A/n: I really wanted to bring Connor into this fic; I feel that he will be a good friend for Bella

A/n: I really wanted to bring Connor into this fic; I feel that he will be a good friend for Bella. Since this story is set at the end of Angel Series 2 since that is when Buffy dies after the whole Key business Angel would have already slept with Darla meaning she would be pregnant with Connor. Pretend a lot of the Connor storyline has happened, this chapter is now set at just after Connor has returned from Quortoth but he has not sunk Angel into the ocean yet. Bella is now adept at fighting and could hold her own against vampires and some demons.

Chapter Six: To Protect and Love

“Hello Connor.” Bella said, turning from the vampire she had just staked.

“Hello Bella.” Connor asked looking over the smaller (but older) teen.

“Thanks for your help.” Bella said. She had been in over her head and Connor had jumped down from a rooftop and into the fight, saving her.

“I’ll see you.” Connor said and disappeared like Angel and Spike do.

Sighing, Bella turned and walked down to the alley, pocketing her stake as she went. Alert, she walked down into the sewer and back towards the hotel. She was wearing a leather jacket that Spike had bought her after her first successful patrol, jeans and heavy boots. She had stakes strapped onto her arms and a dagger in the waist band of her jeans and one in the side of her boot. She had a stake in each pocket, including the inside pocket, of her jacket. Her red hair was tied back into a plait to keep out of her eyes.

About a mile into the sewers Connor joined her. She looked at him; he was wearing a leather jacket similar to her, jeans, boots, the same weapons etc…

“Everything go okay?” She asked quietly.

“Yeah, just some normal vampires. Easy kill.” Connor said to her.

“Wanna get some coffee?” Bella asked.

“Why not.” They exited the sewer and walked the few blocks to the diner. They sat down in a booth near the back exit.

“What can I get ya?” A waitress asked them.

“Two coffees. I would also like some fries please.” Bella asked politely.

“And can I get a sausage sandwich.” Connor added. The waitress nodded and walked off.

“What time is Angel and Spike expecting us back?” Connor questioned.

“Around 3. Its 1 now, so we have enough time to eat and have another sweep of the area before heading home.” Bella answered.

The waitress returned with their coffees. They sat silently for a while before their food arrived. Bella covered her fries in tomato sauce and salt and began to eat. Connor grimaced and added a small amount of salt and sauce before digging in. Once they had finished, they paid and headed out and down a nearby alley.

After about 15 minutes, they ran across a group of vampires. They quickly leapt in and fought them, somehow ending up on the roof. When the last vampire was dusted, they sighed. It was time to start heading back to the hotel.

“I have a quicker way to get down.” Connor said and he held his hand out to her. “Do you trust me?”

“Yes.” Bella said and took the hand. She was swept into his arms bridle style and he jumped off the side of the building with her. Bella let out a squeal and held tighter to Connor. Once on the ground Connor placed her on her own feet.

Smiling she looked at him. “We need to do that again sometime. Better not tell Spike though…he’d have your head.” She said seriously with a twinkle in her eyes.

“I may be reckless at times, but I’m not stupid.” Connor said, Bella linked arms with him and they headed down to the sewer. When Connor had tried to leave the hotel when he came back, Bella convinced him to stay, and after saving her life a few dozen times, he became close to Bella. They had a weird brother/sister bond and sometimes were seen holding hands, cuddling, linking arms. To the disgust of the pair, they were mistaken as a couple more times than they could count.

Connor had also taken a shine to Gunn and Cordelia and got along reasonably well with Fred and Wes. He wouldn’t speak to Lorne, but he didn’t attack him anymore, so there was an improvement. He was fine around Spike; it was Spike who was wary. He said Connor would lead his Niblet into danger. Connor had most problems with Angel. Angel was trying to be a good father, but sometimes tried to forbid him from going on patrol since he was scared that Connor would get hurt. It was one of the reasons Bella was allowed to start patrol.

They came up from the basement and into the lobby; Fred and Cordelia were waiting for them, the first aid kit ready. Cordelia rushed up to both and hugged them. She was followed by Fred. Bella accepted her hugs happily while Connor accepted his stiffly. However, since he used to duck out of the way of hugs, it was an improvement.

“Everything go okay?” Cordelia asked. They both nodded.

“Any injuries?” Fred inquired.

“Nope, I’m fine.” Bella said.

“Me too.” Connor mumbled.

“Good, now go shower and get yourselves to bed.” Cordelia said, making shooing motions at them.

“Where’s Angel and Spike?” Connor asked.

“Out on patrol.” Fred said, as she put away the first aid kit.

“Okay.” Connor said and left for his rooms. Bella smiled and hugged Fred and Cordy goodnight and then followed Connor.

Later, Spike and Angel went to check on the teens and found Connor’s room empty to their surprise. They then went to check on Bella. Inside they found the teens curled up on the bed deep asleep. They glided in silently and pulled the covers over the teens, making sure the windows were secure before heading to their own room. You never knew when demons would try and attack.

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Connor ducked a fist from a large scaly demon and did a sweeping kick under its legs. He was taken by surprise when the demon got up quickly and back handed him. Connor let out a groan as he flew back a few feet. Bella got out a gun, which had been added to their arsenal, and began to fire. She gave small noises of distress when the demon just continued towards her.

“Connor!” Bella screamed, and Connor ran towards the demon. He leapt forward onto the demon’s back and gave Bella the distraction she needed to move further back from the demon. Connor gave a scream as he was thrown into the wall and fell to the floor unconscious.

Bella began to head towards Connor to try and get them both out of there. The demon rushed towards her and she threw out her hand, making a crate smash into the demon. When it seemed to have some effect, she began waving her arms frantically, sending crate after crate at the demon.

The demon got through though and gave a loud roar, moving quickly towards her. Bella gave a scream and was tossed into the floor, landing next to Connor. Bella didn’t fall unconscious though, and she cradled her now broken wrist to herself and struggled into a sitting position in front of Connor. She sobbed quietly out of fright and pain.

The demon raised its clawed hand up and roared, bringing the hand down. Bella screamed, and the doors to the warehouse flew open as two enraged roars filled the room. Bella looked over and smiled through her tears at Angel and Spike, who stood in the doorway, armed to the teeth, game faces snarling at the monster.

Bella didn’t really recall the fight all that well. She had slumped down onto the floor, holding her wrist and crying, Connor was unconscious. Bella just heard roars and crashes until there was silence.

“Bella!” Spike’s voice rang out. Bella opened her eyes to see the blonde vampire, still in game face, looking at her. “What hurts?” He asked urgently.

“My wrist.” Bella whimpered. Spike scooped her carefully into his arms and looked over at his sire, who was cradling Connor in his arms.

“Let’s go home.”

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