CHAPTER FIVE - Buffy December 2004

"So they're just sleeping in the hotel and working at Wolfram and Hart's offices," Faith asked as she and I shared a limo to the Hyperion. It was a smallish one and the bar was stocked with fruit juice only. Angel was in for an earful from Faith about that, Wes too. Hey, if I had to hear her complain most of the way to the hotel, then so should they.

"For the hundredth time, yes." I let my head flop back onto the seat.

"I can't believe it." Faith dug into the trail mix that was in the fridge along with the fruit juice. I was too beat to be hungry. We had a rough night before our early flight.

"You keep saying that, too. You've been saying that for a year now. You plan on ever telling me why?" I glanced over at my fellow Slayer and was surprised at the worried look on Faith's face. In my experience Faith worried about very little. "Seriously Faith, it's time someone let me in on whatever it is that I'm not getting here."

Faith's face went from worried to contemplative. That scared me. "Wolfram and Hart were the ones that hired me to kill Angel," she whispered, not meeting my eyes. "I nearly killed Wes instead but you know that part. That's when I got jailed. They were bad news then. When Angel told us what they were doing, I thought for a moment he'd switched sides again. But that wouldn't explain the rest of them going along for the ride. I guess they're working an angle. I just don't know what."

"And you're just telling me this now!" I sat up straight. I could have throttled her. Why would she keep that sort of secret from me? Why would Angel? I could hear the toilet flushing down my vacation already and we hadn't been in L.A more than an hour. "It's been over a year. Dawn works for them. Damn it, Faith. How could you not tell me? How could Angel not?"

"I thought maybe Angel had told you." She shrugged. "And I trust Angel, B. He knows what he's doing."

That urge to crush her surfaced again at the implication I didn't trust Angel as much as she did. "I don't like this, Faith."

"Well, I didn't either. But Angel's a big boy." Faith scowled. "Look, I'm not fighting with you over this. We're here to have fun. I didn't tell you. Can't change it now. Has Dawn seen anything bad? Xander? No."

That was so besides the point, it wasn't funny. But she was right. This wasn't the time to argue. "What could he be doing with them if they're the enemy? Does he know they paid you to take him out?"

Faith nodded. "Like I said, he must have some angle."

I flopped back. Why was I always outside the loop? Was it me cutting myself off like I have a tendency to do or is Angel trying to protect me again? "He told me Wolfram and Hart gave him that amulet, the one Spike wore into battle. I thought they were some of the good guys."

"They probably had their own angles to play. Angel wouldn't let anything happen to Dawn, Buffy. You know that." Faith guessed the real source of my distress. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to Dawn.

"This traffic is awful," I muttered, hoping to end the topic. I glanced at my watch. It was barely past noon. Me and Faith had taken an early flight and we were both jet lagged.

"How are you about seeing him?" Faith's dark eyes held a cautious look that I was unaccustomed to.

I didn't want to talk about Angel with Faith. It was too hard, too much history. But I couldn't just ignore her. "Okay, I guess. And you?"

Faith ran a hand through her tousled hair. "Look, B, there's nothing between me and Angel, not like that. He's like...I don't know, a big brother or something. He was the one person who's ever believed me in. I'm not going to mess that up with sex, even if he could. Angel, the Mayor, they're the only guys who've treated me like something more than a blow-up sex toy."

I gazed at her sadly. I could hear the pain in her voice. Faith wasn't one for sharing but the glimpses into her past I got were ugly. It made me appreciate what I had. "And Giles. He never thought of you like that. And what about Robin?"

Faith's lips twisted. "Robin was different. But he wanted to get too serious. I guess we might run into him out here, too. He's still helping Wes with setting up the Council."

"Well, his last place of employment did get sucked into hell. How do you put that on a job resume?" I forced a smile. "And the things he saw changed him."

"Having a Slayer mom changed him long before that." Faith craned her head looking out the side window as the cab slowed down. "We're here."

The limo driver helped us with our bags. Angel had told us the front door would be open in anticipation of our arrival. At first, I had thought it weird that Xander didn't want to live here, Dawn, too, but then after living with Faith I understood. She and I had no choice. We didn't make enough to live separately but it isn't fun to live with the people you work with. Xander and Angel didn't really like each other. Dawn would have been better off here but I knew she was clinging to Xander for comfort and he to her. He needed someone to help him over his losses and I was proud of Dawn for taking that role. Fred was the only one living with Angel at the moment, and Lorne but he was busy rebuilding his club. Angel said it was unlikely the demon would be at home.

Faith and I had barely gotten the door closed behind us and lugged our bags to the front desk when Angel came down the steps. His skill at missing patches of sunlight was amazing but I guess he's had lots of practice. A tickle of rage ran up my spine. I wanted to rip him a new one for not telling me about Wolfram and Hart but I wouldn't. I was making a real effort to be adult about these things. Not everything could be handled by a screaming fit. I'd talk to him when we were alone. His smile actually touched his eyes. He was happy to see us, a hint of tension in his face, too, but not as much as I feared.

"I'm glad you made it safely," he said, holding his arms out.

We both hugged him. He was warmish. He must have been under his electric blanket, reading, when we came in. Angel would do that sometimes, to make it easier to be close to him. Sometimes it was like snuggling with a Butterball turkey fresh from the fridge. Same with Spike, so I must have a taste for it. I shivered. It was best not to think about it.

"We're just glad to be here," I said, trying not to yawn in his face. At least Faith had managed some sleep on the plane earlier.

"And we could use a little sack time. Remind me why we had to catch a flight out before dawn?" Faith groused.

"Ask Wes. You can have your pick of rooms up on the second floor." Angel stabbed a finger skywards. "I gave the workers the day off, figuring you might want to take a nap."

I glanced around, noticing fresh paint and part of the old ceiling was gone. Under it was ornate wood beams. "Renovating?"

Angel nodded. "Xander and his crew are busy trying to restore this place to its original state. It's a beautiful old place, really. They're working on the third floor, shoring it up first then getting to all the detail work. Wolfram and Hart's footing the bill. I figure they'll get it done just in time for some demon to come along and burn it to the ground."

"That's our Angel, always the optimist." Faith grinned, chucking his shoulder.

He rolled his eyes, grabbing our suitcases. "I'll help you upstairs." He hefted them then looked between us. "How long did you say you were staying?"

I laughed. "Poor Angel, you've been around for over two centuries and you still know nothing about how women pack."

"I know you're all nuts," he mumbled under his breath.

Before we could comment or he could escape upstairs, the front door opened. Dawn bounced in holding hands with a scrawny kid. Oh, don't tell me this was the boyfriend. He was not at all what I was expecting. He was in a red T-shirt with white lettering, TKE, whatever that meant, and baggy jeans. Not those ridiculous baggy hip-hop jeans, but baggy none the less, probably because there wasn't enough of him to fill them out. Wearing a comfy- looking University shirt, Dawn was across the lobby before he even had the door shut and nearly knocked me down, hugging me.

"I couldn't wait until tonight to see you." Dawn squeezed me so tight I heard ribs creaking.

"I missed you so much," I whispered into her hair.

"I'm going to take the bags upstairs. You two can put them wherever later," Angel said. "Hello, Dawn. Nice to see you again, Connor."

Okay, so the little twig was her boyfriend. He merely nodded at Angel. Neither of them seemed happy to see each other. I'd have to talk to Angel about that, too. I know he hadn't seemed thrilled when he met the kid for the first time last week. Dawn hugged Faith as Angel disappeared upstairs.

"Buffy, meet Connor. Connor, this is Buffy and our friend, Faith."

He smiled at me, coming across the lobby to shake my hand. He moved funny, loose limbed, almost like an animated rag doll but he had a good hand shake. Still, he was amazingly girlie. He practically looked corseted he was so wasp-waisted but then again, this being L.A. he might just actually be wearing a corset. I so did not want to know if it was nature or accentuation.

"Pleased to meet you at last, Buffy," he said, smiling even more broadly. The kid had a strange, creepy kind of smile and I was wondering what Dawn saw in him. I know that was shallow of me, basing my impression on mere looks. I guess there was still a little of the superficial cheerleader in me that hadn't quite been killed off. But still there was something odd about him, a little tickle up the spine, sort of like my 'spidey' sense but Angel would know if this kid was demonic. He'd be able to smell it or something. And he was breathing and out in the middle of the day so he wasn't a vamp.

As he offered his hand to Faith, I looked at my sister. I could see how happy she was for us to meet Connor, hoping for my approval. Then I saw it on her finger, a Claddagh, and I felt all the color leave my face. I hear Faith telling Dawn that Connor was a cutie but it didn't really register. I could imagine her usual 'do me' look on her face as she said it but I couldn't focus past that Claddagh. It was fancier than the one Angel had given me. Dawn hadn't mentioned a word to me about this ring. Either she didn't want me to know, or at least wanted to tell me in person. That had to be it, or else that ring would be hidden somewhere.

"Are you okay, Buffy?" Dawn asked. She might have said something before that but I missed it.

"I'm fine." I took her hand so I could have a closer look at the ring and a touch of panic hit her eyes. "This is lovely, Dawn. It really is." I meant that. I could see the puppy dog look in Dawn's eyes when she glanced at Connor and vice versa. I wanted her to feel that sweet, innocent kind of love with a nice normal boy. He couldn't have known what the Claddagh meant to me, sort of like poor Scott. That seemed so long ago, a life time or more.

She hugged me again, our foreheads touching. "Thank you, Buffy. I thought about you," she whispered. "And I almost..."

"I'm glad you didn't, Dawn," I said then tried to stifle a yawn. "Sorry. Faith and I are beat."

"Of course. We figured we were just going to drop by, say hi and say we want to take you to dinner tonight if you feel up to it." Dawn gestured to Connor.

"You, too, Faith," Connor piped up. I noticed the Claddagh on his finger now, too, plainer, pure silver but cut to reflect light. It was still fancier than Angel's but Angel's big hands were all I could see in my mind's eye. Of course, this kid had big hands, too, too big for his delicate wrists.

"McDonalds or Wendy's?" Faith asked and Dawn gave her arm a warning whack.

"Oh, I was talking about something a little more sit down," Connor said, "It's my treat."

"You don't have to do that, Connor," I said. I didn't want him to feel he had to impress me and go broke doing it.

"I know but I want to. It's okay. Dad said I could use the credit card. Believe me, he can afford it. Angel can come, too, if he likes," Connor replied, seeing Angel on the second floor landing, just sort of watching us.

"We'd love it, thank you," I said, shooting Angel a look. I knew how he was about eating but it wouldn't kill him to be social for Dawn's sake. Connor beamed at me. He looked a little relieved to have some additional company along. I could understand that. This has to be like meeting the parents for him because I'm as close as he's going to get. It's not like Dad is going to come strolling back into our lives.

"Great. Dawn and I would have picked you guys up today but Sid needed his car so I couldn't borrow his Civic," Connor said.

"Oh, like he'd let you." Dawn sniffed. "Sid would have wanted to trade you for Baby."

"Not in this lifetime," Connor said and I was thinking, 'Baby?' "Sid would have her wrapped around a pole."

"Sports car?" I guessed uneasily. Ooo, I so don't like the idea of Dawn's boyfriend having a sports car.

The pride in Connor's eyes was there for us all to see. "A '66 Mustang convertible, cherry."

"Angel has a convertible," Faith said, looping an arm around Connor's shoulders. "Nice roomy back seat." She smirked at Dawn who was eyeing her evilly for touching her man and I could have throttled Faith.

Connor looked up at Angel expectantly. Angel just shrugged, coming down the stairs. "It's a year newer than yours, a Belvedere GTX."

The kid's blue eyes brightened. He looked more excited by that car than he was to meet me. I'll never understand men. "You have a Belvedere? Cool. Can I see it?"

Angel shot him that half smile that used to make me melt. "It's in Wolfram and Hart's garage right now but some night you and Dawn can come over and take it for a drive if you want."

"Oh boy, a night of watching men drool on cars." Dawn rolled her eyes but Connor was oblivious to her. I tried to swallow the giggle born from seeing her expression.

"Thanks. Come on, Dawn. We ought to roll so Buffy and Faith can get some sleep," Connor said, looking at his watch.

"In other words, Law and Order reruns are going to start soon and you have to get to a TV," Dawn said, rolling her eyes some more.

He pouted, pulling her against his hip. What red lips this kid has. I was thinking is that natural or is it a shade of Clinque I ought to go look for. "We won't make it back in time for that."

"Angel has a TV. He won't mind if we hang out down here, would you, Angel?" Dawn's hand sneaked into Connor's front pocket. Where did she learn to be naughty? Get your hand out of there, little girl.

Angel shook his head. "I'll be working but if you're in the break room, you won't bother me."

"You have a TV?" I was surprised.

"Technically it's Xander's. He and Dawn insisted," Angel replied.

"Smart me. Now I'm in for an afternoon of Court TV," Dawn moaned.

"Hey, we don't have to watch it," Connor said, looking a little miffed, disengaging himself from her.

"You'll break out into hives if you miss it," Dawn said, kissing him.

"I will not," he protested weakly, the miffed look fading into defeat.

"Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, I know what'll be on TV, Law and Order. Oops, forgot Saturday, like you'd miss an episode of America's Most Wanted," Dawn said. "If you want to commit the perfect murder, just ask me. Thanks to all those forensic programs he watches, I know exactly what not to do."

"Now you tell me, after I get out of jail," Faith said, chucking her on the shoulder. That throttling urge surfaced again.

"What?" Connor shot her a puzzled looked

Dawn took his hand. "Tell you later. The TV's this way."

She didn't get more than two steps before the door opened and Wes came in. I sighed. I was ready to fall down and sleep on the stairs, not meet and greet more friends. He looked surprised to see us all in the lobby.

"Oh, hello, Buffy, Faith. It's good to see you," he said, reaching for glasses that didn't exist any more. Guess he switched to contacts but his brain forgot to tell those long, nervous fingers of his. "Hello, Dawn, Connor. I wasn't expecting you."

"Is something up, Wes?" Angel looked all business-like.

Wes shook his head. "I just needed something from the office that I forgot. I won't be long."

As Wes headed into his office, a cel phone starts ringing and we all reach for our phones. I'm not sure why I am since mine doesn't play "Margaritaville,' but I guess it's reflex. Connor said hello into his phone then rolled his eyes. You could just see a teen-aged snit coming a mile off.

"Mom, what?" The eye roll was joined by a heavy sigh. "Mom, I'm busy. I'm meeting Dawn's sister. Remember? I told you that. No, I haven't changed my mind. I'll be in Aspen next week.... no, Mom, Dawn doesn't want to come. This is the first chance she's had to see Buffy since the semester started and Buffy's standing right here. I'm sure she wouldn't be thrilled at the prospect of me and Dawn sharing a hotel room all Christmas."

The kid's a mind reader. I sure wouldn't. Dawn was beet red at this point and Faith was obviously amused. Angel looked upset. I couldn't figure out why he was so concerned looking. I guess he took his role of 'big brother' to Dawn seriously just like Xander.

"Mom, go shopping, have fun. I'll be there just when I said I would. No, Mom, don't put...no...hi Dad." Connor sagged against the receptionist's desk. "Yeah, next week. No, Dad, the grades aren't out yet...no, I'm not lying. Dawn!" Connor held the phone out to my sister who yelled, 'Grades aren't posted yet, Mr. Fahy.' Connor put the phone back to his cheek. "See, Dad. I'll tell you the minute I know...I don't know how I did in statistics, Dad. I told you that yesterday and the day before. I studied really hard but I think I still got a B. The world won't end if I get a 3.8 this semester." Connor set the phone on the desk, glaring at it.

Dawn leaned in toward me and whispered, "The world's going to end."

"I can tell."

Finally he scooped the phone back up. "Yes, Dad, I'm listening. Dad, I have to run. Buffy's here and I'm being really rude ignoring her to talk to you...Okay, the minute I know I'll tell you. Oh, hey, Dad, it's still okay to take everyone to the Pig 'n Whistle isn't it? Buffy, Dawn, and I thought it would be nice if Faith and Angel could come along, Wes and Xander, too, and the rest. Yeah, that's right, they all work for Wolfram and Hart, well, except for Buffy and Faith, of course. Okay, okay, I'll get the receipt. Bye Dad. Love you." Connor pocketed his phone and added, "Even if you drive me nuts."

"Dinner's still on?" Dawn asked.

"Oh yeah, Dad wouldn't miss out on entertaining some of Wolfram and Hart's employees. They practice a different kind of law so they aren't competition but they are a good contact so." Connor shrugged. "I'm technically on the books at Dad's firm as a customer service rep so this is one big business write off for him. Don't be shy and just order a salad or something tonight."

"Dawn didn't mention your dad was a lawyer," I said. "Going to follow in his footsteps?" I was surprised at the slightly offended look on Connor's pale face. Didn't this kid ever get any sun? Was Dawn looking for the Scoobie-pale type?

"No, but I'm not telling him that. I love my dad but really, he can be the biggest slime ball ambulance chaser out there. I'm not kidding, some of his ads are embarrassing. I don't usually tell people I'm his kid. He does malpractice and personal injury law. Nursing homes are a favorite target. I didn't tell him I was going to Whispering Pines with Dawn to visit Cordelia. He'd have me passing out business cards to the families to sue the home for neglect and to the workers to sue for injuries. He already made me give some to Xander and his construction crew." Connor made a face. "I want to be a prosecutor. I want to speak for the victims. I figure I'll tell Dad that once I'm committed to a track in law school and it's too late to change."

The kid had plans for the future. I liked that. I wouldn't mind Dawn dating that kind of lawyer. Then I realized the kid came from money and Dawn hadn't mentioned that either. Of course, he was planning on deceiving his father but I couldn't blame him. I took another hard look at Angel since he had the most peculiar expression on his face and had had since the phone rang. He looked like someone was carving his heart out with a dull spoon. I guess seeing Dawn and Connor reminded him of things he'd never have and it hurt seeing Angel like that.

"Found it," Wes said, coming back out of the office. "I'll have time to visit with you and Faith tomorrow, Buffy."

"Good."

"Wes, I was going to take everyone out tonight for dinner. Would you like to come? I was thinking eightish," Connor said. "That'll give Buffy and Faith time to rest up or is that too late?"

"It's fine with me," I said.

"I'd like that, thank you, Connor," Wes said. "Shall we all meet here?"

"Yes," Angel said. "Bring the GTX."

Wes nodded and headed out.

"Let's find that TV," Dawn said. "I'll call Xander and the others and see if they want to come. It's casual dress."

I watched Dawn pull Connor away and then headed up the steps. Faith bounced up ahead of me. I took Angel's arm as I walked.

"Is something wrong?" I asked, quietly.

He shook his head. "Nothing."

"You look...upset," I said, carefully. He sighed. The look in his dark eyes said he didn't want to talk period.

"I'm fine. Really. I'm just a little tired, too, I guess. It is early in the day for me."

"I was thinking maybe it had to do with Connor," I said and he gave me a sharp look. I had hit a nerve but I had no idea why. "You didn't sound thrilled about him last week when you told me about him. He seems like a sweet kid but I thought there was some tension between you two when he first arrived."

"I think he thought I was spying on him and Dawn when I saw them in that club. He didn't like that. It's nothing. I don't even know the kid, really," he said but I could see how uncomfortable he was. He wasn't going to tell me why though. I knew Angel well enough to know that so I let it drop.

"I guess that would make anyone a little irritated. I'm going to hit the bed for a little while. Faith and I ran into a nest of vampires in Tower City and spent most of the night running them down. I mean, they were ruining a perfectly good upscale shopping center." I managed a smile and he wagged his head.

"Did Faith shoplift anything?"

"I think I saw a Fendi purse in her suitcase last night." Some things about Faith hadn't changed. "I'm glad you're coming with us tonight, Angel. It means a lot to Dawn." It meant a lot to me, too, but I didn't have to tell him that. He knew. I could see it in his eyes.

"I'm just wondering what's on the menu I can actually taste." Angel stopped by my luggage where he had left it waiting in the corridor until I chose a room.

"Spike used to swear by the Bronze's blooming onions." As soon as those words were out of my mouth I wanted them back. Why did I bring up Spike? I gave Angel an apologetic look.

"I'll keep that in mind." He managed not to sound cool. "Need help with your bags?"

"Nope, just point me to the first unoccupied room." He did and I flopped down and caught up on sleep.

When I woke up, I showered, feeling much better. I was getting my nice holiday but even thinking that I was also thinking I had jinxed it. Yes, there were bumps in the road, like that ring, my bringing up Spike, but that was minor stuff. I was more curious as to why Angel was acting weirder than normal.

I finally opened my suitcase and hung everything up. I tried to find the least wrinkled things I had. I'm a lousy packer and it was hard to figure out what to bring. Faith and I had taken to wearing heavy sweaters and turtlenecks in Cleveland but that was too hot for here. I selected chocolate slacks and a green handkerchief-hemmed gauzy camisole top. It was sort of 70's in style and I looked good in it. I knew Angel would notice and besides, they were the least wrinkled of the bunch and should be appropriate for the restaurant.

Faith was on the landing as I came out of my room. She looked revived. "I could kill for a drink."

"There's a kitchen in here somewhere."

Faith rolled her eyes. "Yeah, but you know Angel's not going to have the good stuff."

"You may have to make do with water." I followed her down the stairs, thinking I could go for a cappuccino right now.

Faith went off in search of liquid refreshment and I went to find Angel. His office was empty and rather lacking in business touches. I knew he no longer technically worked here but I could tell this had been his room. I could almost sense him here. The books were things Angel would have and most surprisingly were all the sketches around the room. I had never known Angel to display his work. He was good. I had known that, remembering the sketches he sent me as Angelus. These pictures were happier. There was a particularly nice one of Dawn. I might ask him if I could have it.

I left the office, heading for the basement steps. Angel was coming up. He must have heard us moving around. Faith came back with dual glasses before I could say anything to him.

"Found coke," she said, handing me a glass.

"Thanks, Faith."

"And I'd avoid the TV room if I were you unless you want to see Dawn pinning twig boy down on the couch." Faith's wrinkled her nose. "At least I think it was Dawn on top. Have you noticed that they have almost the same hair color and the same body type?"

"Faith." Okay, she had a point. I just didn't want to think about it. I didn't really even want to think about Dawn kissing a boy. I just wasn't ready for her to be dating and I could hear Mom's voice echoing in my head, saying those words to me about Angel.

"I'm not kidding." Faith shot a shit-eating grin at me. "Don't worry. They're still both clothed."

"They had best be," Angel said for me. He looked as grouchy as I felt.

"At least now they are." Faith's grin broadened.

"My sister is not having sex with that boy," I said quickly then thought about it. Who am I kidding? She's in college now, all hormonal and ready to go. He might not be much to look at but Dawn, Wes and Xander all seemed to think he was bright. She could do much worse. I certainly had.

"Yeah, right. He's a rich frat boy with a cool car. She's doing him."

"Faith!" I felt my cheeks burning. She was crude but she was only saying what I was thinking. I looked to Angel for help. "Tell her, Angel."

"Well, they were watching TV today. I'd have heard them otherwise." He looked relieved that he hadn't. "But I think Faith's a little more right than you on this."

I eyed him evilly. He had known and hadn't told me. Of course, why should he? Dawn was older than I was when I first slept with Angel. At least her lover was alive and normal. Before I could say anything, Dawn came into the lobby carrying a gym bag.

"Buffy, I'm going to go change in your room, if you don't mind. I can't wear this to the Pig 'n Whistle." She tugged on her T-shirt.

"Sure, go ahead. Does Connor need Faith's room to do the same?" I asked.

"No, he's already changed," she said then caught my look and flushed. "In the bathroom. Get your mind out of the gutter." She shoved me.

"That would be more convincing, hon, if your hair wasn't a mess and your bra wasn't tucked into your pocket." Faith pointed at the bulge.

Dawn turned redder and raced upstairs. Words escaped me. I hadn't expected Dawn to be so bold.

Faith snorted. "I'm bored. I'm going out to check out the kid's car."

"Whatever you do, don't hot-wire it, Faith," I said and she just shrugged. I glanced over at Angel. "Dare I go talk to the kid alone?"

There was a hint of amusement in those chocolately eyes. "Want reinforcements?"

I grabbed his hand before he could change his mind, dragging him along. Connor didn't notice us come in. He was leaning on his knees, intently watching someone demonstrating blood splatter patterns on the TV. He looked pretty cool and calm for someone who had just been pawing my kid sister's breasts, the little pervert.

"No way it happened the way the perp said it did." Connor gestured at the TV. I guess he had heard us after all. "The blood splatters are all wrong."

"Know something about blood?" There was something cold in my voice. I didn't want him to know anything about blood or death or how to kill. He glanced back over the couch at me. He seemed even paler now that he had changed his shirt for one the color of blood. He looked handsome but ghostly. "I just finished a class in it. Took one on serial killers, easy A's."

"Sort of morbid, don't you think?" This wasn't really what I wanted for Dawn. I didn't want her to have to think about stuff like this. The program was now showing morgue photos. I was surprised at the grisly things they were allowing on television.

"I guess, but it's important stuff. The more we know, the harder it is for criminals to get away." The look in his blue eyes told me be believed that, an idealist then.

"And seeing dead people doesn't bother you?" Angel pointed to the pictures. He seemed disappointed or concerned.

"Not as much as I thought it would. I did an internship at the LA county morgue last summer. Dad wasn't thrilled with that but it was really helpful." Connor's full lips pulled into a frown. "The smell is what bothered me the most. Well, some of the really violent stuff...I don't think you can get used to that. Those are the ones I want to see punished the most." He fell silent for a moment, glancing back at the TV. "I can turn it off if it's bugging you. We're about ready to go, as soon as Wes and Xander get here. Is Faith ready?"

"Yes. Fred and Gunn aren't coming?" Angel asked. The look of dismay in his eyes had spread to take over his whole face as Connor had talked. I didn't even want to think about what this child had volunteered to see in the LA morgue and I think both Angel and I were grateful for the change in topic.

"I never did get hold of Gunn. Wes said he was out of the office and he didn't know where. Fred's running some experiment that she can't take time away from," Connor answered, getting up. He turned off the television. He had on black slacks now. God, he was so thin. I know I have no room to talk but he made even Spike look heavy. He was probably the same height as Spike. And standing there in red and black, helped complete the image. Please tell me Dawn's crush on Spike hadn't translated into her finding this kid. No, Dawn had come to nearly hate Spike for what he had done to me. "Dawn shouldn't take too awfully long to get ready."

"Are you sure you know my sister?" I smiled at him.

He laughed. "Okay, so we have an hour or so. Are you glad to be out of Cleveland?"

"I won't be missing the ice and snow. Are you from California, Connor?" This was hard. I hate making small talk. I used to be so good at it back in Hemery, back before I was Called but not any more. I didn't even really want to get to know new people. I'd just have to lie to them about what I did or worry that I might get them killed. Connor looked equally uncomfortable with it.

He nodded. "Yeah, but I've been all over on vacation. I liked Alaska a lot."

"Oh good, more cold. Still, the chill does make it feel more like Christmas than here does. This place could use a few Christmas touches," I said, glancing around the room.

"Tomorrow, the tree trimming should take care of that," Connor said.

Angel's brow knit. "Tree trimming?"

"Didn't Fred tell you?" A concerned look flitted across his wan face. "She's getting a big tree and we're all invited. She planned a pot luck dinner, too. She even invited Sid."

"I live here and know nothing but Sid knows." Angel paused, cocking his head at the boy. "Who's Sid?"

"Sidney LeBeau, he's my friend. He was with me and Dawn at the club," Connor replied and Angel nodded, obvious remembering who Connor meant.

"Well, I think a tree trimming sounds like fun," I said. "About tonight, any suggestions for dinner, Connor?"

He nodded and I wish he hadn't. He reminded me of those bobble-head dolls. "Wasabi mash potatoes."

I made a face. "What's wasabi?"

"Japanese horse radish. It's good," he said, looking past me.

I turned to see Dawn bounce in wearing a paisley handkerchief shirt and blue pants. Her clogs were right out of the 70's and put her a good two inches over Connor. He didn't seem to mind. He was probably used to it. I think she might be taller than him in her bare feet.

"Faith said Wes and Xander just pulled up. Ready?" Dawn asked.

"Yep." Connor took her hand, sparing me more awkward small talk.

We went outside and Bander swamped me in a hug. He was looking good, slimmer than I remembered him. His new glass eye was so good I wouldn't have known what it was unless I had looked at him for a few moments. My heart clenched thinking about how I had gotten him maimed. When he let me go and quit babbling about how much he missed me, I noticed Connor separated from Dawn quickly, seeing the Angelmobile. His eyes were as big as saucers as he examined the car. "She's beautiful," he told Angel excitedly. Angel looked oddly pleased. I hadn't known he cared about things like cars.

"The car's beautiful?" Dawn looked cross. "I think that's the first time I've ever heard you call anything beautiful and it's a car."

"I've called you beautiful before," he replied, but it sounded like reflex. He was totally into the car. I think Dawn was likely to give him an extreme close up of the hood if Connor wasn't careful.

"Are we all being friendly and squeezing in here?" Xander asked a little nervously.

"I can drive, too," Connor said, gesturing at the red convertible parked just behind Angel's car. "I'll lead the way."

"No street racing." Faith grinned, almost encouraging him to try it.

"No worries. I know I can't take the Belvedere." Connor opened the door for Dawn. I liked seeing that.

The front of the restaurant reminded me a little of an old theater and the inside made me feel like I was in a time warp. I couldn't begin to describe the ornate wood beams and Xander seemed captivated by them. I guess he was really getting into the whole preservation stuff now, especially working on Angel's hotel. The table was cosy and the wall sconces gave the place a warm light. I liked Connor's taste.

"Is that Elizabeth Hurley over there?" Xander whispered.

"Could be. Stars do come here," Connor replied as a blonde waitress bopped over to our table.

"Hi, my name is Mercy and I'll be your server. Can I...oh, hi, Connor, Dawn. How are you guys tonight?" The blond grinned at them as she passed out the menus.

"Great, Mercy. I didn't know you were working tonight," Connor said, uneasily. I didn't like that look. A second girlfriend? What's wrong with me? I was too busy envisioning disaster for poor Dawn's love life. Hopefully she'll do better than I ever did.

"Almost every night any more. Couldn't you get your usual room?" Mercy asked.

"Usual room?" I raised an eyebrow. What kind of kid had a usual room?

"The blue room. It's so romantic. It has a private bar and you can have dinner for two on a canopy bed," Mercy said and I could hear my teeth grinding. "Or you can rent it out for parties."

"Mercy, try having a little of your namesake, okay," Connor said, as red as his shirt. "We're with family."

"Oh, are you his mom?" she asked directly to me.

Mom? Okay, it should be all right to slay a few humans now and again. Xander, Dawn and Faith were offering themselves up for Slaying, too, if they didn't stop giggling. "Mercy, that's Buffy, Dawn's sister. Why don't you tell us the specials?" Connor suggested, half hiding behind his menu. Dinner in bed? I was so going to have a talk with this kid or just find a new place to shove a stake.

Mercy did so, took our drink orders and spun her ditzy way toward the bar.

"Um, so, any suggestions?" Wes asked, trying to break the tension.

"Connor suggested the wasabi mash potatoes," I said, willing to let it go for now.

"Oh no, don't get those, Buffy. I took one bite of his the last time we were here and my nose ran all night. It was that hot," Dawn said, wrinkling her nose. "I couldn't taste anything afterwards."

"They're delicious," Connor argued. "They have great calamari here. I prefer the red pepper garlic sauce over the tomato."

Wes' blue eyes lit up. "I do like calamari."

"Isn't that squid?" Faith made a queasy face.

"Yes," Dawn said, sharply. "Just know, Connor, if you get that I'm not touching squid lips for the rest of the night."

Connor stared at her open-mouthed, then shrugged. "Want to share an order, Wes?"

"Yes, I would."

I stared at the menu. The prices were higher than I was comfortable with and I wasn't used to eating half the things on the menu. I knew if I got the Pig 'n Whistle burger, I'd hurt Connor's feelings. He wanted to show us a good time, something better than burgers. Besides, the cheese ravioli with tiger prawns was calling my name. How often did I get to eat stuff like that? I asked if he'd ever tried it.

"Dawn has."

"It's yummy, but I think I'll get the grilled veggies," Dawn said and I was shocked those cost more than the burger. "How about you, Angel?" I think Dawn was as nervous as I was that he'd eat nothing.

"I was thinking about the grilled cracker crust pizza," he replied, looking somehow embarrassed that he was about to eat something. I looked at the menu, smoked salmon and onion pizza. I guess he took my thing about Spike and the onions to heart. "But that might be big enough for two."

"It is. I was thinking of that myself. Want to share?" Connor asked and Angel flinched. I would swear to it. What was up with him and this kid? He was acting so weird, even for Angel who tended to define the word.

"All right."

"Sure, get the fish and onions. Not like I'm going to kiss you later," Dawn said. "Squid lips."

"You should give the squid a chance," he replied, unoffended.

While they dickered back and forth about the squid, Mercy returned with our drinks. Wes seemed utterly pleased that they had Shepherd's pie. I've had that at Giles'. I'm not sure why it would make anyone pleased. Xander went for the ribs and Faith for the steak and decided to share some California nachoes with everyone. Mercy wrote it all down with an intent look, as if afraid to screw up.

"Great, I'll get this in and bring out your appetizers first," she said. "Oh, and Connor, we're having the coven yule party day after tomorrow. Everyone will be disappointed if you're not there." Mercy bounced off, not noticing the instant quiet of the table.

"Coven?" I asked, horror in my voice. How could Dawn get involved with a mage? Then I saw the look on her face. She seemed confused.

"Sidney's into Wicca," Dawn said. "He's Connor's friend but why would you be going to the party, Connor?"

"Um." He ran a finger over his water glass, catching condensation. "I've sort of been going to the coven meetings, too."

Dawn's face hardened. "And when were you planning on tell me?"

"When I was sure I was going to stick with it or not. And I wasn't sure what you'd say." A defensive look flooded into his eyes. "I know it sounds weird but this stuff...it's..."

"Real?" Dawn asked, harshly. "I told you I know some witches. Everyone at this table knows magic is real."

Connor looked around uncomfortably at all of us. It had to be sort of a scary position for him. He could tell none of us approved. And yet in the back of my head there was this voice saying, 'a mage would be okay for Dawn. She wants to be a Watcher. This kid could be an asset.'

"And we know it's nothing to be played with or treated lightly," Wesley said, cautiously.

"We don't." Connor's jaw tightened. I could see the restrained temper in his big eyes. He had to feel under siege and I felt suddenly sorry for him but better he understood what he was doing then end up badly. He swallowed hard then continued, "Play around, that is. Our elder is very strict about that but I just don't know about her."

Oh, I hated this. That little voice in my head saying it was okay was so wrong. I wanted normal for Dawn. A budding wizard isn't normal. And Angel looked utterly stricken. I guessed he had come to see himself as Dawn's protector and he hated this as much as I did. "What don't you know about?" My voice was stern enough to make Giles proud.

"She likes money, a little too much. That's what Mercy's doing there. Mercy's daddy's in real estate but he earned his money, like my Dad did. He thinks she needs to work, hence her being here but he does give her a big allowance."

"And the elder wants a tithe." Angel sounded positively dark and I saw it had an effect on the kid.

Connor bit his lip, nodding. "Yeah. Most of the coven are wealthy students. We've learned a lot already. Some of us are good at it, others not so. Those are the ones she asks for more money from for tutorials. Like Mercy. I mean, she's no rocket scientist. She's better suited for her other career as frat bicycle."

"Connor!" Dawn hissed.

"What? It's true. That's why I don't like her. She's cheap. I mean, she's sweet but she'll sleep with anyone if she thinks it'll get her somewhere. I hate that," he said, and the anger in his face made me believe he meant it. I also thought maybe somewhere along the way he'd gotten used for his money. "I was thinking about dropping out. I hadn't told Sid yet since he's so into this. But I don't like having to pay to get to the next level and I'm not sure why the next level has transmogrification spells as part of it. Explain why I'd want to be a rat or a snake."

Xander and I exchanged glances at that. I had been a rat once. It wasn't a good thing.

"To get into small places," Wesley said. "And that's a dangerous spell. You could get stuck that way."

"Trust us on that, Connor. We knew someone who did," I said. All I wanted was a nice normal dinner but even here magic had to pollute it. I couldn't sum up my disappointment.

He seemed unfazed by that. "I was afraid of that. And some of the other spells are questionable. I feel more like I'm being groomed to be a thief or something."

"Why?" Angel's voice was so harsh, Connor started, staring at the vampire with big eyes.

"Let's just say I haven't met a lock I can't open." He spun his finger and added, "Alohamora."

I recognized that from Harry Potter. Connor fell silent as Mercy came back with the nachoes and calamari. That changed the topic back to what Dawn and he had been up to in school and what Faith and I had been doing in Cleveland. I learned that while Connor was obviously tight with his family, he and his father didn't see eye to eye. Connor was the polar opposite in many respects, which seemed to make him a tree-hugging democrat with a strong sense of justice. Angel just continued to look dismayed every time Connor mentioned his family. I'd have to ask him if he had done a personal check into this kid's family while he was looking out for Dawn.

Dinner was good. I even sampled the calamari. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Angel let Connor eat the majority of the pizza but if the kid noticed he didn't say anything. Once the magic part of the conversation was killed, the rest of our evening was pleasant. I did like Connor, despite the magic. I guess even that couldn't be all bad. It was just that I knew what it could lead to. Willow and Giles had done more good then they had bad with their spells but still there were others, like Ethan. Connor paid with a platinum card which Faith couldn't stop playing with. Neither she nor I had ever seen one of those before. I think it embarrassed him.

"Want me to drop you by the hotel, Dawn, or take you to Xander's?" Connor was asking as we headed for our cars. "Or do you just want to ride back with them?"

"Whatever you want," Dawn said. "If you want to go home, I'll get a ride back with Angel."

Angel, Faith and I all froze. We sensed the vampires in the lot even before we saw them. They were on us that fast.

"Ooo, look, well fed morsels, just for us," one of them said.

"Shit," Faith swore.

Dawn was in motion, pulling Connor away so he couldn't see what we were about to do. One of the vampires broke after them as she hustled him toward the car. I killed him before he knew what hit him. It didn't take long to fill the lot with vampire dust. It was even fairly noiseless. We caught up to Dawn and Connor.

"What was that?" he asked, craning his head to see where the vampires had gone.

"Street punks," I said.

"Wusses," Faith said. "B and I throw out drunks tougher than that every day of the week."

She and I had told everyone we were bartenders and bouncers down in the Cleveland Flats. It was actually how we supplemented the paltry salary the Council gave us. Connor didn't seem to believe us but he said nothing. He was busy looking at Angel who was staring back with fear in his eyes. I couldn't imagine why. The vampire gang had barely gotten close to Connor.

"Come on, baby. Drive me back to Xander's," Dawn said, putting a hand on him.

Our drive back to the hotel was quiet as if we were all afraid to say something. Had it been luck we were there to protect Dawn and Connor or were we merely magnets for this sort of thing? Angel was silent as stone all the way home. When we got to the hotel someone was waiting on the stairs. I didn't know him but he was short and good looking. He looked out of place in a cowboy hat and boots still smudged with red clay. And he looked terrified.

"Lindsey," Angel growled. "What are you doing here?"

"You'll thank me for coming. You're in trouble. A lot of it," Lindsey said then swallowed hard. "And I'm pretty much a dead man."

I felt the pasta turning to lead in my stomach. There went my nice holiday. I just knew it.

Author's Note - I probably misspelled that Harry Potter unlocking spell. Sorry about that. And more importantly, the Pig 'n Whistle is a real restaurant on Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood. While I've never been there, it looks like a fascinating place. Here's the website if you want to check it out. http:www.pignwhistle.com/