Title: What's the Difference Between Me and You?
Author: AngelBaby
Posted: 04-12-2003
Email:
Rating: PG-13 language
Category:
Content:
Summary:
Spoilers:
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution:
Notes: I don't know if anyone remembers this story. I'm sure there are a few of you out there. I was on again, off again with the posting and I got too busy to finish it. I recently abandoned it. But try as I might...I just couldn't do it.
So, here I am again. I am determined to finish this story. (formerly Angel/Angelus, what's the difference?) I started it, might as well keep going right?
Truth is, I did and do enjoy writing this story. It's the longest one I've ever written so far. It's just fun to write. I really enjoy writing Angelus, cause you know he's just overall an interesting character to write for. And I like the plot, so I promise you I do plan to finish it.
This is a new revised version. So if you read it before, a few things might have changed. Some things were added, some things were removed. Nothing too drastic though. It just needed a little cleaning up in my opinion. And if you haven't read it before then I hope you do enjoy it.
Originally this was a challenge I posted way back when, but no one took it so I just decided to do it on my own since I really wanted to see this story done.
Challenge: Alright, here's a little run down.
*Early Season 3. Back in the good old days.
*Something goes haywire and Angel & Angelus end up seperating into two seperate people. Good twin, Bad twin type of deal.
*Up to you how they serperate. W&H, a spell gone wrong, a demon, etc.
*Somehow, again up to you, Angelus can't hurt anyone. Not even a fly. Think Spike with a chip. He tries to hurt anyone, he gets a pain like no other. Which of course he will discover immediately. He can still think evily, but he doesn't have to turn all Angel on us. Where would the fun be in that?
*While Angel isn't exactly comfortable with his demon hanging around he doesn't exactly want to kill him. Like Willow and Vamp Willow.
Must haves:
*A training session between A/C.
*The line "I would if I could but I can't so I won't". Umm...Don't ask
*Angelus showing an interest in Cordelia.
*Angel showing a dislike in Angelus showing an interest in Cordelia.(Did you get that?)
*Angel admitting his feelings for Cordelia. Cause that's always fun.
*Angel and Angelus fighting, teasing each other, etc.
Optional:
*Connor
*The Scoobies, a scoobie.
*Lorne & Caritas
*a vision
Everything in italics is what Angelus is thinking.
Feedback: Yes Please!Part 5
The ride to the Hyperion had been a quiet one. Cordelia sat up front in the driver's seat with Gunn and Fred in the back with Connor in the middle. The whole way, Cordelia had clutched the steering wheel with one hand and rubbed her temples with the other, leaning her elbow on the car door. Gunn had offered to drive but she said she was fine and left it at that.
After what had seemed like an eternity they finally arrived at the hotel. Cordelia turned into the parking garage and turned off the ignition. Gunn and Fred began unbuckling themselves and Connor. Cordelia paused for a moment then turned around to face her friends in the back seat.
"Okay you guys, game plan!" Fred and Gunn raised their head to meet the brunettes gaze. "Fred, when we get in there I want you to take the baby upstairs to your room and lock the door, okay?" When Fred nodded she looked towards Gunn.
"Gunn, I want you to stay upstairs with her. If anything should happen, I need you there to protect them. Please?" She asked.
"You know I will," He said with a nod of his head.
"Okay, let's go," Cordelia grabbed Connor's things and walked ahead. Gunn grabbed the infant and leaned down towards Fred.
"Is it just me or is she suddenly allergic to baby?" Gunn asked whispering into her ear.
"I know. I tried to talk to her about it but-"
"You guys coming?" They looked up to see Cordelia looking at them with raised eyebrows.
"Yeah!" They replied in unison. Cordelia turned around and continued to make her way through the garden into the lobby of the vast hotel. She stopped abruptly, almost causing Fred and Gunn who were coming in tow to crash into to her. She listened and watched the argument taking place.
"Why don't you help?" Angel asked slightly annoyed.
"I WAS helping. I helped a lot. And you know what? I haven't found SHIT! I'm sick of this AND I'm tired AND I'm still covered in this crap that I really really hope is demon goo!" Angelus yelled at him pacing in the lobby.
"STOP complaining!"
"Don't tell me what to do, Geraldo," Angelus said, stopping his pacing, remembering the name the AI team had given him. Angel just stared at him with narrowed eyes.
"What? What did you just call me?" Angel asked getting up in his twin's face.
"Oh, I think you heard me...Geraldo," Angelus retorted in a deep, low voice. He leaned in a bit further staring his opponent in the eye.
"Just shut up," Angel said under his breath. He pulled himself away from Angelus' gaze and began to walk back into the office but Angelus stopped him.
Cordelia just looked on, not really believing what she was seeing.
"Fred, Gunn? Go upstairs," Cordelia said. They went up the stairs, unnoticed by the two vampires. Cordelia remained where she was.
"I thought I told you not to tell me what to do," Angelus said menacingly.
"What are you gonna do about it?" Angel asked, spreading his arms out and taking a step back.
"It'll be worth the pain," Angelus said Advancing on Angel.
"Both of you stop! You're both acting like children. Be civil for goodness sakes! Act your age...Well act grown up anyway!" Wesley shouted at the both of them. He sighed, taking off his glasses for the millionth time. Shaking his head he noticed a figure in the corner.
"Oh! Hello Cordelia!" Wesley said. Angel and Angelus whipped their heads around to see her descend the small steps.
"Where are Fred and Gunn?" Wesley asked her.
"They're upstairs with Connor" She responded, not taking her eyes off of the two vampires.
"How long have you been there?" Both Angel and Angelus asked simutaneously. They narrowed their eyes at each other.
"Long enough," She said eyeing them both.
"Angel? Can I talk to you?" She asked. She walked up to him and grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him into Wesley's office. Angelus just watched them go. The action didn't go unnoticed by the ex-watcher.
"What?!?" Angelus shouted, annoyed at being started at.
"Umm, I was just...Nothing!" Wesley buried himself in the book in his hands.
"That's what I thought!" Angelus whispered to himself. With one last glance at the office door he headed up the stairs, shedding the sports coat as he went.
***
"Angel? I don't know if I can do this. I mean, it's just too weird," Cordelia said putting a hand on her forehead, the other on her hip. Angel watched as she began pacing the length of the office. He sat down on the desk nodding his head.
"I know. I'm still having trouble with it," Cordelia stopped in fron of him, hugging herself.
"And you said he can't hurt anybody. Right?"
"Yeah. He can't hurt anybody."
"You're sure?"
"Cor, do you trust me?" Angel asked putting his hand on her shoulders and looking her into her eyes.
"Well, yeah! With my life!" She answered immediately.
"Then I need you to trust me on this. It's gonna take some getting used to. But we'll get through this. Okay?" He asked sitting back down on the desk. He held on to her arms, unwrapping them and rubbing them for comfort. She nodded, looking at the floor.
"Thank you!"
"For what?" He asked, searching her face for answers.
"For doing that THING you just did! For making everything better-Well, not exactly better. But you know what I mean! If you weren't here...I don't think I would survive all the drama we go through day, after day, after day...You get the picture!" Cordelia ended with a laugh, suddenly interested in her shoes. Angel lifted her chin as he stood up, inches away from her face.
"I'm always here to help," He whispered. His gaze switched from her lips to her eyes. 'God, I just want-'
"And you are...Very helpful, I mean!" Cordelia breathed out, her vision matching his.
"Well, you know if you ever need any...thing," Their faces inched closer. Cordelia's breath coming in short, shallow intakes.
"Can you two look through these?" Wesley asked the pair as he came into the office, carrying a stack of research books that had been obstructing his view from the two. They broke apart, straightening themselves as though they were two teenagers who had been caught.
"Uhh, yeah! Sure, Wes!" Cordelia said with a little disappointment in her voice. She let out a sigh as she walked out, grabbing books off the top of Wesley's stack. Angel silently watched her leave.
"Angel? Will you please look through these?" Wesley asked, handing him a few books.
"Yeah," He said, going out into the lobby. There he found Cordelia sitting on the floor. Books already scattered everywhere. Wesley followed, noticing how the vampire sat rather closely to the girl.
"Hey," She said with a small smile.
"Where's Angelus?" Wesley asked, interrupting again.
"He's-" Angel scanned the lobby, not seeing or sensing his other half nearby. Cordelia stretched her neck out looking around and not seeing him either.
"Fred and Gunn are upstairs with the baby," Cordelia said in a whisper. They all shared a look.
Angel got up and ran up the stairs with the seer and the watcher not far behind.
"FRED...GUNN?!?" Angel shouted as he neared the door. He tried the door knob but it was locked.
"GUYS, OPEN THE DOOR!" Cordelia screamed as she started to pound on the door.
"Stand back!" Angel ordered. Wesley pulled Cordelia back as Angel prepared to ram the door with his shoulder.
Just then they heard Angel's bedroom door open.
"Alright, where's the fuckin' fire?!?" Angelus asked stepping out. Clad only in a towel and dripping wet. All heads whipped around to the owner of the voice. Cordelia eyes roamed up and down, noticing how the towel hung on his hips.
"What's wrong?" Fred asked, coming out into the hallway with Gunn right behind her holding an axe.
"Nothing Fred. You can go back inside," Cordelia said pushing her back in.
"Are you-" The rest was cut off by the brunette closing the door.
"Hey! That wasn't cool!" She heard Gunn call out. But they remained inside.
"Again I ask...What the hell is going on out here?" Angelus asked, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.
"You, ummm, weren't downstairs?" Cordelia provided with a shrug.
"Oh hey gorgeous! How sweet of you to miss me, really. But I assure you I'm fine," He said as he stepped closer to her. Angel stiffened. Cordelia hesitated a bit but stood her ground. Wesley watched on, not sure of what to do.
"Pfft. Please!" She said, rolling her eyes at him.
"Well, since you asked nicely," He walked closer but Angel blocked him.
"Angel?" Cordelia tried to get his attention, putting her hand on his shoulder.
"What the hell were you doing in my room?" Angel asked with anger that was evident in his voice.
"Angel?" But he didn't respond. Wesley looked on and decided she needed to get away.
"Come on, Cordelia. Let's go," He pulled her into Fred's room. She watched on as she let her friend pull her away. The vampires vaguely heard the door close.
"My own redition of a one-man 'West Side Story'. Yeah, I was just about to sing 'I Feel Pretty' when you interrupted me...What do you think I was doing?" He asked with a roll of his eyes.
"Why don't you stop being a jackass for a second?"
"Would you relax and cut the momma bear routine-"
"What momma bear routine?"
"What? You didn't come up here looking for your lost cub?"
"Shut up!"
"I told you not to tell me what to do," Angel looked away but didn't resond. Angelus leaned back against the wall.
"Look, I was up here gettin a shower. Do you know how hard it is to get demon remains out of your ears?"
"Yeah, actually I do!"
"Anyway, I was just up here getting cleaned up when you decided to come stomping up the stairs, banging on doors and screaming like a crazy person. That was not nice by the way!"
"Whatever!" 'I've been hanging around Cordelia too much' Angel thought.
"Have you found anything yet?"
"Why don't you help with the looking?"
"Oh,were gonna start that again?"
"Start what again?"
Just then Wesley exited the room with Gunn and Fred in tow, Connor in her arms. Cordelia came out last, not looking at the duo.
"Where are you going?" Angel asked, stopping her.
"To research. You know, what we should be doing!" Cordelia informed them, turning on her heel, following the others.
"What did we do?" They asked simultaneously.
Angel noticed the way Angelus cocked his head to the side as he watched Cordelia leave.
"Hey!" Angelus protested, looking at his twin that had just finished smacking him upside the head. Angel just eyed him.
"You don't trust me. I get that. With good reason, but there's gotta be a way we can work around this. Maybe make a deal?"
"There is. You stay in the hotel at all times with someone watching you," Angel stated.
"Or not. Listen, we're bonded right? Mentally and physically?"
"Yeah, I guess,"
"What do you mean you guess? You left me here alone with Wesley and I didn't even give him a scratch. I think that alone proves it,"
"I don't know-" Angelus then proceeded to pinch his own arm.
"Oww," Angel said, rubbing his arm.
"That's deal enough for you. You'll know if I'm trying to hurt anyone or vice versa. You know me and you know I can't stay here. Just let me kill something. I don't care, a vampire, anything. I just need to get out of here," Angelus said exasperated.
"Fine. We go at sundown," They shook hands.
"Fine by me. But for now, I should probably-" He gestured to his lack of clothing. "Yeah!" He retreated back to the room. "I think I'm gonna get a little sleep too. I suggest you do the same. I said it before, I'll say it again. You look like crap!" And with that he shut the door behind him.
"Thanks for the honesty!"
"Your welcome," Came the muffled reply.
"I think I just made a deal with the devil," Angel looked at the door once more before leaving to go down to the lobby.
Part 6
About three hours later Angelus descended the stairs looking around at the lobby before him. Books, plates of food, scrolls and baby toys were strewn about everwhere. Wesley was in his office with Angel and Gunn, discussing the research they had found so far. Fred was playing with Connor who was bouncing on her lap.
And Cordelia?
Angelus looked over to the counter to see Cordelia on her tip toes, leaning over the top to retrieve a book that was just out of her reach. As she reached further, the hem of her skirt began to ride up the back of her thighs. He enjoyed his view a little longer then looked around to see if his soulful twin noticed his presence. Making sure he didn't, Angelus walked up behind Cordelia. He put his hands on her hips then pressed his own into her back side. She immediately froze.
"Hello, beautiful," He said leanding down towards her ear. Giving her a seductive, low tone. Cordelia whipped around and as hard as she could, punched him across the jaw. This caught him off guard and sent him spawling to the floor landing hard.
"Asshole," She said in a venomous tone then proceeded to stomp into Wesley's ofice, slamming the door behind her. Fred looked up quickly, eyeing Angelus that had landed a few feet away from her.
"What the hell is going on out here? What did you do?" Angel asked, coming out of the office, holding his jaw.
"Me? Nothing. But I gotta tell ya, I think Cordy needs anger managment classes" Angelus said standing up also holding his jaw.
"I'm gonna tell you this once, and only once. Leave Cordelia, Connor and everyone else, alone. Do you hear me?"
"Yes, Father," Angelus said in his old Irish accent. Angel just stared at him a few minutes then walked towards the basement.
"Are you ready?"
"And here I thought we weren't going till sun down."
"Yeah well, we're going now...Fred?"
"Yeah Angel?" Fred asked, looking up at her friend. Angel came over and tickled Connor.
"We'll be back later, k?" He asked crouching down next to her.
"Ok," Angel nodded then headed to the basement towards the sewers with Angelus in tow.
The two vamps moved down into the tunnels, their senses on high alert.
"That was very terminator of you."
"What was?" Angel asked confused.
"That whole 'We'll be back'" Angelus said, giving his best impersonation of Arnold.
"Right!"
"Would you please loosen up? Geez! Just cause you are dead, doesn't mean you have to act like it."
"I'm sorry! I don't feel like going out and killing anybody." Angel said sarcastically.
"Kill a few hundred people, never live it down!"
"Something like that," Angel said avoiding his twins gaze.
"Hey! You and I both know it wasn't like that ALL the time. We had some good times with Spike, Drusilla, and hell even Darla! Don't even try to deny that."
"I'm not. I just-" Angel said trying to explain. He began to remember the times they had. But everytime he did, all he could see were the faces of all his victims.
"Wait! Stop!" Angel looked at the annoyed vampire.
"What?"
"Stop with the brooding. It's really irritating! 'Woe is me, I killed many. Look at me, I killed a lot'. You really need to stop taking credit for my work."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Angels asked, again confused.
"Don't you get it? You didn't kill anybody! That was me you dumbass. I don't get why you feel guilty about some shit you didn't even do. Care to explain it to me?" Angelus stopped, crossing his arms looking Angel in the eye.
"I...ummm, Well I mean, umm"
"Thought so. Look, seeing as how you can get a happy,whaddya say we go get a couple hookers and a round of shots?"
"What?!?"
"Kidding, kidding...Sorta," He added under his breath. "Like I said, loosen up."
"Seriously, though...Stop the brooding. I take full responsibility for my actions, alright?"
"Yeah, yeah," Angel had actually felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. There were still pangs of guilt that he could not get rid of but his demon actually taking fault for his actions was something he needed to hear.
"These tunnels are dead. We should take a different route."
"Yeah lets go," So the two turned in another direction. Heading on in silence.
***
The Hyperion
"Come on Connor. Can you say Cordy? Cor-dee?" Cordelia asked the child in a goofy baby voice. Connor just looked up at her with a look of amusement on his face. He tucked the blanket around him and tickled his chin. He thrashed around playfully in his stroller letting out small giggles.
"Cordelia, he's only a few months old!" Fred said giggling a bit.
"I know. But I can hope, can't I?" She replyed with a grin. Just then Angel and Angelus entered the lobby.
"No, you remember that group of vampires from Barcelona? The one's that challenged Spike and I to a drinking contest?"
"Yeah?"
"I know you remember that girl, Veronica," Angelus chuckled a bit.
"Oh yeah! The one that could do that thing with her-" Angel was interrupted by Cordelia clearing her throat.
"Angel?" Cordelia said, nodding her head towards him with a sweet smile, then turning to Angelus, frowning.
"Satan!" She deadpanned.
"Cordy," He said with the perkiness and smile she had given Angel. She just narrowed her eyes at him.
"Cor, have you guys found anything?" Angel asked, stepping between the two.
"Wes said he may have found somethig. He wanted you to see him when you came back," She informed going back over to Connor.
"Thanks," He said, walking past her, giving her shoulder a squeeze.
Angelus walked up to the stroller and began to talk to Connor.
"Hey little man! How's my son doing?-" But before he could finish Cordelia blocked his vision.
"Fred? Take Connor upstairs, will you?" She nodded and picked the baby up heading for her room.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Angelus asked her a little mad.
"I was about to ask you the same thing!"
"I was talking to my son. Your turn!"
"Number one, he is not YOUR son! He's Angel's son. Number two, I was keeping him away from you!"
"He is as much my son as he is Angel's!" Cordelia shook her head.
"I'm in for the well being of that child! And cold blooded killer? Well, that just doesn't fit under that category," She said, giving him a onceover then heading up the stairs. Angelus growled then went to follow her.
"You're one to talk!" He said without thinking.
"What's that supposed to mean?" She asked, turning around slowly to face him.
"You think I forgot all about your little vision episode earlier? If I recall correctly, you're not exactly the poster girl for child welfare either!"
"You asshole," She muttered with hate. Tears stung her eyes but they didn't fall. She quickly turned back around and kept on walking.
"Shit!" He whispered to himself. "Wait! Cordelia, I'm sorry! We need to talk," He said trying to get her to stop.
"Don't think so!" Cordelia kept on walking. Not knowing what else to do, Angelus grabbed her arm and pulled her into a vancant room.
"Hey! Let me go!" He moved her away from the door and blocked it with his body.
"Not until we talk!" She reached for the handel but he wouldn't move.
"What makes you think I want to talk to you? Especially after what you JUST said?"
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean that!"
"Let me go!"
"No! Not yet!"
"I'm gonna scream!"
"*Sigh* If it makes you feel any better, I asked Angel first and he agreed. We need to talk. Work something out."
"It really doesn't."
"Doesn't what?"
"Make me feel better."
"Cordelia, I'm asking nicely and I suggest you take advantage of that while you can. Please, talk to me?" Cordelia saw the sincerity in his eyes, and heard it in his voice. A little skeptical, but also curious, she agreed.
"Fine, what do you want to talk about? Hmmm? Old times back at Sunnydale?"
"I'm really never gonna live that down, am I?"
"No, I guess not. But that's just my opinion. Maybe we should give, oh I don't know! BUFFY a call and ask her?"
"Will you stop acting like a bitch for JUST a second?" He said rubbing his temples.
"Oh yeah. That's nice! That's really going to win me over!" She retorted.
"Hey! I tried being nice and polite about it, but you didn't want to go the easy way. You chose the hard."
"What do you expect from me? Do you think I don't remember all the crap you pulled in SunnyHell? You terroized me, my friends. Stalked Buffy. Killed half the population. Murdered Jenny Calendar. And you think it's gonna be all hugs and kisses? I don't think so!" She went to th door again but he stepped in front and wouldn't let her through.
"I'm sorry! Alright?!? I'm SORRY! I don't know WHY! But I am! What else do you want? I can't change back time. What's done is done. There's nothing I can do about that. All I can do is say I'M SORRY! Look, you're stuck with me until we can figure this out, and for that I'm sorry too," He said with actual sincerity that surprised her.
"Then I guess,I'm sorry will have to do" She whispered. She moved past him, this time he didn't stop her.
***
Downstairs
"Wes? Cordy told me you found something" Angel said going in the office.
"Ahh yes! Umm, just a moment. Well you were right about the scratch. We don't need to worry about that, but the seperation of you and Angelus is harder to figure out. I'm not exactly sure how to reverse it. I may have found some ingredients that are included in a few spells we can try."
"Whatever you can find! We'll try it." Angel said with a sigh, sitting down and rubbing his eyes.
"Are you alright?" Wesley asked with concern.
"Yeah, just I've been feeling more tired, worn out, less energy. You know?" Angel said leaning back.
"No doubt from the lack of sleep and the separation. Go get some rest."
"Wes-" Angel began.
"Everything will be fine. And if anything happens we can always wake you. Now go."
"I don't know, Wesley!"
"Nonsense. As your boss I ordered you to go sleep."
"Right, I'll go do that," Angel said getting up and walking toward his room. Wesley sat back down and continued to research.
"Send Cordelia and Fred out here as well!" He shouted after his friend.
Angel nodded then ascended the stairs. When he made it to the top, he saw Cordelia walking down the hall, looking a little withdrawn, lost in thought.
"Cordy?" She turned around and put on a small smile.
"Hey!"
"Wes wanted me to tell you he wants you and Fred downstairs. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine! Where are you going?"
"To get some sleep."
"You mind if I join you?"
"What?"
"I don't think I could make it back to my apartment if I tried, and I don't wanna be by myself right now. Please?" She asked laying her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes.
"Why not?"
"Thank you. I love you, you know that right?"
"I do now."
"Let me go tell Fred Wes wants her really quick."
"Okay," He replied, making his way to his bedroom.
Cordelia was making her way to Fred's room when she slammed into Angelus. They both fell to the floor with him on top of her.
"What the hell is wrong with you! Get off of me!" Angelus looked down at the girl pounding on his chest. He grabbed both her wrists and pulled her up with him.
"Why don't YOU watch where YOU'RE going!" He growled into her face. She struggled but sat up, her wrists still bound by his hands. He kneeled in front of her, narrowing his eyes.
"Watch where I'M going. YOU crashed into ME!" She spat back.
"I'm getting a little sick and tired of your attitude towards me little girl!" He pulled her closer. He could feel her breath on his lips.
"Next time watch where YOU'RE going!"
He pushed her back down. Cordelia fell back on her elbows. Her legs got tangled with his when he tried to get back up, causing him to tumble back down.
"Ow!" He fell back on top of her.
"Oof! Son of a-" Their lips accidentally crashed together. They seperated quickly, staring wide eyed at each other.'Deja Vu' she thought. Before she could push Angelus off of her and rush back to Fred or Angel, he leaned back in. Surprising herself and the vampire on top of her she didn't refuse. He hesitated for a second but proceeded to kiss her softly.
A figure stood wide eyed watching them.
Part 7
Cordelia laid motionless underneath Angelus as his mouth molded over hers. She remained frozen, not really sure of what was going on. He continued to kiss her with an intensity she wasn't sure she could match. Inhibition taking over, she responded to his kiss, her eyes slipping closed just as his had done. Their tongues met. The pace began to quicken as did her heartbeat. Hot breath filled his lungs and he couldn't get enough. He moaned into her mouth, his hips lowering until they were cradled between her thighs. She moaned back, and wove her hands behind his head raking her nails down his back. 'Oh god...OH GOD!' Suddenly it hit Cordelia like a ton of bricks. 'I'm kissing Angelus!'
"Angelus!" She gasped out once she could rip her lips away from his.
"Mmm, yeah baby?" He nuzzled her neck then lowered his lips to her again.
"OH! Eeewww! Get OFF of me!" She pushed then scurried out from under him, getting to her feet as quickly as possible.
Fred stood by confused. She didn't know if she was going to have to stop them herself or go get help. Although, it hadn't really appeared as if her friend needed help. Maybe with the breathing that was quickly becoming an issue. She looked on and saw them stop.
Cordelia looked up wide-eyed, unable to form words. She had just had one hell of a kiss with the Angelus. The Scourge of Europe. ANGEL'S DEMON! Angelus sat back and looked down at the surprised brunette with a heated gaze. He cocked his head to the side with a scowl on his features.
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING?"
"WHAT THE FU-mmphf!" Cordelia had been screaming at the top of her lungs but was stopped short by Angelus' hand going to her mouth.
"You want SoulBoy to come out here and ask us what we were doing?" He asked just above a whisper. Cordelia shook her head in response.
"Then shut up! Come on," He pulled her up and pushed her into another room, locking the door behind him. Fred watched them go wit concern. 'Cordelia will be okay! He can't hurt anyone...Right?' Fred went back to her room, praying that her friend would make it out safely.
"What the hell were you thinking?" Cordelia asked once inside, careful to be as quiet as possible.
"Excuse me?" He asked a bit confused.
"Why did you kiss me?"
"Well, I don't know. Why did you kiss me?" He said, a bit to smugly for her liking.
"I-I-I-" Angelus faked a yawn at her stuttering.
"I'm waiting."
"I-I didn't. I DID NOT KISS YOU!"
"Are you trying to convince me, or yourself?"
"I did not kiss you dammit!" She said, stepping up to him looking into his eyes.
"Yeah? Cause that's not what it felt like. And I believe I heard a very audible moan, miss Chase," He said, advancing on her.
"You know what? I don't really care what you THINK you felt or heard. Whatever it was, it never happens again. Ever!"
"Where do you think you're going?" He asked her as she began to walk to the door. She turned around when she reached it.
"The hell away from you."
"We've danced to this song before, Cordelia. It's getting kinda old, don'tcha think?"
"What?" She asked, not understanding the comparison.
"Come on, we both know how this story ends. You storm out, all dramatic, we somehow bump into each other again and the vicious cycle continues. You give me hot, then you give me cold. I gotta say, I enjoy a woman who plays hard to get just as much as the next demon...But I really don't have the time or the energy. Why don't we just skip all that and finish what we started?"
"I'm thinking...NOT!" She said venomously, opening the door.
"You know you want to! You've been waiting to. Don't think I don't know what's going through your pretty little head. You've been wanting to jump Angel's bones since Sunnydale. But oh! No, no, no you couldn't because of his precious little soul!" He closed the door and pinned her up against it. "You were so afraid of letting the big bad out and look at how that turned out!" He said chuckling a bit. He put both hands on either side of her head and leaned in. Cordelia instintivly tried to back up but couldn't any more.
"Ever hear of a personal bubble?" She whispered, turning her head away exposing her neck. Angelus licked his lips.
"Oh yeah! I can't tell you how badly I want to pop yours," He whispered in her ear. A shudder ran dowm Cordelia's spine. Bringing her arms up she put her hands on his chest. He looked down then up at her eyes. She smiled then proceeded to give him a good hard shove. He staggered back a few paces, giving her room to open the door.
"I hate you!" She muttered, turning back to face him.
"Ooh! You got me right there!" He said sarcastically, putting a hand to his heart. "That's too bad, Cor. I was beginning to think I was falling in love with you," He said in a harsh tone. Cordelia paused for a moment, closing her eyes, running his words through her head. Then walked out making sure she slammed the door behind her. Angelus slumped down into a near by chair, crouched foward and covered his eyes. 'What IS wrong with me?'
"Oh yeah...Cordelia Chase!" He replied to the empty room.
***
Cordelia walked briskly down the hall, intent on going home and washing her mouth out with soap. 'Or vodka, whatever'. She stopped abruptly, hitting herself on the head.
"Angel!" She let out a long sigh, walking back.
Cordelia made her way into her best friend's bedroom, looking towards the bed where he was fast asleep.
"Looks like you didn't make it," She walked over to the bed with a small smile and leaned down.
"I'm sorry," She whispered, giving him a soft kiss on the cheek. He stirred a bit, but never opened his eyes. She continued to look down at him for a moment longer. 'He really does look like an angel', she mused.
Cordelia walked towards the door opening it. Looking back once more she gave a sad smile, then walked out closing the door quietly.
Making her way down the hall once more, she was pulled into yet another room.
“What is WITH you and pulling me into rooms today? HUH? I thought I told you-” Cordelia stopped once she realized who she was screaming at.
“Cordelia?”
“OH! Fred! I’m sorry, I thought you were…Well, anyway! Did you need something?”
"Can we talk?" Asked Fred timidly.
“About what?”
***Downstairs
Wesley and Gunn remained downstairs, reviewing passage after passage.
“I found another one. But it doesn’t look that good!” Gunn said, handing the book over to Wesley, pointing out a spell.
“What is it?”
“I dunno. A spell. Something about joining bodies. But I got a feeling it’s gonna be more dirty then helpful!”
“You’d be right. This one…isn’t exactly the type of spell we need.”
“Figures!” The pair continued to search on in silence. Gunn tapped his pen against the desk. He became fidgety and couldn’t take it anymore.
“Hey, Wes? Ain't the girls supposed to be down here?" The street kid asked, looking up from his book.
"Hmmm?" Wesley asked preoccupied.
"Nevermind, man," Gunn told him, getting up. “If I gotta suffer through this, then they gotta suffer too!” He muttered as he went to retrieve the two girls.
***
"Fred, what's going on?" Cordelia asked a little worried.
"Okay, umm...See, I was walking down the hall to find you cause Connor was crying and I know only you can settle him down so I figured...Umm," Fred tried to explain, stumbling over her words.
"Fred, spit it out!" Cordelia said a bit annoyed at her friend’s stalling.
"Okay, umm…Isawyou!" Cordelia just lifted an eyebrow in response.
"I saw you…And Angelus," Fred finished. She played with her hands a bit, looking down.
"You did?" Fred nodded.
"Oh my god! Fred, it's not what you think!" She said hurriedly, shaking her head.
"You weren’t making out with Angelus out in the hallway earlier?"
"Okay, maybe it is what you think…I mean, it’s what you saw, but it didn’t happen for the reasons you‘re thinking about. It was…an accident?" She said smiling, trying to pass it off.
Gunn stood outside speechless. 'Cordelia kissed Angelus? Why? What the hell was she thinking?' He thought to himself. Gunn leaned against the door a little more, trying to hear better. The door gave way and caused him to tumble into the room to find two very shocked girls.
"Gunn?!?" They both shrieked simultaneously.
"Man, you see that happening in the movies and on TV but you never think it's gonna happen to you!" Gunn stated, standing up and dusting himself off.
"How long have you been there?" Cordelia asked worriedly.
"Long enough to know you've been locking lips with Angel's evil twin," He informed her, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You guys, it isn't what you think it was! Yes, I kissed him but I also stopped the kiss and made it perfectly clear that it would never EVER happen again! Ok?" Fred and Gunn looked at each other then slowly nodded.
"Look, you can't mention this to anyone. Especially Angel! God knows what he would do if he found out."
Outside a very shocked Angel backed away from the door. 'It could't be true…could it?'
Angel turned to see Angelus walk down the hall towards him, he went up to him and pinned him up against the wall.
"The hell do you think you're doing?" Angelus asked bewildered.
"What the hell do I think I'm doing? What the HELL do I think I'M doing?"
"Yeah, you! What's wrong with you?"
"You are what's wrong with me. Where the hell do you get off kissing Cordelia?"
"Ya'll hear something outside?" Fred asked Cordelia, who was sitting beside Connor’s crib, rocking him to sleep. The trio went outside to inspect the noise.
"Cordelia told you we kissed?" Angelus asked, pushing Angel off of him.
"No she didn't tell-"Angel trailed off seeing Cordelia out of the corner of his eye.
"Angel? It's not what you think!" Cordelia began.
"You didn’t kiss him?“ Angel asked, anger lacing his voice.
“Why does everyone keep getting that on the first try?"Angel ignored her comment, stepping forward. "What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were asleep!" Cordelia asked, stepping back.
“Yeah, I WAS asleep. I woke up and you weren't there. I thought-I just, I got worried. Anyway...What happened? He tripped, you stumbled, you fell on each others lips?" Angel asked sarcastically, changing the subject quickly. Cordelia stared at him a moment then gave a nervous laugh and shaky smile.
"You know? Ironically enough, it sorted-kinda happened along those lines. Mm-hmm!" Cordelia said nodding her head. Angel raised an eyebrow. Fred and Gunn decided...well Fred decided it was best to go downstairs with Connor and leave the others to sort out their troubles. Angelus just laughed at the her efforts.
"Oh SHUT UP! I don't see you helping out!" She said with her hands on her hips. He rolled his eyes at her , then put a hand to his chest.
"I apologize, PRINCESS! I was going to help but you seemed to have everything under control," He said in a sarcastic tone.
"Bite me!"
"Kiss me!"
"Screw you!"
"In front of, Angel? Always knew you had a little kink in you, Cor," He said with an evil smile.
"You son of-" Cordelia was ready to beat the crap out of him but Angel held her back and spun her around.
"You and me need to talk!" Cordelia stayed silent as Angel led her down the hall towards the lobby. He stopped and looked back at Angelus.
"We'll talk later," He said menacingly.
"Yeah, yeah! ‘We‘ll talk later‘" Angelus said mimicking Angel. He stopped before going back to Angel’s room, then shouted after Cordelia.
"Hey Cor! Tie me up or tie me down?!?" He shouted after her, chuckling a bit.
"You sick fu-"
"Cordelia!" He heard them scream. Shaking his head he walked down the hallway to the room.
***
Angel and Cordelia, descend the stairs with Angel still holding on to her.
"Cordelia, go wait in the car. Please?" Cordelia just narrowed her eyes at him.
"Please?" He pleaded with her. She waited a few seconds. “Go!” He said in a deep, firm voice. Cordelia reeled back a bit at his tone. Knowing that he wasn’t playing around she decided to leave.
"Fine!" She said in a huff.
Angel walked into Wesley's office where the rest of the AI team were assembled.
"Hey! Listen, I need to get Cordy out of here. I think it will just be better if she goes to her apartment for awhile. You guys alright with that?"
"Of course. Do you want us to watch Connor?" Wesley asked.
"No, I'll get him. Give you guys a break. Thank you for watching him earlier Fred."
"No problem. He's a good baby," She said with a smile. She gathered the infants things and handed him to Angel. He then walked out to the car where Cordelia was, with her arms crossed over her chest and a pout gracing her lips.
"‘Bout time!" She mumbled. Ignoring her comment, Angel strapped Connor into his chair and headed to Cordelia's apartment in silence.
Once they arrived, Angel went to go lay his son down in Cordelia's bedroom. When he came back out, Cordelia was curled up on the couch, watching TV. Angel went to turned it off then sat down next to her.
"Okay Cordy. Talk!"
Part 8
"Talk? Talk about what? There's nothing to talk about!" Cordelia said quickly. She got up from her place on the couch and went to stand behind the counter in her kitchen, fumbling with a dish rag that had been lying in the sink.
"Cordelia?" Angel went to stand beside her, trying to look into her eyes. She kept looking at him through the corner of her eye, becoming more fidgety.
"Cor?" Angel tried again with a bit firmer and more annoyed voice.
"Angel?" Cordelia said in the same tone.
"Cordelia?!?" Angel said with an exasperate sigh.
"What? What do you want?" Cordelia turned to him sharply.
"I want to know what the hell happened!" He said a bit louder.
"Nothing happened, and would you keep your voice down. You're gonna wake up Connor." Cordelia went to her refrigerator and was about to open it up but Angel stopped her.
"Cordelia, did you kissed him?" She flinched a little at the memory. Getting a little bolder, she stood up straight and looked him in the eye.
"Yes! Alright! I kissed him! One little kiss. It's not like it meant anything. It's not like I had sex with him! You know, SEX! With a SOULESS DEMON!" Cordelia said putting emphasis on certain words, staring him down.
"Cordelia-"
"And even if it had been more, it's NONE. OF. YOUR. BUSSINESS!" Angel was cut off short by Cordelia so he thought it was his turn to cut in.
"What do you mean, 'None of my bussiness'?" Angel asked.
"Well number one, you weren't even there to begin with and you don't even know all the details. Number two, this is my life and who I kiss is who I kiss. THAT is why it's none of your business!" Cordelia said stepping past him, back into the living room. She flopped down on the couch and picked up a magazine from her coffee table and began to flip through it.
"Okay, fine! You're right, this is your life and who you choose to be with is your choice and yours alone. But this is an exception when the guy you're choosing to be with is Angelus!”
“Whoa, stop right there! I’m not choosing to be with him alright!” Cordelia said sitting up straight on the couch.
“Thank God for that!” He muttered under his breath.
“What was that?”
“Nothing! Look, I’m sorry if you thought I over-reacted. I don’t know all the details, I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions so quickly. Why don't we fix all this and you can tell me what happened?" Angel said, sitting across from her. Cordelia crossed her arms and stared at him through narrowed eyes. She let out a frustrated sigh.
“I was going to get Fred to tell her that Wes wanted her downstairs and I wasn’t looking where I was going and bumped into Angelus," By now Cordelia had stood up and walked the length of the couch, then back.
Angel just watched her.
"We fell down and we were about to get up when we tripped or something and he ended up falling on top of me and we just…kinda…kissed?" Cordelia said shrugging.
"You just…kinda kissed?!?" He said with a bit sarcastically.
"Well, I don’t know! What do you want me to say? We mauled each other and kissed passionately for hours on end?"
"You what?" Angel shouted standing up.
"Would you shut up! I'm surprised Connor hasn't woken up already!" Cordelia went to her bedroom to check on the infant who was still fast asleep. She tucked him in a little tighter then went into the living room once more to see the vampire pacing.
"I think you're looking too much into this," Cordelia said with a shake of her head. "I swear to god, you always over-react. You'd think you were jealous or someth-" Cordelia trailed off, looking over at Angel who had frozen immediatly and was looking back at her.
"Yeah, right! Jealous? Pfft!" He scoffed, trying to play it off. Cordelia broke out into a grin.
"Oh my god. You're jealous! Aren‘t you?" She stated, pointing at him.
"Of who? Myself?" He said with a shake of his head.
"You so are! You‘re jealous of him!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
"I am NOT!“
“You are too! You do realize I can go on for hours, right?" She said, still grinning
"Hey! I have an eternity! NO!"
"Why don't you just admit you're a little jealous that Angelus got some and you didn't!" Cordelia burst out laughing at the look on Angel's face.
"That's not funny," He said in a serious tone.
"Yes it is," She said with a chuckle.
"It really isn't," Angel said, sitting down on the arm of the couch, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Angel, it didn’t mean anything. Honestly, it was just an accident!“
“You still kissed him!“
“Kiss-ED! Past tense. I'm not there with him now. I'm here with you," Without even thinking about what she was doing, Cordelia leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
"There, better?" She asked him pulling back quickly, trying to play off her actions. She gave him a smile. His eyes softened but he remained silent.
"Angel?" She asked, waving her hands in front of his face.
"What?" Shaking his head as if to clear it.
"Dork," She said with a smirk.
"I am not!“ He muttered under his breath.
“Let’s not start that again!“ Cordelia smiled and sat down next to him.
“It really didn’t mean anything. I promise. It was a stupid mistake that got blown out of proportion. You believe me, right?” Cordelia asked him softly. Angel looked down at her and noticed the sincerity in her eyes.
“Yeah, I believe you,” He replied in the same soft tone.
“Good. So, what do we do now?”
“I want you to stay away from him.”
“No problem there!” Cordelia said standing up. “We should probably head back. Help with research and stuff." Cordelia said.
"Maybe it would be better if you stayed."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't want to have to worry about you and Angelus. I think it would be better for everyone if you two stayed separate."
"So I have to stay here?" She was becoming angry.
"Cor-"
"No, Angel. I already said that I wasn't going to do this. I'm not going stay here thinking that something could go wrong and I wasn't there to help!"
"Cordy!"
"I can't stay here!" She said more firmly. "If it's Angelus you're worried about, then I'll stay away from him. Simple as that," Her eyes were pleading with him.
"Think you can get Connor?" Angel asked, the issue coming back to his mind. 'She wants to come back? Then we're gonna have to settle this right here, right now!'
"Umm, I'll get his stuff. I need to take a few of my things over there too. You know some extra clothes an-"
Angel stopped her from going to her bedroom and turned her around to face him. "Cordy?" He asked softly.
"Yeah?" She asked looking down. Angel tried to get her to look up but she pushed his hand away.
"What, Angel? I need to get my stuff if you want to leave now!" Cordelia pushed away and walked to her bedroom, opening her closet as she went. She grabbed her bag off the back of the door and set it on the ground and began to pile her clothes into it.
"Cordy, we've been talking-"
"Who's we?" She asked not looking up from her task. Angel came in and sat down on the bed behind her.
"Me, Fred, Gunn, Wes. We're worried."
"About what?" She asked shortly.
"About you and Connor."
"What about me and Connor? He's fine! I'm fine! Nothing to worry about there!"
"Connor's fine," Angel said nodding. "You're...okay," Cordelia turned her head slightly but never made eye contact with him.
"What's that supposed to mean?" She asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.
"Cordy, can you get Connor for me?" Angel asked standing up.
"Why can't you get him? I mean, you're standing right ther-" Angel backed away out of the room and stood in the doorway.
"Angel?"
"Can you get him for me?" Angel asked crossing his arms over his chest.
"I...I-I can't! I can't. I-I'm gonna get my stuff and I can't carry him when I got all this!" She said motioning to her bag and Connor's car seat. She looked at the sleeping baby on her bed but quickly looked away feeling a wave of guilt.
"Well I'll get that then," Angel walked over to her and reached for her bag but Cordelia wouldn't let go.
"No, it's okay!"
"Cordelia, it's alright. I got it."
"No, Angel!" Cordelia pulled her bag away which only resulted in her clothes being strewn over the floor. "Argh!" She gave a frustrated sigh then kneeled down pulling her clothes into the duffle bag that had fallen at her feet.
"Cordy?" Angel kneeled down next to her and took her hands in his. "Cordy?" He whispered again.
"I can't do this," She whispered back. Her head remained down as tears were dangerously close to spilling.
"Cordelia-"
"Please, don't push this!" Small rivers flowed down her cheeks.
"Cor-"
"Look, I'm scared okay?!?" She whispered harshly standing up. She threw her clothes to the ground and walked out of the room. Angel turned his head to his son and went to tuck him in tighter. He walked out to the living room and saw Cordelia hunched over the dinning table, clutching it so tightly her fingers were white from the pressure.
"There's nothing to be afraid of," He said, going to stand behind her. Cordelia whipped around, the tears still falling down.
"God! You all make it sound so easy. Angel, if Fred or Wes hadn't have been there, I don't know what would have happened!"
"Nothing would have-"
"No! Don't tell me that! I know you think I'm over-reacting. I know you think I'm just being dramatic and that I'm making a big deal out of nothing. But it IS a big deal!" Cordelia replied frustrated, running a hand through her hair.
"We can fix this-"
"I already did! I just stay away-" She tried to walk away but her stopped her and put his hands on his shoulders.
"What?!?"
"Well how else am I supposed to keep Connor safe?" She yelled into his face. "I would NEVER hurt that little boy. And I almost did this morning! I can't take that risk again!"
"Cordelia, you can't just stay away from him. That's my son and up until a few hours ago you treated him as if-"
"Stop, alright! Just stop it!" He tried to remain calm but it was getting harder by the minute. Biting his tongue, he stayed back and watched her with heartbreak in his eyes. "Don't you think this is hard for me? Don't you think this is tearing me up inside? I don't want to do this, but I can't risk what might happen if I don't!" Tears stung her eyes as the realization of what she was saying finally registered.
"So now what? You can't just NOT be near Connor! He's my son. You might as well just stay away from me!" 'She can't so this! I won't let her do this!'
"What?"
"Cordy, don't do this. Please, just don't do this!"
"But-"
"No!" Cordelia froze at his harsh tone. "I'm not going to allow you to push yourself away from my son or me! Not like this! And especially not now!" Cordelia backed up into a chair at the kitchen table and stared up at him with tears in her eyes.
"Just listen to me, alright?" Angel asked leaning over her. "I'm not gonna let you do this. I need you. My SON needs you!" His voice dropped down to a deep, low tone. "I promise you, nothing is going to happen as long as we're together. Everything will be alright."
"Is this the part where we join hands and sing kuumbiyah?" She asked humourlessly.
"I'm serious Cordelia!"
"So am I...I just-I'm sorry but...God, I'm still afraid!" She said looking down.
"You're Cordelia Chase. You're never afraid! In all the time I've known you, you have never been afraid of anything!"
"Pfft! Are you kidding me? I'm afraid ALL the time! Always have been, always will be. Back in Sunnydale, my favorite hobby was running around screaming my head off and running away from the bad guys! And now, I'm scared that one day you're gonna go out all superheroe-y and champion-y and never come back. I'm afraid that something is gonna happen to Wes, or Gunn, or Fred, or Lorne and I'm never gonna see them again. I'm afraid that one day I'll have a vision and it'll be my last!" Cordelia stopped, breaking into tears.
"Cordy?"
"I'm sorry," Angel pulled her into his arms. She buried her head in his shoulder as sobs wracked her body. After a few minutes her tears subsided, replaced by a few sniffles. Angel let go and looked into her eyes, wiping away the stray drops and moving the hair out of her eyes.
"Come on," He whispered to her gently. He got up and pulled her with him.
"What are you doing?" She asked as he pulled her toward the bedroom.
"Come on," He walked in and over to the bed. Cordelia stayed firmly planted in the doorway.
"I get scared too," Angel said as he looked down at Connor. "I'm not supposed to have son. But I do. It shouldn't be possible-"
"But it is," She whispered. He nodded.
"I still don't know how I'm going to do this. I didn't know when Darla showed up at the hotel and I don't know now with Connor right here in front of me. I'm scared all the time Cordelia. I don't know how he's going to turn out. I'm not even sure of how I'm going to raise him. I just know that I can't do it alone," He carefully picked up his son who awoke gently in his arms. Connor stirred a bit but settled down in his father's arms, staring up at him with wide eyes.
"I can't do it alone," Angel walked up to Cordelia and stood there rocking Connor back and forth.
"Angel?"
"Please? Just take him Cordelia. Nothing is going to happen. I'm standing right here," Angel stepped closer and handed the baby over to her. Tear ran down Cordelia's face as she took the baby carefully.
"I don't know-"
"You're okay," Angel cupped her face and looked back down at Connor. Cordelia looked down at the small infant in her arms.
"Hey baby. I'm sorry I scared you earlier. I promise it's never gonna happen again," She looked up at Angel and noticed he was staring at her.
"See?" Angel whispered.
"Yeah, I do...God, how could I ever think of giving you up," She asked as Connor closed his eyes and fell asleep in her arms.
"Angel, I'm sorry-"
"Cordelia, you're okay, Connor's okay, everyone's is okay-"
"With the exception of you and your evil twin?"
"Yeah, that."
"Speaking of which, we do need to get back and look up a cure for that thing."
"I know...Are you okay now?" Angel asked looking into her eyes for the answer. She looked down at Connor and the decision became clear.
"Yeah. But...I can't do it alone either," Cordelia whispered as she looked back up at him.
"I'll get your stuff."
Ten minutes later, they had everything and were out the door towards the Hyperion.
***The Hyperion
"Kill Wesley...Painfully. Kill Gunn...Painfully. Kill Fred...No, actually I like Fred. So sweet and innocent. Well, I'm just gonna have to change that!" Angelus was downstairs in the basement, letting off steam as he attacked a punching bag.
"Where was I? Oh yeah! Kill Angel-Wait, I can't do that. Dammit! That's alright. I'll just find a way to turn Soulboy over to the darkside. And Cordelia...Cordy, Cordy, Cordy! What am I to do with that bitch!" 'Bet she screws like a tiger!' He thought as his punches became more agressive.
"Maybe I should just turn the slut. She would make a good a childe. Having her at my beck and call wouldn't be so bad...I'll keep her alive for awhile then turn her. That'll be fun!"
"The there's Connor...Connor?" Angelus stopped, holding the bag and leaning with his head on it.
"A son! I have a son!"
"Hmm, talking to yourself? That can't be healthy!" Angelus whipped around to face the intruder. Cordelia stood at the bottom of the steps with a raised brow.
"What are you doing down here?"
"Just getting in my daily dosage of evil!"
"Ha, ha!" He replied hurmourlessly.
"So what are you doing down here? Planning on killing us all?"
"Yeah! How'dya know?" He asked, taking his stance at the punching bag once more.
"Lucky guess. I just put two and two together and got four"
"Wow! You can do math. That must be quite an accomplishment for you!" He said with sarcastic enthusiasm.
"More then I can say for you," She said smirking. He responded with a hard punch that rattled the chains that were holding the bag.
"So you heard me, huh?" He said biting his tongue. 'I'll let the bitch slide this time.'
"That too."
"I think loudly," He began to throw punches, trying to block her out of his mind. "So really, what are you doing down here? Did you come back for more?" He winked at her as she circled around the bag and stopped in front of him.
"Could you stop being a dick for a few minutes?" She asked, rolling her eyes as she spoke. He stopped and looked at her.
"What do you want?" He said in a flat tone.
"Look, Angel doesn't know I'm down here. So I'm gonna make this quick-"
"Ooh! Going against daddy's wishes?" He asked as he resumed his torture on the punching bag. Cordelia glared at him but went on.
"I told him I'd stay away, which, when you look at it, seems to be the most reasonable and overall better solution. But, I need to work this out. I've been avoiding a lot of things lately. You being one of them-"
"Connor being the other," He murmured quietly. Cordelia looked up from her hands.
"You knew," He wasn't sure if she was asking or accusing.
"Kinda hard not to."
"Right. So, I just figured, you're here and I can't just avoid you. You're a part of Angel, he's a part of you. I might as well get used to it. And to do that, I thought I should come down here so we could work something out."
"You want that?" Angelus stopped and held onto the bag as he waited for her answer.
"Well, yeah. Yes, I do! I mean, sure I don't trust you. Let's face it, you're just as bad as the demons and vampires I see in my visions and go out and kill everynight. But for both our sakes and everybody elses...I'm willing to call a truce."
"A truce?"
"Hey! As much fun as it is exchanging names and battling wits with you, I personally don't have the energy. And I know that you and me fighting is the last thing anybody needs right now. Right now, we have to focuse on finding a cure and soon."
"Yeah, that cure thing...It's not going to good," He turned away and went to sit at the far wall. Cordelia watched him with arms crossed.
"I noticed. You don't look to good either," She noted as she took in his more than paler complection and the tireness in his eyes.
"I'm fine."
"Defintely one thing you and Angel have in common!"
"What?" He asked as if he were just insulted.
"You're both stubborn. And pigheaded, arrogant, stupid, NEVER listen to reason-"
"I think I get it," Angelus said annoyed.
"Sorry. I just meant that neither of you like to admit when you're hurt, even just a little. You could be missing an arm and you'd still go out and fight! I don't know if that's a you thing, or a vampire thing. Or maybe just a man thing in general!" Cordelia ranted but stopped when she saw Angelus staring at her.
"I'm just a little tired. That's all."
"You should go upstairs and get some rest. Angel looks pretty out of it too. Weaker, almost." She said sitting down next to him.
"I can't really explain it. It's weird. It's like, I keep getting really tired. To the point where I can barely keep my eyes open and I just have to lie down. And then when I do, I can't get up. Then about half an hour later, it's like all of that never happened and I get this adrenaline rush. And I get really hungry. I already raided the kitchen-"
"Yeah, Angel headed straight there once we got here."
"Understandable. Anyway, I just came down here 'cause I had to do something. That's pretty much it. I get physically drained. It's not really painful...Unless of course I hit somebody," He told her as he sat down next to her.
"That's ironic."
"As is the theme of the day...nah, make that my life," Cordelia cracked a smile but it quickly left.
"How much time?" She asked looking away.
"I give it two weeks. At the most three or four. But I can feel the poison. Chances are so does Soulboy. At the rate it's going I wouldn't bet on four," He said quietly. Cordelia let out a breath she wasn't even aware she had been holding in. She felt the tears well up and brim over. Angelus reached over and began to rub her back soothingly surprising her just as much as himself.
"Cordelia? We're going to find something. With all the help we have, we'll find the cure in no time," He whispered. Why he was caring so much, he didn't know. 'Shouldn't I be the one making her cry?' He thought. He quickly pushed the thoughts down, loving the feel of her skin against his.
"Do you want to know what we've found?" She asked with a slight whimper in her voice as the tears continued to fall.
"Cor-" He wiped the tears away, almost afraid of what she was gonna say.
"Nothin! We haven't found anything...Oh, no! No, no, no! Wait, actually we have found something. Hmm, what was it?-"
"Cordelia, stop-"
"Oh yeah! And I quote. There are no possible cures!" A few stray tears fell but she held in the sobs that threatened to take over. Angelus didn't know what to do. He just pulled her closer, letting her rest her head on his shoulder.
"We'll find something, alright?"
"What am I supposed to do?" She whispered.
"Nothing," A long silence followed until Cordelia broke it.
"I'm sorry," She said raising her head sniffling.
"No, you have no reason to be."
"I just...I can't lose hi-" She stopped herself, looking up at him. "I can't lose you!"
"You're not going to!" She nodded, but she still didn't believe his words.
"So! I guess that settles the truce then!" She said, outstretching her hand. He stared at then smiled as he shook it.
"You know, it's too bad. I was having so much fun fighting with you," She looked at him then smacked his should.
"This is a change. You're actually being nice to me. I never thought I'd see the day," Cordelia looked at him curiously.
"Well, I hate to see a beautiful woman cry."
"That's sweet...I think," She gave a half smile.
"Can't blame a guy for trying," He said leaning back onto the wall.
"So you were hitting on me?" He nodded.
"I wonder what Angel would say to that?"
"Pfft! Angel? Oooh, I'm shaking," Angelus said in a mock tone.
"Hey!" Angel called from the stairs.
"Jesus!" Angelus jumped at the sound of the voice. Cordelia giggled.
"Cor?" Angel asked confused as to why she was down in the basement with Angelus.
"Everything's fine! I know I said that us staying apart would help but I thought if I tried talking it out with him it would work better. Look, we truced!"
"You truced?" He looked at the two who were standing side by side in front of him.
"She calls it trucing. I call in fu-" Cordelia elbowed him.
"Shut up!"
"Did you find anything?" Cordelia asked, nervousness creeping into her voice.
"We might have. Wes found some spells he wants to try out. He needs us all up stairs."
The trio went up to see Connor asleep in his rocker. Wesley and Gunn were arguing about something. Fred just looked on rolling her eyes.
"Wes, You found something?" Cordelia asked, going over to Wesley and Gunn.
Angel began to walk over when Angelus stopped him.
"How've you been lately?"
"What?"
"Health wise, Jackass?" Angelus said in an irrated tone.
"A little tired. You?"
"Same. It's been touch and go. I was all energetic, like 45 minutes ago. Now I feel like shit again."
"Yeah I know." Angel said, rubbing his eyes.
The two vampires turned around when they heard someone clear their throat at the entrance of the hotel.
"Hey!" All heads turned.
"I'm guessing bad time?" Faith asked as she put down her duffle bag. She placed her sun glasses on top of her head and took a look around the loby. 'Looks like we got a new kid on the block!' She thought as she noticed Fred. 'Is that two Angels' Her thoughts screamed, catching sight of the vampires. 'This might not be so bad after all!'
Continue on...