Hello! First off, I don't even want to acknowledge how long it has been since I updated this fanfic, let alone my others. :/ I do apologise to all my readers for the massive delay and will admit that I was in hiatus. This was due to a lot of issues that I had to deal with and therefore could not dedicate much time to my writing due to this. It was also due to a lack of motivation and inspiration to write from the other problems I was having to deal with. Though as I have learnt in the past two years, unfortunately, when experiencing such problems, my writing is the first thing to be affected, especially when it was a loss of a relative that sparked the chain. But despite this; I am back and officially OUT of hiatus. Therefore I will be working to sort out my updates and fanfic's, submitting new fanfic's and bringing this the attention it deserves.
Thankyou for all of those who have stuck with me and gotten my review count so high. For all of you, ladies and gentlemen, I bring you the newest chapter…
Much love to my readers…& enjoy!
~x-xMasqueradeAngelx-x
Rain; a powerful element of nature, that is often seen with mixed views by people across the world. Some view it as a blessing in times of high drought and others view it as a simple inconvenience to the day. Though others see it as peaceful and find listening to steady rainfall as soothing as sitting by the fire on a cold winter's night.
Yet for Belle Lucivia, her current situation left her unable to find any appreciation for the heavy rain that battered the surface of her windscreen as she drove towards Connecticut. With the severe weather and dimmed light putting a strain on her already restricted view of the road, Belle was never the less pressing on, despite her anxieties about driving in such conditions. Though home was the very thought that kept her going throughout her long journey. Home…Connecticut. As her Mercedes cruised along the open roads, Belle thought about her Uncle's suggestion of getting a car more suited to her needs. Something more up to spec in comparison to her "s" class Mercedes, with an upgrade being a high recommendation by her strong minded Uncle. In all honesty, Belle had considered the change of a car in knowing she had owned her Mercedes for a couple of years and that it was a car she was associated with. Though she would be sad to part with it. Yet these thoughts did not keep her distracted for long as she found little to comfort her on the long drive. The weather was bleak, testing both her tired eyes and windscreen wipers as she strained to keep a solid focus on the road ahead.
With the knowledge that she could be followed at any time, Belle kept her speed above the limit, taking advantage of the quiet roads. She was determined not to stop off overnight. The thought of a familiar bed bringing some hope to her, though nothing gave her more of a comfort than her Samoyed…
Hearing a low whine, Belle turned her attention to Chance who had clearly sensed the tension radiating from his mistress. With his head coming to rest in the crook of her arm between her upper and forearm, Belle couldn't help but smile as she looked down at him, amethyst eyes meeting blue as he studied her with some intent. 'Not long now Chance,' she breathed, her expression softening as she reached a hand over and tousled his fur, Chance responding by nuzzling up into her palm, making her smile in the weak light. It was moments like this which reminded Belle that life still had these moments where you could forget the world for a while, even if they were harder to come by. As she recalled the past few weeks; Belle acknowledged all that she had learned in that time. Yet seeing Hellboy reminded the young clairvoyant just how much she missed the life she had tried to run from, in an attempt to protect her loved ones. Her family, her friends, Abe… Abe…
As the thought entered her mind, unexpected and unwelcome, she was reminded of the hurt he had subjected her too. The lack of contact, the seemingly cold way in which he had left her not knowing if he was okay. She wondered if he'd missed her, or perhaps if he had realised she was not enough for him…
No... With sadness in her eyes, Belle resolved she could not allow herself to give into her wayward thoughts. It was so easy to think the worse…her heart clenching painfully at the thought of it all…and despite her disappointment in him, Belle still longed to see her merman, even though she couldn't anticipate how he, or even she herself, would react.
~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~
As Belle got within the city limits of Connecticut, she was grateful as the golden glow from the streetlamps relieved some of the pressure on her headlights in the midst of the torrential rain. Despite this, Belle took a detour from her destination, her car slowing considerably as she passed her family home, a twinge of guilt surging through her mind as she thought how worried her parents would be. Yet she knew it were better to return when she was well rested and able to explain how she was going to proceed with the danger that she was in. Though for a few moments, she took in the grounds and the large house that was only a short distance away…the very place she had grown up for the best part of the last ten years after moving there to fit in with her Father's work. The fond memories were ones that kept Belle going that night as she finally continued her trip, knowing that she would return and set things straight. But not tonight. Reaching the long; winding roads that led to the home in which Belle had spent the best part of the last few months, she felt a sense of relief in knowing that she would soon be able to succumb to the sleep that threatened to consume her.
1:36am. As Belle drove down the familiar driveway that led to the beautiful stately home in which Belle was so used too, she couldn't help but smile as she finally pulled up outside. With her Mercedes lights shining long shadows over the marble steps that led to the entrance for a brief moment, the house was once again in darkness as Belle turned off the ignition. Feeling the car still as the engine fell silent, for a moment, Belle merely sat and leant back into the seat, Chance taking the opportunity to lift himself up on his front paws and nuzzle his nose into her cheek making her giggle softly. 'Okay,' she smiled sleepily, 'we'll go inside, but be quiet,' she remarked, looking her beautiful white dog in the eyes as she hoped that she would go without disturbing anyone. Deciding to leave her cases in the trunk, Belle stepped out into the rain that had, for the time being, become less forceful. With Chance running at ease beside her, Belle darted to the porch, her Samoyed shaking off the water running down his back when they got underneath the shelter of the porch. 'Lovely…' she murmured, feeling the effects of the damp weather as she shivered, her key finally finding the door and with one swift motion, she was finally inside. Cold; wet and utterly exhausted.
Closing the door, the last thing Belle expected was for anyone to be up at such an hour, though as she half turned, she felt Chance curl around the back of her legs. Seeing a figure in the shadows, Belle's breath caught with apprehension as she strained to see through the darkness. Though it was in that instant that a strained voice spoke out, speaking her name as Belle saw Liz stepping forward; holstering what looked like a gun as she suddenly launched herself at the clairvoyant, throwing her arms around her. 'Hey,' she smiled, being both surprised by Liz's actions as well as feeling welcomed by them.
'I saw the headlights as you drove up…Hellboy had said you might come back, but well, things have been pretty tense around here since you left…you just don't know what to expect right now.'
'I know the feeling,' Belle responded in a less than savoury tone, noting the pair of milk bottles Liz held in her free hand as she finally released Belle from her hold.
'Come and sit down, you must be exhausted after driving all this way…' she trailed off, hardly noticing Chance until they got into the living room where Liz flicked on a lamp by the sofa as she came to sit down. 'Looks like you brought a friend.'
'Yes,' Belle smiled fondly, Chance sniffing around a little in caution, before deeming it safe after seemingly noticing the way his mistress seemed so relaxed and contented. So finally; as if having a large weight relieved from him, Chance lay out on the floor, his white mane of fur resting against Belle's legs, ensuring when she moved, that he would know about it.
'He's sweet, not sure how Red's cats will take to him, but I gotta say it's refreshing to see a dog round here for a change,' Liz smiled, though as she looked beside Belle and at the handbag Belle had perched beside her on the sofa, her expression fell. 'Haven't you got any of your stuff with you?'
'It's in the trunk, I was just going to sort it out in the morning. I'm too tired to even think about luggage right now,' Belle responded softly.
'I'm not surprised, you must be tired,' Liz mused, though Belle felt almost like something weren't right. Choosing not to say anything, an image of fire entered Belle's vision, making her shudder involuntarily. Something had been bothering Liz and after some time away, Belle could see it…though how it linked to the insight in Liz's mind, she wasn't sure.
'How about you?' she offered softly, 'and the twins, how are you getting on?'
'Well, I'm exhausted, getting three hours sleep a night if I'm lucky, constantly trying to juggle two babies instead of one and I can't be without them…,' Liz commented smiled, Belle feeling an overwhelming warmth towards her friend. She knew Liz had been terrified at the prospect of becoming a mother, but it made her smile to see how well the pyrokinetic was handling motherhood.
'Well, I won't keep the little ones from their milk; we can talk more in the morning. But Liz, congratulations again, and thankyou…' Belle offered softly, standing with Liz and seeing her look of mild surprise.
'What are you thanking me for?'
'Just, having me back, I know I come with a lot of burdens…'
'Join the club, but you know we wouldn't have it any other way. The circumstances aren't great. But it'll work itself out. These things always do…especially if Red has anything to do with that. He always gets lucky at the last moment. I just hope that luck rubs off.'
'Me too…' Belle replied sadly. More than you know… the thought, exhaling a small sigh when Liz put an arm around her.
'Everything will be okay; you know we'll help you through this. No matter what,' Liz reassured her, Belle nodding as Chance curled around her legs, the young clairvoyant looking forward to falling asleep. Just to forget for a while…forget all that she was afraid of.
~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~
Upon leaving Chance in her room; Belle had taken a moment to take in the familiarity of the home she had spent the best part of the last half a year in. Yet it was only as she decided to go to the one room that had her burning with curiosity; that a wave of nostalgia washed over her. As memories crossed through her mind of the first time she entered that room, Belle felt a sweeping sensation of warmth run course through her as she reached for the door handle to Abe's room and library. Opening the door silently; Belle peered into the room she knew all too well. Being greeted by the comforting sound of classical music, the room had not changed. With dim lights glowing by the arms of the sofa and the rain pounding hard against the windows, Belle felt contented to be inside…safe, warm and home…
As Belle leant in the doorway for that moment, she could clearly see Abe, sleeping in the large tank of water that had been specially fitted to cater to his needs. Yet as she stood there, she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her heartbeat, her breath hitching as the feelings she had supressed began to surface. Lifting herself up, Belle finally stepped into the room, closing the door with caution as her eyes darted around to ensure Abe had not been woken. Then; on light feet, Belle walked into the room, shrugging out of her long cardigan that had hugged her figure over the white sleeveless dress she wore. With a scoop neck and a form fitting shape, the dress was drawn in at the waist by a thin black belt. With the skirt reaching a couple of inches above knee length, it was adorned with small black spots, a pair of cream coloured heels matching her jacket as she went to sit down on the sofa. Leaning back, Belle looked up at the tank as her eyes softened in the weak light. Wondering idly how Abe would react to her return in the morning, Belle began to consider if she was doing the right thing by being there. Yet something in her mind reassured her, comforted her, whether it was the good memories she had held in this room with him. Or perhaps the simple comfort of being with him; she didn't know. But as the prominent exhaustion she felt began to capture her in its downward spiral, Belle rose her legs up and curled them beneath her on the sofa, draping her cardigan over her shoulders as she rested her head against the arm of the sofa and looked up at Abe. As her eyes sleepily trailed his serene features, his remarkable body and toned physique, Belle couldn't help the brief smile that touched her lips…and for the first time in weeks, Belle slept…
~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~
Six am. All was quiet. The children were fed and happily dozing in a light slumber, their parents using the time to catch up on some sleep of their own as they cuddled together in the large king sized bed that held them both comfortably…and despite the continuing rain, all was calm. But it was at that time in which Abe stirred from his sleep, the merman's eyes having no trouble seeing in the dim light. Though they were heavy…
Drifting lazily in the water, Abe had almost succumbed to the weariness of the early hour, when something made Abe open his eyes. Looking down before him, no more than three metres away from the tank was Belle.
Swimming to the pane of glass that separated them, Abe rested a hand against the cool surface. Feeling his gills expand quietly, his breathing combined with it, creating a soft bubbling in the water. Gazing intently at this beautiful girl that he had not seen for so many weeks, Abe wondered what he should do. Part of him wanted to go down to her; wrap his arms around her and tell her how sorry he was. Yet he refrained. Would she be mad? Upset? He hadn't intended for all this to happen. Being away from Belle had pained him more than he could say, though it had also given him time to wonder if he was only adding to her troubles by involving himself with her. He had seen the way that Belle's parents had looked upon him, the words still prominent in his mind, monster…freak… the hurtful words uttered in their thoughts as they understandably wanted this strange creature away from their daughter. Even though he would never harm her…Or perhaps in doing this, he had already harmed her in a way he had not intended.
Feeling unable to simply float before her, Abe swam to the surface with ease, his arms flexing as he pulled himself up expertly out of the water. Then; upon drying himself off lightly with a towel, Abe crossed the landing and walked quietly down the stairs towards her. In the light of the lamp beside her; Abe noticed the pale colour of her complexion as he got near to her, her sleep going undisturbed as Abe deftly crouched down before her. Until that moment the merman had not realised how much his body ached to be near to her, seeing her golden blonde hair, every feature of her face being perfect to him, despite the evident exhaustion that was present. Whilst asleep, her expression was peaceful, seemingly untroubled and relaxed. Smiling softly, Abe wanted to touch her, to feel the gentle warmth that he had only felt from her skin. Yet even that; he feared, he would be reprimanded for. Raising a hand lightly, silently, Abe opened his palm and for the first time, openly took an insight into Belle's mind.
Being careful not to pry too much, Abe felt the feelings that were so close to the surface, the feelings for him that made the merman blush a deeper tone on of blue as his gills expanded once more. Though in an unguarded moment, Abe unintentionally reached his hand out, his fingertips a mere inch from her hand when she moved slightly, the merman immediately withdrawing his actions upon regaining some composure. Watching as she curled up even closer, a small sigh escaped Belle's lips as she softly breathed his name in her sleep.
'Abe…'
Looking at her with such love and care in his eyes, Abe began to feel the depth of the remorse for how he had neglected her. Rising slowly to his feet, Abe took one last fleeting glance at Belle and crossed the room to the bed in the corner where only a few weeks before, he had taken care of her. As the unwelcome images of her so badly hurt came flooding into his thoughts, the merman tried to ignore it as he removed the duvet from the bed. Returning to her, Abe carefully draped the duvet over her for additional warmth, leaning down beside her once more as he gazed at her, seeing that he had not disturbed her as he then decided it was best to leave her to sleep for a while longer. Resisting the urge to lightly brush his lips against hers, Abe simply brushed a stray hair from her face and tucked it gently back behind her ear, whispered thoughts of him passing through his telekinetic abilities as he smiled softly at her. Even then; at that moment Abe knew, he would not allow himself to go without telling Belle how he truly felt…
Not for a second time…
Well there you go! I hope you all enjoyed the newest chapter and take comfort in knowing I have already written a page of the next chapter. As I stated at the beginning I am now out of hiatus and would really appreciate any feedback/reviews!
Thankyou to everyone who has taken the time to read this and keep on following it.
New update to follow in the next week!
Goodnight!
~x-xMasqueradeAngelx-x