Cassie sighed in relief as she entered her apartment, grateful that the car had made it back to the shop before it sputtered and gave out on her. It had been touch and go, and she had worried all the way home about getting pulled over, but apparently the Goddesses were looking out for her tonight. Now she hoped they would look out for Charlie as well. Closing the door quietly so as not to wake Angel, she kicked off her shoes and was heading for the bathroom when she heard a rustling from the couch and a cough.

"Cassie?"

Angel's voice held pain and weakness, but he was awake and Cassie came over swiftly to check on him, "How are you feeling, Kevin?"

Groaning, Angel gave her a weak smile, "Like my back was put through a blender on purée. How bad it is?"

Their rule was to never sugarcoat, so Cassie bluntly said, "Bad. Bad enough that I should have taken you to the hospital. My magics have it under control, but it's likely you're going to be in a wheelchair for quite a while. Maybe permanently."

Silence responded, and she kneeled down by his side and moved strands of dirty hair aside to see his face, which held no emotion. She let him absorb what she said, waiting.

When he spoke, it wasn't about his back, "Where's Charlie?"

Cassie paused. Despite their rule, she feared his reaction, and she put her hand on his chest as a precaution, "She's hunting the thing that attacked you."

His reaction was not what she expected, "I figured that's why she wasn't here, hovering over me."

Angel's eyes held sadness, and fear, but Cassie spoke firm, "She's prepared, Angel. She's better than that thing, by a mile! She'll be fine, and she will come back. I finally got to see who she truly is. Nothing on this Earth has a chance when she's at her peak, and she's evolving so much. Don't be scared for her."

"I can't help it. She's my partner. We should be hunting that thing, together."

"I know," Cassie felt his forehead, and was relieved to feel no obvious fever. The magics were working so well, and Cassie knew she'd have to go talk to her mentors for training her so well, but she had to ask, "Why wouldn't you let me take you to the hospital?"

"I'm safer here. With you. With Charlie." Angel explained, voice fading in and out as his eyes closed, "At the hospital, if that thing really wanted to finish the job, so many innocent people would be put in harm's way."

"Your damned mind, thinking shit out even while dying." Cassie softly cursed and admired her brother in one breath.

"I knew you'd save me, sis. I believe in your magics so much more, now." Angel reached out, and she gripped his hand, "But? How did we get back here? I don't remember anything."

"Like I said, Charlie's evolving. She teleported the both of you. It was amazing."

"Teleported? Like in sci-fi movies? Damn." Angel smirked, then coughed hard, and Cassie pressed down on his chest to keep him from moving too much. "Water?"

Nodding, Cassie went to the kitchen and filled a plastic cup half way and brought it back. With her help, Angel took slow sips before resting his head back on the pillow, "Thanks. Do you think I can move enough to get to the bedroom? This couch isn't comfortable even in the best conditions."

"I don't know if it's a good idea, Kevin."

"Do you know if it's not a good idea?" Angel quipped back, and Cassie had to admit if he's got the energy to debate, maybe he'd be okay to move. Sighing, she put the cup down on the coffee table and pulled the quilt off of him.

"Okay, but we're going to do this slowly. Any sign of bleeding and you're staying."

For the next five minutes, Cassie helped support her brother as they worked their way down to the bedroom. She eased Angel into the bed, letting him lie on his side so she could check the bandages. Satisfied that the movement had held them in place, she helped him get comfortable, but she could tell that the move had been very painful.

"I'm going to give you some medicine to help you sleep. It's a mixture of Motrin and a spell that will help you sleep and promote your body's natural healing. Is that okay?"

"Thank you for asking. Yes, please. But will you please let me know when Charlie gets back, safely?"

"I promise." Cassie affirmed, standing, "I'll be right back."

A few minutes later, after giving him the medicine and watching him drift off into a fitful sleep, Cassie closed the bedroom door and went into the kitchen. She prepared a hot cup of chamomile tea, sat down hard in the kitchen chair, looked at the cup, pushed it away, laid her head on the table and cried.

Cassie didn't know how much time had passed when a flash of light startled her. She jerked her head up to see Charlie materialize in the apartment, falling to her knees covered in mud, dirt and blood. Pushing the chair away, Cassie ran over and knelt beside her, "Charlie!"

"I'm okay," Charlie smiled through crusty strands of hair, her demon red eyes fading to reveal her soft yellow eyes, before falling into Cassie's outstretched arms.

"You don't look okay to me!"

"I killed it, Cassie. I killed the fucking thing. I'm more than okay. I just… I just have souvenirs from it." Charlie touched the wound on her leg and grimaced.

Cassie felt her body shake, "Why didn't you heal yourself?"

"I needed the power to teleport."

"Your wounds are deep, Charlie!" Cassie tried to get up to go grab something to press onto her wound, but Charlie stopped her, "Can you use your magics? I didn't react badly to the powder?"

"Okay." Cassie helped Charlie to rest her back against the couch. As Charlie watched her go collect the powder, she looked over her shoulder to the empty couch.

"Where's Angel?" Fear coated Charlie's question.

"He's safe in the bedroom. He wanted to be more comfortable. I gave him some medicine, and he's sleeping well."

Charlie nodded, her heart slowing down at the news, and she waited on Cassie to collect the powder from her cabinet. Coming back, Cassie kneeled and looked at the wound, "Shit. There's so much dirt and crud, we should clean you up first. Can you walk?"

"I think so." Charlie held out her arms and Cassie helped her stand. With Cassie's support, Charlie let her guide her limping body to the bathroom. Once Charlie was safely propped against the wall, Cassie started the shower, and turned to access Charlie's body.

"Are you okay if…?"

"Please." Charlie answered the unfinished question.

Cassie nodded and carefully helped Charlie undress, removing her soaked and torn black t-shirt and tattered jeans. Once they were tossed aside, Cassie helped Charlie into the shower, being careful not to splash her too much with the scalding hot water. Charlie, however, moaned gratefully as the water washed down against her bare skin. Cassie took the second detachable shower head and used it to wash directly onto Charlie's wounded shoulder and mangled leg, eliciting a loud cry of pain. Cassie flinched, but Charlie shook her head and encouraged her to continue. Carefully, Cassie helped Charlie wash away the dirt, grime, and mud she'd collected from the fight. Fresh blood pooled in the drain, but Charlie insisted on washing her hair first, which Cassie quickly helped her to do. Once her body seemed free of anything that could cause infection, Cassie grabbed three towels. One she gave to Charlie to wrap around her head, while she used the second to wrap around her damaged leg. The third was used to dry her body before it too became a dressing for her shoulder.

"Okay, lie down in the tub." Cassie ordered, and helped Charlie to obey. Once she was settled, Cassie opened the container of green powder and began to treat Charlie's wounds. Repeating the spell Charlie had seen her use earlier, the powder burned into her wounds and she cried out in more pain. Cassie assured her it was working and Charlie nodded through squinted eyes, fresh hot tears streaming down her cheeks. As the powder began to take hold, Cassie stepped out of the bathroom to get more bandages, tearing them up as she returned. Placing them along the wounds on her legs and shoulders, Cassie completed the spell, and they stuck to Charlie in much the same way they had to Angel.

"The bleeding's stopped." Cassie said in relief.

"Thank you, sis." Eyes closed, Charlie didn't realize what she'd said. Cassie warmed and flicked a few strands of hair from Charlie's face.

"You're welcome, sis."

Seconds ticked by before Charlie opened her eyes, "Would it be okay if I laid with Angel, tonight?"

"I think it would be good medicine for the both of you." Cassie checked the dressings, "How long before you can heal yourself? Do you know?"

"It won't be long, I don't think. The shower and your magics have helped, a lot. I think this was more of a precaution since I've never been in a position to have to choose which power I use, first."

"It may be a good idea to teach you the spell and have you keep some powders on your person for future missions." Cassie thought aloud.

"Maybe," Charlie agreed, "But right now I want to be with Angel."

Cassie smiled softly, and helped Charlie out of the tub, "I'll get you a nightgown from my room, though I don't think Angel will mind you slipping into bed like this."

A soft giggle escaped Charlie, but she felt no embarrassment, "Nor do I, but the nightgown's more appropriate."

Handing Charlie a fresh towel to finish drying, Cassie went to get the nightgown, pausing for a moment at the door to her bedroom to wipe away her tears. The emotions of the night had taken their toll, and it wouldn't be tea she poured herself after making sure her family was safe and asleep.

Shaking her head to clear it, Cassie collected the nightgown and returned to the bathroom to help Charlie put it on. She then led Charlie into the bedroom. When they entered, Charlie let out a soft gasp as she saw Angel for the first time since she'd been kicked out of the apartment. He looked terrible, despite the bandages and the magic, and she sniffed loudly. Cassie helped her to the other side of the bed and spoke softly, "He's resting comfortably, Charlie. You saved his life, remember that most of all."

Charlie didn't feel much better at the reminder, her hand caressing over his shoulder as she settled into the bed next to him, "I should have been with him. If we hadn't had that fight. If I'd just listened to his orders in the warehouse."

"Stop it, Charlie. Please." Cassie chided softly, "You can't fault yourself for this."

"Yes, I can!" Charlie growled softly, "We knew there was something out there. We knew they knew we existed. I swore I'd be his armor. I failed him, Cassie."

"You. Saved. Him!" Cassie hissed, trying to keep her voice down, not wanting to wake Angel up, "Please focus on the good you do, not the evil others do."

Not assured, but too tired now to argue more, Charlie shrugged a polite agreement, letting Cassie pull the blanket up over her tender shoulder. Cassie sighed as she stood, and Charlie turned her face, "I'm sorry, Cassie. I'm just so scared for Angel."

Cassie leaned down and kissed Charlie on the forehead, "I am too, sweetie, but tonight, you two are safe and alive. Focus on that, please."

"I promise." Charlie felt Angel's body move slightly at her touch and she decided it was more important to hold him and be grateful, "He's here, in my arms, where he belongs. I won't worry anymore, tonight."

"Good." Cassie stood and walked around the bed to Angel's side. She leaned down and gave him a motherly kiss on the forehead, "Let me do all the worrying, tonight, for all of us."

"Cassie?" Charlie lifted her head, eyes wet, "If I'm not allowed to worry, neither are you. You saved both of us. You're our angel."

A soft sob escaped Cassie before she could stop it, and she forced a smile, "I won't let anything happen to my family. Now, go to sleep. That's an order."

"Yes, Ma'am." Charlie dropped her head on the pillow, holding up her hand and making a thumbs up, and Cassie silently approved as she closed the door.

Resting her head on the pillow, Charlie slid her arm across Angel's torso and pulled herself closer, careful not to press against his back, but to be as close as she dared. Sleep tugged at the edges of her consciousness, and with it, her body relaxed to the point where she could feel her power stirring deep within her. Along with the familiar sensation of strength that told her she was recovering quickly, the itch in her back tapped at her, and she accepted its request. Feeling her wings flow from her back and out from under the blanket, she lifted the top pair up and over her and Angel's bodies, becoming the armor she'd promised him before. As they settled, covering them like a shield from the world, her powers tingled stronger than she'd expected. It was as if they were guiding her, and she felt that she could now heal herself. A slight tug of selfishness bit at the back of her mind, scolding her for being able to heal while the man she loved might be broken forever, but she knew she'd need to be at full strength to protect him. Closing her eyes, Charlie let go and her power flowed out, her healing powers warming her skin. Her hair flowed around her face and her wings glowed, this being the first time she'd healed with them exposed. As she felt her shoulder and leg heal, she heard a soft gasp from Angel. Opening her eyes, she saw her wings draped over Angel, pulsing with a warm, soft white light that melted into Angel's body. Gasping softly, she saw his skin ripple, much like hers had when her wounds closed. Her heart beating faster, hope filling her soul, Charlie called to every inch of her body, her soul, her strength, begging for it all to pour out of her. The bedroom blossomed into blinding white light and the energy rippled along the bed, floor, walls and ceiling for a few moments before everything went completely dark again.

Silence followed, and Charlie held her breath for what seemed like forever, afraid to move, to see if what she'd hoped, actually happened. It was Angel that broke the silence, "Charlie?" his voice was solid, void of weakness, and he turned easily in the bed to face her, brushing feathers away, so their faces could see each other clearly, "What did you do?"

She could only answer in tears as she pulled him tight to her and kissed him deeply, sliding her arm around his waist and feeling his back, which was firm and healed, and as they broke the kiss, her breath stolen from her from their kiss, she gasped, "I healed you! Angel… I healed us!"

Angel swallowed and moved himself to see how he felt and was surprised to find himself feeling… well, perfect. He then noticed he'd been annoyingly brushing feathers away for the last few moments, "Charlie? Are these…wings?"

She couldn't help herself. Giggling, Charlie nodded excitedly, "I have wings, Angel! They came to me when Cassie helped me to focus, to fight in a better way."

Angel lifted his hand and ran his fingers along the ridge of one of the wings, noticing the baby like skin texture and Charlie let out a low, sensual response, her body lifting slightly as her loins reacted, strongly. Angel noticed, "Are you okay?"

"Oh, yes." Charlie let out a soft mmm, eyes closing in pleasure, "They're very sensitive. Especially when caressed like that."

"An odd erogenous zone." Angel's academic response caused Charlie to open her eyes, peering at him, playfully annoyed, "Is that your take on this?"

A slight laugh escaped Angel, and he shrugged, "Sorry, I'm just so amazed. You keep evolving. Cassie told me you teleported us here, saving my life."

Charlie's smile faded, "I'm so glad it came to me when I needed it. I don't know how else I would have gotten you back here. You were in terrible shape, Angel, bleeding out so badly. Why Rygen didn't finish you off, I don't understand, but I'm so grateful."

"Rygen?"

"It's what it called itself, before I drove a spear into it and killed it!"

"I'm glad you're safe, Charlie. I couldn't bare losing you, either."

"How did you escape Rygen?" Charlie needed to know, "He was a monster, he nearly had me."

Angel paused, and Charlie sensed tension. Raising her head and giving him a serious look, she repeated, "Angel? How did you escape?"

Sighing deeply, Angel pulled the necklace out from under his shirt, "Cassie gave this to me the other night after the mission. It held a spell to drive a demon away in pain."

"How did she know…" Realization slammed into her and Charlie pulled back from Angel, eyes hurt, "This was for me, wasn't it?"

"After you swarmed down on me from the container, swooping me up, I told Cassie I was concerned about your growing power, that if you continued to manifest more and more demon like, versus your hybrid form, I couldn't be sure how much you'd maintain control."

He continued, seeing Charlie's hurt eyes fighting not to tear up, hoping to impress upon her how much he trusted her, "I didn't want to accept it, Charlie, but if I hadn't, I'd be dead. I told her I trusted you, but I knew she was right. I had to be ready for anything that could happen."

He knew if he kept explaining it would turn into excuses, so he stopped and watched her. Charlie closed her eyes and stilled her body, telling herself to calm down and think with her head, not her emotions. Yes, it hurt a lot that he had the necklace and that it was meant to hurt her if she tried to hurt him, but he was right. Angel never did anything that wasn't thought through with wisdom and preparation. That was why he was so good at what he did, and why she loved being his partner. He was also right. If Cassie hadn't given him the necklace, he would be dead. Losing him would have killed her. Knowing about the necklace was just a little insulting. Opening her eyes, she gave him a very strong look of understanding, and she saw his shoulders relax.

"I understand. Yes, it hurt at first, but I get it. My powers are evolving faster than I can keep up with them. In one night I teleported, gained wings and discovered I can heal others, not just myself. These are all new to me, and if it hadn't been for Cassie knocking some literal sense into me, I would have flown off in a rage, possibly get myself killed, or lose myself and become the very thing we fight against. I need more training with Cassie, to find my center."

Lifting the necklace with her fingers, Charlie caressed the beads, "I will thank Cassie in the morning. This saved you when I couldn't."

"You saved me, Charlie, "Angel corrected, "This just postponed the inevitable so that you could."

"I should have been with you. Been your armor." Charlie repeated softly what she'd told Cassie.

"What we do comes with risk, Charlie," Angel reminded her, "We need to focus only on what we can do, not what we can't."

"I'll try. But I'm never leaving you, again!"

"Promise?"

Charlie looked at him oddly, the tone in his voice held something she was unsure she understood, "Yes, of course. Why?"

"Because," Angel knew there was no better time than this moment, "I love you, Charlotte Morningstar. More than anything in this, or any other world, I love you. I said what we do comes with risk, and that should include whatever may happen with us. Even the physical."

Charlie blinked, taking a moment to make sure she'd heard him correctly, it was the first time he'd said the words to her, and she let her tears flow, "I love you, too, Angel!"

The kiss that followed swallowed them both up as their hands slipped around each other, pulling their bodies into the tightest embrace they could manage. They lost themselves for moments, before Charlie broke the kiss first, "Does this mean we can…?"

"If you'll have me?" Angel replied, caressing her cheek, lovingly.

With a soft laugh of relief, desire and longing, Charlie found herself surprised by her next words, "I want too. But… I'm so exhausted."

A pause preceded Angel's throaty laughter, which Charlie joined in as she dropped her body onto him, her own shaking in laughter. Tension drained from the both of them as they held each other, their laughter faded into soft mmms of comfort.

"I admit, I don't want our first time making love to be us falling asleep in the middle of it." Angel quipped softly.

"I want to be at full power, in all ways, when I have you, my love." Charlie grinned as she traced a finger up and down his chest. Angel shivered at the idea, his groin stiffening despite being exhausted, and he seriously contemplated asking for a taste then and there. But his Princess of Hell told him she wanted to be all she could be for him, after recuperating fully, so he knew they'd have to wait.

Kissing her forehead, Angel softly caressed her back in return, sharing his thoughts, "I can't wait."

Nestling her body next to his, Charlie tucked her head along his shoulder and he wrapped himself around her. Kissing one more time, she whispered, "Neither can I."

It took less than a minute of soft caressing, with eyes closed, for the two lovers, now a couple, to fall asleep in each other's arms.