Title: I Pray the Lord My Soul to Keep
Author: AngelBaby
Posted:
Rating: PG-13
Email:
Content:
Summary: Cordy just got back from her little vacation and somethings have changed.
Spoilers: Sleep tight
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: Want it. Take it.
Notes: Idea that just popped in my head and wouldn't go away so you know I had to write a fic. I would like to thank, I think it was Retrobabe_UK, who gave me the idea for the little A/C/B conflict in this final chapter! I wanted to work it in sooner but I couldn't so here it is, thanks again!
Feedback: Like Angel needs blood (& Cordelia ;)
Part 1
"Well that vacation was exactly what I needed, you know minus the Groo factor..." Cordelia looked up from the entrance of the hotel to see the rest of the AI members including Lorne, sitting around the lobby with miserable looks on their faces.
"Jeez you guys. Who died?" Cordelia joked with a smile on her face.
Everyone looked up at her with what seemed like tears in their eyes.
"Oh my god...Who died?" Cordelia stood in front of the group feeling the panick raise up within her. Angel looked up at her with an expression that made her heart drop into her stomach.
"Ok now I'm really scared, what's going on? Hey, where's Connor?" The others looked at each other but didn't say a word. Without a backward glance, Angel stood up from his spot on the couch and walked up the steps.
"Angel?!?" She called after him but he just kept on walking as if he hadn't heard her.
"What is going on?!?" Cordelia didn't even bother with hiding the urgency in her voice. Tears of fear and frustration pierced her eyes. If this was some kind of joke it really wasn't that funny anymore.
"Cordelia can I see you in my office for a moment?" Wesley asked. He didn't even wait for her to respond, he just got up and headed into his office with his head down. Cordelia looked at the rest of the group who didn't even look at her and turned away from Wesley when he walked past them. Something was terribly wrong and she was going to find out what it was. After a beat Cordelia went into Wesley's office to see him leaning forward with his head in his hands.
"Ok Wes, spill what's going on?" Wesley looked up and gestured for Cordelia to take a seat but she refused.
"I'd really rather stand if that's ok with you," Wesley nodded and sat back in his chair. It was only now that Cordelia really took a good look at him and noticed his rumpled hair and face that appeared to have been unshaven for days. His glasses were a little crooked and his clothes were worn in.
"Cordelia a lot has happened since you've been away..."
"I get that," Cordelia tried to stand as straight as possible and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Please do not interrupt me," Wesley fumbled with his hands trying to get them to stop shaking.
"About three weeks ago just befor you left I found a prophecy concerning Angel and Connor. It said that Angel would kill his son," Cordelia was about to protest but stopped when Wesley held up a hand.
"I didn't know what to make of it. I read the text over and over. I got many different translations and they all said the same thing. The Father will kill the Son," Wesley's brow furrowed as if he was in deep thought.
"I told Angel of the prophecy but he insisted that no harm would come to Connor on his part. I wanted to believe, I did but...But I didn't want to take the risk so I...I took Connor away, to keep him safe," Cordelia's eyes widened in shock as she took in what he was saying.
"You did WHAT? What the HELL were you THINKING?"
"Cordelia please listen to me!" Cordelia looked at Wesley's pleading eyes and noticed the hurt in them. With a shaky sigh she decided that sitting was starting to sound really good.
"My intentions were in the best interest of Connor. I did what I thought was right. Angel started to show odd behavior and started craving more and more blood. I became worried and did what I thought was right! But, but...Things didn't go as I had planned," Wesley sighed and looked back down at his hands that were shaking a bit more along with the rest of his body.
"What did you do?" Cordelia whispered as she felt the tears spill over.
"I, I...Wolfram and Hart found out that I had Connor somehow and they," Wesley's breath caught in his throat as he struggled to tell her something he knew she would hate him for.
"They WHAT?" Cordelia asked frustrated and terrified as to what he was going to say next.
"They kidnapped him. We're not sure but our best guess is that he is..."
"Dead," Cordelia whispered as she finished the sentence for him. Wesley gave a weak nod and looked away at Cordelia's pained look.
"Cordelia please understand..." She held up her hand stopping him from continuing.
"I understand your reasons and I know you did what you thought was best but...I'm sorry I can't look at you right now," A soft whimper escaped her lips as Cordelia tried to hold back the sobs that were catching in her throat.
"I understand," With that Wesley got up and walked out of the office avoiding the others, heading back to his apartment.
Cordelia sat there a few minutes, letting the tears flow freely. How could her special little guy, her baby be gone? The pain in her chest was like nothing she had ever felt before. She felt as though someone had cut her chest open and ripped her heart, along with all of her other insides out of her body. She felt an emptiness she hadn't felt in a long time. The last time she had felt it was when Angel had fired her...Oh god, Angel! Without another thought she jumped up out of her chair, knocking it over, and raced out of the office.
"Cordelia!" Fred called after her but she paid no attention. Gunn held her back.
"Let her go, they need to work this out," He pulled Fred to him kissing the top of her head, letting her cry into his chest.
* * *
Cordelia raced up the steps ignoring the pain in her side as she pumped her legs as fast as she could. The third floor might not seem a long ways but to her it seemed like eternity. The halls seemed to stretch, never letting her reach her destination. She was almost there when she tripped and fell, stopping herself with her hands. She stayed like that trying to keep her thoughts together. Cordelia gasped in gulps of air to help her burning lungs. When had the distance from point A to point B become so long. She had walked this distance many times, only difference was she was walking this distance with a heavy heart that seemed to weigh her down with each step she took. Shaking her head and regaining her composure, she stood up straight and dusted herself off. Finally she reached Angel's room. She didn't even knock she just pushed the door in and walked into the dark sulken room before her.
"Angel?" Her voice betrayed her and instead of her strong, steady, loud voice all that came out was a squeak. She cleared her throat and tried again.
"Angel?" This time she was louder. Cordelia walked farther into the room, being cautious not to trip over the objects that had been strewn around. She walked into the nursery to see Angel's dark figure bent over the crib, not moving or speaking. She walked beside him and touched his shoulder but he flinched away.
"Angel, please..." Her voice pleaded with him but he didn't turn around.
"Go away," It was a short and emotionless reply.
"Wesley told me what happened." Something snapped in Angel. He cleched his fists and jaw.
"Did he tell you how he took my son away?" He still didn't turn around but she could hear the anger rise in his voice.
"Angel, it wasn't his fault..." Cordelia tried to turn him around again but he smacked her hand away.
"He took my son away. Because of him Connor is DEAD!"
"You know that's not true! Wesley only did what he thought was best..." At that Angel whipped around and stared down at her, the gold flashing in his eyes.
"He took my son away. He took him away and Wolfram and Hart got him, they killed him. Had he not touched Connor in the first place none of this would have happened!" Angel said in a low menacing tone.
"Don't blame Wesley for this, he never meant to hurt Connor!" By now Cordelia was screaming. Truth was she agreed with Angel but she knew Wesley wasn't to blame.
"WHY THE HELL SHOULDN'T I? You know what? I'm not going through this with you! You only defend him because you don't understand!" He pointed a finger in her face and moved past her, almost knocking her over in the process.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Cordelia felt like she had been slapped.
"It means you couldn't possibly know what I'm going through!"
"Yes I DO!"
"HOW WOULD YOU KNOW?" They were both up in each others faces, daring the other to make the first move.
"BECAUSE HE WAS MY SON TOO!" She ended on a strangled cry and all Angel could do was stand back and take in what she was saying to him.
"He was my son too... Do not stand there and tell me otherwise because we both know I loved that little boy like he was my own! I would do anything for him and right now I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest and and..."
"Empty, like you have nothing left?" Angel asked in a whisper. All Cordelia could do was nod. He looked at the pain and guilt in her eyes, knowing that she did feel what he was feeling. Not being able to do anything else, he pulled her to him and they both cried together, sinking to the floor. They leaned against the wall and held on to eachother as if it was their last time together.
"Please make it stop hurting. Please bring him back!" Cordelia sobbed into his chest. Angel pulled her into his lap, holding onto her as she cried softly. He kissed the top of her head and anything else he could reach, trying to soothe her. But how could he when he was just as scared as she was? They stayed like that for the longest time, just being together. Finally Cordelia raised her head and stared into Angel's eyes.
"I'm sorry I wasn't here," She whispered.
"You have nothing to be sorry about. You're here now, that's what matters," He leaned down and captured her lips in a sweet kiss. They pulled apart and held each other tighter as they fell asleep together.
* * *
Cordelia woke with a start and pulled from Angel's embrace racing to the crib side. Connor wasn't there...She felt the pang in her chest again and the tears threaten. Angel woke immediately raced after her.
"Cordy?" Angel sighed heavily and pulled her to him.
"Cordelia look at me. We're gonna get through this. I love you, I love you and we can't give up, not if we want our son back," Angel held her face between his hands and leaned in to kiss her again. She leaned into him and held him to her. 'Somebody is gonna pay for this' Was the thought that ran through her mind.
Part 2
"We need to do something."
"I know."
"We need to do something soon."
"I know."
"We're gonna need help."
"I know."
"I'm scared."
"I know."
"What are we gonna do?"
"I don't know."
"Who are we gonna call?"
"I don't know."
"Angel, I don't think I can do this," Angel looked up from his place in the rocking chair to see Cordelia sitting on his bed with her head down and her hands folded in her lap. They had stayed like that for what seemed like hours. They hadn't talked much, they didn't know what to say, but every so often Cordelia broke the silence with a question and Angel answered them in short simple replies. With a heavy sigh Angel got up and walked over to Cordelia, he crouched in front of her and took her hands into his.
"Cor, look at me," She looked down at him with shinning eyes.
"We can do this. We have to do this. We have to be strong, I know it's hard but we have to do it for Connor," She nodded and as she did the tears fell. Angel gently wiped them away and got up to sit next to her. He pulled her to him and whispered into her ear trying to soothe him.
"So what are we gonna do?" She asked softly.
"I don't know..."
"I can't take I DON'T KNOW ANYMORE!" With that Cordelia got up and stood in front of him.
"Cordelia..."
"No Angel! I can't take I don't know anymore!"
"I know..." Cordelia held her hands up, stopping him from continuing.
"No you don't know! You are just as confused as I am as to what we are going to do! I can't do this Angel, I can't stay here! I can't stay here knowing he's out there somewhere all alone or even de..." Cordelia caught herself from saying it. She couldn't, it hurt too much at the thought of Connor dead.
"You're right. I don't know what we're gonna do. God...I don't think I've ever been this scared before. Well except for when I almost lost you," He said quietly.
"Which time?" She sat by him again and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Hmmm, you would think with all the times you've been in trouble I'd be used to it by now," He gave a sad chuckle and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, resting his head on hers.
"You would think that. So, what are we gonna do and please don't say I don't know," Cordelia shut her eyes, awaiting his answer.
"We gotta get help. We can't do this alone. The night Connor went missing, the night before you came back, we went to Wolfram and Hart but I couldn't get in. There are forcefields all around. I couldn't even get in through the sewers. I tried tracking Lilah down but she's gone. I went to her apartment and everything's gone," Angel tightened his hold on Cordelia, needing to feel her right there next to him.
"Smarter than we thought."
"I highly doubt that."
"We need help but we don't exactly have a lot of alies. In fact, we don't really have...any," Cordelia pulled back to search Angel's face for answers. Angel nodded and furrowed his brow in concentration.
"We could always try calling...you know," Angel shrugged as Cordelia's eyes widened when she realized what he was implying.
"I don't think that's such a good idea," Cordelia shook her head and looked down trying to think of something else.
"Who else are we gonna call? We have no one else Cordy. We need them, they're our only hope," Angel pleaded with his eyes. Truth was he didn't really wanna go this route either but they didn't have a choice.
"We would have to explain eveything that happened and...They just wouldn't get it. They wouldn't understand," She said in a firm tone. This really wasn't an option for her.
"This is not for them to understand Cor, we just need their help. It's worth a shot. This is for Connor," Cordelia closed her eyes and let out a long sigh then she slowly nodded. She got up and walked next to the nightstand. She picked up the phone and dialed a number she knew too well. After a few rings someone finally picked up.
"Hi! It's me Cordelia. I know it has been a long time. That's good to hear. Yeah, is she there? Thanks," Cordelia looked at Angel and swallowed nervously. After a beat she heard someone finally pick up the phone.
"Hello?" Came the familiar voice.
"Hey Buffy. How've you been?" Cordelia tried to ask casually.
"Not dead, so you know I've been good. How bout you?"
"I've been better," Cordelia played with the hem of her skirt, picking at it every do often. Angel's hands stopped hers, letting her know he was there.
"This isn't exactly a social call, is it Cordelia?" Buffy asked a little worried.
"Not exactly."
"Is Angel ok?"
"Yeah he's right here. You know what, I'm gonna let you talk to him so he can explain what's going on ok. It was good talking to you, for those two, three minutes," With that Cordelia got up and handed the phone to Angel before Buffy could answer back. She was a little surprised at Cordelia's attitude. There wasn't really one. She wasn't snooty with her and actually said it was good talking to her, very un-Cordelia like. Angel covered the phone with his hand and grabbed Cordelia's arm.
"Hey, you ok?" She seemed to get a little more paler and didn't look well. But that was what sleepless nights would do to you.
"Yeah, you better talk to her," With that Cordelia left the room.
"Hello? Hello?"
"Buffy?"
"Angel?"
"Hey."
"Hey, how've you been?"
"Better."
"I'm getting that. What's up?" Buffy asked concerned.
"Any chance you could come up here?" Angel asked a bit reluctantly.
"What's going on?"
"I need help and fast. I understand if you..."
"Wait what's going on?" Buffy asked confused.
"I think it would be better if I told you face to face."
"That bad?"
"Yeah," Angel whispered.
"I don't know. I have work and Dawn has school..." Angel sighed and closed his eyes.
"This is really important Buffy, you know I wouldn't call you if it wasn't," Buffy sighed and heard the urgency in his voice.
"How many people you need?"
"As many as you've got."
"When?"
"As soon as possible." Buffy looked at the clock on the kictchen wall that read 8:30p.m.
"Tomorrow?"
"Yeah, yeah that's good!"
"Alright I'll see you then."
"You have the address right?"
"Yeah Willow has it. Tomorrow then."
"Thankyou."
"No problem," With that they said their good-byes and hung up. Angel gave a sigh of relief and went off to find Cordelia. He walked out and went down the hall then down the stairs into the lobby where she was sitting down with Fred.
"Angel? Are you ok? Do you need anything?" Fred asked standing up.
"No Fred I'm okay," He smiled slightly at her and sat down next to Cordelia.
"What's happening?" Cordelia looked straight ahead not looking at Angel.
"They're coming tomorrow," He said looking in the same direction she was. Fred wondered what they were looking at but dismissed it.
"Who's coming tomorrow?" She asked softly.
"Scoobies," They replied in unison.
"Oh...OH! They're coming? Are they coming to help?"
"Yeah." Cordelia closed her eyes and leaned against Angel. He took her into his arms and laid her across his lap. Sleep caught up with her and soon she drifted off.
* * *
Buffy hung up and walked into the living-room where the rest of the Scoobies were watching TV and playing monopoly, again. Willow looked up with questioning eyes.
"Is everything ok?" All eyes turned to Buffy as they got quiet. Spike looked up and saw the confusion in her eyes.
"I don't think so. Angel needs help, as soon as possible."
"Are you going by yourself?" Dawn asked from her place on the floor.
"No he needs all the help we can get. That means all of us."
"So we're just gonna pack up and go stay with deadboy?" Xander asked with a little anger edged in his voice, she could have at least had the courtesy to ask first.
"He needs help Xander, of the real bad kind. I told him we could go tomorrow..."
"Tomorrow?!? And you didn't think to ask any of us first?"
"How many times has he helped you out Xander? Huh? He sounded really urgent ok! He said it was really important..."
"What'd peaches get himself into now?" Spike asked.
"I don't know. He said it was better that he explain what was going on when we got there." Buffy looked around the room to see the others nod slowly.
"This mean no school?" Dawn asked.
"Yeah, everyone is going and I'm not leaving you alone by yourself," Dawn nodded and went back to watching TV.
"I'm not going!" Spike said from his spot on the floor.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm. Not. Going. That's pretty self explainatory," Spike got up and walked out, Buffy followed after him.
"Spike! I need you there, you're the only other person that has the strength to take on the big bad. You need to go," Buffy pleaded with him.
"I'm not going to help my poof of a sire! Why should I? Not like he ever did anything for me," He pulled out a cigarette and went to light it but Buffy pulled it out of his mouth.
"You're going!"
"No I'm not!"
"Yes you are!"
"I'm not going! I refuse."
"What can I do to get you to go?" Spike raised an eyebrow and went to whisper in her ear. Buffy closed her eyes and sighed when he told her what he wanted.
"No!"
"Not like you aven't done it before!" She rolled her eyes at his smirk.
"No!"
"Fine but I'm not going!"
"Yes you are!"
"Yeah well, we'll see about that!" With that he left leaving Buffy standing in her front lawn looking after him. He was going even if she had to drag him.
Buffy went back inside and went to sit down in the living-room with the others.
"Are you guys okay with this? You know I wouldn't go if it wasn't important but he sounded really bad and I do owe him a favor," The others looked up and listened to her.
"How do you owe DeadBoy a favor?" Xander asked suspicious.
"It's nothing. Are you guys okay with this?"
"It'll be good to see Cordelia and Angel again," Willow said, Tara nodded with her.
"A break from the magic shop might not be so bad. Of course we wouldn't be getting any money and no money is bad becuase we could get behind in our bills and..."
"Anya, the store will be there when we get back," Xander reassured her.
"You okay with it Xand?"
"I guess. Hey it'll be a good chance to tell Angel and Cordelia about the wedding! More presents," Buffy smiled at him.
"Ok it's settled then. I don't know how long we're gonna be there so just pack a few things just in case. We're leaving tomorrow in the morning!" Buffy informed them.
Part 3
Cordelia shifted her weight onto Angel lying completely on top of him. The vampire and the seer had fallen asleep together on the lobby couch an hour earlier. Angel tightened his arms around Cordelia as she shifted so that her body covered his and she rested her head on his chest and wrapped her legs around him. Angel breathed in voluntarily and each time he did he breathed in her unique scent and her strawberry scented shampoo. Fred watched them with a smile on her face as she leaned on her elbow from behind the counter.
"Don't you think we should wake 'em?" Gunn asked as he came in carrying in bags of food to stand beside her. Fred looked up at him and her smile broadened.
"Why?" She asked she looked back at the pair on the couch.
"Ain't that Buffy chick supposed to come today to help us?" Gunn asked as he looked over to the couch.
"Oh well she won't be coming until later I'm sure," She said with a wave of her hand. "Anyway, I couldn't bring myself to do it. They just look so peaceful and happy. After all that they've been through I would say they deserve that," Gunn looked down at her and leaned in to kiss her softly.
"You heard anything from Wes yet?" he asked as he pulled back. Fred's smile faded as she shook her head.
"No. I tried calling him but I got no answer," She looked away and shuffled a few papers that were lying on the desk in front of her when she felt the sudden urge to keep her hands busy. Gunn nodded and looked down with a sad expression on his face. Wesley's betrayal was a shock to everyone, definetly a big blow to the whole gang. He was angry at first and practically spit in Wesley's face when he found out what he had done, but after talking with Fred and listening to Wesley's explaination he calmed down a bit yet he still had a sore spot with the ex-watcher.
"We'll try again later. I'll see if I can stop by his apartment later on, see how he's doing," Fred nodded and went into the office to do some more research, even though there wasn't really anything she could do about the situation at hand she really needed to do something to keep her busy. Gunn looked after her longingly and walked out of the hotel.
* * *
"Everyone ready?" Buffy called up the stairs. She was just waiting on Dawn, Willow and Tara. Xander and Anya had arrived earlier that morning to have breakfast.
"Yup," Dawn came down the stairs carrying a duffle bag with Willow and Tara in tow.
"You guys got everything?"
"Yeah," Dawn nodded as did Willow and Tara.
"Do you think we might need any magic stuff? You know, just in case," Tara asked putting her bag down on the floor.
"I'm not sure," Buffy furrowed her brow trying to think. " Just bring some basic stuff...I'm gonna call and see if there is anything specific they need, okay?" Tara nodded and went to retrieve some books and herbs. Buffy headed into the kitchen to call Angel.
* * *
"Hello?" Fred rushed to the phone.
"Wesley?" She asked worriedly, but of course it wasn't him.
"Umm, no this is Buffy. I think I have the wrong number," Buffy was about to hang up but the voice on the other line quickly stopped her.
"No! No, don't hang up! You have the right number. I'm Fred, you don't know me but I work here at Angel Investigations with Cordelia and Angel. They're kinda...busy right now, but was there something you needed?" Fred said quickly.
"Hi Fred. I think Angel mentioned you before. Anyway, I just called to ask if there was anything specific we needed to bring, magic wise and, and weapons wise," Buffy turned around to see Anya and Xander staring at her. When she turned and saw them they quickly diverted their gaze and began talking to each other as if nothing had happened. Buffy rolled her eyes and turned back around.
"Well weapon wise, something sharp, heavy, wooden or pointy. That usually works. Magic wise, we have a lot of stuff already and if we need anything else we have a magic shop a few blocks away," Fred looked at the items strewn about the office making sure they had everything they needed.
"Ok, well I guess we'll see you guys in a couple of hours then. Bye."
"Bye!" And with that they hung up.
"Who was that?" Fred jumped when she heard Angel's voice behind her. She turned around and took in the vampire's appearance. His clothes were rumpled and worn in and his hair was a mess. He looked paler than usual and he seemed a bit more thinner but not much.
"Uhh, that was Buffy," Fred informed him. When Angel heard her name his eyes widened a bit.
"Buffy? Is anything wrong?" He asked a bit panicked.
"No, she just called to ask if there was anything she needed to bring that's all," Angel sighed with relief and nodded.
"Then they're on their way?" Fred nodded and looked to the lobby to see Cordelia still sleeping on the couch.
"How she doing?" Angel looked to Cordelia who was tossing a bit with a troubled expression on her face.
"She took it pretty hard. We all did, but...Connor was like a son to her," Fred gave him a sad smile and patted his shoulder for reassurance.
"We're gonna get him back. I can feel it," Angel smiled down at her and looked back at Cordelia.
"I hope so," He whispered.
* * *
"Okay are we ready?" Everyone was piled into Xander's car shoulder to shoulder in the backseat.
"We need to stop by the cementary," Everyone turned to look at Buffy with questioning faces.
"We need to get Spike," She informed them.
"And here I thought he wasn't going," Xander said from the front.
"He's going whether he wants to or not. We need him," 'I need him' she thought.
"Why?" Everyone asked in unison.
"Super strength remember?" After a beat they nodded and Xander turned off toward Spike's crypt. After a few minutes they arrived.
"Here we are," Xander announced. Buffy managed to get out and stopped when Dawn was about to follow her.
"I'll go by myself. I'll be back right now, k?" Dawn looked a bit hurt but crossed her arms over her chest and got back in the car.
Buffy reached the door and didn't even bother to knock, she just walked in.
"Spike!" She called. After a few minutes she got no answer so she walked further in.
"Spike! Get your ass out here!" She yelled again. Finally he came stumbling out of bed with a sheet wrapped around his waist.
"Bloody Hell Slayer! It's...12:30p.m, what the hell is going on?" Buffy gave him a onceover, noticing how the sheet dropped a bit, exposing more of him.
"SLayer?" Spike asked with a smirk on his face. He knew what she was looking at so he let the sheet drop a little more.
"What?" Buffy shook her head as if to clear her thoughts.
"What are you doing here? An early shag?" Buffy rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"We're leaving for L.A right now."
"Okay...What's your point?" Spike sat down on a chair, letting the material hang loosely around his hips.
"You're coming remember?"
"No, I remember saying very clearly that I wasn't."
"Spike..."
"Unless of course you do what I ask you," He said with an evil smile.
"Spike, I don't have time for this," Buffy was about to walk out but he stopped her.
"Wait! Look just say it and that'll be the end of it!" Spike pleaded with her.
"I don't say things I don't mean!" Buffy stopped short of the doorway, turning to face him.
"Like hell you don't Slayer. C'mon, you've said it plently of times when we were fuc..."
"I was just lost in the moment. Look, Spike come, don't come fine. But I don't have time for this, Angel needs help and..."
"Angel, Angel, Angel! It's always about Angel isn't it. Peaches is all you care about, that and yourself," Spike started walking back to his bedroom but Buffy stopped him.
"You know that's not true," She whispered.
"Do I now? My memory is a bit fuzzy, care to refresh it?"
"Fine! Fine, I'll say it! I love you Spike...I love you," She whispered the last part. He looked down at her and gave a satisfied grin.
"See that wasn't so hard, now was it?" He walked back to his room leaving Buffy standing there thinking about what she had just said. He came out five minutes later fully dressed.
"So anything I need for this little road trip?" Buffy snapped her head up at the sound of his voice.
"Huh? Oh, umm, just clothes and stuff," He nodded and came out with a bag full of clothes in it.
"Ok then Slayer, let's get on with it. See what kind of trouble Poofy got himself into," Spike grabbe a blanket and headed out the door. Buffy shook her head and tried to push out thoughts of him out of her mind.
Once everyone was situated in the car they were off.
L.A here we come.
* * *
Cordelia thrashed a bit on the couch, turning her head from side to side. Angel pulled her into his lap, trying to soothe her from whatever nightmare she was having.
"Cor? Shhh, it's okay. It's gonna be okay," A whimper escaped her lips as she held onto him, wishing him to make the pain in her chest go away.
"Angel?" She whispered. He looked down at her shinning eyes seeing so much loss and pain in them. His heart broke just a little more.
"Shhh, go back to sleep Cor. I'm right here," His voice strained a bit as he tried to be strong for her. Cordelia nuzzled his neck and settled back down onto him, tightening her hold. She closed her eyes and the images returned.
*Two weeks earlier*
"Well Groo, how do you like it?" Cordelia walked into the massive hotel room that she would be staying in for the next two weeks.
"It is lovely Princess, but not as lovely as yourself," He flashed a smile which she returned.
"Thankyou Groo," Cordelia set her bags down and flopped down on the bed. She patted the spot next to her, welcoming him over. He sat down and leaned down and kissed her. The kiss depened and soon he was on top of her. Groo pulled back but when he did he wasn't Groo, he was Angel.
"I love you Cor," Cordelia's eyes widened as she stared up into the familiar dark eyes of her best friend.
"Princes? Princess, is something wrong?" Cordelia shook her head and looked up to see Groo looking down at her.
"No, no I'm fine. I promise!" She reached up and brought him down to her, kissing him a little more passionately. Then suddenly a flash set off behind her eyes.
"Angel?"
"Yeah?"
"I want you to...undress me."
Cordelia pulled back. 'What the hell was that?' she thought. She dismissed it and let Groo bend down to kiss her again. She felt his hands trail up her thigh. A chill went up her spine.
"You don't know him he has power,"
"The power to do this?"
Cordelia couldn't take it anymore. She sat up and pulled her skirt down.
"Is something wrong Princess?" Cordelia looked at him and shook her head.
"No nothing. Where's that bottle of potion?" Groo reached down into one of her bags and pulled out the small bottle with the blue liquid inside. He handed it to her and she was about to drink it when Groo interuppted her.
"Are we going to com-shuk now Princess?" Groo asked innocently.
"Anxious?" Cordelia asked with a smile on her face.
"The sooner we com-shuk, the sooner I can return to my homeland," Cordelia put the potion down slowly trying to understand what he was saying.
"What are you talking about?" Cordelia was confused but smiled at him.
"I was sent to com-shuk the Princess of the land in hopes to gain a bit of your sight," Groo replied.
"What?" Cordelia asked sharply.
"I was sent to..."
"I heard you. I thought you came to be with me," Cordelia said quietly.
"I did, but I cannot stay. I must return and prove to my people I am worthy of being their leader," Groo said with a smile. Cordelia felt the tears sting her eyes but held them back, gritted her teeth but kept a smile the whole time.
"So you came to com-fuck me then leave? You came to get my visions and then leave? You do know that this potion is to prevent that from happening right? I explained that you can't have my visions," Cordelia stood up and looked down at Groo.
"I understand but I cannot fail. I thought perphaps if we com-shucked then I could retrieve something and go back to my land with a gift from you. I understand the use of the potion but perpahps it would wear off and..." Cordelia held up her hands and sat back down on the bed.
"I think you should go Groo. I'm not going to give you my visions. I have said that before and I have said it again. I'm sorry but this isn't gonna work," Cordelia held back the tears, letting them catch in her throat.
"Princess?" Groo went to touch her arm but she flinched away.
"I'm gonna go, you can keep the room. Enjoy your time here," And with that Cordelia gathered her things and left. She didn't want to go back home. She was in Rosarito, on a beautiful day, on a beautiful beach so she decided to stay at another hotel and have some alone time. If only she knew what was going to happen she would have gone home immediately.
* * *
Angel looked down at the girl in his arms as she whimpered a bit more. He wanted to make her pain stop but his pain was great as well and he didn't know how to help her if he couldn't help himself. He setteled down and pulled her closer to him getting back into the position they were in before. He closed his eyes and fell asleep to the sound of her heart beat.
* * *
"This is it right Willow?" Xander pulled up in front of the Hotel admirng it's size.
"Yup, this is it," Everyone got out of the car and strecthed, Spike ran out and into the hotel through the garden. He threw the smoking blanket off and looked around. All of a sudden, someone grabbed him from behind and kicked him to the floor. The others filed in and saw a young black male holding Spike down ready to stake him. Buffy rushed forward and stopped him.
"Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing?" She yelled pulling him off Spike.
"Who the hell are you?" Gunn asked confused. Fred rushed down the stairs when she heard rustling down stairs.
"I'm Buffy, and you are?" Gunn raised his eyebrows at the petite young blonde. 'So this was Buffy? I don't get it' he thought. Fred looked at everyone and extended her hand to the slayer.
"Hi! I'm Fred, we talked on the phone," Buffy shook her hand, keeping her eye on Gunn.
"I'm Gunn, sorry about your friend there but we're all kinda paranoid right now," He shrugged and offered his hand to her. She took it and nodded.
"That's ok, I understand. Just so you know he can't hurt anyone. He's neutered," Gunn raised an eyebrow, then looked back at the vampire.
"What she means is that Spike can't bite anyone so you don't have to worry. I'm Willow, I don't know if you remember me," Willow stepped up and they shook hands.
"Yeah I remember. You came down to tell us she died," Gunn said pointing at Buffy.
"That's our Buffy," Xander introduced himself as did Anya. Next were Dawn and Tara. After the intro's were done they stood around a bit awkwardly.
"So you're Buffy huh?" Gunn asked.
"Yeah?"
"Sorry, I just thought you'd be a bit taller or something. What with being a slayer and all," Gunn shrugged.
"Don't underestimate her mate. She packs a pretty good puch," Spike told him.
"So where are Angel and Cordelia?" Willow asked.
"Yeah, he said it was really important that we get here and we're here but he's kinda...not," Gunn looked at Fred who just shrugged.
"Uhh, they're..." Suddenly they heard a noise over by the couch. Buffy's senses picked up and she walked over to the couch with the other's in tow. Gunn and Fred looked at each other not knowing what to do for they knew what the others were gonna find. Buffy's eyes widened as she stood in front of the couch. There were Angel and Cordelia, wrapped in each other's arms, obviously perfectly comfortable. Gunn came over shook Angel's shoulder. Fred smiled apologetically at the others.
"Angel man, you might wanna wake up!" Angel swatted his hand away and burried his head into Cordelia's hair.
"Angel, man c'mon! Cordy?"
"Go away!" They said in unison.
"Angel, Cordelia? We kinda got visitors." Fred said bending down and telling them quietly.
"What?" Cordelia opened her eyes and raised her head. She looked up and saw the scoobies staring at her and Angel in shock, well except for Spike who was trying to hold back his laughter.
"Angel, wake up," Cordelia shook his shoulder and he finally opened his eyes.
"What Cordy?" She motioned over to the Scoobies. Angel followed with his eyes and found Buffy's.
"Oh, shit," He got up quickly causing Cordelia to fall to the floor.
"Oh god Cor I'm sorry," He bent down and helped her get up but she swatted his hands away. Spike couldn't hold it in anymore. He bust out laughing but quickly stopped when Buffy elbowed him really hard in the gut.
"Ooof! Jesus Slayer," Spike held his stomach backing away from her, chuckling to himself.
"Cor I'm sorry," He whispered to her.
"Shut up," She whispered back.
"I said I was sorry,"
"And I said shut up,"
"It was an accident,"
"Whatever," They continued to whisper back and forth to eachother until they were interrupted.
"Hey!" Buffy and Xander said in unison. Angel and Cordelia looked at the group swallowing nervously.
"Buffy, I like your hair," Cordelia said trying to break the ice. Things were going to be very interesting.
Part 4
"What's going on?" Buffy asked quietly as her eyes darted between the seer and warrior, trying to find an explaination as to why they were sleeping together...well not sleeping but sleeping
together on the lobby couch, oblivious to those around them. She couldn't shake the image of Angel and Cordelia's blissfull features as they laid together. It seemed as though it wasn't a new thing to them.
"Uhhh...Dddo guys want anything? Something to eat or drink?" Angel asked hurriedly. Cordelia's gaze drifted to the faces of all the people in front of her. She noted some shocked faces, some smirks and some utter confusion as to what position they had just seen her in. She felt like she had just been caught sleeping with Angel...well not sleeping but sleeping with him.
Not being able to take the questioning glares anymore, she looked to the floor and noticed a few blotches here and there on the marble floor. Her brow furrowed as she paid more attention to the intricate designs hidden within the stone beneath her feet. Her head spinned as she lost herself in the curves and lines. All the different colors coming together to make one. Something beautiful and rare that some people would never pay attention to. Just step on it day after day, too wrapped up in their complicated lives filled with materialistic things such as clothes and money. Something she once yearned for, something she once needed to survive. But she knew better now. Her life was like the designs that she studied. Something beautiful and rare...something precious. She remembered Angel saying that to her. He asked if she knew just how precious she was. Sure he had been hit by a very big whammy and was asking her things he never actually would. Of course that was back then and this was now. Now she knew they would remind each other just how much they meant to one another. But still she was stepped on. No matter what she did, that was the way it was gonna be. She was being stepped on right now as she felt all eyes on her. Maybe they weren't looking at her and maybe she was just paranoid but you know that feeling you get when you feel like someone was watching you? Cordelia was feeling that times ten.
"I just wanna know what's going on," Buffy said in a firm tone. Her features matched her attitude, she obviously wasn't very happy at her little discovery. The others stayed quiet as they observed. Angel sighed and ran a hand through his hair and nodded.
"We should sit down," He said motioning over to the couch across from the one he and Cordelia had just occupied.
"I'm fine standing," At that Cordelia shook her head trying to clear her head and looked up at Buffy.
"Trust me, you're gonna wanna sit down," Cordelia said in a whisper. Buffy raised an eyebrow but obliged. The others followed and sat around the lobby. Gunn and Fred brought in some chairs, sitting down themsleves to listen to Angel and Cordelia explain what was going on.
"Please don't tell me you didn't ask us up here to tell us you two are together," Xander asked with a loud sigh. Angel's eyes widened as did Cordelia's at her ex-boyfriend's question.
"You didn't...right?" Buffy asked, a little curious herself.
"What?!? No!" Angel and Cordelia said in unison. Buffy reeled back a bit at their reaction.
"Sorry," Cordelia muttered.
"So you guys aren't together?" Willow asked a little unsure.
"No..."
"We're not..."
"What you saw..."
"It was nothing, really..." The Scoobies stared at them as they continued to finish each other's sentences.
"Yeah it's just that a lot of pleasure has been put on us both and..."
"Pressure! PRESSURE! I meant to say pleasure!"
"You mean pressure," Angel added quietly.
"Oh god..." Cordelia let out a long exasperated sigh and leaned forward with her head in her hands. Angel closed his eyes and tried to stay calm. He pulled Cordelia closer to him and rubbed her arms trying to soothe her.
"We should probably get down to the reason I called you guys here," Angel with a frown.
"That would be nice," Spike said with a smirk. Buffy shot him a look then turned her eyes back to Cordelia and how she seemed to settle down a bit as soon as Angel touched her. The ex-cheerleader leaned into the vampire's touch and whispered somehing into his ear. Angel nodded and watched as Cordelia got up and headed upstairs. He made eye contact with Fred, not even needing to say anything. She got up and followed Cordelia to make sure she was all right.
"Is she ok?" Dawn asked finally making a sound since they had left Sunnydale.
"Yeah, yeah she'll be fine," Gunn looked at Angel and noticed how worn down he looked. He didn't know if Angel was saying that to reassure the young girl or himself. From what he had heard, these people didn't give a crap about Angel or Cordelia, the only reason they were there was because the needed some serious back-up. Looking around the room at the people he didn't know if they could handle it. He would just have to find out.
"So you were gonna tell us what's going on?" Buffy asked softly.
"Right," Angel sighed.
"Are you guys sure you don't want anything, a drink or something?" Everyone shook their heads no, interested as to what they were going to hear. Angel nodded at them then took an unneeded breath then continued.
"I guess I'll start at the beginning...About two years ago a law firm, Wolfram & Hart brought Darla back, human..."
"Hold on. Darla?!? As in your sire Darla. Darla Bitchy McBitch, my great grandsire? How the hell did they do that?" Angel didn't look up, he just looked down to the floor suddenly seeing what Cordelia was paying so much attention to before. The floor really needed to be cleaned.
"I don't know, but that's not important right now," Spike studied the older vampire's face and decided it was better if he be quiet for a while.
So Angel told them of the whole Darla fiasco. About his obsession. firing the gang, at which Gunn cringed, about Dru changing Darla, locking the lawyers up in the wine cellar, everything up until his night with Darla.
By then everyone was frozen by what they were hearing. So much had happened that they had not heard about. And there was still more.
"...so I came back from the hospital and headed back to the hotel," He continued. "Darla was waiting here, she was going to kill me... I couldn't take it anymore, I was tired of feeling alone an unwanted and so cold. I slept with Darla that night and the next morning I expected to wake up souless and the pain to be gone. But I didn't and the pain was still there..."
"You did what? The hell is wrong with you, you stupid ponce?"
"Spike shut up!" Buffy hissed at him.
"No! I wanna know what's wrong with you! What possesed you to do this and where is this all leading to? I wanna know why the hell I'm up here listening to you ramble on and on about screwing your sire..." Angel was up in a minute and had Spike pinned up against the desk.
"Spike I suggest you shut the fuck up before I do it myself. And you know I will," Spike swallowed as he saw Angelus pop up into Angel's eyes.
"Angel!" Buffy pleaded as did Cordelia from the stairs. Buffy looked up to see Cordelia and the girl Fred coming down into the lobby.
"You wanna know why you're here? You wanna know why I just gave you that story?" He asked dropping Spike you immediately went over to Buffy's side.
"I thought I'd start from the beginning, save a lot of questions but since my childe is so DAMN impatient, I'll speed it up a bit more" Angel said standing in front of Buffy. Cordelia stood next to him and put a hand on his arm, pleading with him to keep control with her eyes. He sighed and looked down at her then at his hands.
"I kicked Darla out and told her if she ever came back again, I'd kill her. So she left...Nine months later she showed up pregnant with my child," He paused and let the information sink in.
"That's not possible..." Buffy breathed out.
"Yeah that's what I thought too...She stayed here for a few days but a guy, Holtz came back. I killed his family a long time ago and he somehow came back from the past, bent on getting revenge on me. So he initially came after me and Darla. She ended up killing herself, giving life to my son, Connor," Angel stopped and tried to control himself. All he wanted to do was collaspe into Cordelia's arms bu he had to be stronger, he couldn't break down now.
"A few days ago, Wesley tried to take Connor away from me..."
"Why would he do that?" Willow asked. It was a question on everyone's minds.
"I wasn't acting exactly myself. I started drinking more blood... That law firm I told you about, they put small drops of Connor's blood into my regular supply. He thought by taking him away he was protecting him but...Holtz got a hold of him and," Angel's words caught in his throat at the thought of his son in the arms of the man that with a flick of his wrist, easily snap his neck and be done with it. The familiar tears stung his eyes and he felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. A familiar weight that he thought had lifted when he saw his son and realized he loved Cordelia. Without thinking and without really caring, Cordelia grabbed him and wrapped her arms around his neck, letting him cry into her shoulder.
"Just when I thought I couldn't cry anymore," She whispered to him. She looked behind her to Fred and motioned to the stairs. The young girl immediately understood and instructed the Sunnydale members unstairs to their rooms. The two made it over to the couch and held on to each other.
"I really didn't want to do that," Angel whispered as he pulled away Cordelia reached up and cupped his face, brushing the tears away.
"Hey if you weren't gonna do it I was," Cordelia said smiling through her tears.
"Angel?" They both turned to see Buffy coming down the steps. Cordelia brought her hands down and sat back a little further from Angel. He noticed and looked to her but Buffy caught his attention.
"Are you guys ok?"
"We will be," Angel muttered.
"I just wanted to come down here to let you know that we'll all help in anyway we can... I wish you would have called me and let me know what was going on but I understand that you probably had a lot of things going on so... Oh, umm I wanna apologize for Spike, he's an ass and you probably know that more then I do. But I promise he's gonna help too."
"Thankyou."
"Hey just returning a favor. So was there anything we needed to do today?"
"No, you guys can rest. I think it will be better if we do that too. We're gonna need it," Buffy nodded and turned to go up the stairs but turned around again.
"Do you guys make it a habit to sleep together?" Cordelia was taken a back by the question but didn't comment on it. She probably should have, but she just didn't have the energy and there were more importnat things at hand.
"Everyother chance we get," It slipped but it was out and Cordelia couldn't take it back now. She walked past Buffy and walked up the steps to Angel's bedroom. She was tired of so many things. Of hurting, crying, worrying, not doing anything, Wolfram & Hart, demons, vampires(except for Angel) and life in general.
"Somethings never change," Buffy muttered as she watched the former May Queen disappear up the stairs.
"Buffy, she's taking this really hard and she has changed,"
"Really? You know Angel, I just don't see how Cordelia fits into all of this. She seems to care so much, why?"
"Connor was just as much a son to her as he was to me," He replied getting a bit angry.
"Cordelia, a mother figure?"
"Buffy, I don't think you have the right to judge her. You don't know her anymore..."
"And you do?" Angel softned a bit and looked up the steps. A small smile graced his lips.
"Sometimes I like to think I do, but somehow she catches me by surprise. I learn something new about her everyday. Connor loves her. I love her, she's been with me through this and she's been there for me when no one else was," Buffy gazed at the look on his face. She knew that look because he used to give that look to her. She swallowed nervously, realizing what she was seeing and looked down.
"I'm sorry, you're right. I shouldn't judge. I should head up and try to find my room again, get back to Dawn...Was there anything I needed to know?"
"No. We'll talk later," She nodded and walked up the steps. Angel went up in tow and walked to his room. He knew she was in there even before he opened the door. Her scent was all around him. He looked on the bed and saw her sleeping, clutching a stuffed animal to her chest. Angel slid in next to her and pulled her back against him. Cordelia moved closer and buried her head in the pillow.
"Thank you," He whispered into her ear.
"For what?" Came the groggy response.
"For being there for me."
"No need to thank me... So we got the help, now what do we do?"
"We make a plan. We need something to go on. I don't even know how to get into that dimension that Holtz went into with Connor. We'll find out later. Now, just rest." Cordelia murmured goodnight and settled back against him.
Buffy closed the door quietly and made her way down the hall. Tears stung her eyes. She felt for Angel and couldn't help but shed a tear for him and his son but...Cordelia? It just had to be Cordelia didn't it?
Part 5
"Alright, so does everyone know the plan?" Angel asked the group of people assembled in the lobby of the hotel. Everyone nodded in the vampires direction. An ex-watcher, a physicist, a rogue demon hunter, a vampire with a soul, a seer, a green aura reading kareoke demon, another vampire with a chip in his head, a slayer, two witches, an ex-vengence demon, a key, and a...Xander.
All in all, the AI team seemed to have more then enough volunteers to help them retrieve Angel's son which was a good thing. Only thing was they had no idea where to look for the infant. Wolfram and Hart seemed their best bet.
"Okay. Fred, Willow, Tara? You guys keep looking for that spell to break down the barrier to W&H...We got weapons, we got people. I think we got everything..." Angel said looking down in thought, trying to see if there was anything he was missing. The others and himself had gone down into the lobby some two hours before and answered any questions that needed to be asked. Once everything was settled they laid down there plan, which was pretty much just consisted of breaking into W&H and breaking a few bones. Granted there were a few more details that had to be looked over, but for the time being they glossed over them.
"Blood," Cordelia said quietly from his side. All eyes turned to her.
"What?" Was pretty much everyone's response. Along with confused stares. Cordelia ignored them and looked up at Angel.
"You haven't eaten, have you?" She asked with a shake of her head. Angel looked down into her eyes with a furrowed brow then quickly looked away.
"I'm fine," Angel said turning back to the group.
"Don't try that with me. I'm the queen of 'I'm fine!'. I'm gonna go get you something," She said with a firm tone. The others just watched on in silence.
"Really I'm okay," Angel said still averting her eyes.
"I'm gonna go get you something," Cordelia crossed her arms over her chest, raised an eyebrow, kept her firm tone but let a small smile grace her lips.
"Alright," Angel said, finally looking up into her eyes, allowing his own smile to come out.
"Good. How 'bout you Spike?" Cordelia asked turning towards the bleach blonde vampire.
"You askin me?" Spike asked confused.
"Well yeah...You are still a vampire, right?" She asked, raising her eyebrows.
"Yeah," Spike said standing up a bit straighter.
"And vampires drink blood. Am I correct so far?" Cordelia asked cocking her head to the side.
Xander as well as the others in the room gave a small smile at the interaction. Buffy looked on however and furrowed her brow at the ex-cheerleader. Cordelia was so different. She knew people changed with time, but Cordelia did a complete 360. The girl who once cared about nothing more then clothes, money and herself, was standing in front of her in a faded pair of jeans, some sneakers, a hooded sweatshirt with her hair pulled up into a simple ponytail. AND she was offering blood to both Angel and Spike.
* * *
That was another thing. Angel...something was going on between the two, she had noticed it ever since she had walked in and saw them on the couch. They claimed they were just sleeping and it was evident they had been, but the way they were, the position they were lying in, it looked as though like it was the most natural thing to them, like they had done it a million times before. The thought was a little unnerving to the slayer. 'Sure Angel can move on...' She thought, 'But...Cordelia? I still don't get it' Buffy shook her head to clear her thoughts and looked back at the scene before her.
"Yeah," Came Spike's simple reply. Cordelia nodded her head and continued.
"So, do you want some?" She asked with a smile.
"Sure chit," Spike said returning the smile.
"Okay. Anyone else want anything? Coffee, water, juice, something to eat?"
"Coffee..." She heard come from a few people.
"Anyone wanna help?" Willow stood up.
"I'll help," She said with a bright smile. "You'll be okay?" She asked looking down at Tara.
"Yeah, I'll help with the spells. I got Anya, Dawn and Fred so we should be ok," Tara said nodding with a smile.
"Willow? Kitchen?" Willow followed Cordelia out of the lobby while the others stayed, planning what they were going to do.
"Angel?" Buffy asked, standing up from her place on the couch. She noticed him staring after the seer and decided to break him out of his day dream, whatever that may have been.
"Hmmm?" He asked turning towards her.
"What are we gonna do?"
"Oh right! Okay, ummm, I'm gonna need you and Spike. You guys got the spells," He said motioning over to Fred, Anya, Dawn and Tara who were already practicing the chants and trying the find the herbs they needed. "Willow's gonna help you. I'm gonna need Cordy," 'Cordy?' were Xander and Buffy's thoughts 'Since when does he call her Cordy?' "Ok, Gunn! I need you to go find Wesley," Angel said looking at the young man, noticing the flash of anger in his eyes.
"Angel, man, I don't think I wanna do that..." Gunn said rubbing the back of his neck.
"I don't want you to do it either, but he might know something. Just go and see what you can find, please!" Angel said, trying to persuade his friend. Gunn saw the desperation and nodded slowly.
"All right, but I'm gonna need someone," Gunn said with a shrug.
"Take Lorne and Xander with you," Angel said rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"Wait, where am I going?" Xander asked confused.
"Just find Wesley. And make sure these two don't kill him. I want him alive," Angel said walking past them behind the counter to retrive the floor plan of Wolfram & Hart. They needed to be able to map out their location and he had one available. He actually knew it by heart but he decided Buffy and Spike should have a look at it.
"Come on!" Gunn said calling after Xander. Xander looked to Buffy who nodded towards him to go.
"Go, Xander!" She said to him. Xander reluctantly followed the young demon hunter and green demon out of the hotel.
After he left, Buffy and Spike went over to stand on the other side of the counter opposite of Angel.
"Found it!" He said standing up from beside the cabinet.
"What do you have?" Buffy asked going around to stand beside him. Spike stayed back with his hands in his pockets.
"Floor plan for Wolfram & Hart. Has all the entrances, exits and the sewer access. I know pretty much where everything is so we should be able to get in there quickly, but they have extra guards and they keep mind readers all over the place. We have to go in carefully," Buffy nodded taking the paper from him, studying all the little details.
"When were you planning on going in there mate?" Spike asked quietly.
"As soon as they get that spell done. I'm gonna call Gunn later, see if they've found Wesley. After that we're outta here. I'm gonna need you two especially since you're the strongest. I just want to make sure you guys know the plan, know where everything's at and to follow my lead when we get in there. Got it?" Both Buffy and Spike nodded.
* * *
"Can you hand me those mugs Willow?" Cordelia asked, motioning to the cupboard behind Willow's head. The witch turned around and retrieved the mugs.
"So, you were gone when all this happened?" Cordelia paused at the refrigerator door but pulled herself together, got the blood out of the refridge, then put it into the microwave. After hitting the buttons to set the timer, she turned to Willow giving a sigh and leaning against the counter.
"Yeah. I regret that so much. I keep thinking if I had just been there maybe I could've helped somehow. Maybe Connor would still be here," Cordelia said with her eyes downcast. Willow went over and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Cordelia, it's ok. I shouldn't have brought it up. Listen, it'll be ok. We're gonna help you guys and you're gonna get Connor back. So don't worry!" Cordelia looked up and shared a small smile with the redhead.
"Thank you Willow. You don't know how much that means, you guys being here and helping us. Me and Angel, all of us, we are so grateful," Willow nodded and studied Cordelia's face. She noticed the love and despair reflected in her eyes. The pain and loss evident in everything she did, but still the love shone through.
"You really cared for Connor didn't you? I mean, you really loved him like he was your own son, didn't you?" Willow asked with curiosity. Cordelia chuckled a bit and nodded.
"Yeah, I guess I did," Cordelia paused remembering all the times she shared with Connor.
"Sometimes I would stay the night and Angel and I would stay awake all night and just watch Connor sleep in his crib. We wouldn't say or do anything. Just watch. Everything Connor did amazed me, him just being here amazed me," Cordelia stared off into space. Suddenly she turned to Willow. "Do you know how some people have a happy place? A place they could stay forever? And whenever they think of that place they feel so much better?" Willow nodded in understanding. "My place was with Angel, in his bed. Don't get me wrong. It was nothing sexual, if that's what you're thinking. It's just I would get to tired to go home..."
"You don't need to explain to me. It's ok," Willow smiled and motioned for her to continue.
"It's just...Everytime I woke up he was always right there beside me with Connor in between us. I miss that! God, I miss that so much!" The tears started to threaten but Cordelia was tired of crying. She was gonna be strong. Willow went over and pulled her into a hug.
"It'll be okay. Don't worry!" Cordelia pulled away and nodded. Suddenly she realized the blood was done heating up. She gave a shaky smile and turned to get the liquid and cinnamon.
"Cordelia? Are you putting cinnamon in that?" Willow asked making a face.
"Huh? Yeah, why?" Cordelia asked sprinkling the sweet spice into the blood.
"Oh, no reason!" Willow said, still making a face.
"Angel likes it. He didn't at first but he warmed up to it. Something about giving the blood texture and a little more flavor," She informed the witch with a shrug.
"You've done this a lot?" Willow asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Only everyday," She said with another shrug. They shared a laugh and got the mugs together to carry out into the lobby.
* * *
"You didn't? Stay there...No, we're gonna leave...All right, wait there and look around. If you find nothing, come back here...Yeah...Okay, bye!" Angel said hanging up with Gunn.
"They haven't found Wesley..." Angel said turning towards Fred. The young physicist nodded sadly then turned once again to the book in her lap.
"You sure you don't have any idea as to where he could be?" Buffy asked softly. God, she hated seeing him like this. So much pain, anger, and betrayal in his eyes. It hurt her to see him like that.
"No, no I don't," He put his phone back in his pocket and kept his eyes downcast. Buffy put her left arm around his shoulders and rubbed his arm with her free hand. Angel leaned into the touch, feeling the familiarity of her body next to his. This gesture did not go unnoticed to anyone. Not Spike and especially not Cordelia that was standing frozen in the doorway.
"What's wrong?" Willow asked, coming to a halt as Cordelia stopped abruptly in the doorway. The witch looked over the seer’s shoulder and noticed what she was staring so intensely at.
Buffy and Angel...
"Angel, it's ok. Don't worry, I'm here," Buffy said trying to soothe the vampire. Spike rolled his eyes then flopped down on the couch, pulling out a cigarette.
"I'm fine," Cordelia said shaking her head. She flashed a smile that faded as soon as she turned around and walked over to the duo. 'I'm fine?' Willow thought to herself. A frown appeared on her face but she pushed her thoughts away and followed Cordelia into the lobby.
"Hey," Cordelia said quietly, tapping on Angel's arm, trying to call his attention. He turned his head qucikly, smiling slightly at the woman before him.
"Hey," He said in the same soft tone.
"I, uhh, got your blood," Cordelia said handing him the liquid, her eyes darting between the slayer and vampire.
"Thanks," He replied warmly. Cordelia shook her head then walked past him moving to Spike. Angel was taken a back a little at her actions but didn't comment on it.
"Here, Spike," Cordelia handed him his blood, then snatched the cigarette from between his lips, smashing beneath her foot.
"No smoking," Cordelia called over her shoulder as she walked back to the kitchen, casting one last glance to Angel and Buffy who still had her arm around him. Angel smiled down at Buffy, excusing himself, then walked over to Willow.
"Willow?" Angel asked as he walked up to her.
"Yeah?" Willow handed Fred her coffee then turned to the vampire.
"Is Cordelia doing okay?" He asked, concern lacing his voice. Willow looked around then pulled Angel off to the side, making sure no one would hear them.
"I think Cordelia's blamed herself for what happened..." Willow tried to explain.
"Cordelia? Why?" Angel asked a bit shocked.
"She blames herself for not being here. She feels guilty because she thinks if she had been here, she could stopped all this from happening. At least that's what she told me," Willow informed him.
"It's not Cordelia's fault. We already talked about this. She said she was fine..." Angel trailed off, realizing his mistake.
"She said she was fine," Angel whispered to himself. He let out a long sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger.
"Maybe you should go talk to her," Willow suggested softly.
“Angel, we got the spell. It’s pretty simple to perform. Just take these herbs, do the chant, and your as good as in there,” Fred said coming up to the duo, causing them both to jump.
"I can't. Willow, I need to go. I need to go!" Angel said, waving the paper with the spell and instructions. He tried to step past Willow but she stopped him.
"But, Angel," Willow tried to protest.
"I need to go! I'm gonna go and I'm going to find out whatever I can. You're gonna stay here with Cordelia. I need to go and find my son. I will find him. Cordy's going to be fine!" With that Angel walked past the stunned witch. The emotion in his voice moved her near tears.
"Buffy! Spike! We're going," Angel ordered, stepping out of the hotel. The slayer and chipped vampire looked at each other but shrugged it off and gathered their weapons, following Angel.
* * *
30 mins later"Dammit," Lilah Morgan muttered as she shuffled through the files on her desk.
"Can't find something?" Angel asked calmly. Lilah jumped out of her seat clutching her chest. She looked up to see Angel standing in front of her with a Billy idol reject and a short, petite, blonde girl.
"How are you..."
"In here?" Aangel finished for her. Lilah nodded, backing up as Angel came around the desk, looking like a predator about to pounce on its prey.
"Well see, there was a little glitch in your protection spell. Wasn't as effective as you thought," 'C'mon Morgan, don't let him get to you!' Lilah thought to herself. She stood in place and held her head up. It was a little hard with the look he was giving her that made her flinch a bit.
"Who are your little friends?" Lilah tried to hide the waver in her voice but it was failing.
"How rude of me," Angel said putting a hand to his chest. "Lilah, Buffy. Buffy, Lilah. She's the..."
"Slayer," Lilah whispered. Angel raised his eyebrows at her.
"Well if you know about Buffy then you must know about Spike. William the Bloody," The lawyer remained quiet as she studied the younger vampire.
"C'mon Lilah, you gotta have a file on me somewhere," At that Lilah chuckled.
"A file? We have a whole basement filled with cabinets loaded with hundreds of files on you. William the Bloody, huh? Read quite a bit about you. We have a few cabinets devoted to you too," Lilah said with a smirk.
"Much obliged luv," Spike said winking at her. Buffy rolled her eyes at him.
"And how could we forget the Slayer?" Buffy turned her head, staring the lawyer down.
"Look at you here, knowing all about me and I know nothing about you. Well except that you're a major bitch!" Buffy shrugged, folding her arms over her chest.
"I like her Angel. She reminds me of Cordelia. You know all bark no bite. Now that I think about it, you're the same way," Before anyone could react, Angel had Lilah up against the wall holding her up so her feet didn't touch the ground.
"What were you saying?" Angel growled.
"Angel?" Buffy asked softly.
"Don't get in his way slayer. Trust me on this," Spike held Buffy back, making sure she didn't get too close. He knew how his grandsire could get. He spent over a century with Angelus, he went through this crap everyday. Buffy didn't need to see him like this and Angel must have gotten that too.
"Spike? Why don't you and Buffy go outside and make sure no one tries to get in here? I'm going to have a little chat with Miss Morgan," Angel let Lilah drop to the floor in a heap. She gulped large portions of air back into her lungs, as she rubbed her neck. 'Bastard' was the word, along with a few others, that ran her mind.
"We'll do that Peaches! Come on Slayer, we got watcher duty," With that, Spike took Buffy gently by the elbow and led her out of the room.
"What do you want?" Lilah choked out from her place on the floor. Angel reached down and yanked her up by her collar.
"Like I said, we're gonna have a little chat," Angel pushed Lilah back into her chair then crouched down right in front of her.
"How EXACTLY did you get in here?" Lilah asked sinking back into her chair.
"Found a reversal spell and broke down the one who had surrounding the building. The guards weren't too much trouble either. Sleeping on the job. Tsk Tsk...I say you fire 'em. I mean, anybody can just walk in here," Angel cocked his head to the side, studying and reveling in the woman's mix of fear and hatred.
"There's two ways we can do this, Lilah," Angel said finally getting up and going around the desk. He crouched down, preparing something down on the floor. Lilah looked over the edge of the desk, but immediately jumped back when the vampire came back up holding a suitcase in his hand.
"We can do this the hard way. Well, hard for you anyway," Angel winked at her, snapping the suit case open away from Lilah's view.
"OR, we can go about this very quickly and easily. Your choice. What'll it be?"
Angel looked down putting something together. All the lawyer heard was the clanking of metal together. A sound that was quickly making her uneasy...well, even more uneasy than she already was.
"And if I choose not to cooperate with either?" Lilah asked just above a whisper, trying to see what was in the suitcase. Angel looked up with an evil smile.
"Perhaps you didn't hear me very clearly," The vampire walked around the desk and leaned against it, cowering over the lawyer.
"There is no choice C, Lilah. There is choice A and choice B.
However, if you decide to go with your choice then...I'm just gonna have to go with A," Leaning over the desk, Angel reached into the case and pulled out what looked like a small electric drill. Maybe something you would see in a dentist’s office. Flipping a switch on, the shrill sound filled the office.
"Angel?" Lilah whispered in a shaky voice. At that Angel leaned forward really close and held the drill up to Lilah's face.
"Angel's not here," Angelus whispered into the lawyer's ear, causing her eyes to widen.
* * *
The ride home to the Hyperion had been a tense one. Gunn, Lorne and Xander had found Wesley and now they were all cramped into Gunn's truck. Wesley at the window, then Xander, then Lorne, and a very pissed off Gunn driving.
"So, uh, Wesley...How have you been?" Xander asked nervously. He knew what Wesley had done, and needless to say he was a bit shocked and ticked off too. But Cordelia had explained that the ex-watcher was just trying to protect Angel's son, and Xander knew that when things got tough, you had to go with your gut feeling. He had to give Wesley some points for being able to go through with what he did. So had it not been for the complete silence and Cordelia's explaination, he wouldn't have even uttered a word.
"I've been better," Wesley muttered. He was confused when he found the Sunnydaler, along with Gunn and Lorne, outside his apartment, obviously waiting for him. Gunn roughly told him Angel wanted him back at the hotel. Wesley agreed, although a bit hesitant. Now he felt like he was suffocating from the tension.
"Me too," Xander replied casually. Suddenly Gunn stepped his foot on the brake and parked across the street from the hotel.
"Oh, look! We're here," Gunn turned off the ignition and quickly got out of the truck. Lorne followed in suit, giving an apologetic smile, leaving Xander and Wesley alone.
"I really messed up. God, they all hate me don't they?" Welsey asked in a soft whisper, which was mostly directed to himself. Xander sighed and patted the ex-watcher on the back.
"They don't hate you man. Well at least not everyone anyway..."Xander said trying to offer some form of comfort.
"What are you talking about?" Wesley asked with a bit of hope.
"Well you know that girl, Fred? Fred doesn't hate you. That guy Lorne, he knows what you've been through and he knows why you did what you did. Gunn...He doesn't hate you, but you aren't exactly his favorite person right now. And Cordelia..."
"Cordelia? Last time I talked to Cordelia she couldn't even look at me," Wesley laughed sadly.
"No, no she told me. She told me she understands why you did what you did, and even though things didn't turn out the right way, she knows you were just trying to do the right thing. Even Angel knows that, right now he's just focusing on getting his son back, but deep down I know he forgives you. Why do you think he wanted you back here? He wants you to help and he wants to try and fix things agian," Xander ended. 'Wow, never thought I'd be comforting Wesley' Xander thought to himself.
"As strange as it is coming from you, Xander...thank you. I really needed to hear that. Although, I must admit I would like to hear it from them myself," Xander nodded and reached over to open up the door.
"Well then, let's go inside and you can talk to everyone yourself," Wesley nodded back. Taking a deep breath he got out of the truck, Xander followed right behind him.
"Here goes nothing," He muttered, crossing the garden and walking into the hotel lobby.
* * *
"Scream for me one more time, Lilah? Come on baby, you know you want to," Angelus chuckled. He crouched down in front of the lawyer that was tied to her chair, a gag in her mouth, and various bruises and cuts going up and down her body.
"Mmmpphf," Lilah gave a painful and tired moan through the cloth shoved in her mouth. Her throat had gone hoarse a while a go, and she had no strength to even lift her head.
"Don't pass out on me now! It's only been a few hours! Come on!" Angelus grabbed her face between his hands and kissed her forehead. He slapped her awake again and got up to go around the desk. He grabbed a bottle of alcohol and came back to crouch down in front of her.
"Alright, enough of the games. I'm gonna ask you one more time and you better tell me the truth...Where is my son?" He yanked the gag out of her mouth, unscrewed the cap off the bottle and awaited her answer.
"I told you I don't know! How many times do I have to say that?" She yelled through clenched teeth.
"I think you're lying," Angelus smiled and poured the burning liquid into Lilah's cuts. She hissed and yelled out with pain.
"Where's my son again?" Angelus cocked his head to the side, waiting for her next answer.
"Fuck you!" Lilah screamed at him. Angelus laughed, shaking his head. He sighed and tipped the bottle over. Lilahs screams vibrated throughout the room.
"Tell me you bitch or I swear I'll kill you now!" Angelus went behind Lilah an pulled her arm back. He pulled back and head a loud pop.
"Gavin! Gavin! He wouldn't tell me anything, but I know he knows something! That's all I know. I swear to God!" Lilah pleaded trying to get him to stop inflicting the horrible pain on her.
"Good girl," Angelus released her arm and went back around to face her. He leaned forward and took Lilah's face between his hands. He kissed her tentively, slipping his tongue into her mouth. When she didn't pull away he was a little shocked but more so amused. He pulled away once he heard her moan in pleasure and chuckled when he saw her lower her head.
"God, you are such a slut you know that? I just spent the better part of the evening torturing you! I pushed you to the brink of death and then pulled you back again! I made you bleed! I made you suffer! And yet here you are, ready and waiting for me. I must say Miss Morgan, I never knew you had it in you. I had a suspicion you were into this sort of thing but I was never really sure. You seemed like too much of a tight ass to me," Angelus shook his head and laughed till his sides hurt. He let out a long sigh and smiled down at the lawyer.
"Thank you. I really needed that," Angelus grabbed Lilah by the back of her neck and made her stand up. Barely able to, she swayed from side to side.
"Come on. You're gonna take me to Gavin," Lilah struggled against his hold but ultimately gave up. 'Please, get me out of this!' she pleaded with who would ever listen to her silent prayer.
* * *
Buffy flinched every time she heard a sound come out of the office. Her and Spike had been waiting for at least a couple hours at the most. Since they first stepped outside, Buffy had heard screaming, loud crashes, laughing, and a drill. She felt nauseaus and wanted nothing more than to leave.
"Relax, Buffy. Everything's okay, alright? Peaches'll be out in a minute and we'll leave," Spike whispered to her.
"Maybe we should go in there and help. Maybe we should just..."
"No. Trust me on this! You really don't want to go in there right now," Spike said sitting down on the floor, leaning his head against the wall.
"That wasn't Angel, was it Spike?" Buffy asked quietly, sitting down next to the vampire.
"To tell you the truth Slayer, I'm not so sure..." Spike trailed off, as if lost in thought.
Suddenly the door flung open and out came Angel, holding Lilah up. Her head was down and her hair covered her face. She had one arm around Angel's shoulders, the other one lying limply at her side. His arms were around her waist, keeping her from falling.
"Come on. We're leaving," Angel said gruffly. Buffy and Spike looked at each other but followed.
"Where are we going?" Angel whispered to Lilah.
"Two floors down," Lilah said through clenched teeth.
"Now it's Angel," Spike whispered to Buffy who nodded mutely.
* * *
"Cordelia?" Fred knocked lightly on the kitchen door. She saw Cordelia hunched over the sink. Her hands clenching the edges. Once she heard Fred enter the room, she turned around sharply.
"Oh hey, Fred. You scared me!" Cordelia said to her friend.
"Are you okay? I mean of course you're not okay what with everything that's been going on but...I just meant, well...I saw the way you looked at Angel when he was with that, Buffy girl. Cordelia, believe me when I say you don't have anything to worry about," Fred said, offering a small smile.
"Pfft! What are you talking about?" Cordelia asked, trying to play it off.
"Angel loves you. We all know that. You were the only one that got through to him when he lost Connor. He needs you. Okay?" Fred asked timidly.
"Fred," Cordelia began.
"No! I won't hear it! You, Cordelia Chase, are going to march out there and help get Angel's son back. You are going to forget about Buffy and just focus on the task at hand. Do ya hear me?" Fred ask. Cordelia couldn't help but smile. Fred reminded her of Willow and her resolve face. The red-headed witch would be proud.
"You're right, Fred. God, I'm being stupid aren't I? I'm sorry. We have bigger things to worry about and here I am sulking over Little Miss-Look at me-Look at me," Fred raised an eyebrow at Cordelia's comment.
"That sounded a lot like resentment didn't it?" Fred nodded.
"Thought so." Cordelia said nodding back.
"Just came to let you all know that Wesley's back," Gunn said, entering the kitchen.
"What?!?" Came the reply. Cordelia and Fred quickly followed Gunn out of the kitchen.
"What's Wesley doing here?" Cordelia asked as the trio made their way down the hall to the lobby.
"Angel asked me to go get him," Gunn answered shortly.
"Angel? I thought he'd be the last person to even wanna hear the name Wesley," Fred asked confused.
"That's what I thought too. But he told me he wanted Wesley here to find out if he knew anything we didn't," Gunn stopped short of the lobby and pointed to Wesley who was sitting on the couch, looking very uncomfortable. When he looked up he caught Cordelia's eye.
"Hey, Wes," He heard Fred say quietly.
* * *
"How you holding up?" Angel asked Lilah as they landed on their floor.
"Now you care?" Lilah spit out at him. Angel closed his eyes and let out a sigh.
"Need you alive to get me to his office. After that you can drop dead for all I care," Angel pulled her out of the elevator roughly, ignoring Buffy's questioning glances and Spike's smirk.
"Now there's the evil, sadistic son of a bitch I know,"
"And love," Angel(us) added under his breath, loud enough for only Lilah to hear. She shuddered in disgust and tried to get out of his grip.
"Uh uh. Not until you get me to Gavin!" Lilah pushed him away and walked over to the third door to their left. She flung the doors open and yelled out to Gavin.
"Lilah? What the hell is going on? Do you how many people are after Angel right now?" Gavin asked the woman before him. He didn't even notice Angel and the others until he heard the vampire clear his throat.
"What are you doing here?" Gavin asked backing away from the vampire.
"Came for a little info. Which, by the way, you are going to graciously offer to me," Angel said giving a little half smile. Spike smirked at his grandsires attitude. 'Angelus trying to be a smartass again,' Spike thought to himself.
"Yes, I'm sure I will," Gavin answered sarcastically.
"Yeah, so am I. In fact, I'm so sure that I predict you will tell me whatever I ask of you and you will even escort me off the premises with no harm to me or my friends," Angelus got up in Gavin's face, staring him down.
"In your dreams, vampire. Only in your dreams," Gavin replied smugly. Angelus shook his head and shuffled his feet. Suddenly he reached out and got Gavin in a vice grip. He reduced the man to his knees and got his arms pinned behind his head.
"I must be dreaming," Angelus shouted into Gavin's ear. He looked up and saw Lilah inch her way to the door.
"Make sure she doesn't leave," He screamed at Buffy. She was a little shocked at the sudden command but quickly did as she was told.
"Lilah, right?" Buffy asked sweetly to the battered lawyer.
"Buffy. We met upstairs. I'm sure you remember. Although, the blood loss could have seriously messed with your head. Makes everything kinda hazy, doesn't it?" Buffy asked, scrunching her face at all the bruises and open wounds.
"Why don't we go sit over here. Have a little girly chat? Let the men do the hardwork?" Buffy watched as Lilah swayed from side to side. After a few seconds she finally succumbed to the darkness and fainted in the Slayer's arms.
"Thought so," Buffy grunted. She carried Lilah to a sofa in the corner and set her down easily. When she looked up she saw Spike and Angel(us) crouched down in front of Gavin, who was now sitting in a chair, apparently knocked out cold. She looked around and noticed the door had been barricaded with chairs and a desk. The blinds were drawn and the lights were low. 'Did all this just happen?' Buffy thought to herself.
"Good to see you again, GrandDaddy!" Spike replied with enthusiasm.
"Spike, my boy! It's been a long time," Angelus patted Spike on the back and ruffled his hair.
"Remind me to kill you when we're done, ok?" Angelus asked cheerfully. He looked back at Gavin and slapped him, trying to get him to wake up.
"Wait a minute. What are you talkin about?" Spike asked confused.
"Let's see," Angelus looked down in thought. He rubbed his chin and pondered for a moment.
"98, was it? Yeah, you sent me to hell!" Angelus growled, grabbing Spike by the collar.
"You can't possibly blame that on me! It was all the Slayer's fault!" Spike pushed Angelus away and pointed at Buffy, who was staring at the two with questioning eyes.
"Oh yeah, hey Buffy!" He looked over in Buffy's direction and winked at her. She shifted a little and looked around.
"Sure, she TECHNICALLY sent me to hell. But who betrayed my trust? Who went behind my back and helped the enemy? My own blood nonetheless!" Angelus shouted, smacking Spike upside the head.
"Hey! Watch the hair, Nancy Boy! And anyway, that's bullshit! How many times did you leave me to die?" Spike asked yelling back.
"That's irrelevant! That's in the past!" Angelus said shrugging.
"So. Is. This!"
"Hey, hey GUYS!" Both vampires looked at Buffy.
"I think we have company..." She trailed off, listening to the sound of someone trying to beat down the door.
"Aaahhh! This always happens," Angelus said under his breath. "Ok, fine! Gavin, wake up!" The lawyer's head swayed from side but he finally lifted it up.
"Tell me where my son is or I kill you now!" Angelus pulled out a knife from his coat and positioned it at Gavin's throat.
"It doesn't matter anyway," Gavin croaked out. "You're too late," Gavin gave a dry chuckle and looked Angelus right in the eye.
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Ritual going down, across town. Couldn't make it even if you tried," Gavin laid his head ont he back of the chiar and closed his eyes.
"Tell me everything! NOW!"
"Like I said. Ritual at the docks. It already started. There's nothing you can do about it!" Gavin coughed a little from the pressure on his neck.
"What kind of ritual?" Angelus growled out. He faintly heard the wood splintering and craking under the pressure from outside.
"The kind where your son is the sacrafice!" Gavin inhaled sharply when he felt the cool blade scrape is skin.
"Anything that happens to my son, I swear will happen to you. Only ten times worse!" He pressed the knife in a little closer and saw a drop of blood slide down Gavin's throat.
"Angel!" He heard Buffy scream and looked up quickly. There were guards all over, closing in on them.
"Oh, crap," He whispered to himself.
"Wait!" Lilah demanded. She stood on unsteady legs, smoothing her skirt down and brushing the hair from her eyes. The guards looked to the lawyer and made a move towards the trepassers, but she put her hand up and motioned for them to stop.
"Let them go!" She ordered them. Everyone seemed a bit shocked at this.
"But Miss Morgan!" Lilah silenced them and motioned for Angel, Buffy and Spike to follow him. They did with questioning glances. Gavin follwed, outraged and ordered the guards to stay closely behind.
"What are you doing?" Buffy asked confused.
"Oh, well I just think it should be fairly entertaining to see you all try to race against the clock," Lilah smiled smugly. Gavin heard what she said and smiled along with her.
They reached the lobby and walked to the front door.
"Sir, why let them go! We can get them now!" One of the guards said. They moved to block the trio but Gavin ordered them to step back.
"No, no. Listen to Miss Morgan's orders and leave. You don't and I'll let them kill you all," Gavin replied calmly. The guards stepped back, keeping their weapons close to them.
"I believe you have your information. Not that it matters. It's gonna be fun watching this destroy you," Gavin said with a smile.
"I wouldn't count on that," Angel growled. He rushed out and motioned for the others to do the same. Spike stopped and looked at Gavin. Without a blink, he made a fist, drew his arm back and knocked him out cold.
"That's my family you're messing with! I bid you farewell, boys," Spike waved to the guards and ran out of the building. Lilah watched them leave with a satisfied smile gracing her lips. She looked down at Gavin, then at the guards.
"Clean up this trash, boys!" Lilah nudged the unconcious Gavin with her foot. She gave a smirk and walked out of the building. God, she loved her job.
* * *
"Wes..."Cordelia muttered quietly.
"Fred, Cordelia," Wesley looked down at his feet.
"Hey Wesley. Long time no see," Willow said coming up to hug him. He flinched at her touch and was confused as to why she was greeting him like this. The fact that they were never really friends to begin aside...Hadn't she heard what he had done? Didn't anyone remember?
"Can we talk?" Cordelia asked quietly.
'And now she wants to talk?' He thought. 'What happened to "I can't even look at you?"'
"Now, please?" Wes nodded and followed her out to the garden.
"I'm sorry!" Cordelia blurted out without hesitation. The impact of her words confused the ex-watcher even more. He was speechless.
"Wes, I am so sorry. I'm sorry for the way I treated you. But you have to understand where I was coming from. I come home to find Angel suicidal, a baby I considered my own son GONE! AND I find out my best friend betrayed us all. All that aside, I acted out of spite and I should have listened to your side. I know that now! I'm so sorry!" Cordelia wrapped her arms around her friend and sobbed into his chest.
Wesley stood motionless. His arms were out but he wasn't returning Cordelia's embrace. He was in shock. Had he just been forgiven?
"Wes?" Cordelia pulled away and looked into his face.
"You're sorry? Cordelia, you...NONE of you have any reason to be sorry. What I did...I should have told someone but I was scared. I didn't think anybody would believe me and then I was afraid it would be too late! I'm sorry!" Wesley said grabbing her shoulders.
"No you..." Cordelia's eyes suddenly glazed over and she fainted.
"Cordelia!?!" Wesley tried to hold her up but sank down with her.
"Cordy!?!" Cordelia's eyes fluttered open and were quickly filled with tears.
"Oh god...Oh no! We need to go!" She tried to stand up but started to tilt off to the side. Wesley caught her and supported her by placing an arm around his shoulders.
"What is it?"
"Vision...It's Connor!" His eyes widened and he called out for the others.
They entered the lobby and were met with confused faces.
"What's wrong?" Dawn asked from her place next to Tara.
"The docks on the east side. We need to go...NOW!" Cordelia and Wesley rushed toward the weapons cabinet and began pulling out axes and swords.
"Yo, Barbie! What's going on?" Gunn rushed to their side, packing the weapons.
"I saw a ritual going down...I saw Connor. Come on! Everybody!" Cordelia flung the bag over her shoulder and marched out of the hotel.
Everyone stood around and looked at each other.
"Anyone else remember Cordelia being so 'Take charge'?" Xander asked.
Willow and Dawn shook their heads no.
"Just checking..."
"We need to leave!" Wesley gathered the rest of the supplies and rushed out also.
"Here we go," Fred whispered.
* * *
"Angel! What is going on?!?" Buffy clutched the side of the car door as Angel broke all the traffic laws imaginable.
"I need to get there!," Angel set his eyes straight ahead and didn't look anywhere else.
"It's okay," Spike rubbed Buffy's arm and tried to offer some comfort.
"Don't you fucking kill us," Spike whispered to Angel. His grandsire paid no attention, this only caused him to go faster.
"I need to get there..."
* * *
"Begin the chant," Figures wrapped in hooded cloaks walked around an altar set up in an old abandoned fish house. The smell of blood and salt penetrated the air. The only sounds heard was the low droning of the chanting and the crying of a small infant in the middle of it all.
"Come forth. Emerge. Reveal thy true form. Come forth. Emerge. Reveal thy true form. Transform. Bring about the Destroyer. Bring about the Destroyer. Bring about the Destroyer..."
* * *
"We need to get there!" Cordelia shouted.
"Cordelia, we will!" Willow rubbed her arm and tried to calm her down.
"Gunn's driving as fast as he can," Tara said softly.
"Don't worry...we'll get there!" Dawn replied nervously.
"If we don't get there in time..."
"We will, Browneyes!" Lorne replied. "We have to!"
"Just because we have to...that doesn't mean we will!"
"Cordelia..."
"JUST...Just get us there!" She screamed. Everyone fell silent.
* * *
Both sets of groups screeched in front of the warehouse at the exact same time.
"Angel?" Cordelia rushed out of the car and into Angel's arms.
"Cordy? What are you doing here?" Angel asked confused.
"I had a vision!"
"Are we just gonna rush in or what?" Buffy asked emerging with Spike at her side.
"We take all sides. Gunn, Wes, Cor...Come on!"
"Can you stay out here? Maybe help us out with a little spell?" Cordelia asked the group still in Gunn's truck.
"Yeah, we got it!" Willow and Tara began a chant, Fred and Dawn follwed their lead. Lorne watched the other group leave. He offered up a silent prayer and threat to the Powers.
"Let's go!" Angel led the way, sneaking into the wherehouse.
* * *
They made their way into the storage house and watched the scene before them.
"Who are they?" Gunn asked, motioning toward the hooded cloaks.
"I couldn't tell from my vision...They were saying something. Uhhh!" Cordelia tried to remember but to no avail.
"I don't see Connor anywhere," Angel searched frantically for his son, but couldn't see him anywhere.
"I saw him. He wasn't hurt or anything...They were chanting...God, What did they say?!?" Cordelia whispered sharply.
"Are you sure you saw him?" Buffy asked.
"My visions never lie," Cordy breathed out heavily.
"I don't understand. I don't see him either," Wesley said trying to look around.
"We need to make a move people. We can't stay here all night!" Spike said, preparing to move.
"He's right, dawg. We need to move," Gunn gripped his axe.
"On my count," Everyone's breath hitched in their throats.
"One..." Their hearts pounded in their chests. The sound pounded in the vampires ears.
"Two..." Their blood raced. The vampire's mouths watered a bit.
"Three..." All six of them sprung into battle. The figures immediately stopped and began another chant of their own. A force field surrounded them, pushing the intruders away.
"Angel!" Cordelia screamed.
"I know!" He screamed back.
As hard as they tried, nothing broke down the invisble barrier.
"No!" Angel grunted as he pounded on it as hard as he could.
A bright light illuminated from the top. It threw the group away from the force field.
"Ow!" Buffy said trying to sit up. Cordelia sat up as well, rubbing her head.
"Angel? Angel? Look!" Cordelia pointed toward the center of the circle. The vampire sat up and looked. The light had faded and the cloaks had dropped to the floor, as if nothing or no one had worn them before. Squinting his eyes, Angel made out a form.
"Hi dad," Connor aimed a makeshift crossbow, taking a fighting stance.
All eyes turned to Angel.
End.