Wow... you guys are saints for forgiving me when I said this would be up by September. After some serious soul searching and a bunch of marching band competitions, I finally found the time to start this sucker. And for all your romantics out there... rejoice. I'm feeling the need for a romantic twist, even though it goes against my moral values as a fanfic writer. Whatever... ENJOY! And thank you!

- Chapter One – Are You Alright? -

I don't know why I still have this crumpled note.

I take it with me everywhere I go—the pool, the grocery store, the gym, wherever. And today was no exception, considering that I just ventured from my dinky little house in Texas all the way to fabulous Las Vegas. It's always sitting in my purse, or when I'm nervous, in my hand. The words that once shone boldly on the memorandum were now faded and illegible. But for some reason, this treasure was one of the only reasons I didn't want to come to Vegas.

I only came to the city of gambling because of a cousin's wedding. I reminded myself of this as I flung a card containing her address onto the floor of my rental car, a fancy black Lexus. I didn't have to see her until later tonight for her bachelorette bash, so I had the day to myself to do whatever a girl on The Strip wants to (Jeez that sounds awkward.).

I pulled into the parking garage of the Luxor. As I did so, my stomach did a back flip and I clenched my fists around the steering wheel tightly, the faded note crunching under the pressure of my hand. Thankfully, I found a decently close spot in only a matter of seconds. I pulled in carefully and then stopped the car quickly, as if not to draw attention to myself. Stepping out of the car, I slung my messenger bag across my chest and adjusted my tank top in hopes of looking a bit more presentable, something not easily accomplished when it's windy outside and your hair is flying everywhere.

Leaving my bags in the trunk, I began walking slowly to the entrance of the grand hotel that I'd heard so much about. The only sounds that could be heard were my Doc Martens on the concrete. As I made my way closer to the doors granting me entry into the vast pyramid, I became aware of a second set of foot steps not too far away. I stopped and looked around to find myself staring at a shabby looking man in a tattered sports coat smiling at me.

"Excuse me, miss," the man said curtly. "Can I help you with your bags?"

"Er," I replied quickly, mentally noting that I had no bags other than my purse. "No thank you."

I walked past him abruptly and quickened my pace. However, the stranger grabbed my arm and held me close to his body, this time meaning business. I could smell his foul breath and felt the pressure in my arm building up from his tight grip.

"I'll ask one more time. Your bag, please."

"Get away from me, jerk!"

The mugger grabbed my purse and tried to rip the strap, but he was delayed by the skilled craftsmanship I put into making that bag extra durable. However, the more he pulled, the closer he was to gaining victory…

"HEY!" shouted a mysterious new voice.

My knees gave way and I collapsed on to the ground, landing on my side, eyes shut tight. I could hear the sounds of grunts and the cries of a fight going on. Someone got punched. Someone was slapped. Someone hit the concrete. Silence.

Then I felt the gentlest touch on my arm.

"Hey," whispered my rescuer, "Are you alright?"

I lifted my head and pulled my hair back. Opening my eyes, my jaw hit the ground faster than a speeding bullet.

"Melanie!" he replied, hugging me tight to his chest. My savior was none other than the king of illusion himself, Criss Angel. Also known as the man who left me a stupid note that partially dragged me out here, Criss looked the same as I'd seen him last. Same old shoulder length hair, highlighted with red now, Affliction garb, and shiny jewelry that outshone every star in the sky. His smile was ridiculously wide; almost as if he'd just found out that he was related to Houdini or something.

But for some reason, I lost all angry feelings I had towards him. I'll admit that I've been a bit affronted with anything associated with him ever since our weekend last summer. Yet being with him now made a world of difference. Gone were the malicious feelings. Now, I felt flooded with pure joy and comfort.

"Hey!" I blurted out, just as surprised and cheerful as he was. "You still smell like cookies."

Criss laughed. "You're still as insane as ever. Why didn't you ever call?"

I stared at him blankly.

"Didn't you notice my number programmed into your phone?"

"No… It's been there all this time?" I replied, cocking an eyebrow.

"Yes," he answered, folding his arms across his chest. "Caption Oblivious."

"Oh, shut up." I said playfully, pushing him slightly.

This was probably one of the most awkward situations I've ever found myself in. Not only did I once find this meticulous magician sprawled across my sidewalk, but here I am, running into him again under the strangest circumstances! Well, I'm on his turf now, so that tables have been turned on me.

"So," Criss began, shifting his weight, "What're you doing here in Las Vegas?"

"Oh, nothing much." I replied nonchalantly. "Wedding. Not mine, of course. My cousin's."

"So you're staying here?"

I nodded and shrugged. "What can I say? I knew I'd run into you at some point."

He laughed and caught me in a one armed hug. My escort walked me into the hotel and to the front desk so that I could pick up my room key. An acne-laden teen was sitting at the computer, typing away at the speed of light. When he saw me and Criss, he jumped slightly and smiled shyly.

"W-welcome to the Luxor," he stammered, then turned to Criss. "Good afternoon, Mr. Angel."

Criss merely smiled and nodded. "Melanie Evans would like to pick up her keys."

"Let's see…" the boy started, looking at his screen. "Two nights, no requests, correct?"

"Yeah."

"Alright," he said, "Good to go. You're in room 1196. Have a great stay with us!"

He handed me my room card and I couldn't help but laugh. Next to the pyramid, there was Criss's face and tag line on my key. I bet he totally had some secret stash of them up in his room, sort of like that joke he pulled at the Aladdin.

"Hey, where are your bags?" Criss asked me as we walked through the atrium and to the elevators.

"In my car. I'm too lazy to haul them in."

"Figures," he grunted.

We shuffled into the empty elevator and pressed my floor's button. Recently, I've been much more relaxed about riding these once terrifying boxes of transportation. I tried to stuff my key into my pocket, but in the process Criss's letter slipped from my hand and floated down to the floor. He bent down to pick it up, but paused when he saw my name sprawled across the page in a familiar handwriting.

"Mel…" Criss started softly, staring at the paper. Clearly it had hurt him, too.

"I know, I know." I sighed, scooping it up quickly and stashing it in my purse. "It's a part of me now."

"Listen," he said nervously as we stepped out of the elevator, "I'm sorry for the mad dash. It was hard for me to say goodbye…"

"Don't," I replied sweetly. "I would have felt the same way."

We smiled at each other awkwardly and walked side by side in search of my room.

I can't deny it...