You can find the NC17 version here http://www.voy.com/39259/
CHAPTER 38 WEEK LATER "How have you been?" Connor inquires as he sits with Bola on the rooftop of an empty building looking at the city's lights.
"Fine."
"What have you been up too?" He asks curiously
"While I was grounded I hung out with Zeke and did some homework. Last couple nights, I've been hanging out with Jenna and some people from school." Bola answers, "What's been going on with you?"
"Work. Took out a nest of vampires."
Bola nods "Cool." She looks at the sight before her aware that Connor is watching her. "How'd you find this place?" She asks curiously
Connor shrugs "While I was tailing a demon I realized this place has a great view." He gives Bola a slight smile "I thought you'd like it."
"I do." Bola slips her hand into his.
Connor looks at their hands then at Bola "I'm glad."
Bola smiles at him after a few moments of comfortable silence she speaks "So want to go see what we can find to do?"
"Sounds good to me." He grins standing he helps Bola to her feet and remains holding her hand as they climb down from the building.
HOUR LATER "You OK?" Bola asks concerned as Connor stands amongst the dead demons his fists clenched anger and disgust radiating off him. When he doesn't respond she steps up beside him wincing at the carnage, "Connor?" She touches his arm.
"Let's get out of here." Connor says gruffly.
Bola notices blood seeping through his shirt. "That you or them?"
Connor looks at his shirt then at the demons "Me."
"How bad?"
Connor shrugs "I should heal by tomorrow."
"Let's get back and get that cleaned up." Bola takes his hand and pulls him away from the bodies. 'God it has been so long since I've seen that look in someone's eyes.' She inwardly shivers remembering the look in Connor's eyes as he took the demons out. The two remain silent on the way back to the building. Once in the upstairs room Bola grabs the First Aid kit "Let's get you patched up." She swallows heavily as Connor removes his shirt tossing it aside. "He nailed you pretty good." She remarks seeing the slash across his chest.
"The wound is starting to heal. It should be gone in a few days." Connor shrugs as they sit on the bed of blankets face to face.
"Oh." Bola says wetting a cotton swab with disinfectant "How fast do you heal?"
"Depending on the severity wound a few days." Connor answers barely reacting at the sting of the disinfectant. "As long as I don't come into anything poisonous."
"Have you?"
Connor nods slightly "A few different demons have poisonous talons or blood. I don't think they were poisonous."
"Oh." Gently Bola wipes the blood away with a couple different cottons swabs. Once she wipes away some of the blood and she can see the wound Bola speaks "Not too bad, as long as it doesn't get infected."
"It shouldn't."
Bola grabs a bandage and carefully places it over the wound. "How'd you get the scar?"
"Which one?" Connor asks wryly
Bola chuckles "This one" She gently touches the faint scar on his cheek.
Connor reaches up touching the scar "Fred told me I got it from the stake my mother used to kill herself." He shrugs
"What do you mean?" Bola asks confused
Connor stands going over to the bag containing his clothes and grabs a clean shirt. His back to Bola he answers "She was a vampire."
"Who was?" Bola questions
Connor pulls his shirt on then answers "My mother." He turns around looking at his friend he chuckles at her stunned expression.
"Your mother was a vampire?"
"Yes." Connor nods "So is my Father."
"Your Father is one too?"
"Yes." Connor admits
"For one vampire to have a human child is impossible but two? That's beyond impossible."
"That's what Fred said."
"Fred?" Bola asks
"She works with Angel, my Father." Connor says sitting back down. "I don't know how she can live and work with a vampire... no matter what a vampire says or does... he's still evil."
"What about your Mother?"
"They said she was even worse than him. Dad said she staked herself hoping I'd die. Angel said she did it so I could be born."
"What do you believe?"
"I don't know." Connor says truthfully
"What about the man who raised you?"
"His name was Daniel Holtz. He raised me... he trained me... he loved me."
"What happened to him?"
Connor looks down "Angel killed my Dad not long after we got here. He drained him and left him to die in the alley." He says angrily "He said he didn't but he did." Connor clenches his fists his nails digging into his palms.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up."
Connor shrugs "I would have told you eventually."
"I'm glad." Bola says with a slight smile
"Me too." Connor admits, "It's getting late. I'll walk you home." He stands pulling Bola to her feet.
"Probably a good idea. I really don't want to get grounded again." She grabs her backpack off the floor. As they reach the door she leans up kissing Connor's cheek when he looks at her startled she smirks "Come on let's get going." She walks out of the room with Connor staring at her. 'I can't believe I just did that.' She thinks 'Oh well.' After a second Connor follows her, "Are you working tomorrow?"
"For a few hours." Connor answers
Bola nods tucking a lose strand of hair behind her ear as they walk. After walking a while, they reach the house Bola looks at Connor "I'll see you tomorrow." She opens the side gate stepping through she closes the gate as the dogs run up to her. "Hey boys what are you doing out?" Bola pats each dog's heads then glances over her shoulder to find Connor gone. She walks up the driveway towards the front door.
NEXT MORNING Bola sits in the library during study hall and stares at her book.
"Hey girl you've been staring at that same page for five minutes." Jenna states
"Huh?" Bola looks up startled at the intrusion on her thoughts.
"Girl you OK?"
Bola shrugs "Just thinking."
"I can tell. Guy or parents?"
Bola lifts her brow.
"You got that look" Jenna shrugs.
"OK... guy and parents... his."
"OK who is this guy and do I know him?"
"No you don't know him. He's just a guy."
"So why are you thinking about his parents?"
"I'm not... I was thinking about what he told me about them."
"Why?"
"I don't know." Bola sighs, "Its making me wonder more about him."
"What do you mean?"
"It's a long story."
"So who is he?" Jenna asks excitedly "What's his name? Is he cute? How long have you known him?" She asks hurriedly
"He's just a guy. Yes, he's cute... very cute. I've known him for a while now."
"Tell me everything" Jenna gushes
"Sorry Jen... telling ain't my thing." Bola says with a smirk. "Now I got to get back to work." She returns to her book.
AFTERNOON "Here" Bola drops a couple books on the crate
Connor looks up from the book in his hands glancing at the new books. "Thanks. I'm almost finished with this one."
"Man you go through books faster than even Ian."
"I have a lot to learn." Connor shrugs
"I grabbed you a math book as well."
"Why do I need math?"
"Who knows why but in this world... you don't get far without it."
Connor scowls "I'm the Destroyer who cares if I can do math."
"I know the feeling. I've been born so many times and I've learned so many things yet here I am in high school."
"What do you mean?" Connor asks puzzled "About being born so many times." He says
Bola crosses her legs as she sits "That's a long story. But since you told me some I'll tell you the short."
Connor nods "That was the deal."
"Well remember what I told you about the Witchblade?"
"Yes."
"There's a lot of history behind it... they say it was forged from a branch of the tree of good and evil."
"Dad mentioned that... Adam and Eve."
Bola nods, "No really knows the exact origins of the Witchblade most of what I remember is from what they told me." She reaches up brushing strands of hair behind her ears. "Centuries ago in Europe, the Wielder and her Protector had a child... a daughter. They'd had children in other lifetimes, but this time something happened. They lived in a village and had a somewhat normal life until their daughter was about 14." She stands walking over to the window. "There was another clan a few miles away. The two clans despised each other but both clans knew not to get that family involved in their feud... they knew that bringing it to their door would result in death and destruction." She glances at Connor, "That particular family was the closest of any family you'd meet. They were never separated," She turns back to the window "never spent a day apart." Bola sighs sadly then continues. "Then one day the other clan started a war led by a man called Lupo. They stormed the village burning everything and killing everyone they could." She winces at the memory "Lupo wanted the Wielder because he'd heard the rumors she was indestructible. This time she wasn't." Bola rubs her forehead remembering the screams. "The Witchblade chose that time to fail her... and her family could feel her death. It was like part of them was ripped apart."
Connor stands leaning against the wall across from her "What happened?"
"They tortured him for the fun of it then killed him in front of me... yet they left me alive. I guess they thought I'd cause no trouble and I'd be dead within days. I survived yet my family died and my whole village destroyed. I wanted revenge and the Witchblade was so angry over how they died it allowed it. I started hunting Lupo and his men down but I was killed a year later." She wipes at the stray tears as the fall down her cheeks. "Anyway every generation both of them are born and every so often the Witchblade decides to give me another chance so I'm reborn to them... or at least one of them. For some reason I remember... all I need to know... my training, the languages, and the history. The memories aren't so bad... unless you count the full scale playback of how they died." She slides to the floor resting her head against the wall. "This time I was born to completely different people yet I still have all this knowledge."
Connor sits beside her reaching out he brushes a tear away with his thumb. "I'm sorry."
Bola leans in her arms going around his shoulders smiling slightly as he returns the hug when Bola pulls back she gives him a small smile, "Thanks."
Connor returns the slight smile
At his smile, Bola leans in kisses Connor lightly on the lips then pulls back. 'Wow.' She looks at him and slowly their lips meet in a sweet kiss. Pulling away from each other, the teens smile slightly. Bola shifts sitting beside Connor she slips her hand into his.
"Bola?"
"Yeah?"
"What happened to Lupo?" Connor asks curiously.
Bola looks at Connor briefly then she closes her eyes taking a deep breath she answers, "I killed him. Now I just have to wait to see if history is going to repeat itself... and I die."
"Do you think you will?" Connor asks saddened by the thought.
She shrugs in response "I don't know. I lived this long to stop him maybe now that he's dead and I'm back with both my parents I'll live a normal lifespan. I guess I'll just have to see."
"So are you ever going to tell me about your other parents?"
"Are you going to tell me why you left Los Angeles?"
"One day."
"Then when you tell me, I'll tell you."
"Deal."
Bola smiles at him "Deal."
7PM "Geez, he's hyper." Bola remarks watching as the 17-month-old moves about the recreation room climbing on chairs and couches and under tables.
"He's been like that all day." Ian says dryly "He discovered he can fit under the coffee table in the sitting room and in the corner of the study where the chair is. I had to move the chair twice to get him out from back there."
Sara chuckles "I'm not surprised." She absently rubs her middle laughing when she sees Zeke climbing into the overstuffed chair in the corner by the entertainment center. "Zeke it's time for bed." She calls
"No" Zeke shakes his head
"Yes." Sara stands going over to the chair she picks him up. "It's time for bed."
"No!" Zeke squirms trying to get his Mama to put him down. "No bed Mama." He whines
Sara shifts Zeke as he squirms "Yes bed." She carries the squirming and whiny boy out of the room leaving the others in the room amused.
"Mama no bed." Zeke grumbles as they walk up the stairs.
"I know sweetie but tomorrow you have a big day." Sara tells him "We're going to spend the day with Daddy."
"Bowa too?"
"Bola has to go to school." Sara says as they enter his bedroom.
WHILE LATER Sara rubs her middle as she stands in the doorway of the gym watching as Ian plays tug of war with the youngest of his dogs. She smiles at the playfulness in Ian's behavior.
Ian looks up to see Sara watching him "Hello my love." He smiles slightly.
"Where's Bola?"
"She went to meet up with Jenna. She said she'd be back by 11."
Sara nods stepping into the room patting the dog's head as she reaches Ian's side. "God I am so glad I don't have to work tomorrow."
"What would you like to do after Zeke's doctor's appointment?"
Sara tilts her head thoughtfully "Why don't we take him to the park or zoo." She suggests as she absently rubs her middle. "We haven't taken him out for some fun in a while."
"Sounds good to me." Ian wraps one arm around her shoulders and the other around her waist resting his hand on her growing belly. "When is your next check up?"
"Next week." Sara answers leaning her head against his shoulder. "Let's see Zeke's appointment is at 10. That means we won't get out of there until about 11:30." She muses
"All right. What are you going to do now?" Ian inquires
"I'm not sure... any idea?" She asks
"Oh I'm sure I can come up with something that will amuse us."
Sara reaches up guiding his lips to hers "I bet you can." She murmurs against his lips.
LATER Sara smiles watching as Ian walks into the bathroom. Her eyes land on one of the few pictures of Ian with Zeke and Bola as the three of them play with the dogs in the yard. She picks up the picture chuckling lightly as she hears the familiar purr of happiness coming from the Witchblade. 'I love seeing him interact with them. Soon he'll have you to spoil too.' Sara rubs her middle. 'I can't wait to see how he reacts to having a newborn in the house. Though first we got to get you born and that will be interesting.'
Ian sits on the edge of the bed "The water is running." His eyes roam over her body a sheet covering her nakedness. 'She's so beautiful... and she's mine.'
Sara nods "OK." She returns the picture to the nightstand and reaches up brushing her fingers down his beard.
Ian captures her hand pressing a kiss to her knuckles "I love you."
Sara smiles "I love you too." She turns her hand around caressing his jaw with her fingertips leaning in she kisses him lightly just as they hear a cry over the monitor. Sara groans in annoyance.
Ian chuckles "The water should be ready. I'll go turn the faucet off and go see what he wants." He kisses Sara's forehead then moves off the bed heading into the bathroom.
Sara stands following Ian into the bathroom she quickly braids her hair jumping as Ian hugs her and kisses her shoulder. She lifts her hand to his cheek
"I'll be right back."
"OK. Don't take too long."
"I won't." Ian kisses her cheek then walks out of the bathroom. He walks out of the bedroom heading across the hall he enters Zeke's room to find the little boy sitting up and sniffling. "Hey" Ian lifts Zeke out of the crib wiping at the tears. "What's wrong?"
"Mama?"
"Mama's resting. You should be asleep yourself." Ian notices Zeke's pacifier is on the table next to the crib he picks it up offering it to Zeke.
Zeke takes his pacifier sticking it in his mouth he rests his head on his Daddy's shoulder with a sigh.
"Better?" Ian rubs Zeke's back getting a nod "OK. Time to go back to bed." He kisses Zeke's head then sets the boy on his back in the crib covering him with the blanket. "Go back to sleep." He brushes his fingers over Zeke's cheek watching as his son closes his eyes. Once he sees that Ian quietly walks out of the bedroom.
Sara looks up as Ian walks into the bathroom "Is he OK?"
"He just wanted his pacifier. I gave it to him and he went back to sleep." Ian kneels beside the bathtub reaching out he brushes his fingers over Sara's cheek. "How are you feeling?"
"Good." Sara answers. "Join me?" She asks. When he stands removing his sweats Sara leans forward allowing Ian to get in behind her. As he settles behind her Sara leans back against him and smiles feeling his hands rest on her middle. Absently she trails her fingers over the tattoo on his forearm.
MIDNIGHT Ian smiles slightly in the dark as he watches Sara sleep beside him. 'Sleep well my love.'
NEXT MORNING "Bola you're going to be late if you don't get a move on." Sara says amused as Bola trudges into the dining room still obviously half- asleep.
"Whoever invented the idea of school this early should be shot." Bola mumbles dropping her backpack in the corner and sitting down.
"If you hadn't stayed up until dawn you'd have slept." Ian returns
"Too early for reasoning." Bola yawns resting her head on her knuckles.
Ian frowns noticing a scrape across her knuckles "What happened?" He nods at her hand
Bola glances at it 'Damn I forgot about that.' "Nothing." She shrugs 'What else am I supposed to tell them? Oh I scraped my knuckles against a cement wall while I was fighting a demon.'
"No Mama." Zeke protests as his Mama turns to put him in the highchair.
"Don't you want breakfast?" Sara asks
Zeke shakes his head "No." He says resting his head on her shoulder.
"Still sleepy huh?"
Zeke sighs sticking his thumb in his mouth.
Sara shifts Zeke and sits down rubbing his back. "Where'd you go last night?" Sara asks
"Hung out." Bola shrugs taking a bite of toast "I should go."
"Want me to drop you off?" Ian asks
"Nah, I'll walk." Bola grabs the second piece of toast she stands grabbing her jacket she pulls it on. "It'll wake me up." She slings her backpack of her shoulder and grabs an apple shoving it in her pocket. "Later." She calls walking out of the dining room.
Ian looks at Sara "Want me to take him so you can eat?"
Sara looks at Zeke who is clutching at her shirt "If he'll let you." She says dryly
Ian reaches for his son "Come on Zeke"
Zeke protests
"Come on Mama needs to eat breakfast." Ian returns to his chair with Zeke on his lap.
Zeke squirms reaching for his Mama "Mama" he whimpers
"Here you go." Sara offers Zeke a piece of toast
Zeke takes the toast inspecting it then sticks it in his mouth chewing.
Sara turns back to her breakfast
Bola reaches the sidewalk and once out of sight of the security cameras she finds Connor leaning against a tree. "Hey what are you doing here?" She asks joining him.
"Just thought I'd see if you were walking to school today." Connor shrugs as they walk down the street towards the school.
Once they are out of sight of the house or property Bola slips her hand into his. "Find anything interesting last night?"
"Not really." Connor replies with a shrug "Just found a few possible nests." When Bola stops in her tracks, he looks at her. "Something wrong?" He asks concerned.
"No." Bola steps up to him leaning up she kisses him lightly then smiles "Nothing."
"What was that for?" Connor asks tilting his head.
"Just felt like it." Bola shrugs 'God kissing him is incredible.' She steps back tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Come on let's get a move on. I don't want to be late."
Connor nods and they continue walking towards the school.
9:45AM Sara sits beside the bathtub joining Zeke in playing with his bathtub toys. "Well sweetie it's time to get you out of there before you get cold." Sara pulls the stopper out of the drain and as the water drains out of the bathtub, she lifts him out. Sara sets him on one of the towels grabbing a second she wraps it around Zeke. "What's this?" She asks touching the end of his nose.
"Nose." Zeke grins
"Good. Where's your nose?"
Zeke lifts his hand touching his nose giggling.
Sara smiles as she dries him off then grabs a diaper and quickly diapers her son she stands lifting him up. With one arm around Zeke as he sits on her hip Sara rests her free hand against her lower back. 'I don't remember having back pain this early with Zeke.' She walks into the bedroom setting Zeke on the changing table she rubs her lower back.
"Sara, are you OK?"
Sara looks over to see Ian walking into the bedroom looking concerned. "I'm fine." She assures, picking up a clean undershirt slipping it over Zeke's head, she buttons it. She chuckles lightly as Zeke squirms. "Come on you." She rubs his tummy smiling when he giggles, "Stay still so Mama can get you dressed." Picking up his pants she slips them on buttoning the legs up she sits him up "There almost done." She grabs a shirt pulling it over his head "There." She stands him up tucking his shirt in.
Zeke grins patting at his Mama's face
"I'll finish with him. You go finish getting ready. We need to leave in twenty minutes." Ian kisses Sara's cheek then takes Zeke from her. "Let's get your shoes and socks on."
Sara nods kissing Zeke then walks out of the room.
15 MINS LATER "Sara, are you ready to go?" Ian calls as he zips Zeke's jacket up. "We need to leave soon." He looks up to see Sara walk out of the bathroom.
"I'm almost ready." Sara answers sitting on the bed she pulls on her boots tying them. "All I need is my jacket. Diaper bag?"
"It is in the car." Ian replies capturing Zeke's hand as the boy tries to grab at his hair. "No." He says sternly then releases Zeke's hand as they walk out of the bedroom.
11:30AM: DOCTOR'S OFFICE "Well he's perfectly healthy." Doctor Radcliff remarks. "He seems very advanced for his age." She smiles at the little boy who is walking around the room.
"Daddy doow." Zeke points at the door. "Up" He holds his arms up to his Daddy.
Ian picks Zeke up
"Pway?"
"We'll play in a little while." Ian answers
"He's beyond healthy... he's probably the healthiest baby I've ever seen." Dr. Radcliff states with amazement.
Sara looks at Ian who is listening to Zeke's chatter "He gets that from Ian." She says with a chuckle.
"He's coming up on his two year immunization shots." The doctor reminds
Sara nods "OK." Honey why don't you get him into his jacket?
Ian sets Zeke on the exam table slipping the boy's jacket on zipping it up. Are ready to go my love?
"That'll be fine." Sara nods she takes Zeke from Ian "Ready to go play?"
Zeke nods clapping "Pway now!" He demands
Sara and Ian laugh at his demand as they walk down the hall.
AFTERNOON Ian walks into the bedroom to find Sara sitting up in bed with Zeke snuggled against her as he drinks from his bottle. "How are you feeling?" He asks sitting on the edge of the bed.
"A little tired." Sara admits
"Why don't you get some sleep and I'll put him down." Ian suggests
"I'm fine." Sara assures brushing her finger down Zeke's cheek getting a smile from Zeke.
"OK." Ian settles on the bed on the other side of Zeke.
"I think he's a little worn out from the park."
Ian smiles faintly "He did like playing with the other kids at the park."
"He always loves spending time with Una and Michael."
"What are you thinking?"
"Maybe he should start spending a couple hours a week in daycare. Gives you and the rest of the house a break from him and he'll be able to hang out with other kids."
Ian nods "You're probably right. He does need friends... I don't want him to grow up without friends." He states.
"He'll have friends." Sara leans over kissing Ian briefly "I love you."
"I love you." He echoes softly.
CHAPTER 39 MONTH LATER Bola breaks the heated kiss "I really have to get home." She looks at Connor in the dimly lit room. "I can't be late."
"Sure." Connor nods.
She sits up grabbing her shoes she pulls them on tying them. She glances at Connor as he pulls his shoes on as well. "How'd you find this place?" She asks looking around the backroom of a warehouse in use.
"Saved this guy and his family from some demons a few nights ago. He told me that someone keeps breaking into this place and stealing things regardless of the alarm system and that all of the guards he hired were run off by something... he asked me to take over the inside. He still has guards that drive by a few times a night. They come by on a set schedule and since there are no windows here no one knows I'm here."
"Who knows you're here?"
"Just Mr. Patterson, his wife and you. I asked them not to tell anyone I'm here."
"Any trouble with demons or vampires?" Bola asks standing she straightens her clothes
"Not much. I take them out before they know I'm around here." Connor answers leading her out the back door he resets the alarm. Bola slips her hand into his and they walk down the alley. Just before they are about to walk out of the alley Connor stops.
"What?" Bola looks up at him.
Connor frowns looking around "Someone's here." He tilts his head sniffing the air. "Go" He says releasing her hand.
"What?" Bola looks at him confused as a group of men round the corner.
"He's the one." The smaller man says staying behind the bigger man. "He's the one who took out the whole operation."
"You cost me money man." The large black man sneers his face changing.
"Keep them out of my territory and we won't have any problems." Connor returns
"Come on Boss kill 'em." One of the others speaks up.
"We can take them." Bola says under her breath once she realizes that all of them are vampires.
"Think so?"
"Know so." Bola says and within seconds they are fighting the five vampires.
Connor keeps an eye on Bola as he fights three of the vampires. He ducks a blow to the head kicking one in the stomach sending the bulky vampire flying into the wall. He winces feeling a slice to his side his eyes on the second vampire "You did not just cut me!"
The vampire winces seeing the fury in the younger man's eyes and suddenly he finds himself flying through the air hitting the ground with a thud.
Connor looks at the remaining vampire and growls low then grabs the vampire throwing him over his shoulder. He looks over to see Bola still fighting the two men when she's thrown against the wall his anger rises to a new level. Quickly he knocks the two vampires out then crouches before Bola "Are you OK?" He asks concerned reaching out to wipe the dirt smear from her cheek.
Bola nods "Arms a little sore." She rubs her arm "You OK?" She reaches out touching his side.
Connor looks down at the wound "I'll be fine."
"It's deep." Bola states concerned
Connor shrugs so entranced with her gentle touch and her worry over him he doesn't notice the vampire is standing until he feels a knife slam into his back.
"Connor!" Bola says as he slumps against her. She grabs the stake fallen at her side slamming it into the vampire's chest watching as he dissipates. "Connor?" She smoothes his hair back frowning when he doesn't respond. She looks at his back seeing the blood soaking his shirt. "Damn it."
SAME TIME: HOUSE Ian picks up his phone tearing his eyes away from Sara reading on the couch. "Yes?"
"I need your help."
Ian frowns at Bola's worried tone. "How so?"
"My friend's hurt and I can't take him to the hospital."
"Why not?"
"He's... different. He's the one Sara asked me to find."
"What happened?"
"Vampires." Bola answers "One of them stabbed him in the back."
"Where are you?" Ian asks. Once Bola tells him Ian speaks "I'll be right there." He hangs up the phone.
"Something wrong?" Sara asks sensing his worry.
Ian stands "It was Bola."
Sara frowns "What's wrong Ian?" She slowly stands following Ian to the foyer.
"The guy she's been spending time with has been hurt. She can't take him to the hospital for some reason." Ian says grabbing his overcoat. "I'll call Immo in the car." He kisses Sara quickly "We'll be back soon as possible."
Sara rubs her lower back. 'Wonder what's going on?' She sighs going in search of Mrs. Ellis to tell the housekeeper their getting a guest.
20 MINS LATER Ian enters the alley to find Bola on the ground with a young man passed out on her lap. "What the hell happened Bola?" He demands noticing the dirt on her face and the concern in her eyes.
"Connor was walking me home when a group of vampires attacked." She answers
"Why didn't you call for an ambulance?"
"I can't tell you that, I promised Connor I'd keep his secret."
Ian nods "All right. Let's get him to the car. I called Immo and he should be at the house by the time we get there."
15 MINS LATER Hearing the front door bang open Sara stands going to the foyer where she finds Bola and Ian lugging in an unconscious young man. "He's the one I saw at the crime scene." She says once she sees his face.
"His name is Connor. He's my friend." Bola says
"Is Immo here?" Ian asks
"Downstairs." Sara answers
"We need to get him down there he's losing blood fast." Ian states as they enter the study. "Sara can you open it?" He requests.
Sara unlatches the bookcase pulling it open so Ian and Bola can enter with the unconscious teen and follows pulling the bookcase closed.
"Immo" Ian calls as they walk into the med room.
Immo walks out of the back room to find them lugging a young man. "Put him on the table." Ian and Bola get Connor on the exam table. Immo winces seeing the blood soaked shirt. "Looks bad."
"He told me he heals fast but with an injury this bad who knows how long it'll take him to heal without stitches." Bola says as Immo pulls the shirt up exposing the wound.
"It looks pretty bad." Immo states "He'll need some stitches and rest."
"Come on Bola why don't you go get cleaned up. By the time your cleaned up I'm sure he'll be stitched up." Sara guides Bola out of the room.
"I'll keep an eye on him." Ian assures
10 MINS LATER Sara looks up as Bola walks out of the bathroom. "Feel better?"
"Got the blood washed off though its going to be hell getting it out of my clothes."
"Well considering how often they've had to get blood out of your Father's clothes I'm sure they'll get it out of yours." Sara smiles as Bola drops the clothes down the dirty clothes chute. "So that's the boy you've been spending time with. He's cute."
Bola looks at her mother "He's not like everyone else."
"Why didn't you bring him to the house before now?"
"I would have." Bola says "But Connor has issues with adults. Once he's up he's really going to be pissed that I brought him here."
"Did he run away or something?" Sara asks as Bola pulls on her shoes
"It's a long story that he'll have to tell." Bola shrugs "I should get back down there before he wakes up and beats the daylights out of Immo and Ian."
"Ian can handle himself." Sara assures
"Trust me Connor's not like normal guys." Bola says grabbing her sweatshirt.
"Yes I saw that when I first saw him."
"What did you see?"
"It was confusing." Sara says "I guess I'll have to talk to him to clear it up." She stands following Bola out of the room.
HALF HOUR LATER Ian glances at Sara who is snuggled against him as they watch Bola sit on the floor by the exam table. "How is he?" Ian asks Immo as the doctor joins them.
"He is amazingly well considering the wound. His body seems to be recuperating faster than either of you. He should be fine in a few days."
"Good. I want to know who or what he is." Sara says from her position in Ian's arms.
"I took some blood I can get a run on his DNA if you'd like." Immo offers
"Not yet. Let's wait until he's awake. Perhaps he'll tell us what we need to know before we go that far." Ian says his eyes on the teens. There's something about him.
I know. He's special Ian. Something tells me that whatever or whoever he is we need to protect him.
Agreed. Ian presses a kiss to Sara's head.
Bola sits on the floor watching Connor thoughtfully. 'Come on Connor wake up.'
HOUR LATER Connor awakens with a start looking around wildly his senses picking up more people and something supernatural.
Bola notices Connor's awake "Hey how are you feeling?"
"Where am I?" He asks looking around the white room.
"The house. You took a knife to the back. Had no choice in calling Ian." Bola says sitting beside Connor on the exam table. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine. I think I'm healed." Connor turns so his back is to Bola.
Bola regards the wound "Pretty much."
"Glad to see you're awake." A voice says
Hearing the unfamiliar voice Connor turns going into position to attack if need be.
"Connor relax it's only Sara and Ian." Bola says grabbing her boyfriend's arms sensing his instinct to fight.
Connor regards the couple warily then sits down "Who's the other person?"
"How do you know another person is here?" Sara asks curiously
"I can hear him." Connor answers
"It's Immo. He's the one who patched you up. He's doing some work right now." Ian answers tossing Connor a clean shirt.
"What exactly happened tonight?" Sara asks as Connor pulls the shirt on.
"Vampires." Connor shrugs
"Bola, why don't you take Connor up to the kitchen so you two can get something to eat." Ian suggests.
Bola nods "Come on."
Sara and Ian watch the two teens leave the room. Ian, I still had more to ask him.
Ian reaches out cupping her cheek "Give Bola some time to talk to him so he'll relax."
As they walk through the hall Connor speaks. "Why did you bring me here?"
"You were unconscious what else was I supposed to do? Besides I didn't tell them anything." She assures slipping her hand into his. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine." He answers squeezing her hand. "Thank you."
"Come on let's go get some food."
Still in the med lab Sara feels the Witchblade heat up, looking at it she finds the colors swirling.
*A pregnant, blond woman slamming a stake into her chest leaving a baby on the ground.
A dark-haired man with a distorted face sitting in a chair holding the same baby in his arms watching the baby in his arms with awe.
A portal opening, and another man with sandy hair taking the baby through the portal.
"CONNOR" The man yells
"Hi Dad... I'm back." Connor says coldly*
Sara wavers on her feet leaning against the exam table she takes a deep breath feeling the anger and pain behind the vision. She rubs her middle feeling the baby kick.
"Sara?" Ian asks concerned at her expression. "What did you see?" He wraps his arms around her.
Once his arms are around her Sara leans into him after a moment she speaks, "A woman in labor in a dark alley, slamming a stake into her chest leaving a baby behind." She swallows heavily closing her eyes, "A man holding the same baby his face changing as he talks to the baby." She pauses collecting her thoughts, "A second man taking the baby through... a portal. The first man... I think he's Connor's Dad yelling as the other man takes the baby through the portal." Sara turns sliding her arms around his waist her head on Ian's shoulder. "Then Connor as he is now, face-to-face with who I think is his Dad, he looked angry... hurt... confused."
Ian gently strokes her hair "And?"
"I don't know." She murmurs.
Upstairs Bola and Connor enter the kitchen where Cook is waiting. "Hey Cook any leftovers?"
Cook turns around to find a young man beside Bola. "Hello Miss Bola. Yes there are some leftovers."
"What was for dinner?"
"I made lemon chicken, broccoli, and rice."
"Sounds good." Bola grins as she and Connor sit at the kitchen table. "Connor this is Cook."
Connor nods in greeting.
HOUR LATER Bola watches Connor stand at the bedroom window looking out. "You're thinking about something."
"Kind of reminds me of the room at the Hyperion."
"Hyperion?" Bola asks
"His place. I stayed there until..." He trails off.
"Until?"
"He came back and kicked me out."
"Why'd he kick you out?" she asks curiously
"I did something that is pretty much unforgivable." He hedges
Bola joins him at the window. "What happened?"
"I wanted him to pay for what he did."
"Did he?"
"Somewhat but he got out."
"That why you left LA?"
Connor looks out the window. "Did I ever tell you what my nickname in Quar-toth was?"
"No."
Connor looks at her "The Destroyer. Here I don't know who I am. Am I Connor? Am I Steven? Or am I still the Destroyer?"
"Regardless of what your called your still you."
"I just don't know what or who I am. No one does. No one knows why I exist or how."
"Same with me. You get used to it after a while."
"To what?"
"Being different." She leans against the wall.
"In Quar-toth it didn't bother me but here I guess I'm reminded of how different I am."
"Out there I felt the same way but when I moved in with Sara and Ian that changed. They know I'm different yet they treat me like I'm a normal teenager."
"Well you are normal. You aren't the first and only child born of two of the most vicious vampires in the world."
"I don't see you as that."
"What do you see me as?" He asks curiously.
Bola steps up to him, "Just a normal guy who happens to kick ass and be able to jump off a building without breaking any bones." She leans up kissing him.
Connor smiles at her as the kiss ends and gently brushes her hair back their eyes locked.
SARA & IAN'S ROOM "Ian what do you think of Connor staying with us?" Sara turns her head looking at Ian.
"If he wants to stay he can stay. We'll talk to him about it tomorrow. If he stays we'll have to figure out what to do about explaining him and getting him into school."
"Maybe his Dad will help."
"Perhaps. I get the feeling that getting him to talk about his Father will be hard."
"Yeah."
CHAPTER 40 NEXT MORNING Bola opens her eyes smiling slightly at her surroundings and at the fact that Connor is sleeping behind her, his arm slung over her waist. She shifts to her back her eyes going to his face she watches him sleep. 'He's really cute when he's asleep... hell he's cute awake.'
Feeling the bed shift Connor opens his eyes smiling slightly "Morning."
"Morning." Bola looks at the clock "We should get up. They're probably downstairs already." She kisses him lightly then sits up stretching her arms over her head yawning. "How'd you sleep?"
"Slept." Connor shrugs sitting up. "How are they going to take the fact you slept in here?" He asks curiously.
"Not like anything happened." Bola shrugs "We just fell asleep watching a movie."
MIDMORNING Ian regards the teenager as he inspects the weapons collection. He joins Connor, "You like weapons?"
Connor nods "I used to have a collection."
"What happened?"
"I had to leave it behind." Connor answers "Do you trust me?" He asks suddenly.
Ian looks at the teen surprised by his question. "You have yet to prove to me you can't be trusted. You've protected Bola when she's been with you so you have that on your side. I don't trust a lot of people but I trust Sara and Bola and they seem to trust you." Ian starts towards the door then pauses. "You can stay as long as you want. If you stay you'll have to go by the house rules and one is you go to school."
"I've never been." Connor admits.
"Never?"
"Never. Where I was raised there were no schools."
"I will take care of that matter." Ian assures "Take your time."
LATE MORNING Bola and Connor walk the gardens both lost in thought when Connor speaks. "Ian said if I live here I have to go to school."
"Wouldn't be so bad you know."
"Why?"
"We'd get to hang out at school." Bola points out.
Connor reaches out brushing his knuckle down her cheek. "True."
"And you'd be just down the hall." She reaches up ruffling his hair.
"Hey" He protests.
Bola sticks her tongue out then takes off.
On the patio Sara watches as Connor chases Bola around the yard. She sighs feeling the Witchblade slide into place and looks down to see the Glove formed. 'Come on sweetie Mama doesn't need this.' She rubs her side keeping the formed Glove in front of her so no one can see it if they come out the door.
Ian walks out on to the patio wrapping his arms around Sara's shoulders noticing the formed Glove. "You or her?"
"Her." Sara says dryly. "It seems like your daughter enjoys messing with me."
Ian slides his hand over the Glove and within seconds it recedes.
"Daddy's girl." Sara scowls at her middle good-naturedly. "So where's Zeke?"
"He's taking a nap. He was getting a little grumpy so I thought I'd put him down."
Sara tilts her head pressing a kiss to his chin then looking back at the teens. I think having Connor here will work out. What about you?
We'll need to cut him more slack than Bola. He's not a normal teenager Sara. He's almost... feral in nature.
I know but I think Bola will help him come around. Now all we need to do is find out where his parents are.
Sara you heard Bola. He wants nothing to do with them and doesn't want them to know where he is.
Sara turns looking at Ian If Bola ran off wouldn't you at least like to know if she's OK? His parents must be worried about him. We don't need to tell them where he is we just need to get him to either call them or maybe write them.
"I wouldn't count on that happening, my love." Ian brushes her hair back. "We'll give it a few days before we talk to either of them about that."
"And school? We need his parents to sign the paperwork."
"Once he decides to stay I'll forge the paperwork."
Sara glares at him. "Honey we've had the conversation about saying you'll do something illegal."
Ian laughs kissing her nose. "Sorry, my love. I will try not to mention when I do something illegal."
"Good."
Bola and Connor lie side by side on the grass staring up at the sky. "So have you decided?" Bola asks
"I guess I'll stay."
Bola looks at him. "What about your Dad? Don't you think you should at least let him know you're OK?"
"He wouldn't care."
"If he fought to get you back he must care. Look there is an option to your father finding out where you are."
"What is that?"
"Ian. He dealt with my parents. I'm sure he could deal with your Dad."
"Think he could deal with a 200 plus vampire?"
"Considering what his own Father was like I'm sure he could handle a vampire."
"I'll think about it but I really don't want Angel knowing where I am."
Bola leans in kissing him lightly "Your choice." She rolls to her feet. "Come on we better get back before Ian and Sara think something else is going on."
"Sure." Connor flips to his feet walking with Bola back to the house.
"Hey, you two, Bola did you finish showing Connor around?" Sara asks from her position in Ian's arms.
Bola nods "Yep."
"Big place." Connor remarks
"You get used to it." Sara says "Have you decided if you will be staying Connor?"
"Might as well." Connor shrugs
Sara smiles at him "I'm glad you are."
"Tonight we'll go get his things." Bola says
"I will take care of the paperwork for school. By the beginning of next week you should be enrolled in school." Ian informs Connor. "But I'm going to need some information."
"What kind?"
"Last name and date of birth."
Connor shrugs "I don't know either of those." He admits reluctantly. "All I do know is that I was born on a day that ended up stormy."
"Where were you born?" Sara asks
"Los Angeles."
"What year?" Ian asks
"2001." Connor says reluctantly
Sara looks at him startled "Your only one?"
Connor shifts "It's a long story but short is I ended up in a hell dimension a few months after I was born. The time in that dimension was faster... when I came back six months later in this time... I had spent sixteen years in the other dimension." He looks down "The man who raised me never mentioned the day I was born except to say it was raining and my mother" he spits out "tried to kill me."
"I'll work around the birthday issue then." Ian says "What of your Father?"
"We don't speak and I'd rather not have him know where I am for now... he'll find out from the demon mill sooner or later."
"I'll figure how to get around the issues that involve parental permission."
"Thank you." Connor nods
"Why don't you two go have some fun and after dinner we'll sit down and talk." Sara says sensing Connor's unease about the subject of his family.
"All right." Bola grabs Connor's hand pulling him into the house.
"Be back for dinner." Sara calls
"We will." Bola returns
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER Bola looks at Connor as they walk through the park. "What's wrong?"
"Just thinking."
"About your Dad?"
"Somewhat. I wonder if she's back."
"Who?"
"Cordelia, the woman who helped take care of me when I was a baby. Around the time I did what I did she disappeared. They accused me of being behind it but I wasn't. I wouldn't harm Cordy. She was nice to me when I returned."
Bola slips her arm around his waist "Why don't you call and see if she's back." She suggests.
"I don't want to talk to him... and I don't know the number."
"We can go to the library and look it up."
Connor tilts his head thoughtfully then nods in agreement. "All right."
"Good." Bola kisses him lightly. "Come on let's do this before we have to head to the house."
HOUR LATER: LIBRARY "Hi we need the phone book for Los Angeles." Bola requests of the librarian.
"All right." The reference librarian roots around finding the correct book "Here you go."
"Thank you." Bola smiles politely then opens the phone book to the yellow pages flipping to Private Investigators. "You have to tell me which one Connor."
"Angel Investigations." Connor answers from beside her.
"All right." Bola scans the ads finding the one she's looking for. "Found it." She grabs a piece of paper writing the number down. "Come on." She closes the phone book "Thank you." She smiles at the librarian grabbing Connor's hand she pulls him out to the pay phones.
"I don't know Bola." Connor says
"Want me to call and make sure he doesn't answer?"
Connor nods
"All right." Bola picks up the phone dialing the number and putting in the correct change.
"Angel Investigations" A woman greets "how can I help you?"
"Here." Bola hands Connor the phone
Connor takes a deep breath. "Hi."
Winifred 'Fred' Burkle grins hearing the familiar voice. "Where are you? We've been worried about you."
"Fred I don't want him to know it's me."
"He's not here. He had to go take care of something."
"Is Cordy back?"
"Yes. She got sick of being one of the Higher Powers."
"Is she there?"
"Yes. Do you want to talk to her?"
"No."
"She's worried about you Connor. Both of them are."
"I'm fine." Connor looks at Bola "Don't worry about me."
"Look I'm sorry what I did."
"You were right to. I lied to you and I let you believe someone else had a hand in his disappearance."
"Well he's better now but he is really worried that something happened to you. He thinks Wolfram and Hart took you."
"Look, just tell them I'm fine."
"Where are you Connor? Are you coming back?"
"I'm fine where I am Fred. Maybe I'll check in later. Bye" He hangs up the phone resting his head against the wall.
Bola wraps her arms around his waist. "You OK?"
"I'll be fine. He thinks Wolfram and Hart has me. Now he won't."
Bola kisses Connor's cheek. "Come on let's head back to the house."
LOS ANGELES "Fred, who was that?" Cordelia Chase asks walking into the office where Fred is hanging up the phone looking stunned.
"It was Connor. He wanted to know if you returned."
"Where is he?" Cordelia demands
"He didn't say. Cordy I don't think he wants to be found." Fred says worried.
Cordelia sits down. "Angel is really worried about him."
"We all are. I even think Charles is."
"We'll need to tell the guys when they return." Cordelia says
Fred nods "I know."
9PM: NEW YORK "You OK Connor?" Bola asks as she watches Connor pack up his few belongings.
"I'm fine."
Bola walks up to him wrapping her arms around his waist her chin resting on his shoulder. "You miss them."
"Not them... but something... something I don't understand."
"We could head to see them over vacation."
"I'm not ready to deal with him. Or the conversation that is bound to happen." He finishes softly.
Bola nods "Know the feeling. Every so often Sara asks me if I want to see my parents... I always say hell no."
"Why?"
"Similiar to the same reason why you don't want to see your Father... minus the whole vampire issue."
"Oh." Connor says turning he kisses her. "Come on we should get back to the house." He picks up his bag and the few weapons he acquired since moving to New York.
"Yeah."
SAME TIME: LOS ANGELES "Angel" Cordelia joins her best-friend/semi-boyfriend outside
"Hey Cordy. What can I do for you?"
"Um while you were out Fred got a call."
"And?"
"It was Connor."
"What? Where is he? Is he OK?"
"He didn't say much. He just said he's fine and he's not coming back... at least not for a while."
"Where is he?"
"He's in New York." Fred says excitedly. "At least he used a phone in New York... a pay phone to be exact."
"It's New York he's probably just passing through." Angel says thoughtfully.
"Are you going to go see if you can find him?" Fred asks
Angel shakes his head "He needs to figure this out for himself. He'll return when he's ready." Angel stands walking into the hotel.
"What should we do?" Fred asks Cordelia worried
"I don't know. Maybe we should just let Connor deal with what he needs to deal with on his own." Cordelia says following Angel inside.
"For now." Fred says softly.
MONDAY MORNING "Hey" Bola walks into Zeke's room where Sara is trying to get the boy dressed.
"Hey sweetie. Where's Connor?"
"He went to do some predawn hunting. He likes to get them when they head down to sleep. He'll be back in time to get ready for school." Bola smiles at Zeke. "Hey Zeke."
"Hi" Zeke grins waving.
"Damn it." Sara says feeling the Glove form.
Zeke laughs clapping
"Hey no laughing at Mama" Sara says willing the Witchblade to recede only to have it form again. "Your sister is enjoying this way too much." She scowls looking at her wrist.
"Siwwy." Zeke giggles reaching out he runs his fingers over the stone and immediately the Glove recedes.
"Oh great she listens to everyone else but me." Sara says annoyed as she finishes dressing Zeke.
Hearing footsteps Bola sticks her head out the door to find Connor walking up the stairs. "We're leaving in twenty minutes so get a move on."
"I'll be ready." Connor assures heading to his room next to Zeke's.
"Think he will?" Sara asks
"We'll have to see." Bola says with a shrug.
20 MINS LATER "Bola go..." Sara trails off as she sees Connor land on his feet after jumping over the railing landing on his feet. "Never mind."
"Here is all the paperwork." Ian hands Sara the file. "All either of you need to remember is your name is" He looks at Connor "Connor Delaney. I'll give you the rest of the information you'll need. All you need right now is that you were born in Los Angeles and to make things easy your birthdays are two days apart. Connor's birthday is December 3."
"Why does he get to be older than me?" Bola whines
"It's easier to remember." Ian answers
"True enough" Connor mutters.
"If anyone asks your Father was an old army friend of mine who died."
"Ian can't you deal with the Principal? I had to do it last time."
"Can't. I have to deal with something at Vorschlag."
"Fine but if I end up running someone through because of your temperamental daughter" Sara threatens
"Yes my love."
LITTLE LATER: SCHOOL Connor looks around the school his senses going overtime with the voices, scents, and heartbeats. Feeling Bola squeeze his hand Connor looks at her giving her a wary smile.
"You OK?"
"A lot of sounds and smells."
"Focus on one thing then." Bola suggests as Sara talks with the secretary.
Connor nods closing his eyes he focuses the majority of his senses on Bola's heart beat, breathing, and scent.
"Better?"
Connor opens his eyes giving Bola a slight smile.
"Bola you and Jenna can show Connor around right?" The secretary inquires
Bola nods
"All right here are your schedules." The secretary hands Bola the schedules. "For now you and Connor will need to share a locker."
"Fine." Bola nods
"Ian will pick you guys up after school." Sara reminds
"Sure. Come on." Bola pulls Connor out of the office. "Later"
"Bye" Sara calls shaking her head.
"Hey Bola." Jenna says seeing her friend with a brown haired boy.
"Hey Jenna" Bola greets well aware Connor is inspecting her friend making sure she isn't evil. Seeing Jenna's expression she rolls her eyes "Jenna this is Connor. Connor this is Jenna."
"Hi" Connor says warily
"So how do you two know each other?" Jenna asks curiously.
"Connor's Dad was in the army with Ian." Bola says
"Oh really?"
Connor lifts his shoulders.
"So where are you from Connor?"
"Around." Connor answers vaguely his eyes taking in his surroundings.
"Bola we need to get to class." Jenna says noticing that Connor has no interest in her.
"Can't. My schedules been changed." Bola explains as they walk towards her and now Connor's locker.
"Why did you change your schedule?" Jenna asks curiously
"Connor and I are in the same classes now." Bola answers
"We are?"
Bola looks at Connor "Ian thought it would be easier."
"Oh"
"All right. Lunch?"
"Still the same." Bola answers "We'll see you then."
"Have fun Connor." Jenna smirks heading towards her first class.
"So this is school." Connor looks around curiously.
"Yup fun huh?" Bola says dryly as they reach the locker. "OK our schedule is..." she takes out the schedule, "First period is English, second is history, third is French, fourth is study hall rather than PE, Ian didn't think either of us should take PE. Then we have lunch. After lunch we have Earth Science, then sixth period is... math."
"What is French?"
"Requirement for high school students is a language."
"I already speak Ch'lak and Di'nok."
"Human languages babe. Most humans don't speak a demon language. I'll help you with all the classes so you'll pass." She kisses his cheek then turns to the locker. "OK combination is 25-32-5."
Connor watches as she spins the lock. "OK."
"Got it?"
"Yes."
"Good." She opens the locker "I'm going to have to return these books at lunchtime." She mutters removing the books from her backpack she shoves them in her locker.
"Hey Bola, when are you going out with me?" A guy named Larry demands leaning against the locker opposite hers ignoring the boy at her side.
"When hell freezes over." Bola answers sweetly sensing Connor's annoyance she squeezes his hand. "Come on let's get to class."
"Who is this loser?" Larry demands as he glares at the slightly shorter boy standing by his future conquest. He steps back when the boy steps up to him and his eyes flash.
"Stay away from her." Connor says with a slight growl.
Seeing Connor's fists clench Bola steps between the two boys, "Connor" She says warningly as Connor steps back Bola looks at Larry. "Larry step back and stay back." She turns to Connor shutting the locker "Come on. We'll be late for class."
Connor nods with a final glare at the other boy he follows Bola down the hall.
11:30PM: STUDY HALL "What do you think so far?" Bola asks softly as they sit side by side their books open.
"It's OK" Connor shrugs. "It feels weird though."
"It was the same for me when I started back. You'll get the hang of it." She squeezes his hand. "How about we start working on our homework" She suggests. "Get some done now so we don't need to do it at home."
Connor nods
"What do you want to start with?"
"Whatever you want to start with."
"OK" Bola nods "We'll start with French. We'll have to go back though."
"All right."
HOUR LATER: CAFETERIA Bola and Connor find themselves sitting in the cafeteria with Jenna, Michael, Lauren, and Brian.
"So how were your classes so far Connor?" Jenna inquires
"Interesting." Connor shrugs taking a bite of a French fry.
"Where did you go to school last?" Michael asks
Connor looks at Bola.
"LA" Bola answers
"Ah" Brian nods "Like LA?"
"Wasn't too bad." Connor replies
EVENING "How was school?" Sara asks
"Fine." Bola answers
"What did you think of school Connor?" Sara asks
"Too many people." Connor shrugs
"You'll get used to it." Bola assures
Connor tilts his head a small smile appearing. "It's almost dark." He says with a wistful tone. "They will be coming out soon."
Sara involuntarily shivers at his tone her eyes going to Ian's. His tone almost reminds me of Irons.
"What are you going to do?" Ian inquires
"Kill as many as I can." Connor says with a faint purr.
"Homework done?" Sara asks
Bola nods "Finished."
"Good." Sara nods
DAWN Bola opens her eyes feeling Connor's bed shift as he crawls in beside her. "How'd it go?"
"Fine. Go back to sleep."
Bola covers his hand with her own as it rests between them. Her eyes going to his she gives him a small smile then closes her eyes.
AN: Just so you know this fic is almost finished and I am contemplating a sequel. It won't be written for a while (if I even get around to writing it but when I do I'll post it.)
CHAPTER 38 WEEK LATER "How have you been?" Connor inquires as he sits with Bola on the rooftop of an empty building looking at the city's lights.
"Fine."
"What have you been up too?" He asks curiously
"While I was grounded I hung out with Zeke and did some homework. Last couple nights, I've been hanging out with Jenna and some people from school." Bola answers, "What's been going on with you?"
"Work. Took out a nest of vampires."
Bola nods "Cool." She looks at the sight before her aware that Connor is watching her. "How'd you find this place?" She asks curiously
Connor shrugs "While I was tailing a demon I realized this place has a great view." He gives Bola a slight smile "I thought you'd like it."
"I do." Bola slips her hand into his.
Connor looks at their hands then at Bola "I'm glad."
Bola smiles at him after a few moments of comfortable silence she speaks "So want to go see what we can find to do?"
"Sounds good to me." He grins standing he helps Bola to her feet and remains holding her hand as they climb down from the building.
HOUR LATER "You OK?" Bola asks concerned as Connor stands amongst the dead demons his fists clenched anger and disgust radiating off him. When he doesn't respond she steps up beside him wincing at the carnage, "Connor?" She touches his arm.
"Let's get out of here." Connor says gruffly.
Bola notices blood seeping through his shirt. "That you or them?"
Connor looks at his shirt then at the demons "Me."
"How bad?"
Connor shrugs "I should heal by tomorrow."
"Let's get back and get that cleaned up." Bola takes his hand and pulls him away from the bodies. 'God it has been so long since I've seen that look in someone's eyes.' She inwardly shivers remembering the look in Connor's eyes as he took the demons out. The two remain silent on the way back to the building. Once in the upstairs room Bola grabs the First Aid kit "Let's get you patched up." She swallows heavily as Connor removes his shirt tossing it aside. "He nailed you pretty good." She remarks seeing the slash across his chest.
"The wound is starting to heal. It should be gone in a few days." Connor shrugs as they sit on the bed of blankets face to face.
"Oh." Bola says wetting a cotton swab with disinfectant "How fast do you heal?"
"Depending on the severity wound a few days." Connor answers barely reacting at the sting of the disinfectant. "As long as I don't come into anything poisonous."
"Have you?"
Connor nods slightly "A few different demons have poisonous talons or blood. I don't think they were poisonous."
"Oh." Gently Bola wipes the blood away with a couple different cottons swabs. Once she wipes away some of the blood and she can see the wound Bola speaks "Not too bad, as long as it doesn't get infected."
"It shouldn't."
Bola grabs a bandage and carefully places it over the wound. "How'd you get the scar?"
"Which one?" Connor asks wryly
Bola chuckles "This one" She gently touches the faint scar on his cheek.
Connor reaches up touching the scar "Fred told me I got it from the stake my mother used to kill herself." He shrugs
"What do you mean?" Bola asks confused
Connor stands going over to the bag containing his clothes and grabs a clean shirt. His back to Bola he answers "She was a vampire."
"Who was?" Bola questions
Connor pulls his shirt on then answers "My mother." He turns around looking at his friend he chuckles at her stunned expression.
"Your mother was a vampire?"
"Yes." Connor nods "So is my Father."
"Your Father is one too?"
"Yes." Connor admits
"For one vampire to have a human child is impossible but two? That's beyond impossible."
"That's what Fred said."
"Fred?" Bola asks
"She works with Angel, my Father." Connor says sitting back down. "I don't know how she can live and work with a vampire... no matter what a vampire says or does... he's still evil."
"What about your Mother?"
"They said she was even worse than him. Dad said she staked herself hoping I'd die. Angel said she did it so I could be born."
"What do you believe?"
"I don't know." Connor says truthfully
"What about the man who raised you?"
"His name was Daniel Holtz. He raised me... he trained me... he loved me."
"What happened to him?"
Connor looks down "Angel killed my Dad not long after we got here. He drained him and left him to die in the alley." He says angrily "He said he didn't but he did." Connor clenches his fists his nails digging into his palms.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up."
Connor shrugs "I would have told you eventually."
"I'm glad." Bola says with a slight smile
"Me too." Connor admits, "It's getting late. I'll walk you home." He stands pulling Bola to her feet.
"Probably a good idea. I really don't want to get grounded again." She grabs her backpack off the floor. As they reach the door she leans up kissing Connor's cheek when he looks at her startled she smirks "Come on let's get going." She walks out of the room with Connor staring at her. 'I can't believe I just did that.' She thinks 'Oh well.' After a second Connor follows her, "Are you working tomorrow?"
"For a few hours." Connor answers
Bola nods tucking a lose strand of hair behind her ear as they walk. After walking a while, they reach the house Bola looks at Connor "I'll see you tomorrow." She opens the side gate stepping through she closes the gate as the dogs run up to her. "Hey boys what are you doing out?" Bola pats each dog's heads then glances over her shoulder to find Connor gone. She walks up the driveway towards the front door.
NEXT MORNING Bola sits in the library during study hall and stares at her book.
"Hey girl you've been staring at that same page for five minutes." Jenna states
"Huh?" Bola looks up startled at the intrusion on her thoughts.
"Girl you OK?"
Bola shrugs "Just thinking."
"I can tell. Guy or parents?"
Bola lifts her brow.
"You got that look" Jenna shrugs.
"OK... guy and parents... his."
"OK who is this guy and do I know him?"
"No you don't know him. He's just a guy."
"So why are you thinking about his parents?"
"I'm not... I was thinking about what he told me about them."
"Why?"
"I don't know." Bola sighs, "Its making me wonder more about him."
"What do you mean?"
"It's a long story."
"So who is he?" Jenna asks excitedly "What's his name? Is he cute? How long have you known him?" She asks hurriedly
"He's just a guy. Yes, he's cute... very cute. I've known him for a while now."
"Tell me everything" Jenna gushes
"Sorry Jen... telling ain't my thing." Bola says with a smirk. "Now I got to get back to work." She returns to her book.
AFTERNOON "Here" Bola drops a couple books on the crate
Connor looks up from the book in his hands glancing at the new books. "Thanks. I'm almost finished with this one."
"Man you go through books faster than even Ian."
"I have a lot to learn." Connor shrugs
"I grabbed you a math book as well."
"Why do I need math?"
"Who knows why but in this world... you don't get far without it."
Connor scowls "I'm the Destroyer who cares if I can do math."
"I know the feeling. I've been born so many times and I've learned so many things yet here I am in high school."
"What do you mean?" Connor asks puzzled "About being born so many times." He says
Bola crosses her legs as she sits "That's a long story. But since you told me some I'll tell you the short."
Connor nods "That was the deal."
"Well remember what I told you about the Witchblade?"
"Yes."
"There's a lot of history behind it... they say it was forged from a branch of the tree of good and evil."
"Dad mentioned that... Adam and Eve."
Bola nods, "No really knows the exact origins of the Witchblade most of what I remember is from what they told me." She reaches up brushing strands of hair behind her ears. "Centuries ago in Europe, the Wielder and her Protector had a child... a daughter. They'd had children in other lifetimes, but this time something happened. They lived in a village and had a somewhat normal life until their daughter was about 14." She stands walking over to the window. "There was another clan a few miles away. The two clans despised each other but both clans knew not to get that family involved in their feud... they knew that bringing it to their door would result in death and destruction." She glances at Connor, "That particular family was the closest of any family you'd meet. They were never separated," She turns back to the window "never spent a day apart." Bola sighs sadly then continues. "Then one day the other clan started a war led by a man called Lupo. They stormed the village burning everything and killing everyone they could." She winces at the memory "Lupo wanted the Wielder because he'd heard the rumors she was indestructible. This time she wasn't." Bola rubs her forehead remembering the screams. "The Witchblade chose that time to fail her... and her family could feel her death. It was like part of them was ripped apart."
Connor stands leaning against the wall across from her "What happened?"
"They tortured him for the fun of it then killed him in front of me... yet they left me alive. I guess they thought I'd cause no trouble and I'd be dead within days. I survived yet my family died and my whole village destroyed. I wanted revenge and the Witchblade was so angry over how they died it allowed it. I started hunting Lupo and his men down but I was killed a year later." She wipes at the stray tears as the fall down her cheeks. "Anyway every generation both of them are born and every so often the Witchblade decides to give me another chance so I'm reborn to them... or at least one of them. For some reason I remember... all I need to know... my training, the languages, and the history. The memories aren't so bad... unless you count the full scale playback of how they died." She slides to the floor resting her head against the wall. "This time I was born to completely different people yet I still have all this knowledge."
Connor sits beside her reaching out he brushes a tear away with his thumb. "I'm sorry."
Bola leans in her arms going around his shoulders smiling slightly as he returns the hug when Bola pulls back she gives him a small smile, "Thanks."
Connor returns the slight smile
At his smile, Bola leans in kisses Connor lightly on the lips then pulls back. 'Wow.' She looks at him and slowly their lips meet in a sweet kiss. Pulling away from each other, the teens smile slightly. Bola shifts sitting beside Connor she slips her hand into his.
"Bola?"
"Yeah?"
"What happened to Lupo?" Connor asks curiously.
Bola looks at Connor briefly then she closes her eyes taking a deep breath she answers, "I killed him. Now I just have to wait to see if history is going to repeat itself... and I die."
"Do you think you will?" Connor asks saddened by the thought.
She shrugs in response "I don't know. I lived this long to stop him maybe now that he's dead and I'm back with both my parents I'll live a normal lifespan. I guess I'll just have to see."
"So are you ever going to tell me about your other parents?"
"Are you going to tell me why you left Los Angeles?"
"One day."
"Then when you tell me, I'll tell you."
"Deal."
Bola smiles at him "Deal."
7PM "Geez, he's hyper." Bola remarks watching as the 17-month-old moves about the recreation room climbing on chairs and couches and under tables.
"He's been like that all day." Ian says dryly "He discovered he can fit under the coffee table in the sitting room and in the corner of the study where the chair is. I had to move the chair twice to get him out from back there."
Sara chuckles "I'm not surprised." She absently rubs her middle laughing when she sees Zeke climbing into the overstuffed chair in the corner by the entertainment center. "Zeke it's time for bed." She calls
"No" Zeke shakes his head
"Yes." Sara stands going over to the chair she picks him up. "It's time for bed."
"No!" Zeke squirms trying to get his Mama to put him down. "No bed Mama." He whines
Sara shifts Zeke as he squirms "Yes bed." She carries the squirming and whiny boy out of the room leaving the others in the room amused.
"Mama no bed." Zeke grumbles as they walk up the stairs.
"I know sweetie but tomorrow you have a big day." Sara tells him "We're going to spend the day with Daddy."
"Bowa too?"
"Bola has to go to school." Sara says as they enter his bedroom.
WHILE LATER Sara rubs her middle as she stands in the doorway of the gym watching as Ian plays tug of war with the youngest of his dogs. She smiles at the playfulness in Ian's behavior.
Ian looks up to see Sara watching him "Hello my love." He smiles slightly.
"Where's Bola?"
"She went to meet up with Jenna. She said she'd be back by 11."
Sara nods stepping into the room patting the dog's head as she reaches Ian's side. "God I am so glad I don't have to work tomorrow."
"What would you like to do after Zeke's doctor's appointment?"
Sara tilts her head thoughtfully "Why don't we take him to the park or zoo." She suggests as she absently rubs her middle. "We haven't taken him out for some fun in a while."
"Sounds good to me." Ian wraps one arm around her shoulders and the other around her waist resting his hand on her growing belly. "When is your next check up?"
"Next week." Sara answers leaning her head against his shoulder. "Let's see Zeke's appointment is at 10. That means we won't get out of there until about 11:30." She muses
"All right. What are you going to do now?" Ian inquires
"I'm not sure... any idea?" She asks
"Oh I'm sure I can come up with something that will amuse us."
Sara reaches up guiding his lips to hers "I bet you can." She murmurs against his lips.
LATER Sara smiles watching as Ian walks into the bathroom. Her eyes land on one of the few pictures of Ian with Zeke and Bola as the three of them play with the dogs in the yard. She picks up the picture chuckling lightly as she hears the familiar purr of happiness coming from the Witchblade. 'I love seeing him interact with them. Soon he'll have you to spoil too.' Sara rubs her middle. 'I can't wait to see how he reacts to having a newborn in the house. Though first we got to get you born and that will be interesting.'
Ian sits on the edge of the bed "The water is running." His eyes roam over her body a sheet covering her nakedness. 'She's so beautiful... and she's mine.'
Sara nods "OK." She returns the picture to the nightstand and reaches up brushing her fingers down his beard.
Ian captures her hand pressing a kiss to her knuckles "I love you."
Sara smiles "I love you too." She turns her hand around caressing his jaw with her fingertips leaning in she kisses him lightly just as they hear a cry over the monitor. Sara groans in annoyance.
Ian chuckles "The water should be ready. I'll go turn the faucet off and go see what he wants." He kisses Sara's forehead then moves off the bed heading into the bathroom.
Sara stands following Ian into the bathroom she quickly braids her hair jumping as Ian hugs her and kisses her shoulder. She lifts her hand to his cheek
"I'll be right back."
"OK. Don't take too long."
"I won't." Ian kisses her cheek then walks out of the bathroom. He walks out of the bedroom heading across the hall he enters Zeke's room to find the little boy sitting up and sniffling. "Hey" Ian lifts Zeke out of the crib wiping at the tears. "What's wrong?"
"Mama?"
"Mama's resting. You should be asleep yourself." Ian notices Zeke's pacifier is on the table next to the crib he picks it up offering it to Zeke.
Zeke takes his pacifier sticking it in his mouth he rests his head on his Daddy's shoulder with a sigh.
"Better?" Ian rubs Zeke's back getting a nod "OK. Time to go back to bed." He kisses Zeke's head then sets the boy on his back in the crib covering him with the blanket. "Go back to sleep." He brushes his fingers over Zeke's cheek watching as his son closes his eyes. Once he sees that Ian quietly walks out of the bedroom.
Sara looks up as Ian walks into the bathroom "Is he OK?"
"He just wanted his pacifier. I gave it to him and he went back to sleep." Ian kneels beside the bathtub reaching out he brushes his fingers over Sara's cheek. "How are you feeling?"
"Good." Sara answers. "Join me?" She asks. When he stands removing his sweats Sara leans forward allowing Ian to get in behind her. As he settles behind her Sara leans back against him and smiles feeling his hands rest on her middle. Absently she trails her fingers over the tattoo on his forearm.
MIDNIGHT Ian smiles slightly in the dark as he watches Sara sleep beside him. 'Sleep well my love.'
NEXT MORNING "Bola you're going to be late if you don't get a move on." Sara says amused as Bola trudges into the dining room still obviously half- asleep.
"Whoever invented the idea of school this early should be shot." Bola mumbles dropping her backpack in the corner and sitting down.
"If you hadn't stayed up until dawn you'd have slept." Ian returns
"Too early for reasoning." Bola yawns resting her head on her knuckles.
Ian frowns noticing a scrape across her knuckles "What happened?" He nods at her hand
Bola glances at it 'Damn I forgot about that.' "Nothing." She shrugs 'What else am I supposed to tell them? Oh I scraped my knuckles against a cement wall while I was fighting a demon.'
"No Mama." Zeke protests as his Mama turns to put him in the highchair.
"Don't you want breakfast?" Sara asks
Zeke shakes his head "No." He says resting his head on her shoulder.
"Still sleepy huh?"
Zeke sighs sticking his thumb in his mouth.
Sara shifts Zeke and sits down rubbing his back. "Where'd you go last night?" Sara asks
"Hung out." Bola shrugs taking a bite of toast "I should go."
"Want me to drop you off?" Ian asks
"Nah, I'll walk." Bola grabs the second piece of toast she stands grabbing her jacket she pulls it on. "It'll wake me up." She slings her backpack of her shoulder and grabs an apple shoving it in her pocket. "Later." She calls walking out of the dining room.
Ian looks at Sara "Want me to take him so you can eat?"
Sara looks at Zeke who is clutching at her shirt "If he'll let you." She says dryly
Ian reaches for his son "Come on Zeke"
Zeke protests
"Come on Mama needs to eat breakfast." Ian returns to his chair with Zeke on his lap.
Zeke squirms reaching for his Mama "Mama" he whimpers
"Here you go." Sara offers Zeke a piece of toast
Zeke takes the toast inspecting it then sticks it in his mouth chewing.
Sara turns back to her breakfast
Bola reaches the sidewalk and once out of sight of the security cameras she finds Connor leaning against a tree. "Hey what are you doing here?" She asks joining him.
"Just thought I'd see if you were walking to school today." Connor shrugs as they walk down the street towards the school.
Once they are out of sight of the house or property Bola slips her hand into his. "Find anything interesting last night?"
"Not really." Connor replies with a shrug "Just found a few possible nests." When Bola stops in her tracks, he looks at her. "Something wrong?" He asks concerned.
"No." Bola steps up to him leaning up she kisses him lightly then smiles "Nothing."
"What was that for?" Connor asks tilting his head.
"Just felt like it." Bola shrugs 'God kissing him is incredible.' She steps back tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Come on let's get a move on. I don't want to be late."
Connor nods and they continue walking towards the school.
9:45AM Sara sits beside the bathtub joining Zeke in playing with his bathtub toys. "Well sweetie it's time to get you out of there before you get cold." Sara pulls the stopper out of the drain and as the water drains out of the bathtub, she lifts him out. Sara sets him on one of the towels grabbing a second she wraps it around Zeke. "What's this?" She asks touching the end of his nose.
"Nose." Zeke grins
"Good. Where's your nose?"
Zeke lifts his hand touching his nose giggling.
Sara smiles as she dries him off then grabs a diaper and quickly diapers her son she stands lifting him up. With one arm around Zeke as he sits on her hip Sara rests her free hand against her lower back. 'I don't remember having back pain this early with Zeke.' She walks into the bedroom setting Zeke on the changing table she rubs her lower back.
"Sara, are you OK?"
Sara looks over to see Ian walking into the bedroom looking concerned. "I'm fine." She assures, picking up a clean undershirt slipping it over Zeke's head, she buttons it. She chuckles lightly as Zeke squirms. "Come on you." She rubs his tummy smiling when he giggles, "Stay still so Mama can get you dressed." Picking up his pants she slips them on buttoning the legs up she sits him up "There almost done." She grabs a shirt pulling it over his head "There." She stands him up tucking his shirt in.
Zeke grins patting at his Mama's face
"I'll finish with him. You go finish getting ready. We need to leave in twenty minutes." Ian kisses Sara's cheek then takes Zeke from her. "Let's get your shoes and socks on."
Sara nods kissing Zeke then walks out of the room.
15 MINS LATER "Sara, are you ready to go?" Ian calls as he zips Zeke's jacket up. "We need to leave soon." He looks up to see Sara walk out of the bathroom.
"I'm almost ready." Sara answers sitting on the bed she pulls on her boots tying them. "All I need is my jacket. Diaper bag?"
"It is in the car." Ian replies capturing Zeke's hand as the boy tries to grab at his hair. "No." He says sternly then releases Zeke's hand as they walk out of the bedroom.
11:30AM: DOCTOR'S OFFICE "Well he's perfectly healthy." Doctor Radcliff remarks. "He seems very advanced for his age." She smiles at the little boy who is walking around the room.
"Daddy doow." Zeke points at the door. "Up" He holds his arms up to his Daddy.
Ian picks Zeke up
"Pway?"
"We'll play in a little while." Ian answers
"He's beyond healthy... he's probably the healthiest baby I've ever seen." Dr. Radcliff states with amazement.
Sara looks at Ian who is listening to Zeke's chatter "He gets that from Ian." She says with a chuckle.
"He's coming up on his two year immunization shots." The doctor reminds
Sara nods "OK." Honey why don't you get him into his jacket?
Ian sets Zeke on the exam table slipping the boy's jacket on zipping it up. Are ready to go my love?
"That'll be fine." Sara nods she takes Zeke from Ian "Ready to go play?"
Zeke nods clapping "Pway now!" He demands
Sara and Ian laugh at his demand as they walk down the hall.
AFTERNOON Ian walks into the bedroom to find Sara sitting up in bed with Zeke snuggled against her as he drinks from his bottle. "How are you feeling?" He asks sitting on the edge of the bed.
"A little tired." Sara admits
"Why don't you get some sleep and I'll put him down." Ian suggests
"I'm fine." Sara assures brushing her finger down Zeke's cheek getting a smile from Zeke.
"OK." Ian settles on the bed on the other side of Zeke.
"I think he's a little worn out from the park."
Ian smiles faintly "He did like playing with the other kids at the park."
"He always loves spending time with Una and Michael."
"What are you thinking?"
"Maybe he should start spending a couple hours a week in daycare. Gives you and the rest of the house a break from him and he'll be able to hang out with other kids."
Ian nods "You're probably right. He does need friends... I don't want him to grow up without friends." He states.
"He'll have friends." Sara leans over kissing Ian briefly "I love you."
"I love you." He echoes softly.
CHAPTER 39 MONTH LATER Bola breaks the heated kiss "I really have to get home." She looks at Connor in the dimly lit room. "I can't be late."
"Sure." Connor nods.
She sits up grabbing her shoes she pulls them on tying them. She glances at Connor as he pulls his shoes on as well. "How'd you find this place?" She asks looking around the backroom of a warehouse in use.
"Saved this guy and his family from some demons a few nights ago. He told me that someone keeps breaking into this place and stealing things regardless of the alarm system and that all of the guards he hired were run off by something... he asked me to take over the inside. He still has guards that drive by a few times a night. They come by on a set schedule and since there are no windows here no one knows I'm here."
"Who knows you're here?"
"Just Mr. Patterson, his wife and you. I asked them not to tell anyone I'm here."
"Any trouble with demons or vampires?" Bola asks standing she straightens her clothes
"Not much. I take them out before they know I'm around here." Connor answers leading her out the back door he resets the alarm. Bola slips her hand into his and they walk down the alley. Just before they are about to walk out of the alley Connor stops.
"What?" Bola looks up at him.
Connor frowns looking around "Someone's here." He tilts his head sniffing the air. "Go" He says releasing her hand.
"What?" Bola looks at him confused as a group of men round the corner.
"He's the one." The smaller man says staying behind the bigger man. "He's the one who took out the whole operation."
"You cost me money man." The large black man sneers his face changing.
"Keep them out of my territory and we won't have any problems." Connor returns
"Come on Boss kill 'em." One of the others speaks up.
"We can take them." Bola says under her breath once she realizes that all of them are vampires.
"Think so?"
"Know so." Bola says and within seconds they are fighting the five vampires.
Connor keeps an eye on Bola as he fights three of the vampires. He ducks a blow to the head kicking one in the stomach sending the bulky vampire flying into the wall. He winces feeling a slice to his side his eyes on the second vampire "You did not just cut me!"
The vampire winces seeing the fury in the younger man's eyes and suddenly he finds himself flying through the air hitting the ground with a thud.
Connor looks at the remaining vampire and growls low then grabs the vampire throwing him over his shoulder. He looks over to see Bola still fighting the two men when she's thrown against the wall his anger rises to a new level. Quickly he knocks the two vampires out then crouches before Bola "Are you OK?" He asks concerned reaching out to wipe the dirt smear from her cheek.
Bola nods "Arms a little sore." She rubs her arm "You OK?" She reaches out touching his side.
Connor looks down at the wound "I'll be fine."
"It's deep." Bola states concerned
Connor shrugs so entranced with her gentle touch and her worry over him he doesn't notice the vampire is standing until he feels a knife slam into his back.
"Connor!" Bola says as he slumps against her. She grabs the stake fallen at her side slamming it into the vampire's chest watching as he dissipates. "Connor?" She smoothes his hair back frowning when he doesn't respond. She looks at his back seeing the blood soaking his shirt. "Damn it."
SAME TIME: HOUSE Ian picks up his phone tearing his eyes away from Sara reading on the couch. "Yes?"
"I need your help."
Ian frowns at Bola's worried tone. "How so?"
"My friend's hurt and I can't take him to the hospital."
"Why not?"
"He's... different. He's the one Sara asked me to find."
"What happened?"
"Vampires." Bola answers "One of them stabbed him in the back."
"Where are you?" Ian asks. Once Bola tells him Ian speaks "I'll be right there." He hangs up the phone.
"Something wrong?" Sara asks sensing his worry.
Ian stands "It was Bola."
Sara frowns "What's wrong Ian?" She slowly stands following Ian to the foyer.
"The guy she's been spending time with has been hurt. She can't take him to the hospital for some reason." Ian says grabbing his overcoat. "I'll call Immo in the car." He kisses Sara quickly "We'll be back soon as possible."
Sara rubs her lower back. 'Wonder what's going on?' She sighs going in search of Mrs. Ellis to tell the housekeeper their getting a guest.
20 MINS LATER Ian enters the alley to find Bola on the ground with a young man passed out on her lap. "What the hell happened Bola?" He demands noticing the dirt on her face and the concern in her eyes.
"Connor was walking me home when a group of vampires attacked." She answers
"Why didn't you call for an ambulance?"
"I can't tell you that, I promised Connor I'd keep his secret."
Ian nods "All right. Let's get him to the car. I called Immo and he should be at the house by the time we get there."
15 MINS LATER Hearing the front door bang open Sara stands going to the foyer where she finds Bola and Ian lugging in an unconscious young man. "He's the one I saw at the crime scene." She says once she sees his face.
"His name is Connor. He's my friend." Bola says
"Is Immo here?" Ian asks
"Downstairs." Sara answers
"We need to get him down there he's losing blood fast." Ian states as they enter the study. "Sara can you open it?" He requests.
Sara unlatches the bookcase pulling it open so Ian and Bola can enter with the unconscious teen and follows pulling the bookcase closed.
"Immo" Ian calls as they walk into the med room.
Immo walks out of the back room to find them lugging a young man. "Put him on the table." Ian and Bola get Connor on the exam table. Immo winces seeing the blood soaked shirt. "Looks bad."
"He told me he heals fast but with an injury this bad who knows how long it'll take him to heal without stitches." Bola says as Immo pulls the shirt up exposing the wound.
"It looks pretty bad." Immo states "He'll need some stitches and rest."
"Come on Bola why don't you go get cleaned up. By the time your cleaned up I'm sure he'll be stitched up." Sara guides Bola out of the room.
"I'll keep an eye on him." Ian assures
10 MINS LATER Sara looks up as Bola walks out of the bathroom. "Feel better?"
"Got the blood washed off though its going to be hell getting it out of my clothes."
"Well considering how often they've had to get blood out of your Father's clothes I'm sure they'll get it out of yours." Sara smiles as Bola drops the clothes down the dirty clothes chute. "So that's the boy you've been spending time with. He's cute."
Bola looks at her mother "He's not like everyone else."
"Why didn't you bring him to the house before now?"
"I would have." Bola says "But Connor has issues with adults. Once he's up he's really going to be pissed that I brought him here."
"Did he run away or something?" Sara asks as Bola pulls on her shoes
"It's a long story that he'll have to tell." Bola shrugs "I should get back down there before he wakes up and beats the daylights out of Immo and Ian."
"Ian can handle himself." Sara assures
"Trust me Connor's not like normal guys." Bola says grabbing her sweatshirt.
"Yes I saw that when I first saw him."
"What did you see?"
"It was confusing." Sara says "I guess I'll have to talk to him to clear it up." She stands following Bola out of the room.
HALF HOUR LATER Ian glances at Sara who is snuggled against him as they watch Bola sit on the floor by the exam table. "How is he?" Ian asks Immo as the doctor joins them.
"He is amazingly well considering the wound. His body seems to be recuperating faster than either of you. He should be fine in a few days."
"Good. I want to know who or what he is." Sara says from her position in Ian's arms.
"I took some blood I can get a run on his DNA if you'd like." Immo offers
"Not yet. Let's wait until he's awake. Perhaps he'll tell us what we need to know before we go that far." Ian says his eyes on the teens. There's something about him.
I know. He's special Ian. Something tells me that whatever or whoever he is we need to protect him.
Agreed. Ian presses a kiss to Sara's head.
Bola sits on the floor watching Connor thoughtfully. 'Come on Connor wake up.'
HOUR LATER Connor awakens with a start looking around wildly his senses picking up more people and something supernatural.
Bola notices Connor's awake "Hey how are you feeling?"
"Where am I?" He asks looking around the white room.
"The house. You took a knife to the back. Had no choice in calling Ian." Bola says sitting beside Connor on the exam table. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine. I think I'm healed." Connor turns so his back is to Bola.
Bola regards the wound "Pretty much."
"Glad to see you're awake." A voice says
Hearing the unfamiliar voice Connor turns going into position to attack if need be.
"Connor relax it's only Sara and Ian." Bola says grabbing her boyfriend's arms sensing his instinct to fight.
Connor regards the couple warily then sits down "Who's the other person?"
"How do you know another person is here?" Sara asks curiously
"I can hear him." Connor answers
"It's Immo. He's the one who patched you up. He's doing some work right now." Ian answers tossing Connor a clean shirt.
"What exactly happened tonight?" Sara asks as Connor pulls the shirt on.
"Vampires." Connor shrugs
"Bola, why don't you take Connor up to the kitchen so you two can get something to eat." Ian suggests.
Bola nods "Come on."
Sara and Ian watch the two teens leave the room. Ian, I still had more to ask him.
Ian reaches out cupping her cheek "Give Bola some time to talk to him so he'll relax."
As they walk through the hall Connor speaks. "Why did you bring me here?"
"You were unconscious what else was I supposed to do? Besides I didn't tell them anything." She assures slipping her hand into his. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine." He answers squeezing her hand. "Thank you."
"Come on let's go get some food."
Still in the med lab Sara feels the Witchblade heat up, looking at it she finds the colors swirling.
*A pregnant, blond woman slamming a stake into her chest leaving a baby on the ground.
A dark-haired man with a distorted face sitting in a chair holding the same baby in his arms watching the baby in his arms with awe.
A portal opening, and another man with sandy hair taking the baby through the portal.
"CONNOR" The man yells
"Hi Dad... I'm back." Connor says coldly*
Sara wavers on her feet leaning against the exam table she takes a deep breath feeling the anger and pain behind the vision. She rubs her middle feeling the baby kick.
"Sara?" Ian asks concerned at her expression. "What did you see?" He wraps his arms around her.
Once his arms are around her Sara leans into him after a moment she speaks, "A woman in labor in a dark alley, slamming a stake into her chest leaving a baby behind." She swallows heavily closing her eyes, "A man holding the same baby his face changing as he talks to the baby." She pauses collecting her thoughts, "A second man taking the baby through... a portal. The first man... I think he's Connor's Dad yelling as the other man takes the baby through the portal." Sara turns sliding her arms around his waist her head on Ian's shoulder. "Then Connor as he is now, face-to-face with who I think is his Dad, he looked angry... hurt... confused."
Ian gently strokes her hair "And?"
"I don't know." She murmurs.
Upstairs Bola and Connor enter the kitchen where Cook is waiting. "Hey Cook any leftovers?"
Cook turns around to find a young man beside Bola. "Hello Miss Bola. Yes there are some leftovers."
"What was for dinner?"
"I made lemon chicken, broccoli, and rice."
"Sounds good." Bola grins as she and Connor sit at the kitchen table. "Connor this is Cook."
Connor nods in greeting.
HOUR LATER Bola watches Connor stand at the bedroom window looking out. "You're thinking about something."
"Kind of reminds me of the room at the Hyperion."
"Hyperion?" Bola asks
"His place. I stayed there until..." He trails off.
"Until?"
"He came back and kicked me out."
"Why'd he kick you out?" she asks curiously
"I did something that is pretty much unforgivable." He hedges
Bola joins him at the window. "What happened?"
"I wanted him to pay for what he did."
"Did he?"
"Somewhat but he got out."
"That why you left LA?"
Connor looks out the window. "Did I ever tell you what my nickname in Quar-toth was?"
"No."
Connor looks at her "The Destroyer. Here I don't know who I am. Am I Connor? Am I Steven? Or am I still the Destroyer?"
"Regardless of what your called your still you."
"I just don't know what or who I am. No one does. No one knows why I exist or how."
"Same with me. You get used to it after a while."
"To what?"
"Being different." She leans against the wall.
"In Quar-toth it didn't bother me but here I guess I'm reminded of how different I am."
"Out there I felt the same way but when I moved in with Sara and Ian that changed. They know I'm different yet they treat me like I'm a normal teenager."
"Well you are normal. You aren't the first and only child born of two of the most vicious vampires in the world."
"I don't see you as that."
"What do you see me as?" He asks curiously.
Bola steps up to him, "Just a normal guy who happens to kick ass and be able to jump off a building without breaking any bones." She leans up kissing him.
Connor smiles at her as the kiss ends and gently brushes her hair back their eyes locked.
SARA & IAN'S ROOM "Ian what do you think of Connor staying with us?" Sara turns her head looking at Ian.
"If he wants to stay he can stay. We'll talk to him about it tomorrow. If he stays we'll have to figure out what to do about explaining him and getting him into school."
"Maybe his Dad will help."
"Perhaps. I get the feeling that getting him to talk about his Father will be hard."
"Yeah."
CHAPTER 40 NEXT MORNING Bola opens her eyes smiling slightly at her surroundings and at the fact that Connor is sleeping behind her, his arm slung over her waist. She shifts to her back her eyes going to his face she watches him sleep. 'He's really cute when he's asleep... hell he's cute awake.'
Feeling the bed shift Connor opens his eyes smiling slightly "Morning."
"Morning." Bola looks at the clock "We should get up. They're probably downstairs already." She kisses him lightly then sits up stretching her arms over her head yawning. "How'd you sleep?"
"Slept." Connor shrugs sitting up. "How are they going to take the fact you slept in here?" He asks curiously.
"Not like anything happened." Bola shrugs "We just fell asleep watching a movie."
MIDMORNING Ian regards the teenager as he inspects the weapons collection. He joins Connor, "You like weapons?"
Connor nods "I used to have a collection."
"What happened?"
"I had to leave it behind." Connor answers "Do you trust me?" He asks suddenly.
Ian looks at the teen surprised by his question. "You have yet to prove to me you can't be trusted. You've protected Bola when she's been with you so you have that on your side. I don't trust a lot of people but I trust Sara and Bola and they seem to trust you." Ian starts towards the door then pauses. "You can stay as long as you want. If you stay you'll have to go by the house rules and one is you go to school."
"I've never been." Connor admits.
"Never?"
"Never. Where I was raised there were no schools."
"I will take care of that matter." Ian assures "Take your time."
LATE MORNING Bola and Connor walk the gardens both lost in thought when Connor speaks. "Ian said if I live here I have to go to school."
"Wouldn't be so bad you know."
"Why?"
"We'd get to hang out at school." Bola points out.
Connor reaches out brushing his knuckle down her cheek. "True."
"And you'd be just down the hall." She reaches up ruffling his hair.
"Hey" He protests.
Bola sticks her tongue out then takes off.
On the patio Sara watches as Connor chases Bola around the yard. She sighs feeling the Witchblade slide into place and looks down to see the Glove formed. 'Come on sweetie Mama doesn't need this.' She rubs her side keeping the formed Glove in front of her so no one can see it if they come out the door.
Ian walks out on to the patio wrapping his arms around Sara's shoulders noticing the formed Glove. "You or her?"
"Her." Sara says dryly. "It seems like your daughter enjoys messing with me."
Ian slides his hand over the Glove and within seconds it recedes.
"Daddy's girl." Sara scowls at her middle good-naturedly. "So where's Zeke?"
"He's taking a nap. He was getting a little grumpy so I thought I'd put him down."
Sara tilts her head pressing a kiss to his chin then looking back at the teens. I think having Connor here will work out. What about you?
We'll need to cut him more slack than Bola. He's not a normal teenager Sara. He's almost... feral in nature.
I know but I think Bola will help him come around. Now all we need to do is find out where his parents are.
Sara you heard Bola. He wants nothing to do with them and doesn't want them to know where he is.
Sara turns looking at Ian If Bola ran off wouldn't you at least like to know if she's OK? His parents must be worried about him. We don't need to tell them where he is we just need to get him to either call them or maybe write them.
"I wouldn't count on that happening, my love." Ian brushes her hair back. "We'll give it a few days before we talk to either of them about that."
"And school? We need his parents to sign the paperwork."
"Once he decides to stay I'll forge the paperwork."
Sara glares at him. "Honey we've had the conversation about saying you'll do something illegal."
Ian laughs kissing her nose. "Sorry, my love. I will try not to mention when I do something illegal."
"Good."
Bola and Connor lie side by side on the grass staring up at the sky. "So have you decided?" Bola asks
"I guess I'll stay."
Bola looks at him. "What about your Dad? Don't you think you should at least let him know you're OK?"
"He wouldn't care."
"If he fought to get you back he must care. Look there is an option to your father finding out where you are."
"What is that?"
"Ian. He dealt with my parents. I'm sure he could deal with your Dad."
"Think he could deal with a 200 plus vampire?"
"Considering what his own Father was like I'm sure he could handle a vampire."
"I'll think about it but I really don't want Angel knowing where I am."
Bola leans in kissing him lightly "Your choice." She rolls to her feet. "Come on we better get back before Ian and Sara think something else is going on."
"Sure." Connor flips to his feet walking with Bola back to the house.
"Hey, you two, Bola did you finish showing Connor around?" Sara asks from her position in Ian's arms.
Bola nods "Yep."
"Big place." Connor remarks
"You get used to it." Sara says "Have you decided if you will be staying Connor?"
"Might as well." Connor shrugs
Sara smiles at him "I'm glad you are."
"Tonight we'll go get his things." Bola says
"I will take care of the paperwork for school. By the beginning of next week you should be enrolled in school." Ian informs Connor. "But I'm going to need some information."
"What kind?"
"Last name and date of birth."
Connor shrugs "I don't know either of those." He admits reluctantly. "All I do know is that I was born on a day that ended up stormy."
"Where were you born?" Sara asks
"Los Angeles."
"What year?" Ian asks
"2001." Connor says reluctantly
Sara looks at him startled "Your only one?"
Connor shifts "It's a long story but short is I ended up in a hell dimension a few months after I was born. The time in that dimension was faster... when I came back six months later in this time... I had spent sixteen years in the other dimension." He looks down "The man who raised me never mentioned the day I was born except to say it was raining and my mother" he spits out "tried to kill me."
"I'll work around the birthday issue then." Ian says "What of your Father?"
"We don't speak and I'd rather not have him know where I am for now... he'll find out from the demon mill sooner or later."
"I'll figure how to get around the issues that involve parental permission."
"Thank you." Connor nods
"Why don't you two go have some fun and after dinner we'll sit down and talk." Sara says sensing Connor's unease about the subject of his family.
"All right." Bola grabs Connor's hand pulling him into the house.
"Be back for dinner." Sara calls
"We will." Bola returns
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER Bola looks at Connor as they walk through the park. "What's wrong?"
"Just thinking."
"About your Dad?"
"Somewhat. I wonder if she's back."
"Who?"
"Cordelia, the woman who helped take care of me when I was a baby. Around the time I did what I did she disappeared. They accused me of being behind it but I wasn't. I wouldn't harm Cordy. She was nice to me when I returned."
Bola slips her arm around his waist "Why don't you call and see if she's back." She suggests.
"I don't want to talk to him... and I don't know the number."
"We can go to the library and look it up."
Connor tilts his head thoughtfully then nods in agreement. "All right."
"Good." Bola kisses him lightly. "Come on let's do this before we have to head to the house."
HOUR LATER: LIBRARY "Hi we need the phone book for Los Angeles." Bola requests of the librarian.
"All right." The reference librarian roots around finding the correct book "Here you go."
"Thank you." Bola smiles politely then opens the phone book to the yellow pages flipping to Private Investigators. "You have to tell me which one Connor."
"Angel Investigations." Connor answers from beside her.
"All right." Bola scans the ads finding the one she's looking for. "Found it." She grabs a piece of paper writing the number down. "Come on." She closes the phone book "Thank you." She smiles at the librarian grabbing Connor's hand she pulls him out to the pay phones.
"I don't know Bola." Connor says
"Want me to call and make sure he doesn't answer?"
Connor nods
"All right." Bola picks up the phone dialing the number and putting in the correct change.
"Angel Investigations" A woman greets "how can I help you?"
"Here." Bola hands Connor the phone
Connor takes a deep breath. "Hi."
Winifred 'Fred' Burkle grins hearing the familiar voice. "Where are you? We've been worried about you."
"Fred I don't want him to know it's me."
"He's not here. He had to go take care of something."
"Is Cordy back?"
"Yes. She got sick of being one of the Higher Powers."
"Is she there?"
"Yes. Do you want to talk to her?"
"No."
"She's worried about you Connor. Both of them are."
"I'm fine." Connor looks at Bola "Don't worry about me."
"Look I'm sorry what I did."
"You were right to. I lied to you and I let you believe someone else had a hand in his disappearance."
"Well he's better now but he is really worried that something happened to you. He thinks Wolfram and Hart took you."
"Look, just tell them I'm fine."
"Where are you Connor? Are you coming back?"
"I'm fine where I am Fred. Maybe I'll check in later. Bye" He hangs up the phone resting his head against the wall.
Bola wraps her arms around his waist. "You OK?"
"I'll be fine. He thinks Wolfram and Hart has me. Now he won't."
Bola kisses Connor's cheek. "Come on let's head back to the house."
LOS ANGELES "Fred, who was that?" Cordelia Chase asks walking into the office where Fred is hanging up the phone looking stunned.
"It was Connor. He wanted to know if you returned."
"Where is he?" Cordelia demands
"He didn't say. Cordy I don't think he wants to be found." Fred says worried.
Cordelia sits down. "Angel is really worried about him."
"We all are. I even think Charles is."
"We'll need to tell the guys when they return." Cordelia says
Fred nods "I know."
9PM: NEW YORK "You OK Connor?" Bola asks as she watches Connor pack up his few belongings.
"I'm fine."
Bola walks up to him wrapping her arms around his waist her chin resting on his shoulder. "You miss them."
"Not them... but something... something I don't understand."
"We could head to see them over vacation."
"I'm not ready to deal with him. Or the conversation that is bound to happen." He finishes softly.
Bola nods "Know the feeling. Every so often Sara asks me if I want to see my parents... I always say hell no."
"Why?"
"Similiar to the same reason why you don't want to see your Father... minus the whole vampire issue."
"Oh." Connor says turning he kisses her. "Come on we should get back to the house." He picks up his bag and the few weapons he acquired since moving to New York.
"Yeah."
SAME TIME: LOS ANGELES "Angel" Cordelia joins her best-friend/semi-boyfriend outside
"Hey Cordy. What can I do for you?"
"Um while you were out Fred got a call."
"And?"
"It was Connor."
"What? Where is he? Is he OK?"
"He didn't say much. He just said he's fine and he's not coming back... at least not for a while."
"Where is he?"
"He's in New York." Fred says excitedly. "At least he used a phone in New York... a pay phone to be exact."
"It's New York he's probably just passing through." Angel says thoughtfully.
"Are you going to go see if you can find him?" Fred asks
Angel shakes his head "He needs to figure this out for himself. He'll return when he's ready." Angel stands walking into the hotel.
"What should we do?" Fred asks Cordelia worried
"I don't know. Maybe we should just let Connor deal with what he needs to deal with on his own." Cordelia says following Angel inside.
"For now." Fred says softly.
MONDAY MORNING "Hey" Bola walks into Zeke's room where Sara is trying to get the boy dressed.
"Hey sweetie. Where's Connor?"
"He went to do some predawn hunting. He likes to get them when they head down to sleep. He'll be back in time to get ready for school." Bola smiles at Zeke. "Hey Zeke."
"Hi" Zeke grins waving.
"Damn it." Sara says feeling the Glove form.
Zeke laughs clapping
"Hey no laughing at Mama" Sara says willing the Witchblade to recede only to have it form again. "Your sister is enjoying this way too much." She scowls looking at her wrist.
"Siwwy." Zeke giggles reaching out he runs his fingers over the stone and immediately the Glove recedes.
"Oh great she listens to everyone else but me." Sara says annoyed as she finishes dressing Zeke.
Hearing footsteps Bola sticks her head out the door to find Connor walking up the stairs. "We're leaving in twenty minutes so get a move on."
"I'll be ready." Connor assures heading to his room next to Zeke's.
"Think he will?" Sara asks
"We'll have to see." Bola says with a shrug.
20 MINS LATER "Bola go..." Sara trails off as she sees Connor land on his feet after jumping over the railing landing on his feet. "Never mind."
"Here is all the paperwork." Ian hands Sara the file. "All either of you need to remember is your name is" He looks at Connor "Connor Delaney. I'll give you the rest of the information you'll need. All you need right now is that you were born in Los Angeles and to make things easy your birthdays are two days apart. Connor's birthday is December 3."
"Why does he get to be older than me?" Bola whines
"It's easier to remember." Ian answers
"True enough" Connor mutters.
"If anyone asks your Father was an old army friend of mine who died."
"Ian can't you deal with the Principal? I had to do it last time."
"Can't. I have to deal with something at Vorschlag."
"Fine but if I end up running someone through because of your temperamental daughter" Sara threatens
"Yes my love."
LITTLE LATER: SCHOOL Connor looks around the school his senses going overtime with the voices, scents, and heartbeats. Feeling Bola squeeze his hand Connor looks at her giving her a wary smile.
"You OK?"
"A lot of sounds and smells."
"Focus on one thing then." Bola suggests as Sara talks with the secretary.
Connor nods closing his eyes he focuses the majority of his senses on Bola's heart beat, breathing, and scent.
"Better?"
Connor opens his eyes giving Bola a slight smile.
"Bola you and Jenna can show Connor around right?" The secretary inquires
Bola nods
"All right here are your schedules." The secretary hands Bola the schedules. "For now you and Connor will need to share a locker."
"Fine." Bola nods
"Ian will pick you guys up after school." Sara reminds
"Sure. Come on." Bola pulls Connor out of the office. "Later"
"Bye" Sara calls shaking her head.
"Hey Bola." Jenna says seeing her friend with a brown haired boy.
"Hey Jenna" Bola greets well aware Connor is inspecting her friend making sure she isn't evil. Seeing Jenna's expression she rolls her eyes "Jenna this is Connor. Connor this is Jenna."
"Hi" Connor says warily
"So how do you two know each other?" Jenna asks curiously.
"Connor's Dad was in the army with Ian." Bola says
"Oh really?"
Connor lifts his shoulders.
"So where are you from Connor?"
"Around." Connor answers vaguely his eyes taking in his surroundings.
"Bola we need to get to class." Jenna says noticing that Connor has no interest in her.
"Can't. My schedules been changed." Bola explains as they walk towards her and now Connor's locker.
"Why did you change your schedule?" Jenna asks curiously
"Connor and I are in the same classes now." Bola answers
"We are?"
Bola looks at Connor "Ian thought it would be easier."
"Oh"
"All right. Lunch?"
"Still the same." Bola answers "We'll see you then."
"Have fun Connor." Jenna smirks heading towards her first class.
"So this is school." Connor looks around curiously.
"Yup fun huh?" Bola says dryly as they reach the locker. "OK our schedule is..." she takes out the schedule, "First period is English, second is history, third is French, fourth is study hall rather than PE, Ian didn't think either of us should take PE. Then we have lunch. After lunch we have Earth Science, then sixth period is... math."
"What is French?"
"Requirement for high school students is a language."
"I already speak Ch'lak and Di'nok."
"Human languages babe. Most humans don't speak a demon language. I'll help you with all the classes so you'll pass." She kisses his cheek then turns to the locker. "OK combination is 25-32-5."
Connor watches as she spins the lock. "OK."
"Got it?"
"Yes."
"Good." She opens the locker "I'm going to have to return these books at lunchtime." She mutters removing the books from her backpack she shoves them in her locker.
"Hey Bola, when are you going out with me?" A guy named Larry demands leaning against the locker opposite hers ignoring the boy at her side.
"When hell freezes over." Bola answers sweetly sensing Connor's annoyance she squeezes his hand. "Come on let's get to class."
"Who is this loser?" Larry demands as he glares at the slightly shorter boy standing by his future conquest. He steps back when the boy steps up to him and his eyes flash.
"Stay away from her." Connor says with a slight growl.
Seeing Connor's fists clench Bola steps between the two boys, "Connor" She says warningly as Connor steps back Bola looks at Larry. "Larry step back and stay back." She turns to Connor shutting the locker "Come on. We'll be late for class."
Connor nods with a final glare at the other boy he follows Bola down the hall.
11:30PM: STUDY HALL "What do you think so far?" Bola asks softly as they sit side by side their books open.
"It's OK" Connor shrugs. "It feels weird though."
"It was the same for me when I started back. You'll get the hang of it." She squeezes his hand. "How about we start working on our homework" She suggests. "Get some done now so we don't need to do it at home."
Connor nods
"What do you want to start with?"
"Whatever you want to start with."
"OK" Bola nods "We'll start with French. We'll have to go back though."
"All right."
HOUR LATER: CAFETERIA Bola and Connor find themselves sitting in the cafeteria with Jenna, Michael, Lauren, and Brian.
"So how were your classes so far Connor?" Jenna inquires
"Interesting." Connor shrugs taking a bite of a French fry.
"Where did you go to school last?" Michael asks
Connor looks at Bola.
"LA" Bola answers
"Ah" Brian nods "Like LA?"
"Wasn't too bad." Connor replies
EVENING "How was school?" Sara asks
"Fine." Bola answers
"What did you think of school Connor?" Sara asks
"Too many people." Connor shrugs
"You'll get used to it." Bola assures
Connor tilts his head a small smile appearing. "It's almost dark." He says with a wistful tone. "They will be coming out soon."
Sara involuntarily shivers at his tone her eyes going to Ian's. His tone almost reminds me of Irons.
"What are you going to do?" Ian inquires
"Kill as many as I can." Connor says with a faint purr.
"Homework done?" Sara asks
Bola nods "Finished."
"Good." Sara nods
DAWN Bola opens her eyes feeling Connor's bed shift as he crawls in beside her. "How'd it go?"
"Fine. Go back to sleep."
Bola covers his hand with her own as it rests between them. Her eyes going to his she gives him a small smile then closes her eyes.
AN: Just so you know this fic is almost finished and I am contemplating a sequel. It won't be written for a while (if I even get around to writing it but when I do I'll post it.)