((Text appearing in italics is spoken in French.))

Quinn shot Daigh a look. "Duh!" She leaned over, peering at his arm that he was scratching. There was no such thing as personal space. She picked up his arm and started moving it this way and that so she could look over his tattoos. "I've been meaning to get a closer look at your ink."

?By all means. Although if you want to see all of it we'll have to go somewhere I can take my shirt off...? He changed his mind. ?Actually, forget that, if I took my shirt off here, no one would notice.?

"You've worn suspenders before. Just suspenders." Laughs.

?Which is why I've changed my story!? He laughed, then went ahead and shrugged out of the vest and pulled the shirt off. His other side, of course, was all tattooed as well, along with a few random ones sprinkled in.

Her jaw dropped. "Okay, seriously? Now I feel like a pansy because I was such a baby about the two I got! And you're covered!"

?I like the way it feels. Plus then I look hard? Sage nod. ?What do you have? I don't believe I've seen them.?

"Getting them wasn't so bad. A couple spots were more sensitive than others, but I wasn't in tears. The healing stunk though." She slid off her stool. "Mine are usually covered!" She lifted up the front of her shirt, stopping just around her bra line. Along her ribs were the outlines of two stars. "That's my first one I got back home in Canada."

He leaned in. Not in a creepy look-a-bra!- sort of way, but because he was checking it out. ?Really well done lines! Any particular significance on that??

She squinted at Daigh's question. "I got it shortly after my sister passed away." She poked at the top star. "Natalie."

?I'm sorry to hear that? He said, looking up at her. He wasn't going to pry, but he was kind hearted. ?Younger sister.?

Brows rose. "How did you guess?"

Something moved across his face, some emotion, but it was so quick she might have been seeing things. ?Just a guess.? He smiled. ?Natalie is a pretty name.?

"Good guess." Then she smiled softly. An expression sweeter and more genuine than anything she usually wore while hanging out at the bar. "It's a pretty name for a pretty girl. She was amazing."

?I have a younger sister.? He said, watching her. It was nice to see that look on her face.

She released her shirt, letting it fall back down. No show. No act. No yelling. Calm and interested. "What's her name?" She took up a lean on the bar in front of him.

?Mealla.? He pulled his shirt back on, still watching her as he did so.

"Mealla?" Smiles. "That's a beautiful name, too. Where is she?"

?Back home in St. Louis. BUT! She's gonna come visit, I think!?

"Really? That's awesome, Daigh! You'll have to introduce us so I can get the low down dirt on you when you were a kid." Grins.

?I was a total freak! She would love you!?

"I believe you in the best way possible!" Snickers. "If she's anything like you, I'm sure the feeling will be mutual." Long pause. "And now I'm going to strip slightly and look like a ho." She popped her lips into a purse and hummed a little bow-chicka-bow-wow while sliding her leather jacket off. It was tossed onto the stool and she turned around, scooping long blonde locks out of the way as she did. "This is my other tattoo. I got it here. A little over a year ago." Between her shoulder blades above the dip of her shirt fabric sat a black plated pentagram surrounded by rays.

He laughed at her 'ho' comment, grinning. When he saw the tattoo, his face fell into more serious lines, and he stood to look at it. He lifted a hand, touching the tattoo lightly. ?Wow...?

She peered over her shoulder, still holding the mess of blonde locks piled on top of her head. She furrowed her brows slightly. "Yeah, so, it might not be the most original thing this side of RhyDin, but it's not horrible."

?Oh, no... I like it? He took his hand away, realizing he'd touched her and that was sort of borderline creepy. ?What, umm... why'd you get that one??

She didn't seem to notice the touch to the tattoo, or didn't find it that creepy. She didn't seem to realize something was off until she turned around and caught sight of his expression. His tone being off started to click in her head as well. Her own features grew more serious and she released the mass of blonde locks, allowing them to spill back down her back. Was he bothered by the tattoo? And if so... what did that mean? "Oh, if I tell you, you're just going to laugh at me." She gave a light smile, but inside her thoughts were racing.

He glanced around a bit, then leaned in, lips next to her ear. ?I know what it means, Quinn...?

She stood in place just long enough to hear the words and then she took a step back from him, her hand reaching to settle on her back pocket out of instinct. Lingering just above the folded knife she often kept on her person. It was difficult because it was Daigh, but it made her breathe a little bit easier. "And why would you know that?"

His eyes followed her hand, knowing she had a weapon. Eyes went back up to her face, and Serious Daigh was totally there. ?I have some... experience with it. With them.? She would know what 'them' meant, the very thing that tattoo was ward against.

Quinn's expression hardened. He was saying just enough to make her alarmed and not enough to calm her down. But she stayed in place, surprisingly steady compared to her usual bouncy nature. The only movement was a quick knit of her brows, racking her brain for a moment before the word came to her. And it tumbled free from her lips just as quickly. "Christo." God, she hoped she nailed that accent. She watched and waited to find out.

Nothing changed in his expression. No flinch, not even a ghost of one. What did change was his eyes, something almost sad. ?Quinn, I'm not. I promise you.?

She watched, unblinking. And then her shoulders relaxed, just a bit. "No, I do not think you are." She said it like she was helping verify for him. "You can't blame a girl wanting to be positive."

"No, I can't." He let a breath go, watching her now, so still it seemed like he wasn't even drawing in air.

Her hand still lingered above her back pocket. She wasn't sure what to do. So, obviously, when in doubt keep your weapon close. "You have some explaining to do, Lucy."

"As do you." He replied, looking at her in a different way than before. More closely. "And the knife of no use."

"That's what I get for picking cute clothes instead of weapons. I learned my lesson." She glanced around at the crowd then back to him. "We'll play truth or truth, but not here, obviously." She picked up her leather jacket off the bar stool and slid it on. "Are you free tomorrow?"

He couldn't help the small smile at her comment, then nodded. "I'll make time."

She grabbed a nearby napkin and pulled a sharpie out of her coat pocket. A quick scribble and the marker was tucked away. She slid the napkin which now had her number on it towards him, but she was still keeping her distance. Her hand was then lifted, fingers curled like a telephone and held beside her ear. "Have your people call my people. We'll do lunch."

He picked it up, didn't look at it. He knew she wouldn't go through that trouble to give him a fake number. It was curled into his palm. He found himself a little troubled at her keeping her distance, but he couldn't blame her. "I will call."

She nodded. It was awkward. This was the part where they would hug and squeak and prance out the door arm in arm. But there were too many questions lingering about and she had to wait until they could talk. And until she had something more intimidating than a pocket knife, just in case. So she hesitated. Then she nodded. "Tomorrow." A two fingered salute and she was marching towards the front door, then out into the night.

He watched after her, that number in his hand. He'd wait until she left so she felt less creeped out. A tick or two later he grabbed his vest off the bar, threw back the rest of his whiskey, and was gone.

?No, we can't.? He gave a small laugh. ?Tell me why you have that particular tattoo. You'll forgive me if I don't think you seem like a born hunter.?

She shrugged. "Can't blame a girl for trying." She hesitated, licking at her lips while she decided how to explain. It really wasn't that the tattoo was a problem. It was the circumstances around it. "Do you remember the other night at the bar? When my ex and I were talking and it turned me sour?"

He nodded. He did remember, and he had something to say about that, but it could wait.

A gesture of her hand. "He's a hunter. General, but when we were together demons had a particular interest in us. Him mostly, but I was so close I got caught in the cross-hairs." She hesitated. "And I also did some stupid things to put myself into that position, but that's a story for another time. Or never." A dry smirk and a shrug. "We decided a charm was too easy to lose or forget and we needed a guarantee that I would be safe. He already had the same mark," She tapped a spot on her chest, over her heart. ?And I got the same. So... no. I'm not a born hunter. I'm just a very stupid girl." Grins.

?You're not stupid.? That was very serious.

She seemed almost surprised by his response, so quick and solid. But she eased her smile back into place. "Sure." She drained a bit more of her beer then set her bottle aside. "When he was around I learned a little from him. A friend of mine taught me some more. And I also did some good old fashioned research. I'm not a pro by any means. I wouldn't call myself a demon hunter, in any sense of the word. But I'm not a fan, at all. The run in we had has left a lifelong bad taste in my mouth."

He nodded slowly at that, and then spoke, a little impulsively. ?Quinn, will you promise me something?? He was starting to wonder something about her. He didn't know, not yet, but the thought was there.

She furrowed her brows at his tone. "Sort of hard to know the answer to that question without knowing what you want me to promise." She paused, but she couldn't even hold out. She nodded. "Yeah, Daigh. What is it?"

?If and when you need to know anything about... angels, or maybe something demon related... talk to me, ok? I can help. I don't want you getting information from someone who thinks they know what they mean, but they don't.?

Her expression was just confused now. "What is everyone's angel kick lately? Seriously?" Shakes her head. "Demons, vampires, whatever, eh? But now everyone is getting a random hair up their butt about angels." She rarely put thought into angels or God, not since she was home in Canada. So now two separate conversations with two people which both lead to angels had her scratching her head.

So smooooth. But, he'd started it, and the goal here was to give her answers, not confuse her more. ?The reason I bring it up is because I heard your ex mention them, and I can guarantee you he doesn't know the half of it. But I do.?

She scrunched up her features and leaned forward in her seat. She looked like she was having such an issue with accepting the idea of angels that it was physically bothering her. She rubbed at her forehead, her words muffled when she spoke. "Little shiny folks flying around with halos and harps. Of course." Evil was just easier for her to accept. She lifted her gaze, peering at him over her hands. "And what makes you the authority, Daigh?"

He watched her a long moment, almost to the point where it was uncomfortable. ?Sometimes they're skinny and play the piano.?

She didn't back down under his gaze and stood behind her question, simply returning the same watchful eye. But at his answer she was pushing up off her knees to straighten her position once more. She didn't say anything at first; she was still just watching him. Then, after a long while she was wearing the expression of someone who realized they were having a prank played on them. "Get the hell out of here."

?I'm serious, Quinn.? He said, staying still on his stool, hoping she wouldn't make a beeline for the door.

At his words her expression slowly sank and got more serious. Thankfully, she didn't run. Though, it only seemed to be because she didn't know what the hell to do with this new information. It wasn't until a short while later that she was slowly reaching out to him and using two fingers, her middle and index, to lightly push at his shoulder. She had touched him before. Hell, she had gotten a piggy back ride from him. But now she was testing the waters. For what? She didn't know.

He couldn't help but smile a bit at her at that. ?I'm still the same person you met, Quinn. You just know what I'm all about now.?

She stared at him, her jaw hanging open a little. Then she squinted at him. "Aren't you a little inky to be an angel?" Her fingers wiggled in the general direction of his arms. Yes, out of everything she could have asked about angels, God, heaven and hell she decided to question the tattoo policy.

Another, more Daigh-like grin. ?I do what I want!?

She pulled her shoulders back, folding her arms over her chest. She wasn't trying to be rude, but her gaze was sweeping over him relentlessly back and forth from head to toe. "That does sound like the Daigh I know." She paused at his torso and gestured a hand over her shoulder. "You don't have..." She couldn't say wings. It sounded too ridiculous out loud.

Another smile at her, just a hair short of being a full grin. ?Not that you can see, my lovely Miss Benoit.?

"Oh, sweet talk. Just trying to add some shine to that halo I can't see either, eh?" A brow rose with the question and she returned the grin. Then she paused, shifting back to somewhat serious once again. "This is one of those things I'm just going to have to believe and accept, isn't it? Unless you have your Angeling 101 handbook on you."

He tilted his head a bit, looking at her. ?Can I say something without sounding creepy??

"We'll see if I'm having an I-need-an-adult-moment after you say it."

He reached out and took her hand. Not in some super creepy lech sort of way, but in a friendly gesture. ?Quinn, I care about you. You're my friend, and I stick by them. I'm not lying to you. I know it's hard to believe, and I'm not even asking you to do that, or accept it. But I know you've been jerked around a lot. I'm not going to do that. I won't lie to you. You have a question sometime, ask it. You need help? I'm there. Can't be wasting time on people who don't give a sh*t.?

She didn't pull back or swat his grasp away. That was a good sign. From his very first few words her expression softened and continued as he went on. When he finished she nodded, showing she understood. "I consider you a friend, too, Daigh. This doesn't change anything between us. Not in a bad sense, anyway." She squeezed his hand, giving a smile. Then it cracked into a grin. "I thought you were a demon." After what she knew now, the thought made her laugh. She couldn't help it.

?Ain't it just?? He downed the beer, setting the bottle aside. ?Funny thing is, my sister looks like one.?

Her jaw dropped. "Your sister." She blinked at him. "A whole family of angels?"

?Oh, no!? He chuckled. ?No, I was adopted. Mealla isn't one, but she looks like one. I'll blame sh*t on her.?

"Oh wow, I was about to say. I didn't know how the whole angel thing worked, but if there are just families of them chilling around the neighborhood, my world was about to be rocked." She then grinned. "I can't wait to meet your sister. I predict her and I ganging up on you mercilessly in the most lovable ways possible." She then leaned towards him a bit. "If you were adopted. I mean..." Stare. How to word this? "So you don't just hang out in heaven?"

He laughed at the first part. ?God, maybe you shouldn't meet her! I might just sit in a corner and cry!? Then he was listening attentively before replying. ?Nope. I'm from St. Louis. Live in RhyDin. No heaven in between. I mean, sure. I could probably go there if I felt like it, but why? It's not perfect; it has problems, just like anywhere else. Here is more fun.?

"Only for some parts! Then we'll be nice. Then more crying. It's a whole thing." She blinked. "An angel from St. Louis. Who picks RhyDin over heaven." She put her hand to the side of her head then made an explosion gesture, wiggly her fingers around. "My mind is blown."

?I'm a bit of a rebel, if you can imagine that.?

A mock gasp, the hand held to her cheek. "No way! Once again, my brain meat is in pieces." She snickered, picking up her beer for a long sip. She peered over at him. "So we're good now. We're not weird. Now I can go back to getting piggy back rides from you and you can get back to getting me doughnuts when I drink too much." Winks at him.

?Abso-f*ckin-lutely!? He nodded emphatically. ?I'll try to avoid way too easy and cheesy comments like, 'a friendship made in heaven'.?

"Doesn't sound like much of a compliment anyway if RhyDin is your home away from heaven." She glanced around and looked back to him, cupping her hand around her mouth. "Spoiler alert, this place is sort of a hole." Snickers.

That had him cracking up for a minute. ?I know it is! But, I can do more good here than in heaven. And demon slaying, it sounds all important. And it is. But it's sort of a 'dirty' job. I'm like the bounty hunter of Eden.?

"Bounty hunter of Eden. Now that's something worth putting onto a business card." She shook her head, looking to be in awe. "Respect to you for doing it, that's all I have to say. This time last year I wasn't quite in the middle of it, but I was close enough. And from what I've seen, 'dirty' doesn't begin to describe it."

He nodded a bit. ?I'm sort of Heaven's bitch, too, if you want to get right down to it. He chuckled. ?Well, maybe that's a little harsh. Technically I'm a 'warrior'. I tried to get them to make me like... gold, flaming armor. They didn't go for it. He looked pouty for a second.
"But, armor or not, do you really want people to point and say 'hey, look at that flamer?' while pointing after you?" Grins. "Warrior sounds good. I like warrior. Though, I didn't realize that there were different sorts of angels."

?Oh, that's true. I won't get any chicks if I'm all flamey.? Like he was doing a bang up job of getting the ladies anyway. ?There are. There is a total hierarchy... a caste system, I'd say. Those that sit at the right hand of God, those that are message bringers, arch angels, warriors, and there's a slew of angels dedicated to one thing or another. Like, music, for instance.?

"With Taneth on the job I'm sure she'll find you a sweetheart sooner or later. She's dedicated as all get out to the sweetheart cause." She smiled, even if it looked a little awkward. Then she brightened. "Music angels. And that's their entire job for eternity? Cush job!"

He nodded slowly, watching her. That seemed to click in his brain a little, but that was best left for another time. ?Yes, to promote and inspire.?

"And you're the Iggy Pop of heaven. Search and destroy and all that jazz." She drained the last bit of beer, still rolling a majority of their conversation over in her head. "And I've seen angel chest." She suddenly cracked up laughing. That seemed to amuse her to no end.

?Holy sh*t, that's the best thing ever! Iggy Pop of heaven!? He chuckled, then snickered at the self- hilarity that ensued from her comment. ?That sounds like a street drug- 'angel chest'?

She laughed harder. The late hour, the big news, and the wee bit of alcohol surging through her system made her that much more giggly than usual. Which was saying a lot. She put on her best stoner-esque voice. "Oh man, I did like... three hits of angel chest and watched my lava lamp for seven hours straight. It was pretty intense."

?It started talkin' to me and sh*t... damn. It told me the f*ckin? meaning of life, but then I like...? He stared at his open hands. ?Lost it.?

She was practically doubled over in her seat, shaking with laughter while long blonde locks hung recklessly in front of her face. She then settled down, just long enough to mimic him looking at his hand. "Lost it." She laughed again and shook her head. "Too funny." She held up her hands, not bothering to shove the hair out of her face. "I don't think we're going to be able to top that tonight. I think it's time to pack it in, people."

?I think you're right.? He nodded, chuckling still. ?Wrap it up, go home. Show over!?

She slid off her stool, hands working to finally shove the curtain of blonde locks aside then they continued up into a stretch. "Interested in walking home with me or are you going to make me hoof it back to the WestEnd by myself?"

?Hell no, I wouldn't do that.? He stood and offered an arm. ?Let's roll.?

She dropped her arms, automatically hooking one into his. "What a gentleman! Such an angel!" She smiled aside to him sheepishly. "I just had to get one more in. I promise it's lock and key from here." She twisted her fingers at her lips and moved towards the front door.

?I appreciate it.? He nodded, but then grinned again. ?But no one would believe me, so you can keep saying such nice things.? He opened the door and moved on out with her.

The entire night had been going so smoothly, why was she starting to get flustered now? She didn't feel that she was particularly stressed or worked up, but there was a dull nagging pound lingering at her temples which she attributed to her racing thoughts. As they neared the water she inhaled deeply through her nostrils before releasing a slow steady exhale. She just needed to calm down. It was Daigh. She tilted her head, gazing out at the water. "I think I just found my new favorite spot in this place."

?You mean next to me?? He teased with a grin.

She returned the grin, their pace slowly coming to a halt when they neared the edge of water. "Initially I meant the view, but now that you mention it I can't complain about the company either." She squeezed at his hand.

He smiled and stopped as well, looking out over the water, though mostly at her. ?I knew you mean the view, but I figured I better insert some self-praise, you know??

"What's wrong, Daigh? Do I not pet your ego enough as it is?" She asked the question playfully and released his hand, but only so that she could move around to stand in front of him. Her now free hands reached up to carefully adjust the collar of his button up shirt and his tie. "Did I not tell you enough times tonight how handsome you look?"

He smiled down at her, and one hand rose to rest on her hip. ?You told me enough, I think. Almost as many times as I told you that you were beautiful.? He tugged her in a bit closer, half teasing, half seriously wanting her nearer.

Her hands stopped fussing with his shirt and palms were laid flat against his chest, the distance between them vanishing. Was her heart beating so loudly right now that she could hear it in her eardrums? No, this much pain wouldn't come along with something so good. She forced a soft smile on her face but inside she couldn't believe it. It was their first date. They were building up to their first kiss. And here she was experiencing what was turning into the worst headache of her life, like nothing she had ever experienced before.

She did her best to keep up appearances and come across as her usual cool, calm, and sweet self. "I think that sounds about right. Neither one of should are really lacking in the compliment department. Considering we're both so blessed in the awesome department." She laughed but forced herself to stop. It wasn't helping her headache.

His hand rose to cup her cheek gently. But then he noted the abrupt quality of the end of her laugh, and the smile turned into a frown. ?Quinn? Are you alright??

Her smiled waned as well. She wasn't as good at keeping up the act as she would have hoped. "I'm sorry, Daigh. I have no idea what's going on." She squeezed her eyes shut, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt at his chest. "I was fine at the restaurant and even when we first started walking, but now I have this headache. It's horrible. And for some reason it's just getting worse and worse. I've never had a migraine, but if this is what they're like... they suck." Her shoulders slumped with a sigh.

His frown deepened and he let his fingers slide into her hair to pet gently against her temple. ?I'm sorry, Quinn, I didn't realize-? But then he stopped . He was going to say he hadn't realized that her head was bothering her and here he was blabbing. But then it hit him. Headache? Blindingly painful, and out of nowhere? That sounded awfully familiar. He opened his mouth to say something, taking a breath to speak.

She offered a light smile at his touch and opened her eyes to take in his words. It hurt, but she didn't want to mess up the evening by being a baby. Though, she was admittedly confused when he stopped speaking mid-sentence. Her gaze awkwardly flickered aside, but that was when she saw it.

A mass of black, shades darker than the night sky that hung over them. Even with its quick movements speeding towards them, the two red eyes were easy to pick out and the wide gaping jaws that parted to let out an ear piercing screech. "Get down!" It was at that same moment Quinn used the grip that she had on Daigh's shirt to throw both him and her out of the way of the creature?s path and allow it to go barreling by them.

He didn't even ask, he just went down, twisting so that he could land on his back with her atop him, to keep himself from crushing her. ?What the f*ck-? He started to say, not out of anger, but bewilderment. He caught sight then of the demon, and his eyes widened. How could he not have heard it, felt it? Something was wrong. But that was the least of his worries. An arm wrapped around Quinn and they were just suddenly standing, and he was pushing her behind him.

She had landed on top of him with an "Oof!" but there was no time to be dainty and ask if he was okay. He was Daigh. He was fine. His words caused her thoughts to leave the creature just long enough to realize that her headache was practically gone. Well, that would be good news if they lived to talk about it!

They were back on their feet and she had a Daigh sized angel shield standing between her and the black roaring mass which turned on them once again. "What the hell is that!?" Poor sheltered Quinn had only seen demons in two forms since coming to RhyDin: the smokey spirit kind and the possessed human meat bag brand.

?That would be a demon.? He said, eyes narrowed on it, trying to see what was going to happen. It was a ways off, it hadn't gotten back to them yet, which would give him a little time. It generally went unnoticed by humans, but the air about Daigh started to change, to shift. Subtly, but it was thicker and some sort of energy was building.

Her lips pulled back in a sneer. "RhyDin. The moment I get used to the thumps and bumps in the night, it throws a curveball." As she was speaking she was crouched just enough to quickly unclasp and remove both of her heels, straightening with one held firmly in each hand. "Bring something on your date, Mack says. At least a knife, she tells me! And I told her whyyy? That's just silly. She is never going to let me live this down."

Her attention was back on the demon that rounded and roared once again in their direction. But it appeared the demon had its beady red eyes on the easier of the two targets and he went charging at them, this time with more focus on Quinn. Huge clawed hands ripping and slashing at them on his approach.

His eyes never left the demon. He had better make sure that Quinn was around to give Mack a reason to make fun of her.

It was when the final blow was delivered and the demon was sprawled across the ground that Quinn pushed up out of her crouch with a wince. Bare feet carefully removed the distance between her and Daigh, her hand grasping lightly at her left side which had hit the ground harder than she first thought.

"Daigh?" She spoke so quietly. So unsure.

He turned to look at her, hands bloody up to his elbows, the knife grasped still on one of them. The demon's first swipe at him had rent the cloth of his vest and shirt, leaving bloody cuts in its wake. He threw the knife down and pulled her into his arms.

She sank into his grasp, her arms sliding around his torso and hugging him to her. She pressed herself against his chest even if the fresh scratches and imminent bruising across the side of her face ached dully under the pressure. It probably didn?t feel that great against his battered chest either, but she needed him that close right now. She was on the brink of almost losing it out of the pure relief that he was alive before she took a deep breath to settle herself once again.

She tilted her head back to look him over. "Are you hurt? Did you need a doctor?" It was probably a stupid question to ask an angel, but she had to.

?I'm fine.? He said, sliding one hand under her hair to grasp gently the back of her neck. Not to impede movement, just to hold her nearer. ?Are you alright??

She closed her eyes, breathing a heavy sigh at his assurance that he was fine. When her eyes opened again she peered down at herself just a bit, finally taking inventory. Bumps and scratches from her rough landing, but no mass amounts of blood aside from the demon's. She looked back up to him. "I'm alright." She realized something else and offered it up with the faintest tick of the corner of her lips. "My headache is gone. So that's a plus, eh?"

?Yeah...? He smiled to cover up the fact that he was bewildered by that, that it was something he was going to have to look into. But it could wait. His hand moved again, to cup the side of her face, brushing fingertips against her cheek. ?I?m so sorry, Quinn.?

Her smile in return made it clear she wasn't making the same connection as him. He had previously explained his headaches to her, but she was no warrior. To her, it was coincidence. She carefully tilted her cheek into his hand. "Please don't apologize, Daigh. That wasn't your fault. It was... well, demons are just douchbags with no respect for first dates." She was trying to inject a little humor into the situation, even if it didn't quite reach her tone or expression. She wasn't stupid. She knew how serious what had just happened was. But it wasn't going to help if he was beating himself up about it.

?I know, I'm just sorry that it had to happen at all. Tonight of all nights.? He shook his head, and then gave a wry laugh. ?I'd wanted it to be memorable, I guess it is...?

"Well, it's not every day a girl has a chance to stab a demon in the neck with a heel, so I appreciate the chance." She wrinkled her nose, peering aside at the expanse of the park. "I don't even know where they went. I'll just have to buy a new pair anyway. They're probably are sulfury now." She turned her gaze back on him. "It was a memorable first date, even without the demon. And the plus side? It just gives us a reason to go on another date."

He smiled, wrapping arms about her again to pull her close. ?I would have asked you, anyway.?

She tightened her grasp on him, her smiling returning. "I would have said yes, anyway." She hesitated, unsure if it was the polite thing to say so quickly after everything had gone down. But she couldn't contain herself. "You're sort of a badass. You realize that, right?"

He blinked a bit, as if that had caught him off guard, and then he started laughing.

At least he was laughing! That was a plus! She snickered and shrugged. "Just wanted to make sure you're aware."

?Thank you.? He said, smiling despite everything. ?All in a day's work.?

"I think this is just the first of some very interesting days to come." She glanced down between them, a mess of blood, dirt, and torn clothing. She chuckled. "If Mack catches sight of me looking like this when I get home, she's going to assume we did it like animals in the dirt."

He smirked a bit. ?I think we should kiss before moving onto the sex.?

And now a ferocious blush hit her cheeks. "I know that. I wasn't saying... well, I was just saying." She closed her eyes and scrunched her face before opening one eyelid to peer at him sheepishly. "Forget I even said it, okay? Thank you."

His smile softened a bit and he raised a hand again to slide fingers along her jaw, losing those fingers in all that blonde hair as he bent nearer. ?I'll try and forget, but no promises...?

Her own features relaxed, both bright green eyes open and her full attention on him. Despite everything that had happened tonight, none of it mattered. None of it was even lingering in her thoughts at the moment. Her focus was clear. Her breath was caught in the back of her throat and her gaze slowly flickered between his eyes, to his nearing lips, and back again.

He stopped very near to her lips, so that his breath brushed against them. When he spoke, it was nearly a whisper. ?Now, I think I owe you an apology...? And with that, he pressed lips to hers, light at first but then growing slightly deeper. He'd wanted to do this forever, but he wasn't going to press it.

Her lips moved wordlessly when he stopped so close to her, the anticipation more than she could bear though well worth it. Eyelids dipped closed when his lips covered hers and she met the growing intensity by eagerly lifting herself up onto the toes of her bare feet. She had wanted it just as much as he did but the dull ache of want was now gone, replaced instead by girlish happiness at a kiss.

The arm that was wrapped about her tightened, and lifted her a bit with that surprising strength so that they were at a more equal height and she wasn't straining. He took his time with the kiss, as he had wanted it for longer than he wanted to admit. She fit just perfect in against him.

When she was lifted she grinned ever so lightly against his lips. Her arms slid from around him and up to carefully cup either side of his face. She lingered in the kiss, indulging in what she had imagined for so long and was now committing to her memory. How his lips felt against hers, the warmth, and how he tasted.

When she slowly tipped her head back to break the kiss, she didn't go far. Her arms slid around his neck to hold him to her, even if he was the one that had easily swept her off her feet, and her cheek was pressed against his. Her breath slow and steady near his ear.

Quinn had spent hours meticulously picking her outfit for her second date with Daigh. She decided to forgo the usual leather, spikes, and chains so she could get in touch with her softer side. A strapless white lace dress was paired with pale pink heels and a few scant pieces of gold jewelry. This was one of those situations where less was more.

Mealla arrived to The Dollhouse shortly after Quinn was ready. It was just a matter of getting her, Sam, Bekkah, and Bonnie settled in for a slumber party that would make any girl jealous. They had more movies than anyone could watch in a month, candy, popcorn, soda, boardgames, magazines, nailpolish. It was a fully loaded night.

That done, Quinn was out the door and on her way to Daigh's loft. The closer she got, the harder her heart was pounding inside of her chest. The butterflies in her stomach were going absolutely insane as well. It wasn't until she was standing at his door that she seemed to go still. One deep breath and a soft exhale later, she knocked at the door.

It wasn't more than a minute that the door handle started to turn, and then it was pulled open. Maybe a TOUCH quickly. Daigh? Eager? Totally. He appeared there after a moment, a smile on his face. He had dressed up as well. A pair of black pants, well-fitting as usual, black dress shoes and a dove-grey dress shirt with silver pinstripes, rolled up to his elbows. Oh, and silver suspenders.

Quinn had to bite at her bottom lip to muffle a sound of surprise at the swift open of the door, but the moment he was in sight her expression relaxed. Her gaze drifted head to toe and back again. She couldn't help it. She offered a low whistle. Sure, maybe catcalling was the best when it came to date etiquette, but when did they ever follow any sort of rules? "I'm loving the look, Daigh. Super smooth." Grins.

That smile turned into a grin, looking her over in similar fashion. ?I knew you'd do it, Quinn .? 'It' was the question, though.

Her brows indeed knit together, obviously not following. "Wait, what am I doing that you knew I would do? What is it?" She peered down at herself. "Did my dress get caught in my panties again?" She started smoothing at the fabric.

He couldn't help the laugh at that, momentarily unable to talk. He shook his head, opening the door wider. ?Get in here.?

Her shoulders relaxed in a huge sigh of relief. "Oh thank goodness!" She stepped inside, turning on her heels to face him. "You didn't answer my question. I might just withhold my kisses until you let me out of the dark." She turned her head aside with a sly smile, peering at him from the corner of her eye.

?Oh, anything but that!? He pleaded, but some of the effect was lost, since he was still smiling. He just couldn't help smiling and being happy when he was with her. He closed the door behind her, then turned around to fully face her. ?I knew you were going to end up looking better than me.?

Her smile turned wide and bashful at his words, her green gaze fully on him now. "I'm not sure if I can call it a win in my column yet with a clear conscience." She stepped towards him, reaching out to adjust his suspenders and collar. "It's a close competition, neck and neck, how about that?"

?I think I can live with that.? His hands went to her hips, resting there gently. ?And since I told you, can I get that kiss now??

"Of course!" She grinned and leaned towards him. Not close enough to press her lips against his just yet. Simply close enough so that she could drop her volume down to a whisper and still be heard. "Honestly, even if you hadn't told me, I wouldn't have been able to resist for much longer. I don't think I'll ever be able to use that as a legit threat."

His grin widened, and his arms slid around her fully. ?You know I wouldn't have known that if you hadn't just told me? You could have gotten many things out of me...?

Her hands moved from his collar to slide up over his shoulders and lace lightly behind his neck. "Oh, but you act like that's the only trick I have up my sleeve." She waggled her brows, once again sporting that wicked smile. Then she leaned up onto her toes to press pale pink lips to his in the promised kiss of greeting.

He might have said something, but instead he just leaned in to close the gap, giving her a kiss. He tried hard not to be greedy, but it wasn't a total success.

Quinn settled back down onto her feet when he leaned in, marveling briefly how well they fit together. It took a short while for her to be able to slowly lean back from the kiss, but she automatically changed her mind. She tipped her head in for a few more small pecks before she grinned up at him. "I have many tricks." A quiet promise, continuing their previous line of conversation.

His grin got just the slightest edge of eagerness at the words, and the way in which she said them. But he told himself to relax, and finally straightened. ?Did you get the girls settled??

Her expression shifted to something much less devious, her tone returning to its normal perkiness. "Yep! I felt like a backwards babysitter who got them all settled in and then fled the scene." Laughs. "But they had everything that a girl at a slumber party could ever want. I'm sure they'll be just fine. Mealla sends her regards and was really excited! Well, between giving me knowing looks and trying to give me advice for the night."

?Oh, lord.? He chuckled, taking her hand and leading her further in. ?What was she advising??

"I didn't hear all of it. I might have stuck my fingers in my ears and ran to the next room. Getting date advice from your date's little sister?" She shook her head. "I couldn't do it. Especially since she never said 'if'. She always says 'when'. Which I know is just Mealla, but I'm still getting used to it."

?I think sometimes she takes the 'seeing the future' thing a little seriously. Even though she can't really control it. I think the 'when' thing stuck.?

Quinn nodded, trailing along after him further into the loft. "Like I said, I know it's Mealla. I absolutely adore her and I wouldn't want her any other way. It's just... it takes some getting used to that some things are just laid out for you already." She furrowed her brows. "I rarely know what I'm going to be doing in a few hours. And for her to be able to say "when"..." She shrugged and smiled. "Everyone has their quirks. It's what makes us fun. It'll become second nature to me soon enough."

?As long as you stick around.? He said with a warm smile.

She smiled softly in return. "I wasn't planning on going anywhere anytime soon."

He smiled, and was slightly displeased at the next thing he wanted to say, only because it would cause a momentary cloud to fall on their evening. So in preparation for that, he leaned in for another kiss.

It didn't appear that she noticed anything out of place about his features, he hid his displeasure well. There was no inkling of what was to come in her mind. She happily returned the smile as well as the kiss, leaning even further into him and briefly losing herself in that kiss.

He didn't mind her loss of herself, because he was experiencing the same. He slid a hand behind her neck, holding her there for a moment.

Quinn slid her arms around his neck, holding him to her before needing to pull back from the kiss to fulfill that pesky breathing habit. Her face lingered near his, her lips brushing his as she spoke. "Heaven, indeed, mon ange."

He couldn't help the small shiver in the breath that escaped his lips, and he pulled back just a touch more, so he didn't full out molest her. ?I couldn't agree more, ma douce.?

She chuckled, the tip of her nose grazing against his when she pulled back just a bit further. "We should behave, at least to a point, for right now. If we get too wrapped up in ourselves we're going to lose track of dinner cooking."

?That is true. Although!? And here he grinned. ?I set an alarm to remind me.?

She pursed her lips, leveling her gaze on him. "If we got too wrapped up in ourselves. No alarm is going to be loud enough to get our attention." She was able to hold her expression for only a moment longer before she had to pull her hand back to cover her mouth and muffle a snicker.

His grin widened. ?True story, true story.? He sobered a bit then, watching her. He really was loathe to break up part of what was so far a great evening by bringing up an ex-boyfriend.

She automatically noted the shift in his expression and below her hand her smile faded. The rest of her features relaxed briefly before fixing themselves into something more worrisome. "Did I say something wrong, Daigh?"

?Oh... oh, Quinn, no. ? He said, at once looking concerned that she would think that. He gripped her hand a bit more tightly. ?You didn't do anything wrong. I just... want to talk to you about something.?

Her brows knit together. Despite what he said in her head she was trying to go over anything she ever could have said or done wrong. Not just tonight, but in general. "What is it?" She couldn't get the apprehension to leave her face, as much as she tried.

He shifted so he faced her more. ?You know I wouldn't bring something up that would make you uncomfortable unless I felt it was necessary, right??

She pulled her other arm back from him now. One hand was settled in her lap, the other still grasped in his hand. She nodded slowly. "Right."

?Alright.? He nodded, arranged his thoughts, then spoke. ?I just want to talk to you about Dean.? He waited for a reaction from her.

Her mouth dropped open, hanging for a moment before wordlessly opening and closing. She looked like a confused guppy. Her jaw snapped shut long enough for her to inhale and exhale a few times to straighten out her thoughts. Finally, she was able to get her words out. "Dean and I are friends, Daigh. I don't know if you think something else or what, but it wasn't my intentions." Her shoulders slumped.

He couldn't help the small smile, and he reached out to tuck hair behind her ear. ?No, I don't think that.?

Now she just seemed more confused than anything. "I'm just... not following at all, Daigh. What about Dean?"

?Listen to what you just said, Quinn. You're 'friends'.? He said it gently. ?It doesn't seem like that, babe.? It slipped out without him even realizing it. ?It seems like you want to be friends, and he returns it by disrespecting you.?

She looked hurt at the words. Her free hand reached up to shove blonde locks out of her face, combing them back right into scratching her head. She looked like she was trying to piece it together. Obviously, what she saw wasn't the same as him. "That's just Dean being Dean. He's moody sometimes. He's always just sort of..." She moved from one lost train of thought to the next. "I don't let people disrespect me." Shakes her head.

?Quinn, I don't think you realize he does it. And I'm not saying it just because I have feelings for you. I'm saying it as an outsider who is seeing you interact. You try to be nice, but he continues to be rude to you. And you get quiet and brush it off.?

She frowned lightly. Okay, so maybe she let Dean get away with some things that no one else in RhyDin, let alone any other dimension, ever would. She gnawed at her bottom lip and looked aside, fixing her green gaze down on the floor. "It's harder because it's him. I know we won't be together. And I don't want that anymore." She looked back to him seriously. "I swear I don't. It's just..." She didn't know how to piece it into words. "I was different when I first came to RhyDin. I was more scared. Sadder. I've changed, but I think he brings that part of me out still. I don't know why."

?I'm not saying you don't have a reason, Quinn. But it... bothers me. To see you get so quiet. It's like he sucks the light out of you.? He reached out and cupped her chin, pulling her eyes back to his. ?I hate that.?

She looked him in the eyes and frowned. She hesitated before asking. "Is it really that bad?"

?Yeah.? He nodded. He really hated seeing that look on her face, but he felt this was necessary. ?I just wasn't sure if anyone had said anything. And this isn't because I don't want you to be friends with him. You can be friends with absolutely anyone you wish. But it's... hard for me, to not say anything, when he treats you like that.?

She shook her head. "Mack will only tell me I'm being an idiot when it becomes life threatening. Other than that she lets me toddle around on my own two feet, bruises and all." She knew he was trying to keep her eye line with his, but she was finding it hard. It was an embarrassing thing to have everyone else notice expect for you.

He watched her for a moment, then leaned back to take her hands again. ?Quinn??

Her eyes opened once again and she tilted her head at him. "Daigh?"

?I want you to be my girlfriend.? It came out in sort of blurt, not as smooth as he had imagined it.

It was amazing how such a simple sentence could automatically lift the weight of their previous conversation topic. Her smile grew wide, her bottom lip catching between her teeth. When she replied, her tone was much more playful now. "Are you sure, Daigh? I'm sort of a handful?" She grinned and waggled her brows.

He laughed. ?I like handfuls.? A lecherous wink for her.

She let out a laugh in return. "Okay, I set myself up for that one." She went quiet once again, almost as if contemplating, but her ear to ear smile was an answer as it was. She nodded in reply. "I want you to be my boyfriend, Daigh."

?Oh, good!? He looked relieved, and then grinned. ?So now I get to use the disgustingly sweet pet names I've been dreaming up.?

She reached over, brushing a thumb against his cheek. "Don't look so surprised, Daigh!" She leaned in to press a kiss to his lips, but it didn't last long. She was leaning back, blinking at him. "Do I even want to know what I'm going to be called now?" Lifts a finger. "I'll say it before you even start. Two can play at this game."

?Oh, is that so?? It sounded like a challenge. ?Lovebunny??

She pulled her shoulders back and offered a devious grin. "Yes, Snoogums?"

?You are my wittle Quinnikins!? Smoochy fish-lips!

"And you are my Daighky-pie Sugar plum!" She reached her hands out to pinch at both of his cheeks with a snicker. "We're going to be that couple that makes people want to puke from adorableness, aren't we?"

?I hope so!? And that was fervent.

"I think we just established the first goal of our relationship." She paused and licked at her lips. It felt good just being able to say that. Relationship.

He nodded emphatically. ?And there will be many more to come!? He leaned in then, for another kiss, but this one was not quick.

Her smile was quickly covered by his lips. Her hands had still been lingering by his cheeks and they shifted to cup either side of his jaw. She was in no hurry either and leaned further into the kiss.

One arm snaked around her to pull her in more closely. He had to be careful not to overdo it, he told himself.

She easily followed his tug, her own arms sliding around him to clasp behind him. She lifted from her seated position to lean into him. Even if one of them looked angelic and the other one actually was, it was hard to deny the chemistry that continuously sizzled between them.

His hands slid down to grasp lightly onto her hips, nearly tugging her into his lap before he stopped himself.

When his hands slid downward, her hips parted in a soft gasp against his kiss. Whether it was out of surprise or want, it wasn't quite clear, but it did seem to make her realize that it was best to take it slow. At least for the night. She turned her head, her blushing cheek by his lips now. Her smile was a mixture of delighted and bashful all at once. "Well, this has been a very successful and equally productive date, eh?" Grins.

He let out a soft breath against her cheek, and nodded. ? I'm sorry.? Meaning the nature of the kiss.

She shook her head, turning and tipping it back so she could look at him. "Don't apologize, please? An apology means we did something wrong and..." Her smile grew. "That was all sorts of right."

He smiled and nodded. ?Ok. I just... I know you already know this, but it's not just the physical I want.?

She nodded. "I know, Daigh." She pulled an arm from around him to point between them. "This is a full package deal. The good and the bad and everything in between. Bodies and brains." She paused and smiled. "It means having to tell me I'm pretty even when I'm not wearing make-up." Winks.

?You're always beautiful, sweetheart.? A soft smile.

"See? You're already a pro." Snickers and presses a kiss to his cheek.

He grinned. ?It's just the truth, ma douce.?

She eased back into her seat beside him, though she let very little distance grow between them. "If you say so, lapin de c?lin." She grinned rather proudly at the pet name.

?I do say so, petits c?lins chaton.? grinning widely.

She was shaking with suppressed snickers. "Oh, how sweet of you, chiot baveuse douce." She was laughing before she even got the words out.

?Oh, now, that's just gross!? He laughed.

"Some people find it adorable!" Smiles innocently.

?It is.? He laughed again. ?I'm going to have to go back to the drawing board to find even better pet names.?

"I'll find you something that isn't so gross." She laid her head against his shoulder. "We have plenty of time."

He smiled and kissed her forehead. ?Forever.?

Haamiah watched Ouriel bluster off without comment and then her serene gaze settled back onto Daigh. ?It is good to see you,? she said with real warmth. She had always had a soft spot for him and for others that came from his similar upbringing.

?You, too, Haamiah.? He smiled and went over, bending to place a kiss on her cheek. ?You look well.?

?I am,? she dipped her head slightly. ?And you look like you have a question.?

Daigh blinked, then grinned. ?Can?t get anything past you, can I??

She smiled and raised slender shoulders in a slight shrug. ?I have had eons to perfect the art. And you are much more human than angel, Chayyliel. Even though it is only the blood of immortals that runs in your veins, you think and act like a mortal.?

?Should I be offended?? he asked, halfway teasing, raising a hand to scratch at the back of his head slightly self-consciously.

Her smile only remained. ?It is a blessing and a curse, as many things are. On one hand, you feel more,? she touched two fingertips over her heart. ?That is a boon, as it is easier to care for others, which the world can certainly use more of. But it can also lead to bad choices, wrong decisions. You hurt others to make yourself feel better. Or you end up causing harm to yourself by choosing to help others.?

Daigh watched her a moment. ?That?s what I do, though. I help people. That?s the whole point of this project, why they sent us there. So we?d learn more about humans, be like them. Help them.?

?The goal is to make a more efficient warrior, a more efficient demon slayer, and curtail the loss of human lives. But that is not your question. Please,? she patted the cushion of the divan next to her. ?Sit and share your thoughts with me.?

He did as she asked and went to sit, gingerly. He always felt like he had to be on his best behavior around her. Have a clean face, no gum, inside voice. Now that he was here and able to talk to her, he wondered if this was a good idea. But she was smiling, waiting patiently for him to speak. He clasped his hands together and looked at them, frowning for a moment before beginning. ?I want to know about fallen angels.?

She didn?t even react, as if she could not be surprised by any question. ?What about them in particular??

He thought again for a minute, trying to figure out the best way to approach this. People came to Haamiah when they had problems, or questions. She had vast knowledge of many different things. He knew she would be able to answer his questions; he just wasn?t sure how much she?d be able to figure out of his true intent when he asked those questions. He wasn?t worried about her telling someone else, but to err on the side of caution was always smart.

?Why is that?? his voice quiet now, trying to keep his face neutral and failing.

?Can you imagine the power for evil that person would contain? To wish to separate yourself from what you are, to want to rid yourself of your divinity, to turn away from God. And yet have that part of you that leaves you more powerful than any human.?

?That doesn?t mean they?d do it to want to spit in the face of God, though,? he argued slightly. ?It doesn?t mean they?d go through all of that just to keep a slice so they could run amok. There are evil angels, just like some demons aren?t bad.?

?That is true, it does not mean that. But can you imagine if someone more powerful found that Fallen, and used them? It could be disastrous. That is why angelic law holds that all Fallen must be killed. And one that chose to remove their Grace but kept some of it as their own? That is the greatest abomination of all.?

He was silent for a long time, leaning back against the divan, once again staring at his clasped hands. ?What if they didn?t remember? What if they didn?t know??

Haamiah returned a silent gaze on him for a long moment. ?It does not change the fact that they did it.?

?How would I know?? he turned his head toward her, having given up any pretense of neutrality. ?How would I know if I found someone like that??

?You would know,? she said. She reached out and touched his chest, much like she had done her own earlier. ?You would feel it inside. Perhaps not right away, but something would feel off to you. And when you realized what it might be, you would feel it, and understand.?

He turned his thoughts inward, again lapsing into silence. He?d felt drawn to Quinn since he?d first seen her. It had been more than just that she was beautiful, and sweet, and so much like him. Then the attack of the demon during their first date. She had felt it, noticed it before even he did. A normal human could not have done that, not the way she did. All of it added up now, made sense. Something had pulled him, and now that he knew what it was, it was terrifying. Not terrifying that he cared for her, but what it meant for her. And for them.

He finally looked back to her, and she had an expression on her face, as if she knew more, knew why he was asking these things. When she opened her mouth he froze, waiting for her to ask something that he wouldn?t be able to deny. Yet it was not something he needed to be concerned about. ?Have I answered the questions you had for me, Chayyliel??

?Yeah. I think? I think that?s plenty for today.? He stood then and bowed to her. ?Thank you for taking the time to talk to me.?

?Of course,? she said brightly, with a smile. ?My door is always open to you. Please do take care of yourself, and come to see me again. I do enjoy our visits.?

?I will,? he said with his own smile, weak as it might be, and then turned. When he was about to step through the door her voice floated to him.

?I must admit, I do hope to one day actually meet and speak with a Fallen.?

?And part of me prays you never do,? he said quietly, and left.

?Came up to ?check on things?,? he said it like he very much doubted it. ?So I should assume you were going to come see me about your duties.?

Well that was a loaded question. He figured honesty was the best policy. ?No, I wasn?t, Sir. I figured if you needed to see me, you would tell me. You?re busy and I know you don?t like interruptions.?

Daigh watched the expression shift on Ouriel?s face, as if the man wanted to be angry but couldn?t quite decide how to go about it. That was proof enough that Daigh wasn?t in trouble, and that precisely the reason he was there was because Ouriel had been angry at him being seen with Haamiah. ?That is true,? he finally admitted, grudgingly. ?I see that you have not forgotten everything.?

?I try not to.? He waited a beat, then continued. ?Is there anything else??

?Why were you speaking to Haamiah? What was so urgent??

?I wouldn?t call it? urgent,? he replied, even though that was only partly true. ?I was just curious about Fallen.?

There was a certain measure of surprise on the other man?s face then. ?Fallen? Why would you want or need to know anything of them?? His words held immediate disgust.

Daigh shrugged. ?Just curious, like I said. I was thinking it was about time to come visit here, and so I was naturally led to think about other things. You know, the whole angel thing.?

?'Angel thing',? he snorted. ?It?s not a ?thing?, Chayyliel, it is who and what you are. You should keep that in mind.?

?But I do keep it in mind,? he said, tapping his temple with one finger. ?That?s why I?m thinking about Fallen. I don?t know much, you know. And what if I need to fight one? I wouldn?t know the first thing.?

?There is not much you need to know. You find one, you make sure it is dead.?

?I?ve never been told that before, though, Sir,? he reminded him respectfully. ?I?ve fought the occasional wayward angel and too many demons to remember, even some humans. But never a Fallen.?

Large arms went to cross over Ouriel?s chest, still frowning toward Daigh. ?Did Haamiah tell you how they were created??

?More or less, yes,? he replied. ?It makes sense. She even told me why they?re potentially dangerous. But I don?t think it?s my place to pass judgment on a Fallen. Demons, those are easy. They?re evil, at least the ones I kill. Done and done.?

?Fallen are abominations. To lose your Grace is the ultimate punishment. I do not understand why they allow them to live any longer than they have to. I say take their Grace, let them feel that agony, and be shamed. Then kill them. They are less than worthless.?

?I asked her about those that did it themselves,? he ventured; the only reason he did so was because Ouriel was distracted by the topic enough to no longer care the reason Daigh was asking.

He gave a sharp bark of humorless laughter. ?Even worse, if it can be. Any being in any universe would be lucky to be an angel. To throw that away is unforgiveable. Absolutely unforgiveable.?

He was glad he hadn?t made any plans, because there was no telling how long this was going to take. Even with the Lorekeeper?s help it could be a timely process. He was particularly pleased he hadn?t made plans specifically with Quinn, as the excuse of ?hey, I can?t make it, I need to research you being a total abomination? would require some questions being answered.

The Great Library was an absolutely massive edifice of pinkish marble and rose quartz. Tall, spiraling columns held up a portico under which stairs led up to the double doors. Not only books and scrolls were housed here, but other tomes that held the stories of everything relevant since the beginning of angelically recorded history. It was certainly daunting considering he wanted a very specific, and small, piece of information.

The interior of the library was cool and quiet. Everything within was of the same marble and quartz, the floors polished to a high sheen. Immediately were high cases full of books, arched doorways leading off into different rooms, and a grand staircase that was carved and inlaid with designs and fantastical images. It curved up and away until it was lost to sight, reaching upward to higher levels of the building.

Daigh saw a few people here or there as he made his way toward the staircase, but no one he knew. The only faces that were even registering were some of the workers. This was good, though. It meant he could do his searching without being disturbed.

He climbed the stairs to the top floor, intent on searching out the Lorekeeper?s quarters. As luck would have it, as he turned to the left off of the staircase, a voice hailed him.

?Chayyliel, is that you?? The voice was feminine and soft, used to the quiet confines of the library. He turned at the call and smiled when he saw it was exactly who he had been meaning to find.

The Lorekeeper was a title but her real name was Harahel. She oversaw the libraries and all written and recorded knowledge. She fit almost exactly what anyone might picture when they thought of the quintessential angel. She was tall, standing around 5?9?, slender and graceful. Her hair was sun-kissed blonde, lazy curls, and her eyes blue. She was clothed in a flowing gown of white with wings that were white as well and faintly tinged gold.

?Harahel, hey. I was just looking for you!?

?How fortunate that I was behind you,? she said with her own smile, her tone slightly teasing. Daigh liked that about her- sweet and helpful, solicitous of others, but she still had a good sense of humor. For an angel, anyway. ?To what do I owe this visitation??

?I need to find some information on fallen angels,? he said, turning fully then to look at her instead of being half-turned. ?Ouriel suggested I come ask you. I know you?re busy and all, but??

?I am not too busy to help one of our warriors,? she said, not even finding the subject matter he was interested in odd or concerning. Which was probably because she had encountered it all. ?What precisely are you wanting to find? About them in general? A certain one??

Daigh rose a hand and scratched the back of his neck, thinking for a moment. He knew he could trust Harahel; she helped many people with finding information, she?d never wonder why it would strike someone to look something up. To her, knowledge was knowledge and if someone wanted to know something, she helped make that happen. ?Maybe a specific one? I don?t know exactly who I?m looking for.?

She tilted her head slightly, watching him a second. ?So you just wish to find information on those that have become Fallen??

?Yes, exactly!? Well, that was easy. ?Occurring in the past, let?s say? thirty years?? He actually wanted twenty-seven specifically, to cover how old Quinn was and the nine months of her mother?s pregnancy, but that was a little too pinpointed for him to be comfortable saying aloud. Just because Harahel wouldn?t ask questions didn?t mean it wasn?t advisable to say as little as possible.

She nodded and turned, beckoning him forward. ?Come along, I will help you find it, I know just where to look.? She began to walk off toward the other side of that floor, where a door stood locked when others remained open. He followed along.

To say that it would ?take some time? to uncover what he wanted was a vast understatement. As Harahel had cautioned, the book was in no sort of order that Daigh could understand. There was a lot of information about different things that probably were classified, but he wasn?t paying attention to that. All he did was skim, albeit closely, for any hint of a mention of Fallen. There was little to be found, and the mentions he did come across were vague, almost like whoever wrote it had included it as an afterthought. It went to show that what Ouriel and Haamiah had told him was correct, that Fallen were considered almost less than nothing.

It was hours later and he was finally leafing through the third book, halfway through it. His cheek rested in one open palm supported by an elbow propped up on the table. He almost wondered if he should try calling it a day and picking it up tomorrow. He was starting to not pay as much attention as he should have, eyes a little bleary. When he was looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack, that wasn?t the best state to be in.

After a few more pages he finally sighed and straightened, stretching his arms. He?d just have to ask Harahel to let him in tomorrow. This wasn?t going anywhere. He was tired and discouraged, but he hadn?t given up. It was too important. He lowered his arms and started to shove the book forward when something caught his eye.

Scrawled in a light hand toward the bottom of the page was a name, Sarafinah. Beside it was a similarly scrawled note ?Female. Fallen. Grace removed by Her own hand." Daigh's attention was caught and held then, feeling something like a very tame giddiness at having found a name that matched what he wanted. The thought that this name could be useful, could be what he needed, both scared him and relieved him. He had been wrestling with those emotions, fear and relief, one waning while the other rose, for days.

He read the name again, committing it to memory. It wasn?t much, but it was something. He pulled the book forward again, energy renewed. His eyes began to scan once more, sharper, more focused. If there was one name, there was bound to be a few more.

Another span of time passed of nothing being found, but this time he didn?t let it discourage him. He had one-third of the book to go, and he was determined to finish it, so that he would be sure to get any and all names. He was rewarded by finding a fairly long list of Fallen. He leaned forward, scanning, and found that almost all of them were male. In addition, the majority of them had their Grace removed by Abdiel. Daigh couldn?t help the feeling of unease as he read the name. Abdiel was the angels? equivalent of the boogie man. Not that he was necessarily a bad person, but because he was the soul being anointed by God to give and remove Grace. He was rumored to be completely emotionless, the better to do his job, and was rarely seen. When he was, it was a bad, bad sign. Daigh couldn?t even imagine having to face him.

At the end of the list, he found another possibility to his conundrum. The only female; Talia, who had also removed her own Grace. He frowned, rereading the name as he had the first.

It was odd to him, but none of the angels had explanations as to why their Grace was removed, only that it was. Perhaps that was one of the things that was preferred to be forgotten. Bad enough that angels would fall in the first place, why dignify that with the reason? And did the reason matter? Daigh figured that, too most, it didn?t.

He was finally almost done with the third book, onto the last few pages. He skimmed them like he had the others, and found one last name. Aaralyn, it was written, again in that faint scrawling hand, like it was just jotted down. This one was fainter than the others, and there was another note but he couldn't read it. One more name, one more possibility.

He scoured through the last few pages and found nothing else. He closed the cover and carefully set the book aside with the other two, surveying them for a moment in silence. Three names.

Daigh rose his hands and pressed the heels of his palms into his eyes, rubbing. He didn?t know if any of those names were Quinn?s true name. But he had a feeling one was. He just knew, deep down, that one of them would hold a connection to her.

He pushed his chair back and stood. As he did so, there came a soft knock and then the door opened and Harahel stuck her head in. ?Chayyliel? How does the search go??

He turned to look at her and offered a small, weary smile. ?I?m done. Do you want me to put the books back, or???

?No, I shall put them away.? She stepped further in, regarding him. ?Did you find what you wished??

?I think so,? he said, and gave a small sigh. ?Now I think I had better head home. Thank you again for the help. I appreciate it, very much.?

She gave him a smile then and dipped her head. ?Any time, Chayyliel. Be safe.?

?I will.? He gave her one last smile and then stepped out of the small room and let his shoulders slump slightly. He had the information, true. Now he just had to figure out how to tell Quinn.

Her free hand lifted to rest atop of his, holding it in place so she could turn her head and place a kiss in his palm. She looked back to him with a nod. "You can say whatever's on your mind."

?You remember what you said you were going to mind wipe??

A full blown smile, although rather flustered, blossomed across her features and she tipped her face into his hand again. "I remember."

He couldn't help but smile at that, even as he worried it wouldn't be enough. ?I don't want you to mind wipe it.? His hand slid gently against her cheek, just into her hair, and he leaned forward a bit. ?I love you, Quinn. Too 'early' or not, I do.?

She turned her gaze back on him, no longer trying to hide. Instead she was leaning towards him. "I love you, too, Daigh." The words were said softly, just for him, before her lips were pressed against his in a kiss.

He was smiling when her lips met his, and both hands then moved to frame her face. He kept it a long moment, trying to put enough emotion into it to show he meant what he said, even though he knew she wouldn't doubt him. Yet finally he made himself pull back, letting lips brush hers. ?I want you to remember that. Whatever happens, it's you and me, babe. Always.?

When he pulled back she kept her eyes closed, nodding in a promise at his words. "You and me. Always." She opened her eyes. It was such a good moment. So why was the dread trying to sneak its way back into her stomach?

He took a large breath and let it out slowly, then let his hand take hers again. ?You remember me telling you that I would never keep anything from you? And I don't want to be a liar. I put something together about half a week ago, and I need to tell you.? He shifted a bit. ?It explains our bond further. It explains why you were aware of that demon after you had a headache on our date...?

She curled her fingers in his. He let out a breath and she took a lot one in, bracing herself at the change in his tone. "Your theory that isn't a theory because you know it's true-" She halted at his mention of the demon. "I wasn't really aware of it. I had a headache. And then I saw the demon." She had never linked the two before and still didn't seem to.

?You know how I get headaches before I see one, though?? Gently prodding. ?Why does that happen??

She gave a quick nod, answering without much thought. Wearing an expression similar to a child who thinks the teacher needs to ask more challenging questions. "Of course, you get the headaches when the demon is around so you know where to hunt them, because you're mon ange." She smirked sweetly at the last part.

He nodded slowly, so focused and concerned on what they were speaking of that he couldn't return the smile. ?Because I'm an angel, yes. And that headache you got, the pull of yourself to me, the way that something is always perpetually off in your senses...? The last part she had never told him, but he knew.

Her own smile faded at his lack of one. She regained her focus, repeating him to show she was listening. "The headache, the pull, the..." She frowned at him rather deeply. Feeling off. It was something she had never shared with him or anyone else for that matter. Not Mack, not Dean, not even Natalie. It was never quite feeling right in your own skin or in your own surroundings and having to work twice as hard to compensate and fake it for the rest of the world. She pulled her shoulders back, straightening her posture. It was like trying to realign a mask after someone had peeked behind it without permission. "I'm not following, Daigh."

?Quinn, you're like me. Or, you used to be.? He had seen the crack and jumped ahead, not wanting that mask back up, because it wasn't her. He gripped her hand harder. ?An angel, Quinn.? It sounded abrupt to him, but there was no other way to put it.

"Talia-" She lifted a hand. "I'm not even going to ask." She kept shaking her head until she pulled her hand from his and rose to her feet. She couldn't breathe, she couldn't sit, she couldn't think straight. She began pacing the living room. "Lots of babies are born all the time, Daigh. That could-" She stopped her pacing and stared at him. "Why the hell would anyone stop being an angel? And when you do stop you just come back as a human? Born again, like, oh hey this is cool. Might try something new?" She was back to pacing. "I'm human. I age. I bleed. I can get hurt just like anyone else."

He stood as well, arms crossed, watching her with an equal mix of consternation and fear. ?I bleed, too. Doesn't make me human.? He was silent a moment. ?Only you know the reason, Quinn. It's in there, somewhere.? Another pause. ?I know this is hard to believe, I know it's asking a lot, but you have to trust me on this. I wouldn't do this; say these things, if I didn't need you to hear them. I don't like hurting you.? That last was earnest.

"You know you're an angel, Daigh. I'm pretty sure I would know if I was... or had ever been... an angel!" She stopped pacing again and turned her gaze on him. She didn't mean to look so angry, but she couldn't stop herself. It was the heat of the moment and what he was saying. How easily he was shooting down all of her arguments. "I don't have it inside me, Daigh! My insides are usually just sort of jumbled and a little sad." Her lips began to tremble, the anger breaking away into anguish. "And I'm just doing my best like everyone. And I'm trying to not be so empty and I'm just trying to be as happy as I'm pretending. And now I start to feel like maybe you can help me with that." She was about to lose it and she put her hand over her mouth to muffle a sob that came through with her words. It took a moment, but she gulped it back and continued. "And now you're telling me that I'm not even human. Not really."

?God, Quinn.? He closed his eyes a minute, hands balling into fists. That anguish hit him harder than anything had in a long while and it took a minute to come back to the present, to swallow around it. He reached out to her then, but he didn't touch her other than to close hands around her upper arms. ?Don't do that, don't say that. God, I'm trying to help, I'm trying to tell you this is part of the reason you're sad! You don't have all of yourself! That piece that's left, it's like... like a reminder but it's not helping, it's making it worse!? He pulled her closer, then, in his mess of emotions. ?I'm not saying you're not human like you're some sort of freak. I'm saying it because you're not. Not completely. You're carrying part of what makes me 'me'. It's us, Quinn.? Another half beat, barely a pause, and then he tried the last in near desperation. ?Aaralyn.?

She didn't pull back from him when he put his hands on her arms. She wasn't trying to fight him, but she just couldn't accept what he was saying. She listened to him, explaining the so-called bit of grace that still lingered inside her, but the words held no real meaning for her.

It was at his final attempt, the name Aaralyn spoken out loud, that anything seemed to click within her. Her entire body began to shake beneath his grasp, shivering as if she were outside in the middle of winter. Tears that had been threatening for so much of the conversation finally gave way, pouring over her cheeks without mercy. "No. No!" She rubbed at her eyes, smeared eye make-up the least of her worries. She wrenched herself from Daigh's grasp, moving earnestly towards the door. "I have to go!"

His hands came up, fingertips pressed together and then both hands pressed to his lips, watching her, his heart aching. ?Quinn, please...? He wasn't sure what he was pleading for.

Anything he said was falling on deaf ears. Countless thoughts seemed to be racing through her head, each one louder than the last yet making no sense at the same time. She pulled the front door open, pausing just long enough to give him one last pained look. "I'm so sorry, Daigh." The effort to get the words out caused her to break down into tears again, but she didn't take the time to compose herself. She was out the door, allowing it to slam shut behind her. The thumping of boots could be heard since she was taking stairs two at a time in her hasty getaway. Then there was only silence left in her wake.

He stared at the door for a long, long time. He wanted to yell, to hit something. He wanted to go after her. He was scared for her, worried, in a sense even disgusted with himself for doing this to her. He finally sank down on the couch and covered his face with his hands, fingers curling to grip his hair angrily. If she didn't come back he was never, ever going to forgive himself. And if he had to go find her and couldn't... well, he wasn't sure if he could live with that.