Coming Together

Author: Angel’s Kuuipo

Rating: R-NC-17ish

Pairing: Angel/Original Character, Willow/Original Character, Spike/Original Character

Distribution: Red’s Soulmates, FanFiction.net; Anyone who wants it just ask.  I’ll say yes, just want to know where it’s going.

Disclaimer: Lacey, Nico, Kassie, Trick and a few other assorted minors are mine.  Angel and Co. belong to Joss and David (Greenwalt).  David Boreanaz, Andy Hallet, Amy Acker, J. August Richards, James Marsters, Alexis Denisof, Christian Kane and the band Kane belong to themselves (and/or significant others).  The song ‘L.A.’ belongs to David Greenwalt.  No infringement or insult is intended.

Author Note: My own twisted little universe, but they like me there.  Feedback would be fabu.  Be honest but please be kind.  Fragile ego and all that.?  Because I forgot to do it in my first story and because she encouraged me to start writing in the first place I dedicate this to my bud Cari.  She understands about the nightmares of doing horrible things to penguins with croquet mallets and first told me about that ‘special hell’. *grin*

Author Note 2:  This is my first attempt at love scenes.  Really hope they don’t suck.

Summary:  TV and reality collide in a most interesting way

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~Part: 1~

“How fabulous is this?”  Lacey asked excitedly, bouncing around like a five year old, while looking around the venue of the LA Comic Book Convention.

“You really need to calm down Lace,” her best friend Kassie said smiling.  “If you don’t I’ll have to pretend I don’t know you.”

“Piss off.  I’m happy damnit.  You’re here visiting, it’s Friday night, always a cause for celebration, and I found a job I love or at least I think I’ll love it once I start.  I can’t imagine me not loving it.  I mean I’ll be working for the cast of Angel for crying out loud.  I know I don’t need the job and it’s only temporary, being it’s the seventh and final season but still…”

“Yeah, yeah.  Don’t remind me…bitch.”  All this said with a twinkle in her eye.

“Wanker.  You know you’ll live vicariously through me…oh, oh my, is that Andy Hallet?  Ooo, Kassie introduce me.  I know you know him.”  At her friends strange look Lacey said, “I know I’ll meet him on Monday, but it would be nice to get the awkwardness out of the way now, ya know?”

“Fine, let’s go.”  As they walked toward the actor lounging by the elevators Lacey noticed a tall, pale, exceedingly handsome, dark haired man by the fountain.  <Holy Gods, he’s beautiful.  Looks a lot like David Boreanaz but I know it’s not…and he’s looking at me…no he’s looking at Kassie.  Mmmm…gotta love those leather pants and silk shirt, always a good combination…and the black duster, nice.  Wonder if he’s fan, what with the whole ‘ode to Angel’ look.  Oh that reminds me Kass and I have to go shopping.>  Straightening her shoulders and tucking a strand of rich dark reddish brown hair behind her ear she turned her attention back to her friend as they reached the elevators.  Thus, she didn’t notice the way the dark haired stranger stared at her retreating form.

<Wow.  That redhead is stunning.  Reminds me a bit of Willow.  Her walk…I haven’t seen a pair of jeans look that good in a while and who knew a white men’s dress shirt could look so sexy.  That thing she does with her shoulders, like she’s shaking off a bad thought…I want to meet her>, Angel thought to himself as he watched her and her friend talk to the actor that portrayed Lorne on his show.  He smiled a little wondering how the actors would react if they knew they were portraying actual people, er…beings.

Joss may get the credit for “creating” Buffy and Angel, but it was Angel who had introduced Joss to that world by letting him have access to the journals of the ‘White Hats’ and the Watcher Diaries.  Each member of the gang had kept detailed records of their experiences.  And after the Watcher’s council was destroyed Angel had collected as many of the Diaries as he could find.  He had let Joss create the shows using information he had found in the archives.  Joss and his team were amazingly creative in constructing the Buffy and Angelverses in this time period considering the actual events had occurred more than a hundred years earlier.

Angel enjoyed these conventions, watching fans flock to meet the actors, listening to what they said about the show.  He took pride in the fact that Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel the Series had such a loyal following.  As he made his way over to the trio chatting by the elevators he found himself wondering who the two women with Andy were.

“I really am looking forward to working with everyone.  I used to love acting.  I mean I still love it, but it’s just not me anymore.  I’m more of a make phone calls, type up anything you want, file it away, get you a cup of coffee, deal with annoying people kind of girl now and I’m babbling so I’ll shut up…”Lacey ground to a halt biting her lip and blushing. <Bloody hell, I’m blushing.  I don’t blush anymore!  I usually don’t babble either.  You managed to get this job without falling apart so get it together already!>  “Kassie, quit looking at me like I’ve grown another head.  I’m nervous.  You know if I’m nervous I either babble uncontrollably or don’t say anything at all.”

Andy looked on amusedly, “Don’t worry sweet, you’ll get over it soon enough.  Just stick with me and you’ll be fine.  Hey I put Amy at ease soon enough.” <She really is a sweetheart.  David is going to drive her absolutely batty, but I think she’s got enough spirit to hold her own with him.  Anyone who’s going to be at the beck and call of the cast has to have plenty of fire.>

“Yeah you made her cry her first day on the set, Andy.”  Kassie said rolling her eyes.  She looked around and noticed a guy coming towards them.  A very good-looking guy coming towards them and he was looking at Lacey like he wanted to just eat her up.  <Oh yum.  I really hope he is interested in her.  She needs someone to show her how great she is.  I think she’s ready now.  He’s almost here…oh this could be good>, Kassie thought.  She turned to Andy and said, “ Hey Andy, do you know that tall dark haired guy coming towards us?”

Andy looked up and saw Liam McAilaster approaching them.  He smiled widely as he saw the look on his friends face.  Liam was focused intently on the short redhead standing next to him.  He glanced at Lacey and saw her eyes widen and she took a step back as she watched him walk up.  Andy looked at Kassie.  She had noticed her friends’ reaction as well.  Meeting her eye, Andy winked and she nodded.  They had some matchmaking to do.

“Liam!  I didn’t know you were coming by tonight.  Kassie, Lacey I’d like you to meet a very good friend of mine, Liam McAilaster.”  He clapped Angel on the back as he made the introductions.  Angel shook Kassie’s hand then turned to Lacey who looked like she was trying to melt into the potted plant next to the elevator.  She was very pale and had the most beautiful pair of light green eyes, which made her rich dark auburn hair all the more brilliant and her maroon tinted lips stand out as her most striking feature.  <Damn, she’s pretty and apparently terrified of me.  Wonder why that is?>

“Lacey?  It’s a pleasure to meet you.”  He smiled as he took her hand a placed a kiss on the back of it.  As he did he noticed the rings she wore.  One was a band with the Claddagh symbols engraved into it along with trinity knots and faced in with the heart closed.  Glancing back at Kassie he noticed she wore the same ring.  The other was a standard Claddagh, similar to his own, except the heart on hers was an amethyst and faced out with the heart open, as did his. <Wonder what that means?  Is she available?  I certainly hope so.>  He looked at her left hand and noticed a pale circle around her ring finger.  <Hmmm.  Can’t wait to find out her story.>

Lacey snapped out of her stupor when his lips touched her hand.  <Ohmigod.  I thought he was beautiful at a distance.  Up close, well he should be illegal.>  He was tall, probably around 6’1”, his short, thick dark brown hair was threaded with gold and was tousled like he spent a lot of time running his fingers through it and his face...his face was darkly angelic… he looked like Lucifer after the fall.  She looked into his smiling dark brown eyes and forgot to breathe.  She gave herself a mental shake and smiled, “Liam.  An unusual name nowadays, but it’s beginning to make a comeback.  You’re Irish?”  <That was good.  Not too original, but not embarrassing.  I’m not scared of him.  That’s very much of the good.  Why am I not scared?>

He looked mildly surprised at the question, but answered readily, “Yes I am.  What about you?  With the pale skin and red hair I’d have to think you are too.”

“You have to look back a few generations, but yes I am.  However, the hair color has had some help from Clairol and as for the pale skin, well I don’t like the sun.   It makes me sleepy.  I lost the ability to tan years ago.  I think I was a vampire in a former life.”  Angel’s eyes widened slightly as she said this.  The way she spoke so casually about the undead made him wonder if she knew that there really were things that went bump in the night out there.  He definitely wanted to know this girl better.

Kassie and Andy watched on in silent amusement at the two talked.  Kassie couldn’t believe Lacey’s opening line was about this gorgeous guy’s heritage.  But then it shouldn’t really surprise her either.  Lacey was completely oblivious when it came to flirting.  But, Liam was looking interested so it must be working.

Andy for his part was completely taken with the redhead.  She had seemed terrified when Liam first approached, but had recovered beautifully.  Andy definitely wanted the girl as a friend.  She was going to be a lot of fun.  He also had a feeling as he watched the two talk that Liam had met his match.  He leaned over to Kassie and whispered, “Looks like we won’t have to do much of anything though I thought she was going to pass out when he first came up.”

“I know.  She’s never really dated that much.  She used to be quite shy and hasn’t done the whole single scene bit.  She’s pretty much a lamb amongst wolves.  He won’t try anything stupid will he?” Kassie asked as the other pair turned back to them.  As Andy shook his head in response she and Andy both smiled brightly.

Lacey took a good look at Kassie and groaned.  Liam looked at her curiously and she said, “ Excuse me for a moment, please.  I need to speak with my ‘friend’.”  She grabbed Kassie’s arm and they walked a short distance away.  “Please tell me you’re not plotting something.  I know that look on your face.  You’re going to do something to embarrass me aren’t you?”

“Of course not.  I would never do anything like that,” Kassie tried to respond as innocently as possible.  At the look Lacey gave her she turned serious, “Honestly, I’m not going to try to embarrass you.  I think you’re finally ready to meet someone.  I do, however, want to point out just how yummy your new pal is.  And he is totally into you.    I want to make sure you realize that.  And don’t argue.  I know what I’m talking about.”  The last was said as Lacey flushed and opened her mouth to protest.

“Right.  If you…” Lacey broke off as a wave of dizziness hit her and her right arm started to shake.  She pulled Kassie into what looked like a friendly hug and whispered, “Hold me up.  I’m going under.”  Then Lacey’s eyes rolled into the back of her head and she was gone.  Kassie looked around nervously hoping the guys wouldn’t notice anything was wrong.  It had been a while since Lacey had had a ‘remembrance’ as she called them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

While the girls were having their conversation Angel looked at Andy who had a Cheshire cat grin on his face, “What?”

“Oh nothing, nothing at all.  It’s just I haven’t seen you that focused on a woman in…well ever.”  As Andy said this he moved to avoid getting hit up side the head.  Andy then noticed that Liam wasn’t paying attention to him anymore.  He was staring intently at the two girls who were hugging a short distance away.

Angel had felt a rush of power swirl in the air around them and it seemed to focus around Lacey.  She was hugging Kassie then her body jerked like it had been hit with jolt of electricity.  She opened her eyes and looked right at him, but didn’t seem to see him.  <Odd.  I wonder what that was all about.>

Turning his attention back to his friend he asked, “Am I that obvious?”

“To Kassie and I…yeah, to Red over there?  Nope.  I’ve only known her for about fifteen minutes, but I can tell you she has no idea how appealing she is.  You’ll have to go slow my friend.  Look, the others will be here in a few minutes so we can get something to eat before the next session.  Why don’t we all go to Harry’s and maybe we’ll find out more about her.”

“You don’t want her for yourself?”

“First of all, she’s not a knick knack to be collected and you will do well to remember that.  And secondly, I’m going to be working with her and you know that I don’t get involved with co-workers.”

“Is she a new actress?”

“No.  She’s going to be the cast’s Beck and Call Girl.  And I don’t mean that in the Pretty Woman sense of the phrase.  She’s going to be kind of like our own personal assistant on set.  If David, J., Amy, Alexis, James or myself need anything done she’ll do it.  She’ll also field the swarms of people who try to get at us during the day.  The group of hangers-on we have now has been consolidated into that neat little package that’s heading our way.  We’ll get food and talk more.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lacey opened her eyes and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.  She pulled out of Kassie’s arms, looked at her friend and gave her a small smile.  “I’m okay Kass.  Just having a ‘Matrix Moment’.”

“Yeah, well you just scared the hell out of me.  I’d forgotten how quick it could hit you.  What if you’d been driving, huh?”

“I do have some warning.  That’s what the merry-go-round dizziness and lovely little uncontrollable shaking of limbs is for.  I can usually keep it together long enough to get somewhere safe.  Now that I know what to expect I do alright.”

“Uh huh.  So what did you ‘download’ this time?”

“I can now kick ass in every way imaginable, hand to hand, weapons you name it I can do it and teach it.  Apparently in a past life I was one hell of a fighter.  Unfortunately, I think this means I’m going to have to put my newly remembered ‘skills’ to work.  I used to think my ‘remembering’ was a random thing.  But I finally noticed that the skills and memories I received wound up being useful in a current situation.  That’ll be just great.  How’s it going to look if I show up to work with a black eye or something?”

“Make friends with the make-up department and you’ll be fine.  Are you sure you’re okay?  You still look incredibly pale.”

“I always look incredibly pale.  It’s part of my charm.  I’m a little tired, but otherwise I’m fine.  Come on.  Let’s not keep those two hotties waiting anymore.  I’d like to get know Liam better.  He seems really nice.”  Lacey looked over and noticed him watching her with a thoughtful look on his face.  She blushed <what the hell is up with the blushing tonight?> and gave him a small smile and he grinned back at her as she and Kassie made their way back to the two men.

“Andy thinks we should get food.  What do you two lovely ladies think of that plan?”  Liam asked as the two women rejoined them.

“Sounds good.  Where to?”  Kassie looked at Andy and winked.  He grinned back, nodding slightly.  Yeah, all they really needed to do was sit back and let nature take its course.

“Um, I don’t care.  Somewhere that offers something in chocolate for later.”  Lacey said.

“As soon as the others get here we’ll go to Harry’s.  They’ve got great food and the most to die for chocolate cake you could imagine,” Angel said enjoying the way Lacey and Kassie’s eyes glazed over at the mention of chocolate cake.

“Mmmm…chocolate cake.  Oh yeah, that sounds good,” Lacey moaned then came back to herself when she heard Kassie giggle and noticed Andy trying to hide a huge grin.  Liam was looking somewhat pained after hearing her moan about the cake.  Blushing <again with the blushing!  Get it together tosser> she mumbled, “Who’s driving or can we walk?  Wait.  Others?  What others?”

Andy took pity on the girl, “We can walk.  It’s only a few blocks from here.  And the others are my cast mates.  And here they are now.”

~Part: 2~

With something akin to dread, both Kassie and Lacey turned wide-eyed as they were joined by some of the most talented and best looking actors in Hollywood.  <Oh yeah.  I am so prepared to meet these people.  Not.  I still can’t believe I’m going to be working for them.  Guess now’s as good a time as any to get over being star struck, huh?>  Lacey looked at Kassie and had to try really hard not to burst out laughing.  The look on her face was priceless.  Lacey understood though.  It was one thing to be around Andy whom Kassie had known for a couple of years.  It was quite another to find yourself surrounded by the entire cast of your favorite show.  Especially David, who Lacey knew Kassie lusted after in a BIG way.  They’d had many a conversation over what would happen if she ever met her dream man, but the reality of the situation was quite different.

“Andy, Liam who are your friends?” David asked as he looked over the two women.  Angel stiffened slightly as he noticed the way the guys were all looking at them.  Lacey didn’t seem to notice the appreciative gazes though Kassie did and just accepted it as her due.  They were guys after all.  Lacey found her voice, husky though it was and spoke, “I’m Lacey Raines, your new on set assistant and this is my best friend Kassie MacKenna.”

The newcomers looked at each other then looked at her again.  As one they all piped up, “Welcome to the loony bin.”  Everyone laughed.

Kassie looked back and forth between Angel and David, “Has anyone ever told you, you two could be twins?”

They looked at each other then back at her, “You think so?  It has been mentioned before.  Personally, can’t really see it myself.”  Angel said dryly knowing full well that David had been cast in part for his resemblance to him.  It didn’t hurt that the guy was an amazing actor as well.  They laughed and Kassie just shook her head.

Andy said, “I’m hungry.  Let’s go.”  As the group made their way out of the hotel Andy asked, “So Red, tell us about yourself.  Where’re you from? What brought you to LA?  You know the whole ‘Life and Times of Lacey Raines’.”

“Come on guys, you don’t really want to know about me.  I’m just Lacey, soon to be very harried assistant to the cast of the best show on TV.  You know Kassie here was instrumental in getting the show picked up for the fifth season.  She had a letter writing campaign and two petitions going and had over 160,000 signatures combined.  Of course she’ll say that it was nothing, but after listening to her rants against idiots that flamed her efforts, believe me it was not nothing.”  She smiled at her friends glare and hoped her efforts to get the conversation off of her had worked.  No such luck.

“Well Kassie that is very impressive.  Good to know the show has such a loyal fan base, but Lacey you’re wrong.  I’m sure there’s much more to you than your job and all of us are interested in hearing it if not from you then I’m sure Kassie will be more than happy to fill us in.”  Angel almost felt guilty for the small blackmail attempt.  Almost.  He had seen the sly glances between Andy and Kassie and knew they wanted Lacey to hook up with him.  It was fairly obvious that she was uncomfortable talking about herself, but if she was going to be around this lot, then she needed to open up.

“Fine.  I’m from Arizona.  I moved to LA about six months ago.  I wanted a fresh start.  I’ll be 28 in three months.  I have two cats named Magonagall and MacGyver.  I fell into this new job when I met Joss at the grocery store.  Happy?”  All of this was said in one breath.

Kassie looked on amused as the rest took in what she had said so quickly.  She was used to the way her friend spoke sometimes.  Lacey didn’t speed speak often, usually only when she was uncomfortable with what she was saying and she really didn’t like talking about herself.  It amazed Kassie that Lacey had managed to condense her life into a half a dozen sentences.  But there it was only there was so much more than that.

<Lacey’s reminding me more and more of Willow.  She even speed speaks like Willow still does occasionally.  I haven’t heard from her in years.  I think she would like Lacey> Angel came out of his thoughts when they arrived at the restaurant.

They arrived at Harry’s and despite the many people waiting for tables they were seated immediately due to the fact that both Andy and Liam knew the owner.  “Being a celebrity does have its upside, huh?”  Kassie quipped as they looked at the menus.

“Once in a while it can come in handy.”  They were seated in a large circular booth towards the back of the restaurant.  Even though the place was packed, it was pretty quiet.  You could have a conversation without yelling.  After the orders were taken, they just sat chatting, getting to know one another.  They talked about the show and the people involved.  Lacey was anxious to find out more about the people she would be working for.  She found it rather odd to be hired as an on-set personal assistant to the cast regulars without having met any of them beforehand and said as much.

Angel answered her, “Well Joss is a good judge of character.  After having known these people for so long he can tell who’ll get along with them and who won’t.  Don’t worry Lace I’m sure you won’t have any problems with anyone at this table.  If you do just let me know and I’ll take care of it.  Treat her right or you’ll deal with me.”  He looked around the table and the others all nodded.  They all knew better than to cross Liam McAilaster.

Lacey’s peridot green eyes widened then narrowed as she heard the possessiveness in his tone and his words.  <Tell him if I have a problem and he’ll take care of it?  Who the hell does this guy think he is?>  “Let you know…may Ah speak with yah privately for a moment Mistah McAilastah?  Excuse us please.”  Amy, Kassie and Andy stood up to allow Lacey and Liam to exit.  Everyone was trying to hide their grins as the small redhead pretty much dragged their friend out of the booth.

Kassie’s hazel eyes were twinkling as she said in a stage whisper, “Ooo… someone’s in trou-ble.  She called him ‘Mistah’ and she’s saying ‘Ah’ instead of ‘I’.  That drawl only comes out when Lacey is really tired or well and truly pissed off.”

Lacey heard Kassie’s aside and glared at her, “Sod off elf.”  Kassie just smiled and stuck out her tongue.  To the rest of the table Lacey smiled sweetly and said, “We’ll be right back,” as she grabbed Angel’s arm and hauled him towards a hallway and out the back door of the restaurant.  She practically threw him up against the wall and lit into him, “Tell you if Ah have a problem with one of mah co-workers and you’ll take care of it?  Who do yah think yah are?  Ah hardly know yah and even if Ah did Ah certainly would not ask yah tah handle mah problems!  If Ah can’t handle mahself with the people at that table then Ah don’ belong theh now do Ah!?  Do yah really expect them to respect me if they think Ah’ll run tah yah ev’ry time somethin’ goes wrong!?”  Lacey’s voice had started out eerily calm and quiet, but had steadily gained in volume till she was almost shouting at Angel.

<I have never seen anyone look more beautiful than this woman does right now.  She completely comes to life when she’s angry.  I really shouldn’t have said that in front of her.  I don’t think I’ll have to worry about them messing with her though.  After this little display they’re going to be scared to death to piss her off.  Good.  I wonder what she would do if I kissed her right now?>  Angel looked at Lacey standing there with her hands on her hips, pale green eyes snapping with angry fire and fought to get his body under control.  He was hard as a rock and if she noticed that then he knew he would be in even more trouble.  “I’m sorry Lacey.  I shouldn’t have said that.  I meant no disrespect and I certainly didn’t mean to make you angry.  It’s just that I know how…” he broke off as he noticed that Lacey had gone very still and her eyes had closed.  At first he thought she was getting ready to have another go at him, but then he saw her right arm begin to shake and she began to sway on her feet.

<Not again.  Not twice in one night and not now!  Shit> Lacey thought as she braced herself for the ‘remembrance’.  “Catch me,” she whispered as she started to fall.  Angel caught her before she hit the ground and felt the same rush of power that he had at the hotel earlier in the evening.  He cradled her in his arms as her body shook.  He noticed her eyes fluttering like she was in REM sleep.  As soon as it started it stopped.  Her body jerked once just like it had at the hotel and she took a deep breath and opened her eyes.

“I can’t fucking believe it.  All of that just to remember how to read and speak Gaelic, Latin and Gods know what else?  The Powers have a seriously fucked up sense of timing and a equally twisted sense of humor!”  Lacey was muttering this to herself in perfect Gaelic as Angel held her.  He understood what she was saying as it was his first language, but what she was saying didn’t make any sense to him.  <She just had what looked like a seizure and now she can speak Gaelic and Latin?  Did she mention the Powers?  And she’s cursing… Huh?>

“Um, Lace?  Are you okay?  Would you mind telling me what just happened to you?  The same thing happened at the hotel too, didn’t it?  Do you need to go to the hospital?”  Angel said this in Gaelic.

“What?  No Liam I’m fine.  I don’t need to go to the hospital.  As for what happened?  It’s a long story and I really don’t want to talk about it right now.  I’m pretty sure our food has been served and is getting cold and if we don’t go back in soon Kassie will send a search party out for us.  I just want to make sure we’re clear on the little matter of me handling myself with my co-workers.  Thank you for your concern, but I can manage just fine on my own.  Do we understand each other?”  All of this was said in Gaelic.

“Yeah Lace.  I understand.  You do know you’re still speaking in Gaelic right?”  Angel couldn’t help the grin that spread as she blushed and muttered, “Bloody hell” in English.  <What a guy.  I completely wig out on him and he doesn’t bat an eye.  I wonder what would shake him?>

“Come on.  Let’s go back inside.”  He stood up with her still in his arms.  He slowly let her slide down his body until she was on her feet in front of him.  She caught her breath at the look in his eyes.  She could see curiosity, amusement and desire in the dark chocolate brown depths.  <Desire?  For me?  Oh boy.>  Lacey made to step away from him, but he held her close.  “I probably shouldn’t do this right now, but…” he murmured as he brought his lips to hers.  The kiss was tentative and searching and Lacey gave herself up to it.  <Oh yeah.  This is good.  I think I can handle this> she thought.  They broke apart at the sound of laughter being covered up as a cough.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kassie was laughing.  She hadn’t seen Lacey that angry in a very long time.  The others at the table were looking at each other somewhat shocked.  Not many people stood up to Liam McAilaster and they had never seen anyone manhandle him like Lacey had and get away with it.  The fact that he had let her drag him out of the restaurant spoke volumes.  They slowly joined in Kassie’s laughter.

Andy said, “Is anyone else singed? I mean the sparks were really flying.”

David looked thoughtful, “I think she’s going to fit in just fine.  Anyone who can rip into Liam without batting an eye can more than hold her own with us.”

“Yeah, I think we’re going to have a lot of fun,” J. said as James, Amy and Alexis nodded in agreement.

The food arrived and there was still no sign of Lacey or Liam.  Kassie began to get worried.  “Lacey is a true redhead and the temper is hidden but very real.  It takes a lot to piss her off that much.  I can’t remember the last time I saw her that mad.  I really hope she hasn’t hurt him.  I don’t know if he’d want to date someone who kicked his ass.”

Andy laughed a little, “Oh I think Liam can hold his own, but I don’t think they’ll come to blows.  But maybe you should go check on them?”

“Right.  I’ll be back.”  Kassie made her way toward where Lacey and Liam had disappeared.  She opened the door quietly and saw Angel bending down to kiss her best friend.  <Guess he found a way to stop her from yelling> she thought.  She tried to repress her laughter as she saw Lacey start to respond.  <She’s not wigging out on him.  She’s making progress.  As great as this is, they really need to come back inside>

“Hey guys.  I see you’ve worked out your differences.  Just wanted to make sure no blood had been shed.  If you’re interested your food’s getting cold.”  Kassie held the door open as Angel and Lacey made their way back inside.  He had his arm around her and didn’t seem in any hurry to let go.  Lacey just looked dazed.  As they sat back down Alexis asked, “Is everything alright?”

Lacey shook herself and smiled, “Everything is just fine.  I believe we’ve come to an understanding, haven’t we Liam?”

“Not yet, but soon.  Very soon.”  The people at the table smothered grins as they saw his meaning sink into Lacey.  Her eyes widened and she flushed.  “I was referring to you making threats on my behalf you git.  As for the other that’s really no one else’s business now is it?”  That said she turned her attention to her soup.

In an effort to change the subject Amy asked, “You start Monday right?”

“Yes.  I’m the 9 o’clock meeting y’all have scheduled.  I was really nervous as Andy can attest to, but after meeting all of you I think we’ll all get along just fine.  I’m more than willing to do whatever I need to make sure your day runs as smooth as possible.  But please don’t ask me to kiss ass and kowtow.  As you can imagine, I don’t do that well.  And be warned, any practical joke pulled on me will be visited back on the perpetrator threefold.”  This was said with pointed looks at both Andy and David.  “I’ve done my research and I know you two are notorious for that.  Just know that I have a devious mind and combined with Kassie’s considerable intellect over there I’m damn near unstoppable.”  Satisfied that she had made her point Lacey sat back and found herself in the curve of Angel’s arm.

He leaned close and whispered, “You have no idea what you’ve just done do you?”

She leaned into him and whispered back, “Sure I do.  I just threw down the gauntlet.  They’re going to be plotting they’re first prank as soon as I’m not around.  I just wanted them to know that they could expect payback.  You’d be surprised what the two of us can come up with when we’re sufficiently motivated.”  Lacey smiled up at Angel then realized just how close the two of them were to each other.  <Oh my.  His eyes really are beautiful.  I wonder if he’s going to kiss me again?>  As if he’d read her thoughts Angel leaned in and brushed his lips lightly over hers.  He pulled back before he lost his head and deepened the kiss.  <No sense embarrassing the lass in front of everyone>, he thought.  She blinked and he grinned whispering, “I do love a devious mind.  If you need any help just let me know.”  He pulled back and turned to his meal.  She glanced at Kassie who was grinning at her like an idiot.  She narrowed her eyes at her and murmured, “Special Hell.”  That was all it took and Kassie started laughing.  Lacey was satisfied the attention had been taken off of her as Kassie explained the meaning behind the phrase so she turned to her meal.

The others at the table had noticed Liam and Lacey’s exchange and looked at each other knowingly.  James asked, “So Liam how long have you known Lacey and Kassie?”

Angel looked at his watch and replied, “About an hour and a half.”  All eyes widened except for Kassie’s and Andy’s.  With the way Liam was acting the group had assumed they’d known each other for a while.  As the group turned to back to their food general conversation resumed.  The girls discovered that Liam had known Joss for years and had in fact been the inspiration for Angel’s look on the show.  <Guess that explains the similarities then.  Good choice> Lacey thought.  Kassie mentioned she was just visiting for the weekend from San Diego, but was considering moving to L.A.  Lacey learned a bit about what she could expect to do for the cast on any given day.  Then talk turned to the convention.  It was the first time the entire cast was present for one and the sessions were some of the most popular at the convention.

When the server came by to take dessert orders Lacey was the only one who ordered.  She looked at her companions and asked, “No one else wants anything?  I think I feel like a pig.”  Angel just smiled and said, “Just wait.  You’ll see.”

When the server returned she set a plate in front of Lacey that had the largest piece of chocolate cake she had ever seen on it.  It was six layers high, covered with dark chocolate ganache and had to weigh close to two pounds.  “Bloody ‘ell.  I asked for a slice not the whole bleedin’ cake,” she blurted out when she looked at it.  Everyone at the table started laughing.  Lacey looked up from the cake, “What’s so funny?  This thing’s huge.  Liam, you should have told me it was so big.”

“You sounded just like Spike when you said ‘Bloody ‘ell’.  It was great.  We don’t hear it usually except on the show.  As for the cake the size is part of why it’s so good.  Where else can you find a piece of cake like that for $6.00, hmm?” Angel explained as she pouted.

“Yeah well I lived in England for a couple of years so most of my cursing is British slang.  It just sounds so much more civilized.  Just so y’all know that’s one of my favorite expressions.  So you’ll probably hear it quite a bit.  And yeah this cake is quite something for the price.  Will somebody please help me with this?”

“It that where you picked up the accent?”  Alexis asked as he forked up a bite of her cake.

“Yeah, though I’ve always had an ear for them.  My natural accent is cross between a southern and Texas drawl as y’all heard earlier.  Kass was right, it only comes out that strong when I’m really tired or exceedingly pissed.  I mean angry not drunk.  Damn that was good.”  Lacey laid her fork down.  She’d eaten maybe one layer of the cake.  Everyone else at the table ate the rest.  She looked at Angel and said, “You were right Liam.  Chocolate cake to die for.’’

Andy looked at his watch and yelped.  “We’ve got twenty minutes to get back to the hotel for the next session.  Come on people let’s move.”  He paid the bill and they all clamored out of the restaurant.  Kassie just laughed and said, “Since you’re all here it’s not like they can start without you.”

Amy smiled, “you’re right, but we shouldn’t be any later than we have to.  It’s not fair to the fans.”

The group managed to make it back to the hotel with five minutes to spare.  Angel sat with Lacey and Kassie in the back of the room as they watched the session draw to a close.  The trio made their way to the stage to say good night.  Lacey pulled out some business cards from her bag and handed them to her new co-workers.  “I had these made.  I was going to give them to you on Monday, but since we’re all together now…It has my cell number on it so you can reach me whenever.  Let me just say again that I am very excited about working with everyone.  Hopefully I’ll be able to reduce y’alls stress level a bit and we’ll all have a good time.  On that note it’s past my bedtime.  So I’ll see y’all on Monday.”

“Oh I think you’re going to work out just fine Lacey.  Kassie, it was a pleasure meeting you.  Maybe we’ll see you the next time you’re in L.A.”  David spoke for the group.

“Yeah, it was great meeting all of you too.  I’d love to see you all again.”  Kassie said faintly as the actors all surprised her by giving her hugs.

Andy grabbed Kassie and kissed her forehead, “Don’t be a stranger.  You’ve got my number.  Use it.”

“Works both ways bubba.”

Andy hugged Lacey next and handed her a card, “here’s my numbers.  If you need anything, and I mean anything call me.”

“Thanks Andy.  I’ll see everyone bright and early Monday morning, k?  ‘Night all.”

Angel had said good night to everyone and was waiting for Kassie and Lacey as they walked out of the session room.  “Don’t I rate getting your number Lacey?” he asked quietly as he fell into step with them.

“Sonofa…damn Liam you scared me.  You really shouldn’t sneak up on people like that.”  Lacey looked at him out of the corner of her eye.  <He wants my number.  Hmmm…should I?  Hell yeah.>  She took out one of her cards and a pen.  “Here you go.  I also put down my home number.  Maybe we can get together sometime?”

“Leannan there’s no maybe about it.  We will definitely be getting together.  I want to spend some time with just you without the entire ‘Fang Gang’ in attendance.  Besides you still owe me an explanation about what happened to you in the alley tonight.” Angel half expected Lacey to go off on him again.  He watched her expression change from one of anticipation when he mentioned seeing her again to one of weary resignation when he mentioned what had happened in the alley.

“Yeah.  Kinda hoped you’d forgot about that.  I’ll tell you just not tonight please?”  Angel nodded his acceptance.

“Something happened in the alley, besides the kissage I interrupted?”  Kassie asked.

“Uh, yeah.  I read and speak Gaelic and Latin now among other things.  Lovely ‘lesson’, really.”  Lacey said and Kassie’s eyes widened in realization, “Oh.”

By this time they had reached Lacey’s car.  It was a mint condition dark metallic blue 1967 Camaro.  Angel noticed the windows had limousine tinting.  <She wasn’t kidding.  She really doesn’t like the sun.>

“Nice car.  Did you buy it like this?”  He asked.

“Pretty much.  I have a friend who deals in classics.  He gave me a sweet deal on her when he found out I was moving and needed a car.  I made a few modifications to her.  Runs like a dream.  She can beat just about anything on the street.”  Lacey lovingly ran her hand over the hood of her car.

“Please don’t get her started.  She loves that car almost more than life itself.”  Kassie laughed as Lacey stuck her tongue out at her.  She didn’t look it, but Lacey was a total car chick.  She loved working on old cars and loved talking about them.  Once she got started it was difficult to shut her up.

“Well I should probably let you two ladies get home.  It’s getting very late.” Angel broke off as he felt the presence of several vampires in the garage.  He looked around and saw a group of six making their way towards them.  Lacey and Kassie noticed them as well.  Lacey couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but something felt off about the group of people coming towards them.  She looked around and saw that hers was the only car in this particular section of the garage.  <Well this can’t be good.>  “Liam?  I’ve got a bad feeling about those guys coming towards us.  Where are you parked?  Get in and I’ll take you to your car.”

“No Lace.  That’s all right.  You and Kassie go home now.  I’ll call you tomorrow.”  Angel kissed Lacey quickly and walked away before she could say anything else.  <Is he crazy?  Why is he walking towards them?  Those guys look ready to kill something!>  Just then she saw the faces of two of the guys shift.  She looked at Kassie and saw that she had seen it too.  They looked at each other and said, “No way” at the same time.  At that point all hell broke loose.

~Part: 3~

“Can I help you gentlemen?”  Angel asked politely as he walked up to the pack.  He was hoping to distract them long enough for the girls to get away.

“Yeah you can die.”  <How very original> Angel thought as the leader of the group vamped out and lunged at Angel.  He saw the move coming so he crouched low and swept out with his foot bringing the guy down.  Both came to their feet quickly and the leader threw a wild left hook at Angel.  He ducked and came up with an uppercut that sent him staggering back into his buddies.  They pushed him forward to continue the fight.

“Kassie.  Get in the car and hand me the axe handle on the floor in the back.  Then lock the doors.  I’m going to help Liam.”  Lacey could feel the knowledge she had gained earlier in the evening flooding her body.  She felt her muscles loosen in preparation of the coming fight.

“Are you crazy?  What do you know about fighting…never mind.  Here you go.  Be careful.”  Kassie remembered what Lacey had told her earlier that night.  When she had the ‘remembrance’ she came out of it knowing how to fight.  <Well this should be interesting.  I can’t believe vampires really do exist.  I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised.  There’s a lot out there that defies explanation.>  Lacey took the handle and smashed it against the railing, breaking it into jagged pieces.  Kassie watched in fascinated horror as Lacey joined the fray.

The vamps had focused all their attention on Angel so they didn’t notice as Lacey circled around and came up behind them.  She took her makeshift stakes, one in each hand and plunged them into the backs of two of the vamps.  They exploded into dust without a sound.  <Two down.  Four to go.>  Just then one of the other vamps looked where his friend had been but saw Lacey instead.  He lunged at her catching her by surprise.  Lacey sidestepped and brought her arm down hard across the guys back fueling his momentum as it carried him head first into a column.  He dropped like a stone.  One of the other vamps turned at the sound.  That left Angel fighting the leader and one other.

“Come on you tosser.  Let’s see what you’ve got.”  Lacey taunted as they began trading punches and kicks.  Angel looked up at the sound of her voice.  <What the hell is she doing?>

“Lace!  I told you to get out of here!” he yelled as he staked one of the vamps he was fighting with.  He caught a hard kick to the stomach that brought his attention back to the leader of the group.

“Yell at me later!  I’m kind of busy at the moment!  Ow!  Shit.”  Lacey landed on her back as the vamp she was fighting landed a right hook.  She dropped one of her stakes, but managed to hang on to the other.  She flipped herself upright and kicked the guy in the groin.  “Didn’t anyone ever tell you it was wrong to hit a lady?” she asked as rammed her stake through his heart.

She stood and looked up just as Angel dusted the leader.  Angel looked at her.  She was breathing hard, her short red brown hair was a mess, her shirt was torn, and there was a huge bruise forming on her left cheek, but she was smiling.  <She’s beautiful.  And she’s one hell of a fighter, but that’s not the point.  She could have been seriously hurt or worse.>  As Angel came towards her he had to fight hard to not let himself slip into his game face.  As it was, his eyes were flashing from amber to brown.  He could not believe she had put herself in danger like that.  He had only met her a few hours ago, but he knew he’d be devastated if anything happened to her.

Lacey’s smile faded and she shrank back as Angel made his way to her.  She had known he would be angry, but he looked like he wanted to put her over his knee and wail the living daylights out of her.  <Not exactly an unpleasant thought.  But perhaps when he’s in a better mood?>

“I thought I told you and Kassie to go home.”  He said with icy calm.

“You did and we would have except we both saw some of their faces shift and realized that they were vampires and I had this axe handle in my car and I remembered earlier tonight how to fight.  Well not fight vampires specifically, but fight anyway and you were out numbered and I was only trying to help and I did really well…” Lacey broke off to breathe and glanced behind Angel.  She pushed him out of the way as the vamp she had knocked out earlier came at him from behind with the stake she had dropped.  Lacey brought the stake she still held in her hand up and plunged it into his heart.  Unfortunately the stake he held had made its way into her shoulder with great force before he exploded into dust.

“Lacey!”  Both Angel and Kassie yelled as Lacey dropped to her knees.  Kassie had the door open and was running to them before the dust had settled.

“Bloody fuck.  That hurts.”  Lacey panted as Angel gathered he up in his arms.  “You know television really doesn’t do this kind of pain justice.  I thought getting kicked in the gut and punched in the face was bad, but getting stabbed with a jagged piece of wood?  Really don’t recommend it.  I’m going to pass out now.  Please don’t let me bleed all over my upholstery.”  With that her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she lost consciousness.

Kassie looked at Angel, “she’s gonna be alright, right?  I mean that’s just shock right?”

Angel looked Lacey over.  Other than the large piece of wood protruding from her left shoulder and the bruises he could see forming she seemed fine.  She wasn’t losing much blood since they hadn’t removed the stake yet.  As Angel wrapped her in his coat and picked her up he noticed that the stake had gone clean through her shoulder.  <Shit.  I hope no permanent damage is done.>  “She’s going to be fine.  It’s best that she passed out.  It will make moving her easier.  Let’s get her in the car.”

Kassie paled when she saw the stake sticking out of Lacey’s back.  “Liam?  We can’t take her to a hospital.  How would we explain her injuries?  The truth would get us locked up in padded cells.  But that looks really bad.”  Kassie asked as she got behind the wheel.  Angel was sitting in the back cradling Lacey’s still form.

“My roommate can help.  I’ll have him meet us at Lacey’s place.  What’s her address?”  Kassie gave it to him as he punched in a number on his cell phone.

“Trick?  It’s An…Liam.  No I don’t know what time it is and I don’t care.  I need you to meet me at this address: 5215 N. Adams, 5th floor #2 as soon as possible.  Bring your gear and some clothes.  It’s an emergency.  Yeah, see you soon.”  Angel clicked his phone off and got it back in his pocket.

“It’s 1:30.”

“What?”

“It’s 1:30 in the morning.”  Kassie said.  She was driving as fast as she could without drawing attention to herself.  They made it to Lacey’s loft in record time.  Kassie drove into the underground garage and parked right in front of the service elevator, thankful that Lacey owned the building and was the only one living there.  <Lacey would be so proud.  I handled her car like a pro.  OK freaking out now.  Please Gods let her be okay>

Lacey moaned, but didn’t waken as Angel got her out of the car.  He and Kassie rode up to the fifth floor in silence.  “Come in and put her one the…I don’t know where we should put her.”  Kassie looked around the loft, the events of the night starting to catch up with her.  Her bottom lip began to tremble and her eyes started to water, but she wouldn’t let herself cry yet.  <Plenty of time for the nervous breakdown later.>

Thankful for the unknowing invitation Angel walked in and watched as Kassie got herself back under control.  <Strong woman.  Glad Lacey has a friend like that.>  “I think we should put her on the bed.  Do you know if Lace has a tarp or anything like that that we could lay her on?  There’s going to be blood and I’d rather not ruin her sheets or mattress.”

“Yeah she’s got some drop cloths around somewhere.  Give me just a sec and I’ll get the bed set up.”  Kassie looked around again trying to remember where they would be.  One wall of the loft was floor to ceiling windows and had a padded storage bench running the length of it.  <Aha!  That’s where they are.>  She hurried over to the bench and began throwing the seats up.  She found them in the third section.  Within in minutes Kassie had the bed ready and motioned Angel to lay her down.

“Get me a pair of scissors.  We’ll cut her shirt off.  It’ll be less painful for her that way.”

“Lace isn’t going to like that.  That’s one of her favorite shirts.”  Kassie said as she handed the scissors to him.

Angel couldn’t help but smirk.  “I’ll buy her another one,” he said as he began cutting the material away.  He tried to detach himself as he bared her upper body, but he couldn’t help but appreciate her form.  He took in her full breasts encased in a plain white cotton bra, and her pale, firm slightly curved stomach, which was mottled with bruises.  He also noticed that she had her belly button pierced with a silver hoop that had an angel wings charm dangling from it.  <Very sexy.  Just wish I were seeing all of this under different circumstances.  Her being awake and a willing participant would be good.>  He started when the doorbell rang.  “Stay with her.  That should be Trixter.”

Angel went to the door and opened it.  There stood a very rumpled and irritated Irishman carrying an overstuffed duffel bag.  “This had better be good Angelus,” he muttered softly as he walked in.

“Don’t say that name.  They know me as Liam.  I want to keep it that way for a while.  Thanks for getting here so fast Trick.  Follow me.”  Angel spoke quietly as they made their way towards Lacey’s bed.

“Yeah, you owe me $130.00 for the speeding ticket I got.  Holy shit.”  Trixter said as he looked at the woman lying unconscious on the bed and the dark haired woman sitting beside her holding her hand.  <Damn she’s quite the looker.  All that long, dark curly hair and those hazel eyes…Get your mind out of the gutter Trick.  You’ve got work to do.>

Kassie looked up at the new voice.  She caught her breath as she looked at the newcomer.  He was slightly shorter than Liam, but just as well built.  He had short dark hair, the brightest blue eyes she had ever seen and very kissable lips.  <Oh my.  He is gorgeous.  Bad Kassie.  Now is so not the time to be having lustful thoughts!  Your best friend is in peril here.>  “Um hi.  You must be Trixter?  Liam said you could help Lacey.  I’m Kassie.”  Kassie looked at him hopefully.

“Kassie, pleasure.  Yeah, I’m Trick and I do believe I can help your friend, but I’m going to need you to go into the other room, okay?  I don’t think you’re going to want to see this.”  Trick tried and Angel smothered a chuckle as he watched Kassie’s demeanor change.  Angel had seen the instant attraction between them, but at Trick’s suggestion that she leave the room Kassie’s face had taken on an expression frighteningly similar to Lacey’s when she had ‘asked’ to speak with him earlier.

“I don’t care what you think Trixter.  I just watched my best friend take out four vampires and get stabbed for her efforts.  There is no way I’m going to leave her alone with two men I don’t know while she’s unconscious.  My ‘delicate’ sensibilities will be just fine thank you.  Now can we get on with this?  I’d like to have her patched up before she wakes up.”  Kassie turned her attention back to Lacey and noticed that she had started shaking.  Angel noticed as well and was at Lacey’s side in a heartbeat.  He tried to hold her still so she wouldn’t damage her shoulder anymore than it already had been.

“Shit, another ‘remembrance’.  That’s three in one night.  That has got to be a record for her.  I’m not so sure if meeting you was a good thing or not.”  Kassie muttered as she helped Angel hold her down.  Trick looked on baffled not knowing what was going on.  He could feel the power swirling around Lacey.  It wasn’t evil, just strong.

“We have got to get that stake out now before she really hurts herself.”  Trick said as Lacey began shaking violently.

Angel looked at Lacey then at him, “Can you stop the blood flow immediately?”

“Yes, temporarily.  Hopefully it will last long enough for her to wake up.  Then I can do something more permanent.”

“Alright, Kassie help me hold her down.  Trick on the count of three.  One… Two…Three…” Angel said as Trick grabbed the stake and yanked it out hard while muttering something Kassie didn’t understand.  She watched amazed as the wound closed as if it had never been.

“What were you talking about?  What’s a ‘remembrance’?” Trick asked.

Kassie looked at Angel, “I guess you’ll get your explanation now, though it would be better coming from Lacey and I so want to know what just happened…” she broke off as Lacey stopped shaking and took a deep gasping breath.

Lacey groaned but didn’t open her eyes.  “Gods above and below.  Did I get hit by a truck?  Jesus, you’d think the Powers would have something better to do than smack me around.”  She finally opened her eyes and found herself staring in Angel’s chocolate brown depths.  “Well this is certainly a better view than my ceiling.  Hi.”

“Hi.  You scared the hell out of me woman.  If you weren’t already hurt I’d turn you over my knee.  Wha-“ his tirade was cut off when Lacey brought her right hand up to his head and guided his mouth to hers.  The kiss was soft, but effective.

Kassie looked on amazed.  Lacey had just been through hell and was complaining and kissing like there was nothing wrong.  <Maybe I was wrong when I said she was a lamb> she thought.  She looked at Trick who was watching the couple with a thoughtful look on his face.

“Um, Lace?  You and Liam might want to wait ‘til we get you patched up.  You took a pretty bad hit.”  Kassie couldn’t help the laugh that escaped as Lacey pushed Angel off of her and tried to sit up.  Lacey and Angel both looked a little dazed.

“Ugh. This is the first time a ‘remembrance’ has hurt.  Why should remembering demons hurt?”  Angel and Trick’s eyes widened.  “Wait, why is there a strange man in my bedroom and why am I only wearing my jeans and a bra?  I don’t remember agreeing to an orgy.”  Lacey grimaced as pain lanced throughout her body. She looked at the people surrounding her.  Then her memory of the fight returned.  “I remember now.  I got staked didn’t I?”  They all nodded.  She looked at the man she didn’t know, “Who are you and why are you in my bedroom?”

“Sorry.  I’m Caleb Trixter.  Call me Trixter or Trick whichever you prefer.  An…Liam here called me to help get you fixed up.  Can’t exactly explain to the hospital staff that ya were hurt fightin’ vampires now can ya?”

“No I suppose you’re right.  Well let’s get this over with.  Whatever you did is starting to come undone.  My back is bleeding and I hurt very much bad.  And someone owes me a new shirt.”  Lacey stared at the remains of her shirt and then at Angel who looked contrite.

“That would be me.  I didn’t want move you too much so I cut it off.  I’ll be happy to replace it.”

Trick had opened the bag he had brought with him and pulled out several items.  Some were conventional first aid items, antiseptic, gauze, tweezers, but the others were candles, herbs, a mortar and pestle, a goblet and a bottle of red wine.  He lit the candles and placed them around the bed.  Then he mixed up some of the herbs and put them into the goblet.  As he poured the wine into the goblet he began chanting softly.

“Are you going to heal me or wine and dine me?  You know I didn’t used to have such a smart mouth.”  Lacey mused as she surveyed the stuff Trick had laid out.

Trick just grinned, “This is gonna hurt, but I need to open you back up.  Liam, be ready with the towels.  Blood is going to flow.”  He placed is hand above her injury and muttered something in a different language.  Lacey’s skin opened up and blood started to flow freely.  She cried out as the pain hit anew.  Angel pressed towels tightly to her front and back.  The smell of her blood was like ambrosia to him, but he was able to force his demon back.  Now was so not the time for her and Kassie to find out he was a vampire.

“Drink this.”  Trick handed her the goblet and she drank the contents.  Lacey almost gagged.  She didn’t usually drink alcohol and hated red wine, but the pain was starting to lessen so she finished the goblet.  The bleeding had stopped and Angel removed the towels.  The wound was still open.  “Liam I need you to move.  I have to see if there’s anything in there that shouldn’t be before I close her up.”  Angel traded places with him.  Trick inspected the wound and began removing some splinters.  Thanks to the concoction Lacey had drunk she wasn’t in any pain.  He glanced at the piece of wood they’d removed from her shoulder.

“Lacey what exactly were you fighting with?  It looks like a piece of an axe handle.”

“It is.  I carry one in my car just in case.  My dad taught me that.  It’s quite persuasive in certain situations.  Much better than a baseball bat.  Hey how is my car?  Did I get blood on it?  Who drove?”

Kassie spoke up, “Your car is fine Lace.  No you didn’t get blood on it.  You bled on Liam’s coat.  And I drove.  You should be proud.  I handled it smooth as silk.”

Lacey winced, “Sorry about your coat.  I’ll pay to have it cleaned.”

Angel just smiled, “Don’t worry about it.  After all I do owe you a new shirt.”

“Lacey?  I need to turn you over.  I want to check your back, make sure I didn’t miss anything.  Then I’ll get you closed up and you can get some sleep.”  Trick said.

Moving gingerly and with some assistance from Kassie, Lacey settled herself on her stomach.  Trick paused as he looked at her back then went back to work.  Angel eyes grew wide as he looked at her back.  Spread between her shoulder blades was a tattoo of stylized angel wings.  It was golden yellow shadowed with black.  It was beautiful and it scared him.  He had the same tattoo over his left shoulder blade.  The only difference being where hers was gold, his was blood red.

“Wow Lace.  I didn’t think you’d ever go through with it.  When did you get the ink?”  Kassie asked, biting her lip when she saw the tattoo.

“Same time I got the navel ring right after I moved here.  What about six months ago? I bit the bullet and discovered it didn’t hurt near as much as I thought it would.  I’m actually thinking of getting another one.”

“Where did you find the design?”  All three people asked in unison.  Trick, Angel and Kassie looked at each other curiously.

“I dreamt it.  I woke up with the image in my head and drew it out.  The artist was impressed.  Gave me a break on the price for originality.”

“Not so original Lace, look.”  Kassie stood up and turned around as she lifted up her shirt.  There at the small of her back was the same tattoo only hers was a deep green.  “I dreamt it too.  Couldn’t get it out of my head.  Nico has one too.  His is purple and black on his left calf.  He had the dream too, but we didn’t think anything about it.  You know we’ve done that before.”

Angel absently traced the design on Lacey’s back with his fingertips, “I have one too, on my left shoulder blade.  It’s blood red and black.”  He said quietly.

“So do I, on my right arm.”  Trick said as he pulled his sleeve up and revealed the dark blue and black wings on his bicep.

They all looked at each other wondering what it meant.

“I can’t deal with this right now.  Tomorrow when this doesn’t seem so surreal we’ll figure it out.  Trick, are you almost done?” Lacey asked.

“Yeah princess.  I’m gonna flush it out and wrap it then you’ll be set.”  Thanking the Gods that she couldn’t feel anything in her shoulder Trick took the antiseptic and poured it directly on her wound.  Then he gathered more herbs and made a paste, which he applied to both sides.  Placing his hands just above the wounds he closed his eyes, so Kassie wouldn’t see them glowing, and concentrated then finished by bandaging it tightly.  He blew out the candles and packed everything back into his bag and said, “All set.  Well I should be going.  You should get some sleep.”

“Thank you so much for your help Trick.  Why don’t you and Liam crash here tonight or rather today?  I’m sure you guys are exhausted and I’ve got room.  The sofa turns into a rather comfy bed.  Kass can sleep in here with me.  I’ll pull the drapes in the living room so the sun won’t be a problem.  There’s obviously something strange going on, but I’m not functioning well enough to deal right now.  We’ll talk after we’ve all had some sleep, ‘k?”  For some reason Lacey trusted these two men.  It was a new experience for her.
Angel and Trick looked at each other and shrugged.  “Thanks Lacey.  I think that’s a good idea.”  Angel said.

“Great.  I think I’ve got some t-shirts and sweats that’ll fit you guys.”  Lacey managed to get off the bed and made her way to her closet.  Kassie cleared the plastic off the bed then sat back down.  She hadn’t said a word since mentioning the tattoo.

“That’s alright Lace.  Trick brought some clothes for us.”  At seeing Lacey’s raised eyebrow he continued, “I didn’t know how messy it was going to get fixing you up.  I wanted something to change into just in case.”

“Fine.  The bathroom is around the corner.  I think there’s some extra toothbrushes under the sink.”

Looking bemused the two men headed out of the bedroom.

“Fifteen more minutes.  That’s all I need is fifteen more minutes then I can pass out.”  Lacey was muttering to herself.  She was very tired and hurt like a sonofabitch, but she wanted everyone comfortable.  She started to change into her own pajamas, a spaghetti strap tank and boxers, when she discovered she could barely move her left arm.  She looked at Kassie who was still sitting on the bed.  “Kass?  I need your help.  I can’t get undressed by myself.”

Kassie jumped up and helped her get changed then put her in the bed.  She went into the living room and pulled the thick drapes to cover the window wall.  Then she pulled the sofa out into the bed and got blankets and pillows out for the guys.  All at once the night caught up to her and she crumpled onto the makeshift bed crying.  Trick and Angel found her there fast asleep when they came out of the bathroom.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In the bathroom Trick looked at Angel.  “Well you’ve certainly had yourself an interesting evening haven’t ya?”

“You have no idea.  Lacey is the most amazing woman.  I met her at the convention.  Kassie is friends with Andy and Lacey is going to be working for the cast.  We all went to dinner and I made her mad.  She actually dragged me out of the restaurant in front of her soon to be co-workers to yell at me.  It was all I could do not to take her right there in the alley.  No one has stood up to me that way in longer than I can remember.”  Angel smiled as he recalled how glorious Lacey was in her rage.

“Good thing we don’ have ta worry ‘bout Angelus getting loose anymore, huh?”

“Yeah, but the demon likes her too.”  Angel sobered as he thought of the fight.  “You should have seen her fight.  She saved my life tonight.  I haven’t seen anyone fight like her since, well, since Faith.  I haven’t thought of them in so long Trick, but after meeting Lacey, I keep thinking of Willow and Buffy and the rest of the ‘White Hats’.  They’ve all been gone for a century, well except for Willow and William.  But Lacey almost seems like a combination of them all.”

“She is quite something, very witty even in pain.  What do ya think the deal is with these tattoos?  I know I never wanted to mark myself up until I had that damn dream.  This is just scary.  How could we possibly draw the same thing?  You know I don’t draw Angel.”

“I’m thinking we were meant to find each other.  She has power.  I’ve felt it several times tonight.  I’m not sure even she knows the extent of it.”  Angel said as he pulled on the black tank and loose work out pants Trick had packed.

Trick started changing as well, “I felt it too.  There is some wicked strong mojo workin’ around her. What about her friend?  Has she got any special powers, other than her temper?”  He asked with a small grin as he recalled how she had bristled when he asked her to leave the room.

“Not that I know of, but then I just met her tonight and to be honest I was paying a lot more attention to Lacey.  What can I say?  I’m hooked.  But I noticed a little mutual attraction between the two of you.  I’m sure you’ll be able to find out something.”  Angel said with a smile.

He led the way into the living room where they found Kassie curled up in a ball on the bed.  He could smell her tears in the air.  “I think the night finally caught up to her.  You stay here with her.  I’ll sleep with Lacey.”  Angel said quietly as he watched Trick gently maneuver the sleeping girl under the covers.  He looked around the loft as he made his way to Lacey’s bedroom.  Though probably unintentional, the place was vampire proof.  Not that he had to worry about bursting into flames, being that the Powers That Be had made him a daywalker, but he still took precautions.

Angel closed the door softly and looked at the sleeping form on the bed.  <Mine> he thought as he pulled the drapes and crawled into bed beside her.  In her sleep Lacey rolled over and laid her left hand on his chest.  He put his arm around her being mindful of her shoulder and fell asleep.

~Part: 4~

Lacey woke up slowly, her mind cataloging the various aches and pains in her body.  <Guess last night wasn’t a dream.  I really did get into a fight> she thought to herself.  She tried to turn over, but found herself pinned by a very heavy, very cool, very masculine arm wrapped around her waist.  <Okay, that is so not Kassie.> She waited for the panic to come, but it never did.  <Huh.  I must be getting better.>  Lacey turned her head and saw the back of Angel’s head.  He was lying on his stomach, sprawled out taking up much of her queen size bed.  <If Liam’s in here, then I’m guessing Kassie is in the living room with Trick.  And how exactly did that happen?>  Lacey propped herself up on her elbows, wincing slightly at the strain it put on her shoulder and ribs, and let her eyes travel over Angel’s back as she watched him sleep.  She saw the tattoo that was so much like her own on his left shoulder.  Then she saw another tattoo on his right shoulder.  She looked closer and realized that it was a Celtic Gryphon with its claws grasping a stylized ‘A’.  <That’s Angel’s tattoo on the show.  Why would he have that?>  Lacey then noticed something strange, Liam wasn’t breathing.  She put her hand on his arm and realized just how cool he was to the touch.  <Oh no…this is not possible…he can’t possibly be real…it’s just a TV show…then how do you explain the vampires last night…hmmm?  Their game faces looked just like on the show.  David already told you that Liam was the inspiration for Angel.  Yeah, but I thought he was talking about the fashion sense…Liam…that was Angel’s human name…holy shit.>

Lacey hesitantly put her hand on his shoulder gently shaking him, “Angel?”

“Yeah, love.  Wha-“ Angel turned his head and looked at Lacey.  She was staring at him like she had never seen him before.  <She called me Angel.  Oh damn.> He kept his arm around her so she wouldn’t bolt on him, “I can explain.”

“Oh I hope so.  And you will, after I’ve taken a shower and had a pot of coffee.  A cup is so not going to be enough.  I can’t believe I just slept with a vampire and on the first date, too.  Ya know?  My life was so much simpler yesterday morning.  Let me up please.  It’s not like I’m going to run away.  This is my home after all.”  Angel slowly removed his arm and watched as she gathered some clothes together.  He got out of bed and followed her into the living room.

Lacey looked at the couple on the sofa bed.  Kassie was nestled in Trick’s arms.  <Isn’t that sweet.  I hate to wake them, but…> Lacey shook Trick awake trying not to jostle Kassie, “Trick, I want to take a shower.  Can you look at my shoulder?”

“What time is it?” he asked blinking sleepily.

“Almost four.”

“Hmmm…more than twelve hours…yeah that should be long enough.  Especially since you haven’t moved it around a lot.  Give me just a sec.”  He said, extricating himself from Kassie arms.  She didn’t stir.  “She’s really wiped.  She was asleep out here when we got done changing last night.  That’s why Liam crashed with you.  Hope that wasn’t a problem.”

“No…at least not in the way you think.  It’s just Angel over there forgot to mention a few things in the ‘get to know you chats’ we had last night.”  Trick’s eyes widened when he heard Lacey say ‘Angel’.  He looked over at his friend and saw him nod.  <Oh boy.  The fit’s gonna hit the shan now.>

“Let’s go into the bathroom.”  Trick grabbed his bag and followed Lacey into the large bath.  He pulled out the same items from the night before and mixed them up.  Then he unwrapped Lacey’s shoulder and looked at it.  There was a fresh, pale pink, slightly shiny scar about the size of a quarter just under the outer edge of her collarbone.  There was a matching one on her back.  “That looks good Lacey.  What do you think?”

Lacey looked in the mirror and gasped.  It was the first time she’d seen herself.  Her hair was a wild mess and her left eye and a good portion of her cheek was a dark rainbow of colors.  She raised the hem of her tank and saw the bruises on her midsection.  She shuddered as a vague memory of similar bruises ran through her mind.  “Bloody hell.  Your opinion of what looks good and mine are very, very different Trick.”  She caught his eyes in the mirror and saw him fighting a grin.

“No princess.  I was talking about your shoulder.  Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the rest of your injuries, but your shoulder is the most important.”  Trick said as she looked at the new scar.  <She really is something.  Nothing seems to faze her.  She’s going to be good for Angel and if what I think is happening is true, she’ll be good for the rest of us as well.>

“It’s fine.  Unless I’m wearing something strapless no one will see it.  Now how do you plan to make me not look like a domestic violence victim?  I really don’t want to show up my first day of work like this.”

Trick laughed as he picked up the goblet he had mixed earlier.  He handed it to her and said, “Drink this.  It’s a little different than what I gave you last night.”

As Lacey began to drink Trick laid one hand against the left side of her face and the other on her stomach.  Lacey closed her eyes as she felt an incredible warmth spread through her body.  All of the soreness seemed to melt away and by the time she finished the goblet she felt better than she had in years.  Lacey opened her eyes when she heard Trick stumble back.  He was leaning against the door with his eyes closed looking very tired.  She looked at herself in the mirror.  There wasn’t a bruise to be found.

Lacey looked closely at the handsome man who had healed her.  He opened his eyes, their glow slowly fading and returned her gaze steadily.  “You’re a demon, or rather half demon.  Garshon Moc, a healing entity.  You’ve used a lot of power in the last day.  That’s why you’re so tired now.  If you were a full demon it wouldn’t bother you so much.”  Trick went very still then nodded.  “Thank you Trick, now why don’t you go lay back down and get some more rest.  I’m going to take a swim in my tub.  Then the rest of you can have a turn.  There is much we need to talk about.”  Lacey gave Trick a hug and kissed him on the cheek.

As Trick opened the door he looked at Lacey and said, “Angel is right.  You are an amazing woman Lacey.  He may have his head up his ass about some things, but he is fully aware of you.  Please give him a chance.  You’re good for him.”

“I’m not crazy about the not telling me he’s a vampire, but I can understand how that would be difficult to bring up in polite conversation.  Especially when surrounded by people who are playing with his identity on a TV show.  I may give him a hard time, but I think I might want to keep him.”  Lacey smiled as Trick winked at her, “Now shoo.  I don’t want an audience.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Angel paced the length of the loft taking in his surroundings.  It really was quite a large space for one person.  The only interior walls were for the one bedroom and the bathroom.  The rest was wide-open space.  There was an entertainment center with a truly exceptional entertainment system against the wall that hid the bedroom. A few comfortable looking chairs and occasional tables were set up around it for watching TV.  Angel took in the vast collection of CD’s and marveled at the truly eclectic tastes Lacey apparently had.  He smiled slightly when he saw that she had the Kane CD.  He’d have to take her to see them and introduce her to Christian.  The kitchen took up most of the back wall.  There was a large pantry in the corner next to the stainless steel refrigerator.  There were no cabinets, just open shelves above the counter and a large island with baskets underneath that doubled as a table.  The countertops were stainless steel as were the other appliances.  The floors were maple and the walls were a soft yellow.  Rich Indian sari fabrics added more color to the space.  There was a punching bag, a dancer’s barre, and yoga paraphernalia set up in a corner.  The focal point of the loft, however, was the bank of windows that ran the length of the space.  The view was of the renovated warehouse district with is mixture of housing and small businesses, but you could see the ocean in the distance and when the sun set, the entire apartment lit up with fire.  The couch where Kassie was still sleeping and several other chairs and another sofa had been set up facing the windows.  All in all it was a very serene uncluttered space.  Angel didn’t notice very many personal items.  He didn’t see any photos nor had he seen the two cats Lacey had mentioned.  He had just made a pass by the refrigerator when something soft landed on his head, “Jesus!” he cried as large bundle of fur jumped from his head to the top of the island.

Kassie woke up at the sound of Angel’s voice and sat up turning to look at what had startled him.  She saw the large orange and white longhaired cat sitting primly on the island while Angel glared at it.  She couldn’t help but laugh, “It’s alright Liam, that’s MacGyver, he’s harmless for the most part.  Magonagall is on top of the refrigerator behind you.”  Angel turned and found himself looking into the beautiful blue-gray eyes of a silver and black short hair.  He moved toward the couch before he became a scratching post.

“Sorry I woke you.  Did you sleep well?” Angel asked as he watched Kassie get up and start folding blankets.  He grabbed the pillows and followed her to the storage benches in front the windows to put them away.

“Like the dead.  I didn’t mean to fall asleep on the couch, but the night kinda caught up with me all at once.  Where did you and Trick sleep?”

“Trick slept out here with you and I slept with Lacey.”  Angel smirked slightly as he watched Kassie’s face turn pink with the knowledge that she had spent the night with his friend.

Angel heard his cell phone ringing and went into the bedroom to get it out of his coat.  He looked at the caller ID and sighed, “Hello William.”

“Peaches.  I’m currently parked in your garage with no way of getting into the house without breaking the door and I assume you would rather me not do that.  I told you, you should have given me a key.  It’s 4:15 in the afternoon.  I thought you were going to be here to meet me?”  William, aka Spike, smirked as he heard Angel curse softly.

“I was, but something came up last night.  I never made it home.  Why don’t you come here?  The building has underground parking so you don’t have to worry about the sun.  Oh and will you stop and get us some blood?”  Angel gave his grandchilde Lacey’s address and crossed his fingers that she would let him in.  He really did have a lot of explaining to do and William was a part of it.

“Oookay.  I’ll be there directly.”  They hung up and Angel went back into the living room.

Kassie and Trick were sitting on the couch talking.  Kassie looked up as Angel came in and saw his scowl, “Is everything okay?  You look, I don’t know…um scared?”

“Huh? No, I’m fine.  Um a…friend of mine is going to be coming by soon.  I just hope that won’t be a problem.”  Trick looked at Angel with a raised eyebrow.  Angel mouthed, ‘William’ and his eyes widened.

Kassie looked back and forth between the two men noting the silent communication.  “I’m sure it will be fine.  I just hope you friend doesn’t mind us disappearing while we clean up.”

“No, no he won’t.  He’ll probably volunteer to help.”  Angel smiled at the thought.  He couldn’t wait for William to meet Lacey.  “I’m going to make breakfast.”  At their strange looks he shrugged, “What?  It may be late afternoon, but it’s still the first meal of our day.”  With that Angel made his way back to the kitchen and started looking through the pantry and refrigerator.  He didn’t get any nourishment from regular food, but occasionally he liked to indulge.  Besides he wanted to impress Lacey.  He decided on pancakes.  He pulled the ingredients out and got to work.  He found fresh strawberries and whipped cream in the fridge and pulled them out as well as orange juice.  He also started a pot of coffee.  Hopefully Lacey would be out by the time everything was ready.  He had just plated everything when she came out of the bathroom.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lacey let her mind go blank and her thoughts drift as she soaked.  She thought about the last two years, since she had started having the ‘remembrances’.  Lacey had thought she was remembering past lives, but now she wasn’t sure.  It now seemed more like just suddenly receiving knowledge fully and completely, no assembly required.  She still wasn’t sure what was going on, but there was no sense of menace.  It all smacked of the hands of fate.  She decided to just go with the flow.  Everything happened for a reason.  Then her thoughts turned to Liam…no Angel.  After the initial shock had worn off she realized that she wasn’t that wigged about the whole vampire thing being real or that demons really did exist.  She figured her easy acceptance of it had a lot to do with the show, all of the fan fiction she had read, and the fact that even as a child she had always had a feeling that there was more on the earth than most people saw.  A fantasy world that included vampires and demons was comfortable and familiar to her.  She felt more at home there than she did in the everyday ‘real’ world.  Providing that the character of ‘Angel’ was a fairly accurate representation of the individual in her living room she wouldn’t have much of a problem having him in her life.

Lacey was feeling much better after her bath.  She had brushed her chin length hair back to dry naturally and hadn’t bothered with make-up.  She had dressed in her favorite pair of jeans, a blue halter top and had on her favorite fuzzy slippers.  Lacey stepped out of the bathroom and was greeted to the aroma of fresh coffee and the sight of Angel, Kassie and Trick just sitting down at the island to plates of strawberry pancakes.  She smiled as she came over to the group, “Who cooked?”

“I did.  Hope you like pancakes.  You don’t really have much in the way of breakfast stuff.”  Angel said as she sat down next to him.  He inhaled subtly taking in her scent.  She smelled like cinnamon and vanilla.

“That’s because I don’t like breakfast food, but this looks fabulous.  Thank you, Angel.”

Kassie looked up, “Um…did you say ‘Angel’ Lacey?”

“Yes.  Kassie, I’d like you to meet Angel, vampire with a soul…you do have your soul, right?”  Lacey asked as she slapped Kassie on the back who had choked on a bite of food.

“Yes, Lace I do have my soul, permanently as a matter of fact.  Before we get into this conversation, there’s someone I’ve asked to meet us here.  He should be here soon.  I hope it won’t be a problem.”  Just as Angel finished that sentence, there was a knock on the door.  “That would be William.”

“William?  As in William the Bloody, Spike?”  Lacey asked as she walked towards the door.  Angel nodded, “It’s alright, really.”

Lacey opened the door and could only gape at the man standing there.  He was about 5’9”, lean and muscular.  He was wearing a blue t-shirt with faded blue jeans, both of which molded to his body, and black Doc Martins.  She looked at his face, taking in the short curly light brown hair, the prominent cheekbones and full sensual lips.  She finally looked into his eyes and was caught by a piercing midnight blue gaze.

Will conducted his own assessment at the same time.  He liked the look of the small redhead standing in front of him.  He took in her freshly bathed appearance, liking her dark auburn hair and large light green eyes, her pert nose and wide generous mouth.  His gaze traveled down noticing how well she filled out the halter and hip hugging jeans she wore.  He was amused by her fuzzy slippers.  She looked fresh and innocent, but he could feel the strong power in the air around her.

“Bloody hell.  I’ve been living like a nun for well…ever and, suddenly, I’m surrounded by drop dead gorgeous men.  Is this a punishment or reward?”  Lacey muttered under her breath.

“Like what you see, luv?”  William asked, smirking as he heard her muttering. If it hadn’t been for his vampiric hearing he wouldn’t have caught it.

“Yeah, I do.  Are you evil?”  She felt an arm go around her waist and heard a low growl coming from Angel as he stood behind her.  He had heard her muttering as well.  She looked up at him, “So vampires do growl?  What about purring?”

William laughed, “I like her Peaches.  Yes, vampires do purr under the right conditions.  And no I’m not evil, well relatively speaking.  I won’t kill you or your friends if that’s what you’re worried about.  William Cavanaugh at your service milady.”  He gave her a slight bow.

“Pleased to meet you William, I’m Lacey Raines, come on in and have some breakfast.”  Lacey stepped back and William entered the loft carrying a small cooler.  She turned and headed back to the island.

Will watched as she walked away.  <Cor, she must stop traffic when she’s out> he whistled low and then winced when Angel hit him up side the head.  He leaned in close and growled, “Keep your eyes and hands to yourself, childe.  She’s mine.”

Lacey checked when she heard the whistle.  She stopped when she caught Angel’s words.  She turned and walked back to the two men.  She leaned into Angel, wrapping a hand around his neck, pinning him with a sexy smirk and said quietly, “Not yet I’m not.  I don’t belong to anyone but me.  You’re going to have to work if you really want me.”  Then she pulled him into a kiss.  He gasped and she took the opportunity to move her tongue into his mouth.  She lightly licked at his tongue and he moaned softly.  As soon as it started it was over.  She released him, winked at William and walked back to the table.  Angel stood there taking deep, unnecessary breaths. “Damn.  I keep biting myself in the ass when it comes to her.”

“Quite a feat, I’m sure.  Hey where did she get that tattoo?  I’ve got the same one meself on me right shoulder, ‘cept mine’s silver and black.”

“Why am I not surprised?  That’s one of the reason’s I asked you to come over.  Everyone here has the same tattoo with varying colors.  There’s one other who has one as well, but he’s not here.  Come on.”  Angel led them back to the island, plated up some of the pancakes for his grandchilde and heated two mugs of blood for them.

“Hey Trick, long time no see.”  Trick nodded and narrowed his eyes as William turned his eyes to Kassie.  “’ello, pet, I’m Will and you are?”  He asked Kassie as he walked up.

“Ka-Kassie.  Ni-nice to meet you.”  Kassie stuttered as he kissed her hand.  She pulled away and moved closer to Trick. Trick relaxed when he saw that she wasn’t interested in the handsome vampire.

Angel and Will could both smell Kassie’s fear.  Will smiled devilishly and said, “Don’t worry pet.  I won’t bite, unless you ask me to.”

“William shut up.  You’re scaring the girl.  We have a lot of things to talk about so please behave.”  Angel said hoping the fact that he had said ‘please’ would have some of effect.  Evidently it did, because he quietly sat down next to Lacey and began to eat.

Kassie was almost finished eating when her head shot up and she smiled, “Nico’s here” she said just as there was a knock on the door.  She jumped up and ran to the door, throwing it open and pulling the newcomer inside.  He dropped his bag and she jumped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck.  He held her tight as he closed the door then made his way to the rest of the group.

Lacey looked up as she heard Trick start to growl and said quietly, “I think you’ve been around vampires too long.  Relax Trick.  Nico’s like her brother.  Mine too.  She likes you, trust me.”  He looked into her eyes and seeing the truth there he quieted down.  Angel and Will looked amused.

Nico Woodson was a tall, attractive black man with laughing whiskey colored eyes and a ready smile on his full mouth.  His skin was the color of coffee and cream and his head was clean shaven.  Still holding Kassie, he looked around the island at the group of people sitting there, hardly recognizing Lacey.

“Kass let the man go.  I want a hug too.”  Lacey said as she got up.  Kassie reluctantly got out of Nico’s arms and still grinning from ear to ear said, “Fine.  I’m going to take a shower.  Don’t start the info session without me.”

As soon as Kassie was out of his arms Nico swept Lacey up and swung her around.  “Damn baby, you look good.  You’re half the size you were when I saw you last.  Life looks like it’s treating you pretty good.”  He said as he finally put her back on her feet.

Lacey looked down at herself then back at her old friend, “Yeah a lot has changed in a year.  Life is interesting to say the least, and getting more so by the minute…Not that I’m not thrilled to see you Nico but why are you here?  I didn’t think you had any vacation till September.”

“You need me so here I am.  Had a dream a few days ago that I couldn’t ignore.  Quit my job, subleased the apartment and headed out here.  Still kind of fuzzy about the details, but I know this is where I’m supposed to be.”  Nico said quietly as he took in the men sitting around Lacey’s island.

He looked at the group and said, “I’m Nico Woodson.  Pleased to meet you all.”

Introductions were made and Nico took Kassie’s seat at the table and began finishing the rest of the pancakes.  They sat in companionable silence as everyone finished their meal.  As Lacey cleared the table, Trick got up to help her with the dishes.  Nico sent Lacey back to the table telling her he would do them.  He looked at Trick and said, “If you hurt Kassie in any way I will kill you slowly and with great pleasure.”  Trick gazed back at him and said, “Not plannin’ to hurt her man.  Not at all.”  The two men stared at each other for long moment before they were satisfied that they understood one another.

Nico then turned his penetrating gaze on Angel and Will.  “The same goes for the two of you.  If either of you hurt Lacey I will stake you so fast you won’t even have time to be surprised.”  All heads turned to Nico as he said this.

“How did you know?”  Angel asked the young man at the same time Lacey asked, “What do you mean ‘the two of them’?”

Nico answered Angel’s question first, “That you and Will are vampires?  Kassie and I and to a lesser extent Lacey have a bond.  Occasionally I can pick up on their thoughts.  I also have the sometimes-unfortunate habit of just ‘knowing’ things.  Which brings me to Lacey’s question.”  He looked at his friend and smiled softly, “The three of you are going to be together for eternity Lace.  Again, I’m fuzzy on the details, but I know that much.”

Lacey just sat there staring at the countertop.  <Eternity?  I just met them for Gods sake.  I’m all for fate and destiny, but this is a bit much.  Talk about taking your choices away…on the other hand, might not be so bad.  I mean look at them.  Angel is flat out the most beautiful creature I have ever seen and Will is very sexy.  They’re funny too.  Angel’s sense of humor is a lot like mine, and Will just seems like a troublemaker.  And both of them are interested in me.  I may be naïve, but I’m not completely oblivious, as Kass seems to think.  I can recognize desire and it’s there in both their eyes.  And I’m okay with that.  I’m not scared.  Guess I really am getting better.  Will we be ‘together’ together, as in lovers?  Heh… I’m contemplating a possible relationship with not one, but two men…no vampires…oh yeah, I’m so going to ‘special hell.’>

Angel and Will ‘s eyes met over Lacey’s bent head.  They both knew that unless some spell was going to bind the three of them, them spending eternity together was going to be the result of a claiming.  When a vampire claimed a human as a mate, said human became immortal, not aging, not dying unless the vampire ceased to be.  Then the human would resume the normal aging process and could die a natural death.  However, that rarely happened.  If the vampire died, the human usually followed not long after, the bond was that strong.  Angel’s dark eyes flashed gold and Will nodded acknowledging his grandsire’s intent to claim the woman between them.  Will wanted the girl even though he had only known her for a very short time, but he would not go against Angelus.  They had finally come to an understanding in their relationship and he would do nothing to jeopardize the peace and friendship he now shared with his grandsire.  He knew he would eventually be allowed to join them, so he was content to wait.

Kassie came out of the bathroom looking much refreshed wearing jeans and a t-shirt.  She noticed the tension in the room, but before she could ask what was wrong there was a bright flash of light and a loud snap.  All eyes turned to the middle of the room and saw a petite woman with long ruby red hair and bright emerald green eyes wearing a flowing purple and gold skirt and matching tunic standing there.  She had a mischievous grin on her face as she caught Angel’s eyes.

“Willow.”

~Part: 5~

“Hello Angel, Spike.  Long time no see.  I’m not too late, am I?”  She looked at the other people in the room.  The young dark haired woman standing near the wall looked like she was about ready to pass out.  She recognized Trick and gave him a small smile, which he returned.  Next her gaze landed on the pale auburn haired woman sitting between Angel and Will.  She looked slightly irritated, but intrigued.  Finally Willow’s green eyes met those of the handsome black man standing next to Trick.  Their eyes locked and the rest of the world fell away.  <Oh boy.  I didn’t expect this.  Life is going to be a lot more interesting now.  I wonder if he knows we’re meant to be…yep, he does.  I can see it.>  Willow came back to herself when Kassie gasped.

Kassie looked back and forth between Nico and Willow. He had finally found his match, his mate.  That’s what she had picked up from her best friend.  <Well it’s about time.  I think we’ve all found our foreverafters.  Now, if only any of this would start making sense I’d feel a lot better.>

“Are you done yet?  Do you have any more surprises you want to throw at me?  Damn Powers or whatever the effin’ hell it is that’s organizing this.  I want some answers.  What the bloody hell is going on?”  Lacey looked up at the ceiling as she said this not really expecting an answer, but it never hurt to try.

“Um…I think that’s why I’m here, to explain.  You must be Lacey.  I’m sorry for popping in like that.  I probably should have knocked.  Why don’t we all get comfortable and begin?”  Everyone made their way over to the seating area in front of the windows.  Lacey opened the drapes then closed them quickly when Will hissed as he began to smoke.

“I am so sorry Will.”  Lacey said as she rushed over to look at his arm.  “S’okay luv.  Just a bit singed.  Maybe someday I’ll get to be a daywalker like Peaches here.”

Lacey looked at Angel, “You can go about in the daylight?”  At his nod she asked, “Then why don’t you have a tan?”

Willow and Will both snorted softly and Angel smirked a little before saying cryptically, “I have my reasons.”

Seeing that Angel wasn’t going to expound on that comment Willow spoke up, ”That’s one of the reasons I’m here Spike.  Come here.”  Will walked over to Willow looking at her curiously.  She touched his forehead lightly and closed her eyes.  A soft green glow surrounded the pair for a few moments then disappeared.  She opened her eyes and stepped back giving Will a goofy smile.  Willow looked at Lacey and said, “Open the drapes again.  Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”

Lacey did as she was bid.  Will stood in the light of the setting sun for the first time in over two hundred years.  Angel walked over and pulled his grandchilde into a fierce hug, “Congratulations my boy.”

“Get off you wanker.”  Will said as he pushed Angel away.  He was close to tears and didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of everyone.  He caught Angel’s gaze silently pleading with him.  Angel nodded imperceptibly and let it go.  Turning to Willow, Will said, “If I had known that was all it took, I’d have asked you to do that a long time ago, pet.”

“Wouldn’t have happened Spikey.  It wasn’t your time yet.  This is a gift that comes from the Powers, not from me.  I’m just the messenger.”

Kassie looked at everyone and saw that Nico and Lacey didn’t look nearly as confused as she thought they should, “Um…excuse me.  I seem to be the only one who doesn’t know what the hell is going on.  I’ve had a very…I can’t even come up with a word to describe the last two days.  Can we please start at the beginning?”

Willow dragged one of the chairs around so that she faced the rest of the group.  Angel, Lacey and Will sat on one of the couches and Trick, Kassie and Nico sat on the other.  Willow smiled, “Okey dokey then, the beginning…’A long long time ago in a galaxy far far away’…” she broke off laughing at the glares she received, “Alright, alright I’m sorry.  Geesh, I’ll be serious now.  First let me ask this, what do you know?”

Lacey spoke up, “I know that Buffy and Angel are shows apparently based on actual people and/or events and that three of the main characters are sitting in my living room.  I know that for the last two years I’ve been having what I thought were ‘remembrances’ of past lives, but now I’m not so sure.  I know that vampires and demons are real and I can give you a description of any you can name.  I know that Trick over there is half demon and I know how to spot other demons that can pass for human.  Don’t worry Kass, he’s not evil, he’s a healer and he’s going to take good care of you.  I know that I can fight like a slayer though I’m not one, I can read and speak Latin, Gaelic and numerous other languages that I’m beginning to think are demonic or dead, I can fix just about any vehicle ever made, I can make a killing in investments, I know that apparently I’m going to be spending eternity with these two vampires, and I know that all of us in this room have the same tattoo somewhere on our bodies.  That about sums it up for me.” Lacey finished her rant by taking a deep breath.

“Wow.  I’m impressed.  I thought I was the only one who could speed speak that way.  Great breath control by the way.”  Willow and Lacey shared a look and both smiled.

“Thanks for sharing Lacey.  I was hopin’ to just slide me bein’ a demon into polite conversation.” Trick muttered as he glanced at Kassie.  She looked at him for a moment then asked, “Do you always look like this or do you have a ‘demon’ face?”

Trick looked at her, his mouth hanging open.  Without a word he transformed into a sleek silvery blue cat-like being.  His bright blue eyes glowed as Kassie brought her hand up to caress his face and he began to purr.  He changed back into his human form and pulled Kassie into a passionate kiss.  Nico smiled as he watched his best friend.  He looked at Lacey and saw the huge grin on her face.  The couple broke apart when air became a necessity.  “It doesn’t bother you?”  Trick asked as he tried to get his body under control.

“Nah.  I have one friend who ‘downloads’ knowledge at the drop of hat and another who can occasionally read my mind and can see the future once in a while.  Why would you being a very sexy cat person who can heal people bother me?  The only thing that bothers me is that I seem to be the only one without any special abilities.  And quite suddenly I feel like I’m in the middle of an episode of Angel.”  Kassie said quietly.  She had never really thought about it before now, but she realized that she was the only ‘normal’ one in the room.

“Oh but you do Kassie, have special abilities that is.  Just not in the way the rest of us do, but you will.”  Willow said as she looked at the young woman.

“Huh?”

Watching Kassie she said, “You see, each of us here was chosen by the Powers to be what we are now.  Trick, well Trick was meant to be Trick.  Angel and Spike were destined to be the vampires they are today.  Nico was meant to be a seer.”  She looked at the man she knew she would spend the rest of his life with and said, “You’ve only used a mere fraction of your power Nico.  I’ll help you expand and focus it.  You will eventually be our guide.”  Nico gazed at her silently and nodded.  Willow turned to Lacey, “You were right in a way earlier Lacey.  You aren’t remembering past lives.  You were chosen to receive knowledge and skills that would prove useful in the coming years.”  Lacey nodded and Willow turned back to Kassie, “Me, I was chosen first as a witch then as a messenger for the Powers.  Kassie, your gift is your amazing capacity for understanding and acceptance.  With training, that I will help you with, that power will transform into an ability to heal broken spirits and lives.”  Willow finished with a smile at the look of awe on Kassie’s face, “The seven of us were brought together for a reason.  We will all have important roles to play in the years to come.”

“What about the tattoos?  Why do all of us have one? Do you have one too?”  Lacey asked out of curiosity.

“That was me, I just thought it would be really cool for us all to have them.  Kind of like a secret handshake or something.” Willow said with a grin as she pulled her skirt up to reveal the angel wings tattooed above her right ankle.  Instead of a single color shadowed with black, it was a rainbow of golden yellow, blood red, dark blue, deep green, purple and silver.  Everyone just shook their head and laughed.

“Just what is the reason we were brought together Willow?  I mean I’ve been out of the game for almost a century.  Sure I still help people, but not like I did when we were together with the others.”  Angel asked quietly.

Before Willow could answer Lacey asked, “Just how old are you three?  Are the shows accurate?  And just how did that happen anyway?”

Willow answered part of her question, “Angel is 365, Spikey is 224 and I’m 125.  When the Powers made me their messenger I became immortal.  It’s been interesting to say the least.”  To Angel she said, “You’re still a champion Angel.  You’ve deserved the rest you’ve had for the last few decades, but it’s time to enter the fray again.  I’m not privy to all the details, but there are some big nasties coming up in the near and not so near future and all of us will need to be there.  You and Spikey are showing up prominently in a couple of prophecies that are supposed to come to pass in the next century or two.  Until then we take a page from your TV show and start helping the helpless.  Angel Investigations is about to open its doors again.”

Angel looked thoughtful for a moment then nodded.  He turned his gaze on Lacey and said, “as I said last night I’ve known Joss for years.  I saved him from becoming a midnight snack and we became friends. He was fascinated with the night world and I knew I could trust him.  I let him look at the journals everyone had kept as well as the Watcher diaries I had.  He took what he found and created the Buffy and Angelverses.”

“So everyone on the shows was a real person?  Did you really have that whole star-crossed lovers thing with Buffy?  What was everyone really like?”  Kassie asked.

Angel grimaced, “Yes, the whole Buffy debacle is true.  I still don’t know what I was thinking, but at the time it seemed right.  Buffy embodied everything I thought I wanted.  After she sent me to Hell I kinda got over that in a hurry.”  He glared at Willow and Will as they laughed softly remembering his turbulent relationship with the Slayer.  Turning his gaze to Lacey he continued, “Looking back now I think losing my soul was a good thing.  It kept me from making the mistake of claiming her.”  Will visibly shuddered at the thought of that hag still being around.  Willow smiled at him silently agreeing with him.  “I hadn’t realized just how whiny and self-centered Buffy really was until I came back from Hell and saw how she treated Faith.  Buffy never accepted her role as the Slayer.  Faith on the other hand was all go no quit.  She embraced her destiny as the Chosen One.  The way you fight Lacey reminds me of her.  Faith and Wesley left Shadow Valley for New York City because she finally got fed up with Buffy’s antics.  I wasn’t too far behind.  Cordelia came with me as well.  She was quite happy to leave Shadow Valley behind.  I had various business interests to look after and she volunteered to help run the office.  Doyle who was a seer worked for me as well.  They met and fell in love.  Wesley was actually quite a good Watcher.  After Faith was killed by a sorcerer Wesley resigned from the Watcher’s council and came to work for me.  Doyle had died around the same time so it worked out well.  Wes, Cordy and I grieved for the friends we had lost together.  Doyle had passed the visions on to Cordelia.  She and I became much closer after his death.  Gunn actually was a lawyer when we met.  He had become a demon hunter after his family was killed in front of him.  He came to us for help and stayed on.  The whole Pylea thing with Fred is true.  She and Wesley were married for many years.  And then there was Lorne.  I swear sometimes I think Andy channels him.  It’s scary just how accurate his portrayal of him is.”

“What about Connor?”  Lacey asked quietly.

“No, Connor never existed.  That whole story arc was Joss’s doing.  All I did was give Joss the inspiration and foundation.  He created from there.”

Lacey relaxed, glad that he hadn’t had to go through such a horrible experience.  She looked over at Will and smiled slightly, “So why does James Marsters have his hair bleached to portray you Will?  Or should I start calling you Spike?  Do you have a soul too?”

“I would prefer Will thank you.  I gave up the name Spike several years ago.  Peaches over there described me to Joss and he fashioned the character accordingly.  I was quite The Big Bad for a long, long time.  You’ve heard Spike and Drusilla described as the ‘Sid and Nancy’ of vampires, well that’s pretty accurate.  No I don’t have a soul exactly.  Let’s just say I had an epiphany of sorts and changed my evil ways.”  Will said hoping the others would accept the explanation.

Willow giggled and said in a loud stage whisper, “He fell in love with the slayer a few years ago.  Messed him up right proper it did.”

Will growled menacingly, “Shut up you silly bint.  I may not be able to kill you, but I can still hurt you plenty.”

“Easy William.  You know everyone would have discovered the truth eventually.  Willow you behave.”  Angel said soothingly as he stroked Will’s head.

Rolling her eyes she said, “Yes Dad.”

“What about you Willow?  How accurate is your character?  What about Xander and Giles?”  Nico asked quietly.

Willow smiled reminiscently, “Xander?  Xander was just as goofy but he was really quite intelligent.  He became a history professor.  I still miss him.  And Giles was very much as portrayed on the show.  So was Anya.  As for me I was Buffy’s best friend for a while.  Let’s just say she and I had a falling out after she sent Angel to Hell and ran away.  I had put a lot of effort into restoring his soul and I was not a happy camper when I found out she had sent him to Hell with it.  Faith and I had a devil of a time getting him back.  I know now that Buffy lasted as long as she did because of the rest of us ‘White Hats’.  I stuck around Shadow Valley and continued to help because of Xander and Giles offered me the training I needed to master my Wicca abilities though I did get a little power hungry there for a while.  And I did not bring Buffy back from the dead after the battle with Glory.  Giles went back to England with Dawn after that.  I was and I suppose I still am quite the expert at breaking and entering.  It was a little skill I picked up to get information for Buffy and Giles.  Computers hadn’t been invented yet so…and may I just say how wonderful it is to be able to hack into any database now to get whatever info I need?”

Lacey smiled and said, “Tell me about it.”  She looked around and saw the disbelieving faces around her, “What?  I can’t help it if the Powers thought it would be useful for me to know my way around computers.”

Silence fell on the group as they all thought about what had been learned thus far.  Life or unlife truly was about to get interesting.

Lacey looked around at the group of people sitting in her home.  There were two vampires, a half demon healer, an immortal witch, a soon to be seer, a soon to be spirit healer and herself, a knowledge repository.  <Looks like my family just got a little bigger>, “Guess we better start making plans.”

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