Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the new chapter. Before you read however, I would like to just say a couple of things…I must apologise for not updating in three weeks. But sadly…since my last update I lost my older sister on the 18th of November... It has been a hard time, and though initially I thought I could still manage my weekly update, I soon found that I have not had the energy, inspiration or motivation to write.

But I am glad to say that I'm feeling okay and getting back to normal, and this chapter is in effect a double, which has made it more special for the festive season, though I only ask that you bear with me during this time. Also as a more cheerful notice – well for me – I will be in Disneyland Paris from next Monday until Friday. So, any updates after this one are not likely to be until after I get back from Paris, though as my regular readers know I will do my best in any case… :)

So please, enjoy and review! Thankyou!

Coming back home on their flight, Hellboy and Abe had found themselves tired, but neither wanted to sleep…Though for Abe as he sat alone for a while, he began to think more about the female agent that had shown such distaste towards them. Yet in the end they had all shown them gratitude. As usual it was almost as if they had to prove themselves. Looking down to his forearm where a bandage held in place a quickly healing wound, he continued to be lost in thought, his memories and plaguing him.

'So…what ya thinking about…?' Hellboy questioned, coming to sit beside Abe.

'Oh nothing, I just-'

'Save it Abe, when your sat all quiet like that its cause something's botherin' ya or ya thinking,' Hellboy returned, Abe smiling slightly at the comment as he sat forward.

'It's just that…everywhere we go, I see the way people look…but I also hear what they think. I suppose finding simple information about those we encounter is something to focus on other than those thoughts…'

'Yeah…I guess you got the short straw there buddy,' Hellboy remarked clapping his best friends shoulder.

'It's not that. I just know what people think when they look at me. It would just be nice to be seen beneath all of this…though it's seldom I'm given the chance, unless people are forced to do so. Like today.' Seeing the look in the merman's eyes, Hellboy rubbed the back of his neck, trying to think how to cheer Abe up…

'Well ya got me and Liz…and I know she talk to you…especially when she's mad at me,' he remarked, Abe unable to help but chuckle at remembering the times Liz had been furious with Hellboy. 'But she always came back, and that's only thanks to you…besides, what are you on about anyway? Belle ain't scared of ya…she doesn't even think anything like that. She's a one of a kind lady that one,'

'Exactly. She's incredible; she's nothing like anyone I've ever met before. She's had such a normal life…and I…well look at me Red.'

'Abe is that what this is about? Belle?' Hellboy questioned, recognising the signs from Abe's slightly anxious reactions. 'Abe, do you like her?'

'Well of course, she's gentle, kind…she's just-'

'Yeah, okay, don't play dumb with me Abe. I ain't stupid and you know what I meant,' he replied raising an eyebrow as a smile played on Abe's lips, though instead of responding with a witty remark he exhaled a sigh.

'I know what you mean Red.'

'So? What's the problem?'

'Look at her Red, then look at me. What can I possibly offer her?'

'Abe, have you forgotten what me and Liz went through, I never gave up on her and look at us now. It's no different for you. How do you know what you can offer her if you don't do anything about it…?'

'Belle has had a different life…she's a free person. What kind of man would I be for her?' Though as Hellboy went to answer, the pilot announced that they would be landing, Hellboy going to sit down properly when he leant back over to Abe and continued…

'Like I said Abe, if you don't do something about it…what makes you think you won't regret it?'

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

Meanwhile, back at their home Liz and Belle had spent the morning wrapping gifts, Liz then helping Belle pack for her return home.

'Hey, what's this?' she asked curiously, seeing a floor length red dress, the sweetheart neckline and fitted bodice making it a glamorous gown.

'Ah, that's for the Christmas ball tonight,' Belle smiled. 'Hopefully it will be a nice evening.'

'I'll miss you all though over Christmas…'

'It will certainly be different not having you here. I'll have no fellow girl to balance it out with me,' she remarked, Belle laughing at it, though Liz then said more seriously, 'I just hope the FBI do their jobs right.'

'It doesn't matter if they don't…I know I'm going back to the people who guard our home, and the one difference is they're friends. They'll work harder than any FBI agent purely because they care…and they don't know the half of everything that's been going on,' Belle responded. 'Not that anyone could have helped what happened the other day.'

Belle had been fairly quiet about what had happened at the Lucivia household, dismissing anything more than the necessary medical checks. Though in concern for her children, Liz had undergone another scan, Belle having accompanied her… Yet despite the children being fine, Liz learned that the two were growing quickly…meaning an early labour was likely. Though what amazed Belle more than anything were the two delicate lives that appeared on the screen before them. 'It's incredible…' she murmured, the strong heartbeats showing beneath the scan, the midwife smiling at them.

'Would you like a picture?' she asked softly, Liz nodding when the midwife then remarked, 'we can tell you the gender of both children if you would like to know,' she offered, Liz looking on for a moment as she then shakily nodded…

Hearing the door open however, brought Liz and Belle from their thoughts.

'Liz? Belle?'

'Red…' Liz returned, a smile coming to her face as she left the room to see her partner. Though as Belle hung back for a few minutes, thinking it best to give them a moment, she picked up some of her family photos that stood on her dresser and smiled fondly…

Meanwhile upstairs as Hellboy and Abe came in – the former literally throwing their cases down the corridor- before embracing his girlfriend who just sighed knowingly. 'Missed me?' he grinned, Liz tapping her cheek expectantly, though she quickly took his chin and guided his lips to hers.

'Oh I love you,' he said pulling her against the warmth of his body.

'What happened to your hand?' she asked noting the bandage around it.

'Ah, swung the wrong side for a punch,' Hellboy responded dismissively, Liz shaking her head when she looked to Abe.

'You still need to watch him then?' she remarked, Abe smiling wryly.

'Quite…though it would seem I was also careless this time,' he returned, showing his own dressings over his forearm that his leather jacket otherwise hid, this provoking a look of disapproval from Liz that made him smile slightly.

'You're getting just as bad as Red,' she remarked,

'Hey, that should be a compliment,' Hellboy returned, seeing Belle approach and grinning at her brightly, 'well looks like you got let loose with the decorations at least?' he smirked, Belle laughing at the remark. It was very true that since their departure, she had worked hard with the decorating and had literally turned the house into a wonderland of artificial snow, lights and colourful baubles.

Though as Hellboy went to hug her, Belle had forgotten the pain of her previous binds and Hellboy's strong hold, an ache forming across her ribs as he held her, making Belle wince in pain… 'Red I think it would be fair to mention that I'm not all that strong,' she uttered, Hellboy grinning as he let her go.

'You alright Belle? Normally ya manage better than that…'

'That tree was strong. I felt like I'd never breathe again,' she admitted…

'You haven't been completely checked over though…have you?' Abe remarked, concern present in his features.

'Barely…she didn't want the fuss…' Liz added, Belle realising what was coming next as she tried to reassure them…but it was to no avail. Yet with no reason or proof that she was absolutely fine, the pain in her chest still aching, she finally gave in, thinking if it put their minds to ease it would be alright. Though what Belle didn't realise was who would be checking her over.

'Well…while you two do that were gonna go and…unpack,' Hellboy said, evidently trying to improvise with an excuse.

'But you've only just got in; wouldn't you rather have some nachos or something?' Liz questioned slyly, Hellboy raising an eyebrow with a slight grin.

'Yeah, you know me though babe, I like to be neat and tidy,' he smirked, Liz rolling her eyes, about to respond when he kissed her passionately to silence her before then picking up his girlfriend and carrying her down the hall…leaving his cases behind…

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

'I promise you I'm okay,' Belle remarked as she sat in Abe's room on the sofa as instructed, watching as he carefully checked her over. Normally Abe would have used a proper medical room for such a thing, but considering their new home lacked it, Abe decided that it would be best for Belle to be comfortable in any case. He had always tended to Hellboy and Liz's injuries when it was called for, his patience unfaltering whenever he was required. Though his witty remarks usually were uttered only when Hellboy was being rather difficult at keeping still, resulting in Hellboy's looks that would have otherwise been a punch if it was anyone else...

'I heard what happened,' he responded, Belle looking in his eyes as she considered what they would think…he had already lost someone in his life…so it was understandable that he would worry. Though she couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking, despite being afraid to venture too much into his thoughts when he was so acute in his clairvoyance…knowing there was every chance he could realise. Though truthfully it didn't bother him in the way that she thought, Abe had already faced someone with the same abilities force him to give up any details of himself she wanted. But at that moment, his focus was upon her, the way she rested her hand softly, almost hesitantly on his shoulder as he carefully overlooked her arms for bruising. Though she didn't feel much pain, Belle knew they would be concerned…just as her family were.

Belle's POV

Watching Abe as he carefully examined me by applying very light pressure to see how I responded and using his clairsentience and empathic abilities to understand better whether I was alright, I received a few wavelengths of his thoughts. He seemed so tired to me, so weary from travelling. But something else was in his expression…Abe always interested me in the way he acted. He was so graceful…more than I had seen in any other man I had encountered…well…I suppose he is not human…but still…a man. So natural and gentle…Smiling slightly I soon realised he was looking right at me, my cheeks giving me away almost as I felt the heat rise there. The depths of his eyes were so endless; it was hard not to get lost.

'Belle?'

'Mm…sorry?' I'd responded, realising I'd become so lost in thought as I refocused on what Abe was telling me.

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

'You're okay,' he smiled, relief present in his eyes. 'You are so carefree though at times…' Abe mused softly, standing up to full height as Belle looked up to him with a smile.

'I often get told I daydream a bit,' she admitted, when seeing his sleeves rolled up, she saw the bandage on his arm. 'What happened to you?' she questioned, Abe following her line of sight and shaking his head slightly.

'It's nothing…I just caught my arm,' he remarked, Belle frowning slightly as he turned to play his music, Belle standing up and walking over to him, Abe turning to find her right in front of him.

'You worried about me remember? Don't I have that right to worry about you as well?' she remarked, Abe looking at her curiously for a moment before smiling at her softly, wishing so much that there wasn't so much that could keep them apart. Though he tried to keep his thoughts clear as he spoke to her… 'Can I ask you something?' she then continued, 'what is it that makes you so fond of classical music?' she asked.

'The professor always listened to it, my old tank used to be in his study…I found it somewhat calming…tranquil to listen to when I was reading. The energy music gives can provoke such emotion when your reading or just thinking to yourself, it gives inspiration I suppose to some, and well, it creates an atmosphere…' he offered, still finding the close proximity almost intense. 'I hope it doesn't disturb you…'

'No…I…I feel the same. Though sometimes your music is what gets me to sleep at night. Like a gentle lullaby,' she remarked softly, Abe seeing in her thoughts how her bad dreams still bothered her. Though before he could say anymore, Belle went to excuse herself…

'I need to get ready for tonight,' she said simply, Abe calling her before she left.

'Will you miss our company…while you are gone?' he questioned, Belle faltering, before saying with a slightly uneven voice,

'More than you can imagine.'

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

'Red, I need to talk to you,' Belle remarked, joining Hellboy in the gym where he was sat lifting weights.

'Sure Belle, what do ya need?' he questioned, Belle having already thought over it and deciding to come straight to the point.

'I want you to teach me how to fight,' she responded plainly, Hellboy putting down the set of weights he was holding as he sat up and turned to look at her.

'You wanna repeat that?'

'Hellboy I know you can do it, I've seen you, I've seen Liz, Abe, they all know how to defend themselves, and I'm tired of being helpless. You might think I can't do it but-'

'Belle…I know ya could do it. Anyone who can face the BPRD and argue back with Manning for our sake can definitely do it. But why…? I mean…no offense but ya never really seemed the type to wanna fight…'

'I'm not saying I want to Red…but I don't want to put people in danger and not be able to help myself. Just once I'd like to return the favour,' she remarked with a light smile, 'so what do you say?'

'When do ya wanna start?' he grinned, 'we'll see just what ya got,'

'Thanks Red,' she said gratefully, throwing her arms around him, 'though weren't you supposed to be with Liz?'

'Turns out she actually did want me to help her tidy the room…so I came to the gym' he grumbled, Belle being unable to help but laugh at the disappointment in his tone, though she was quickly gotten back at as Hellboy lightly tossed her across the room as soon as she let go of him, Belle landing quickly on her feet and looking up at him in exasperation.

'What was that?'

'Ya never said when you wanted to start, gotta admit though, you got good reflexes, you'll need that,' he smirked, Belle giving him a glare that made him roar with laughter.

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

Leaving that night for the Lucivia household after her ball at the high school, Belle came upstairs after to find her cases had been carried for her. Though as Liz came out to give Belle a hug, she complimented her on her dress… 'I don't think you'll go unnoticed tonight,' she smiled, Belle returning it as they went into the living room where Belle arranged some presents under the large fourteen foot tree.

'Still decorating?' Hellboy grinned coming in the room.

'No, putting your presents out actually,' she smiled 'though no opening them until Christmas day,' she warned him, Hellboy's smile falling at the remark. 'You'd best all have a wonderful Christmas though…seeing as I can't be here to celebrate it with you…' she remarked,

'We will, don't worry, though you being here would have made it a bit of fun,' Red grinned.

'Are you not looking forward to returning home for the Christmas season?' Liz asked Belle's expression unreadable as she shook her head.

'No, no…I just…I've had a few things on my mind lately,' she responded, standing up as Abe came in the room, it not helping the current situation for the merman as he found himself struggling to avoid looking at the young lady before him.

Her dark purple gown for that evening without a doubt brought attention to her brilliant amethyst eyes, the dress hugging her slender figure.

'Well I don't think ya gonna be unnoticed tonight,' Hellboy smirked, nudging his best friend when the doorbell rang.

'Looks like they're here,' Belle remarked, glancing out the window as she heard Manning walk in much to Hellboy's irritation.

'HB…don't do anything stupid,' Liz warned, Hellboy raising a hand behind him as if to gesture he acknowledged it, though his girlfriend was fast behind him. Following them however, Abe found he was only distracted by the sense of division that seemed to be in the atmosphere as they walked into the hallway. Though realising that Belle felt the same as she looked on, evidently uncomfortable by it, he rested his gloved hands on her shoulders in comfort.

'Well are you ready Belle? We'd prefer it if one of the Agents drove you to your high school and collected you following that. In your car of course…'

'Well I-'

'Perfect, alright let's go, we don't have all night,' Manning concluded,

'Now hold on Manning,' Hellboy began, Liz being quick to come between them.

'Alright you two, just knock it off for once. It's Christmas soon unless you've forgotten,' Liz remarked heatedly.

'Red its fine really,' Belle added in assurance, 'if this is what they think is best…then I'll go along with it,' she remarked, Hellboy glancing between her and Manning before nodding to her.

Though as she made to leave, giving them all a hug before she left, Belle found Hellboy putting her cases in the trunk of the car, Belle being alone as Hellboy put something in her hand.

'What's this?' she remarked.

'Despite what we say about the BPRD…we all still have our locators, if you need us at any time. Doesn't matter when or where…we'll be right there…You're our responsibility Belle…and I'd rather know ya safe than go off what them idiots have to say.' So giving her a final embrace before returning to the doorway where Liz was, Abe speaking with Manning before they left, Belle finally, and reluctantly got into the passenger side of her own car, letting an Agent drive her away as she looked back, feeling some resentment at having to leave. Though the night's events were certainly not going to be easily dealt with…

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

The following day at the Lucivia home, Belle woke up from a harsh nightmare that scared her immensely, her shaking hand rising to her forehead as she sat back against the headboard, wondering why she could hear no music. Of course…She was at home. Sitting up and looking down the length of her generously sized bed, Belle saw her faithful companion Chance having awoken as his mistress did, seeing her distress and sitting up to come and lie beside her. 'Good boy…' she cooed softly, stroking him gently as she looked out into the night wondering what was making her have such vivid dreams…Yet with little knowledge of what she was dreaming of, it only made it more impossible for the clairvoyant to work out what she was seeing. Though with no want to go back to sleep, Belle instead got up and after changing into a skirt and high necked jumper went downstairs to look at the decorations. But she wasn't the only person awake in the house. Going to sit in the living room and looking up at the large tree that occupied it, with lights around the ceiling that danced in the evening light, Belle couldn't help but smile as she stood up from the sofa and went to look at some of the baubles on the tree.

'Well…you haven't changed have you Belle?' spoke a soft, feather light voice from behind her, Belle turning to see a man before her, which she had yet to expect.

'James?' she remarked, her features breaking into a smile as he pulled her into a sweeping embrace.

'You haven't forgotten your cousin then?' he remarked with a slight grin, Belle holding on to him tightly as everything for that moment was forgotten, tears coming to her eyes as she fought hard to believe that she hadn't just fallen asleep again. James Lucivia had been a very close relative to Belle, growing up with her for the most part when they had lived so near throughout their childhood. Though following James's parents move to California, they had seldom seen one another over the past three years. Yet he always asked about her, making the time to call her frequently. He was of a tall, lean build, his body slender but toned, with sand like hair that swept loosely across his face, his bright blue eyes gazing into hers as she stood back. 'Yeah, you've definitely not changed,' he grinned looking at her amethyst eyes, her height being a couple of inches below him.

'I just can't believe you're really here,' Belle remarked, putting a hand to her cheek. '…and at four in the morning!'

'Well will maybe a good drink make you believe it?' he suggested with a smile, Belle returning it as he sat he took her hand and led her into the kitchen…

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

'So Uncle Roderick and Aunt Lana are with you?' Belle remarked as she sat with James early that morning.

'Yeah, them and some of the other family will be arriving over the next day according to my Dad,' he returned calmly, taking a sip of his drink. 'I'm glad to see you though Belle…it's been so long and you haven't been in touch as much lately…'

'I know,' Belle answered softly, 'things have been…very difficult over the past couple of months at least. I haven't really known whether I've been coming or going,' she admitted. Though James was all too aware that Belle didn't seem herself, her continual quiet moments not seeming right to him.

'So why are you awake so early?' he asked finally, Belle looking up from her reverie with a slight frown as she sighed.

'Nightmares I suppose, and too much on my mind,' she admitted, 'the ball I went to last night was quite draining.'

'So what's on your mind? Tell me,' he asked of her, Belle looking into his eyes with a weak smile as she took his hand in hers, feeling the steady warmth of his palm as he sat opposite her patiently waiting for an answer.

'Too much for you to understand right now,' she responded honestly, 'I don't think I could repeat it all again…when going through it was hard enough on its own,' she admitted, 'but what about you? It's not like you to be up so early either…'

'I haven't been to sleep yet,' he returned, 'I have a few things on my mind myself, but like you I'm afraid I can't say much. But I have got a lot of other things I can tell you about,'

'Like…?' she remarked, seeing the grin upon James's features.

'How about we go for a walk? It's been too long since I walked Chance with you,' he offered, Belle looking at him for a moment more before finally nodding and standing up with a smile, feeling nostalgic as they went out that morning for an early walk, knowing she would be safe in the company of her cousin.

Yet going outside into the snow that morning, Belle saw a familiar black car across the road, not being surprised to see it quietly pull away as she and James walked down the road. 'I've missed you, you know,' she smiled, James putting an arm around her shoulders,

'I've missed you too, my little cousin,' he smiled…

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

Christmas Eve…the day before the most festive of the year and with Hellboy, Liz and Abe, things had been fairly quiet since Belle's departure, with the FBI not bothering them due to her absence. Yet as Liz sat with Hellboy and Abe, she admitted to them that she'd been having nightmares over the past couple of days.

'You don't think anything is wrong do you?' Liz asked,

'I'm sure it's nothing babe,' Hellboy remarked, pulling Liz into his arms. 'Ya know I'd protect you. I'd go to the ends of the earth to see that you an' the little ones were safe,' he remarked, Liz smiling at him. Hellboy generally wasn't the type for endless romantic gestures. It wasn't him…and Liz liked that…she liked that he was different, and that he knew he didn't have to change for her. Liz knew how much he loved her without him having to say it. Though as Abe smiled fondly upon watching them, he turned to choose another book from his endless collection when Hellboy spoke up…

'Ya know, you seem much more yourself lately,' he said, Abe turning to look at Hellboy and Liz as he thought over what his best friend had said.

'I feel more like myself,' he responded honestly, 'when I think about it, Belle has been such a help without even realising it herself,' he said softly.

'Yeah, well she is a one of a kind lady,' Hellboy replied,

'I agree with Red, Belle does seem to have had an impact on you,' Liz agreed.

'Yeah speaking of which, your presents here off her,' Hellboy remarked handing it to Abe,

'She bought me a present?' Abe repeated,

'Yeah, she said not to open them till Christmas, but it's Christmas Eve, so it's virtually there,' Hellboy grinned, Abe looking over the parcel with some curiosity as Hellboy and Liz exchanged glances, Liz curling up next to Hellboy with her head resting on his chest…

'It's a shame we won't be able to see Belle for Christmas,' Abe mused sitting in the armchair across from them,

'Yeah, even the cats noticed she's not around, found Willow lay on her bed earlier,' Hellboy remarked, 'not that we can't go and see her…' he continued, trailing off as Liz looked up to him.

'You're not thinking what I think you are…' she began,

'He is…' Abe responded, though admittedly, he couldn't find a reason to want to disagree with his best friend…

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

Walking down the grand staircase that evening, Belle had to admit it felt strange to her being back there. For that night she wore a floor length gown with a careful cut in the material that went half way up the side of her leg, the hem and neckline being edged with white faux fur, with the body of the dress being a subtle red velvet. Though with the dress being backless, Belle was grateful for the warmth in the house as she joined her family and family friends in the large ballroom…

There was a lot of family present for that Christmas eve, though as Belle found, she was aware a lot of eyes were on her, Belle knowing her Uncle's and Aunt's well, the brothers of her father being somewhat stricter in her opinion than her Father. Though she was naturally gracious to every guest that approached her, Belle only finding time to be herself when with her friends who had also been invited, Belle seeing Dale stood with some of her other friends, his attire being a black tuxedo for the night. It felt slightly tense in that atmosphere though that night as Belle stood with them…

It had been the previous night at the ball for the senior students, Belle had arrived later than expected, due to the FBI regulations that she'd found herself caught up in on the way there. Though upon arrival, Belle met Dale and joined him for the celebrations as her informal "date". Though it was only as the night went on and slowly people left for various house parties or to go on to the nightclubs, that Belle found herself taking a walk alone with her childhood friend. Yet as they sat looking up to the stars that night, Belle felt Dale's hand on hers and with it a whirlwind of emotions she'd never experienced from him before, Dale's asking if he could talk to her suddenly creating a harsh lump in her throat. Belle had been friends with Dale for so many years and she loved him so dearly as a friend…but was that all it was? Had she been completely blind to the idea that Dale may have more affection for her? The answer wasn't all too clear, but as Belle's friend Sylvia interrupted them to let them know they were ending with a slow dance back inside, the two followed her in, this time in silence…

It was a hard thought for her, Dale didn't seem to know what to say to her, and Belle's cousin was nowhere in sight to lighten the mood. Though Belle was then approached by Glenna. 'Having a good time darling?' she smiled,

'Yes,' Belle responded softly, 'it's nice to see everyone…I didn't expect there to be such a reunion. Normally it's only my Father who sees everyone else,' she remarked looking around the room.

'Well Harold thought it would be a nice idea to bring everyone together,' she smiled, 'I just hope that it all quietens down soon, we thought it would be nice for you to say a few words,' she offered, Belle looking to her mother before nodding calmly. Yet it was then that Belle saw James speaking to his own Father, looking less than impressed as they spoke. Her Uncle Roderick was younger than Harold, with jet black hair, his features younger, though just as well defined as his brothers with his attire being nothing but business like. He was considerably thinner than his brother's however, Belle remembering that when she was younger he had been quite kind to her, though always watchful. His wife, Lana, was young and pretty herself, her hair being a vibrant shade of red, with her eyes shining an ocean blue; her figure petite next to her husband who was much taller. Though she had always been devoted to him, and he showed her a careful touch.

Some of the other family present was Belle's other Uncle; Adam, a former SWAT member, and highly skilled man, who had taught Belle most of what she knew about her driving when he visited, was a fairly pleasant man. He was also tall, though blonde, with considerable lining on his features from age, yet he was of a moderate build, his suit being black like his brothers, the few words he had uttered to his niece that evening being soft and assuring ones. Though he was the Uncle she saw the least, Belle had to admit he was her favourite, his wife also being lovely, though she was different to Lana. With naturally black hair and a more rustic appearance from her enjoying training and outdoor activities with her husband, she had aged naturally but well. Her dress for the evening was a black velvet halter neck dress that only went to her knees, with tall black heels. The other members of Belle's family mainly consisted of her Father's side, with few coming from her mothers. It was also clear to Belle, that a few FBI agents occupied the room, Manning being stood talking conversationally with her Father. The room soon filled with guests, family and friends of the family being completely engaged in their conversations and light hearted banter, with the music playing in the background being a soft melody of Christmas music, instrumental, but none the less, atmospheric.

Though as Belle went to speak to Dale, a silence fell upon the room as a hollow clap sounded in the air, Belle turning to see James being struck hard across the face by his own father…

'James…' she gasped, looking from one to the other as her cousin just stood and took it, his face having not moved from where it had been struck, though his gaze was lowered to the floor, his breathing heavy and his features mostly hidden by his hair. As his Father looked at him with a cold hard stare, everything went silent in the room, Adam walking over and standing between the two before James could react, as Belle suddenly snapped.

'What did you do?' she called out, going to approach her cousin and Uncle when Dale held her back.

'Wait Belle, it's alright, let them sort it' he remarked, as Harold approached her.

'Belle calm down,'

'But Dad you saw what he just did to James,' Belle remarked trying to get past her Father though he held her back himself, Adam taking Roderick from the room, as James went outside the back, not even looking at Belle.

'I know baby, I know, but you need to calm yourself, Roderick has been hard on James for a long time…I don't condone what he has done, but please just relax,'

'No!' she said shaking free of his hold. 'What kind of family is this? Christmas is about people coming together, have you really forgotten that? You can't possibly call that justified…' she started when a voice called her name, Belle turning to see James right behind her.

'Come with me Belle,' he told her calmly, his hair still untamed from where he had been hit, but his expression gave nothing away as he took her shoulders with his arm and led her outside, aware they were being watched, Manning looking after them with an unreadable expression…

For a while, James said very little as they stood in the cold night, looking over the snow dusted gardens. So it was a little while after standing outside that Belle reached up and brushed his hair lightly down with her gentle fingertips, James smiling softly as he finally looked at her.

'Are you alright?' she asked softly,

'I am, though you shouldn't worry so much about me,' he remarked, 'Dad will apologise later…I'm sure…'

'But why would he do such a thing?' Belle remarked in despair,

'It was my own mistake I can assure you Belle, please, just don't get upset, that's the last thing I wanted to see in coming here,' he responded, looking into her amethyst eyes and seeing the emotion there. 'At least…let me give you your present now, to cheer you up?' he asked, Belle looking at him for a moment, before silently allowing it. 'Close your eyes,' he told her softly, Belle doing as he asked, and feeling the cold of metal upon her wrist, as she then opened her eyes to see a solid silver bracelet hanging there, with a winged charm hanging from the silver band.

'It's beautiful…' she remarked,

'I'll only ask one thing…that you always wear it…' he requested, Belle looking at him for a moment as she smiled.

'Of course I will.' Though the next thing he spoke of surprised her slightly.

'You do know he has feelings for you, right?' James remarked coming from behind her, Belle glancing up to him with a wistful smile before looking back into the room at Dale.

'I knew he did…deep down…I never really admitted it to myself, because I didn't know what I saw in him. But now…it looks like the reality of it has been forced onto me. It's just going to be incredibly hard now…because I don't know what to do.' Looking at her with a steady gaze, James realised something that he hadn't seen before. Something had changed since the last time they had met…

'You've already found someone…haven't you?' he remarked, Belle looking up at him, now with shock in her iridescent eyes. Though it soon faded into a softer gaze as she calmly looked out again…

'I don't know James. I just don't know what to make of anything anymore. Everything seems to just get more confusing and I don't know what to make of it all.'

'Then let me ask you this…had Dale not said anything to you…would you still be questioning your feelings for this other person?' James asked, Belle smiling as she shook her head without giving him an answer.

'I was right when I said you hadn't changed,' he said with a grin, Belle looking up at him

'Why's that?'

'Because I know you, you're difficult to work out at times, but I can still manage it,' he smirked, Belle shaking her head, thinking he was fairly presumptuous to think he could work her out so easily.

Though as a delicate snowflake fell on her shoulder, Belle and James watched as a flurry of snow fell silently in the midnight air, the only interruption being Chance's sudden barking from her balcony. 'What is he barking at?' she questioned, more to herself than to James. Though as James offered to go and bring him in for her, Belle agreeing, she then saw something in the shadows, hearing James close the door as she went to walk out into the gardens. 'Hush Chance,' she said softly, looking back to him when she felt a familiar aura…a calming one…

'Abe?' she remarked in surprise, seeing Hellboy and Abe emerge from the darkness.

'Yeah, how'd ya guess? Thought that barking was gonna give us away.'

'Actually it only distracted my cousin,' Belle returned with a laugh, 'what are you both doing here?'

'Well ya know, it's Christmas, and we felt left out not seeing ya,' Hellboy smirked, 'Liz would have been here too but she was tired,'

'That's fine,' Belle smiled, 'it's just good to see you both, I swear a Christmas with you all and even the FBI agents would have been a lot more peaceful,' she admitted.

'Care to explain when you get back?' Hellboy suggested, Belle nodding with a smile as Abe then went to speak to her.

'Thank you so much for your gift,' he said softly, Belle smiling as Hellboy added his thanks for the large box filled with "Baby Ruth" bars, before going for a wander around the gardens discreetly, leaving them to talk.

'So Hellboy couldn't resist,' Belle laughed,

'Apparently not, but I have to say I've never gotten anything like what you gave to me…' he remarked, 'A turtle dove'

'Yes, have you never heard of the tradition behind them?'

'I don't believe so; I only know they are commonly found in pairs...'

'Yes, but the tradition is that with a pair of doves, you keep one for yourself, and give the other to someone who is very special to you. It then means that you will always be together, even when you are apart.' Looking at her for a moment as he felt himself feeling overwhelmed with an emotion that left him unsure of what to say to her, Belle was distracted as she heard others coming outside after seeing the snow fall.

'We'd best move, unless ya really want us to make this a party,' Hellboy grinned as he joined them once again,

'Well…I'll see you both in a few days, take care, and Red, try not to do anything too reckless,' Belle grinned,

'Oh you know I will,' he smirked, pulling her into a one armed hug before standing back as Belle looked back to Abe.

'Promise me you'll have a good Christmas?' she smiled

'I will…I hope you have a good time with your family, though we'll be waiting for you to come back,' Abe responded, Belle putting her arms around him in a gentle embrace as she whispered in his thoughts Merry Christmas…standing back, Belle kept hold of Abe's hands just for that moment, feeling the warmth of his leather gloves against them, and feeling reluctant to walk away.

It was only as she left them however, that Belle heard a response in her mind as she came to stand with her family, Belle missing what James said to her as she heard Merry Christmas Belle…I'll keep your gift close…and Thankyou...for doing all you have…even though you don't realise what it is… he uttered softly, a smile gracing Belle's lips as she looked back, knowing that they were still keeping an eye on her…if only from afar…

So I hope that you all enjoyed it, I have to admit, if people are wondering about Belle's adoration for the festive season, my room as it stands is a winter wonderland of decorations...as is the rest of the house...^.^

So that probably explains some of that, but as of this chapter onwards, the plot will most certainly thicken, and I can only hope you have enjoyed this chapter...but again I apologise for the delay and for the probable lack in my mood on this authors note which is so very different from my usually bright mood..

As always, reading your reviews and seeing them is very much appreciated, thankyou to all those who take their time to review!

Thankyou and goodnight!

~x-xMasqueradeAngelx-x