Hello Everyone! Hope your all doing well and enjoying these lovely summer holidays. I know I have been. So nice to just be focusing on my writing now, but I digress.

This chapter will have a lot of nice little moments in it, and obviously as Christmas is coming up in this fanfic it wouldn't be right not to have some festivity ;)

Though before I leave you all too read, thankyou to my reviewers, this has gotten quite a lot of reviews so far and I'm happy with how well it seems to be doing :) so please keep reviewing, and enjoy!

As the beginning of December came around, Belle found herself thrown into hours of rehearsal, her lack of extra time spent into the show due to her living arrangements now taking its toll with the show just three weeks off. It wasn't that she hadn't practised, or prepared herself for her performances in the show, but with her strong performance history and training in dance, she knew she was needed for the bigger group numbers, it being essential to her grades to show that she was punctual and focused in her work.

With this in mind however, she found it somewhat difficult to get into the festivities of the month as quickly as she normally would, her heart sinking as she drove past the home that were already decorated for the build up to Christmas, knowing that normally she would have been amongst the first to have the house adorned completely in beautiful Christmas decorations. But as she pulled around and onto the gravelled drive, exhausted, she knew she would be once again too tired to even ask about Hellboy, Liz's and Abe's belief on the festive season. Walking up to the door and letting herself in, Belle looked around the house that remained warm and welcoming, the heat making her icy cold hands tingle and burn slightly with the sudden heat that curled delicately around her palms and fingers. Yet she missed the sight and smell of pine, the delicate colours shining of reds, greens and gold that she associated so well with this time of year, her absent minded thoughts not going unnoticed as Abe walked up the hallway.

'Welcome home,' he smiled patiently, being aware of her tired expression as she simply smiled at him, picking up her bags from the after school rehearsal that contained her various dance shoes and dancewear that she used, the other having her books and notes in from her other lessons. Though as she walked to go to her room, Abe approached her and offered a hand, 'here...' he said softly, taking the handle from her aching hand and carrying her dance bag for her.

'You don't have too...' she began,

'You're a guest, it would be impolite not too, especially when you seem so weary,' he replied, Belle having gratitude shining in her bright eyes as she walked at an even pace with him down to her room.

'How has it been today?' she asked conversationally, 'has Agent Manning been in touch?'

'Yes, things have been somewhat tense at the BPRD, though it will be due to the large amounts of paperwork required to be correct and filed in for Christmas, and as the head of the BPRD, it's Agent Manning's job to ensure not only his is correct but every other Agent's on his team.'

'All before Christmas day?'

'I believe Christmas Eve is the due date yes,' he nodded.

'I suppose I can see why he gets stressed sometimes,' Belle remarked, Abe glancing to her with a curious expression that encouraged her to continue.

'My Father is a business man, and as such people assume he always has many secretaries and other members of staff to do his work for him. But he handles a lot of it himself because he takes pride in his work. I think though Agent Manning can seem ungrateful sometimes, it's possibly because he wants to be seen as good in what he does...We all want to make someone proud of us or show that we're capable of proving ourselves in one way or another. I guess that is his reason...'

Nodding as he considered her suggestion, Abe watched as Belle opened the door and walked into her bedroom, flicking on the light in the dimmed room and sighing with some contentment as she walked inside, Abe noticing this as she sat down on the edge of her bed.

'Thankyou for doing that,' she smiled graciously.

'It's quite alright,' he returned calmly, Belle noting he wore a thick jumper, evidently feeling the cold himself by the leather trousers he also wore rather than his usual black shorts. Though as she found herself meeting his gaze, Belle couldn't help but become lost in the deep blue depths of his eyes, feeling somewhat uncertain of what to say to him, not understanding how she was feeling. It was so difficult lately being over-exhausted, it almost seemed like life had gone from different to complicated over the past couple of months or so and she was struggling to relax enough, her body feeling tense and weary and her mind overworked with worrying over the show that was ever nearing.

Yet she found some comfort in returning to Abe, Hellboy and Liz at the end of the day. They allowed her to relax, made her feel part of their unique family and had welcomed her in this difficult time, willing to protect and showing more and more each day that they were happy to have her there.

'Are you happy here Belle?' Abe asked, bringing Belle from her thoughts as she focused on him again, a smile gracing her tired expression as she nodded.

'Of course I am,' she answered, 'why wouldn't I be?' though even as she said it, Belle remembered her first few days at this place. How she had missed her family, her home, her friends...and yet slowly, without realising it, she had become accustomed to being where she was, and was beginning to see it as another home...

'I just wanted to make sure you were alright,' he offered softly, 'you know you may regard this as your home now, until the danger has passed and that we will do all we can to ensure you are safe.'

'Thankyou,' Belle returned, Abe leaving her to get changed before she eventually went up to the living room where Hellboy and Liz sat together on the sofa, Liz being lay with her head resting against the shoulder of his leather coat, her eyes heavy and nearly closed as Belle joined them.

'Alright Belle?' Hellboy grinned,

'Yes,' she nodded with a slight smile

'Ya sure? You look tired enough,' he remarked,

'Well eight hours of high school can leave you exhausted at the best of times,' Belle answered, a yawn escaping her lips as she sat beside Abe with a large folder, that she placed somewhat heavily in her lap.

'What's that?' Hellboy asked with a raised eyebrow. 'Surely ya not doing more work?'

'Yeah, I have an English essay to read up on,' she sighed opening the folder and pouring over the work she had been set, her amethyst eyes straining a little in the dim light. Though Belle hadn't told them the reason for her exhaustion being in the extensive rehearsals, she also decided not to mention that she would be leaving for school at six the following morning to start and all day rehearsal at seven, two hours before the other students would be in. Yet because of going in at such an early time, Belle required an FBI escort to ensure she would be watched over as the roads were quieter during the early hours.

'Ya need a break kid,' Hellboy said after a few more minutes. 'Help me out here Abe...' he exclaimed seeing Belle's curious expression glance up into his golden eyes.

'I agree Belle,' he said gently. 'You need to rest a little otherwise you'll find yourself feeling quite faint.' Though with this remark, as if to emphasise his point, Abe reached his hand carefully over her lap and closed the folder as she looked briefly at its contents before he closed it, Belle finally giving in and putting it down as she sank bank into the sofa, her head slowly leaning to one side as her eyes began to feel heavy.

So as Hellboy and Abe exchanged glances before looking at Liz and Belle, they silently agreed it was time that they got the tired women to bed. So after stirring them both slightly, Hellboy and Abe walked to their rooms with Liz and Belle, seeing both to bed before going to get some rest themselves, though it didn't go quite as they had planned...

~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~

The following morning, Belle got up somewhat wearily, the way her alarm awoke her so early not being appreciated as she got up and began to get ready. Putting her hair into a bun with thin pieces being left loose at the front in thin bangs, she felt this made it look a little better than having it all drawn back. She also only applied light make-up that morning before getting dressed in jeans with a purple cowl neck jumper that complimented her eye colour. Though as she went upstairs quietly, trying not to awaken anyone, she didn't expect what she found in going upstairs for a quick breakfast before leaving. It was only as she got into the hallway when she was startled to here Abe's voice as she looked through her bag for her car keys, 'Belle...? What are you doing awake so early?' he asked in surprise, Belle seeing him emerge from the kitchen fully dressed, his hands having been busy adjusting the apparatus that fitted over his gills. Though Belle also noted the holstered gun on his belt; his attire having the BPRD symbol subtly placed below the shoulders on his padded jacket and the belt that carried his weapon with other necessary equipment. Though before Belle could answer Hellboy also came into view, a cigar in hand as he looked to see who Abe was talking to; his eyes showing frustration behind there deep golden shine.

'Where have you two been? Have you not slept tonight?' she asked,

'Hardly,' Hellboy scoffed somewhat irritably, 'we got a call just after you an' Liz went to bed.'

'So you've been up all night?'

'Yep and don't get me wrong, I'm all for a night out and not getting in till the early hours. But when it involved ya fighting an entity that looks like it fell in a pool of oil and stinks like it came from the sewers it generally puts ya off the whole thing,' he grumbled.

Though as Belle looked at them in disbelief; it was Abe that reminded her of his previous question...

'So why are you awake so early?' he asked, bringing Belle from her thoughts as she ran a hand through her hair that was drawn up in a bun for the rehearsal.

'Yeah Agent Brent said he had to act as a front car escort for ya...'

'I know, I have to get into school for six am, so I need to get there and get prepared,' Belle answered.

'Six am? God woman,' Hellboy replied rolling his eyes.

'What is it you've been doing in school lately? You've been working many extra hours,' Abe remarked carefully, Belle sighing as she finally set her bags down and removed a leaflet from her handbag before handing it to Abe.

'It's a Christmas stage show,' she explained, 'I wanted to take the subject this year in Performance because I didn't have the confidence too before and as I have experience in dancing I've offered and been asked to choreograph dances to certain songs. So because they take a lot of time and planning, I've been putting as much time into it with the rest of the cast as I can, because I need time to rehearse it through myself so I know what routine I'm using, then I have to teach it and rehearse it through with the class. Not to mention if anyone struggles with learning it...' she said trailing off slightly.

'So you're in this thing too?' Hellboy questioned glancing at the cover.

'Yes, dancing and singing. I have two solos though the nerves are already starting to set in. After all the show is in two weeks,' she explained adding that Abe could keep the programme if he liked. 'They're the proof-read copies...but I really should get going,' she added checking the time on her cell phone's screen.

'Well ya better get some rest when ya get back later...' Hellboy said, Abe agreeing with slight concern entering his expression.

'Red is right...it would be very worrying if you fainted or collapsed from being over exhausted,' he said carefully, Belle appreciating their thoughtfulness.

'I'll be alright,' Belle smiled, going to lift her handbag and dancewear bag when Hellboy took the latter in one easy movement, the demon throwing it over his shoulder as he went towards the front door.

'I'll put it in the trunk,' he called back airily before walking out into the dark morning, leaving Belle and Abe alone in the hallway.

'Do take care of yourself,' he encouraged softly, Belle looking up into his eyes with a smile.

'I will,' she returned before bidding him goodbye as she left the front door with a final glance back, thinking of the way he seemed to so genuinely care as she set off towards central Connecticut, Abe watching her leave with Hellboy being perfectly aware of the look in Abe's eyes.

~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~

It was over the next few days however, that Belle didn't realise someone had been watching her...annoyed and frustrated. He had been the one to put his claim on Belle and had made it clear to any others who showed interest that she was off-limits. Though there was one who didn't take the hint. Dale. Belle's childhood friend and watchful companion...The one person that stood in his way...But the figure wasn't keen on staying in the shadows for much longer...

It had been that Friday afternoon and Belle had left rehearsals early, her intentions being to go and look at some Christmas decorations before going home, as she knew she would be able to take the decorations easily in her car. Her parents had also promised to arrange delivery of some beautiful pine Christmas trees over the weekend, so that she could decorate her room as well as the rest of the house for the festive season, following the willing consent of Hellboy who still remained to be like a big kid when it came to Christmas. Yet as she walked away from the large drama hall, Belle was distracted by a text on her phone from Dale, asking if she wanted to go Christmas shopping that weekend, though her reply never got to him before two hands firmly gripped her shoulders firmly. Though as she gasped in shock, she spun on her heel to see a familiar face directly in front of her... 'Liam!' she said in surprise. 'You shouldn't scare me like that! What are you doing here?'

'Waiting for you,' he answered calmly, not releasing his grip on her shoulders just yet.

'Why?' she asked, beginning to think that she didn't want to know the answer as his thoughts coursed through her mind.

'Why not?' he shrugged, 'I think we both know you've been avoiding me Belle...' he said taking a step towards her, Belle freezing in place as she tried to think rationally, it worrying her that no one was around.

'I have my reasons...things have been hectic lately,' she answered.

'I think there's more to it than that,' he breathed, 'I think you've been avoiding me...'

'Well I wouldn't say your girlfriend approves,' she replied, Liam looking slightly perplexed before laughing.

'Serena? No...She's alright. But she's also easy. I like someone who's a little more...hard to get...'

'Then why look at me?' Belle asked.

'Isn't it obvious Belle? You attract so much attention because you never respond to it. Or look twice at half the guys who notice you. But Serena...Heh, she throws herself at any guy who she thinks is popular enough. But you are more worthy of my time.'

'I haven't the time for you Liam. At one time I thought you were a lovely person. But now...I could never think that of you,' she said, feeling somewhat frustrated at the way he simply expected her to accept him.

'Is there someone else?' he suddenly questioned, an edge coming into his tone that Belle wasn't certain of.

'No.'

'Then come on Belle, what's stopping you?' he demanded, 'I have all you could ever want! And you're just going to ignore it?' Belle flinching at the anger in his voice...

'I-I couldn't be with you…after all you've done...how could I ever forgive you...' she began when he grabbed her arms.

'I don't know what you're talking about! But no one says no to me,' he spat.

'Let go of me!' she said, his hand holding onto her wrist in a vice like grip.

'Why? Why have you been avoiding me?'

'Why do you think?' she retorted, 'you kissed another girl!' she let out, Liam watching her for a moment, his grip loosening slightly as Belle took the opportunity to pull away from his grasp.

'Heh, you don't know what you're talking about. But you can't avoid me Belle, and until I get my way, I won't back off,' he growled, 'I'll leave you for now to consider it. But don't expect it to be the last you hear of it. Because if I want my way. I will have it.'

Though before he could go to leave, Belle was ahead of him as she set off at a run; fearing every moment that Liam would be behind her. Though as she got around the corner and saw other students, she relaxed a little as she came to a short stop before continuing at a quick pace to her car...

Getting in the Mercedes without hesitation and throwing her bags into the passenger seat, Belle sat there for a moment before she started up the engine quickly, turning the car round sharply and driving to the safe haven she was becoming accustomed to as quickly as the speed limit would allow. However as she neared home, Belle had to pull over for a moment, her vision too blurred for her to continue…yet as she turned the engine into standby so her music still played from the radio, she looked down at her hands that were visibly shaking as she put her face in them, trying to calm down but it was a useless attempt. So resting her arms on the steering wheel as she attempted to still them, Belle looked up at the grey skies, trying to blink back the tears though it was a futile effort.

Time seemed to move so slowly to Belle as she sat there...Comfort was what she needed more than anything else, though Belle often hid her emotions if anyone upset her, the only ones able to see through it being those who were close to her. Yet she was unable to sit and dwell on her situation for long upon looking at her phone and seeing the time. She knew she would have to get back soon before Abe, Hellboy and Liz started to get in touch; worrying over her whereabouts. Composing herself to begin with, Belle managed to an extent when reaching home and getting up the steps to let herself in, she could already hear the voices of Hellboy and Abe, it being enough to start the tears falling again as she fought to hold herself together. Opening the door and getting in quickly, Belle allowed her hair to fall forward over her shoulders, trying to hide her tears as she went down the hallway to her room. 'Belle, your home we were just about too call, where have you been, did something keep you back at school?' Liz began

'I'm sorry…I was just…running a bit late...I didn't mean to worry you,' she said apologetically, only half turning before going to her room and shutting the door where she could sit alone for a while, Liz exchanging a glance with Hellboy before both looked to Abe, who watched after her carefully.

A couple of hours later and Belle had been sat in her room, considering what had happened that afternoon, the initial fear she had felt lingering and leaving her startled as a voice called in to her.

'Belle...?'

'…Come in Abe,' she said trying to speak in a level tone of voice, though it was still uneven.

'Dinners ready, but I wanted to speak to you…you didn't seem…' he began when he caught sight of Belle's features before she managed to turn from clear view, and silently walked over to her. As he gently took her shoulders and turned him to face her, Belle looked into his eyes with a saddened expression. Her normally glittering eyes were strained and bloodshot, her face flushed and her skin gleaming with the fallen tears that had slipped from the silk of her cheeks. 'Belle…' he said concerned, cupping her face in his gloved hands, it being something he would never have normally dared to do, though he seemed to have forgotten any boundaries in his worry for her. 'What's happened?'

'I'm just...it's nothing...I...' she began lamely, her attempt to turn from him unsuccessful as Abe continued to look deep into her eyes, refusing to let her go as he saw the troubles behind her gaze.

'Someone's hurt you,' he breathed, Belle looking into his eyes which shined with worry.

Though it was in that moment that Belle felt all the walls she had built around her crumble and fall, it all being too much for her to take. Everything had been playing on her mind with her emotions running so high. The way she was in danger, the fear of not ever wanting to return to high school for fear of seeing Liam again, was then that Belle put her arms around Abe's torso, resting her head against his chest as she began to cry quietly. After taking in her actions, Abe tentatively put his arms around her and held onto Belle, allowing her the moment she needed, and giving himself some time too. Abe had never been used to this kind of affection she showed, and it sent many emotions flooding through his body.

'I-I'm sorry...' she began as she looked up to him, Abe shaking his head slightly as Belle moved back a little and sat uneasily on the bed. 'I'm really sorry...' she repeated, going to continue when Abe silenced her as he knelt before her.

'Don't apologise,' he said calmly, 'just talk to me...' he tried to encourage, though he realised Belle couldn't find the words to explain what had happened.

So doing something Abe never believed he would again, he took the leather glove from his hand and gently unfurled her hand, Belle brushing her palm against his, aware of what that simple touch could tell him. Feeling the coolness of his palm, Belle could also feel the soft indentations and markings that made up his identity from his hand, the gentleness of it pressing against her soft smooth fingertips as Belle closed her eyes, allowing Abe into her mind. Seeing things within her mind however, he realised the extent of the problem, his hand becoming slightly tense against hers as he saw the way Liam scared Belle. Though even as they broke the connection and Belle's eyes opened once again he knew something would have to be done.

'It frightened you...' he breathed, feeling a mixture of emotions at what he had just seen...he didn't like it. Any of it. He didn't understand how any man could do that to a young lady.

'Yes...' she answered, nodding slightly,

'Well getting the FBI involved won't help...' he began

'No, if they know it will get back to my Mother and Father, and they're friends with Liam's parents. I don't want to cause any trouble...'

'Belle...' he soothed, 'you're safety and happiness is more important. You're not going to cause any trouble. But as I said, I don't think it wise to involve the FBI...but you will need to try and keep someone with you that won't be intimidated by him.'

'Dale...' she breathed, Abe having seen some thoughts of him in her mind and nodding.

'Of course...will you be alright though?'

'I think so...I just didn't want any of this to happen...' she said softly.

'I know...I don't think it is right or fair, but a lot of things happen that aren't fair sadly,' he said admittedly, 'just try not to worry and let us worry about it, okay?'

'Are you sure?' Belle responded,

'Yes, just make sure Dale stays with you, and let him know about the problem, then leave the rest and just try not to worry,'

'Okay...' she finally nodded, brushing her hand gently over the top of his, 'thankyou Abe...' she said, Abe reluctantly leaving her after she ensured she would be alright and that she would join them for dinner in a few minutes, though as he left the room he saw Hellboy waiting in the corridor.

'So what's been going on?' he asked,

'I'll explain as we go upstairs Red...but I think this situation may be one that calls for your help.'

'Not like you to go along with my plans so easily,' Hellboy said with a wry smile, 'Even though they can be unpredictable at best...I believe in this situation you're methods are the best way of managing this,' he remarked, Hellboy watching him for a moment before nodding more seriously, as he asked what they were dealing with...

So what will Hellboy think of the way Liam has acted, and how will Dale react? and just what does Abe have in mind in the way of handling this problem...

and just what is it he's starting to feel for Belle with all these mixed emotions? All things yet to come, and there will be a lot more action yet too amongst the romance as it is a main aspect of the plot, but I hope you are all enjoying it.

Please do review, I will update soon and I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Goodnight!

~x-xMasqueradeAngelx-x