in my life.

As the conversation flowed effortlessly, the Kings leaned in once again, as their interest piqued. "Why don't we take this moment to get to know you better, Addi? Tell us about yourself. What are your hobbies and interests?" Aro suggested, a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes, as Marcus and Caius nodded in agreement. I smiled, appreciating their eagerness to learn more about me. "What do you want to know?" I asked, feeling a mixture of excitement and shyness. "Whatever intrigues you. We want to know what makes you, you." Marcus replied, with a hint of encouragement.

Taking a deep breath, I began to share. "Well, you three already know that I can sing. My favorite school subject that I enjoy the most is science, especially anatomy, biology, and astronomy. I also have a passion for the arts. I like to paint and learn about art history from around the world. Oh, and I also love playing the piano." I said, feeling a sense of relief of opening up.

As I finished speaking, Aro's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "What a remarkable array of interests, Addi!" He exclaimed, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Your passion for music and the arts is truly inspiring! It's wonderful to see someone with such a diverse set of talents." He said. Marcus nodded in agreement as he spoke, "Indeed, Addi. It's refreshing to hear you speak so passionately about your hobbies. Science and the arts complement each other beautifully; they both explore the wonders of our world in different yet profound ways."

Caius leaned back slightly, crossing his arms with a satisfied grin. "And playing the piano? That's impressive!" "Indeed, it is as I play the piano myself. You must share your music with us sometime, Addi. We would be honored to hear you play and perhaps even perform a song with it." Aro said, leaning forward eagerly as his eyes sparked with enthusiasm. "Agreed. We would love to hear you play sometime. It seems you have a lot more of creativity to share with us." Caius remarked. "Absolutely. It would be a pleasure to experience more your talents. It's rare to find someone with such a diverse range of interests." Marcus added, his voice filled with sincerity. I felt a swell of pride mixed with trepidation at their encouragement. "I promise I will one day." I replied to them.

"I take it you had an exceptional teacher who guided you in learning to play." Aro remarked, as his tone was filled with delight. Hearing his words caused a slight ache in my heart. "As a matter of fact, I did. My mom taught me when I was little. She believed that music had a way of expressing emotions that words sometimes couldn't capture." I responded, but I paused, with my gaze drifting as memories flooded back to me. "I remember sitting beside her and my small hands were struggling to reach the keys while she patiently guided me through simple melodies. Those moments were some of the happiest of my childhood." I shared.

Aro, Marcus, and Caius listened intently with their expressions softening as they absorbed my words. "But after she passed, I just...lost the motivation to play. It felt too painful to touch the piano without her there. There was a long stretch of time when I didn't even look at it." I continued, as my voice tinged with sadness. "It wasn't until I finally found the courage to play a favorite music piece of mine in front of the Cullens. It was as if I could feel her presence and it made me both happy and sad at the same time." I finished.

The Kings exchanged glances, as their expressions were shifting to concern as they sensed the weight of my memories."If you're comfortable sharing, Addi, what happened to your mother?" Aro asked, gently. I instinctively clutched my heart-shaped locket around, with its cool metal a comforting presence against my skin. "Didn't Carlisle mention my past to any of you?" I asked, with a hint of uncertainty in my voice. The Kings shook their heads in response. "He only shared that you ran away because of the circumstances of your father, nothing more. We felt it was your story to tell." Aro answered.

With a heavy heart, I took a moment to collect myself before I replied, "My mom died when I was thirteen. She had leukemia. It was a long battle and we thought she was getting better. But it came back, and...well, the last few months were incredibly hard." The Kings offered their condolences, compassionately. "We're truly sorry for your loss, Addi. Five years is still so recent and it's clear how much she meant to you." Marcus said, softly. I nodded, with a small smile breaking through my sadness. "Thank you. It feels like just yesterday sometimes." I took a deep breath as my fingers brushed against my locket again. "I wear this locket because it was a gift from her before she died. She wanted me to have something to remember her by." I mentioned.

Then, I unclasped the locket and opened it, revealing the delicate pictures inside, and I handed it to the Kings. "On one side is a picture of her, and on the other is my dad." I explained. They peered closely at the images, with their expressions shifting to awe. "It's remarkable. You look just like her." Aro remarked, with a note of wonder in his voice, and handed me back my locket. I felt a pang in my chest at their observation. "A lot of people say that." I replied, as my voice tinged with melancholy. "It's hard, though. I look like her and yet she's no longer here. It's...complicated. I have my dad's blue eyes, which always makes it feel like I'm stuck between two worlds—her memory and his reality." I said, while my fingers absentmindedly traced the locket.

I took a deep breath and put my locket back around my neck as my gaze began to grow distant as I recounted the painful memories. "Losing my mother changed everything for my dad. He started drinking shortly after her death and that's when things began to spiral out of control." I said, with my voice trembling slightly, but I pressed on. "He began blaming me for her passing, as if I were some kind of scapegoat. I think it was easier for him to target me than to confront his grief. He would do horrible things to me, things that no child should ever have to endure." I added.

The Kings exchanged uneasy glances, reflecting a mix of sorrow and anger. "What exactly did he do to you, Addi? You don't have to answer if it's hard to talk about." Aro inquired gently, ensuring I felt safe in sharing. "It's fine. I'm being more open than I ever have been. I told the Cullens everything and it felt good to finally share my story." I said, with my voice steadier now. "My dad would often come home drunk, and when he did, he would take his anger out on me. He would scream at me, hit me, and make me feel like I was the problem. The worst part was that my grandparents on both sides wouldn't take me in. They insisted that I needed to support him and they thought I was the one who should comfort him after losing my mother, as if I could somehow fill that void." I responded, with my eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"No one in my family or his coworkers knew what was happening. He maintained this fake persona, acting like the devoted father and dedicated cop in front of everyone else. He was considered as the 'Golden Boy' by my family and they relied on him for their own sense of security. But behind closed doors, it was a different story altogether. He threatened me repeatedly, warning me not to tell anyone about his behavior. I felt completely trapped." I expressed how isolated I was.

I took a deep breath and continued, "I knew I had to find a way out, so I started doing chores and taking on short jobs for my neighbors. I would do anything to earn a little money, collecting bottle returns or babysitting kids. It was exhausting, but it felt like my only option. I never thought I'd spend nearly all of my hard-earned money on a bus ticket to escape his cruelty, but had to do what was best for me. I knew that staying would only lead more suffering." My voice was filled with a mix of pride and sorrow as I recounted my desperate journey for freedom.

Caius, gently, took my hand and squeezed it, with his crimson eyes filled with understanding. "You did the right thing, Addi. Leaving that situation took immense courage. You chose to protect yourself and that's something to be proud of." He said, with his tone firm yet compassionate, with Aro and Marcus nodding in agreement.

Yet, despite their support, my brow furrowed with concern. "I'm worried, though. He's a cop and if he ever finds out where I am, I don't know what he might do. He has the resources to possibly track me down and I'm scared he'll come looking for me one day." I responded, as my heart raced at the fearful thought of his potential return looming like a dark cloud. The Kings exchanged serious glances, with their expressions resolute. "You don't have to face that anymore, Addi. We'll do everything in our power to make sure you're safe. If he ever does come looking for you, we won't let him near you." Marcus assured me, his voice steady. "And I highly doubt he will find you. The Cullens are aware of your situation and are just as committed to your safety. They have resources and connections that will ensure you remain protected, Addi." Aro added.

Feeling the weight of their words, I allowed myself a small flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I could finally begin to heal completely and build a life free from fear. Their support wrapped around me like a protective blanket, reinforcing my resolve to keep moving forward. I looked at Aro, Marcus, and Caius, with gratitude swelling within me for their kindness and understanding. "Thank you all so much. You three have no idea how much your support means more to me than I can express and I truly appreciate it." I said softly, with my voice filled with sincerity, as the Kings smiled at me in response.

After I expressed my gratitude, the waiter arrived with my order, presenting a beautifully plated dish of mushroom ravioli. The rich, earthy aroma wafted up, and I couldn't help but smile at the sight of it. "Thank you so much." I said, as my appetite rekindled as I picked up my fork and began to eat, savoring the rich and creamy taste of it.

As I was eating, I could see the Kings watching me with curiosity. "Do you feel uncomfortable eating alone, Addi?" Aro asked, with his eyes sparkling with interest, genuinely concerned about my comfort. I paused as I was contemplating the question. "It feels a little awkward, to be honest. But I understand your nature and I don't mind it. I know that dining together isn't quite the same for you as it is for humans." I admitted as I took another bite of a ravioli. "Besides, I enjoy the company of you all, even if I'm the only one eating." I added, with Aro, Marcus, and Caius chuckling afterwards as I proceeded to eating my meal, while they continued observing me.