So we meet again (Jesse, Angel)

[Lovely]

Name: Ryder Burgess Alias Jesse Played by: Tripp Likeness used: Tom Welling

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Name: Angel Malloy Aliases: Angel, Angie Played by: Lovely Likeness used: Amy Jo Johnson

[Lovely]

August 16, 2008
8pm

Angel was sitting in the bar listening to the country that was playing tonight, sipping a bit of wine and watching everyone. It was her first night back in town, she'd been gone for years and was just trying to get a feel for things.

A tall drink of a small town boy pulls up, wearing his Wranglers just right as he comes in and orders a beer.

Angel licked her lips and said. "Daaaaamn.." Softly, not realizing it might be loud enough to be heard, but the boy was fine!

Looks like he was on the team from wherever he's from, but the letter's been unstitched from the leather and left blank and well worn... has sunglasses on, even though it's after sunset... no helmet, but biking gloves, heavy boots.

Takes another big drink of her glass, finishing it off and motioning to the waitress for more. "Damn I just may like it here." Smiles a little wider and continues to check out the stranger.

He watched the room, looking for anything of interest, glancing past eyes that looked him over as the newcomer, but stopping at the gaze that didn't let go quite so fast. Nice. He took a sip of his beer and slipped the sunglasses away to reveal pale, sharp blue eyes that absorbed the darkness around him, lighting up the grin he offered as he came up. "Is this seat taken?"

Her eyes didn't shyly divert as he caught her looking at him, as he approached a faint smile played over her lips. "It will be if you take it." She replied, motioning that he was welcome to join her.

"Thanks. This may sound stupid, but what is this place? I just saw the lights on... and it drew me in," he said quietly, hinting that other things had caught his attention as he watched her eyes and smile.

Angel shrugged and tapped her finger against her lips. "I really don't know.. I got here the same way you did, maybe it's a void that sucks in unsuspecting new comers?"

"Oh I doubt you got here like I did," he said, drawing in air past his grin that way that said he had a story he wasn't quite ready to tell, but might later on. He then chuckled. "This place must suck pretty good to catch two at once. You start. Where are you from?"

She waited as the waitress deposited the fresh glass of wine to the table and she passed a bill to the girl to pay for it, before chuckling and replying to her guest. "Not here?" Her smile was teasing and she gave him the honest answer a moment later. "Connecticut... and now here apparently. I have a house full of boxes to finish unpacking. Your turn.."

"Not even close... I'm not really from anywhere. I mean, I'm from Kansas, but the town was nowhere, you know what I mean? Podunk middle of bum f**k nowhere... but I'm better now. No boxes, though. Just me and my bike.. and my name. It's Jesse. What's yours?"

She smiled at his answer, liking his attitude so far. "Angel.." She lifted her hand to reach over for his. "Nice to meet you."

"Am I bleeding or unconscious? Want to make sure I'm not... well... you know.. 'Angel'... guess you get that a lot though. OOo.... an angel, I must be in Heaven. Ha... know I'm not dead at least. That's the last place I'd ever want to go."

She nodded and chuckled softly. "Yes .. I get that alot.. It's so original." Her eyes gently moved over him now that he was closer. "So.. I came here for a job.. what the hell are you doing here?"

He closed off a little. Though he knew the question was coming, he looked around the room as if he had to suddenly come up with an answer. He already had one, but wasn't sure he should share. His gaze landed back with her and he took a sip of his beer. "That's actually not too far off the mark. Let's just say I'm looking for something," he grinned.

"Well thats interesting and mysterious.. are you going to tell me more.. or leave me wondering?" Her fingers played over her glass, making tiny ripples in the light colored liquid.

"Leave you wondering, at least through this song. Please tell me you dance," he said, his eyes lighting up as the band changed and he offered to pull her to the floor.

Another sip of her wine as she 'carefully' considered his offer in the time it took to swallow. Her glass set to the table and she held out her hand as she stood up, the short black skirt and long slender legs revealed from beneath the table.

The grin was as shy as it was devilishly delighted at both the company and her choice of attire. He was a leg man, but Jesse's interest hadn't latched on to her because of that. She was the first kind anything he'd come across in seven states since leaving home. He was beginning to like the idea of angels, at least this one. Tall, slender and a natural two-step met her on the floor, pulling her into the upbeat swing around the floor boards, prompting a few others to join them. He'd leave her wondering if he could make her forget to ask again altogether by keeping her dancing. Of course, the slight lift of her skirt as she turned didn't hurt.

As he pulled and twirled her, her smile grew brighter, lighting up her dark eyes as she came in close again. Did it matter what his story was, when he could dance better than anyone she'd turned around a floor with, before? Angel herself was quite the natural, having spent hours and hours back home, countless weekends out with the girls doing just this. Jesse was the hottest thing she'd seen since arriving in town that afternoon.. pity if he was only passing through, one night to dance away and then gone..

Maybe it was the fact it was the coast, but something killed the power just enough to upset the jukebox and shut down the romp in a sudden silent thud. The lights flickered back to life, but the music would need a few minutes to reset. "Figures," Jesse sighed, seeming truly upset that it had ended as fast as it had begun. "Guess that leaves drinking and... drinking," he teased, offering to get her a fresh glass of wine.

"Or getting home before the storm finishes blowing in.. might be getting here a little ahead of schedule.. you're on your bike aren't you?" She nodded about the drink but warned that he may not want to drink and dance the night away.

"Well see, there's a problem," he sighed again. "Money for beer is different from money for a room."

"Maybe I should be buying you drinks." She smiled sofly as they slipped back into their seats. "So.. you haven't arranged a place to stay for the night?" She looked just a touch nervous, but sincere as she made the next offer. "I'll regret this for sure if you're a serial killer.. but I do have a huge couch and if I can find it under the boxes a spare bed.. as one newbie sucked in to another.."

He laughed. "No, I'm not that dark. I don't even really like horror movies that much. They gross me out. I like scary stuff, but not the gorey trash, you know? Hey, so there you go - something about me. If you're offering, seriously, I'll take you up on it. I'll be happy to move boxes or whatever you need if you want help. Just pour me in a chair or in a corner...I'm good."

"Well it's not a big house warming party.. but I think we can make it interesting.. and yes I am seriously offering.. please.. I'd be delighted to offer my hospitality as limited as it might be with everything packed up. But yes, you're welcome to come."

"Awesome. Then let me get your wine at least. I insist. I'd buy you dinner, too, but would you understand if I said I'll promise to take you later when I can?"

"How about we stop on the way.. pick up a bottle and something for a late dinner - bring it back with us? Get your bike in the garage before the rain gets so heavy you disappear in a puddle along the way."

"Deal. It's no wonder you get that a lot. You really are an angel, aren't you?" He said it in an awed and soft way. "Kinda hospitality my mom always tried to get me to learn. I'm just not good at it, but you really are. Thanks."

She smiled and looked away blushing softly. "Thank you.. it's really.. just the way I am.. my grandmother always taught me to be good to others, hospitality like you said.. You're welcome, anyway.."

"Do the storms get bad out here? Back home we get tornadoes. I haven't been on the coast long," he said off hand, adding pieces of information she might string together. "I'd ask if you knew any place I might find work, but... looks like you're doing the same thing. Maybe I can help you with that since you're helping me. Let's head out like you said and talk about it?"

"I'm not positive about the weather, I'm assuming the coast is the coast, right? Still ocean and wind and all that.. " She started as she stood up, grabbing her purse and pulling out her keys. The lights flickered again, and the crowd groaned, seeming to be used to it. "We should get going.. we can talk about the rest when we're there. I saw a little place on the way -we can grab dinner and whatever there.. actually.. if the storm is coming in this fast, we should probably get your bike in first, easier to run out in the rain with a car than on the bike, right?"

"Been through hell and back on that bike, but yeah, she could use some TLC I guess. Lead the way," he offered, swigging down the last of his beer.

One thing Jesse noticed was that she wasn't dressed for the weather, regardless. Following behind her to the lot, he slipped off his coat without argument or comment, sliding it over her shoulders. "Hold this for me," he whispered, kissing her cheek before stepping away to what turned out to be not -just- a bike, but a well cared for vintage Harley. No helmet was in sight, but he slid his gloves and glasses back on and geared up, waiting for her to lead to wherever she wanted him to garage it for the night, letting the engine roar purringly to life.

She turned her head to protest as he gave her his jacket, wouldn't he be cold himself -especially on his bike. He gave her little chance to argue as he brought the gorgeous metal god to life, her eyes travelled over motorcycle and man and her expression was most definately one of admiration and respect for him and his choice of transportation. Hugging his coat around her, she stepped to kiss his cheek in thanks for his gentlemanly gesture, smiling softly as she stepped away to her black ford ranger, a small truck that had a few years on it but got her where she wanted to go.

She pulled out and headed to the right, trying not to let her lead foot take her too far ahead of him, the rain started to come about two minutes after they pulled out, steadily growing harder during the next ten minutes as she led him across town. Her house was small to medium in size, one story with the basic rooms, three bedrooms and an attached garage. When she pulled into the driveway she left her head lights on and stepped out of the truck to get the garage door open for him, her heels clicked and the edge of her skirt lifted with a gust of wind as she bent and crouched to unlock and pull the door up.

The lone headlamp was an eager spotlight to catch her in her pose as he pulled up behind her, both flannel and tee underneath wet and stuck to the form of well-hidden muscle beneath. He killed the engine and left the lamp on for the moment. "Stop thief," he said behind the dark shades and bright smile. "You sure you don't mind?" He certainly didn't mind watching her offer.

She came up with the door, her arm stretching above her head as she stood on tip toe to make sure it rolled all the way up. Everything lean and tauntly stretched with the rain and wind shifting her skirt up to cling to her legs as she moved. She looked back a him and waved him inside, the winds tossing her hair back from her face as she bounced in eager effort to get him into the dry garage.

The garage was empty for the moment, not quite large enough for two cars but plenty of room for his bike and her small truck to fit. "Stop asking me if I'm sure.. I'm sure enough to be standing in the rain to get this door open!" She grinned, not minding too terribly getting wet for him.

He walked the bike in, being sure to leave space, and shut off the lamp. If he was cold, he surely didn't show it, brushing a hand through his hair to keep it from dripping too much as he stepped off. He unlocked the side bag and pulled out a dry sweatshirt. "Got a few minutes before we head off for that dinner?"

Her smile was as bright and soft as her brown eyes and she nodded. "Sure do.. l'll give you the tour, just let me shut the truck off."

"Alright," he chuckled and shook his head. How he'd found such a girl flat out of the gate, he was having a hard time figuring, but he'd be the last to complain. He nodded and gestured again for her to lead on, though he shook out the shirt for good measure. "See.. no axes... still safe."

"Good.. I feel better now." She grinned, teasing him a little before she jogged over to the truck, shutting it off and closing it up. Angel scooted back into the garage and reached up to pull the door back down. Giving a wonderful stretch to reach the handle and bring it down.

'Daaaaaamn, girl' was written clearly in the sparkling smile he offered, not having to say a word as she came back in. He plucked at the shirt he had on, unsticking it a little and wringing the water here where it would drain off before going in and messing up the tile or carpet or whatever she had.

The door rolled down and she locked it, spinning on her heel to walk over toward him and the door that connected to the house. "Gosh you're soaked!" She gave him a small apologetic smile, she should have insisted he take his jacket back for the ride over. "I'll put your shirt in the dryer.. are you cold? Lets get inside, it's warmer in there."

He shook his head. He really wasn't, but he didn't expect she'd believe him. "You don't have t-... okay, that's fine," he nodded. "Maybe I should check you for axes and knives... are you sure you're real?"

She laughed, shaking her head and letting her arms go out from her sides. "Okay.. pinch me or whatever.. I'm real!"

"Alright," he said, taking the challenge she offered, stepping up closer and not pinching, but sliding an arm around her and pulling her gently closer instead.

Her arms dropped naturally down to curl over and up on his shoulders. "Well hello.." She smiled, meeting his eyes with a gentle but unfaltering gaze. "Believe I'm real yet?"

"Maybe if we finish that dance. I feel we were kinda robbed back there, you know? But yeah, I'm beginning to believe a lot of things."

"Believing is good.. do you want to go inside and kick up the radio.. or just go for it right here?"

He blinked a moment, sure the thoughts he had as she said that were falling loudly out of his ears. He certainly wasn't cold now if the heat coming off his cheeks was an indication before he laughed. "Excuse me?"

"The dance I owe you... thought maybe you wanted to take me up on it." She shook her head softly and leaned to kiss his cheek.

He hugged a little tighter, grateful for the comfort and just having someone there. He was probably soaking her through to the core as well and let go after a moment. "Actually, I guess we should both change first and truthfully, that dinner is sounding pretty good, but afterwards, kicking it up sounds pretty awesome, too."

He might have seen the glimmer of disappointment as he let go of her, she didn't mind at all being that close or held by him. "mmm yes dinner.. you just got into town as well.. you've been driving .. goodness you must be hungry.. I'm so sorry, where is my brain tonight?.. come on." She reached for his hand to lead him into her home, further.

"No brain required, honest. Just be yourself however that is. I'm a stickler for that, so you're warned - and I don't mind a brainiac either. Just don't put yourself down, okay? You're being great and I appreciate it.. you have no idea."

"I was thinking about dancing with you and I should have been considering you've been on the road and dinner!" She smiled and tugged him into the kitchen, her heels clicking the tiles lightly. She reached for the light switch, revealing her bare house, filled with boxes that needed unpacking to make it more like a home. A few things had been taken out but she'd worked on trying to find and do the most important things first. Her bed, the bathroom, the washer and dryer, but doing it alone after the long drive, there was still plenty to be done.

"Wow, you really weren't kidding. New kids on the proverbial block," he puffed out, looking at the piles of things to be attended to. "And I wasn't kidding either. Dinner and you have two extra hands for whatever you need."

"A back rub and a nap!" She laughed softly, motioning around. "Other than the movers bringing in the furniture and appliances.. the rest is all me.. if I move again.. I'm selling everything! I never realized how many boxes there were until I unloaded them all!"

He understood probably more than she'd realize until he told her the rest of his story, if he decided he ever needed to. "Deal. I've been told these hands heal a wealth of sins and I don't tend to sleep long, so put me to work and you can rest easy. I insist," he offered, palms out in the gesture of starting on it now if she wanted.

"Thank you.. I'm really not a slave driver though.. Give me your shirt." She motioned for him to strip it off so she could put it in the dryer for him. "Dry, well fed and rested.. and maybe we'll talk boxes."

"Yes, mistress," he teased flatly, offering an 'enslaved' bow and a rolling chuckle as he slipped the soaked layers off his shoulders. Smooth, unscarred and sharply toned, he glowed in an even tan as he stood to offer her the flannel and tee. Two small marks, each a symbolic drawing, rested one above the other on his right shoulder.

Her eyes followed along his torso and she bit her lower lip, admiring his tone and tan. "It would probably be wrong of me not to dry these, just to make sure you stayed topless for awhile, huh?" She tried to hide the grin that tugged but couldn't hold it back. "Are you sure.. you're real?"

"Pinch me and find out," he teased, offering her the same gesture she'd given him, though pinching anything on his tightly ripped frame wouldn't be easy. "I'm at your mercy. You locked my bike in the garage and now you have my clothes. I might have to make a few bargains here."

Holding his wet shirts in one hand she stepped close and ran the fingers of her other hand over his rippled abdomen. "What if I don't want to make a bargain? Maye I'll just keep you hostage.."

"Maybe I won't say 'no'," he sighed, his eyes shuttering softly at her touch, letting her explore as the chill finally walked through him. One thing he wasn't was shy, pulling the wet cloth from her other hand to dump to the floor, leaving it open to explore as well. His own sought her shoulders and the light embrace again.

She watched his eyes shutter and how he welcomed her touch and invited more. She wasn't exactly shy to begin with, she grew bolder now, her fingers sliding more firmly over his sides and chest. She leaned forward to bring a gentle kiss to his lips, one that was inviting as well.

He opened his eyes slowly as the kiss faded. They were pale like silver and piercing behind the lop-sided smile. "Maybe I am in heaven," he whispered, reaching to taste her kiss again.

Her lips were very soft against his as she kissed him in return, taking a step closer to him as she did. Her hands slid to his back, resting gently against him as the kiss grew deeper. Maybe he was in heaven? Mybe she was right there with him.

Either seconds or hours, he didn't care. He didn't want the moment to end. Relaxing into the embrace, the ride was slowly catching up and the tiredness was genuine and slightly overpowering. Pulling away from the kiss, he whispered softly. "If we don't go soon, I'm not leaving anyway. I'm sorry. I guess I just stopped moving for a minute too long there," he added a tickling kiss over her neck as promise that he would continue if he could.

Her arms held and curled around him in a more comforting soothing embrace and her head tilted to his shoulder a moment. "Let me get you a tee or something and we'll let your shirt dry while we go grab dinner.. " She wanted to go on kissing him, but more than understood he must be quite tired.

"Thank you," he nodded lightly, his eyes darkening with the pouting apology. He motioned to the sweatshirt he'd brought in. "I've got that, we're good," he said, reaching for it to slip on. It was far warmer than was comfortable at the moment, but it would do.

She looked down to the sweatshirt and then back to his face, more closely and seeing better the signs of being simply tired. Angel smiled and wrapped one arm around his shoulders, brushing her other thumb across his cheek. Her kiss came soft and sweet to his lips and gently drifted away. "How do you feel about ordering in?"

He really didn't want to impose or be a bother, but the subtle relief of the thought of staying put and not seeing another inch of road for a while sounded pretty sweet. "I think I feel I could keep doing this for days if I don't see another long white dotted line tonight," he admitted, bringing her kiss back to him.

The tiny chuckle of understanding vibrated against his lips and she nodded, bringing her mouth more fully to his. Her fingers curled at the back of his neck, content to hold him lightly and kiss him for as long as he wanted. Truly enjoying the bliss that was being shared from the simple embrace and kiss.

The sweatshirt was forgotten completely as he delved deeper, finding a spark of energy enough to try to discover more about his saving Grace. Everything about her curled neatly and closely, comfortably enough that he forgot himself happily, nearly dancing with her. "F*ck the radio, I like this music better," he murmured, admitting a great deal in the way his hands sifted down her side to her hips.

Her smile curved against his mouth and she shifted into the hands that rested on her hips. "You 'hear it too?" She murmured softly, there was something about him.. about how easily and naturally she fit with him.

[Lovely]

"Yeah, I do hear it. And it says 'you better sit down before you fall down, boy,'" he smiled, holding her closer in the sway that only the two of them heard, making her more promises. "Though I can't say I mind falling," he added in a whisper, reaching for a last kiss before going to find a box to curl up beside.

"Goodness.." She whispered holding on to his hands and not letting go yet. "Come on.. I didn't realize.. you hide it well.." She smiled softly and kissed his cheek. "Straight to bed with you.." She turned to lead him to the bedroom -her bedroom as the spare was not set up at all. He could crash in her room while she set up the other and ordered them food. "A little nap before dinner might be a very good idea."

"Yes ma'am," he agreed gently, clasping a little more tightly to her hand before slipping away. The only argument made was only laying halfway on the bed, not wanting to mess it up too much. Keeping his boots off the edge, he laid to his side, partly rolled back. "Only a few minutes. I'll be fine," he sighed as he stretched out, giving her a warm and chillingly handsome smile as he curled into the offered pillow, letting his pale blue eyes drift close in trust and thanks.

Angel leaned to kiss his cheek and knelt to pull his boots off if he would let her. "You rest.. I'll come see how you are when the food gets here."

"Please don't... just a thing... if it's okay. I'm fine," he insisted, holding his boots on his feet. He'd worry about retying them, but just preferred they stay on.

She patted his leg softly and nodded. "Alright, as long as you're comfortable.." She stood up and dimmed the light, motioning toward the door beyond the end of the bed on the far wall. "Bathroom is right through there if you need it." She stepped quietly from the room and went off to work on unpacking and finding her linens and maybe her kitchen if she could.

He listened to her shift away and to the comments, depending only on the sounds as his eyes drifted closed again and he lay still a while. He'd only intended to sleep a few minutes to take the edge off, but the hospitality and the surroundings, although still in disarray, were more welcoming than he could have hoped. Jesse relaxed more deeply, falling into the first real sleep he'd had in over a month.

She was awhile in finding linens and setting up the spare bed, not that she minded him sleeping in hers, but she didn't want him to feel as though he had to or that she expected anything from him. She smiled thinking how nice it was in this short time to have him around.. she chuckled to herself, checking that she'd put the frame together straight and setting her wrench back to the toolbox. The mattress and boxspring slid into place with only a small struggle, the sheets and cover and pillow set and smooth, she smiled again, satisfied wih her work. There was still plenty to do, but she wanted to call for the food before it got any later or the weather any worse and things shut down.

He'd relaxed enough that the loosened boots finally let go, the thump pulling him awake as one suddenly hit the floor. Not aware of where he was, he was bolt upright and looking around, listening intently to the sounds in the other room.. the soft voice... someone on the phone. He let out the long sigh and reached for the boot to put back on, tying it tightly before coming out to the main room. "Sorry to leave you alone like that," he said, ruffling his hand through his hair that had mostly dried, but in a chaotic jumble of cowlicks and soft curls. "Everything okay?"

Angel lifted her head and smiled as she was finishing the order, she held out the paper with what she'd ordered written on it. It was way more than the two of them could eat in one sitting she was sure, but she'd not known what he wanted and didn't want to wake him. "do you want anything else?"

He shrugged. "I'm good with just about anything. Thank you," he smiled, nodding with the thanks and looking back past the door to where he assumed the bathroom was, since he hadn't seen her point in the dark. "You don't mind do you? I feel like I'm wearing half of highway 5... it'll only be a minute."

"The towels are in the closet.. you'll see it." She smiled and motioned for him to go ahead. "You know.. just make yourself at home.. as much as you can around the mess."

"There's hardly a mess.. and I understand," he chuckled, looking around for his way back to the garage first to grab a few things from the bike. He made quick work of slipping back with his things and being only a minute, hardly more, before coming back out looking refreshed and as if he'd been relieved of a heavy pack from his shoulders.

Angel looked up from the box she's pulled open and smiled, a bright and sweet expression though she was tired herself. She'd moved further into the kitchen, knowing they could probably use a few things when their food arrived. "I believeI found the dishes, or at least some of them."

"You don't have to get all fancy, really," he said, watching her play homemaker. She had nice things, though, and he quietly admired her for the comfort they seemed to bring her. "It's nice though. So... where would you like me to start?" He started first with request she'd made about her shoulders, setting solid, very real, nimble and strong fingers to work gently on them as he stepped up behind.

"Plates are fancy?" She chuckled, the dish in her hands setting to the counter as his fingers began to work on her shoulders. "Ohhh.. " She murmured softly, closing her eyes as the tension and knots were attended skillfully.

"Fancier than greasy, white bags and paper cups," he admitted, working down her back a little. "I warned you," he chuckled as she slowly melted. "Just tell me when to stop. I don't want to eat alone."

[Lovely]

"How about never.. is never good for you?" She chuckled, relaxing more and almost leaning into the massage. It felt d**n good, he was giving her chills and easing away weeks maybe months worth of tightly held stress in her back and shoulders.

"Hmm... nutuhn... never say never... in any manner. It just leads to disappointment," he murmured, finding a way to work more chills in as he spoke just at her ear, kissing softly.

She smiled and sighed, tipping her head back a little to turn and kiss his cheek. "Mmmm you're melting me.."

"You're welcome," he smiled back, turning to kiss her fully. Not being as tired, the spark was sharper and just as genuine as before, but warmer still. He found a different type of knot he wished to work free, sliding his fingers beneath the hem and underneath the seams that hindered his progress on relaxing her in return for the favor of granting him the same.

She stretched and sighed fitting into the warm hands that slid and kneaded over her back. "D*mn.. that feels good." Her full bodied reaction and the soft sighs of pleasure spoke of how good it felt and how much she enjoyed and appreciated the attention he gave.

"Yeah you do," Jesse whispered, carrying the tone over her shoulder as his fingers worked more intensely on her back, moving around to shift the blouse away a little more. His own chest was still bare, but warm.

"mmm.." She sighed, her arm lifting and sliding behind her shoulder and around his neck. Her fingers curled into his wavey locks and her head tilted as she tugged him back to lingering kisses.

"Angel.. do you trust me?" His question seemed a little out of place, but he needed to know if it was simply her getting swept up in a moment or whether she truly felt safe beside him. The remarks about fear of strangers had every merit they should, but he didn't want to scare her. He was still a stranger, but damn, he didn't want to be for long. Falling.... hard and fast for this girl.

Her lips drew away from him and she turned slowly in his arms to face him, her eyes meeting his. Her gaze was unfaltering and searching his deeply, she nodded slowly, giving a bit of a smile. "I probably shouldn't.. I just met you.. but I feel.. Yes.. I trust you."

Jesse nodded, following her smile with his gaze of silent appreciation. She sought deep enough for the answer and thought about it, long enough to decide it wasn't something either of them imagined anymore than the music that played that only they could hear. Once their food arrived, he had his mind on satisfying another denied appetite... something she was making him incredibly hungry for, but guilty to ask until he knew for sure. How could either of them know how they felt, really, other than it just seemed to click so easily. I'd die for you, he thought silently to himself, planting another kiss, imbued with that tender and sincere thought as he explored lightly, wanting to know everything about her.

Angel wrapped into a gentle and tender embrace, a sharp breath taken in by the intensity of his kiss. She pulled back again to look into his eyes, as if she might ask him something or she'd heard his thought. Her fingers caressed his cheek softly and she leaned back to continue the exploration of tender kisses.

He leaned into the touch on his cheek, his eyes shuttering as before, though the kiss lingered, more deeply, searching and finding, hoping and being answered as he held her close in the kitchen. The buzzer was a rude interruption that he almost considered ignoring, but he couldn't deny he was hungry for enough to need a little to keep going... and he wanted to keep going for days.

She was sinking into him, losing herself in the kiss and moment, not thinking of anything but him.. and the possibility of love at first sight. The buzzer made her jump and she blushed, feeling so silly for her startle. "That must be dinner.." She murmured, reluctant to leave the comfort of his arms.

"Mmm hmm.... don't want y-.... it to get cold," he murmured, pulling away slowly like he was lost in a dream. Damnit to hell, he sighed to himself, though he knew the interruption was coming. "Guess you better get that. I'll be here," he offered, giving her room to slip past.

She nearly pouted to have to go to the door, stealing a couple more quick kisses as she slipped past him. "Be right .. actually you'd better come with me.. I ordered alot.." She chuckled softly, knowing she'd need a hand bringing it all back in.

"If I told you you're crazy, you'd know I meant it as the highest compliment, right?" He shook his head, composing himself only a little as he followed. Whatever was on the menu wasn't nearly as tempting as the dish that walked ahead of him to open the door.

Angel giggled softly at his compliment and nodded. "I do now.." She went ahead of him and paid the delivery guy at the door, he had to make two trips to bring them the heaping pile of carry out boxes. She smiled sheepishly at Jesse as she offered to stack him up. "I was a litle hungry when I called."

"So am I," he teased. He closed the door behind her and took a bag or two to help. "Pick your poison and let's put some of this away for later. I think I found what I want." He watched her unload the boxes while he took out something random without even checking.

[Lovely]

"Definitely." Jesse's heart fainted clean away. Watching how she moved, the lighting, the pose, the very fact she was there and he wasn't dreaming made him smile. "MMmmm... you just kill me," he teased, leaning against the wall as he opened the box in his hand. He might need to keep up his strength just to manage his very active imagination.

She set the boxes in her hands down and turned to look at him, smiling a little. "I do?" She chuckled a tiny bit her eyebrow raised in slight question of what he meant by that.

He chuckled. "Yeah. Shh. This is me dying here... starving man," he teased more though his hunger was still uninterested in this box or the others she shuffled.

She giggled and then blushed a little that he'd made her giggle. Angel shook her head a little and stepped closer to him, smiling. "oh dear better give him mouth to mouth just to be safe.."

Jesse sealed the box as he watched her move nearer. He liked how her ideas took his imagination and ran in the same direction as he looked down into her eyes. "Yeah... better. Didn't I mention about 'falling'?"

She pondered many things in her mind in a single moment, all of the thoughts focused around this gorgeous man. Angel stepped closer, offering him a wink with her teasing smile. "Falling where?"

He set his box on the counter then slipped an arm around her, starting to finish what they started earlier. "Hmm... falling here first... then maybe on the couch... then maybe clear a few boxes and fall under the window a while... in the sunrise... then maybe take the bike out and go fall on the beach..."

"Oh my.." She breathed softly, quite captured by him and more than just in his arms. "That's alot of falling.." Her eyes sparkled as her eyes roamed over his face. "You really feel like that?"

"You tell me," he whispered and let her feel what he's 'feeling' as he moved in closer.

She gasped softly in surprise but smiled at him. "Hmm that doesn't feel like anything is falling.. I'd say.. rising."

He chuckled, resting his forehead to hers. He looked up and said it anyway. "Not if I'm on top." He kissed her to ask that permission as he backed to the couch. "Of course... if you don't want to, I can take another shower..."

"So.. you wanna be on top?" Smiles and pulls him down to the couch, kissing him tenderly. "Or we could take a shower together... later.. now.. both.."

"I'm game. I'm just not leaving any time soon... like I could. My bike is hostage and you have the keys... to more than just my bike."

"Is that so? Just what do I have the keys to?" Runs her hands over his well defined arms.

"Anything you want," he whispered hoarsely. "I don't have much, but I'd like to share everything I have... starting with this." His kiss was ice and fire, chilling and hotter than before now that he was awake and on fire, himself.

"Mmmm.." She moaned ever so softly, returning his kiss with equal fire as he fanned her flames to life. Her skin was warm and growing warmer with each touch and kiss. "..want everything you'll share with me.. and to give you as much back.. if you want it.."

"Mm hmmm..," he agreed, leaning her back gently and offering more as quickly or slowly as she wanted. "It's good to want.. makes me feel alive."

She opened her eyes to gaze up into his and tickled over his lips with her index finger. "you are alive.. here in my arms.. " Her dark eyes pierced gently for a moment longer. "I feel like I've been sleeping my whole life.. and you're just waking me up.. probably sounds silly.."

He shook his head slightly, kissing her fingertip and sucking it in gently to nip with his teeth. The barest flick of his tongue let it go. "Not at all... but I'm sure I'm the one dreaming. You have no idea... no idea."

"Tell me.." She whispered softly, encouragin him to share more with her. She found herself wanting it all, to taste everything about him... share all she could with him.

"Maybe tomorrow," he grinned, dodging a bit, but staying close. "I don't want to spoil this. Just want to spoil you, Angel. May I?"

"Spoil me.. mmmhmm.." She smiled enjoying the attention, the closeness. Everything felt so good.. just comfortable and naturally flowing between them, and she didn't want it to stop. Angel nodded and pulled him a little closer for a warm inviting kiss.

He'd been holding back, but let loose along with a giddy chuckle as she said 'yes' in her own way that was just so perfect. No words could express the desire beyond the expression and heat of his breath over her neck, each movement gentle, subtle, soft and deeply caring, though so much remained unknown between them.

[Lovely]

August 21, 2008
6:30 p.m.

Of all the gin joints, as the saying went, he realized as he came in for his new job, he'd managed to step into hers! He come in for the night shift at the Bachdor to shag a few drinks and bus tables for a few pennies, or at least a few thousand he was going to need to save up to fix his bike eventually. He'd driven it too hard, too long and the poor girl needed a tune up like nobody's business. He promised himself he wouldn't embarrass her, not on purpose anyway. Jesse had to get to the back room and stow his jacket and grab an apron, so avoiding her wasn't going to be an option. Flirting as flirts do best, he grabbed the key from the counter, giving the girls, including Angel, a wink as he walked to the back, humming.

She was there undercover, working as a waitress and dressing like the others, not looking at all like she was anything but a sweet tart. Tonight she was eye candy and keeping her eyes open.. but then she saw HIM and her jaw clenched a little. Of all places to run into him, here and now.. god could things suck anymore? Then he had the nerve to wink and act like he didn't know her anymore than the other girls? Oh how she wanted to kick him in the nuts, but she couldn't so she just ignored him, acting as if he wasn't there and she could care less.

Jesse wasn't immune to those cat eyes or the catty huff when she clenched her jaw. He noticed, and just smiled, whispering a 'bring it on' whether she'd hear him or not. He slung his jacket over his shoulder and the key was tossed in the air and caught along with anything else he had any desire to say out loud.

The look was cool, daggers in her sharp eyes as she went off to tend to a table or two, moving so she was in his view and he could see how good she looked in what she wore and how much it was appreciated by the customers. Of course she wanted to rub in how he wasn't going to ever touch her again and what he was missing, though she played it off as part of the job. She barely even looked at him now but smiled at everyone else, all the 'hungry men' who loved having her bending over their tables and taking their orders.

He just appeared to be flirting back, but he watched while he played it for the other girls, too. He didn't give any indication that he'd been with her, that he already knew she wasn't 'that kind' even though she dressed up and played 'that kind' really nicely all the way down to the tops of her high, high heels. Woof, this was going to be a long night of cold shoulders.. and probably cold showers, too. Call it whatever she would, she was flirting with -him- even though she was doing her damndest to ignore him already. He just hoped she wouldn't get mean - she still had his bike... at least he hoped she did. He was in the back only long enough to grab the apron and get to work, grabbing a few empties on the way to the bar.

Her back was to the bar and she bent waaay over the table, her short skirt barely covering her thong anyway, reaching for her tip from a playful customer and laughing just as teasingly to him. When she came back to the bar, the smile was gone and her expression was indifferent for the tall dark and handsome bar tender. She wasn't the only one who thought so, though she didn't show it, Ni seemed to be throwing herself at him already, maybe he'd like that better and they could have a real good time. Angel rattled off her drink order and pretended she was bored waiting for it.

Jesse raised an eyebrow. She wasn't faking it. She was pissed off and not hiding it well. He was mostly ignoring Niasa but being cordial enough, sharing the space behind the bar with her. Maybe it would be safer for him to deliver a few drinks himself and not give either girl more ammo. He loaded up the tray with the simple mixers in a heartbeat and came around to help gather more empty glasses and clean a few tables. Passing her, he managed a quick 'how's the bike?' in hopes of starting some kind of conversation to keep the night from getting ugly.

She picked up the tray and spun going off to deliver them to the tables that needed them. No way she was going to flirt with him. He passed by and she heard his question, her lips curved slightly and then she half turned with a look of 'whatever'. "What bike?" She asked, letting a cold smile peek out at him. "I sold it to by a new couch."

He sighed. He should almost believe her. "Well then. I guess I'll have to find out what a new engine for a couch costs and buy it back since that's all I own... owned. Oh well. Guess I need more tips then." He set the glasses down in another pass and went to wipe down the counter. Ni was filling her tray when he came back around. Waiting until Ni was busy, and Angel was back out at the tables, he passed again with another comment, "Oh, and that bike, so you know, would buy you a new house, hm?" He grinned and stepped away a little, speaking over his shoulder, "Been meaning to talk to you..."

"I don't need a new house.. just a couch.. it felt so dirty.." She replied with a brief but pointed look, sure he'd know what she meant, since they had spent some very passionate moments on that couch. Her tray was loaded up with the glasses and she stepped past him to head to the table to serve them. "I'm sure you have been..bet you missed the bike.." She kept going toward the table.

For whatever reason, that got to him and it stung. He hadn't meant for her to feel hurt and she shouldn't. He had to explain, but not right here. He was taking his chances talking to her, or anyone, about anything. He took one of his own tips, a $5, he realized, and kissed it goodbye for a good cause. He scribbled on it -not as much as i've missed you - need to talk - please-. He tossed it on her tray like a tip she'd missed from one of her own tables and went back to mix more drinks.

Her tray full of empty glasses would have dropped if she tried to toss the $5 back at him right away, so she left it as she went to unload. She didn't intend to keep the money, but saw fresh writing as she went to crumple it so she could throw it back at him. With a sigh she reread what he'd written and then glanced around, looking to see where he was.

[Lovely]

Jesse continued offering the cordial smiles, but the trained eye would see he was distracted by something else, waiting or watching for something beyond the bar, continuing to watch the door as he tripped around Ni and Jules. To a more trained eye, still, one might notice the movements, the reflexes and the quick dodges that kept him from running into either girl in the tight space... more... much more than he appeared. He turned only enough to hold her gaze a second.. she'd received his message. "Ladies... sorry... just cut myself on the limes. I'll be right back. Excuse me," he said, tossing a towel around his hand to head to the back room as if in search of the first aide kit.

She was watching him, watching him move and keep an eye on the door, she wondered about him more -things just didn't add up. Sighing as he headed out back, she waited a moment -fiddling with the glasses before moving into the narrow hall. It was dim and not very roomy but led to the back room which was where it looked like he was going.

Once there, the towel was off his hand and over his shoulder though he busied himself as if truly looking for something, rummaging at least and waiting for her. He heard the padding of feet. "Hello?"

The crumpled five came sailing at him as she stepped through the door. "I'd give you my number but I'm not one to sit by the phone and wait for someone not to call me. So just tell me when you want to come get your bike..if it's even your bike.. cause it's not registered to a Jesse anything and I don't really want stolen property hidden in my garage."

"Miss Malloy, I owe you a lot of explanations, not the least of which is why you haven't seen me, but I can assure you, it's you I want to see and as long as the bike's okay, I'm good with visiting rights. Here," he said, pulling out his ID for her. "Take it down to the station with you if you want, but it's real. I'm real. I just can't say a whole lot right now, okay? I wanted you to know.. it's not you. God... it's not you," he sighed out, leaning on the shelf before him and gazing skyward as if seeking strength, his eyes closing to a silent prayer a moment before turning to look at her. "I'm sorry."

She closed the door in a quick motion and her eyes narrowed on him as she stepped toward him. Giving his shoulders a slight push as she came right up to him. "You really think that's enough to make it all ok? You left me feeling like some cheap sl*t trash and now you give me some vauge explanation and a probably fake ID and what.. I'm supposed to fawn and fall all over you?"

"Of course not. I can only tell you what I -can- tell you... detective. Take a closer look, you'll know it's not a fake," he said quietly, watching the door. "I'm sorry and no I don't want you to fall or fawn or anything over me. I'm real. Ryder Burgess... Jesse, get it? Junior just never stuck cuz my dad and me weren't that close. Nobody and me have been that close for a long time... until you."

Her eyes shot to the door and her voice lowered to a dangerous growl. "Detective.. I'm sure i don't know what you mean.. and I know you wouldn't blow my cover.. cause i really don't fancy a cold slab." She backed off a little, taking the ID and examining it before shoving it back at him and crossing her arms. "So why did you sneak off? I really put myself out there for you.. went all the way and let go.. and you were just gone.. I feel like the biggest idiot.. teach me not to listen to my grandmother about guys and girls and all they want.." She leaned on the edge of the table, picking at her.. well it was called a shirt but didn't cover a heck of alot.

"Because you don't fancy a cold slab and neither do I," he said in a chilling fashion, watching her eyes and not straying to gawk or paw or leer though the 'uniform' was meant for that from the paying customers. "Angel, I'm not like that. I think you already know that, cuz I did the same for you, but... all I can say is be careful, okay? No, I'd be the last person... heaven and earth.. to blow your cover.

"Okay, I may have been a virgin, but I'm still an adult and my father is dead anyway.. so you want to tell what that means?" Her fingers were curled and uncurled as she tried to find some way to release the anxious energy.

"Tells me that I miss out on that talk I was hoping to have with someone about his daughter who I fell in love with the minute she danced with me."

"Well my grandma is a pretty tough old chick.. she'll probably kick your ass if you want.." She glanced at him and found herself not able to look away. ".. wait.. did you say..?"

"That I'd be the last person on heaven or earth to blow your cover... and that I fell in love with you. I didn't stay because I had nothing better to do. I stayed because you have my heart. I left because both of us are in a rough spot in our lives that might put the other in a worse spot if we stand still too long. Please don't ask me to explain more than that yet. I promise I'm still here and I'm looking out for you. All I can ask is that you trust me... please."

"What am I supposed to do with this?" She asked softly, shaking her head a little. "You tell me you can't tell me things.. tell me I have your heart but you just leave in the middle of the night.. tell me you love me.. you're here but you're gone.. like you're that special something I really want but you're just out of reach and all i can do is look and long for you.."

Something caught his attention and he darted back to the shelf to continue looking for the bandages. "It's actually the other way around... that's all I can do right now. I'm not gone and I already told you... you can have whatever you want," he said, rummaging until his hand landed on the box he needed. "But ... that's all I can say... right now. You'll get all your answers, but until then..."

Her head shook sadly and she shoved off the table to turn towards the door. "It's alright.. you don't really have to feed be all those lines or try to make me feel better.. I kind of wish you were sincere.. cause all I really wanted was you.. to wake up with you there.. would be.. have been nice. But I'm a big girl. Maybe a little stupid for falling for you, but I've handled bigger and badder, just don't usually give them my heart." She sighed, holding back as much emotion as she could manage to.

"Angel, I am sincere," he said softly. Just as softly he'd moved the short space to be behind her before she opened the door, speaking as close to her as he dared and no louder than a whisper, his breath soft at her ear. "I will tell you this. You weren't stupid - I was... and you might get hurt or worse because of it. Would I reconsider? No. I'd do it again in a heartbeat because you're worth that risk. Will you look at me please? Just turn around ... see and hear me... I'm real. Tell me what I need to do for you to believe me."

Her eyes closed as he spoke from behind her, trying not to let how his voice, his breath, or his closeness effected her. She was slow to turn around, her eyes casting over his face as she stood there. "I don't know what you're involved in.. but if you pulled me in already.. then I have the right to know more than what you haven't told me.. and you have no right to decide for me.. you can be with me like that but have to run off.. that's BS -you left your bike.. if you're so worried about me.. then why not stay close enough to be there to help if something does happen?"

"I already am," he said directly. "And you're right that I shouldn't decide for you. I have to get back out there before they think I bled to death and call the EMT's. Will you wait after your shift? I'll be able to talk more then, alright?"

Her fingers tapped on her thigh and she sighed, looking past his shoulder and shrugging. "I'll think about it." The tone of her voice and her eyes told him the answer was yes even if she wouldn't say it directly.

"Thank you. And please, keep the five. I owe you that along with a whole lot more ... and more of everything else." He hesitated as if he'd kiss her, wanting to, but not wanting it to be worse on her. "Think hard about it. I'll be there, I promise."

Her hand shifted the few inches to touch his lightly, very softly curling around his as her face turned to meet his gaze. "If you're not.." She let it hang, warning him there wouldn't be another chance if he blew her off on this one.

"I will be," he reassured, taking the chance on the kiss to seal the promise. He would be there whether she saw him or not.

Her lips were soft and parted slightly to accept the kiss, leaning into it just a little. "You better be.." She whispered against his mouth, prolonging the kiss another moment.

[Lovely]

Jesse put a bandaid on a cut that didn't exist and put a kiss on something(someone) he doesn't want to hurt worse

He slips away back to the bar, promising to meet her after her shift to talk more and maybe spend some time... thinks it will be safe if nothing happens inside while he's there at least...

Jesse works trouble free for the evening, considering he's got Ni pitching a b*tch beside him and all, sure. it's in her nature and she's probably watching him more than watching what she's doing and tripping over herself. she needs a good f*ck... just to get over her damn self. But no... Jesse's not interested...

Angel is having an alright shift.. had to have a couple guys tossed out -a little to hands on and insistant..drunk and waaay grabby.

Jules is standing back laughing at Ni, feeling sorry for him and just wanting to go home before she gets dragged in the middle

Jesse saw what was going on, but stayed back - he's the newbie, not getting pulled in unless he has to. plays the 'I'm not a tough guy, I'm just pouring'... with a set jaw and grinding teeth, ... controlled... plays it out, but he's paying attention.

The bouncers took care of the guys.

Angel has to get a new shirt -which is fine -thats why they keep a hundred in stock, the shirt is meant to get the guys going and all but when they start trying to toss the waitress on the table and all they get tossed. She does look pretty good in that shirt.

She finished wiping down her tables and trays, brings all her glasses to the back to be washed. The comes back out, grabbing her jacket and keys, smiling to the bartenders. Gets a soda to take with her, kind of lingering a little but doing well at not making it obvious, the bartenders wont be much longer in leaving.

Jesse watched as the last call spilled the remnants of the rowdy evening out to the cabs and alleys and Angel bussed the tables. It was apparent he'd tended bar in a few places before, his end sparkling and neat with Niassa only getting started on her half, still collecting glasses and bottles. Jules piped up from the register as she held out a stack of bills for him. "C'mon, take your share and go on home. We got this. Thanks for your help tonight."

Jesse had hardly a word to say beyond the polite nod, taking his tips and leaving the apron neatly folded on the counter. "Ladies... it's been a pleasure. See you Thursday." He gave a wink to Ni out of the sheer delight of watching her squirm more as he turned to follow Angel out. No keys, no coat, nothing but himself, he folded the cash away in his wallet and tucked it away, snapped tightly to the chain at his belt that swung and jingled only lightly. He nodded a good night to the bouncer who locked the door behind him as he met the dim grey walk to the parking lot.

She had gone out only a couple minutes ahead of him, but it was long enough alone in the dark lot for a couple 'brave' drunks to make their move on her. Apparently they didn't like being tossed out of the bar and not being able to have the fun they wanted with her. Now they were angry, drunk, stupid and giving her a hard time, being rougher in the quiet dark lot than they had in the bar. They misjudged the girl, not realizing she could handle herself pretty well against them. So now it had turned more into a fight than an attack on her. They got in and open handed smack to her face when they first sprang at her, it was enough to make her lip raw against her teeth and her cheek red. Since then she'd blocked all but one blow that had caught her just above her eye and was bleeding a little. She ducked another swing and took a step back, bringing her leg out and up from the side to connect with the larger of the two men's face as he stumbled from missing the punch he'd sent at her.

He heard it before he saw it, coming around to the last of the parked cars in the darker part of the lot. When she stood then swung back in the kick, he saw who it was and what she was dealing with. Not a word was said as he hauled himself into overdrive to help take down the f*cker- and make sure Angel was okay. Only the chain made noise as he unsnapped it from his belt and wallet, looping an end around his hand. On top of them, the loose end was around the man's throat and he pulled him off and away, only giving Angel a quick nod to get out of the way.

She looked up in surprise, seeing Jesse there suddenly, nothing against him of course but she hadn't been expecting help. She was thankful for it though, two against one and they were both bigger than she was, even if she wasn't a wilting flower. Angel caught his nod and moved out of the way, turning to send a right flying to the other guy who was stepping towards Jesse, planning to help his friend out.

A knee to the back and an knock to the head of the guy under his chain sent the man to ground at least for the moment as he let loose to loop the chain around the arm coming at him. He pulled the man into a head-on clash and whirling barrage of hits before returning to the first to keep him on the ground. "Go!" He yelled for Angel to keep moving. He'd keep them busy as long as no others showed up.

The look she shot him said no way in hell, and she didn't take off. Instead she lunged forward and went to grab Jesse's arm. "Come on!" She kept an eye on the other guy as tried to get Jesse to leave with her.

"What ar... are you nuts, lady? Get outta here, go on!" He pulled out of her grasp, giving her a look of insistence and silent apology. The hand swung back to the man on the ground, a clean shot to the bridge of his nose, flattening him soundly and leaving only one.

[Lovely]

Her truck was only a couple cars down and she glared at Jesse as he pulled away. She spun and rose back to standing, shoving the one man left to the side as she jogged to her truck. "This was my fight, you jumped in and you call me crazy??" She tossed over her shoulder at Jesse, playing along a bit as thought they didn't know each other.

"Only trying to help, lady," he snarled effectively, keeping the other busy. The chain was whipped across the man's jaw, followed by a well-trained and far-too-accurate to be randomly positioned kick, whether she saw it or not. The man surely didn't as the side of his head was lateral to the ground only a moment before laying on it, down for the count. Jesse stopped and looked around, tucking the chain out of sight and hoping that the bouncer might have the door open so he could get a car out for these two. Nothing. Just Angel and the roar of her engine. He paused only long enough to be sure she saw him before he took off running into the darker part of the lot and the alley.

She growled as he took off and pulled out her phone, then thinking better of it, whipped her truck around and headed out of the lot. She hoped maybe she could catch him coming out the other end of the alley as she went around to find a pay phone.

He slowed as he slid into the cover of the alleyway, backtracking to meet the end at the road where she would pass by. He heard the engine, unmistakably a truck, though at this hour, there was hardly mistaking anyone for her anyway. He appeared in the light, hoping she'd see him and stop.

She was looking for him and for a pay phone, she spotted him in the corner of her vision as she scanned the other side of the street. The truck slowed and rolled to a stop just ahead of where he stood.

He moved to the door and the arm that was 'thumbing the ride' lowered to the handle without hardly a breath of thought to question it. As soon as he was up in the seat and the door swung closed, whatever breath he held eased out in apology. "I'm sorry... I hope you didn't think I was trying to blow you off. Are you okay... and did you know those guys?"

Angel hardly glanced at him as she threw the truck back into gear and took off. Once cruising again she kept her eye out for a pay phone which shouldn't be too far. "Those guys?.. yeah my fan club from earlier tonight, the ones that tore my shirt and got tossed. Guess they really wanted my number."

"Well they got yours and mine," he murmured, feeling uneasy about such a public display. He noticed her looking around. "What's wrong, what do you need? Others on the home team or what?" He was curious what she was glancing for down every intersection, not seeing headlights or really any other cars out.

"A payphone.." She muttered softly, nearly cursing under her breath. "I need to make a call.. " She glanced over at him and gave a slight smile. "I need to report a couple drunk guys in a fight.. before they seriously hurt one another."

"Two blocks, hang a right and go half a block... convenience store. Phone works. And you didn't answer my question. Are you okay?"

She turned to him and pouted a little. "You asked if I was ok?.. I mean yeah.. I'm fine." She could taste the copper tinge in her mouth from her lip and a glance in the mirror showed the damage to her eye, a good cut just above it that was still bleeding.

"They sell rubbing alcohol and bandaids, too," he mentioned, looking her over as she turned. Fine... was something she wasn't, but she did well putting up with it, though he wasn't sure how she could see. "Here, this is it. Turn right... it's right up there. See it?"

She blinked a few times and nodded, guiding the truck to the right as he directed. "I got it.. good .. So I'll call.. you buy bandaids? I.. my wallet is somewhere on the seat here.."

"Find it tomorrow. I've got this, okay? Just make the call," he insisted gently, leaning and stretching to pull the unchained wallet from the depth of his pocket.

"It's.." She started but then just nodded and let him go, sliding out of the truck to use the phone. She called in the fight as if she'd just seen the two drunk guys brawling when driving by. They would find them and assume they had done it to each other and those two would probably not remember much.

When he came back to the truck at the end of her call, he was carrying a bag a little bigger than needed for just bandaids and a bit of rubbing alcohol that came in half-sized bottles at more-than regular price, and sucking down a knock-off brand adrenaline drink from the other hand. Sipping off the rim, he stood nearby, making sure was okay to drive. "You got it okay or do you want me to drive?"

"You think I'm gonna let you drive my baby?" She gave him a bit of a grin and motioned to his energy drink. "Do you mind sharing a sip of that?.. I sort of lost my soda." Angel brushed a hand across her eye, wiping the blood away.

"I don't mind," he said, not thinking twice as he started to hand over the nearly-full can. "I didn't ask if you'd let me," he smirked. "It's not that far from here. Give me your keys, and you can have this." He held the can back, swaying it gently like a prize.

Her lips pursed and half grinned as he teased her. "uh huh.. " She reached toward the can, taking a step closer to him. "I don't have my keys.."

"You still have one," he teased, speaking softly and handing over the can. "Get in, hotshot. I need to take a look at that shiner in the light. He got you pretty good."

"I think it might leave a mark." She smiled a little more fully, taking the can in one hand and letting her other arm fall gently around his neck. "Did I say thank you yet?" She asked softly.

"No, but I'm not done torturing you with cotton swabs yet. Save it for later, okay? Let's just get you home. The PD cool with their boys?"

[Lovely]

She sighed and her arm dropped away, she nodded. "Everything is all set, no worries.. they'll be picked up shortly." She turned to get into the truck, planning on driving as she tried to hand him the can back.

"Move it on over and let this dog drive, Angel. I'm serious. It's only a couple blocks. Once that shit hits you... here, just drink this. You'll come down slower and the headache won't hit as hard. Just sip it." He pushed the can back at her and motioned for her to keep moving on over to the other side of the cab.

"Is it that bad?" She asked, hesitating to move to the other side, but after looking in the mirror again she slowly slid over. "Guess he did get me good." She whispered, licking her lips and taking a sip of the drink.

"Yeah...," he sighed, not mentioning which. Once she was settled, he got them moving again, taking as much care with the beast as she had. The past few nights had afforded him an opportunity to familiarize with the area and he knew how to get her home. He fully intended to piece her back together again, but he'd play it out as it went, expecting she'd just slip inside the door and shut him out.

She was quiet as he drove, noticing that he wasn't asking which way, but seemed to know just how to get her there. As they pulled into the driveway she sighed gently, looking at the fussy garage door that liked to stick. "We can just leave her out here for tonight I don't feel like fighting with the door right now."

"You sure you want to leave your baby out in the cold?" He teased and meant the truck, but in a way he was hoping...

"No.. I don't.." She said softly, glancing at him then away. ".. I just think the door will win this time."

"If I get the door and bring her in, will you go inside and sit down? Maybe if I sweet-talk it just right it might behave for once," he winked and nodded that she head on in. He left the engine running and got out to try his hand at the door.

She closed her eyes for just a moment and rested her head back. Her fingers reached to unhook her house keys from the ring and then slid to make her way to the door. Angel turned to watch Jesse for a minute and then unlocked the door and went into the livingroom. The door between the garage and the kitchen was unlocked and he could come in if he chose to, she went to the bathroom and started to run the water and grabbed a cloth to clean up the blood on her face.

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

"mmmmmmm yum.." She murmured as if about the cotton balls he was using to clean her cut, though her gaze was on him so close to her.

He chuckled and was almost blushing

"Know someone who just wants to eat you up, but she's trying really hard not to just give in.. just sooo irresistible.." She teased him.

Now he was blushing and throwing a wet cotton ball at her.

"Well I can't just let you off scott-free.. you made me feel all bad and stuff -and stop looking at me like that.. makes it very hard to concentrate on being firm and angry."

He leaned closer, dabbing at her eye gently with dampened cotton. "I did what I had to do. I told you, it's not you. If I had a choice I would have stayed."

"You do have a choice... " She whispered softly, flinching as he dabbed at her eye.

"Nooo... not really. Not at the moment. Not until I'm sure this is over first," he sighed quietly, pulling the cotton away for a moment. "Sorry, does that hurt? Angel, I'm not putting you off and I'm not trying to play you. I'm sincere and I want to stay, but ... I just can't right now."

"Yeah.. of course you do.. that's why you left before I woke up." She leaned away and pushed off the counter, going to move past him. ".. and yeah it hurts like hell.." But whether she meant the cottonball wasn't said.

He reached to stop her, trying to wrap his arm around her. "Don't. I'm not done yet. You may need stitches, so would you... just let me do this. Please?"

She stopped with his arm curling around her and looked down, as close to crying as she'd ben in a long time. "Why?" She asked softly, turning her face towards his but not quite meeting his gaze.

[Lovely]

"Because you're hurt... because some of that is my fault... and because if you need stitches, I'm going to make sure you get them, and you need to rest. You worked a full shift and you're no shirk, Angel. I watched you... you own that floor and every table on it."

"I'm fine." She insisted quietly, though she knew he was right, she'd most likely need a stitch or two. "I don't need to rest or sleep.. I'll be okay.. just a job.. didn't do anything special.." She was afraid she'd fall asleep and he'd be gone again when she woke up, like he'd done before.

"Would you stop? Just... just stop it already, alright? I'm sorry. Okay? I'm sorry," his voice rose a little, but wasn't mean as much as it was worried. "Just please. Take it easy and sit still or it'll keep bleeding and you'll need more than just my help. And I don't know if I can get the truck back out of the garage now that it's in there. I'll take a look at that door tomorrow and see if I can fix it, but tonight, you need the fixing, so would you just stay put?"

"Will you.. " She countered quickly, her eyes lifting slightly defiant as if she was willing to push it if he was. "..stay put..?" Her voice lowered a little and her expression softened a bit, showing that though she was angry, she didn't want him to go.

"As long as I can, yes," he said directly, trying to help her understand without telling her too much. "C'mon. I need to numb that and seal it. It's got a mind of its own."

"So you might not be here in the morning when I wake up.. again.." She whispered the words, turning her face away and down for a moment, taking in a breath. "Go ahead put a bandaid on me.. make sure it has some cool super hero or something on it."

"That's not what I said. And I'm sorry, Supe's not gonna work for you until I sew that up. Well maybe Spidey can slap some web on it, but he's not looking very helpful right now," he said, looking through the box of kid bandages. "Yes, there's a chance I might... might... not be here, but that's not part of the plan tonight."

"Whats the plan tonight?" She was almost scared to ask as her eyes lifted to his face again and she eased back slowly to sit on the coutner top.

"Not get any further away from you than this... if you let me," he grinned, threatening with numbing salve he'd pulled from his own emergency kit. "I don't know how much you leaked out back there and if you have a concussion... sorry. Must sound like your father... bless him. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet him."

Angel took in a breath at the mention of her father, it was unexpected and caught her a moment off guard. She smiled as the moment passed and lifted bright eyes, full of love and admiration to meet Jesse's. "You probably would have liked each other.. my grandmother says I get my stubborn streak from him... and my forgiving nature. he had a terrible time staying angry with anyone."

"Well, I hope that's hereditary," he winked. He dappled the area over her eye to numb it and reached for the kit he'd brought in. It had seen some wear and looked like it had been through a few fights all on its own, but the materials inside were organized and clean. "In high school.. used to patch up the boys on the team when I was on the bench. Coach let me keep the kit when I graduated."

"The letterman's jacket.. with no letter?" She inquired gently, trying to sit still and not fidgit. "Tell me about you Jesse.. you say you can't tell me things.. fine, but there is plenty you can tell me. What's your favorite color, food, time of day.. what's something you love.. what you dream about.. the first girl you kissed.. all those things.. I want to know who I'm falling for."

He smiled and shied away a little, again searching for what he could say, but this time he didn't dodge. Working quickly while she was prepared for it, he slipped two small patches in place and dabbed them carefully dry, finally satisfied to leave it be enough to cover with a hero bandage. It brought his smile out more to see the colorful bits on white over her shining eyes despite the bruise. "I learned to stitch a lot because I was benched ... a lot. Mostly for fighting but also because I had a problem with missing games. The coach made me a deal. He'd let me keep the jacket.. and my grade.. and the kit... but I couldn't play. So I made the best of screwing up what would have been a full-ride. Thus.. no letter, because I wasn't really on the team. My favorite color is the sky over Jackson's Hole Wyoming when I visit my grandfather for the 4th of July. It's an amazing color of blue that I have no other word for... which goes with my favorite time of day which is sunset any day of the year. What else would you like to know?"

"Everything!" She laughed softly, reaching to wrap an arm around his shoulders. ".. seriously.. everything that doesn't fall into that can't tell me catagory.. I just want to know you.. feel you.. be close to you.. I might be the biggest fool in the universe.. but damn baby you can dance!" She teased a little, showing more of her sparkling eyes and smile.

"Well you better be writing this all down, because you get to tell me next," he warned lightly as he helped steady her to stand up. "The first girl I ever kissed," he mused, reaching to kiss her now if she'd allow him. "I plead the fifth, only because it was a relative and ... well, you know."

She leaned against him a little more than she needed to, just to stay close to him. She chuckled a little and leaned but didn't quite meet him, holding her kiss teasingly close to his lips. "Well.. my sister taught me to kiss.. so.. someday I'll have to find someone to let her know whether she did a good job."

"Give me her number and I'll tell her right now," he whispered over her lip, lingering to settle there gently for a long moment.

"mmm mmnn " She murmured, sinking to a deeper kiss and curling around him a bit more. "No way... I still need lots more practicing.."

The moment was one he didn't want to break, but knew she should lay down. He lifted away for the moment. "Practice and answers after sleep. At least get your feet up before that shit wears off and it starts throbbing, okay? C'mon."

"Nope.." She refused with a little pout. "Not going unless you carry me." She folded her arms and tilted her head in a 'brat' impression.

He shrugged and leaned to scoop her up. "Alright. It was your idea."

"It was a good idea." She smiled sweetly, shifting slightly to be more comfortable for him to carry. "So.. how bad do you feel? Can I like make you my slave.. fetch my jammies and rub my back.. and stuff?"

"Hmm.. I'm curious to know what you mean about 'and stuff', but the back rub, I insist and the jammies...well, only if you insist," he teased. "No... no one's slave and I would hope you never feel that anyone tries to do that to you. If you ask, I will, it's that simple."

"I was kidding.. kinda, though I like how you put it.. "

[Lovely]

August 22, 2008
follows: So we meet again


He did his best not to wake her. He'd made his promise and waited until Angel was finally asleep. His own eyes closed a short while as he lay beside her, but messages waited for him and the call wasn't something he could share here. He gently uncurled from her, looking for his boots and jeans in the dark.

Angel stirred softly, shifting in her sleep and reaching for his warmth that had drifted away from her. She found the empty space of bed beside her and let out a soft defeated sound, not fully awake enough to know he was still in the room. Her arm pulled his pillow closer and she curled around it, feeling the tears well behind her lowered lids. She was hurt that he'd left her and just sore in general from the fight -the hit that had cut her face had also left quite the bruise behind. Even for a tough girl the hit had done it's damage and now the one comfort she'd found had snuck off -again- in the middle of the night.

"Sorry, I was trying not to wake you," he whispered, seeing her curl and the expression that tugged at the stitches he'd finally been able to get over the cut. "How are you feeling?"

She startled slightly at his voice, her eyes snapping open and the pained expression crossing her face. "Trying to slip out before I woke up.. I get it.. just pretend I'm asleep.." Her eyes closed again and her fingers lifted to rest against her brow. Her head was pounding and she felt achey, but the last thing she wanted was to tell him how she felt. Let him leave if he was so determined to, couldn't even stay one night. That answered alot for her and she felt foolish for falling for him again.

"What? Angel, it's after 7. I was just getting up to make a call... a work offer I'm following up on. You know... work? It's only a lead, but I owe you... well, how about breakfast at least?"

"I'm not hungry." She murmured softly, keeping her eyes closed and trying not to press too hard with her fingers on the tender area around the visible bruising.

"Not a good sign," he sighed. He knelt down by the bed, setting his boots to the side for the moment. "Hey, better leave that alone. Even in the dark, it's pretty bad. May need some ice. You got any? Nevermind. I'll check, okay?"

"My head kinda feels like it's still getting pounded.. I think I need something stronger than the asprin." She said quietly, now more intent to 'feel' the wound that looked so bad even in the dark. Maybe she could make it to the bathroom to get a better look in the mirror.. maybe when she could get up.

"You better sit up a while, elevation, try to stay awake a bit and keep your heartrate even. I'll see what I can do for ice. I hate to say it, babe, but I see a possible trip to the doctor whether you like it or not." He wasn't sure what he could pull off. A doctor would be expensive and arranging to pay that kind of bill for either of them right now was no joke. "Hey, would you stop? You're gonna rip the stitches."

Elevation required moving and she didn't want to move and she didn't want to stay awake. What she wanted was some strong pain killers and to pass out till it hurt a whole lot less. "No way in hell you're getting me to the doctor.. I'm not going period.. so just forget about it."

"Suit yourself," he chuckled, getting her a glass of water to start with. "Just pass out again and I'll pour you in the truck and take you." It was double edged... stay awake like she was told and she'd be okay or pass out and take the alternative she didn't want. He hoped she'd opt for just simply staying awake, even if it hurt. He came back with the glass and set it down, offering to help her prop up. "C'mon. I'm serious, Angel. Please. This has me pretty worried."

"Yeah.. I'll remember that next time you get hit in the face by a truck." She groaned softly, turning into more of a whimper as she started to move with his help to prop up a little. "no.. no this isn't.. just.. let me lay down." She started to push at him and settle back into the softness of the pillows. "just.. in the medicine cabinent.. there is a small blue and green bottle.. you won't miss it bring me that and the pink one.."

[Lovely]

"Hey, you never know. And I'm sorry I wasn't able to get out there faster to stop them. I'm glad I was out there at all. Great, you've got the easter bunny pushing your pills for you?" He nodded to her order and went back in search of the bottles. "Water first and I'll bring you more. You probably bled out enough that you're dehydrated as hell. Pink, huh? You're sure?" He searched the cabinet, finding the first, but having trouble with the second and looking at labels of what he did find.

She lay there, half on her side, half on her stomach and closed her eyes as he went in search of the pills. "Yes.. pink.. I'm sure." She grumbled, not elaborating on what they were or where she'd gotten them.

“Okay, maybe in your purse? I’ll keep looking, but here’s these,” he said, bringing her the blue one that was easily found like she’d stated. “Hello, water? C’mon, work with me here, please?”

"no.. in the cabinent.. has to be.. there somewhere." Angel opened her eyes enough to glare at him for scolding her about the water. She reached a slightly trembling hand to take the glass, sloshing a little as she pushed herself up enough to take the sip. there were tears in her eyes, determined, stubborn and she was blinking them back. Trying damn hard, now that he'd scolded her, to do it all herself. She all but fell against the pillows after forcing herself up for the sip of water and she struggled to get the pills open, dropping two down her throat and swallowing them dry.

“Mm... better than nothing,” he murmured, watching her from the door of the bathroom. He shook his head a little and went back in search of the bottle, taking an extra minute or two for himself. The lack of real sleep was probably still wiping him out and clouding his thoughts, but all he could think of was her at the moment and work was rapidly taking a back seat. He’d need to call soon, regardless. He came back out with a new idea and a rattling bottle, crawling back to the far side around her. “Try this?” He offered to help her up and lay partly on him if there was any way he could be as comfortable as the pillows.

Her eyes rose to meet his in a pained and cloudy gaze, but she gave a slight nod and let him help her. She pulled one pillow with her to rest against. curl into, and cushion the side of her face from solid muscle of his chest. "give me two of those.. " She reached with one arm for the glass of water. nearly knocking it over in her attempt.

“Whoa, easy there. If you want a bath, we can do that, too,” he tried to tease, though he caught the water the same time she did with an unusally rapid reflex. He passed it off as nothing, offering to hold the glass while she worked on the bottle he offered in trade.

"Thanks." Was her whisper as she settled against him and closed her eyes a moment. To feel so safe in his arms despite the head crushing pain was a strange but wonderful thing to her. His quick reflex would probably been given more notice and consideration if she been more aware. Her fingers managed to pull two of the tiny pills free of the bottle and she popped them into her mouth, motioning him to bring the glass closer so she could sip from it and wash them down.

[Lovely]

August 23, 2008
Late Afternoon
follows: Promises


"I'm sorry, okay? Would.. would you stop with the pouting? Please?" Jesse reached over, tentatively trying to touch or hold or console her out of being pissed at him still. The point was he was driving her baby and she was being babied whether she liked it or not... more for the 'or not' since she hadn't said a word to him for a while. "It's only for a few days. Angel?"

"I'll pout if I want to pout.." She murmured and then turned her face towards him. "..and I'm not pouting!" Though her lips were turned down in quite the cute but angry pout, she denied it. She was angry.. he'd taken her to the hospital and she was thinking of clawing his face off for it. But he was there with her and she glanced at him, still surprised and curious that he'd stayed and was still with her.

His head tilted in an all-too-familiar 'have it your way' response as he sighed, pulling both hands to the wheel to give them someplace to go. Part of him wanted to chuckle at the sweetly cute expressions, but he was already in deep. He couldn't afford what the bill would cost him, either, but he'd put it in his name with the information he had yet to really explain to her. He'd bought time, is all he'd done. His boss would never go for it and it would be out of his pocket eventually, but the concussion was serious enough whether she admitted it or not. He felt better having taken her. He did... if he kept telling himself he'd almost believe it if she'd relax. "He said juice, no caffeine, no alcohol and rest. Since we know that won't work, at least tell me what you like and we'll get it. You rest and I'll fix you up, alright? Deal?"

She watched his hand go back to the wheel and found herself wishing he'd reached just a little further. With a sigh and trying not to look at his hand for too long, her gaze shifted to her hand on her knee and she pulled her arms to curl around her middle. She didn't want him to take care of her.. did she? Must be the head wound, she tried to convince herself. "Do I have a choice?" She muttered, lifting her hand to her head to feel the tender side. "Can't really think of anything right now.. just home." She ended softly, she wanted to be someplace where she could try to relax and be comfortable.

He glanced back from the road, seeing her fold up around herself. He nodded and opted to not take the turn for the store and just go the few blocks to get her inside. Then if she wanted to bust his lip, she could. "Home it is," he said softly, though pre-occupied in several directions. "How's the pain at least? You were about out of ... whatever that was you took."

"It still hurts.. but it doesn't feel like I was hit by a semi anymore.. " She chanced a glance at him, feeling edgey and irritable and it was not entirely his fault that she was in such a mood. "Maybe check what I want later against what I actually have and make a list.. later.. when I actually want anything?" She tried to offer something of a 'truce' though it was clear she wasn't happy about the trip to the hospital.

He grinned a little. "That's more than fair. How about hungry? You haven't eaten since breakfast yesterday. Sorry for keeping track, but I do," he said as an aside, pulling up to the garage. "And I think this might make you smile a little. Check this out." He got out to fight with the garage door that put up very little of one, gliding almost easily compared to how it was.

Angel watched him with the door and found a bit of a smile coming to her face. He'd fixed her garage door? It made her wonder more and she shook her head slightly, feeling a tiny chuckle sneak out. "Damn."

Jesse was back in a flash, giving her a partly proud-partly cowed look, not wanting to show-off, but hoping she was happy that it was fixed. "Shouldn't rip your arm off in the rain, now." He pulled in gently and was out again like a subtle Spring breeze wisping around the truck to help her out, quiet and nearly invisible with how he maneuvered sometimes. "Easy does it... c'mon."

"I appreciate that.." She started to tell him, not sure if he'd heard before slipping out of the truck, he was fast -kinda made her think of the Road Runner. Her eyes took him in as he came up on her side of the truck, her arm reaching to brace around his shoulders. "You're not going to carry me, are you?"

He shook his head but offered a mischief-riddled grin. "Only if you let me, so I guess that's up to you. I am cooking you dinner, though, no arguements." He insisted only so far, giving her option of leaning or hinting that he could put an arm under her knee - he'd be happy either way.

She stared into his eyes for a long moment before gently bringing her head to his shoulder. "Just don't rub it in later.. okay?" She relented and accepted his help in a soft whisper. She just wanted to lay down for awhile, rest like the doctor had told her she needed to.

"I might," he teased, lifting her like air. "But I had something like that in mind anyway. If you'll get the door, please?"

Her hand reached out to give the truck door a shove to slam it closed, her hand rested at her side, ready to get the door into the house. "You can rub anything but the side of my face.. K?"

He wasn't going to tease too much, but the 'anything' caught his attention and made him wonder. "We'll see. If you sleep, I'm going to let you this time. If I can help you get that far, I'll do whatever it takes."

It wasn't much but her arm tightened around his shoulders and she nodded. "You're staying?" She asked him softly, she was surprised he'd been here this long and did have some worry that she'd close her eyes and he'd be gone.

"Angel, I'm not a ghost. I just seem like it sometimes, but I'm not going to just disappear. I promise. Even if I'm not right there, I'm there, okay?" He took a chance, offering a light kiss to reassure her if all he was given was her cheek or the not-so injured temple. "I promise."

Her face tilted so she could tell him she wanted him there and she caught his mouth as he turned to offer the kiss. It was accidental but she was captured and her mouth told him in a tender kiss just how little she minded and how much she wanted him with her.

"Sorry. That was...," he stammered around it, not sure whether he should apologize except for not wanting to stop and they were still out here in the garage. "Let's just get inside. We can... discuss that more in a minute."

Her hand lifted to brush over his cheek and she gave him a slight nod, settling her head back to his shoulder. She wanted to keep kissing him and found herself smiling a little as she let him carry her inside.

[Lovely]

She appeared less upset, almost shy and agreeable to being taken inside this way. Jesse's smile was soft, his green eyes warm and worried yet playful as he carried her in. "Couch okay or do you want the whole song and dance? Feet up, remote, the works?"

Angel felt strange being carried like this, somehow safe and shy but that scared her a little. Her head shook a little and she pointed toward her room, the couch was not where she wanted to be stuck.

"Works it is. Rules of that are... no complaining about being catered to, no matter how much you like it," he teased. She'd done the same to him when he was too exhausted to see straight, it was only right to return the favor.

"No works." She mumbled, her eyes feeling heavy as she relaxed in his arms. "Just my bed and somthing warm to snuggle."

"Uh huhn. You get what you get and you'll like it," he prodded and teased gently, feeling her fold and shrink as tension shifted away from her and her eyes started to close. "Just drop your shoes any old place. I'll get 'em later."

"I'm wearing shoes?" She didn't remember putting them on and lifted her head to glance at her feet, giving a slight chuckle. "Look at that, you're right." She wiggled her feet a little but didn't kick off her shoes, she could get them off in her room at least -even if they didn't make it to the closet.

"Angel, you really need to rest. Grand suite, here you go, sorry about the maid service. He's a slacker," he said, seeing the state things had been left and not the best to return to after such an ordeal, but it was home. He chuckled to himself... hers or his or... it had been a long time since any place felt like home, so why not? He shook his head. "A real slacker. I'll get after him for that. Easy does it." He got her to the bed with ease and set her down gently.

She didn't really look around at how things had been left, she didn't care. If she had to clean up a disaster area when she felt better, so be it -she wasn't one for expecting anyone else to clean up after her anyway. Even if she was letting him take care of her for the moment didn't mean she thought he'd be her maid as well, though his comments about such made her chuckle. "That's it.. we need to rethink his benefit package."

"Really? You think so?" He smiled and leaned down to help with the shoes and maybe get the blanket over her if she was willing. "How about a week in the Bahamas, all expense paid?"

"For slacking? Geez I should start slacking then." She laughed a little too hard and groaned, rolling to her side to bury in the pillows.

"Hey now, sorry. What flavor of poison would you like to kill that? I know he said not to have any, but if you want it to help, I'll mix it up," he said quietly, more worried now than he'd been for a few hours as she curled in pain. He sat down on the edge of the bed beside her. "Anything you want, okay?"

"I'll be alright." She just about whimpered, curling a little more as he sat down next to her. "Laughed a little too hard.. made it hurt.. teach me to do that." Her face turned and she gave a weak smile, trying not to crinkle her face up too far. "Why are guys such jerks? All this because I didn't let them get too frisky?"

"No, because we're jerks and don't know how to take 'no' for an answer. Which is really funny since we hear it a lot. You'd think... I dunno. We're not all that bad. I know a couple," he shrugged, reaching to rub her shoulder a little.

Angel nodded, her arm snaked over his legs and she shifted with her pillow to lay partially in his lap. Her hand resting on his leg and her eyes closing again for a moment. "This sucks.. how long did the doctor say I would be messed up for?"

"Three to five days and he wants to see you come back all smiles at the end of that. Reminds me. He needed to know who to call for your work to tell them you'll be off. I didn't know what to give him, so we need to call in the morning."

The sound she made showed she was not happy and her head shook slightly. "I can't call at the last minute.. hand me the phone and I'll call." Angel sighed and pushed herself off his lap. "Would you go get me some more asprin and some juice if I have any?" She needed the few minutes it would take to make the call privately. "I think.. I have concentrate.. you may have to mix it, if it's not too much trouble?"

"Now you tell me," he whispered, kissing her cheek. "Take your time. Slackerboy's going to redeem himself and go to the store. No marathons or trapeze acts while I'm gone. When I'm back, whatever you want, you got, okay?"

"Sorry.. I'm a little out of it.. You'll have to forgive me for being a little absent minded.. since I think half my brain got knocked out." She held the phone in her hand, watching him with a warmth in her eyes as he got up to leave. "Just.. get whatever you think I might like. Since we didn't make a list.. I'll try not to crab at whatever you pick up."

"Don't worry. I'll do that. Just make your calls. I'm taking the bike, so don't panic about your baby," he did mean the truck, but partly he wondered if she'd panic about him leaving at all. If she did get up, he wanted to be sure she knew he was taking it, not to 'leave' but to make things faster. He had his own calls to make a few favors to cash in before cash ran out. "Don't wait up," he winked, hoping she might even be able to fall asleep before he got back.

She bit her lip watching him as he moved away, she wanted to pull him back, not let him go at all. "Long as he comes back." She whispered, curling the phone to her chest as he went out the door, wondering if he was going to disapear again.

[Lovely]

In the interest of being quick and making sure she wasn't left alone long, medications and his worry being incredibly strong at the moment, Jesse roared off on the bike and she'd likely hear the rumble as he headed away. He'd make his own call from the store lot, check in, see if there had been any changes, any new information on what he'd come to town searching for.

She dialed the chief as Jesse was leaving, making the courtesy call to let him know she wouldn't be around for a few days, but she didn't really answer to him so it was not as if she -had- to show up. After she was sure Jesse was gone off, she made another call and left a message, then she rested back on the pillows with her eyes closed.

The store they'd passed up was only a few blocks and thankfully the phone in the lot still worked. It seemed several in this town had been left to rot to prevent people from calling in half the emergencies that happened like what had happened to Angel, and probably for the same reason he was here, to help even that balance a little. He did more leaning and listening than speaking, watching people go in and out of the market, none of whom he felt comfortable speaking around until he got to know the town better, see a few faces more often and find the 'in' crowd that would lead him to his answers. He checked his watch and finished his call to get in and grab what he came for to get back before she started worrying.

Her calls didn't take long and she laid on the bed waiting for him to come back. She dozed off and woke with a start, glancing around as if there was something important she needed to do.

The bike must have been what woke her as it rumbled back into the garage and the door was rolled down to conceal it. It was an amazing stroke of luck that she had a place like this to help him stay hidden that much better, though it strangled his heart to hide so much from her still. Paper bags rattled in the kitchen and the sounds of bottles sliding into the empty door made him thirsty enough to pour two glasses, though he'd made a quick stop one more place on the way for a few more essentials to spice his up some in hopes of relaxing out of his worried state. "Bagels... you want one?!" He called out.

She was a little disoriented when she first opened her eyes and it took her a few moments to recognise that she was in her new home. Angel sighed and brought her head back to the pillow, listening to the sounds at the end of the short hall. So Jesse had returned.. well it was a start-hopefully he wouldn't just suddenly be gone again. "No." She called back about the bagel, though she felt a slight pang of hunger. Chewing was not something she was ready to do yet, drinking had enough drawbacks at the present time.

He appeared in the door, juggling drinks like he was back at the bar, also carrying a closed jug of something else and a bagel for himself looped over a finger. "Had a feeling. Protein.. shake.. thing? May not hurt so much, but not guaranteeing the taste," he offered, setting her glass of juice and the bottle down beside her on the table. "Everything okay with work? Reminds me, I should call the bar and let them know... well that I won't be in. Did you get a hold of them?"

She hadn't as there was no one answering the phone at the time, but..."I left a message, just said I'd been in an accident and wouldn't be in for a few days.. not that they'd want me there looking like this. But yeah.."

"You'd still put the other girls to shame even like this. They'll miss you, believe me. Yeah, I guess I better call them, too," he murmured, seeming to stare gently, still worried.

She half hid her face in the pillow when she noticed him staring, pulling her hand up over the marks. "I have this bad feeling I may end up with a scar."

He grinned and looked away. "Maybe, but think of all the conversations it'll start. Maybe get a tattoo over it, hm? Seriously, from out here, it's not so bad. I'd like to take the credit, but I think it's the source material... you're healing pretty well already."

"I don't know about that." She murmured softly, coming out of the pillow a bit with a slight pout. "I just hope it's not a big one.. aaargh!" She rolled to her back and stared pu at the ceiling, feeling frustrated. "You should probably call.. but.. you don't have to miss work on account of me.. I don't want to be all that trouble for you.. already been enough."

"It's only one night a week there. They'll survive without me and my big feet to trip over. Maybe they'll fire me, who knows. It's just a few hours and this is more important," he shrugged, entirely serious. "So do you want that shake or juice or maybe something a little stronger?"

[Lovely]

"The juice is fine.." She turned her head and gave him a small smile, anything more would hurt and she didn't much feel like smiling anyway. "thanks." Angel sighed and gently started to push herself to sit up so she could sip some of the juice.

"Easy. I didn't think of straws, but I may have one or two in the bag on the bike... live in a drive-thru world, you're bound to collect a few... want any ketchup with that?"

She laughed and it hurt, but not as bad as before. "No thanks.. I think I'm good with the juce for now.. and no straws -the whole sucking motion i think will hurt anyway."

"Too bad," he teased, back to staring gently again with his mind on many other things. "It's okay, you know. If you want to scream or just get it out of your system, you can. I can see it just sitting there, and I can't say I blame you. Why don't you let me talk to the police... see if they can round those guys up and do something to at least put your mind at rest?"

"Shut up.." She whispered softly, she didn't want to scream -she wanted to cry and that was so much worse.

"I don't get it," he said softly, sitting down on the end of the bed. "But if you don't want me to, I guess that's how it is. How's that juice? Need a kick to it? Oh, your meds... I left them in the other room. Anything else I can get you?"

Her hand lifted to cover her eyes and she sniffed lightly, the nicer he was -the harder it was for her to keep up the tough girl act. "I don't need anything else.. I'm okay.." She whispered, closing her eyes under her fingers.

"Must be allergies," he grinned, not wanting to embarrass her, but letting her know he noticed. He wasn't sure what else he could do without her just throwing things at him. He reached for the tissues for her, offering one in trade for her juice glass.

She sighed and lifted her hand from her face, her lashes wet but not letting herself full out cry. "Damn allergies." She whispered, giving a thin smile and handing him her glass. With her free hand she accepted the tissue but clasped onto his fingers and tugged to pull him down and close to her.

"Angel, come on, now. Stop being so rough on yourself, okay?" He set the glass aside and moved up next to her, closer and warmer. "Let me know what I can do, or show me, or punch me or whatever you feel like doing, but don't hold it in like that. It's killing me to see you hurt... not the cuts, but the rest of it."

She didn't say any thing but rolled to face him, curling around and pulling him closer. Her eyes closed as her face gently burried to his shoulder and neck, she was trembling slightly but not sobbing.

It was a moment that saying anything would wreck. Instead he curled her gently into his embrace, holding her warmly and offering the 'something stronger' she hadn't asked for but needed as much as he did. It was something real for him, something that he could hold and feel that brought him out of the shadows for that instant. He kissed the top of her head lightly and rested there.

The tears ran silently down her cheeks, she held tighter to him, entwining and seeking the warmth and strength he could offer her. His shirt was starting to become damp, but she was holding on and not about to let him go.

He let her stay there as long as she needed to, letting his mind wander over the past few days and what he had yet to accomplish in not so many more. He was going to need more time, more information. He hadn't counted on this, on her, on finding someplace to land that was this comforting and welcoming. His own eyes welled a little, still worried, still exhausted, furious within for not being able to tell her more, but being tempted to anyway. She deserved more than hints and hiding that he'd been doing.

Slowly she uncurled a bit and shifted up a few inches to face him on the pillow. Her eyes were a little red rimmed and her cheeks damp as was his shirt where she'd been hiding. Her fingers lifted to stroke his cheek in a tender motion. "Thank you." She whispered, tilting slowly to offer a gently lingering kiss.

He blinked heavily, turning toward her whisper and being nearly startled by the kiss he let envelop him and flood the stray thoughts away. Whatever he had to do could wait. They wouldn't fire him, but whether they understood the delay wouldn't help him, either.

She sank and sighed and floated all at once, safely tucked in his arms. The kiss held more meaning than any words she had right then, expressing softly just how deeply she cared and how much she needed and wanted him with her.