So, how do we like FighterWard? Isn't he swoon-worthy? Anyway, I hope you're enjoying the story … What's up next?

We're going to hear from Carlisle next chapter (after I'd had a chance to research more about concussions and migraines and the long-lasting effects.).

You can see that Bella and Edward are building a friendship, but there's a mutual attraction. Edward's a bit more ready to pursue something more than friendship … you'll find out why soon … whereas Bella is gun-shy (damn you Jacob!).

What I own: A love for Italian cuisine

What I don't: Twilight

Chapter Twelve

"Now, can you help me with my recovery? I want to get back into the ring."

"Your fight was about six months ago and you're still battling the lingering concussion symptoms, correct?" Carlisle asked.

"Yeah," Edward nodded. "The doctors in Chicago kept me sedated to reduce the swelling or whatever."

"That was probably for the best. You had more than a concussion, Edward," Carlisle explained, opening up his file on the tablet he held. Flipping it over to show both Edward and Bella, he pointed out something on the MRI. "You did have a traumatic brain injury. See this shadowy spot?"

"What's that?" he asked.

"A deep contusion," Carlisle answered.

"Shouldn't it be gone by now?" Bella asked. "What about his headaches?"

"Your brain was rattled quite violently when you were hit by Demetri. The repeated hits caused this and normally, it wouldn't be this bad, but the addition of brass knuckles caused a lot more damage. Will you be able to get back in the ring? Yes. But not any time soon and when you do, you need to wear head protection for the first few fights until we know how your body is recovering from the damage," Carlisle answered. "I saw this on your initial scans from six months ago. It was much bigger. Now? It's about the size of a pencil eraser, but big enough to give you these migraines."

"Should I hang up my gloves? Retire?" Edward frowned. Clearly, he did not want to do that.

"Don't jump to conclusions," Carlisle said softly. "You will get back into the ring, but it's of utmost importance that you do not rush back. If you had fought in Vegas, we would not be having this conversation. You'd be dead."

"Oh my God," Bella whispered. "Your former agent was a tool trying to force you to fight."

"Aro Volturi is a piece of shit," Edward sneered. "I do not … I …"

"I get it," Carlisle said, giving Edward an understanding smile. "I'm surprised Marcus didn't diagnose it. He had a promising future in neurosurgery."

"It's a long story, to be honest," Edward said.

"I think I know what that story is," Carlisle replied with understanding. "But, he should have seen this."

"He might have been hiding it from Aro and Caius. Regardless, he's the one who suggested this gym and coming to see you. He was adamant that you were the best," Edward said. "I happen to agree. So, where do we go from here?"

"I'm going to give you something stronger to take for your migraines. What Marcus gave you was good for traditional migraines and now what you're dealing with," Carlisle said. "Limit your exposure to screens, listen to your body and don't push it."

"What about training?"

"Strength training, but don't strain too much. No sparring until this clears up," Carlisle said, pointing to the blob on the screen, "but you can work on your footwork, legwork, and handwork. I'll have you get scanned in a month. If this thing still hasn't gotten smaller, we can speak to a neurosurgeon to possibly drain it."

"Let's not jump to surgery," Edward said, his face blanching. "I'm still slightly traumatized from my shoulder surgery. The nerve block didn't work and when I woke up, I thought I was dying. So, no surgery."

"Noted," Carlisle nodded. He reached into his pocket, giving Edward his card. "This is my number and on the back, I put my personal cell. If you're suffering, call me any time. It was a pleasure to meet you, Edward. I hope to see you at the Bull Dog barbecue in a couple of weeks."

"Barbecue?" Edward asked.

"We hadn't got that far," Bella snickered.

"I'll be there. I don't know anyone in Seattle," Edward laughed.

"Well, you've been adopted by the Bull Dog family," Carlisle proclaimed.

"Agreed. You're going to be a great fit in our family," Bella agreed. "Thank you, Carlisle." He leaned down, kissing Bella's cheek and swept out of the room. "So, what do you think?"

"I like him," Edward breathed. "It's nice to know that there's an end in sight. That my boxing career isn't over. Not yet." He slid off the table. "The prescription … for the headaches."

"It'll be filled by the time you check out. There's a pharmacy in this office," Bella explained. "Very convenient. I've used it on occasion when I needed meds. Are you okay? Not dizzy?"

"I'm better," he said. "I'll probably crash once I get back to my hotel room."

"You know, I have a guest room. You could stay with me," Bella offered. What was that? Why did you say that? Bella, you're a moron.

"That's very kind, but I don't want to put you out," he said. "I'll get an apartment short term and look for something more permanent later."

"Okay, but the offer is still there if you can't find something," she said, slinging her purse over her shoulder.

Setting up the appointment with the receptionist and picking up his migraine medications, they left Harborview Medical Center. The car ride wasn't filled with idle chatter, but calming silence. Edward read over the paperwork that Carlisle had given him. Paperwork that had a treatment plan and a timeline to get him back in the ring.

Pulling up to the Hyatt Regency, Bella looked over at Edward. "I don't have anything really scheduled for the next couple of days. I can help you with the apartment hunt," she suggested. "I called my realtor and she's got a few listings that meet your needs."

"I'd like that," he said.

"Give me your phone," Bella demanded. She put in her number and sent a text from his phone. "Now, you have my number. I'll call you tomorrow and we'll get you settled."

"You're awfully bossy," Edward teased.

"I have to be. You've met my dad," she smirked. "I deal with cocky, arrogant athletes. If I wasn't bossy, I'd get barreled over, to be honest. So, I'm bossy … no, assertive, with a side of bitchy."

"I would never say that," Edward said, arching a brow.

"Because you're a gentleman," Bella laughed. "I'm a bitch and I own that. Just like you're a cocky, arrogant asshole when you're in the ring. You've got this strut. It's … intimidating."

"I never realized I had a strut," he shrugged. "Anyway, thank you for coming today and for giving me the tour."

"It was my pleasure, Edward," she smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"It's a date," he replied, easing out of her car, and strutting into the lobby.

"Never realized I had a strut my ass. Swan, you're in so much fucking trouble," she mumbled to herself as she pulled away from the curb. Edward Masen was sexy, polite, handsome, smart, muscular and god damn he smelled so good. She wanted to climb up him like a ladder, kissing his pouty lips. Dialing Rose, she tapped on her steering wheel.

"I've been waiting for your call," Rose sang. "Spill it, Hells Bells."

"Going straight there … right to hell … I'm so fucked," she whimpered. "Sooooooo fucked."

Rose just cackled.

Cackled.

Bitch …

A/N: What do you think? I kind of, kind of, breezed over the medical stuff. I'm a nerdy choir teacher, who likes to make Edward and Bella do pervy things. I'm not a doctor … *shrugs*

Anyway, tomorrow is the apartment hunt and finding more about Edward and Victoria's past, along with the how's and why's Edward began fighting in the first place.

Pictures (though not many) are on my blog. You can a link for it on my profile. I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.

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