FAGEtastic Four

Written for: Cullen Cousin

Chapter Words Minus ANs: 4,832

AN: Unfortunately, I did not create these characters, but thanks to Stephenie Meyer, I am allowed to play with them for my enjoyment and mold them to my imagination.

Again, Special thanks to readingmama (vampmama) and abbymickey24 for their encouragement, support, and pre-reading. An extra special thanks to QuantumFizzx and hlsmith for their beta work.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Chapter 2 – Revelations ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CPOV

Touching her skin sends strange tingles throughout me as I work to cast her arm. I cannot help wondering if she feels them also. A vampire's senses function at a much higher level than the human's do. We can hear things, such as oncoming vehicles from at least a mile away, and can see through a rarely unobscured path up to five miles, or fleas on a dog twenty feet away. Our smell, taste, and touch are heightened at least ten-fold. Therefore, chances are she may feel something, but most likely does not feel the tingles as I can.

After waking from our change, getting our senses under control is difficult. Seeing and hearing are the most difficult to control after our smell, which takes time and patience in order to live the lifestyle I choose. It took me twenty years to learn how to control them enough to blend in with the day-to-day human activity. Even then, it was barely tolerable and difficult to control enough to keep humans from being suspicious. My time with the Volturi aided me in fine-tuning my newly acquired hyper-senses so they were not even a forethought, much like a human's heartbeat or blinking eyes. It also helped me teach each of my children how to gain control during their first year.

Feeding from animals and fighting the bloodlust of our natural food source took Esme and Emmett about three years to completely control the awareness of the sights, sounds, and smells around them before living among humans on a daily basis. Edward and Rosalie were easier.

Edward's mind reading ability gave him the advantage to understand how strongly I feel about our lifestyle and how I learned to control my senses, but also helped his bloodlust by looking at each human as a person rather than a meal source. He did have a bout of rebellion after his newborn year for about six months before Esme came into our lives. Rosalie simply detested this life until she found Emmett and refused to consume human blood.

The tingles I experience now are so intense I have a difficult time concentrating on the task-at-hand. It takes me just slightly longer than my norm to cast her arm. A human would not even notice the difference. Once I am finished, I give her instructions to care for the cast and mention her overnight stay. Her eyes widen. I swear my dead heart skips a beat at the look in her eyes, giving me an overwhelming urge to give her anything she asks. Nearly 400 years on this earth, yet I am suddenly reduced to an adolescent with no explanation as to why.

Bella asks to leave at seven AM rather than the nine o'clock checkout time. I swear it feels as though I have been kicked in the gut. And, once more, the look on her face makes me want to do whatever it takes to see her happy again. I cannot take my eyes off her and want to reach out and caress her face.

Then Charlie asks if he can pick her up at eight instead. I am a bit hurt thinking of her early departure, but quickly realize he does not like seeing his little girl this way either. He will do whatever he can to ease her. Though, making it clear by the look on his face while looking at her, he will not negotiate further.

I agree, just so I can see the twinkle in her eyes and her bright smile. I am not disappointed.

While fighting the thought of her current state, I let her know Nurse Linda will give her a gown and settle her into a room for the night. I cannot help letting her know I will be around this evening if she needs anything and bid her good night. After leaving exam room four, I head directly to my office and phone the reception desk I do not wish to be disturbed.

I cannot make heads or tails out of what was going on with me. The chance encounter with Miss Isabella Swan today makes me feel like there was a sudden shift where the world now revolves around her. At least it is the only ridiculous explanation I can construe from my thoughts having been suddenly consumed by the brunette goddess.

I cannot decipher the reason behind this strange phenomenon. Why, after all these years and meeting countless people, am I having such strong, almost uncontrollable reactions to her… lust-filled even? I have always been able to keep my libido under control, even from years of being surrounded daily by lustful vampire couples. Therefore, whenever I am near her, why is my body suddenly behaving like a pubescent boy who just saw a woman's bare bosom for the first time?

Bella has really tested my resolve since the first moment her scent washed over me. I want to bathe in her aroma and have been fighting harder than ever before to keep the corporeal thoughts away… kissing her lips, caressing her skin, running my fingers through her auburn hair.

I finally manage to keep this part of my mind at bay by translating the Volturi vampire history archives into English. I am so engrossed in the task, Jasper's appearance went unnoticed until I hear a throat clearing. Looking up, I see him sitting in one of the chairs in front of my desk.

"Howdy." He chuckles. "Yer emotions are all over the place, Carlisle. I've never known ya to be so out-of-control. There's also a shift in your emotional makeup, lighter and more content, happier even. Did somethin' happen today?"

I sigh at my empath son. He raises an eyebrow as my emotions shift into reluctance, distress, confusion, and longing. "I do not really know. Today was like any other day until Chief Swan's daughter was brought into the ER. Her scent was overcoming."

"Bloodlust?" He asks.

"No, not at all. If anything, I was favorably drawn to the aroma. Honestly, Jasper, in all my years, I have never encountered anything like this and do not know what it is, or what to do about these… feelings… reactions I have been experiencing today."

"What do you mean, Carlisle? Tell me what happened. Start at the beginning." I recap the afternoon, leaving out the carnal aspects. After I finish my explanation, he quietly sits there with a contemplative look on his face. After several minutes, "Carlisle", he pauses. "Have ya ever considered the possibility she is your mate, your one true love?"

I stare at him, unblinking. "No. Why would I? I did not react to her as Edward did with Esme, or Rosalie with Emmett. And both Esme and Emmett were near death at the time. I looked directly into her eyes and still did not behave so strongly. You have heard their stories. Was it anything like that when you met Alice?"

He shakes his head and says in his typical, relaxed manner, "No. As ya know, I spent a lot of time 'round newborns and other seasoned vamps. The matin' pull caused each vamp to react differently, but it was always strong and intense when they first saw their mate; awake or asleep, human or vamp. When I met Alice, there was no pull for either of us. For me, there was just an intense need to believe and a cravin' for the life she promised me. We're not mates, but we chose long ago to live as a couple. Even though we're not perfectly mated, we love each other deeply and chose to marry based on our love for each other.

"I'm saying, not every vampire will behave the same when they find their mate, but it's always an intense, uncontrollable response. Some are violent or furious, while others will be frantic or anxious. Did you experience anything overwhelming, or have a strong urge to do somethin'?"

My slight nod and shift in emotions is all the confirmation he needs. "Jasper, I do not even know her. She is human. She will not understand mating. Heck, I do not fully understand mating, even after being with the Volturi for years! I also had access to all their archives. Besides, even with these strong feelings, I do not love her. I do have an unyielding compulsion to get to know her better and crave to be near her."

"Yet, your slight emotional shift is enough for me to believe you found your mate. In all the years I've known ya, I haven't felt so much hope, or ease, from within you, even though you are denying them. No one said you have to claim her as a mate just 'cause you feel the matin' pull. There're no definitive rules, or expectations. Only you can decide what to do 'bout the draw ya sense toward her. Take your time. Figure out what ya want. If you wish to pursue it… go for it. I won't say anything to the family."

"Thank you. I have never been more thankful to be able to work around Edward's ability than now. Do you think Alice has seen anything yet?"

"Nah, ya haven't made any personal decisions. Besides, I can keep her distracted enough for a week while you figure things out. She learned long ago, there is no need to check on your future often. In her words, 'Carlisle's life is work and his family. Nothing exciting ever happens'."

A brief chuckle escapes. "Alright, I need to check on some patients now, so I will see you tomorrow."

Jasper gets up and heads for the door. "See ya later, Carlisle. Good luck."

Resting my head on the back of my chair, I close my eyes and give myself some time to process the conversation with Jasper from today's events. Could the tingles and my responses really be an indicator Bella is my mate? If so, what am I supposed to do next? Do I want to do anything about them? Do I believe what Jasper is telling me? So many questions, but each one leads me back to the same conclusion.

I have been out of the courting game since I was human, and then it was almost caveman-like. "Me like you. You marry me, bear many children." *grunt*" Even better were the arranged marriages. "Two sheep, you take daughter." Yeah, that is going to work!

The last time I considered seeking a female's attentions was in the early 20th century. The proper thing to do then was ask her father's permission. Once permission is granted, you were allowed to take her on an accompanied outing.

Of course, I want to see where this could go, but I need her to want it also. I will not force this onto her and will get to know her better first. Since she is human, there is the chance we will not even get along beyond the common public pleasantries of seeing someone you know.

There is always the possibility things will not click for her. If this happens, I know I will survive. I have gone centuries without a mate. In recent years, I have found contentment and companionship with my family. If she and I do get along, I will then ask Chief Swan's permission to take her on an outing. No matter how old you are, asking a father's permission to court, or marry, his daughter is the most unnerving thing. Wondering if they think you are good enough for their daughter by sizing you up.

Once I have a basic idea of how I would like to move forward with this potentially life-altering change, I begin updating today's patient files before returning to the ER. The ER is still quite busy and keeps me occupied enough to be able to keep thoughts of Bella toward the back of my mind. By three AM, it has slowed enough for me to make my patient rounds for those admitted.

As I approach Bella's room, her fragrance intensifies, causing me to hesitate outside her door. Knowing what I know now, I feel like a creepy stalker going into her room without permission while she sleeps. What is wrong with me? This is not her room at her house. She is in the hospital. I am her doctor for the evening. There is no conflict of interest here, well, not to the humans. Shifting my thoughts into nothing more than doctor mode, I push the door open. Her strong perfume washes over me again.

Picking up her chart, I analyze her stats over the course of the evening. I then check her vitals and document them. Now, I need to wake her and do a quick exam, but pause knowing if I touch her it will generate the same sensations I encountered before. Having no other choice, I reach out and gently shake her right shoulder since the left side of her body suffered the damage. "Miss Swan?"

Her eyes fly open and search for the source of her interrupted sleep. When her eyes lock onto my hand, I cannot help wondering once again if she feels what I am feeling. I pull my hand back when her eyes meet mine. "Oh! Hello, Dr. Cullen." Her sleep-laden voice is like a beautiful melody to my ears.

"Hello, Miss Swan. I just need to do a quick examination to make sure everything is okay. Are you in any pain?"

As though doing a self-inventory, her answer is delayed. "Not really, just a dull ache right now."

"Okay. Do you mind if I check your injuries for any changes?" She shakes her head. I check her bruising for any signs of concern and find myself fighting those carnal urges once again as I check her leg and hip. After noting my findings in her chart, I move to her head injury. Thankfully, no stitches were needed earlier.

Pulling her soft locks back, I take the bandage off and check for any signs of infection. Finding none, I redress her small head wound and once again mark in her chart. "Everything appears to be healing well, Miss Swan. I will let you sleep now. Nurse Linda will be back in an hour for your next check. Please do not hesitate to press the call button should your pain increase before then."

When she nods and lowers her eyes, I begin to walk out the door. I reach for the door handle when I hear, "Dr. Cullen?"

~*~*~ WFB ~*~*~

BPOV

My dreams are filled with titillating images of the sexy doctor with dark eyes, but I wake with a start when I realize something is not right about the eyes. Charlie is instantly at my side. He interrupts my thoughts, "Bells, are you okay? Are you hurt? What's wrong, baby?"

Shaking my head slightly, I take a deep breath and the smell of seafood washes over me. "I'm okay." Thinking about his next question before answering, "No, I'm not hurting right now. I just had a strange dream that woke me."

"Okay, Bells. Are you hungry? I wanted to wait until you were awake."

Nodding my head, he starts removing the food from the plastic bag. I ask, "Have you been here very long? What time is it?"

He hands me my salad with dressing on the side and a utensil pack. "I was only here for five minutes watching the game on TV before you woke. Do you want to talk about your dream?"

Not wanting to discuss it with him, I pretend to think about his question. "Actually, I don't really remember what woke me. Must not have been a big deal. Oh! I told Jake I would meet him at his place tomorrow morning for Old Red's monthly checkup. Was there a lot of damage? Will I be able to drive it to La Push?"

His face scrunches before answering. "Uh, Bella, about the truck… I called Jacob on the way back to the station and met him there. Old Red is a tough, well-build vehicle, but the Crowley van hit it at forty miles an hour. It is safe to say the van suffered the most damage, but it hit right at the front wheel well. The tire is pushed in at a 45-degree angle, the passenger door does not latch closed, and the hood is sticking up on the passenger side. We popped the hood and found the inside of the engine was pushed in toward the center.

"I had it towed to the salvage yard tonight, but I did manage to get it cleaned out, not that you had much in there. I took your bags home, but brought your duffle bag so you have something to wear tomorrow morning. Is there anything else you need me to bring tomorrow?"

"No, thank you, everything I need is in there. Can't Jacob fix it? He has fixed it before."

The sorrow in his eyes tells me all I need to know, but he tells me what he knows I need to hear anyway. "It's not drivable and will cost more than the truck is worth."

"What am I going to do for a vehicle? How am I going to visit you on the weekends? I suppose I can ride back to Seattle with Rachel this weekend. She was supposed to drive here after work yesterday."

"Well, kiddo, you don't need to be here every weekend. I'll be fine without you. I was able to take care of myself before you came to live with me." I roll my eyes at this. Charlie took care of himself, but only did the bare minimum. Fortunately, I know I don't have to worry about him eating well.

"I can take the Wednesday before Thanksgiving off and pick you up in Seattle, which will also be the week we need to schedule your follow up appointment for the cast. We'll see if we can set up your checkup for late afternoon on Wednesday instead of Friday. Then I can take you back Sunday morning."

I acquiesced to his suggestion, "but I enjoy spending the weekend with you. It helps me relax and get away so Rachel can have her friends over and have some alone time in her place."

"I know, kiddo, but it's only two weekends before Thanksgiving break and maybe you will meet a nice boy during one of those weekends."

"Nice try, Dad. You know I don't have any inclination to date a college boy. Most are only interested in partying, having a good time, or marking their bedpost." I see Charlie shudder at this thought. "If they are not involved in those things, they are tucked away studying in their dorms, or the library. I'm only twenty-one. There is no rush, unless you want to be a grandpa in roughly nine months."

He interrupts me before I can continue. "Okay, Okay! I get your point, Bells, but I don't want you to give up on love because of what happened with your mother and me. I know you played matchmaker during high school just to get your admirers to look the other way."

My mouth drops at this. I had no idea he was aware I matched my classmates together and even less cognizant he knew the reasons behind it.

"Don't be so surprised, baby girl. I do have my sources of information, and my ears work just fine." He smirks at me.

Choosing to ignore his last statement, I return to the original subject. "So, what am I going to do for a vehicle?"

"Well, I have enough saved in the college fund I built for you. However, you had to go and get a full-ride scholarship", he winks at me before continuing. "You should be able to find a decent used car with a portion of it. Jake offered to drive to Seattle in two weeks and help you find a good, reliable vehicle."

We spend the next hour discussing what type of vehicle I would like. We agree, with gas prices so high and my insistence to drive home on the weekends, a car would be the best choice. We both admit we like the GM models and has to be sensible transportation, no sports cars. Even though I am a college student, I still prefer the four-doors because I remember the difficulties and inconvenience of getting in and out of the back seat of Renee's two-door cars. Charlie insists on certain safety features. I tell him the only extras I would like are power windows, cruise control, and a CD player radio with MP3 capabilities. Once we have settled on what to look for, Charlie tells me he will research different makes and models in order to narrow down our search.

After he leaves, the weight of the day's events lull me back to sleep. With each hourly exam throughout the night, I barely have time to revisit my personal movie starring the sexy doctor. After the two am check, I am out in an instant from my overwhelming exhaustion and begin dreaming immediately.

I am in a meadow with Dr. Cullen, but there is an air of familiarity surrounding me, as though I have known him all my life. I look into his golden eyes and see compassion, adoration, and hope. My hand reaches up to cup his jaw line. As my thumb brushes his cheek his eyes look toward my lips.

When his eyes return to mine, they are dark, but it isn't possible. It appears as though his pupil has taken over his iris. The look in his eyes has turned almost hungry, which only manages to tighten my stomach. Then I feel his hand gently grasp my right shoulder, I close my eyes at the sensation. He gives my shoulder a slight shake. "Miss Swan?" Confused by the formal name in such an intimate situation, I open my eyes, but he has disappeared.

I suddenly snap out of my dream, realizing someone is trying to wake me. I glance at the clock, just after three, but the sensations I felt while sleeping are still there. I glance toward the source and see the same long, strong fingers I studied in the ER. Just as my stomach flutters once again and I look into his eyes, he pulls his hand back. I swear they were dark when I first met him, but now they are the golden color I saw in my slumber. How is it possible? Eye colors do not change. If they do, certainly not so quick, or back and forth, right?

Realizing I haven't answered him yet, "Oh! Hello, Dr. Cullen." I cringe at the sound of my scratchy voice.

"Hello, Miss Swan. I just need to do a quick examination to make sure everything is okay. Are you in any pain?" His voice is like music to my ears. I would be mesmerized even if he were giving me a play-by-play of the longest golf tournament in history.

I inform him I am not in any pain, but can't help wondering why he has returned to his formal acknowledgement of me. Why is he calling me Miss Swan again?

He asks if he could check my injuries. I shake my head, letting him know I don't mind. He proceeds to check my left side. When he pulls the sheet and blanket up to check my bruising, I feel the familiar warmth of a blush on my cheeks. He is very professional in his exam, helping to cool my blush. He makes notes in my chart before examining my head wound with gentle fingers pulling back my hair and redressing it. Thankfully, no stitches were needed.

"Everything is looking well, Miss Swan. I will let you get to sleep now. Nurse Linda will be back in an hour for your next check. Please do not hesitate to press the call button should your pain increase before then."

As he walks toward the door, an urgent need to keep him from leaving overcomes me. I call out to him just as he reaches for the door handle, "Dr. Cullen?"

He turns toward me, waiting for me to continue. "Did I do, or say something to offend you?" He raises an eyebrow at this and I am quick to explain. "I mean, you keep acknowledging me formally, even though I asked you to address me as Bella."

Realization flashes in his eyes. "No, I apologize. It is a force of habit to address my patients as such." Then he chuckles. "And I do believe I asked you to call me Carlisle." A beautiful smile adorns his face.

I feel the heat rising to my cheeks once again. "Ah, yes. You have a valid point, Carlisle." I smile back at him.

"Was there anything else, Bella?" He emphasizes my name.

I think about this for a moment. I don't want him to go, but I am exhausted and don't know how I can keep him here. Oh! "Well, I was wondering, could you stay here until I go to sleep?" The next words out of my mouth are only partially false. "I can't seem to sleep very well. Maybe if you are here it will help calm me a bit."

This seems to be quite the opposite actually since every time he is around I turn into a preteen with her first serious crush. The look he gives me makes me think he knows what I am doing. His lips twitch slightly.

"Sure, I think it can be arranged." He takes a seat in a chair next to my bed. "Is there anything I could do to help you fall asleep?"

I settle into bed facing him while lying on my right side and legs curled slightly at the knee and hip. "Well, would you be willing to tell me a little about yourself?" He nods and asks what I would like to know. "Um, do you have a family?"

"I do."

"Could you tell me about your family?"

"What would you like to know about my family?"

"Do they live around here? Are your parents still alive? Do you have any siblings? What is your family like? Oh! Please don't be offended if I fall asleep. It has been a very long night, what with the hourly wake up calls." I wink at him. Wink? Since when do I wink and at any male?

He grins and begins telling me his parents are no longer alive. While he explains, my eyes become heavy. I try fighting the effect, but lose.

~*~*~ WFB ~*~*~

The hourly wake check-ups leave me feeling tired and foggy. After the nurse wakes me for my exam at seven, I do not go back to sleep. Instead, I proceed to get dressed and brush my hair, which is difficult with the bandage on the left side of my head. Charlie shows up at a quarter 'til eight. He is told to wait outside the room when Carlisle and Nurse Linda come to verify my stats one last time before signing my discharge papers.

After Nurse Linda walks out the door, Charlie enters just as Carlisle is giving me my care instructions once more.

"Remember, you are not to get the cast wet. You will be provided plastic covers to use while you bathe. It would be best if you schedule the three-week appointment before you leave. Here is my business card. Please call me if you have any problems, Bella."

"Thank you, Carlisle." Charlie crosses his arms with a huff as I place the card in my back pocket. What is his problem?

As Charlie and I head to the nurse's station, I give him a sideward glance. His jaw is set and his walk is slightly tense. We set up the appointment for three weeks later. As planned, we make the appointment for late Wednesday afternoon. Once it is finished, Charlie asks me to wait for him in the warm waiting room while he pulls the cruiser up since all I have to wear is my light winter jacket he brought from the house. Rolling my eyes at his overprotecting, but sweet, request I find a seat close to the door and wait.

As I wait for Charlie to pull up, Carlisle approaches the nurse's station. As the nurses swarm to his side, there is no denying the man is all sorts of delicious. Noticing his shoulders for the first time, reminds me of something my mother once told me about men with broad shoulders being respectful, loyal, faithful, reliable, stable, ascendant, wholehearted, responsible, and self-assured. From my brief encounter with Carlisle, most of those characteristics Renee mentioned seem to fit him perfectly. This intrigues me and I want to know more about this man who has such a strong effect on me so quickly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~ WFB ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A/N – Reviews are like a loving hug and very much appreciated. :D

Again, I am not sure they wake you every hour when they suspect a concussion, but I added it in… creative license. *winks*

Thankfully Cullen Cousin seems to be enjoying this fic written for her. :D

Thank you for reading.

Posted: 06-06-12