Chapter 2:Fresh Start

Author's Note: Hello everyone! I am taking over this story from the amazing Lizutte who graciously accepted for me to take over and do what I will with Bella and Edward. This is only my second fan fiction story and only my first involving Twilight so please be nice everyone and don't bite me (unless one of you is Edward, Jasper or Carlisle ;) )

OK moving rapidly on…Let's get on with the show and see you in the bottom!

BPOV

I hang up with Emmett after he assured me he would keep his cell switched on at all hours without me even hinting to. After so many years of being just the two of us, Emmett and I had an always watched out for each other. That was just the way it was with Em and I: I was the one everyone called when he got into fights at school or when he played nasty pranks for which he was notorious. I was stunned out of my trip down memory lane when a light knock sounded on my office door along with a cough. I turned to see him, hands stuffed in his pockets. Cullen.

Everything about this man pushed my buttons. And I mean everything. I was irritated by his arrogant manner, the "I-am-an-FBI-agent-and-I-can-solve-any-crime-single handedly" kinda shtick. So he was unpleasantly surprised when a 'squint', as the feds lovingly called us, discovered the murder weapon by merely examining the bones. Bones are what I do and I'm good at it. Actually scratch that: I am PERFECT at it. Anyone who has worked with me over the years knows I don't like being told what to do and how to do it. That being my calling. Yes that's right people: I am independent professionally and emotionally. Deal with it. But not Cullen. He always second-guessed me and my findings and strived to find clues that would prove me wrong. All he managed though was for us to argue non stop.

Our quarrels were legendary almost and it infuriated me that he made me sound like a harpy when I was the one who managed to keep a professional manner and not have my head stuffed up my ass like he did. We had rubbed each other the wrong way from the very first day of our…*scoff* partnership. So I was glad to see him go. Him and his bronze coloured, messy hair. But my relief however was short-lived. So here he is again in need of my assistance.

But even if it was something too close to home (quite literally)I would just act non-chalant and,after Banner had reminded me for maybe the millionth time, (quote) that "the FBI are the main source of our cases and we need to work closely with them" ,I would grit my teeth and get over it with pure professionalism which was what I was known for along with my technique. But this time it was different and I could tell by the way he was clearly determined to play nice.

He switched his weight from one foot to another and I took off my glasses rubbing my eyes as a migraine had began a few moments ago pounding my temple and said "What do you want Cullen?" I had decided to follow Emmett's advice but I couldn't help being snappy at…Edward. I forced myself to get used to the name as we would have to get to a first name basis soon given the circumstances. He spoke just then, perfectly polite "I was just coming to organize the details of our departure and I noticed you don't have a car, I thought using mine was the logical solution. I can pick you up at 08:00 if that's OK with you and a van will follow us with the forensic equipment you'll need" he raised his eyebrows in question.

I nodded and started picking up my stuff from the desk and putting them back in my briefcase. "08:00 is fine. I can be ready by then." I said lifting my face to look at him steadily. He stared back at me, hands still in his pockets. "Do you mind telling me exactly where you live? Unless you want me to drive around in circles till I find it?" he joked his lips curving into a crooked smile. I rolled my eyes and scribbled my address in a note handing it to him. He took it and shoved it in his pocket, turning to leave. That is when he stopped and turned to face me; he twisted his fingers, his face distorted in concentration as he was trying to figure out how to say what he wanted.

"Professor, I just wanted to say that..I'm sorry for you getting dragged into this. I realize that it must be bringing back memories that you would prefer to have stayed private. If it were up to me, I would be sending you pictures of the remains by email and do this through the phone." He looked up at me then and I could see his green eyes burning with an expression that took me off-guard: it was solemn and serious, his tone one of deep sincerity as he went on saying: "Anyway, I am prepared to do whatever I can to make this run as smoothly as possible for you: I'll liaise with the authorities all by myself if that's what is needed and,most importantly…" his eyes stared intently into mine then "if there is any difficulty on your part at all,I will do my utmost to relieve you off this." He saw I was about to interrupt him and protest so he held up a hand to stop me "yes I know you're a professional and that there is no such possibility but,all the same, if such an issue arises, I want you to tell me about it at once so that we (he put emphasis on the word) can work through any problems or issues. We are partners on this first and foremost and that is what matters most."

I was stunned into silence and reached up to twist a stray lock of hair escaping my bun. This was totally out of the blue for me:I expected sarcasm and irritability from him.I knew from Emmett that he would help when I needed it and be there if I wanted to talk but I expected it to be purely professionally. I somewhat grudgingly realized that Edward Cullen surprised me in a most unexpected way simply by acting reasonable and civil,exactly as he said we were: partners. He was clearly determined that this time around our work together would be different. And who was I to refuse a clear olive branch? That was the moment when I decided the "pick-on-Edward-Cullen" festival was officially over and done with: He showed me respect and I would do the same to him as a partner even though this would require work on my part.

So I just nodded in agreement and said "Thank you Edward.I'll keep that in mind" His eyes widened as the fact that I called him by his first name for the first time since we met wasn't lost on him then replied hiding his surprise quickly "..see you tomorrow morning"

As he turned to leave,I shouted "Coffee's on me"

Author's Note:OK sooo that was Chapter 2 all.I know it's not perfect but I wanted to set the atmosphere between the two. R & R so I can be encouraged to upload Chapter 3 which I have almost finished which is arriving in Forks and meeting Charlie again after sooo many years!review away my lovelies!See you soon!

Reviews are better than FBIward and his messy bronze hair….:)