The next day found Trina standing in front of a painting at the Jerome Gallery while she waited for Spencer to arrive. As she waited, her thoughts went back to the night before, when Dawn had apologized for suggesting that the Cassadine vampires may be too powerful for her to take on. Trina still felt out of sorts, but she forgave Dawn anyway. After all, Dawn was still relatively new to the job of Watcher and was trying her best to keep Trina alive for as long as she possibly could. She wanted to be like Rupert Giles and not have to know what it'd be like to lose a girl she had grown to love like...well a sister since she wasn't old enough to be her mother. But it still rankled that Dawn felt that Trina would need backup from an older, more experienced Slayer.

Then again, maybe Dawn was right...maybe she did. After all, Helena had been faster than Trina had perceived. Trina would have been dead if it hadn't been for Dex Heller stepping in with his handy super soaker. Did she even know that she was doing really? She hoped so because obviously, Spencer's life was depending on it.

Spencer, who had so much faith in her and her abilities. God, don't have her let him down!

"Are you interested in that painting? It's one of the artist's best," the gallery owner, Ava Jerome approached Trina with a smile, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the young girl.

"Oh, no...I mean yes, but not to purchase. I'm here waiting for my date and this painting was just talking to me. I kind of like the use of shadow and light and how it mixes in all the right spots," Trina explained her fascination.

"Oh yes. That's the artist's favorite technique. We have more of his work over on the South wall over there if you want to take a look," Ava suggested.

"We'll be sure to check that out," Spencer stepped up behind them. Trina smiled in response as Ava made a face. "Spencer Cassadine. I take it that your father is still alive."

"No thanks to you," Spencer replied, folding his arms.

"Um, you two know each other?" Trina asked looking between Ava and Spencer.

"Ava here is my ex-stepmother. She and my father had a rather unfriendly divorce," Spencer explained. "I knew you liked art and the Jerome gallery has some of the best, so I decided to push aside my dislike for the owner."

"Wow, that's very nice of you, Spencer. You're not at all as awful as Nikolas, so I doubt that I'd have to worry about the young lady here."

"Yeah, don't worry. She'd kick my behind if I make one step out of line," Spencer chuckled, his eyes never leaving Trina, who was beginning to blush at the attention.

"Well, I do hope that you enjoy the gallery, Trina. If there's anything you'd like to purchase or have a question about just let me know. I'll be in my office," Ava nodded. She gave another derisive snort at Spencer then left the couple alone.

"She seems nice," Trina awkwardly smiled. To be honest, she liked Ava Jerome. She seemed so sophisticated and knew a lot about art, but it seemed that Spencer had a different opinion.

"Well, I can't say I care for her much, but I'm not going to influence your opinion of her. I mean, I'm sure people are going around telling you to stay clear of that bad Cassadine boy, but here you are," Spencer chuckled.

Trina laughed because that was exactly what Luke Spencer told her that morning when she had stopped at Kelly's. "Here I am."

"So, you like this artist?" Spencer asked, standing before the painting with folded arms.

"Yes. I like their use of darkness and light...Ava said there's more on the south wall there," Trina nodded in the direction she was wanting to head to next.

Spencer smiled and held his arm out to her. "My lady?"

Trina giggled and took his arm. "Why thank you, kind sir."

Together they walked to the south wall where there were more paintings in the same style.

"Oh, she was right. Look at that. Isn't it brilliant? I wonder who the artist is…"

"Angel. They call me Angel and you are Trina, am I right?" A man who looked very familiar and was a vampire with a soul stepped up behind them.

Trina's eyes widened as she recognized him. "Oh my god, you're Buffy's friend!"

"Well...they could say boyfriend…," Angel chuckled.

"No...no. Just friend. I remember Dawn telling us girls about how you two broke up."

"You know this guy?" Spencer asked curiously.

"No, but my Watcher does. Oh, and he's a vampire..but he has a soul so he's not evil...unless he has a moment of happiness…"

"What makes you happy, man?" Spencer asked curiously.

"You don't want to know," Trina giggled.

Angel just rolled his eyes.

"So, Angel, why are you here in Port Charles? Surely it can't be to show off your artwork. Did Dawn call you?" Trina was suddenly suspicious.

"What? Why would Dawn call me?" the souled vampire asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Because she thinks that I can't handle the vampires here, so who does she call if not her big sis? Her big sis's souled ex!"

"Look, I can see that there's some friction, here, alright? But I swear I don't know anything about fighting any vampires here! I just wanted to showcase some of my art somewhere unknown. A city, but not too big. Port Charles seemed the perfect place for that. I wasn't out to step on your toes or anything," Angel held up his hands as if defending himself.

"How are you out and about in the daylight anyway? You don't have any of those daylight rings I heard about."

"What daylight rings? I traveled the sewer system like I always do."

"Ugh! Spencer, can we go somewhere else? I'm not in the mood for art anymore," Trina sighed, now very very annoyed.

"Um, sure. It was nice to meet you Mr...Angel…," Spencer placed a hand on the back of Trina's back and guided her away from the stuttering vampire.

"Of all the nerve," Trina mumbled as Spencer escorted her to his car.

"For what it's worth, I think he was telling the truth. He looked rather clueless."

"Wouldn't be the first time," Trina huffed. "When I get my hands on Dawn…"

"Where do you want to go now that we're done with the gallery?" Spencer asked, sensing that the slayer was not in the mood for art anymore.

"I want to beat up something...but it's too early for vampires of the normal variety."

"Wait...I know. There's one of two places. My Uncle's gym. They have a punching bag...or this place where you can throw axes at targets."

"The gym sounds nice," Trina smiled, beginning to feel better already.

….

"Welcome to Volonino's gym!" Spencer announced as they entered the nearly empty building. Trina looked around with a small frown.

"Where is everyone?"

"Well, it's not usually busy at this time of day. Everyone is at work or at school. I usually come here around this time just to be alone or practice a few swings on the boxing bag there."

"Looks like a good place to train," Trina nodded her approval.

"Are you still feeling frustrated?" Spencer asked, walking over to the boxing bag and giving it a few punches.

"A little, yeah. I'll get over it eventually though."

Spencer grinned knowingly. "How about taking it out on this thing here? It may not be a vampire or a demon, but it'll do. It can take all the aggression you give it."

Trina just laughed and shook her head. "I doubt that thing has been used by any slayers. How do you know it'll hold up? I may break it."

"If you break it, I'll just buy another one. In the meantime, you said that you wanted to beat up on something. Here's your chance."

"Ok. Trina put down her bag and got in position. Spencer smiled and held the bag steady.

"Have at it, slayer of mine."

Trina blinked and dropped her fists. "Really?"

"I mean...of course, I don't really own you but...I know we just met...just ignore me, alright?"

"What if I don't want to ignore you?"

Spencer shrugged. He didn't want to pressure her, but he really did like this girl. He wanted them to be something...and something just told him that now was the time to lock it down. He didn't know why he felt that way, but he did. "I just...I really really like you, Trina."

"I like you too if that hasn't been obvious from the start. I don't know what is drawing us together...but...there's just something about you that..."

"Oh I didn't know anyone was here," Dex Heller entered the gym, a gym bag slung over his shoulder. "Am I interrupting something?"

"Yes, you are. Don't you have a door to open for my Uncle or something?" Spencer frowned, knowing that he was being rude, but they were in the midst of something here.

"Spencer!" Trina stared at him in shock. She didn't know why she was shocked, because she had sensed the entitled side of Spencer before, but she was.

"Nah, it's ok. I'm used to it," Dex laughed. "Not nice to piss off the guy that saved your girl the other night, Cassadine."

This time it was Trina who frowned. Her bad mood was quickly returning. "Excuse you?"

"I mean, it's true, right? Helena Cassadine was about to sink her teeth into you, but I came and saved the damsel in distress. Something that Mr. Cassadine didn't do. You're welcome. Wouldn't mind doing it again."

Seeing something in Trina's eyes, Spencer took a step back. "Dude, if I was you, I'd shut up right now."

"There won't be a need to do it again. I was caught off guard. I won't be next time."

"Seeing the company you're keeping, I wouldn't make that a promise if I was you."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Spencer growled, his own annoyance growing.

"Look at your family, man. A bunch of vampires and word has it that…"

"You know what, Mr. Heller. I have had enough. I came here to train and get some aggression out. The best way to do that is with a vampire and guess who's here running his mouth? You. Another know it all vampire with a soul! What luck! Since you think you're so tough, let's spar!"

"What?" Dex stared at Trina in disbelief. "You cannot be serious…"

"What's wrong, Dex? Scared of the little vampire slayer? Don't worry, I have good control. I won't dust you. Come on, it'll be fun! A little spot of violence never hurts anyone," Trina hopped into the boxing ring, not taking no for an answer.

"But…"

"Oh come on! She's just a girl! Are you scared Errand Boy? Afraid she'll get the best of you? You were here a few seconds ago talking about how she needed to be saved. So she shouldn't be that hard to beat, right?" Spencer folded his arms, knowing that if Dex fought Trina, there was a good chance of him getting his ass handed to him, which in his opinion was a good sight to see. "You can't be scared of her. She's so tiny."

Dex frowned. Trina may be tiny, but it was the tiny ones that were the most dangerous.

"Is that a no?" Trina arched a brow.

"I knew it. He's a chicken. Wait until I tell Joss!" Spencer laughed.

"Alright, alright! Let's spar!" Dex joined Trina and got in position. Spencer just stood back and watched. To his satisfaction, Cam and a frowning Joss entered the gym and came to stand next to him.

"What's going on here?" Cam asked curiously.

"Yeah, why is Dex about to box Trina? She's a girl…a strong girl...but a girl," Joss chimed in.

"She's a vampire slayer, remember? Your friend there is a vampire...a vampire with a soul, but a vampire. He pissed Trina off, and now she's going to teach him a much-needed lesson."

"Like how to keep his hands off my girl," Cam mumbled under his breath, so low for only Spencer to hear.

"Yep."

The threesome stood there and watched as Trina and Dex fought, each throwing punches and kicks at each other.

Spencer was in awe. Trina was like poetry in motion as she fought Dex, ducking and blocking his attacks, effortlessly connecting her fists with his face and arms. He watched in proud silence, feeling himself fall even more for the pretty slayer.

Joss gasped as Dex somehow got the upper hand and knocked Trina to the ground. Then, while on her back, Trina did a move that knocked Dex down onto his back, then she rolled over to a point where she was straddling him and placed a small fist over his heart. She smiled down into Dex's stunned expression.

"I won. You are dust," Trina gave a wicked smile.

"Alright, that's enough!" Spencer was suddenly in the ring and lifting Trina off of Dex as Joss helped Dex onto his feet. Both Cam and Joss seemed amused while Dex was still stunned and Trina was pissed at being lifted off her win.

"Spencer, what the hell?!" Trina turned on him, still in the circle of his arms, but all anger faded as she saw the jealous gleam in his dark eyes and felt strong muscles possessively holding her close. "Oh...hi…"

"Yeah, hi," Spencer smirked.

"I think ole Dex had enough for one day," Cam chuckled as Joss dusted off his clothes and checked him for any injuries.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. I should have known not to piss off a vampire slayer," Dex chuckled, taking one look at Trina, whose attention was elsewhere. "Have to admit, that last move was kind of sexy."

"No it wasn't," Spencer frowned, ready to pound Dex's face in for even looking at his...um...friend.

Dex just smirked knowingly at Spencer. "Don't worry, Cassadine. She wasn't the girl I wanted to be under...she's safe from the likes of me…"

"Cam!" Joss gasped as this time Cam's fist slammed into Dex's face.

"Want to say that again?" Cam glared at what seemed to be the amused vampire.

"That one I'll give you for free because I was out of line. Don't let it happen again," Dex warned.

"Dex, I think it's time for you to go," Trina stated, her voice signaling that it was a demand, not a request.

"Alright, alright. I'm leaving. Don't want the menfolk to get anymore into their feelings," Dex winked before sauntering out of the gym.

"I hate that guy! I am so glad that you kicked his ass," Spencer grumbled.

"Yeah, he's an asshole," Cam agreed.

"Or maybe you both are assholes. You acted like Neanderthals. Spencer, just picking Trina up like that and acting like he owns her and you Cam! You just punching Dex for no good reason!" Joss angrily yelled at her boyfriend.

"No good reason! You heard what he said and it wasn't about Trina! We all know that it was about you! I was within my rights! Right, Spence?" Cam turned to his cousin who gave ready support.

"Right. He was just defending your honor."

"And the treating me like a possession?" Trina arched a brow, causing Spencer to blush.

"I admit...I got really heated there...but no one would like to see the girl they...care for straddling another guy like that," Spencer tried to explain himself, inwardly wishing that he had been the guy she was straddling instead. "But you're right. I shouldn't have behaved the way I did. I'm sorry."

"And the dude is a vampire! Another reason not to like him! Why didn't Trina dust him again?" Cam frowned.

"He has a soul."

"Like that broody guy at the gallery?" Spencer asked.

Trina giggled. "Yeah, like the broody guy."

"Well, I'm no longer in the mood for a workout. I think I'm heading home to prepare for next semester," Joss sighed.

"Joss wait…," Cam tried to object, but he was silenced by a quick wave.

"I'll call later, Cam."

Cam cursed his luck and glared at the floor. "Great. Just perfect. Heller strikes again."

"I'm sorry, man," Spencer frowned, hating to see his cousin so despondent.

"Don't worry about it. Continue your date with Trina. I'm heading home."

"Cam…"

"What?" Cam frowned, his eyes revealing just how despondent he was.

"Be careful out there, alright? There are vamps out there that can walk in the day."

"Sure," was all Cam said before leaving.

"Poor Cam," Spencer sighed, leaning against the ropes of the boxing ring. "He's losing Joss to that jerk and we all can see it…"

"How do you know that?" Trina asked, having a feeling that the boys were right, but still wanting to defend the girl that had been nothing but nice to her.

Spencer shrugged. "I just do. So, is all that aggression gone now? Do you want to do something else?"

"I can think of one thing."

"What is that?"

Trina smiled and pulled him close. "This," She lifted herself on her tiptoes and met his lips in a lingering kiss.