A/N: Once again we are grateful and humbled by the response to the last chapter. This chapter is a little reward for you all!

It's not ours but we'd take a trip to Forks with BATward.

Chapter 20: Little Discoveries

Hell of a Wake Up - B

Our time in Forks hadn't started out quite as I had planned. My dad met us at the house, but something came up at work, which left us on our own for dinner. I was used to 'emergencies' coming up from when I was a kid, but I had hoped for better with Edward here. We decided that ordering pizza and hanging out was the easiest solution. It was a nice decompression after the craziness of the last week.

By ten, we were both exhausted. Our bodies thought it was one a.m., and we'd spent the whole day traveling. I finally gave up on my dad coming home, and resigned myself that is was time to go to bed. I hated knowing that Edward was just a few rooms away, but thought that it would be better for my father to see him sleeping on the couch. He may be a lot of things, but at heart, Charlie Swan was very old fashioned in his notions about relationships.

It was strange sleeping in my childhood bed. I felt like I was in some limbo state. Not the little girl that grew up in this house, but not the woman I had become in New York. On previous visits home, I always checked 'New York Bella' at the door, and slipped back into the 'Forks Bella' that I was when I lived here. I couldn't quite compartmentalize my life like that this trip.

It took a long time to fall asleep, and I was restless. I kept slipping in and out of strange half dreams that I couldn't interpret. I'd wake up panicked, heart racing, but no memory of why.

I didn't remember the dream, just the feeling of hitting something and then falling. I started awake to find Edward wedged around me in my bed. My room was light, but without the sun, it was difficult to gauge whether it was early or late.

"What time is it?" I asked sleepily.

"Just after 8. I put some coffee on when I came back from my run. Do you want some?"

"Where did you run to?" I stretched, bumping into him on my single bed. "Ewww, you are all sweaty!"

I pulled back to see a grey Dartmouth T-shirt that was probably one bucket dump short of a wet t-shirt contest stuck to his chest.

And something inside me tripped. I launched myself at Edward, although it didn't take much effort given the small space to be covered. My hands wove into his damp hair as I pulled him in as close as possible, crushing my mouth to his. Oh god he tasted so good, all salty and sweaty.

He was startled for a split second, and then responded with the same urgency. We were almost frantic in the way that we pulled at each other, trying to shift clothes, accommodate hands, and move legs.

And then we fell out of my bed.

We were both shocked for a second before breaking into laughter.

"Are you okay?" I gasped, trying to get my raging hormones and laughter under control.

"Yes, although I would think that you'd know how to keep a guy from falling out of your bed!" He shot back, laughing just as hard.

"Don't know, you're the first one that's ever been in it."

He rolled over on his side to look at me. "No way. I don't believe that one."

I jabbed him in the ribs. "What do you think I am, some tart?"

He laughed harder. "No, I just thought you were all fired up to jump me in your childhood bed!"

I turned bright red and looked away.

"Nope, not letting you off the hook. Is that what it was?"

I shook my head and looked down, mumbling, "It was the shirt."

Edward rolled onto his back and pulled his shirt up to look at the front.

"It's just a college t-shirt. No big deal." He looked back up to gauge my reaction. I had to be the color of a tomato.

"You aren't going to let this go, are you?"

"Hell no, I want to know what sparked that reaction so I can take advantage of it again."

I sat up and pushed my hair away from my face. He wouldn't stop until I came clean.

"Fine, grey t-shirt, all sweaty, totally stuck to you. Hot as hell."

A grin spread over his face. He laced his fingers behind his head to act as a pillow against the hardwood floor. It caused his shirt to ride up a bit and expose a sliver of his stomach. I shivered. This was not fair.

"Hmm. So we might have found YOUR wellie moment, huh? I'll have to remember this." He smiled at me for a moment longer. "But further proof that we are perfect together. You like me all sweaty; I like you in the water. Hand in glove."

I shook my head and laughed. "Only you could make a fantasy a justification for compatibility, Cullen."

"You complaining?" He teased. I shook my head no. "Good, now let's break in that bed of yours. Any other firsts that I should be aware of?"

"So many, but the easiest way to summarize it is first time in the state of Washington."

"Really?" He seemed surprised. "Well, guess we better stop talking then."

"Aren't you eager?" I teased. He grabbed the front of my T shirt and slid me across the hardwood floor.

"Yes, and for the record, you started it." He pinned my arms over my head with one hand while his other slid up under my shirt. "And you were taunting me yesterday about the wellies, so turn about is fair play."

Edward stared directly into my eyes, an evil grin on his face. "So should I torture you like you've been doing to me, or do you want me to put you out of your misery?"

He squeezed my breast to reinforce his question as I hummed in contentment. So much for controlling my raging hormones.

"I think you need to put me out of my misery. Right. Now." I arched my body into his as a way of backing up my words. He was a smart guy, he knew exactly what I wanted him to do.

His smile grew a bit broader. "Well, when you put it that way."

He tugged on my arms, pulling me upright enough to flip over his shoulder. He stood and dumped me on my bed. The bed frame banged up against the wall, making me giggle at the sound.

Edward was immediately over me, tugging my boxers down my legs. "So never in Washington, huh? I guess then I can let my horny teenager free at the thought of the noise this headboard is going to make. Think Chief Swan would be upset if he knew what I plan to do to his daughter in her childhood bed?"

"Edward!" I had to laugh at how playful he was being. Add sweaty grey t shirt and my god, could he be any hotter?

As lighthearted as we were, things had changed since the Met. Physically, it was almost impossible to keep our hands off each other. But there was something deeper there to. A level of trust had been built over the weekend. When Edward touched me, my reactions were instant, but it wasn't purely sexual. It was like physical contact was an affirmation of our connection. Constant proof of how we felt, of what we had become.

We loved each other. No question. No doubt. We just did.

Forks Bella - E

I didn't take my shirt off, since I knew it was driving her crazy, but she did claw at it to gain access to my back. She dug her fingers into my skin as mine found their way between her legs and pressed into her. She arched her back and moaned.

She was still wearing her shirt, but I pushed it up with my free hand in order to expose her more. I grazed her breast lightly which garnered an "Uh" from her.

Her eyes were locked on mine. I doubled my efforts with both hands. In out around. Up down across.

Eyes fixed. I could see them filling with anticipation. I grunted my awareness.

Push pull inhale. Back Forth exhale.

Eyes glazed, mouth open.

Pinch release gasp.

Her eyes finally closed at the moment of release. Her body shook, and she let out a high pitched groan. I watched mesmerized.

The intensity decelerated. I kept my right hand in place, as I slid my left away from her breast to place in on the bed. Gaining leverage I positioned myself directly over her. Her eyes shot back open, and I met her gaze, seeking permission. Her arms reached up around my neck, to pull me close.

Our movements were slow and melodic. Bodies joined in harmony and rhythm. I took my time playing this instrument. Trying new notes and changing the tempo. From adagio to allegro and back again. We could have made music all day, but eventually, we began a slow crescendo. Reaching the end, completely in sync.

The sounds of our climax reverberated in the room. Breathing slowed.

I didn't resist one final chord, "Damn, I love you."

She laughed at me as I collapsed next to her. Well almost next to her and half hanging off the bed, but somehow were squished together in that space. But she didn't let me rest long.

Within minutes, she started pushing at me. "Come on. Let's get that coffee."

I groaned in response. "Don't need it if we just fall back asleep."

"No way. There's too much to do today."

Bella was excited. And not just in regards to my shirt, though I definitely appreciated her enthusiasm in that department. I was pleased to have a secret weapon to use against her. And it hadn't passed my attention that we were in a very rainy area of the county, with Bella's boots just a room away. It was very possible we could compose a masterpiece in Forks.

She was eager to start the day so she could show me the whole town.

"So, we'll be done in an hour right?"

"Jerk!"

"It's not very big. I swear I ran the whole thing this morning. How long can it take?"

"Great things come in small packages, or hadn't you noticed?" She teased.

"So, what's first on the agenda?"

"Hmm, well, there are some fabulous hiking trails by the river, and we can do the drive around town too. Tonight I think the plan is to hang out with my dad."

"Coffee's waiting downstairs, but it sounds like we need breakfast if we're going to manage all that. I'd offer, but I don't know where anything is."

"Hopefully, we can scrounge something, but we'll have to hit the grocery store too. You wanna get off me, and I'll get something going?"

I gave her a fake pout, but managed to scoot over to give her just enough room to escape. She stepped into her boxers. I watched. She shook her head and laughed at me and then started throwing my discarded clothes at me. "Get dressed lazybones!"

I complied and followed her downstairs.

She found some eggs, and I began scrambling them in a bowl while she foraged for a frying pan. She tried three cupboards before she located it. She grumbled under her breath about nothing being where it should be. I tossed the eggs in the pan to cook while she set the table. After we ate, she took her plate to the sink. "So do you want to shower first, or should I?"

I raised one eyebrow and smirked at her. "You have a one track mind, Cullen. And it's very dirty."

"Hey, I'm just offering to clean it up. You do sort of stink after all."

"Rude! You're the sweaty stink monster!" She laughed as she took her shirt off and threw it at me. Then she ran up the stairs toward the bathroom.

I nearly spilled my coffee.

We didn't get out of the house until around ten, and Bella insisted we start with a grocery store run. This trip was a week of firsts. Yes, I had been to a grocery store. I wasn't that sheltered, but never one quite like this. In New York I went to corner stores, mom and pop shops, or I tended to have things delivered. This was . . . different. For a small town, the store was large. It prided itself on being a "one stop shop." There was even a hardware store and an apparel shop in the strip mall.

I kind of liked it. There were so many choices. I kept adding to the heaping pile in the cart.

"Edward, we're only in town for a few days. We can't leave my dad with 5 boxes of cereal to eat. And since when do you even eat cereal?"

"I know, but this aisle is huge. It just begs you to buy one of everything."

"Let's just stick to the essentials, okay?"

"Fine, but I am definitely going back to the souvenir area. I think I saw a grey Forks, WA shirt, I'd like to have." She stuck her tongue out at me. I wasn't kidding though. I was going use her Achilles Heel against her every chance I had.

We had a cart that was way too full for our few days here, and we took a final pass through the ice cream aisle because Bella declared it was a vacation must.

"Bella? Is that you?"

Bella turned away from the freezer, and she smiled at the woman in front of us. She looked to be about our age, and she had a friendly face, the kind you trusted instantly.

"Hi Angela. It's been too long. You look great."

It caused the woman to look over at me. Her expression was unreadable. Either she didn't recognize me, or she was good at masking her reaction.

"Oh Angela, this is Edward, my boyfriend. Edward, this is Angela. We went to high school together."

Angela smiled, and reached her hand out. I returned the gesture, and said, "It's nice to meet you."

"How long are you in town, Bella?"

"I'm not sure," Bella answered looking to me. "Saturday, I think."

"Maybe we can get together. I'm sure Ben would love to see you too."

"Sure, you can call my dad's if you want. Do you still have the number?"

"I can look it up. He's easy to find."

After Angela departed, we finished shopping.

"Are you close with her?"

"Oh we were, once upon a time. Now, we really don't talk much—when I come home mostly."

"Did anything happen?"

"No, not really. I was in New York, she was here, and our interests weren't the same. We kept in touch better through college, but when it was clear that I was making my life out there, I think it just wasn't worth her investing the time anymore. She got married, and we just stopped calling. You know?"

I nodded. There wasn't much else I could say. She stated it all fairly matter of factly, but Bella was quieter; some of her enthusiasm was gone. She didn't say much during the car ride back. As we were unloading groceries, I asked, "Where'd you go?"

"Nowhere. Just thinking."

"About Angela?"

"A little. And my dad. And just how much has changed versus how much has stayed the same since I left."

"I experienced a lot of that when I moved back."

She seemed to shake it off after that. We put away the groceries, and we had a snack before packing a lunch to take out on a hiking trail.

I'd never thought of Bella as someone who would know her way around a trail, but as always, she was full of surprises.

"Actually, I was not much of an outdoorsy person until my senior year. I liked this guy, but he moved away so I started hanging out with my friend Jake more, and we explored the woods. He taught me a lot. That's really how I came to appreciate this area."

"Your friend Jake? Just friends?" I said it casually, but I was swallowing back jealousy.

"Remember what I said earlier? Never in Washington. Jake and I have known each other forever. Our dads are tight. Anyway, it was gross, kinda like kissing your brother." We both laughed at that recalling my description of trying to make something happen with Tanya.

We walked along the river for a while, but Bella had a plan for our picnic. It took us about an hour to find it, and she wasn't even certain it would still be there, but we stumbled upon it almost on accident. We were about to turn around and head back to a different trail when we walked right into it. A meadow, a picture perfect scene in the middle of the forest. Green grass, tree lined with wild flowers sprinkled throughout.

She spread out the blanket while I started taking food out of the pack. "This place is so peaceful," I remarked, taking in the scene.

"I could never be in a bad mood here. I've missed this place. I used to come here a lot that last year before I left."

"By yourself? Or with your friend?"

"Both. It was a rough year for me. I thought I was in love with the boy who moved away, and I felt like it'd never get over him. So I used to come here to wallow. Of course, it's kind of funny now because I realize it was just a high school crush, but you know how real it can all feel when you're young. Everyone kept trying to tell me that, but I didn't believe them so this was a place where I could be sad without anyone telling me to get over it."

"That's . . . I don't know. I'm sorry you had to go through that." She sort of shrugged and ran her hand through the grass next to her. I listened to the sounds of nature around us. "This place is kind of secluded. I don't think I like the idea of you here by yourself. Did your dad know about it?"

"I was seventeen, Edward. Do you really think I told my dad I was going hiking in the woods? He would have gone all caveman on me, just like you're doing."

"Caveman? Not quite, just wanting you safe. So, you were a big rebel in high school huh?"

"Hardly, my dad was pretty good about not asking questions he didn't want answers to, but I tried not to keep the important things from him."

After we ate, we relaxed in the meadow, telling stories, sharing memories. Something about being here opened Bella up even more. I was seeing sides of her I hadn't known existed—more vulnerable.

I was on my back, looking up at the bits of sky poking through the trees. "We should go before I fall asleep."

"Go ahead; we don't have anywhere to be right now," She urged.

"Are you sure?"

"Definitely. I can either nap too, or just enjoy some time in my favorite place. And she propped up on her elbow and ghosted her fingers down my arm. So, I spent the afternoon sleeping, with Bella by my side. I could get used to Forks.

Introspection - B

While Edward slept, I replayed our conversation from earlier. I had always seen Forks as a place frozen in time. The one place that always stayed the same. It was a touchstone for me. But something was different this trip. I couldn't put my finger on what or why, but something had changed.

Jake and I had found this meadow by accident the summer before our senior year of high school. I was a distraught 17 year old who had her heart broken for the first time, and was looking to run away. That, on top of the sense of constant scrutiny had me starting to feel stifled in Forks. The straight A student, the Sheriff's daughter, the good girl. I hadn't rebelled, but I hadn't wanted to toe the line either. I took to hanging out with Jake and his La Push friends as a way of breaking out of the mold a bit. Other than Alice, and later Jasper and Edward, Jake was the only one who had truly ever seen the real me.

Our dads had always been close, and I think deep down my dad had always harbored the hope that I would be interested in Jake romantically. But he was the closest thing to a sibling I'd ever known, the one person here who had never let me down. I wasn't joking with Edward when I said I couldn't think about him as anything other than that.

It would be interesting to see how Edward responded if he ever met the La Push gang. They were wonderful people, with the biggest hearts I had ever seen. They also made my dad look like Donald Trump when it came to money. It's not that I expected Edward to be snobbish, but it would take him pretty far out of his comfort zone.

"I don't think I've ever seen you pull back so far into yourself. I'd give anything to get inside that head of yours right now."

I was lying propped on my elbows, tying daisy chains. I hadn't realized that he was awake.

"Have you been watching me for long?"

"Only long enough for you to tie about ten links. What were you thinking about?"

"Just remembering. This place brings back a lot of memories for me. I guess you could call it my west coast Tiffany's window." I tied off the end of the daisy chain, and sat up so I could drop it over my head. "But the prices are much more reasonable."

"Can I ask you a question?" Something in his tone was off. Almost apprehensive. I sat quietly, an indication for him to proceed.

"What you said before, about never in Washington, why?"

"Aren't we a little far down the road to be asking about sexual history, Cullen? I think you are supposed to do that before you bag the babe."

He didn't smile. "I'm serious. Why never in Washington?"

I sighed and reclined back on my elbows.

"There wasn't any irony in Angela and I being friends. The pastor's kid and the sheriff's kid were kind of fated for each other. Did you know that one of our classmates actually said they couldn't hang out with us for fear that we would slip up and tell something to our dads? I believe the sentiment was they'd go to jail, hell, or both."

Edward reached out to twine his fingers with mine. "But that doesn't answer my question."

"That has a lot to do with it. And I guess I am an old fashioned girl. I could have gone out and had sex with anyone, but that wasn't me. The only serious relationship I'd ever had didn't get anywhere near the 'running the bases,' so to speak. And then it was time to go to college. It's really just as simple as that. I used to think that I wanted to go to New York because it was such a great opportunity. In hindsight, I can't help but think it was my way to get away from everyone and learn who I was. My guidance counselor warned me that I might be lonely. I could be in a city all by myself, and it would probably be less lonely than Forks was at times."

I thought back to all the things that I had missed out on because of my small social circle. I had convinced myself that they didn't matter, but deep down, activities like Homecoming, Prom, and parties were all things that any seventeen year old girl wanted to attend. What was the old saying? Me thinks thou doth protest to much?

The seventeen year old Bella had put up a good front, but it didn't mean that it didn't hurt to miss out. And even more so that I was home alone while everyone else had fun. Maybe that is why I fell in love with books. They were always around, always wanted me.

Edward sat up, pulling me along with him. He lifted me into his lap and stroked my hair. We didn't talk for a while.

"We should probably get started back. I was thinking we could throw some burgers on the grill. Odds are my dad will be parked on the couch watching some sporting event." I really didn't want to leave, but part of the reason we had come here was so that Edward could get to know my father.

I stood and held out my hand out to him. "Come on, slacker. You slept all afternoon. You should have told me the couch was that miserable."

He smiled and took my hand. "It was a small sacrifice to see you like this."

Our hike back to the car was quiet. I think Edward was still a bit tired, and I couldn't lose the feeling that had started to settle in. I felt almost melancholic, which made no sense. The day had been great. We explored my hometown, christened my childhood bed, and best of all, I was with Edward.

But I just couldn't shake it.

Once back at my dad's house, Edward won my dad over with his encyclopedic knowledge of the great American past time. While I focused on grilling burgers and throwing together a salad, I could hear them debating the designated hitter, the Yankees payroll, and whether or not the Cubs would ever get their World Series.

I stood at the counter, listening to the conversation flow back and forth. I could tell that Edward was candid in his interest. I knew him well enough to tell when he was simply being polite. He liked my dad.

And best of all, my dad really liked him too. He didn't threaten to clean his gun once.

Common Ground - E

Charlie Swan was not a man of many words. I respected that. My father was from the same generation and also approached conversation with a similar degree of brevity. I understood that it didn't mean lack of interest. He did seem slightly distracted though.

It was a little awkward at first. Bella began the process of getting dinner together. She insisted I relax on the couch. She sensed how tired I still was. I just couldn't shake it. So, I didn't argue too vehemently.

Charlie sat in the chair while I pretended to get comfortable on the couch. Every once in a while he would look at the phone or the clock or out the window.

"Do you fish?" he asked out of nowhere.

"Uh, no?" I asked tentatively. I had been deep sea fishing, but I didn't think that really counted.

"Too bad. You could come with me on Saturday."

I felt like I'd just failed my first test. He watched the game intently. A bad play by Griffey loaded the bases for the Tigers and it gave me my in.

"Are you glad to have him back?"

"Yeah, but the injuries have really taken their toll on him."

"So true. Is the outfield missing Crowley this year?"

"Nah, he was too injury prone as well. Plus, people thought he was as ass."

I laughed at that. "Bella met him last week at a party."

His eyes flashed to me. "You didn't let him get too close did you? I've heard he has quite a reputation." I nodded.

He looked out to the kitchen but saw that Bella wasn't there. He leaned forward to set his beer on the coffee table. He kept his voice low, but I had no trouble hearing him.

"Look Edward, you seem like a decent guy. That's still my little girl out there, and it's my job to keep her safe. You, uh, don't exactly have the best reputation yourself, but you already know that. I ah don't really follow that stuff, but I had to see what they were saying about Bella."

I nodded again. He was right.

"I know she thinks she's all grown up and tough, but don't let that fool you too much. I just need to know that whoever she's with will take care of her."

"Don't worry, Charlie. I'll keep her safe." By no means could I argue with a man who'd dressed up in a woman's hat on Mother's Day.

"So, uh, Yankees or Mets, Edward?" It was an awkward change of subject, but I understood. He'd made his point. It was enough.

I had a flash of Bella on the day she first told me she loved me, wearing the Yankees cap I'd placed on her head. If I hadn't been a lifelong fan already, I knew I would be from now on.

"Yankees, all the way."

And from there, we found an easy bantering, returning to player stats and recent trades. I should have known baseball would be the great equalizer.

E/N: So, Charlie and Edward seemed to hit it off. We learned a little more of Bella's past. No paparazzi either. Whew. All's going well in Forks so far.

We'd like to send a little special love to our loyal BATgirls of the twilighted forums. May you all have a drama free day with no cameras following you anywhere!

Finally, are you reading The Lost Boys by hwimsey yet? If not, you should be!

If you'd like a little insight into the next chapter, go ahead and drop a review, and we'll hit you back!