My eyes opened and I felt a solid mass next to me. It smelled of burnt amber. Without turning, memories of me kissing Al filled my thoughts. Crap on toast, I had no idea where we stood with each other. I slowly rolled over and saw that Al's eyes were closed, good he was asleep.

I looked around the room, trying to see what I could occupy myself with while Al was still asleep. I wondered if he ever read any books. I glanced back at Al and I froze when my eyes met his. He was awake and watching me.

"Hey," I breathed.

Al pulled himself up and traced his hand around my face. "Are you feeling better, itchy witch?" he asked. His voice was calm and didn't carry the usual contempt.

"Yes," I said. And it was true, my aura didn't ache anymore. "Thanks for taking care of me." Al nodded and ran his fingers through his hair.

"How long was I asleep?" I asked.

"Seven hours," said Al. "It's 9 o' clock."

Seven hours? That was a major improvement over three days but still a long time. "Hey," I said. "We have plenty of time to pop back into reality and visit Ivy and Jenks." I tried to keep the hint of desperation out of my voice. I really wanted to see my friends and hoped Al could find it in his little demon heart to make the trip.

Al rolled his eyes.

"Come on Al," I whined. "You can't expect me to stay here forever."

Al grumbled and got out of the bed. "Can you tap a line?" he asked.

I tested the lines and nodded when I felt the familiar pulse of energy.

"Fine, but we must find time to work on your studies. I'll not have everyone think I am an inadequate teacher," he said.

I got dressed in my jeans and shirt quickly. We popped into the workroom to find Bis. He was huddled under a chair in one corner. His ears were pinned back and he looked scared shitless.

"Hey Bis," I said as the gargoyle flew up to me and landed on my shoulder.

"Are you okay Miss Rachel?" he asked. "I felt you pulling on the ley lines."

Al straightened. "When did you feel her pulling on the ley lines?" he demanded. "She hasn't done so since this morning?"

Bis wrapped his tail around me. "That's when I felt her," he said nervously.

Al squinted at the gargoyle and then his eyes widened. "By god, you've already been bound," he exclaimed. "You're starting to stay awake during the day?"

Bis nodded, not meeting Al's gaze.

I felt a tremor of excitement. "Can Trebble teach him how to move around the ley lines?" I asked.

"No, not yet," said Al. "You'll likely to do something stupid."

"Hey," I exclaimed. "I can handle it. I've jumped before."

Al grimaced. "Don't try that again. Besides, there's no need. You will be staying with me from now on." He grinned wickedly at me when he said the last part.

I sighed. I had the feeling Al liked keeping me dependent on him.

Al looked Bis over. "Why in the name of the two world's colliding, are you wearing that ridiculous shirt?"

Bis looked hurt. "Miss Rachel made it for me. I like it," he said in a defensive voice.

Al threw his head back and laughed. It was loud and Bis cowered. "The collective will be interested in hearing about this. Good job itchy witch. You've managed to save yourself 300 years worth of work by charming a gargoyle into being bound."

His comment made me feel sick and I promised myself that I wouldn't make Bis regret being bound to me.

The three of us popped into reality outside my home. When I saw the church my heart leapt and I ran through the front door. The house felt empty and I called out to Jenks and Ivy. There was no response. I moved into the kitchen and found Al waiting there. I reached into my pocket and pulled out my cell phone. The battery was dead so I plugged it in the charger. "They must be out on a run," I said. "Do you mind if I get a few things to take back to the ever after?"

Al nodded, seeming bored and I ducked into my bedroom. I threw my scrying mirror and some clothes into a bag before coming back out. I looked at my cell phone. The battery was still low but I could see that there was a message. I called my voice mail and heard Ivy's voice.

"Rachel, if you get this, get over to Zelda's dance club. I'm trying to get back a kidnapped vampire but the security is double what I was expecting. I could really use your help on this one."

I frowned and looked at Al. "It looks like I have a run. Any chance you'll pop me over to Zelda's dance club?"

"I'm not your damn taxi service," he sneered.

"I figured," I muttered. I went to my room and grabbed the splat gun that I had taken from the assassin elves. I checked to make sure it was loaded with sleepy time potions. Check. I grabbed my handcuffs and looked at Al. "Is there any chance you're going to let me do this without you?"

Al was smiling. "Absolutely not. I wouldn't miss this for the world. Won't you be changing into those leather pants of yours?"

"If you're coming, you need to stay out of my way. Don't go vaporizing anyone. My reputation is on shaky ground already," I said.

Al wore a mocking expression. "Of course, I will be a complete boy scout."

Shit, I didn't like the sound of that.

Luffy fan: Wow, I loved the feedback I got on the last chapter. Deus3xMachina made an interesting comment about the pie scene. I only had a vague idea what I wanted this story to be when I first started writing it and I was originally hoping to have Al and Rachel making sweet, sweet demon love in the first few chapters but it didn't fit with the story. Looking back, I think I may have been impatient to get to "the good stuff" (to borrow a phrase from Julissis) and forced the issue a little too early. I'm going to take another look at and maybe make some edits.

I'm also looking at the Beta Reader's section. I may submit my story to a Beta Reader when I'm done to see if they can help me improve it.

I think the next chapters are going to be fun. I'm looking forward to Al and Rachel going on a run together.