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 13
"So how long you been with Angel?" Faith asked as she walked through the seemingly empty streets of LA with Gunn at her side. They had been patrolling for about an hour and had found no action what so ever. The dark haired slayer twirled her stake between her fingers, bored and a little annoyed at the situation. Here she was ready to kiss some ass...and there was no ass to be kicked.
"Started working with 'em about a year ago. Angel did some favors for me, I did some favors for him. Eventually I just became part of the team," Gunn said with a shrug.
"Well check you out, all apart of 'Angel Investigations'," Faith said with air quotes. "So how'd your gang take it?" She kicked some rocks and an empty tin can that lay at her feet. The boredom was really getting to her. At least she had someone to talk to.
"Not too good," He said rubbing the back of his neck. "Caused some trouble a few months back but everythings cool now...I hope anyway," Gunn added quietly.
"Looks like," Faith said with a smile. Gunn smiled back and nudged her with his elbow. A comfortable silence lay over them as they turned the corner to an alley. They stayed quiet for a few more minutes, until Faith spoke.
"Soo...What's up with you and that chick with the glasses? Fred?" She asked with an amused grin. Gunn stopped and looked at her as she continued to walk. He shook himself out of his stupor and caught up with her.
"I, umm...Well, nothing. We're just friends, why do you ask?" Gunn asked confused.
"I don't know. I think she's feelin you. She kept giving me the evil eye when she saw me standing next to you. I mean, shit, if looks could kill," Faith said with raised eyebrows, her grin never faltering. Gunn shook his head a grin appearing on his face as well.
"Nah, nah. It's not like that," He said trying to convince her. It wasn't working.
"Oookay. You know what else?" Faith said moving in front to face him and walk backwards.
"What?" Thinking she might have actually moved on to another topic. 'Not a chance' Faith thought, seeing the little flash of relief and hope in his eyes.
"I think-No wait, scratch that. I know you want her too!" With that Faith turned on her heel and continued to walk in front of the young man.
"Yeah, so?" He cried after her. He got a chuckle in response.
"Know it all bitch," Gunn said with a laugh.
"Damn straight," Faith said over her shoulder.
"You hear everything don't you?" Gunn asked as he ran up beside her. Suddenly they heard a crash around the corner followed by a scream.
"I heard that," The two took off running.
***Back at the hotel
"So, yer trying to tell me that somehow we are all the same and it was some sort of wizardry that pulled us apart?" Liam asked the two vampires that were standing in front of him. He sat on Angel's bed, dressed in his clothes with the same confused expression that never seemed to leave. The information was not sinking in and it wasn't that Angel or Angelus blamed him. Back in there day, someone came and told one of their stories they would have been called crazy devils who had one too many pints at the tavern.
"Yeah, pretty much. That about covers it," Angel and Angelus said in unsion. They both stood the same with legs slightly apart and arms crossed over their chests. They would catch each other once in a while and move around the room but they always ended up standing in front of the bed in the same position as before.
"Are ye sure I havn't dranken to much ale?" Liam asked, cocking his head to the side.
"Nope, tried that scenario," Angelus said with a sigh. He moved to the door, leaning his frame against it. This was not what he wanted. Stuck in a musty hotel room with his soul and human counter part was just not what he called fun.
Right now, he wanted to be out in the night. Maybe killing a few people. He was getting hungry after all. Possibly torturing, that was always entertaining...or maybe doing something with a certain seer.
But none of those things were gonna happen.
Maybe if he played his cards right in the third choice. But still it was very unlikely.
'It shouldn't have to be unlikely dammit! I'm Angelus! I'm the Scourge of Europe! I did WHO I wanted, WHAT I wanted, WHERE I wanted, WHEN I wanted, HOW I wanted! Now? Look at me, I'm even more pathetic then the fuckin soul is! ALL I WANT is to have a little blood...a little pain, maybe some screams here and there. The chase was always fun...God, I just wanna feel that bitch beneath me, begging me, comming for me! I fucking HAD her...And I dropped her!' Angelus thoughts ran rampid as he menatlly kicked himself.
"Stupid, stupid, stupid," He continued his mantra under his breath with his eyes closed as he banged his head softly against the door. It still got Angel's attention.
"Would you stop doing that? You're giving me a headache," Angel said a little more then annoyed. Angelus stopped and looked up the owner of the voice. He rolled his eyes and went back to his thoughts while Angel continued explainning to Liam.
After a few minutes Angel called over to Angelus who looked like he had fallen asleep leaning against the door.
"Hey!" Angelus cracked open an eye and stood up straight, regainning his posture.
"What?" He asked annoyed.
"I said why don't we go downstairs and see if we can try another spell?" Angel asked.
"I don't feel like ending up quadruplets alright?" Angelus said with a shrug. Liam just stood back and watched the interaction. He was part of this?
"We're not gonna end up quadruplets," Angel said with a sigh.
"How do you know that?" Angelus raised an eyebrow.
"I-I, I don't know. I don't feel like arguing. This could go on forever and I don't have the time anymore. So, come down now, come down later I don't really care. When we find the cure though you're coming!" With that he turned to Liam.
"We need to find the cure and we already have some spells so we might as well go try them out," The Irish man nodded and followed Angel as he walked past Angelus. When he did Angelus smelled something on Angel he hadn't noticed before, something he was almost sure he would have noticed before because it was definetly coming off in strong waves now...Cordelia.
"Actually, I change my mind. Might as well get out of the room, find the right spell and...Yeah!" Angel turned with a furrowed brow but turned and kept on walking.
The trio walked to the end of the hall but Liam stopped just before they turned the corner when he saw something out of the corner of his eye.
A woman, a beautiful woman.
He watched as her hips swayed from side to side as she walked. He also noticed the infant in her arms.
"Who is that?" Liam asked. Angel turned and noticed what he was looking at. A smile tugged at his lips as he saw the two people he loved together.
"That's Cordelia," He answered. Angelus, who had already turned the corner and was almost halfway down the stairs, heard the seer's name and immediately backed up.
"Cordelia? Where?" He asked a little too quickly. Cordelia heard talking up in front of her and lifted her head to look at the three men standing in front of her. She stopped in front of them with raised eyebrows.
"Angel?" She asked turning to him. They were all lined up in a row and Angel was on the end on the right. He looked down at the other two then back at Cordelia.
"How'd you know it was me?" He asked curious.
"Hmmm, well let's see. This one over here is wearing leather pants, this one in the middle is wearing sweats and you're wearing your usual black slacks. Wasn't that hard. Plus you know, there could be a whole roomful of Angels and I'd know which one was really you," She said with a small smile which he returned. A silence fell which Angelus quickly broke with a cough. Cordelia looked at Connor and adjusted him in her arms.
"So this is him?" Cordelia asked Angel, motioning toward Liam who she saw was giving her a once-over with his eyes. Angel nodded.
"Hi! I'm Cordelia and you're Liam?" She extened her hand which he took and brought to his lips.
"Please to meet you and might I say you are very beautiful," Cordelia's smile widened at his compliment.
"Back at'cha," She said under her breath. Connor interrupted ehr thoughts by pulling on the collar of her shirt.
"What's the matter? Are you hungry?" Cordelia nuzzled the babies neck getting a small laugh out of him.
"Is the little tyke yours?" Liam asked with a bright smile, the kind she loved to see on Angel.
"Oh no, God I wish! No, umm actually he's Angel's," She said giving the vampire a brief glance. Angel's heart broke a little when Cordelia said that, he knew it was true but he liked to think Cordelia was Connor's mother. Anyone who saw them together would have thought so.
"What's his name?" Liam asked picking up Connor into his arms and playing with him. The child was at ease in his arms and soon began to laugh a little.
"Connor," Cordelia said with a smile.
"That was my granfather's name," Liam said still looking down at the baby in his arms.
"Really?" Cordelia asked shooting glances at both Angel and Angelus who were standing up straight and a little wide-eyed. 'What else is he gonna say?' was the thought that ran through both their minds.
"How bout you and me go down stairs? I'm sure you're hungry. And I can feed the baby and we can...talk! Ok? Alright let's go," Cordelia put an arm around his shoulder and began to lead him down the hallway.
"Wait Cor! We gotta figure out the spell stuff!" Cordelia turned to them and flashed a bright smile.
"So then go! Make yourselves useful!" With that she turned and laughed at something Liam said. The vampires watched her walk away and disappear down the hallway.
"Did that really just happen?" Angelus asked still looking down the hallway.
"I think so," Angel replied looking in the same direction. They both sighed and walked down the stairs after them. They reached the bottom and saw Liam and Cordelia sitting together, obviously having a good conversation.
"You wanna go hit something?" Angelus asked motioning toward the basement. Angel cast one more glance toward his seer but reluctantly went with the other vampire. Once they got down in the basement they both went for the swords. Once they got their weapon of choice they began to spar off.
"I don't get it! What does he have that we don't?" Angel asked in between strikes.
"A pulse?" He was rewarded with a quick blow towards his head which he quickly blocked.
"Don't be a smartass!" Angel said with a growl.
"I'm not being a smartass! I'm being truthful!" Angelus said with a smirk.
"You know what I meant!" Angel said with a grunt as he shot out with the sword. Angelus side-stepped him and shot out himself.
"I know what you meant. But it's like this, we want something, we gotta go for it. We know what he wants cuz that's us 200 some odd years ago, and we all remember what we were like back then. I give him a day if not less. The way I see it is, you and me can team up," Angelus explained. He stopped and put the sword on the table then sat down on the ground.
"Team up?" Angel asked joining him on the floor.
"Well yeah. See sooner or later it's gonna be you with the eighty percent again and me and him with ten each. That's not a lot, but's it's what I'm getting. So you gotta promise me you're gonna do something!" Angelus said pushing him a little.
"Do what?" Angel asked confused.
"Do you know what it's like being stuck inside your body. In a word, sucks! When I'm back in your head I don't have a lot of control so I can't do the shit I wanna do..."
"Maim, torture, kill...That?" Angel asked interrupting.
"That too! But mainly I have Cordelia on the mind. I want her and I want to make her mine! I CAN'T DO THAT! YOU CAN! You have something good here. HERE! It wasn't in Darla, and it sure as hell isn't in Sunnydale. It's upstairs. Do something about that. You love her! Me? I never got love, it just seems like a waste of time...But hey, you love her, she loves you blah, blah, blah. Fine I don't care, just take what you want and make all of us happy. Half the reason I scream in your head all the time is all the sexual frustration..." Angelus said. By now he was pacing in front of Angel.
"Wait hold on! Hold on! I can't do that!" Angelus stopped mid step and turned to face Angel.
"What?" He asked confused.
"I can't do that to her. I want to be with Cordelia because she wants us to be together and I feel the same way. I'm not gonna tell her I love her just cause you want a fuck," Angel said standing up to face him.
"Then don't do it for me do it for yourself!"
"I can't do that to her. She deserves so much more she deserves-"
"Light and a normal life someone that can give her children! Yeah, yeah we've all heard the speech before. I don't get you and yet I am you. I STILL don't like irony. It's not fun!" Angelus sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Eh well, I'll just have to go to plan B!" He said patting Angel on the shoulder.
"What's Plan B?" Angelus turned with a smile on his lips.
"Every man for himself. I may be here for a short while but I might as well enjoy it right?" He smirked and turned walking back up the stairs. When he reached the top, stopped, then turned towards Angel.
"I gave him a day? Give me a couple of hours! And if you're smart once I'm gone you'll take my advice!" Then he walked out leaving a open mouthed Angel behind.
Every man for himself huh? Fine then that was how it was going to be.
Part 14
"Oh my god! Please tell me you didn't do that!"
"I can't lie to such a beautiful woman as yerself...I did!" Cordelia's laughter filled teh kitchen as she listened to Liam tell her about his childhood and how he reaked havoc on his town.
"You must have traumatized that poor woman!"
"She got over it...Eventually," He said rubbing his chin.
"So you weren't exactly a choir boy back in the day, were you?" She asked curiously.
"I've never claimed to be a saint. So whay act like one?"
"I like your philosophy," She replied with a smile.
They had been talking in the kitchen for at least an hour. They sat across from each other at the table while Liam got something to eat and Cordelia fed Connor.
"Life tends to be boring. It's so short, you might as well make it worth while," He said leaning back in his chair. His gaze fell immediately on the child in Cordelia's arms.
"You say the child isn't yours?"
"Huh? Oh, no. He isn't."
"You could have fooled me."
"What do you mean?"
"I just mention it because you seem so at ease with him. Like a mother would be with their child."
"Well, I help Angel take care of him all the time. He kinda grew on me!"
"A blind man could see that you love him just as much as his mother would."
"I'm not so sure about that. She wasn't the most caring person."
"Where is the mother?"
"Angel didn't tell you?" Cordelia set Connor down in his car seat and rocked him back and forth.
"The one that looks as I do?"
"Yes."
"No. I'm afraid I'm still not quite sure how this came to be. Something about demons and witchcraft. Which, I must tell you, up until a few short hours ago, I wasn't even sure they existed."
"Maybe I should have him talk to you. It's kind of a long story!"
"I'm sure you would do a much better job of telling it to me," He said leaning forward and giving her a half smile. Cordelia smiled back as she got up.
"Angel and Satan really should tell you themselves."
"Satan?"
"Umm, I mean Angelus! He's the...well, you'll find out. I'll go get them. You stay right here and watch the baby okay? I'll be right back."
"Your presence will be greatly missed," He grabbed her hand and kissed it softly.
"Umm, you too," Cordelia pulled her hand back and walked out with a smile. A blush crept up onto her face. She knew how Angel's human side was. A womanizer that would say anything or do anything to get one into bed. 'Although he was really sweet. And he did say a lot of nice things. And he was really polite and really funny and cute and...'
"What am I doing?" Cordelia asked outloud, stopping abruptly in the hallway before reaching the lobby.
"I dunno. What are you doing?"
"Aah!" Cordelia jumped at the voice behind her.
"Calm down, it's just us," Faith said as she walked by Cordelia with Gunn in tow. They more so limped, which caught her attention right away.
"Are you guys alright?" She asked, following them into the lobby.
"Oh yeah. We're peachy!" Gunn grunted as he carefully sat down on the couch, holding his side.
"Five by Five, C!" Faith said as she did the same.
"What happened?" Fred asked as she walked out of the office with Wesley.
"Nothin much. Just a couple of vamps we ran into!" She said lifting her shirt to reveal a large bruise.
"I'll get some ice for that!" Wesley said, leaving to retrieve some.
"Thanks!" She called out to him.
"A coupled of vampires did this to you?" Fred asked.
"Well, okay! A couple of vamps and a few of their friends," Faith informed them, sarcasticness lacing her voice.
"Gunn? Are YOU okay?" Cordelia asked him, ignoring the slayer.
"Just a twisted ankle. Nothing a little R&R won't fix. Faith got it worse than I did," Gunn told them.
"They came at us from all sides," Faith muttered remembering the nights events.
"Hey, you think they knew you were a slayer?" Gunn asked turning his attention to the girl next to him.
"Looks like."
"Great! More things to worry about," Cordelia said under her breath. Faith cocked her eyebrow at the seer but kept her mouth shut.
"Why didn't you call?" Fred asked worriedly.
"Kinda hard when you're being pummeled by a two hundred pound vampire," Gunn retorted. Fred was taken aback by the harshness of his statement. She closed her mouth and looked down. He noticed her reaction quickly.
"Fred? Can you help me upstairs? Kinda afraid I'm gonna fall and bang myself up even more," He said sheepishly. He smiled at her getting the same reaction in return.
"Wouldn't want that happening," She said as they headed toward the stairs.
"No, we wouldn't," Faith called out sarcastically. Fred ignored her comment and kept on wakling up with Gunn.
"Leave her alone," Cordelia said going to stand in front of Faith.
"What?"
"Leave Fred alone."
"I didn't do anything to her," Faith said looking up.
"What's going on?" Angel asked as him and Angelus walked over to the girls.
"Where were you?" Cordelia asked them.
"Basment," They said together.
"That was sick. Do that again!" Faith said sitting up straighter on the couch. Angel remained quiet and stood in place observing the way the slayer was holding her side. He could smell blood. Angelus smiled and went to sit next to the slayer.
"Hey Faithy! The hell happened to you? Looks like you got run over a couple times," Angelus grabbed her chin and turned her face back and forth looking at her bruises. Faith grimaced, smacking his hand away.
"Couple of vamps downtown. Where's Wes with that ice?"
"Right here!" Wesley said announcing his entrance. He came in with a bowl of ice and a small towel. "Lift your shirt," Everyone raised their eyebrows. "You need to put ice on that wound," He said packing the ice in the towel.
"Right," Faith lifted her shirt to reveal the large bruise that was a dark purple/red/black color.
"Ouch," Angelus said looking at the injury.
"You said a couple of vampires did this?" Angel asked coming over to crouch in front of her. Cordelia noticed the tenderness in his voice.
"And a few of their friends," Cordelia muttered to them. Wesley applied the ice to her ribs, pressing it down slowly. Faith hissed in pain.
"You need to hold it there," He informed her.
"It hurts," She said leaning her head back on the couch.
"Don't be such a wuss! It's not that bad!" Angelus said smirking at her.
"I think you may have broken a few ribs," Wesley said, tentaviely touching the bruise.
"Ow! I'm saying ow!" Faith pushed his hand away grabbing for the ice herself.
"Ok, maybe I spoke too soon," Angelus said under his breath. Angel sighed as he got up.
"I think we should take you to the hospital-"
"NO! No hospitals!" Faith interrupted.
"Faith, he's right," Wesley said softly. Cordelia watched on as the three men fussed over the slayer. 'I can't believe it! This is ridiculous! She's here less than forty eight hours and already she's got em wrapped around her little finger!' She thought with contempt.
"I don't. Like. Hospitals!" She said through clenched teeth. She applied more pressure on the ice pack, feeling that harsh coldness on her cracked ribs.
"Is it really that big of a deal?" Cordelia said outloud. All eyes turned to her. "I just meant that...well, she's a slayer. Right? Don't you have super healing powers, or something?" Cordelia asked, trying to be as casual as possible.
"This is serious Cordelia. We're lucky Faith hasn't punctured a lung. Although that is still a risk. It would be best if we left now," Wesley said standing up.
"No. Cordelia's right! See? I'm good," Faith attempted to stand up but that pain screamed at her to do otherwise. She immediately fell back onto the couch with a yelp of pain.
"Yeah, I saw," Angelus said sarcastically.
"Come on. We'll take you," Angel held out his hand and took hers, carefully helping her up.
"Angel! You can't go. What about Liam?" Cordelia asked quickly.
"He'll be fine. You can watch over him, right?" Angel asked her distractedly as he and Wesley helped Faith up and over to the door.
"I bet she can!" Angelus said smirking at her. Angel heard the comment.
"Why don't you stay and help her?"
"What?" They asked in unison.
"While we're gone you can research and help Liam get accomodated to everything!"
"We'll be back as soon as possible!" Wesley called out to them.
"Guys, I don't want to go to the hospital. People die there!" Faith said with a shaky laugh.
"You'll be fine," Angel told her as they stepped out of the hotel. Cordelia turned to Angelus.
"Great! I'm stuck here with you!" He said to her, rolling his eyes.
"Believe me, the feeling's mutual!" With that, she turned on her heel and left.
"Gotta love the girl!" He said shaking his head and he followed her to the kitchen.
Part 15
"How close are we?" Faith groaned as she leaned her head back on the car seat. She sat between Wesley and Angel up in the front of the vampire's convertible. The cool air felt good hitting her heated skin. Beads of sweat slowly formed on her forehead. She hadn't though her wound was that bad. But with every littl move she made, she was quickly proven wrong.
"Pretty close. About fifteen minutes away," Angel reassured her. She nodded mutely, her lips pursed together to prevent another groan from escaping. 'Come on Faith! Stop being such a pussy!' She scolded herself. 'Sides, it's not like you haven't taken worse. S'not like you got a knife in your gut this time.' She thought with a smirk.
"Are you feeling alright?" Wesley asked, taking her pale complextion into concern.
"Aside from the urge to gag and throw up my lunch, the dizziness, and occasional piercing pain in my side...Yeah, I'd say I'm doing just fine Boss!" Faith shut her eyes as another wave of pain hit her. 'Can't get to exicted!' A smile passed over her lips as she thought of the different ways to get exicted between the vampire and her ex-watcher. But the smile and images quickly left as another wave of pain hit her sharply.
"You said vampires did this?" Angel noted her eyes closing and her heartbeat dropping. He nudged her trying to keep her conscious.
"Yeah," Faith opened her eyes and tried to focus on anything except the burning in her chest.
"How many?"
"Fifteen...Coulda been twenty. It wasn't a big deal. Me and Gunn coulda taken 'em. They just came at us so fast."
"Gunn? Is he okay? I didn't see him."
"He's good. A little scratched up. But for the most part, he's fine."
"You're a slayer. He's human. How is it you've faired worse then he did?"
"I don't know. Like I said. They came at us pretty fast. I couldn't even see Gunn half the time, they surrounded me."
"They went straight for you?" Wesley asked interrupting.
"Well, yeah. I guess they did."
"They knew you were a slayer?"
"I guess."
"Do you think Wolfram & Hart know?" Wesley asked, turning his attention to Angel.
"I'm sure of it," Angel frowned as he clutched the steering wheel tighter. 'Great! More things to worry about!' He thought grimly.
"What does this mean?" Faith asked, looking between the two men.
"They might be coming after you again if they know you're back."
"Beautiful," Faith muttered. "You know, I never meant to cause you guys any trouble. After all you did for me, this isn't how I wanted to repay you."
"It's not you're fault. It isn't as if we've haven't gone through this before." Wesley rationalized.
"Wes is right. We'll figure this out," Angel said.
"Speaking of figuring things out. How're you holdin' up?" Faith threw the partially melted ice pack over her shoulder onto the street. 'How far is the fucking hospital anyway?' She thought anxiously.
"I'm fine-"
"You're sure?"
"Yes. I'm fine," He kept his eyes on the road, avoiding the two pairs of eyes that we're fixated on him. 'I'm fine!' He thought. 'Right?'
***
Cordelia walked down the long hallway of the Hyperion as she made her way to the kitchen. She hugged herself as a chill ran up her spine.
"Stupid hotel. With it's long, dark, empty hallways and the stupid creaking floorboards and-" Cordelia's muttering was interrupted by the sound of whistling behind her. She turned around slowly an was greeted by the sight of Angelus strolling up to her with his hands in his pockets. Looking up, her gaze met his. He winked, receiving an eye roll in return. She turned back around and continued onto the kitchen. Behind her, she heard Angelus start to walk also. And the whistling continued. 'God, that is like nails on a chalkboard!' She though annoyed.
"Will you please stop that?" She asked turning around.
"Stop what?" He asked innocently.
"What happened to our truce?"
"I don't know what you're talking about. As far as I know, it's tucked safely away in a little box. And so far, it hasn't been disturbed."
"Don't partonize me."
"Who's patronizing?"
"Forget it," She whispered. "I need you to do something."
"I'm listening," Angelus smiled as he thought of what it was exactly she wanted him to do.
"I need you to go in there and explain to Liam what's going on. Tell him everything!"
"Me and Angel already did that."
"Well, obviously you didn't do a good job. Just go in the kitchen and tell him all he needs to know."
"Why me?"
"Because Angel isn't here and he needs to know what's going on!"
"You want me to go in there and tell him everything?"
"Yes. Everything!"
"Everything?" Angelus asked with a gleam in his eye.
"Yes! Are you going in or not?" Cordelia asked exasperated.
"Okay Cordy! Everything!" He walked into the kitchen with a smile gracing his lips.
"Thank you!" 'That was kinda easy.' Cordelia shrugged and brushed it off. She walked into the kitchen after Angelus and went to sit next to Liam. She watched as he bounced Connor on his lap. She felt her stomach clench as she saw how happy he looked with the child in his arms. Just like Angel.
"So...Liam, my boy. How are you?" Angelus srtolled up to the table and plucked a chair out from under it. He sat on it backwards and rested his arms on the back, putting his chin on them. 'Okay, a little weird. But so far, so good.' Cordelia thought. She took the baby from Liam's arms and rocked him back and forth as she listened to their conversation.
"I'm doing just fine," Liam settled back in his chair, but eyed the other man suspicously.
"Good to hear it. I'm Angelus. We met upstairs?" Angelus stuck his hand out and shook the other man's hand roughly. "Nice grip! Good for strangling. I would know!" He said chuckling. Cordelia's head snapped up.
"Pardon?" Liam raised an eyebrow at his remark. Cordelia looked at the vampire with a scowl. She kicked him under the table, getting a growl in return.
"Just kidding. Just kidding!" He said quickly, casting a sideways glance at the seer. "I'm guessing you're still a little confused?" He asked, turning his attention back to his twin.
"Just a bit-"
"And I don't blame you!" Angelus interrupted. He got up and paced around the table. He walked up right behind Cordelia and put his hands on her shoulders, massaging them. She tensed up but said nothing.
"What with all that's been going on it's a wonder none of us have gone crazy!" His fingers pressed down a bit harder on her shoulders. 'Let's see the bitch kick me again!' He thought bitterly. Cordelia flinched from his actions but felt no pain...yet.
"These kind of circumstances might make a person act unusual. You know, do things they normaly wouldn't do. Do things they swore they would never do?" His fingers bit down into her shoulders harder then before. He began to feel a dull pain begin behind his temples.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Cordelia asked sharply. Liam saw a flash of pain cross her face and became worried.
"Oh you're right Cor. As usual!" Angelus released her shoulders. He walked back around the table, eyeing it's occupants like on lion on the prowl. "Maybe you should take Connor back upstairs. He's got to be tired by now," Cordelia looked down at the yawning baby in her arms.
"What are you up to?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," He smiled at her as he leaned on the counter with his arms crossed over his chest. "What's wrong? Afraid you might have a vision? Afraid you might drop Connor?" He taunted. His voice smooth and his eyes dark.
"No, I-" And suddenly her fears resurfaced.
"Visions?" Liam looked bewteen the two, confused as ever. Connor crys brought Cordelia out of her revere and snapped her back to attention,
"I'll...Umm, explain it later. Just give us a minute. He's right, Connor's tired. I-We'll go lay him down. Angelus, come help me!" Cordelia stood up, careful to not wake up Connor.
"But I thought you wanted me to stay and tell Liam everything ?" His tone dripping with sugar-coated sarcasm.
"We can get to that later. I need you to help me now ," Cordelia's jaw began to hurt from clenching it so tightly. 'Why is he doing this?' Was the only thought that was running through his mind. Seeing Liam's furrowed brow she quickly flashed a smile his way. " I'm just going to borrow him for a second. We'll be back," Cordelia shifted Connor in her arms then linked her free arm with Angelus', trying to walk him out.
"I think it would be better if I stayed here. Keep Liam company," Angelus tried to pull away but Cordelia wouldn't let go.
"Stop," She said quietly.
"You are unusually strong. You know that?" He grunted as he tried to break his arm free without disturbing Connor.
"What's going on?" All eyes turned to see the owner of the voice.
Part 16
Gunn stood in the doorway of the kitchen, eyeing Cordelia and Angelus. 'Something's definetly going on,' He thought suspiciously.
"Gunn! Hey, you feeling okay?" Cordelia dropped Angelus' arm and held onto Connor tighter.
"Yeah. I just came down here to get some ice. My ankle's killing me," He limped into the kitchen, going past Angelus and Cordelia to get to the freezer. He saw Liam at the table but said nothing to him. "Is everything okay?"
"Everything's fine-" Angelus tried to explain.
"I wanna hear Cordelia," Gunn retorted.
"It's okay Gunn. I was just feeding Connor. Actually , we were just about to go lay him down upstairs. Isn't the right, Angelus?" Angelus looked down at the girl next to him, her eyes pleading with him to agree with her.
"Umm, yeah. We were," He replied automatically.
"You sure?" Gunn looked at the vampire skeptically.
"Yes," Cordelia told him firmly.
"Well okay then. I'm just gonna grab this ice," He said opening up the freezer door. Cordelia let out a breath of relief once he dropped the subject.
"Come on," She muttered to Angelus. Protests left his mind as he began to follow her.
"If you wouldn't mind, may I accompany you?" The pair turned around to see Liam standing behind them.
"Umm-" Angelus and Cordelia shared a look.
"I'm suddenly not feeling well. I think it would be better if I lied down for a while," He said bringing a hand up to his forehead.
"Hey, is he okay?" Gunn asked from behind the counter. Cordelia rocked Connor in her arms as she took in Liam's appearance. His complexion pale, eyes dark and sullen with bags under them. And it looked like he was about to be sick all over the kitchen floor any second.
"I don't know," She muttered to herself. "Come on. You can go lie down in Angel's room," Angelus watched as Cordelia stroked his arm and led him out.
"I don't get it," He uttered agrily.
"Hey man, niether do I," Gunn patted him on the back before hobbling out up to Fred's room, leaving Angelus alone in the kitchen.
"When did I become so pathetic?" He asked himself befoe reluctantly followling the others.
***
Angel and Wesley sat in the waiting room of Mercy Hospital, waiting for the doctor to come out and tell them what was going on with Faith.
"Angel, I apologize," Wesley said breaking the silence.
"Huh?" Angel turned to his friend, confused as to what he was referring to.
"About what happened with Liam. I'm truly sorry," He said quietly.
"Wes, that wasn't your fault."
"It was partly my fault. Had I been more careful-"
"Wesley," Angel closed his eyes and sighed heavily. He tried to ignore the waves of pain that were slowly coming over him. His head was beginning to throb.
"Angel?" Wesley put a hand on Angel's shoulder. The vampire shook his head and looked up quickly.
"I'm okay," He said clearing his throat. "Listen, what happened with Liam wasn't your fault. It was an accident. I don't blame you."
"But-"
"Angel? Wesley? Is there a Wesley and Angel here?" A short, balding middle-aged man came into the room. He stood before the two, large glasses covering most of his face with a clipboard in his hands.
"Yes!"
"Right here!" They stood up and awaited the doctor's information.
"You brought in a Mrs. Faith Pryce. Is that correct?" He asked reviewing the name the young woman had wrote down on her chart. Wesley coughed as he heard the name the doctor had said. Angel fought the urge to laugh. Wesley nodded mutely, not knowing what else to do. He certainly couldn't correct him, Faith obviously was just using his name as a cover. Both men nodded to the doctor.
"And you're her husband?" The doctor asked pointing at Angel.
"Me? Oh no. That would be Wesley!" He said slapping the other man on the back, almost causing him to fall over.
"Oh, yes. My apologies," The man chuckled before turning back to his chart. "Well, Mr. Pryce. Your wife...Uh, Mr. Pryce?" The doctor stopped at Wesley's bewildered expression. "Mr. Pryce, are you alright?" Wesley looked back to him quickly. Angel rolled his eyes at the man's demeanor.
"Yes, my wife!" He said awkwardly.
"Is she alright?" He shot a look at Angel once the doctor wasn't looking. Angel merely shrugged.
"It seems your wife has suffered two fractured ribs, a sprained wrist and a few minor cuts and bruises. We have done all we can to assist her wounds. She has been given the proper medication and should heal in about a month or so. She'll be just fine," He announced.
"That's great! So she's ready to go home then?" Wesley said, genuinely relieved.
"Yes."
"Can we go get her?" Angel asked.
"Of course. She's in room 216. That's right down the hall," Both men nodded, heading for the door. Before Wesley could exit, the doctor stopped him.
"Mr. Pryce? May I have a word with you?" The doctor asked quietly. Wesley and Angel turned back around.
"Is something wrong?"
"Uh, can we speak privately?" Wesley nodded to Angel, giving him the signal it was fine.
"I'll go see if Faith is ready," Angel said exiting.
"Is something wrong? I thought you said Faith was alright," Wesley asked once they were alone.
"No, no. Your wife is just fine. She informed me that she took a nasty fall down a flight of stairs. Is that true?"
"Umm, yes it is. She lost her footing," Wesley lied, remembering the story they had made up on the way.
"I assumed as much," Wesley didn't like the other man's tone one bit.
"Doctor? Surely you don't...Well what I mean is, you don't think I laid a hand on Faith. Do you?"
"No, of course not. It's none of my business either way. It's just that...Some of your wife's bruises and cuts...Well, I'm not sure a fall down the stairs would have had that result," He said in an accusing tone.
"You said so yourself. It was a nasty fall," Wesley said clenching his fists and his jaw.
"I suppose-"
"216?"
"Yes," The doctor sighed.
"Thank you," Wesley turned around, not wanting to hear anymore of what the other man had to say. 'This is ridiculous!'
"Mr. Pryce?" The doctor called to him. Wesley sighed, turning back around.
"Yes?" He asked.
"I see her in this state again, I'm afraid I must contact someone."
"Down the hall?" Wesley asked, trying to remain calm.
"Yes." Wesley nodded to him, then left without a backwards glance.
Part 17
"Go lay down. I'm just going to put Connor down in his crib," Cordelia ordered. Liam nodded as the entered Angel's bedroom. He walked over the bed slowly, the migraine he was having getting worse with every step. Cordelia watched until he laid down and walked into the nursery.
"There you go sweetie. Sweet dreams. Daddy'll be home soon," She said kissing the baby's forehead. She laid him down and tucked him in tightly.
"How is he?" Cordelia jumped at the sound of Angelus' voice. She looked up to see him standing in the corner.
"You scared me," She muttered.
"Sorry," He said shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Where's Gunn?" Cordelia went and closed the french doors connecting the nursery and Angel's room. She cast one last glance at Liam then locked them.
"With Fred," Cordelia nodded. "How is he?" Angelus asked, nodding towards the door.
"I would think you would know that better then I would," She said coldly. She crossed her arms over her chest as she leaned against the wall. Angelus nodded then sat down in the chair on the other side of the room.
"Yeah you would think so," He looked at the door, hearing the groans coming from his twin. "It's different."
"What is?" She asked looking up at him.
"What he's going through. I mean take him. He's laying on his death bed in there. You saw how fast it worked. And look at me and Angel," Cordelia looked at him. He got up and walked over to her.
"I thought-"
"So did I. But think about it. He's human. It's going to be effecting him faster. Me and Angel can sustain it longer. But him? Doesn't even look like he'll make it to Friday," He said turning around to walk around the room.
"What does this mean?" She whispered to him.
"It means that we need to find that cure sooner," He said, stopping to look at her.
"I should call Wesley and Angel."
"Go ahead. I'll watch them," Cordelia nodded and was about to leave when she stopped at the door.
"Maybe you should go," She said turning back around.
"Cordelia-"
"I'll stay here and you go call Angel," She said firmly.
"What happened downstairs...I was just-"
"I can't trust you. It was stupid of me to even think I could. You're evil. Always have been, always will be. And one little spell isn't going to change that. I should've known better. I do now," She said quietly, anger and sadness evident in her voice and in her eyes.
"Cor-"
"Just go," She said opening the door. "I'll call Angel. I think the line in his room is still working. Go research if you want. Go find your cure," She looked down and waited for him to exit. He sighed and went to leave.
"Fine. I won't explain what happened then-"
"There's nothing to explain," She said quietly. "Your evil. I get it. Angel told me. Wesley told me. And I knew they were right. I guess I just thought maybe you were different. I mean, you're a part of Angel," She said chuckling a bit. "Just forget it," She tried pushing him out but he stayed in the doorway.
"You were right," He said stopping her from closing the door.
"About what?"
"Well, a lot of things. But when you said Angel would know if we tried anything? You were right. He would...Just like I would know if he touched you," He said coldly. With that he left, closing the door soundly.
"What?" She thought. And then it hit her. 'He knows Angel kissed me.' Liam's groans snapped her out of her train of thought. 'I need to call Wesley.'
***
"Faith?" Angel asked, popping his head into the hospital room.
"Oh hey! How goes it?" She asked looking over her shoulder. Angel looked at her across the room and noticed she was topless with her back to him. Her mid-section was bandaged up tightly. She slowly pulled her shirt over her head and tossed her hair.
"You ready?" He asked going to stand in the room.
"Yup. I feel like a mummy wrapped up in this thing," She said lifting up her shirt a bit to reveal the bandage.
"Are you okay?"
"Oh hell yeah. That got me on some meds so I'm flying high right now," She said smiling. Angel raised an eyebrow at her. "I'm kidding. They just gave me a couple pain killers so I could move around with out screaming my head off."
"The doctor said you would heal in a month or so."
"Translation to slayer terms...A couple days. One week at the most," She said grabbing her jacket of the bed.
"I thought so."
"Where's Wesley?" She asked looking over Angel's shoulder to look if she could see him.
"He's talking with the doctor," She nodded taking a seat on the bed. "Why does the doctor think you're Wesley's wife?" Angel asked sitting down in a chair. Faith looked up and started laughing.
"Uh, cos I told him?" She said smiling. "Hey, it was payback for bringing me here in the first place," She said swinging her legs back and forth.
"Oh. Well you didn't say anything about me," He said leaning back in his chair.
"Umm, yeah. I didn't say anything about you," She said looking up at the ceiling.
"You didn't. Right?" Faith whistled looking around. "Faith?"
"Calm down. I just said you were my uncle Angel," She said chuckling. Angel smiled shaking his head.
"Faith, are you ready?" Wesley said coming in.
"Yeah...What's wrong?" She asked standing up.
"I'm fine," He said turning to leave. Angel stopped him.
"Wes?" Wesley looked between the slayer and the vampire. He sighed and sat down in one of the nearby chairs.
"The doctor thought that...He thought I had done this to Faith," He said leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.
"Why the hell would he think that?" She asked crossing her arms over her chest.
"He said a fall down the stairs wouldn't have caused some of the cuts and bruises you have," He said quietly.
"God, what a dumbass!" Faith said shaking her head. "So what? Now he thinks I'm a battered house wife? Screw that. Let's get out of here," She said gathering her things and heading out. "You guys comin'?" Angel looked to Wesley who was getting up to follow her out.
"Let's go," Angel said going out with Wesley in tow.
"I told you guys. I hate hospitals," Faith said heading towards the elevators. Suddenly Angel stopped.
"What's wrong?" Wesley asked.
"The phone...It says there's a voice mail. Dammit!" Angel cursed at his phone.
"What is it?" Faith asked going back to stand by Angel.
"He can't get his voice mail," Wesley said sighing. Faith rolled her eyes then grabbed the phone.
"Give it to me. What's your password?" She asked flipping the phone open.
"Umm, it's SoulBoy," He got confused looks from both Wesley and Faith. "Cordelia did it," He said lamely.
"Right," She said. Punching in the code, Faith listened to the message Cordelia had left. After it finished she handed the phone back to Angel. He didn't like the look on her face.
"What is it?" He asked quietly.
"Liam...We gotta go," Faith said turning back around. The men followed her out into the parking lot in silence. They got in the car and raced to the Hyperion.
Part 18
Angelus stared at the floor of the lobby from his place on top of the counter. He had been there for the past twenty minutes, debating in his mind what he could do to get Cordelia to forgive him.
"Hmmpf! Forgiveness. I don't know the meaning of the word! Why the hell would I want to anyway? What does that get me?" 'Cordelia!' His mind screamed. With a growl he hopped off the counter onto the floor.
"What the hell is wrong with me?" He muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I'm with the girl for two days! TWO DAYS! And already I'm pussy whipped. God! What the fuck is wrong with me?" He scolded himself.
"Get a grip Angelus. Dru's the crazy one," That made him laugh. 'If only Darla could see me now. I'm sure she's looking up at me from HELL! She's probably laughing her ass off!' He thought agrily. He began to pace around the lobby.
"She's right! You're evil. You're the Scourge of Europe for Christ's sake! You don't need them...I don't need her," He said stopping in his tracks. 'Cordelia' His mind continued to whisper to him. "No! I'm not letting another bitch get to me!" He stormed to the door of the lobby and was intent on leaving. "I don't need this bullshit!" He walked up the steps and was about to open the doors when they opened and Welsley, Faith and Angel barged in.
"Where you goin?" Faith asked stepping in front of him, blocking his path.
"Wait, wait! Hold up there speedracer! We got a call. What the hell's goin on?" She asked pushing him back into the lobby. Angel stepped up behind Faith and stared at his demon. He wanted to know what was going on. And if Angelus' anger was any indication, it wasn't good.
"Get the fuck out of my way!" He said trying to side step her. Angel blocked his path. Wesley and Faith watched the interaction between the two.
"Where are you going?" Angel asked quietly.
"What does it look like? I'm getting the hell out of here!" He tried to move again but Angel wouldn't let him.
"What happened?"
"You push me again-"
"What happened?" Angel asked more firmly. Both vampires stood their ground, staring each other down.
"Liam? Our little human mini-me? Not doin to well with this little situation we're in!" He said through clench teeth.
"What are you talking about?"
"Did I stutter?" He asked Angel. "Did I stutter?" He asked turning to Wesley and Faith. They shook their heads. Faith raised an eyebrow and tensed up. If he tried anything, she would be the first to stop it. "He's mortal. Which means that what's happening to us is gonna happen to him ten times worse!" He yelled to Angel.
"Where is he?" Wesley asked, speaking up.
"They're upstairs," He muttered. Wesley nodded to Faith to come with him upstairs but she hesitated.
"Faith?" Wesley pulled her arm to leave but she kept her eyes on Angel and Angelus.
"Faith, go," Angel ordered.
"Are you-"
"Go help," He said more firmly. She nodded then turned and left with Wesley up the stairs.
"I'm leaving," Angelus announced.
"You can't go!"
"Why not? You don't need me!"
"We do if we're gonna reverse what happened!"
"Hmm...I don't care!" He turned to leave again but Angel stepped in front of him. Angelus pushed him out of the way but Angel got back up and swung as hard as he could. He staggered back, feeling the blow effect him as well. He looked back to see Angelus sprawled on the lobby floor. He walked over to the unmoving body and looked down.
"You talk too much," He said grabbing his arms and pulling him into Wesley's office.
***
"Do you feel better?" Cordelia asked from Angel's bedside. Liam shook his head. He had gotten worse with time. He was burning up and yet he wouldn't stop shivering. He looked as if he had the flue. He had been asleep for a good while but now was waking up. "We're gonna get a cure soon. Wait till Wesley gets back," She said smiling at him. His eyes slipped closed once again.
Suddenly, she heard a knock at the door.
"Cordelia?" Wesley said coming into the room.
"Wesley," Cordelia got up and went over to her friend. She pushed him back out into the hallway. "He's sleeping," She informed him. He nodded in understanding. "Where's Angel?"
"He's downstairs duking it out with Angelus," Faith said from her place against the wall.
"Is he okay?"
"He looked a little nauseous on the way back over here. But other than that-"
"He looks like shit. So does EvilBoy," Faith told her. Cordelia nodded, biting her lip.
"Wesley, we need to find something. Fast."
"What about those spells we haven't tried out?"
"I'm almost afraid to try them," Wesley confessed.
"We need to do something. He looks horrible," Cordelia said referring to Liam. "It was so weird. One minute he seemed fine. And then the next he was sick and he could barely walk."
"It's the poison. It's effecting him too. In larger amounts. Since he is human, he can't fight it off as much."
"So what happens now?" Faith asked Wesley.
"We find that cure. I'll go get those spells. We can't move Liam. I'll get Angel and Angelus to get up here so we can perform these and find the right one. There's got to be one," Wesley said determined. Both girls nodded.
"I'm going to help you," Cordelia said firmly.
"Cordelia, I'm not sure if that's the best thing."
"Why not?"
"It's just that you and Angel obviously have a special bond and it's just...You might be a bit of a distraction. I need all of them focused-"
"Wesley, Angel's my friend. I'm not abandoing him-"
"No one said you would be Cordelia-"
"Let me and at least help you look," She pleaded. Wesley saw the pain in her eyes. He sighed heavily then nodded.
"Help Faith. Both of you research," Cordelia looked at the other woman but said nothing.
"You know I'm here," Faith told them.
"I should get Fred and Gunn in here. They can watch over Connor and Liam," Cordelia said heading down the hall, into Fred's room.
"I don't think she's too happy with the end result," Faith said staring after her.
"I need you both and she knows that. It'll save Angel. That's enough for her," Wesley said heading down the hall in the opposite direction. Faith looked down both directions. She turned around and headed down the hall toward Fred's room.
"I hope it'll be enough."
TBC