Acknowledgements: I would like to thank all my betas, especially Spanky Bunny(for being a royal pain in the butt and telling me what I'm doing wrong in the bluntest language possible), Merlin(for putting my story on his site. Go there.), and Canada Bradshaw.

The furry shape threw the vampire away and turned. His rage filled face emptied to be replaced with a grin.

"Azrael, what are you doing here?"

"Azrael?" Dawn asked.

"Nickname."

Ian walked up to Creed, extending his hand, only to be pulled into a bear hug.

"Victor, ribs breaking, blacking out."

"Pussy." Creed said, releasing Ian, who fell to the floor.

Ian looked up Victor's seven foot frame. Like always Victor looked like a wild man. Still dressed in his fur coat, he was about the scariest person you could meet.

"You're not working with these guys, are you?"

"Got nothing better to do." Creed answered.

"Your telling me that with all the conflicts in the world you can't find someone better than these nitwits?"

"Hey, times are tough. No one wants brutal assassinations anymore. It's all quick and clean." Victor said disgruntled.

"Has it ever occurred to you to change? Maybe you'd get more jobs if you didn't tear the contract limb from limb."

"Look who's talking." Victor said sarcastically.

"Shut up."

Victor just grinned.

"I'll deal with you in a minute." Ian pointed at Victor. Turning he saw that all eyes were on Victor and him. Walking to the table all eyes followed him. Reaching the table Ian jumped on top of it, continuing his walk to Holland.

"Azrael, good to see you." Holland extended his hand.

Ian took it. "Wish I could say the same." Releasing his hand Ian looked around, sitting on the table in front of Holland. "Where's Lindsey?"

"He quit a few years ago."

"Quit or was retired?"

"He quit."

"Damn. I liked him."

"He was a good attorney, but he grew a conscience."

"Damn him for trying to be decent." Ian answered sarcastically.

"Have you come to accept the contract on Miss. Wilkins?"

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about. You see, I want the contract canceled."

"Why? Have you completed it?" Holland said confused.

"No, she's still very much alive. And I'd like to keep her that way for as long as possible."

"Why would you want such a thing?"

"I love her."

"So, Azrael finally found someone so desperate that they'd sleep with him." Victor laughed. His only answer was the finger.

"Well, I understand why you can't complete the contract. But you still haven't given me a reason to cancel it." Holland said smugly.

"I can give you a reason." Ian reached into his coat.

"What are you going to do? Kill me? I know you won't because I myself am not a threat."

"You'd be very surprised what I am willing to do for our friends and her." He pulled the cell phone out and opened it. "But you're right for now, I'm not going to do a damn thing." Hitting a memory button he said one word into the phone. "Windows."

Two high caliber bullets shattered the windows. Two dots appeared on Holland's head.

"Now Holland, I know you are not a stupid man but I'll explain things to you anyway. You have two high powered sniper rifles pointed at your head. One of said rifles is being held by none other than the lovely Faith 'Kitty Kat' Wilkins herself." Ian's face broke into a grin. "Now, if you cancel the contract those dots will disappear and we will be on our way. However, if you don't, then she gets to decide your fate."

"You know this isn't over." Holland's look was pure venom.

"I'd be very surprised if it was. However, unless you tell Faith what she wants to hear, this will be over very soon for you."

"Fine, you win. The contract is canceled." Holland sagged in defeat.

Ian spoke into the phone once again. "He agreed. I'll meet you two at he vehicles." One of the lasers disappeared. The other, however, traveled from Holland's forehead to his chest. Everybody in the room held their breath, except Creed, who was enjoying this, and Spike and Angel, who technically didn't breathe. Ian walked to the shattered window and looked out. He had placed himself in the lasers path. He was barely able to make out the form of Faith aiming the rifle.

"Faith, you don't want to do this."

"Move Ian." Faith growled out.

His voice softened. "He's just an old man who thinks he's powerful. He's not a threat anymore, Faith." The laser began to waiver. "Honey, I'm going to move and if you want to kill him then nail him. It changes nothing between us. I'll love you no matter what. It's up to you."

Before Ian could stand aside Faith had moved the gun's sight from Holland to a woman Ian recalled named Lilah. Faith spoke into the phone, which made Ian's chuckle, then the dot disappeared.

"Faith says bang."

As Ian turned to go Holland threw himself from his seat while yelling. "Creed, kill them.'

"Why would I want to do that?" Creed asked confused.

"Because I said so. That's what I pay you for."

"How bout.......no."

"What?!?!"

"He said no, wanker. Two letters, one syllable, means the same thing in many languages."

"I order you to kill them, Creed. Or else ?"

Ian covered his face while mumbling. "He didn't just try to order Victor around then threaten him, did he?"

"Are you threatening me, frail?" Creed towered over the squirming Holland. "Do you know what I do to people who threaten me?" He was almost yelling.

"Knit them tea cozies?' Spike asked

"Dinner and a show?" Dawn injected

Creed looked at them as if they were nuts. "You guys are strange."

"Look who's talking, fuzz ball." Ian countered. Creed growled good naturedly.

The Brit., the black guy, and the vampire were slightly in awe of the man who not only acted like killing members of Wolfram and Hart was on his list right after mow the lawn, but who also seemed friendly with the beast man. Spike and Dawn, however, took it in stride.

"C'mon, lets' get that ice cream." As the trio, with Creed, left the room, Ian stopped at the door. "Holland, if you reinstate the contract, or renege, I will find out. And with what I'll do to you, you'll wish I had let Faith shoot you." With that said they continued out the door.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike, what the hell is going on here?" the vampire asked. "Why are you and Dawn here? And who is this man?"

"Sod off, poof."

Angel grabbed Spike by the lapels and threw him against the wall. He got nose to nose with his childe. "Listen, boy, you will tell me what I want to know, one way or another."

Dawn's hands started to rise, preparing to blow Angel off Spike, when she felt a staying hand. "Let them work this out for themselves." Dawn lowered her hands, knowing that Ian was right. Angel and Spike might fight ferociously but they really did love each other.

Ian turned to Creed. "So what did we walk into? Looked like you were getting ready to rip Angle's face off."

"Angel." Wesley corrected.

"Whatever."

Creed grinned. "I was summoned there by one of the clients. The vampire got in my way."

At that point the boardroom doors opened, signaling the end of the meeting. They could see Holland giving them all a death glare. Spike and Angel had stopped fighting, now merely glaring. Ian and Creed's attention snapped to the men who followed Holland out and now walked towards them. The one in the lead was an Asian man of middle age. His long black hair shined from it's tight ponytail. He was dressed in an expensive suit under a coat of heavy leather. He was flanked by what could only be ninjas, both in brightly colored uniforms. He couldn't tell which one the green one belonged to but he did recognize the blue one.

Both Ian and Creed gave slight bows. "Master Tsung."

Shang Tsung returned the bow. "Azrael. Sabretooth. What a surprise to see you both. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I was just looking for some fun." Creed answered.

"Personal." Ian answered.

"Indeed." Shang answered, grinning. "I must take my leave but I would be very happy to catch up with the two of you. Are either of you doing anything for lunch tomorrow?" At their negatives, "Excellent. Would you like to meet at Piercings, say 11:00?"

Ian and Creed looked at each other. "11:00 sounds fine. Until then, Master Tsung." Creed answered.

"Until then."

On their way down, Spike and Dawn explained what they were doing while Ian and Creed walked in silence. When they reached the outside Creed went his separate way. As they got closer to the SUV's Faith ran and leapt into Ian's arms, wrapping her legs around his waist. She captured his lips and refused to give them back until they both needed air.

"What was that for?" Ian gasped.

"You just being you." Faith answered.

"Faith?" Angel asked.

"Angel!!" Faith squealed. Letting go of Ian she hugged Angel. Angel wrapped his arms around the small woman, amazed that it was the same Faith that Xander had driven away with some six months previous. She looked…happy.

Faith backed up to stand next to Ian. "Wesley, Gunn. You are both looking well."

"As are you, Faith. You look very happy."

"I am." Faith gave Ian's hand a squeeze.

Spike, Xander, and Dawn stood behind Ian and Faith, offering silent support. While it was unlikely, if anyone came down hard on Faith they were ready. This fact was not lost on Angel and his companions. Which made Angel smile. It was good that Faith had people backing her up, even if one of them was his childe.

He was broken out of his thoughts by Ian.

"So your Angel? They talk a great deal about you."

"Only good things I hope."

"Well, leather pants aside, yeah. Names Ian." He extended his hand, which Angel took, finding the grip to be firm but not crushing. This was a man who had nothing to prove. "You want to come get ice cream with us?"

Faith let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. It was important that Ian and Angel got along.

"Ice cream?" Angel asked, smirking. "I appreciate the offer but we've had a full day. How long are you in town?"

"We're leaving tonight." Faith answered a little disappointed. "Although I suppose we could visit for a while."

Faith gave Ian a kiss on the cheek. Ian looked at the three men in front of him. Angel looked pleased that Faith would be visiting. Gunn and Wesley, however, looked slightly nervous. He could understand why, a lot had happened between these people. The fact was that Ian didn't really give a damn. All that mattered to him was the happiness of his family.

"I insist that you stay with us. We have plenty of room." Angel said.

Finding no arguments, they broke into two groups. It had been decided that Ian and Xander would return to the hotel for the gear while the others would meet them at the Hyperion.

Pleasantries were exchanged and the two groups separated. Ian and Xander got into the Grand Cherokee and began driving.

"I noticed you and the beast man were pretty chummy."

"Who, Creed? We've crossed paths over the years. Found we have a lot in common. Creed is an enigma. On the outside he's a monster. Inside that head, though, is a very smart mind. Never underestimate him."

"So what's the reason I'm in the jeep? You need to talk to me about something?"

Ian looked at Xander, grinning. "I guess I shouldn't underestimate you either." Xander beamed at the praise. "Tomorrow I'm meeting Creed and an old friend for lunch. I'd like you to come with me."

"Sure. But why?"

"I'm teaching you to fight like me, aren't I? Well, I want to introduce you to some people. It's time you met some of the people who really make the world work. I should warn you, though, that Tsung is a lot to get used to. He's a sorcerer who was lead by a dark god who wanted to take over this dimension. They had a falling out and last I heard they were still fighting."

"Sounds like quite a guy." Xander joked.

"He's a trip. You'll like him once you get to know him. He's got a weird sense of honor."

"So he's like you. Neutral."

"Oh no. Shang's evil. But he's an honorable evil. If he gives his word he keeps it." Ian remained quiet for a moment, letting Xander calm down. He loved this next part. "He also steals souls."

"WHAT?"

Ian started chuckling. "That's what we call it. It's actually his opponents life force. You can never truly take someone's soul but you can take their energy. That's why Shang looks thirty five when he was born roughly 600 years ago."

"What do you get a 600 year old for his birthday?"

"He's quite fond of ancient Japanese art, actually."

Xander mulled this over. "Anything else I need to know?"

"I can only think of two things. His team consists of some pretty bad dudes, so don't piss them off, especially the ninjas."

"He has ninjas? Cool." Xander had a little boys grin. (Come on. Guys find ninjas cool no matter how old they are.)

"And his lover is roughly 300 years older than him."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When they got to the hotel they loaded everything up and checked out before heading towards the Hyperion. On the way Ian spoke again.

"Harris, remember how I told you that your training would begin soon?"

"Yeah."

"How's tomorrow?"

"Really?"

"I was going to take this slower but recent events have sped up the time table. I've decided to first train you in a hand to hand, then weapons. Are you agreeable to this?"

"Yes sir." Xander answered respectfully.

"Xander, I'm only five years older than you. I know I'm getting older. Don't add to it."

"Sorry." Xander said sheepishly.

"It's okay." Ian grinned. "Get some sleep tonight. For tomorrow you'll meet one of the deadliest ninjas in existence.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The two men walked into the Hyperion, finding everyone in the lobby. The sides were split. Spike, Dawn, and Faith on one side, Angel, Gunn, Wesley, and three women on another.

There was a lot of tension in the air, much it directed at Faith. Angel seemed at ease, completely comfortable to be in the presence of the slayer. So was a blond woman, although she was a little nervous about Spike. Wesley, Gunn, and a dark haired woman were on edge. They expected something to happen. The other woman, a beautiful brunette, just seemed to be slightly nervous but adapting well.

Ersus bound down the steps an jumped up, nuzzling Dawn. At the same time all six occupants on the other couch jumped up. Wesley and the blond woman both pulled guns. At this time several things happened at once. Ersus got between Dawn and A.I.. Dawn prepared to attack the two, the quiet girl did the same directed at Dawn. Gunn grabbed an axe while the brunette aimed a crossbow at Faith, who had jumped into a fighting stance alongside Spike. Xander had whipped out a colt from his coat and was aiming it at everybody alternately.

Ian and Angel stood there. They looked at each other, silently communicating. Finally coming to an unspoken decision, both turned to their perspective teams.

"Stand down."

"Put those away."

Seeing them waiver, the two men yelled at the same time.

"NOW!"

The Miami crew was the first to stand down, returning to their seats. Following their lead, A.I. put their weapons away and sat as well.

Ian walked to Ersus. He scratched his head. "Good boy."

"What do you mean, good boy? He was about to attack us." the blond woman asked.

"Which is what Ian told him to do." Xander said.

"What?" the dark haired woman screamed.

"Ian told Ersus to protect us no matter what." Faith answered. "Don't worry, Princess. Ersus is just a big puppy. He wouldn't have attacked. Unless one of us told him to. Then you'd all be so much meat." she ended with an evil grin.

"Oh that's going to put their minds at ease." Spike quipped.

Ian suddenly felt very tired. "I'm going to bed. Where do I sleep, Broody?"

"His name's Angel." Princess said.

"Look, I'm down with calling you any names you want. Personally I think there was a lot of weed being smoked when your parents named you, but hey. However, I am not calling a man that built Angel. It's not going to happen

"Follow me." Angel said, trying to hide his grin.

"You're going to bed?" Faith asked.

"I've got a big day tomorrow." He leaned down, kissing her on the cheek. "Have fun with your friends."

Angel lead Ian to one of the rooms. Along the way they chatted about nothing, sizing each other up. Neither particularly trusted the other but would try for the sake of the people downstairs. Entering the room, Ian set his sword case down, stripped to his boxer briefs, and slid into bed. He was asleep in moments. He woke a few hours later when Faith joined him. He wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her hair. Soon both were asleep.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Faith woke an hour after joining Ian. She turned bed until she was face to face with him. She loved just watching him sleep. The months in Florida had done it's job, leaving him with a slight tan. Faint white lines crossed his face here and there, evidence that his enemies had gotten just a little too close at times. He had a slight beard growing, having forgotten to shave the previous morning. She ran her cheek over his lightly, reveling in the scratchiness of it. She loved the fact that she was able to feel so comfortable with this man. In the past her bedmates had only been interested in the groping and sex, never the cuddling. Ian, however, could spend hours reading with her in his arms as she watched T.V.. It seemed he just enjoyed her company.

She noticed the tension in his face. He never truly slept deep. His senses were always active, searching for danger. 'Oh Ian, what kind of life have you lead?'

Faith returned to just watching Ian. He had a nice face. It was a strong, noble face. The only things keeping it from being perfect were the scars and his nose. It pointed slightly to the right, a result of a break that hadn't been set properly. She thought it made him look cute, an imperfection that kept him from looking too good.

She saw a glint to the left of his face. In his ear were two silver hoops, one in the lobe and one at the top of the ear. His other ear was similarly adorned. All four had been done by Faith with a pin, a bottle of alcohol, and a zippo. She had a sneaking suspicion that he could never say no to her. Like father, like son. Faith thought they made him look dangerous. It also didn't hurt that he now looked like a pirate, a fantasy she had had for years. One she planned on acting out with Ian. 'If he ever drops his pants' she thought. Never had she met a man with greater control, except maybe Angel. She loved the fact that he was trying to be a gentleman but damned she wanted to taste him.

Nuzzling up to him, Faith quickly slipped into slumber, safe in the knowledge that she would never be alone again.



The most evil nice guy in the world, Dark Jester