Xander was being released. Finally. Angel decided that he would tell Giles and the gang personally. Knowing that they were probably all at the Watcher's flat, Angel headed over as soon as the sun went down.

Well, you see, Spike and I have decided to go back to LA. Angel rehearsed his speech as he went. The large vampire hated leaving his mates alone, but he knew they were fine. It's just the distance that bothered him. Xander doesn't want to hurt anyone, himself included. We're …shit no… that won't work.

sigh, breath, sigh Try again. Who wants to go to Disneyland? Again, no. Angel was at a loss for words when he reached Giles's home. Knocking lightly, Angel hoped that someone else might find the words for him. As the door opened a crack, Angel saw Dawn's sad face look out through the chained door.

"Hey Dawn. Can I come in?" Angel asked with more cheeriness than even he felt. He actually dreaded confrontation and therefore hated the idea of stepping over this particular threshold. But the very thought of his childe and his love made Angel want to bound through the still locked door. Dawn had obviously learned a thing or two since he'd left Sunnydale. Instead of verbally allowing him entrance, Dawn stepped away from the door and unhooked the chain. "Thanks."

"Angel, how… how are things at the hospital?" Giles's nervous voice asked from his small kitchenette. Angel almost smiled at the familiar image.

"Actually, that's why I'm here." Angel looked around. Willow sat on the floor beside the couch; Dawn moved to sit beside her. "Where's Buffy?"

"Out. She didn't say where, but she left. I don't think she really wants to be around any of us right now." Dawn replied sadly. The young woman that Angel saw now reminded him so much of his ex but at the same time was so vastly different as well. "So, what did you want to talk about?"

"Right, well they're releasing Xander tomorrow morning." Angel paused. A silence hung in the air like palpable steam. Willow's eyes met his and Angel knew he couldn't lie to her, ever. "They're releasing Xander and we're going home as soon as we get him packed."

"By home you mean?"

"L.A." Angel came to sit on the couch. He leaned down close to Willow and searched her face for what to say next. She nodded in response and he knew it would be ok. "We've discussed it, and well, Spike, Xander, and I would be honored to have the three of you join us there. I own the hotel of course and therefore have more than enough room for all of you. And I'm sure that a hacker and a watcher would be more than welcome on the AI team. That is, if you'd like to come."

More silence. Dawn's eyes searched Willow's first then Giles's. She already had her answer but she wouldn't make her move until one of them did. Giles met her glance with a half smile. Willow looked over her shoulder and back towards Giles. Seeing his smile she spoke.

"I think that's the best idea yet, Angel. But, um, how do we deal with the Buffy issue? She won't want to move, and she won't want Dawn to move."

Angel thought on that for a moment. His shoulders sank and Dawn's eyes began to fill with moisture. Then as simply as he began, Angel smiled.

"Well, I guess it's a good thing that Dawn's custody was transferred to Giles a few months ago." Angel took Dawn's hand and brought her up to stand beside him. Angel wrapped his arms around her too skinny frame. "Dawn, if you're going to live with us, you're going to have to start eating more. No one in my charge is allowed to be skinnier than Spike."

Dawn giggled nervously and hugged Angel tight. She didn't think anyone would notice the fact that she'd been skipping meals. She was suddenly very grateful that someone had. A single tear slid down her cheek and fell upon Angel's. He held her closer and whispered in her ear.

"Everything's gonna get better little one. I promise."