She heard the vampire grunt in surprise and his hold on her hair loosened. She dropped to a crouch and grabbed the stake strapped to her ankle as he dissolved into dust. She popped up and drove her stake into the chest of the vamp who'd turned to attack Angel. One girl screamed again, causing Caitlin to wonder how the girl hadn't figured out help had arrived. She ran to the girl just as the vampire dropped her and swung at Caitlin. She kicked him square in the stomach, sending him flying into some garbage. A quick look around showed her Angel was busy with the last vampire. She advanced on the vampire as he rose. He hit her on the jaw; in turn, she hit him three times in quick succession, then dusted him. The other vampire disappeared seconds later and Angel helped the stunned girl up. Caitlin held a hand out to the girl nearest her, smiling reassuringly. "You girls live around here?" She asked.
They both shook their heads.
Caitlin nodded. "How about we walk you to a bus stop?"
They both nodded eagerly even as Angel protested. "I need to get back- "
"You can spare five minutes to make sure they get home safe." She said, cutting him off. "Why leave the job half done?"
A few minutes later, they watched the bus drive off. "Okay," Caitlin said. "What's the big, important date?"
"I have to bury my friends." He replied evenly.
"Oh. Need some help?"
He didn't answer right away, just studied her, expressionless. They headed back toward the hotel. She tried not to let him see how nervous he was making her.
"No." He answered finally. "Illyria will help me."
"Are you sure you don't want someone around who, you know, feels?" She grinned. "Otherwise, I have to help with research. Between you and me, I suck at it. Besides, your friend saved me before he died. I feel like I should...I don't know, pay my respect."
"Fine. Whatever. Just stay out of Illyria's way. She's kind of...twitchy."