Love At First Bite, or Is Angel Just Charmed?

[SimplyAretha]

posted by Charmed LitWitch

Love At First Bite, or Is Angel Just Charmed?

Los Angeles, Present Day

“Grab your gear guys, we have a new case.” Angel strode past Fred and Gunn ignoring their stunned faces.
“But Angel we’re right in the middle of something else; you know the whole end of the world thing?” Fred pushed her glasses up on her nose. Gunn stood up.
“Where’re we goin’ anyway?”<br> “San Francisco. All I know is that what we are up against is pretty powerful stuff.” Angel grabbed a handful of weapons, tossing Gunn a few. “Where’s Wesley and Lorne?”<br> “Well, Wesley should be back in a minute and Lorne is upstairs.” Fred dropped the weapon Angel tossed her way. “Sorry.” She grimaced, picked up the mini crossbow and accidentally shot off an arrow that missed Angel by inches. She quickly put the weapon down. “Sorry Angel.” She hung her head.
Angel stopped momentarily to assess the situation. He realized he wasn’t thinking clearly. “Yeah Fred, you stay here and do what you do best. See what you can pull up regarding a Trekk demon?”
“Trekk demon? What the hell is that?” Gunn slung ammo over his shoulder, picked up an assault rifle.
“Don’t know. I overheard Lilah speaking to someone about some powerful demon located in a lake dungeon in good ol’ San Fran.” Angel rifled through a desk found what he was looking for and shoved it in his pocket.
“Did someone say Trekk demon?” Lorne descended the stairs mid conversation. “It’s been a long time since I’ve heard anything about the Trekk demon. Nasty creatures. If memory serves, where there’s a Trekk there’s the Crone.”<br> “The Crone? Who the hell is that?” Angel dumped a series of stakes and various other demon fighting paraphernalia in his black bag, then bent to zip it up.
“Only about the most powerful seer in the underworld, especially now that the source is gone. Rumor has it she is vying for the sources place, but hasn’t done much about it.” Lorne jumped up on the counter to sit as Wesley came through the front door.
“Glad you could make it.” Angel picked up the bag. “You up for a little demon hunting in San Francisco?”<br> “Who are we hunting?” Wesley walked over to Fred, smiled shyly, then reached around her for some of his weapons.
“We’ll give you the details on the way.” Angel, Wesley and Gunn walked out the door as Fred and Lorne looked at each other and shrugged.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Halliwell Manor, Present Day

Leo awakened to the jingle of his fellow elders. He kissed Piper's head as he got out of bed; showered and dressed quickly. He scribbled a note and left it on his pillow for her to find. He then made a quick stop into the nursery to look in on Wyatt, then orbed out.
Piper yawned, stretched, rolled over to Leo’s side of the bed. Not quite awake she opened one eye, saw the note and sighed. She grabbed it and read quickly. ‘Great, don’t they ever give you a day off?’ She balled up the paper and threw it at the wastebasket across the room, then rolled out of bed. Sleepy eyed she showered; happy to have the hot water, which meant neither of her sisters had taken showers. She smiled, wondering if Paige was still floating on clouds since her engagement. She thought to herself that they ought to be back from Fiji by now; but probably stayed over at Richard's last night.
Although Richard wasn’t her first choice for Paige, Piper did want to give him a chance. Just the same she was going to be watching him very closely. Paige was happier than she had been since before Glen was married. Piper only hoped that Paige kept her eyes open concerning Richard. Toweling off and dressing quickly Piper then went into Wyatt’s room, where he stood in his crib making happy little noises.
“Momma. Momma.” Piper smiled and reached for him. “Is that the only thing you can say little man? I never thought I would get tired of hearing those words, but it’s getting close.” She laughed. “How ‘bout we go down stairs for coffee and breakfast?” Snuggling him close, she checked his diaper; decided he needed a quick change. Throwing the smelly diaper in the can she tucked him onto her hip as she walked downstairs.
“You’re up early?” Piper walked in the kitchen as Chris finished off a bowl of cereal, placing it in the sink.
“Yeah, well we have a lot to do today, this being our first day back to demon hunting now that the holidays are over. Oh, good you’re wearing something silver. That’s your positive energy color today; smart choice.” Chris opened the fridge and looked for something more to eat.
“My choice in earring metal is now a contributing factor in my ‘positive energy’ today?” Piper put Wyatt in his high chair, and then fixed him some baby cereal.
“Don’t you guys follow any wiccan traditions? You should know that today your positive energy will flow more pronounced and freely because you will channel that energy through the metal silver.” Chris sighed with exasperation. “You know we didn’t celebrate or even acknowledge Samhain or the winter solstice, we really should keep the old ways alive. It may help protect Wyatt in the future.”<br> “Where in the world is all of this coming from Chris? You know we lead very busy and complicated lives. We would like to take time out to celebrate all of the wiccan holidays, it just isn’t always practical. You know this. Why the big push now?” Piper spooned a mouthful of cereal into Wyatt’s mouth.
“This year is supposed to be one of the most powerful years for practitioners of Wicca. The energy alone this year will be amplified ten times what it normally is. This is the year to be ambitious, to take risks and to take care of business. I think this is the year we find and destroy the evil that gets to Wyatt.” He leaned against the counter with his arms crossed. “The news said that this was the year of some never before seen planet alignment. If I remember correctly, a lot goes down this year. We need to really stay focused.”<br> “Okey dokey there, super witch boy; just take a deep breath.” Piper laughed as Wyatt spit food out signaling he was done for the time being.
“It’s not funny Piper and you shouldn’t be so cavalier.” In a snit he orbed out of the kitchen.
“Well, Chris is a little sensitive today isn’t he sweetie?” She cleaned up Wyatt’s food mess; then poured herself another cup of coffee. “You wanna help mommy look through the book of shadows today to see what potions we have to stock up on?” Wyatt gurgled, then giggled as Piper played peek-a-boo with him.
Paige walked in the front door as Piper and Wyatt started up the stairs. She looked incredibly relaxed and more than a little tan. She was humming to herself as she closed the door. Piper grinned.
“Have a nice trip?”<br> “We did. It was so beautiful. Thanks for recommending it. We really love the little huts that were over the water. It was so secluded and really, really sexy. Of course we didn’t leave the hut for the first day or so.” Paige smiled, shrugged her shoulders and followed Piper and Wyatt as they started up the stairs.
“Have you heard from Phoebe?” Piper switched Wyatt to her other hip as they hit the first landing.
“No, not a word. We only just got back last night though. She did say that they were staying downtown at Jason’s usual hotel for New Years though.” Paige hopped as she pulled off her boots one at a time while walking to her room. “I’m going to take a quick shower and change. Are you headed up to the attic?”<br> “Yeah, I thought since it was the new year and all, we should make sure we are stocked up on all the potions. Me and handsome here, are going to go through the book and see what we have stored already and what needs to be made. I thought I might start brewing this afternoon. Oh when you change, make sure to wear something silver today.” Piper started up the stairs to the attic.
“Silver? Ok, I'll bite. Why?”<br> “Ask Chris he’ll tell you all about it.” With that Piper pushed open the door to the attic. Paige shook her head, shrugged her shoulders then entered her room.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

[SimplyAretha]

That evening.

Phoebe and Jason lay holding each other silently looking out at the semi full moon. Sensing that Jason was pulling away from her emotionally, Phoebe silently rested her chin on his chest. He lazily traced the tattoo on her neck, worried and brooding; his brows furrowed in concentration.
“What’s going on in there?” She turned facing Jason and tapped his head lightly.
“Nothing much; just business stuff.” He looked away not meeting her eyes. Phoebe kissed him lightly on the lips. She knew he was lying. It hurt a little.
“You haven’t asked me if I wanted to come with you this time. I was wondering why that was.”<br> Thoughtfully silent for a moment too long, “I didn’t think you would be interested. You’ve turned me down ever other time.” Phoebe could sense some frustration tinged with a bit of anger.
“You know that I want to be with you. I just can’t leave my family and my job right now. I thought you understood that.” Phoebe sighed then started kissing his stomach. Jason pulled back.
“I do understand. It’s just so damn frustrating always coming in second place to your family. I can’t help it if I want you all to myself. There is so much I want to share with you. It’s a wonderful city Phoebe, you would love it there.” Frustrated he moved out from underneath her and slipped out of bed.
Phoebe sat up clutching the sheet to cover her breasts. “I know I would. I would be happy anywhere you are, I just can’t leave my sisters right now. It’s complicated.” She hung her head.
“Well, . . . I have an early call to check out tomorrow. It would probably be best if you didn’t stay tonight.” Jason pulled on a pair of jeans, not bothering to button them.
Phoebe reeled as if he had struck her. She nodded, slid from the bed and gathered her things. ‘So much for having had a wonderful New Years,’ she thought to herself. A tear slid down her cheek as she closed the door to the bathroom.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Same evening on the other side of the city . . .

“Are you sure you heard Lilah correctly?” Wesley trotted to keep up with Angel. This was the fourth lake in San Francisco that they had been too with no sign of any demonic activity.
“I’m sure. She didn’t know I was listening.” Angel turned as Gunn yelled from the other side of the park.
“I think I found something here.” They both ran around the small lake. There, Gunn pointed with the end of his crossbow.
“See that residue right there? It looks a little otherworldly to me.” Wesley bent down for a closer look. He dragged his finger through the dark mark.
“Definitely demon ash and scorch marks.” He looked around them pointing. “A demon or two were destroyed here.” He stood up and walked toward the lake. Suddenly the entrance to the lake dungeon appeared. “I think I’ve found something.”<br> Angel walked past Wesley and down the stairs. Torches burned along the wall to light their way. Dank moss covered walls mixed with putrid, musty smelling dungeon. There was something in the air down there as well. It was thick and acrid and more pronounced the further down they went.
“Anyone else here getting the creeps besides me?” Gunn kept a close eye nervously bringing up the rear.
“Just stay alert, I don’t think we’re alone.” The stairs leveled off into a room with a large cage. Angel and Gunn stood guard as Wesley took a closer look at the lock which had been blown open. There was another doorway just beyond the cage. Angel motioned for them to follow. Wesley could see more demon ash in places and silently pointed them out for Angel with raised eyebrows.
When they entered the next room there stood a decrepit looking woman in rags huddled over what appeared to be a concrete bird bath.
“Can I help you gentlemen?” She croaked.
“Maybe, we’re looking for the Trekk demon, you wouldn’t happened to know where we could find it?” Angel held his weapon aimed at the back of the hags head.
The hag took a long slow, sniff, considering. She turned so she could face the three men. “Ah, the famous vampire with a soul. I’m flattered you would seek my council.”<br> “Lady, and I do mean that loosely, I’m not here for your council or anyone else’s. I’m looking for a demon, do you know him or not?” Angel shifted in place as the hag cackled.
“Aren’t you the feisty one? I like that in a vampire.” She moved closer to get a good look at him. “You’re quite a ladies man I bet, all brooding and self sacrificing. I bet they just love that.” She cackled again as she circled him. “I do know of this demon you seek.”<br> “Good then tell us where he is and we’ll be on our way and out of yours.” Wesley was more than a little anxious to be away from this place.
“Ah, the trusty side-kick. It must sting that your vampire gets all the girls.” She circled Wesley smelling him like a dog would a bone. “Ooh, I’m usually not so off the mark. It’s not Angel’s girls that you covet but someone else’s.” She turned quickly to Gunn and cackled in his face. Gunn didn’t say a word as he cocked the cross bow aimed at her head.
“Easy handsome, it’s not I that covets your woman.” The hag turned and walked back to the cement bird bath. She dragged her hand through the water, then leaned in to peer at the contents.
“You will find the demon that you seek here.” Angel cautiously stepped forward and looked down in the small pool of water. There he saw a Victorian style mansion that looked to have been built in the late eighteen hundreds. The vision then showed him the address on the mailbox and then the street sign. Just as quickly the vision cleared to dark water and the hag waved her hand over it in finality. Angel stepped back.
“Well, I guess we’ll be leaving you to . . .” he gestured around him, “whatever it is that you do here.” Slowly they backed up not letting the old woman out of their sight.
“It is I that will be thanking you. Be careful. The demon you seek comes in the form of three sisters. You would be wise to take them out quickly.” With that she disappeared in a puff of smoke.
“I say we get the hell out of here before she decides to come back.” With that they all ran back the way they came, not stopping until they were out of the lake dungeon, across the park that was now lit by an almost full moon and back to the car. Breathing heavy they all stowed the weapons in back and jumped in.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Halliwell Manor, same evening

“What’s the matter honey?” Paige caught a glimpse of a devastated Phoebe as she walked through the front door. “You look like someone just ran over your dog.”<br> Phoebe sniffled, shook her head and raised her hand to ward off further questions. She just wanted to get up stairs and get to her room before she started blubbering again. ‘What was with Jason? How could he have made love to her and then just turn on a dime like that?’ She trod slowly up the stairs wondering if she would ever see Jason again. A dumbfounded Paige stood at the base of the stairs for ten seconds before she strode to the kitchen with determined purpose.
“Whoa, what crawled up your butt missy?” Piper stood in front of a cauldron full of ingredients, reading from various scraps of paper containing potion ingredients.
“Phoebe just came home.”<br> “Oh, good. Maybe she won’t mind giving us a hand in here.” Piper started stirring the ingredients.
“I don’t think so.” Paige began to pace in front of Piper. Piper stopped stirring watching Paige for a moment.
“She probably didn’t get much sleep and is trying to sneak by to take a nap.” Piper threw in some lizard skin and watched as the potion started to bubble.
“She was crying and refused to tell me what was wrong. She just gave me the hand and walked up to her room.”<br> “That sounds serious.” Piper washed her hands, toweled them dry quickly and followed Paige upstairs. Outside Phoebe’s door, Piper knocked softly. She could hear Phoebe’s sobs muffled through the door.
“Phoebe? Honey we’re here for you if you need to talk.” Piper waited a minute. “Let us help you.” Phoebe sniffed loudly, wiping her eyes and nose on some tissue. Slowly she got off the bed to open the door.
“Jason didn’t ask me to go with him tomorrow. We fought. He told me he was tired of coming in second to my family. He just doesn’t understand.” Tears threatened to spill again. Piper handed her another tissue.
“I don’t have to tell you it’s past time that you told him you’re a witch Phoebe.” Paige stood with her arms crossed negligently over her chest as she leaned against the door jam. “You’re already in too deep. If he loves you as much as you love him then he’ll understand.”<br> “I know. I swear I’m going to tell him, I just haven’t found the right time yet. All we do when we’re together is have sex. We didn’t even come up for air at all this last time. We took every meal from room service.” She sniffled again, dried her eyes. “This is the first time I’ve been dressed since I met him at the hotel. Pretty pathetic isn’t it?” They all laughed.
“Paige and I are trying to stock up on potions for the year. We could use the company and the help if you get to feeling better.” Piper patted Phoebe’s knee, then rose from the bed and walked to the door. She turned with her hand on the knob. “I’m sorry you have to go through all of this. I wish there was something I could do to help.” With that Piper walked out and down the stairs.

[SimplyAretha]

Later that same evening. . .

“Pass me the pot stickers.” Wesley handed them to Gunn. “How long are we going to stake out this house, Angel?”<br> “As long as it takes.” Angel sighed cracking his neck muscles on each side.
“Well, I think Angel’s right. We should just sit here until one of them comes out. Divide and conquer. It’s brilliant.” Wesley took a bite of rice.
“I’m not arguing with Angel’s logic, I’m just expressing my discontent with the cramped quarters.” Gunn rolled his shoulders then tossed his empty food cartons into a bag. “Hey, there’s one of them now.” Gunn dropped the bag and grabbed his crossbow.
“Easy there slick, let’s just follow her and see what happens.” Angel waited for Phoebe to walk a fair distance down the road before starting the engine. He crept slowly behind her, watching as she kept her head down. He made mental note that her shoulders were stooped forward and he could almost smell the unhappiness from her. He shook his head confused. How could he ‘sense’ human qualities from a three-part demon? Something was off here. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but something was definitely off.
“I’m going to track this one on foot. You two take the car and head back to the house, grab the other two.” Angel jumped from the car and trotted across the street after Phoebe.
Phoebe was oblivious to everything around her. She just wanted to be alone. Piper didn’t understand. How could she? She was married with a beautiful baby. It’s not like she married a demon who then tried to kill all of them all in the name of love. She wiped a stray tear away. Cole loved her too much. Jason didn’t love her enough. She turned up the road and crossed the street, unaware of her surroundings and not really headed anywhere in particular.
Jason was everything she had dreamed of. He was smart, attentive, noble, gracious and so handsome he made her knees weak. And good, Jason was so good inside and out. She sniffled, wiping her nose on her sleeve. Suddenly cold she shivered and looked around. Blinking to adjust her eyes, she realized she was in the alley between the library and her favorite Italian restaurant. She smiled a little. She had spent many nights at this library while in school and many more with Cole and then Jason at the restaurant.
Phoebe hit the ground face first. Only because she had had years and years of training was she able to roll sideways and jump up in one swift move. The minute she stood up, she ducked and missed a kick to the head. Levitating she jumped and landed a kick hard in the middle of the demon’s chest, then did a back handspring until she was standing a good distance away from him.
“You’re pretty good for a demon that shows itself in three parts.” Angel landed a blow to Phoebe’s mid section. She doubled over then feigned to the right and swept his legs out from under him. Winded he fell back against one of the walls. As Phoebe ran toward him he moved at the last minute, pivoted and pinned Phoebe up against the wall facing him. He took a long deep breath as Phoebe defiantly stood breathing heavily.
Angel held both her arms above her head staring her straight in the eyes. He lowered his mouth to hers, lightly placing a kiss on her bottom lip. She shivered, her reaction betraying her. Angry, she struggled against his grip, the brick scraping her elbows. She was keenly aware of his body pressed against hers, his legs powerfully strong holding hers in place.
Angel let her twist and turn until she was breathless and her eyes flared at him. Neither said a word. When he felt comfortable enough to attempt the kiss again he turned his head to the side and gently laid his lips against hers. Slowly he applied pressure, testing her tolerance by tracing her bottom lip with his tongue, coaxing her to open her mouth.
Phoebe was inundated with sensations. She had never felt anything like this. She wasn’t entirely sure she disliked kissing this demon and that made it all the more dreadful. She parted her lips unable to control herself. Their tongues jockeyed for the best position in each others mouths. Captivated Angel released Phoebe’s hands to draw her against him. Completely flooded and ashamed Phoebe finally pulled away out of Angel’s embrace.
Panting, irritated and simmering to finish this fight, she stomped on his foot with one leg, then kneed him in the groin with the other. She then grabbed his head with both hands and cracked his skull on her right knee.
Angel wobbled as he attempted a backwards roundhouse on Phoebe, but she levitated out of the way and kicked Angel in the face. He fell to the ground on his back, out of breath and disoriented.
Phoebe stood over Angel holding him in place with her foot on his throat. “Thanks for the compliment and the workout. I needed that. Get this straight buddy, I’m no demon. Oh and one more thing, keep your mitts off bub, I’m taken.” Out of breath, but feeling tons better she smiled at Angel and put more pressure on his neck. “Get your facts straight next time before you attack a charmed one, demon.” With that she watched as Angel went unconscious.

[SimplyAretha]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Halliwell Manor, same time

Piper got as far as the bottom stairs when the front doors burst open and shattered. Wesley and Gunn stood with their arsenal raised. One of them fired a shot.
“Incoming!” Piper yelled up the stairs as she threw up her hands to freeze the arrow headed straight for her head.
“What the hell?!” Chris orbed in from upstairs right behind her. “Where’s Wyatt?!” He yelled at Piper.
“He’s with Leo! Stay out of the way!” Piper protectively stood in front of Chris holding her arm out to shield him. The men at the door stood confused and mesmerized by the sight of a furious Piper plucking the frozen arrow from in front of her face.
“Who the hell are you folks, and what the hell are you doin’ in my house?” Her hands were raised, poised for action as Paige orbed in behind the intruders. “Weapons!” Paige stunned both Gunn and Wesley as their weapons orbed out of their hands and into hers. She stood there pointing them at their heads. “Hello boys,” she said sarcastically.
Wesley and Gunn looked at each other in disbelief. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”<br>
Alley way, few minutes later

“Paige! I need your help! Paige!” Phoebe stood pacing around Angel’s lifeless body. Every once in awhile she landed a quick kick to make sure he was still out cold. Paige orbed in, stunned to find Phoebe in an alleyway with the body of a demon at her feet.
“This isn’t the best time Phoebs. We kinda have a demon problem at home right now.” Phoebe gestured to Angel.
“Yeah, tell me about it. I’ve kinda got one here too. Just orb us all back.” Paige took one of Phoebe’s hands and knelt down to touch Angel.

Halliwell Manor

Wesley and Gunn were sitting on the couch in the living room tied together with thick hemp rope. Gunn kept struggling to get out as Wesley sat very still and studied Piper and Chris.
“I don’t see anything in the book on these two.” Chris had the book of shadows opened on the coffee table in front of him. He flipped quickly looking for a picture of the two demons seated on the couch. Piper paced the floor behind Chris facing the demons. Something was way off with these two. They acted more human than demon and they weren’t talking at all. She stopped, squinting with her brow furrowed at them, thinking.
Paige and Phoebe orbed in to her right in the hallway with the body of another demon. Piper rolled her eyes. “You’ve got to be kidding me? You too?” She walked over to get a closer look.
“Yeah, I know. Dig this. I’m just walking down by the library.” Piper interrupted Phoebe.
“What were you doing going to the library at this time of night?”<br> “I wasn’t going to the library I was . . . forget that. I was walking in the alley between the restaurant and the library when this guy attacked me. Gave me a pretty good run for the money too.” Perplexed, Phoebe looked from Angel back to Piper. “He knows his moves.” She rolled her neck and shoulders wincing a little in pain, then nudged Angel with her toe.
“If I could be so bold?” Wesley spoke up from the couch.
“Shut up man! We don’t know what were dealing with. Did you see their powers? And that one took down Angel.” Gunn shook his head. “I think we’re up the creek, so to speak.” Wesley ignored Gunn’s whispers.
“I think I can clear this all up quickly, if you wouldn’t mind freeing us. We’re not demons. That’s our boss on the floor. His name is Angel.” The sisters looked from Wesley to Angel and back.
“Oh, so we’re supposed to just take your word for that?” Piper walked in and sat down opposite the captives. Paige followed, sitting in the other chair, as Phoebe sat on the arm of Pipers chair. Chris stopped flipping pages watching the exchange.
“Who are you then, and what do you want?” Piper crossed her legs and arms.
“You’re not demons either, are you?” Wesley studied the girls thoroughly. An idea was beginning to form and he didn’t think it would bode well for them. “We’re with Angel investigations. Angel overheard someone speak of the Trekk demon and we were directed to you. We were told you were the demon represented in three parts as sisters.”<br> Phoebe laughed. “You’ve got to be kidding right? We kicked his ass over a month ago.” Piper studied Wesley for a minute while Paige spoke up.
“Buster, I don’t know where you get your 411, but I can assure you we ain’t demons. Sisters, yes. Demons, no.” Paige snootily looked down her nose.
“I’m beginning to get that. If you could just untie us, I can provide identification and we can quickly straighten this all out.” Wesley gestured with his bound shoulder.
“You just wait a minute there mister. I’m not sure I’m ready to see your I.D.” Piper said sarcastically.
“He’s telling the truth.” Phoebe jumped out of her skin, as Angel stealthily walked over to Wes and Gunn and began to slowly untie them.
“I wouldn’t if I were you. I don’t usually like to go a round with non slayer females. Our foreplay earlier was fun, but not something I wish to repeat. We’re not going to hurt you.” Angel released Gunn and Wesley and then sat down on the arm of the couch.
The doorbell rang. Darryl stepped through with two officers at his back. “Piper? Paige? Is everything alright here?” He walked around the broken glass and shattered doors. Phoebe blanched and jumped up to answer the door.
“We’re fine Darryl, just a little late night renovation ideas.” Phoebe laughed nervously. “You know us, with the club and everything, we’re always up late. We probably should have waited until morning.” She hung her head her performance for the benefit of the officers and not so much Darryl. Knowing the girls as he did, he ushered the men back out the door.
“Just keep a lid on it for the rest of night girls. The neighbors are worried about you. They thought you had been attacked.” Darryl shook his head, stepping gingerly around the broken glass.
“Tell Sheila we said hello.” Piper yelled after Darryl. Paige stood pulling the legs of her jeans down and straightening her shirt. “I guess I had better take care of that.” She walked over to the broken doors, looked around outside, making sure no one was around.
Leo orbed in holding Wyatt. “What?” He looked around. “What the hell is going on Piper?” He handed Wyatt over to Piper as he assessed the damage.
“Not much honey, just a bunch of cowboys trying to kills us. Get this, they think we’re the demons.” She laughed and nuzzled Wyatt.
Paige raised her hands.
“Let the object of objection, become but a dream, as I cause the scene to become unseen.” Dusting off her hands, Paige surveyed her work. Concluding that she had done a good job, she went back in the living room.
“That was bloody amazing!” Wesley stood and walked over toward the doors. Piper hugged Wyatt to her defensively and raised her hand to freeze him. Angel stood.
“Wesley sit down.” Wes turned around, realizing that he let his curiosity get the better of him. “Ah, yes. Right then. Sorry.” He quickly sat back down.
Angel explained to the girls what he had overheard from Lilah. The girls relayed their experience with the Trekk demon and how they had defeated him. Once everyone began to relax Chris volunteered to take Wyatt upstairs for a diaper change and sleep. Impressed with his new and helpful attitude Leo handed Wyatt over easily.
Still reverberating from Angel’s kiss Phoebe excused herself and went upstairs to shower and change. Paige took Wesley and Gunn in the kitchen for some refreshment while Angel, Piper and Leo discussed everything Angel could tell them concerning the “hag.”<br> After an hour or so, Angel found Phoebe sitting by herself upstairs, looking forlornly out the window as it started to rain. Cognizant that they had only so much time in which to make it back to L.A. before sunrise he thought it prudent to apologize again.
“I’m sorry about what happened in the alley.” He sat beside her at the window seat.
Phoebe laughed sardonically. “I bet you are. For which part? The part where you were trying to kill me, or the part where you tried to take advantage?” Angel winced hanging his head.
“Both. There was something about you, is something about you, something I can’t explain. It drew me to you. I wanted to taste, just a sample. I wanted to heal your pain. I’m sorry.” Angel stood and walked to the door. “You know what I am don’t you?” He said quietly.
“I do. I sensed it when we, . . . in the alley.” She hugged her knees meeting his eyes over her arms. Angel hung his head and turned around. “I also sensed a lot more to you than that. I sensed a deep and heavy soul. You carry the weight of the world by yourself and with your small band of friends.” She sighed.
“I accept your apology, but there is no need for it. I’m a big girl. I felt it too. My empathy and yours collided back there, that’s all it was.” Phoebe stood and crossed the room. She stood on her tip toes and wrapped her arms around Angel. “It was exactly what I needed. You actually helped me a little with some things I was struggling with. Thank you.” She kissed his cheek and let him go.

[SimplyAretha]

Lake Dungeon

The crone sat diligently contemplating the cards laid in front of her in the Keltic method of tarot. Frustrated with this last reading, she angrily swept them off the table. Struggling to stand easily, she stood above the large bird bath and watched as the scene between the vampire and the witch unfolded. She rolled her eyes.
Watching closely she saw Angel and Phoebe embrace, as Paige entertained Wesley and Gunn in the kitchen. They were laughing and enjoying each others company. The crone did not like what she saw. She waved her hand over the water. The scene changed and she saw Chris putting Wyatt to bed. She watched as Chris spoke to softly to the baby. She listened closely.
“Ok, big bro it’s time for you to sleep little guy.” Chris laid Wyatt on his back and pulled his blanket over his body. Spinning the mobile above Wyatt’s bed, Chris turned out the light grabbing the monitor on his way out. “Good night Wy.” He closed the door and went down the hall to the bedroom that the girls had given for him to use.
The crone stopped, puzzled. What did the young white lighter mean? Who was this young white lighter? It couldn’t be possible, could it? She waved her hand again and saw the vampire and his friends leaving the manor. Paige locked up, setting the security crystals as Piper and Leo walked hand in hand up stairs. Phoebe sat watching Angel drive off missing Jason more than ever. The crone pulled her hand through the water and the picture dissipated.
She sat heavily on her stone throne. Her mind was working overtime, thinking about the young white lighter. It was passed time that she dealt with him. She eased back formulating a plan. Two demons shimmered in and knelt in front of her. She shook her head and addressed them.


Halliwell Manor

“Vampire with a soul huh? Interesting, isn’t it?” Leo sat in bed watching as Piper undressed and slipped between the sheets.
“Yeah, I just want to forget the whole thing. What a mess. Now the crone has supernatural folks coming after us from all over. Like it’s not bad enough we have to deal with enough demons here in San Francisco.” She snuggled close in Leo’s arms, shivered.
“What’s the matter Piper?” Leo brushed her hair out of her face and off her shoulder.
“I haven’t been feeling well off and on for the past couple of weeks. I think I’m trying to get a bug. No biggie. I’ll just get Paige to help me make a potion to strengthen my immune system tomorrow. Nothing to worry about.” She reached up and kissed him.
Worried Leo stayed awake for awhile thinking. Something was bothering him concerning Piper, she just hadn’t been herself lately. He finally drifted off to sleep dreaming about Piper and Wyatt. The baby was asleep in his crib, he could see his soft down of hair, could hear the steady breathing and see the rise and fall of his small chest.
He picked up his son and held him close. Sitting in the rocking chair with the baby Leo straightened the blanket pulling it around the baby snuggly. Humming he rocked as he made note of the initials on the blanket. Small C, Large H, small P embroidered on the fleece blanket with the family insignia; the triquetra embroidered underneath. Perplexed he continued to rock the baby.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The End . . . for now.