Chapter 3: Made for One Another

Connor wasn't necessarily tense, but he found himself in a comfortable yet awkward position. He never held or laid next to anyone before, and Bella wasn't exactly a sound sleeper.

She didn't snore, but she moved around a lot, but what fascinated Connor was her sleep talking, and her facial expressions. They'd go from blank to fear, then a calmness. He couldn't really understand what she was saying, but found himself content enough to just lay next to her.

He found it even more riveting when he pushed himself closer to her, wrapping his arm around her waist. Her reaction was gold. She calmed instantly, turning in his embrace, her head on his chest.

His name falling from her lips was heaven.

He tucked her head under his chin, breathing in her unique smell. "I'll never let anyone hurt you." He whispered, closing his own eyes.

Salvation

"You're staring." Cordelia's calm voice flooded through his ears, shaking him from the beauty before him. She leaned against the other side of the door, too looking at this new person. This new person that would somehow bring everything together.

"I can't help it. She's..." He trailed off, unable to even compare her to anything or anyone. "I know." She smiled, looking to Connor, noticing the small crinkle around his eye, the small dimple when he smiled.

"I've never felt anything like this. What is it?" He asked, looking to the woman he only vaguely remembered as a child. He knew she would know this feeling he was experiencing. "You'll have to reach deep inside yourself, but what you're feeling can be anything. Love. Lust. Affection. Protectiveness." Connor sighed softly, looking back at Bella.

"I think it's all of those. I didn't want her to leave last night. I felt like I was losing something very close to me. I didn't like it. Is it weird to say that I could find her anywhere? When the rain hit, her scent was getting hard to find, but in my stomach..I let it lead me."

Cordelia tilted her head. She could only see from her visions that Bella was a part of Connor's life, but from the way he was speaking, given the fact that he is a teenager, it is possible for him to have a deep affection, akin to love, but this was different. It was as if there was a bigger force at play. "You should take her to Caritas."

Connor raised a brow, looking to Bella. "Around demons?" He asked, glancing to Cordelia once more. "It's not like she'll get hurt. It's a neutral space. The worst she can do is freak out."

Connor looked down as Bella squeezed his hand. Her eyes were wide as she took in the small bar, creatures everywhere, humans alike, either alone or sitting with said creatures.

She took a reserved step back as a green man stepped forward, with piercing red eyes bright with giddiness. "You must Bella." His bright personality and soft voice had her smiling, and she looked to Connor, wondering what this place was. "You must be Lorne? Pleasure to meet you." She blushed, holding out her hand. Lorne shook hers, his teeth glinting under the bright lights as he smiled.

"Pleasures all mine honey. Would you look at the two of you? Why don't you pick a song to sing?" Bella snorted, eyebrows rising towards her hairline. "Sing? Oh I don't sing." She held both hands up in a surrender, causing Connor to laugh, the sound blanketing over her like a soft caress. "You have to. That's how his power works. He reads auras. Look." He pointed in the direction of the demon singing Don't Go Breaking My Heart.

Bella blushed, before letting go of Connor's hand, going to the stage to pick a song. "She's a looker kid." Lorne stated, learning a bit from Cordelia about Connor's new destiny, and boy was it bright. Connor just smiled, totally mesmerized by her.

The soft piano of Heart of Stone started, and Bella took a deep breath, eyeing everyone in the room. Connor's breath hitched slightly as the words flew from her mouth, the notes so soft, it was like a lullaby. A smile broke out on Lorne's face, turning into a small frown as she sang the chorus.

Connor looked over, straightening up at Lorne's expression. "What is it?" Lorne blinked rapidly, shaking his head. "Nothing. She's just a strong one. You're made for each other that much is indeed true." A little thrill ran through Connor at that, his heart knowing that he wouldn't be left alone. "But?" He asked, his attention turning to Bella once more.

"Her past isn't done with her just yet. People will test your connection, but she truly belongs here, with you, despite what she may think."

Connor frowned, but nodded to himself. He clapped loudly as Bella finished her song. Lorne chuckled as she stumbled off the stage. "You can help her with that balance though. She's a walking time bomb." Connor held out his hand for her to take, and Bella found herself drawn to his side, giving Lorne a wondering look. "So how'd I do?" She asked, a small smile on her face.

Lorne waved a hand, smiling in her direction. "You did great. You're healing, but trust me when I say you're in the right place. Trust in him, and he will trust in you. He's your savior as much as you are his." Bella looked at Connor thoughtfully. "I'm starting to see that." She mumbled to herself, giving his hand a squeeze. "Come on, I think we've had enough fun for tonight." As they walked up the stairs towards the street, Bella gave Connor a soft laugh of excitement as he twirled her around.

"I didn't know you can sing." He said, gravitating towards her as they walked down the street. Bella gave a one armed shrug, smiling. "You've only known me for two days now. My mother was always doing something, she had me take singing lessons. I was alright." She chuckled, her fingers tangling with his.

"You were amazing." Connor said, enjoying himself for the first time in forever. "Okay, so I have a question. Angel...is a vampire, and your father. How are you...?" She waved her hand in his direction, confusing swimming in her brown eyes.

Bella watches Connor carefully, taking in his expression. It was a sore subject for him. "I'm not sure. I don't know the specifics, but Angel underwent a trial to save my mother, a vampire, from dying. He was granted a new life. That new life being me. I'm human of course, with a little extra."

She just hummed, nodding. "What did Lorne mean about us? Our connection?" He couldn't help himself as he smoothed down her brow. "I'm not entirely sure, I just know this is where I'm meant to be, right now. You're special to me, and by some reason, you're meant to be here at this very moment. Like you said, fate."

"What if I don't believe in fate?" She asked softly, looping her arm through his, head resting on his shoulder as they walked into the small garden leading towards the lobby doors. "This world will have you believing everything. Despite what you may think or know, I believe that everything happens for a reason."

AN: So these will be short, no more than 3K words if that, unless you all would like for me to actually slow this down. I'm up for anything. I hope you guys are all staying safe!