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

I didn't plan on them to drop the ILYs, but it just fit in the previous chapter. Up next will be some more information about Emmett and the investigation of the Volturi. Not to mention, some citrusy action. Not the earlier fade-to-black moment from a few chapters ago.

What I own: A new guitar … want to try and learn, or rather improve my guitar playing skills.

What I don't: Twilight

Chapter Thirty-Three

It had been a week since Emmett's fight. He was still in a coma, but it was now medically induced. His brain had swelled. The doctors sedated him, saying that the rest would be the best medicine. His cognitive functions were still intact when they did daily neuro checks, which put everyone's mind at ease.

His fighting career, it would seem, was now over.

He had a long recovery in front of him and brain injuries were tricky. Rose was terrified that this injury would take away her monkey man. Would his personality change? Would he remember her? The baby?

On top of that, Volterra was found to be not responsible for what James did. He acted of his own accord, wanting to bring down Bull Dog Fighting Club. James, who had been released on bond, was spewing lies that Emmett used performance enhancing drugs and beat his wife. Jasper and Alice attacked these lies with press conferences. Years of Emmett's medical history was released with Rose's blessing. Charlie also invited the governing body to check out Bull Dog's facilities.

Sitting in the waiting room, Bella read a book and snuggled against Edward's side. He was working with Alice to help prove Emmett's innocence, having just come back from filming a PSA about PEDs and training the right way, through grit and hard work.

Charlie walked out from ICU, sitting down across from his daughter and Edward. He'd noticed how much they adored each other. Bella had a serenity and confidence she'd never had with that asshole, Jacob Black. Edward raised her up, made her a priority, where Jacob used her and nearly sucked her dry.

"What did the doctors say?" Bella asked, closing her book. She took a sip of her coffee before twining her fingers with Edward's.

"They're weaning him off the sedatives. He should be awake by tomorrow," Charlie answered. "I think that after this weekend, we can fly him back to Seattle and continue his recovery at Virginia Mason." He blinked to Edward, giving him a smile. "You're probably going to be his biggest help in his recovery. You had a similar injury, coming back to fight."

"After seeing this fight, I'm hesitant," Edward frowned. "I love the sport. I'm good at it, but at what cost? Should I hang up my gloves?"

"No, not yet," Bella chimed in. "You are a beautiful fighter and an honorable man. We just need to make sure that your first fight is not with a Volturi fighter."

"I've already booked Edward's first fight back," Charlie said. "It's at the Garden. Volturi has their choices of fights."

"I still think it's bullshit that they were found not responsible," Bella sneered. "James was a Volterra fighter. Volterra should be held at fault."

"They were found not responsible but had to pay a hefty fine for the behavior of their fighter," Charlie explained with a wry smile. "Now, with the date of your return imminent, we've got to pick up your training, Edward. You still following the cardio routine I mapped out for you?"

"Every morning. Even here," Edward answered.

"It's hard to cuddle with my boyfriend in the morning when he's out the door by five to run ten miles," Bella scoffed, tossing a pillow at her dad.

"I approve of the two of you, but there are some things that, as a dad, I do not want to know," Charlie quipped.

Edward leaned over to Bella's ear, brushing his lips over the shell. "I'll take tomorrow off, love. We can cuddle all you want."

"I think you need to get out of the hospital. Go, explore Portland," Charlie said. "There's a lovely Japanese Garden. Or go explore the Nike campus. Have fun. Emmett's not going anywhere."

"I just feel like I should be here," Bella grumped. "Rose is … she needs us."

"Alice is in there and Jasper is using the business center doing his lawyery thing," Charlie shrugged. "If I could, I'd encourage Rose to do the same, but she's too stubborn."

"We're lucky she's leaving the hospital at night," Bella sighed.

"That was all Carlisle," Edward said. "With her elevated blood pressure, plus all the stress of Emmett's injury, she finally relented. The tiny recliner did not do much to help her rest, nor did the constant flow of nurses, doctors, and orderlies." Looking at Bella, he smiled in question. "Do you want to get out of here? Even for just a few hours? It's not raining, and the leaves are just starting to turn."

"Okay, okay," Bella nodded. "Let me say goodbye to Rose and then we can get out of here. I really want some non-hospital food. Something healthy … oooh, or fish. McCormick and Schmicks?"

"I've never been, but I'm open to anything," Edward said, pulling out his keys. "I'll make reservations for lunch and then for the Japanese Gardens."

Fifteen minutes later, they stopped at the hotel so Bella could change into a pair of sneakers. After that, they spent several hours wandering in the garden, taking pictures and decompressing from the stress of the past week. When Edward's stomach started rumbling, they drove to McCormick and Schmicks. Bella had soup and a salad with grilled salmon. Edward convinced her to try some cold oysters with a saucy grin. "Are you trying to tell me something?" Bella teased as she took one of the shells. "These are a known aphrodisiac."

"I am a guy," Edward snickered as he enjoyed one of the oysters. "I love holding you, kissing you, but …"

"I want more, too. I'm not ready to make love, but I would love to explore," she purred. After sipping the oyster down her throat, she took a drink of white wine. "I forgot how salty those are."

"That's why I asked for the tabasco," Edward suggested, pouring some of the hot sauce another oyster. "It cuts the saltiness." He leaned forward, a sexy smirk on his face as he moved the oyster to her lips. Bella held his gaze as she took what he offered. Licking her lips, she hummed her approval. That sound went straight to his cock. He wanted to know if she sounded like that when he kissed her … everywhere. He shook his head, trying to not imagine her naked while devoured her, burying his face between her thighs.

"You okay, Masen?" Bella asked, giving him an innocent look.

"Perfectly fine, love," he answered in a rumbly, sexy voice.

Lunch was nothing but culinary foreplay. It started with the oysters, moving to Edward's pasta and Bella's soup. Who knew that clam chowder could be sexy?

God, it had been so long for both of them.

"I think … we need to go back to the hotel," Bella squeaked as Edward's hand inched closer to her center. "I … I need a cold shower and a fresh pair of panties."

"I've been hard most of lunch," Edward growled, tossing some cash on the table. "I need more than a cold shower. We have a date with our bed …"

"Oooh, yes and please," Bella breathed. Edward grabbed her hand, twining their fingers together and practically dragging her back to his car.

Show time!

A/N: Next chapter will have some citrusy goodness … like the entire chapter will be them teasing, tasting and loving. Pictures of the Japanese Gardens and the restaurant are on my blog. I can attest that both are amazing. I want to go back to Portland just for those gardens … maybe even move there. I love the Pacific Northwest.

Anyway, leave me some loving! Thanks for reading!