Title: Cordy the TV Star
Author: anne
Posted: 11-16-2002
Rating: NC17
Email:
Content:
Summary:
Spoilers: Birthday (Cordy’s options were to go with the TV fame or death, (for now I’m forgetting the demon choice- so-there “
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: NF- yes of course, whatever…. the rest- while I’ll always
say yes, please just ask. Wow. I almost felt important.
Notes:
Feedback:
Part 23
Wesley studied the map. “That was interesting.”
Gunn leaned back. “It was damn sight more than interesting.”
Wesley was a bit surprised at his colleague’s enthusiasm. Gunn rarely if at all, showed any awareness or curiosity towards any aspect of their missions except the fighting, never in the research.
“Yes, it is interesting that the small portions of ‘hot spot’ sensed have occurred in and around Cordelia’s studio and residence. It suggests that somehow the stalker is using small portals to deliver his notes.”
“Uh?” Gunn looked up. “I was talking about Aggie, she is one HOT woman.”
“Of course, that was interesting also.” Wesley shook his head. He should’ve realized. “Come on, I think we should go by Cordelia’s studio.”
“You did get her number right, just in case?” Gunn looked over his hopeful look not quite disguised by his normal nonchalant manner.
Wesley clenched his jaw. “I did get her number, just in case there were any more signs of ‘hot spots’ - attempts at dating you’ll just have to do on your own time.”
“What? Back up, man, I aint’ tryin to date nobody…” Gunn patted his axe reverting firmly back into his normal mode.
“Of course, my apologizes.”
“Damn straight. So, the vamp actually went to the studio with Cordy?”
“It seems so.”
“Tell ya, the life version sure calms the vamp even more than the TV show. I’ve never seen him so…together.”
“I don’t know…”
“What?”
“I’m just worried about the consequences when he does have a vision.”
***
“Angel, you do know that I was kidding about the ‘beating up’ bit?” Cordelia cocked her head at the vampire.
“Sure.” Angel gave a little smile in agreement. Damn. He’d hoped Cordy had been serious. Angel wasn’t at all sure that he could stand on the sidelines if anyone at the studio caused Cordy to become insecure again. Shoot, he didn’t even see why Cordy had to go into work today. He wanted to stay at Cordelia’s. She put up curtains for him, he should’ve been able to stay and enjoy their benefits. Good lord, he was whining. That was new- self-flagellation and guilt- old hat, but whining? What in the world was the beautiful young woman doing to him?
Cordelia gave a bright smile, leaning up to kiss the vampire’s cheek. “You’re SO obvious.”
Both Cordelia and Angel flinched as a light bulb flashed in front of them.
“What the…” Cordelia glared.
Angel growled as the camera kept clicking and the light flashing. He took a step forward as the man accompanying the photographer thrust himself at Cordelia.
“So, Cordy, still going out with the man in black- no last name, but, does he have a record? Has America’s sweetheart lost her sweetness? So, what do think about Jennifer Aniston pulling ahead in the popularity polls as well as in the Emmy race?”
“How’d you get in? Tabloid press isn’t allowed in the studio.” Cordelia’s glared deepened.
The reporter smirked. “Come on, Cordy, the public has the right to know who you’re spending time with- if your whole persona of the good little girl is false. Judging by the company you keep, it is. Heard he was a hoodlum. Inquiring minds want to know the deal with your ‘mysterious lover’. Mysterious- is that another word for criminal?” He nodded towards Angel.
“I’m calling security, and you don’t know anything about Angel. He’s a private investigator a good guy- if you want to trash me- fine, comes with the territory but leave him alone.” Cordelia glared.
Angel tugged at Cordelia’s arm, placing her behind him. “Leave now, or you will see exactly what kind of company I am.” Angel moved closer to the reporter, his voice low and dangerous. “Print any of this and you will feel excruciatingly what kind of company I am.” Angel smiled with malevolent pleasure as he yanked and crushed the camera.
The reporter jumped back. “You’ll be hearing from my lawyers.” He stuttered.
Cordelia shot out a hand. “Lawyers? Wolfram & Hart perhaps?”
“Yeah, and they’re going to sue both of your asses,” yelling over his shoulder as the reporter ran.
Cordelia blew out a breath. “Well, that explains that.”
Angel turned. “What?”
Cordelia shrugged. “Obviously, they don’t take being fired well. Hmmph. Evil toadies.”
Angel stood. “You think Wolfram & Hart is behind this?”
“Makes sense, I haven’t done anything to piss anybody off lately, except hire you…and fire them. Stands to reason they’re behind the splurge of nastiness. And public opinion wouldn’t be swayed that quickly without a push, especially not just because of you. Sure, maybe if they knew you were a vampire, but they don’t.”
“This is because of me.” Angel shifted on his feet, shoving his hands in his pockets.
Cordelia considered the vampire. “Wow. I always knew you were capable of the deep brood sessions, but had no idea how willing you were to accept guilt for any little thing. Do you blame yourself for world hunger, too? How about the Middle East problems? How about my bad haircut last month? Personally, I blame world hunger on over-population and a misallocation of the world’s resources and the Middle East- land and religion- being way way over simplistic on both- hell, treatises, articles, books have tried to figure those out, but no where does anyone blame a vampire. So it’s all your fault? Hmmph. Didn't know that. But, the bad haircut- sorry, that blame has to go squarely at the feet of a stoned-out hair stylist going through a nervous breakdown- unfortunately, I didn’t realize the extent of the breakdown until it was too late to save my hair.”
Angel’s head shot up at Cordelia’s light but pointed teasing. He couldn’t decide whether to laugh, glower or repeat his earlier assertion. He observed Cordelia’s bemused expression at his indecision. God, he was obvious. Angel settled on a half smile.
***
Gunn leaned back in the passenger seat as Wesley continued to argue with the studio security guard
He rolled his eyes and leaned over pushing Wesley back as he stuck his head out the driver’s window. “Hey, Man, Marvin, it’s me again. We’re here to see Ms. Chase.”
“Mr. Gunn.” The heavy-set black guard peered in.
“Marv, man, I told you just Gunn.”
The guard nodded, smiling. “Right, two 'N's. He’s with you?” Marvin jerked his head towards Wesley.
“Yeah.”
Marvin nodded again. “Kind of takes himself way too seriously, doesn’t he?”
“He’s white and English.” Gunn explained.
“Gottcha. Ms. Chase, didn’t say anything about you coming in said she had the other PI with her. Didn’t see him, though, stuck behind those tinted windows. Weird, Miss Chase doesn’t usually take her limo in. Hey, he was legit, right? He didn’t have a gun to her or anything?”
“Angel.” Gunn shoved a business card at Marvin.
“Yep, that’s what she said his name was. So, he’s the head honcho. Expecting trouble for Miss Chase? It’s that why you’re all here? Should I call the cops? I don’t want anything to happen to Miss Chase. Only last month a crazy came in a tried to shoot that kid from the children's show taped down the lot. A kid- would you believe it, some people are just sick.”
“Excuse me, can we please go.” Wesley said smartly, pushing at Gunn.
Marvin rolled his eyes. “Uptight.”
“Yeah,” Gunn agreed. “ No danger that we know of right now,” Gunn reassured the guard. “Just need to pow- wow with the head honcho and Miss Chase.”
Marvin nodded. “Call me if you need me to baton the hatches or call the cops.”
“Sure thing,” Gunn yelled as Marvin raised the barrier to the studio lot.
“Uptight, white, English,” Wesley griped as he manipulated the gear and steering wheel with his one hand.
‘What? What, truth didn’t I speak?” Gunn defended. “You’re uptight white ass was getting us kicked out.”
Part 24
“Angel,” Wesley called to the lurking leather clad figure in the corner.
The vampire turned, glancing from Wesley to Gunn. “What happened? Do you know something?” Angel’s eyes went immediately back to Cordelia rehearsing dialogue on the stage set. “Should I get her out of here?”
“No. Angel, wait. Nothing like that- we’ve discovered that the miniscule hot spots have been frequently appearing here and at Cordelia’s residence.”
Angel swung around. “Explain.”
“That’s it.”
“That’s it? That’s what exactly?” Angel shook his head.
Wesley started to add more when his cell phone interrupted. Wesley listened and nodded rapidly to the voice on the other end. “There’s a hot spot forming now, here.” Wesley snapped his phone shut, looking around the area suspiciously.
Angel tensed only momentarily, then he swirled moving towards the sound stage. “Cordelia.” Angel ignored the shout of the director and pulled the young woman to him, leading her off the stage.
“Angel.” Cordelia pulled trying to resist the vampire.
“Not now,” he growled, keeping her close, nodding for Gunn too move closer.
“You can’t just…” Cordelia struggled harder. “I was in the middle of…”
“Not now.” Angel repeated his growl, tightening his hold. “Wesley?”
“Aggie can’t pin point the exact location, but it is here. Cordelia, where did the note you got here show up?” Wesley asked.
Cordelia fought the urge to kick the vampire that was maintaining a tight grip on her. “My dressing room.” She huffed angrily.
“Where is…”
“This way,” still growling. Angel pulled the woman behind him.
“Gunn,” Angel yelled, pushing Cordelia too the black man, once they reached the door with the star and Cordy’s name.
Gunn grabbed the woman. “Sorry,” Gunn danced, hopping from foot to foot. “Don’t kick, damn girl.”
Angel nodded to Wesley. The other man pulled out his small sword waiting for Angel. The vampire kicked in the door, thrusting his body into the room.
Angel stood in the middle. His head cocked breathing in the air, glaring into the corners of the room, his gaze stalled towards the crackling of air. “Wesley,” he called.
The one-armed man followed quickly, stopping in front of the small break in the atmosphere. “Gunn,” he called over his shoulder.
“Wesley.” Angel yelled.
“It’s not big enough for a person, Angel. I want Cordelia too see this.” Wesley reasoned.
“Why?” Angel growled.
“Shut up,” Cordelia smacked the vampire as she stared at the rippling air and the fluttering paper that shot through. She narrowed her gaze through the opening ignoring the paper for a moment. She stepped back. “Bit Tarzan but he’s buff.” She said as the fabric of air closed and become whole.
“Excuse me,” Wesley coughed as Angel growled “What?”
“The beefcake through the looking glass.” Cordelia shrugged.
“Beefcake, uh? I saw a ring of freaky- ass cloaked guys.” Gunn interjected.
“Yes.” Wesley agreed.
“What beefcake?” Angel stood in front of Cordelia.
“The guy standing next to the creepies- all leather and muscles. You didn’t see him?” She looked up at Angel.
“The idiot with big teeth and bad hair?”
“I wouldn’t go that far, sure he needs a fashion consultant…and a haircut…get rid of the animal skins…maybe with your type of leather.” Cordelia examined Angel’s leather coat.
“Please,” Wesley groaned, holding up the letter.
“Gimme me,” grabbing. The note a sufficient diversion from her imaginary fashion makeover, “Okay, idiot and creepy…and weird.” Cordelia handed the letter over her shoulder to the growling vampire.
Princess, the time will be soon, we will be together as it was meant to be…I will not let the beast confuse you as to your destiny. Remember and believe I’m your champion not the beast.
“Okay,” Cordelia threw up her hands. “Just who or what is the beast? Can someone tell me? Unless, he has horns and a tail, I’m saying I kind of like him, he’s unassuming and not at all presumptuous, not like 'champion guy'.”
“Wesley, I’ll take Cordelia home. Lorne’s friend, Aggie, did she give you any indication on how to close the portals.”
“No, just where they’ve been appearing.”
“There has to be a way to prevent them. The Portals need to be closed permanently.”
“Yes, I agree, we need to make sure that this ‘champion’ does not come through. I’ll start researching."
“Hey, maybe Aggie, knows more. How about I go check. Probably be more useful there then reading dusty books.”
“Gunn, she didn’t have any other information.”
“Don’t remember you asking about closing the portals.”
“Gunn, I think you should go with Angel and watch Cordelia.”
“The vamp’s got it covered. If he gets a vision- Cordy will call. Right?”
“Of course.” Cordelia shrugged. Though she didn’t see why Angel wouldn’t be able to call. He couldn’t get so crazy that he couldn’t use a phone, could he?
“Gunn, I think…”
“Wesley, I’m fine.” Angel interrupted harshly.
“Now, Angel, but…”
“I don’t need a babysitter just yet, Wesley.” Angel growled through clenched teeth.
“Yes, but…”
“Come on, Wes man,” Gunn smacked him on the arm. “Let’s go find out important stuff.”
With one last concerned look, Wesley followed Gunn down the hall.
Cordelia bit her lip her eyes traveling from the departing men to Angel. Wesley seemed to be really anxious about Angel’s mental state, but Angel seemed perfectly fine, just really angry in sort of still-as-a-statue kind of way. She gave a mental shrug, if she remembered correctly, stuffy Sunnydale watcher Wes was always anxious about something or another. He may be gruffier in a more hot way and missing an arm, but she didn’t see that he changed all that much. It’s not like she actually saw him use that small sword yet. If Wesley used it and didn’t scream like a girl, then maybe she'd be willing to completely upgrade her opinion of him.
Cordelia looked over to Angel. “After I go make nice-nice with the director for leaving everyone in the lurch, I’ll call my driver. What do you want for dinner? I’ve this chili spice packet I got when I was in Mexico last month. I thought I would actually try to make chili. It’s not store bought- the chef at this great restaurant mixed it up for me. Do you want to try it?”
“Chili?” Angel blinked, confused again by Cordelia’s ability to change subjects in a breath. Who was he kidding- Angel didn’t think the woman took a breath when she started on one of her verbal topsy-turvy trains of thought.
“The spices, dork, in your blood.”
“No.” Angel shuddered at his comprehension of what Cordelia was saying.
Cordelia pursed her lips. “Okay. I’ve got some Thai, it’s store bought though or I could make something up.”
“I’m not really hungry. The breakfast was very filling.” Angel gulped, curry blood sounded scarier than Mexican blood.
“Fine. But, you’re still cooking for me, right? I’m starving- only had some toast- didn’t even put peanut butter on it.”
Angel studied the young woman. “Why not?”
“Fattening.”
“Cordelia.” Angel said harshly.
“I’m over it now. It was just left over insecurity from the articles. Now I’m starving.”
“I thought I got rid of those.”
Cordelia blinked. She could’ve of sworn that the vampire pouted.
“Guess you’ll have to try harder tonight.” Cordelia teased grabbing his hand.
Part 25
"I'm beginning to think this was a waste of time." Lilah sat on the edge of Lindsay's desk swinging her legs.
"Don't you believe in chairs? Get your ass off my desk."
Lilah rolled her eyes and slid into a cushion chair. "Better?"
"It be better if you went to your own office and took up space. And it is a waste of time. Six portals- and nothing, except insight on how ugly some demons can be." Lindsay grunted.
"Until you actually come up with an effective plan other than spreading mud, I wouldn't be oh so judgmental. Have you checked the on-life stuff? The Internet fans and critics are ready to tar and feather your 'paid' reporter over his last article about their favorite 'sweetheart'. Talk about a waste of time. At least, my suggestion is bringing some new information to the firm. Holland said that last demon maybe very useful to the situation on the east coast."
Lindsay's retort was stalled as his intercom blared. "What is it?" He barked into the phone.
"And?" Lindsay replied, suddenly more interested.
Lilah looked up studying the other lawyer's change in posture.
"How many security? Get more- we'll be right there." Lindsay hung up staring at Lilah.
"Well." Lilah perched on the edge of her seat.
"Jack pot"
"Hot damn and you owe me lunch." Lilah jumped to her feet.
***
“Well?” Lindsay asked one of the many security guards in the basement as he stared at the bound unconscious man.
“Fighter, has real skills, took out half a dozen of my men before we could even pretend to do damage. Finally, I was able to stun him with a tranquilizer dart.”
“Human?”
“Seems like it.” The guard shrugged.
“What happened?” Lilah asked.
Again the guard shrugged. “The mystics, who you will have noticed ran, garbled some mish-mash of words and equations- the air vibrated, a portal opened, almost sucked us all in, this guy popped out, the shimmering stopped and poof, portal gone along with the cloaked figures watching from the other side. He,” the guard pointed to the unconscious man, “started yelling for his princess, then noticed us and started fighting.”
“Jack pot,” Lindsay and Lilah said together.
Part 26
Angel looked at the counter with dread. Curry or chili powder- it was tough but the sight of sour cream and cheese was leaning him towards curry. He tried one more time. “Cordy, really, plain blood is fine.” He could've sworn Cordy's earlier 'fine' meant she'd given up on the idea of tampering with his blood. Something deep in his gut told him that he had been stupid- that he should’ve known better.
“Angel, you just made me a sumptuous pasta dish, I can’t let you have boring yucky blood. Hey, I can do this. I might not be able to cook regular food, but I can do this.” Cordelia beamed.
“Cordy, I can teach you how to cook, no reason to waste your obvious need to spice on blood.”
“You don’t like it.” She pouted.
Okay, when did he turn pathetic? Angel winced, giving in. “Curry.”
That’s when he turned pathetic, Angel decided watching Cordelia’s pout transform into one big beautiful smile. A little spice in his blood was worth that sight.
Cordelia jumped as rapid knocks on the front door interrupted her cooking endeavors.
Angel immediately strode to the door.
“Angel.” Gunn called.
“What?” Angel stood by as the black man ran in.
“Aggie sensed a major as in major shift in dimensions, the same as before but as in BIG…”
“Here?” Angel moved towards Cordelia.
“No.” Gunn shook his head. “Wolfram & Hart, I called Wesley, he’s on his way there.”
“Wolfram & Hart?” Angel growled as Cordelia squeaked.
“Gunn, stay with Cordelia.” Angel ordered, grabbing for his coat and sword.
“Angel,” Cordelia said.
“I’m sick of hearing that firm's name.” Angel growled.
“Okay so am I and Wesley shouldn’t be alone, but you haven’t eaten.” She held up the carton of blood and mixture of Thai spices.
“No time for gourmet,” Angel said snatching the plain blood. “Gunn.”
“I’ll watch her.”
Cordelia stared as the vampire stormed out. “I think he did that on purpose. I don’t think he likes my cooking.”
“He's a blood drinker, but I think it smells great. Whatcha make?” Gunn looked around.
“Me? Nothing,” she looked at disgust at the packet of Thai spices. “Angel cooked the pasta. He made tons. Hungry?”
“The vampire cooks?" Gunn followed Cordelia towards the source of the appetizing smells.
***
“Were you planning to go in alone?” Angel leaned into the driver’s side the truck.
Wesley jumped. “Angel.”
“Well.”
“I was assuming either you or Gunn would appear.” Wesley huffed getting out of the vehicle. “Actually, I was hoping for Gunn.”
“I’m fine, Wesley.” Angel growled.
“Yes, I can see that, but I also can see that the lobby of the firm,” he nodded to the glass windows surrounding the first floor of the multi-rise building that was Wolfram & Hart,” is full of what can only be vampire detectors.”
Angel studied the hunched wrinkled cloak figures scattered around the front entrance.
“I’ve an idea, be back in a minute.” Angel turned and in an instant disappeared into the night’s darkness.
Part 27
“So, what do you think?” Lindsay turned to Lilah.
“You’re actually asking me?”
“Think of it as conversation for lunch.”
“Right, okay…it’s crazy, the he-man of what was it Plyea, is crazy.” Lilah rolled her eyes, ”waking up spouting nonsense about Cordelia Chase being a princess- Angel, for god sakes being ‘the beast’ okay not that off the mark, but a ‘beast- false champion-‘ not the true destiny of the ‘princess’?”
“Correlates with the notes.”
“Doesn’t explain why. He can’t even explain. Just says that low-in-behold several days ago, he thinks, can’t be sure because ‘it’s fuzzy’, his memory was being ripped from him. Groosalugg? What’s that?”
“The champion- weren’t you listening?”
Lilah simply rolled her eyes in response.
“Lilah, I’m satisfied, and it does make sense.”
“How?”
“The mystical surge….”
“Happened three years or more ago, not in the last several days and so what?”
Lindsay shook his head. “Your problem Lilah, is you are so quick to get results you’ve never bothered to understand the business we’re in. Magic, demons, mysticism, weird shit.”
“Don’t patronize…”
“Shut up and listen or you’ll never get your lunch.” Lindsay interrupted. “He did explain as much as he could. He has vague memories of a Cordelia Chase we don’t know, never experienced, the one, I suspect, that would’ve existed had the mystical surging force hadn’t happened. The one that had the visions, and the one that stood next to Angel as his support. The one that helped him be the warrior that the prophecies told of. Not the broken thing that we’ve been watching for three years. Three false years, I speculate. Three years that we need to be true. And now that they are together, it’s happening again, the present and future we don’t want. Our Cordelia may not have the visions, but you can’t deny her presence is bringing forth a Angel you’ve never seen or recorded before.”
Lilah threw up her hands. “If what you are saying is correct, how does this he-man know. If he was apart of the correct universe, then he shouldn’t remember just like us or them.”
“Talk to the philosophers in the basement or the senior partners, how should I know. But the Groosalugg doesn’t really remember, he just knows that he woke up one morning and everything was wrong, memories and feelings…the only thing he seems to be consistent and adamant on is that Cordelia Chase is his princess. He’s in a different dimension; obviously the power that changed or fixed history couldn’t affect him completely. And honestly, did it affect Angel and Cordelia that much-really? They were together then and are together now. What I don’t understand is if she was this Groo-person’s princess in the original time-line how she was such a threat to us with Angel.”
“That’s your one problem? How about who did it? One would think that a ‘power’ that separated Angel and Cordelia would be on our side as it has been beneficial to us.”
“I said ask the philosophers or the senior partners.”
Lilah shook her head. “And you say I ignore the big picture.” Lilah bit her lip and sighed. “She wasn’t with this Groosalugg.” Lilah said with conviction.
“What...How do you…?”
“Look, if we’re too assume that Angel, Cordelia, and this Groosalugg and even us were part of the ‘true’ picture…then look at it…Angel and Cordelia are together, this Groosalugg wants to break them up, we want to destroy them…I say that’s not that different from the way it originally played out, maybe the means but not the intent. This champion from another dimension in whatever version wanted Cordelia, and in whatever version she chose…actually in this one she hasn’t chosen yet. She doesn’t know yet.”
“She’s not going to choose a stalker from another dimension.”
“True, and maybe this version of Groosalugg realized this and decided on a campaign of just taking rather than asking.”
Lindsay nodded. “We’ll see.”
“I think he’ll take her.”
“If he can get through Angel.”
“Groosalugg- he’s a champion didn’t you hear. Angel’s just a crazy vampire. He’ll get her, now that we told him how.” Lilah smiled. “Soon, the problem of alternate lives and what should be or what was will be off our hands.” The sudden sirens in the room made both lawyers jump.
“What the hell?”
Lindsay strode to the monitor screen, tabbing in keys. “Vampire detector.”
“Angel? No way.”
“No.” Lindsay pointed to the monitor depicting the lobby.
“Is that Wyndham-Price?”
“The only one-armed human pain in the ass that I know of- with a flaming vampire- how much is it to hope that’s Angel under the inferno.”
“Sorry to disappoint you. ” Angel stalked into the room. “Funny, those detectors can’t quite distinguish the dead vampire from the really DEAD vampire.” Angel cocked his head moving closer too the couple. “You’re not laughing, either of you, you don’t think it’s in the least bit funny, not at all? Damn, I so need to work on my sense of humor.” Angel reached out, his hands swiftly grapping each stunned lawyer by their throats.
Angel’s grip tightened as each captive struggled. “Uh, I’d stop if I was you. You know, the noose knot, the more you fight the tighter it gets until you’re dead, my fists are really kind of like that right now. Not real big on whether you live or not. Oh, Lilah, you seem to be turning a royal blue, with frustration and the big old urge to speak on your face.” Angel released his grip slightly.
“You’re crazy.” She choked, just as suddenly the air disappeared from her lungs.
“Not the answer I wanted. I wouldn’t try again, unless you’re are ready to answer my questions.” Angel grinned, his fist closing again on the soft flesh.
“Oh, Angel, you found them.” Wesley ran in.
“They were planning to say something useful.”
“Excellent.” Wesley pondered. “Before or after you choke them to death?”
“Do you have a problem with that Wesley?”
“Only if you do it before we get the information we need... you did say it was useful…Um, Angel, the gentleman, Mr. McDonald seems to want to say something.” Wesley pointed to Lindsay’s frantic hand motions.
“I don’t know, Wesley, Lilah, here already tried that trick and it just pissed me off more.”
“Understandable.” Wesley looked at the two choking lawyers hanging in mid-air. “I’d suggest that you only talk if you’ve something helpful to say,” Wesley knocked away Lindsay’s hand. “Angel, he does seem to be anxious.”
“Oh, alright.” Angel released his grip on the lawyers’ neck, moving his iron grip to the man’s shoulders keeping Lindsay immobilized.
Wesley nodded to the vampire. “You were wanting to say, Mr. McDonald.”
“He hasn’t asked us anything.” Lindsay choked.
“Oh, dear.” Wesley turned to the vampire. “Angel, did you not ask them the questions we need the answers too?”
“Oh, I forgot, can I choke him again?”
“Um, let’s ask first, if they don’t answer, hell, snap their necks, there’ll be thousands of new lawyers after the next bar results. No one will miss them.”
Angel considered and lowered both attorneys to the floor. “Talk or I’ll snap your necks.”
Lindsay rolled his eyes, shifting to the monitor. Angel caught his look. “Oh, security guards out of commission, maybe dead, I wasn’t trying, but sometimes my strength gets away from me.” Angel smirked opening and closing his fist.
“Anything particular you want us too talk about?” Lindsay said half stalling and half in disgust.
“Plyea, the champion, the big ass portal that just opened up on the premises. Those would be good for a starter.”
“If you know, why are you here, why aren’t you running to protect you’re little actress/princess/seer/ whatever the hell else she is in any other dimension.”
Wesley stepped up not sure if Angel would take the time to ask more questions or just start throttling throats again. Wesley had been more than a little taken back when he entered the room. Angel had not been any of the variations that Wesley had experienced. This vampire had been cold, sardonic and willing to kill. Wesley wondered how close the vampire he saw was to the horror he had heard about in the Watcher’s Council and Sunnydale. Was that Angelus? No, Wesley, knew it wasn’t, but there for a minute, the vampire scared him.
“The ‘so-called champion’ came through?” Angel said calmly.
Wesley gulped. That tone actually scared him more than the throttling and smiling.
Lindsay shrugged, “You can’t get out of here.”
“You’ll care-how? You’ll both be dead.” Angel responded his voice low and ice cold.
“Groosalugg, Plyean champion, wants you’re girlfriend. Gone to get her. Must’ve let her address slip.” Lilah stepped up between the vampire and Lindsay.
Angel pushed both to the floor and ran out. Wesley looked once. “There is more isn’t there.” He stared at the fallen lawyers then shook his head and ran after Angel, realizing that he didn’t have the time to find out.
Lindsay struggled to his feet. "I'm going to have to reiterate. That vampire is coherent, not crazy, AND dangerous." He glared down at the female lawyer ignoring her out-stretched hand.
Lilah grumbled in disgust as she helped herself off the ground. "Temporary. He just hadn't had a vision yet."
"Temporary will get us killed. I just hope that the vampire's too late and the Groosalugg remembers the chant to re-open the Portal."
"He has the Professor's book."
"Did it look like he could read too you?"
Part 28
"Are you expecting someone?" Gunn asked.
"Angel and Wesley, duh."
"That won't the Plymouth or my truck." Gunn looked out the window trying to locate the unfamiliar sounding car. "Cab? What the hell." Gunn backed up. "Cordy, go upstairs, lock your door."
"What is it?"
"Your Tarzan beefcake from the looks of it. Carrying a sword and a nasty looking whip. Upstairs now and call Wes."
Cordelia scrunched up her face, hesitating momentarily. "You can take cabs from dimension to dimension?"
"Naw, but you can from evil law firms to here."
"I'm with Angel, I'm sick of the evil lawyers. All I did was fire them, talk about sour grapes. Hmmph," shaking her head as she ran up the stairs.
Gunn barely listened. He was too busy ramming large pieces of furniture against the door. Gunn ran over to the large covered windows and secured the lock. Angel and Wesley could figure out how they were getting into the house when they showed. All Gunn cared about right then was keeping the bad guy out and Cordelia protected. Gunn sat on the foot of the steps, his axe in his hand. The Tarzan want-be would have to go through him and his baby to get to Cordy.
Gunn cringed as he heard a large crash and Cordelia scream. He was on his feet in an instant starting up the stairs only to fall back as Cordelia's fleeing body flew in to his. Gunn kept his balance and pulled Cordy with him, descending quickly.
"He came through my bedroom window. Damn, I knew I should've gotten rid of that trellis."
"Why didn't you tell me, girl. Damn's right." Gunn grumbled. "Hide," shoving the young woman further away from the stairs.
"Hide where?"
"Damn't woman, it's your house. I don't know. Go." Gunn yelled his eyes at the top of the stairs and the longhaired leather-clad figure that appeared.
"You will not keep me from my Princess."
"Yeah, I will." Gunn braced his feet in a fighting stance, his axe in front of him.
"I am the Groosalugg, the undefeated, the champion of Plyea, My Princess will come with me."
"I don't give a flying fuck who you are- you ain't take Cordy anywhere." Gunn backed up keeping his distance from the descending Groosalugg and his snapping whip. "We were hired to protect and we get the job done."
Gunn swung his axe as the Groosalugg vaulted over the staircase, the whip flipping out. Gunn yanked at his weapon trying to free it from the ensnaring thin leather. With a grunt, Gunn changed the direction of his momentum and threw the captured blade towards the Groosalugg and just as quickly dove and rolled towards the duffle bag at the foot of the stairs and the weapons inside.
The champion from Plyea easily knocked the sharp weapon aside, throwing it and the whip too the floor as he raised his sword.
Gunn scrambled on the floor pulling out a crossbow. The Groosalugg moved swiftly closing the distance as Gunn hurried to load the weapon.
"No you don't you big oaf." Cordelia cried out, running and throwing a lamp at the Groosalugg.
The longhaired man staggered at the impact. Gunn took advantage of the reprieve and jumped to his feet. "Nice Shot."
"Thanks." Cordelia smiled.
"Now, don't just stand there run, girl." Gun ordered.
"And leave you alone. Oh shoot." She stepped back as the Groosalugg straightened.
"Cordelia, why have you hit me? I love you. We were meant to be together."
The young woman gapped at the whining muscle bound man. "Duh, you were trying to shish kabob my friend. And I don't love you, don't know you, don't want to know you, and sure and hell don't want to be together with you. Pfft."
"But...we're meant..."
"Geez, stop saying that." Cordelia yelled.
"Cordy," Gunn beckoned the young woman to come closer to him.
"You are my princess."
"And stop saying..." Cordelia's words were cut off as the warrior grabbed her in a hug, capturing her lips.
Cordelia smacked at the big arms, struggling to get loose.
"Whoa." Gunn yelled moving closer ready to add his blows to Cordelia's. The black man stalled in his action as Cordelia's struggles ceased and the young woman brought her hands up to rest on the man's shoulders. Gunn blinked, the woman was kissing the bad guy. What the hell?
"What the hell?" Cordelia jerked back pushing away.
"It is our destiny." The warrior moved closer.
Cordelia stepped back her eyes blinking rapidly at the approaching warrior her face scrunched up in confusion as her fingers rose to her betraying lips.
The occupants of the room all started as a resounding crash and broken splinters of glass and wood exploded from the far wall.
Gunn yanked at Cordelia pulling her away as the dark figure emerged from the debris. Angel's gaze fell on Cordelia.
Groosalugg strode forward. "You, beast, will not come between the princess and her rightful champion again."
"Guess we know who the beast is now." Gunn whispered to Cordelia.
"What'd he mean, again? Again, what-when?" Cordelia responded in the same low tone.
"Is this guy for real?" Gunn shook his head. "Why'd you kiss him?"
Cordelia’s eyes widened at Angel's growl. Damn't the vampire heard Gunn.
"Cordelia." Angel stared.
She shrugged the confused look back on her face. She opened her mouth and then closed it. She shrugged again. "I don't know. It... was familiar. Sort of. I..." Her shoulders were moving in a constant shrugging motion.
"She knows me, she knows that it's right that we will be together in Plyea. I will challenge you beast, you will not touch her.”
Cordelia shook her head frantically. "I didn't say that...no way...I don't know you...I just...Oh, go away. Make him go away." She looked to Angel, Gunn and Wesley, who now was picking his way through the shattered back plane glass windows.
"Challenge?" Angel smirked. "Challenge accepted." Angel lunged.
The Groosalugg swung, stopping Angel's charge momentarily. Angel flung back caught his balance and responded with a forceful blow of his own.
The warrior’s head jerked back as Angel repeated the blow. Groosalugg recovered smashing his fist into Angel's stomach, pushing the vampire back. Angel growled lurching forward hitting with a balled fist and swinging a vicious kick in follow through. Using his momentum, Angel twirled raising his leg again smacking the warrior in the chest, shoving him to the ground. He swung again.
Cordelia watched in fascination. She was getting that weird deja vu feeling again, like when Angel was cooking for her. Which was impossible. She never saw the Groosalugg before much less him battling with Angel. But it was so familiar, just like the kiss by the dimensional warrior. It also felt right, except Angel was about to break the champion from Plyea's neck, which wasn't right.
Damn. Cordelia ran tugging at Angel, trying to break the vampire's strong grip. "Don't, I..." Cordelia slammed her mouth closed. She almost blurted out that she loved him. Loved who-which fighter? She was going crazy. Cordelia wasn't in love with anyone. "Angel, no, please,” trying again, saying what she had meant to say in the first place.
"Cordelia, he will..."
Cordelia shook her head, looking down at the crumpled warrior. Long hair, buff..and...there was something about him. It was more than the kiss. He was good. She knew it and well, he was a little whacked...but...who wasn't. "No, he won't" Cordelia said with conviction. "Please, Angel."
Angel hesitated, staring at the young woman. He wanted to kill the intruding warrior that called him a beast and threatened to take Cordelia. There was an undeniable need to make the Groosalugg disappear- to get him away from Cordy. Angel staggered up, releasing his hands. The feeling was jealousy, possessiveness, fear and knowledge that somehow this warrior was a threat to his happiness. Angel stepped back his eyes still on Groosalugg. Happiness? When did Angel start being concerned with happiness or actually even thought it was possible?
Groosalugg got to his feet, his breathing hard. "You..." The warrior looked away from the vampire and turned to Cordelia. "You are my princess."
Cordelia slowly shook her head. "No."
Groosalugg started to speak, then closed his eyes.
"I'm sorry." Cordelia whispered to the beaten champion. Cordelia couldn’t explain and she hoped no one asked- but she did know this man and her heart broke at the sadness in his face-that some how she caused.
Groosalugg opened his eyes directly into the eyes of the young woman, reaching out softly. "You should've been my princess, but you will always choose him. I love you."
"I don't know what you're talking about and I don't know you." She mumbled, her eyes downcast.
"No, you don't do you. But it wouldn't matter, if you did, would it? He's your priority, your champion, not me. Why did I not feel this before? This is right? I am sorry Cordelia, if my actions have caused you any pain. I never would wish for that. I wish you to be happy."
Cordelia bit her lip at the love flowing from the warrior's deep blue eyes. "How...I..."
The warrior smiled, causing Cordelia to blink. This guy did have major hottie potential.
Angel choked back his growl, the fear of losing something vital to his being crept and instilled itself through out his body, as he watched the exchange.
"I woke up one morning in Plyea and knew my world was wrong. My memories were dreams that were fading. I held on to what I believed to be true- that you were my princess and the beast would ravage and defile you, use you for his pleasure again and again, and when you have no more screaming in you, he would kill you…”
“Whoa, stop with the nasty bizarre dream stuff, Angel’s not a beast and whatever you woke up thinking wasn’t at all true- okay, maybe- if it was love plus sex equals the big happy joy and evil guy, maybe. But that’s Angelus not Angel, so no way is Angel doing all that whatever again and again and defily and killy stuff. Angel’s a good guy.” Cordelia nodded, reassuring the warrior.
Angel stepped back further into the shadows as a he listened. A fear other than losing something vital to his being crept into his soul, it was the fear that he would be the cause of losing everything. But, he didn’t have anything or anyone, not really. Cordelia was…Angel stared at the young woman. What was she to him? What did she mean to him? Who the hell was she to be so much? Angel settled further back into the shadowed wall, fearing the loss of the warmth he had touched in last couple of days.
Groosalugg smiled sadly. “I think at one time I did discover the unlikely fact that the beast is a champion worthy of your regard, but that knowledge faded with all that was right or perhaps I pushed it away. I love you Cordelia Chase. I will leave." the Groosalugg stepped closer, gently caressing Cordelia's cheek. "You are so beautiful. I did remember that correctly." he smiled leaning in gently kissing her lips. "Know this, if you are in need I'll be back."
"Sorry for interrupting this Kodak moment, but how are you planning to get back."
Cordelia shot a glare over to Gunn.
"What? It’s a valid question that possibly has a chance of being answered not like the rest of this shit.” Gunn rolled his eyes to the ceiling.
“Those people gave me the spell to get back as they enabled the priest’s incantations to open the portal to this place.” The warrior explained.
“What spell?” Wesley moved forward. “Wolfram & Hart helped you? Why?”
The warrior turned his deep blue eyes to Wesley.
Wesley resisted the urge to flinch. There was something unnerving about the way the blue of the Groosalugg’s pupils took over leaving very little white around the starling color. Wesley concluded that the being before them wasn’t quite all-human. But he no longer seemed dangerous at least.
“Wolfram & Hart? If you mean those that helped me, they echoed my concern at the princess’ safety with the beast. They wished that I protect her and take her away.”
“Righto, Geez, those evil toadies wanted to cart me off to another dimension because I fired them. What the…”
“No, Cordelia.” Wesley shook his head. “There is something else behind this.” Wesley lifted his eyes back to the foreign warrior. “The letters of I guess…warnings and reassurances to Cordelia appeared in her bedroom. I suggest that we go up there and try out this spell. It is a hot spot so, the portal should open and you can go back where you belong.”
“Yes, it is time. I…” Groosalugg looked longingly at Cordelia. “Princess, would you consider…”
“I’m truly sorry, but my place is here.” She smiled apologetically.
“Of course, with him.”
Cordelia rolled her eyes. “Okay, whatever, I had been thinking more along the lines of my career, my house, my whole life, but okay.”
Part 29
“Well, that was…bizarre.” Cordelia said as the portal swirled and faded. “I never saw him before in my life- how could he have seen me. How could he love me? I don’t get it, but I’m glad it’s over.”
“You said, he was familiar,” Angel finally spoke.
Cordelia blinked at the vampire. Angel didn’t look very well. She narrowed her eyes trying to figure it out. He wasn’t really mad; he was…Cordelia’s eyes widened. Angel was going into full-blown brood mode. She hadn’t seen that since he came back from being Angelus and hell. Both bummers for sure, definitely more brood worthy than this.
“Yeah, but I didn’t know him, can’t explain.” She said firmly ending the subject. Cordelia glanced around her bedroom. She wasn’t sure she liked sleeping in a mystical ‘hot spot’. What if something else bizarre popped out?
“Cordelia.”
The young woman looked back to Wesley waiting for him to stop clearing his throat and speak. “It’s over. We’ll leave now. You should get some sleep. Don’t worry, we will continue to look into Wolfram & Hart’s interest in you.”
Cordelia blinked, thoughts of weird things appearing presto in her bedroom and the possible evil intentions of the law firm were swept far from her mind. All she could think of was that Angel was going to leave her. That couldn’t happen. Her eyes shot to the solemn vampire. If he left, he would just brood. But, if he stayed maybe she could make him smile again, he was doing it before- Oh, hell, she just didn’t want him to leave.
“Um, well, no, Angel’s staying, since he busted a big gapping hole in my living room. What if something creeps in, what if something pops out of a hot spot. I want protection for…another night, at least, may be longer. I’ll pay.”
Angel growled. “Pay me to stay with you?”
Sure now the vampire speaks. Cordelia’s face blushed a bright red. “I…I hired Angel Investigations to protect me that’s all. Just…damn it. You’ll need the money, you need an office and staff and stuff, you do.” She huffed her arms crossed against chest.
“Cordelia, I agree with Angel.”
“Uh.” Cordelia turned a startled look to the one-armed former watcher. He couldn’t be thinking what obviously Angel was, from the look on the vampire’s face, it seemed he agreed with her.
“Cordelia, you’re our friend we will not charge you for protecting you.”
“Yes, you will, Wesley. I told you before- I’ve got money.” Cordelia’s mind switched back from sexual innuendo to Angel Investigations and the need for an office. “If you don’t, I’ll sue for the damage to my living room, then you will really need money. Ha.” She glared, daring Wesley to contradict her any more.
Wesley sighed, closing his eyes briefly. “I’m leaving. Gunn?”
“No reason to stay.”
“Angel,” Wesley asked.
“I told you…” Cordelia interrupted.
“I’m staying. Cordelia’s right until the windows are repaired she shouldn’t be alone.” Angel said lowly with no emotion.
“Fine, I’ll see you then in the morning.” Wesley nodded and headed over to Cordelia, grasping her hand in his one. “I’m glad that you are now safe.”
Gunn walked over. “Hey, me too, girl. Cool getting to know you.” Gunn stopped and called over his shoulder. “Have you actually ever taken that four-wheel high priced condo out for a ride?”
Cordelia scrunched up her face. “Oh, you mean the Hummer v or what ever it is. Nay, don’t like it not sure why I bought it…except every one seemed to be buying them…have to keep up with the Jones…do you want it?”
Gunn blinked. “Uh?”
Cordelia shrugged apologetically. “I’ve seen your truck.”
“Hey man, my baby is still good to go, saved my life more than once.” Gunn defended.
Cordelia scrunched up her face. She could’ve sworn that Gunn’s baby was his axe. At least that’s what she heard him whispering as he wiped it into shinny gleam. “Second vehicle, company car, if that’s better. I don’t use it.”
“Cordelia,” Wesley shook his head. “Good bye.” Kissing her lightly on the forehead.
“Wait,” her hand shot out grabbing his arm. “Thanks.” She flashed a bright smile to Wesley and Gunn. “You are real friends. I’m going to keep annoying you until you accept my money, my truck and whatever else I can think of. You can’t fight me. I’m Cordelia Chase. I know things.”
“You’re dangerous. Angel, be careful and don’t let her give us the car.” Wesley chuckled as he left.
Gunn stalled at the doorway. “Maybe, I could test it out sometime.”
“Gunn,” Wesley yelled.
“Just asking.”
Cordelia caught the black man’s hand. “Anytime.” She whispered. “He’s just a stuffy guy that no longer advertises it by wearing tweed.”
“Gottcha.” Gunn shot a couple fingers up in a casual salute. “See ya, Angel, call if…”
The vampire nodded from the corner he had retreated back into.
Part 30
“So,” Cordelia turned to the vampire in the shadows. “Whatcha want to do now?”
What Angel wanted was to know why Cordelia thought the Groosalugg was ‘familiar’ why she kissed him. He wanted to know why his borrowed blood still churned at the thought. He wanted to know where the hell the Plyea champion got the idea that he would hurt the beautiful woman. Angel wanted to know why he needed to be with this woman. He wanted to know what he was feeling for her. Angel wanted to not think anymore and just feel her warmth around him. Angel stopped thinking and went to what he needed.
Cordelia gulped and gasped breaths as Angel’s mouth finally ceased it’s relentless devouring of her welcoming lips.
“What do want Cordelia,” he said lowly his broad hands cupped her face.
Cordelia licked at her reddened lips. “I want to go into the other bedroom, I don’t like this one anymore.” Delicate teeth chewed on the full bottom lip. “It’s got curtains too.”
Angel’s eyes darkened as he picked up the young woman, cradling her legs around him his lips once again attacking hers. Cordelia met the hard kiss with equal want and desire; she squirmed adjusting her body closer.
Angel stumbled as her hands worked their way under his sweater. He pulled his lips away trying to concentrate on moving his feet and their rubbing bodies to the other room. “It’s not far is it?” He groaned, bringing his head and lips into her neck.
“Across the hall, short, quick, hurry.” She pressed up and down with her hips as her arms held on the to strength of the vampire holding her.
“Short, quick and hurry, is going to be impossible if you keep that up.” Angel growled, moving his feet in the direction Cordelia had indicated.
“Hurry,” she whined, releasing her arms and tightening her legs. Angel automatically tightened his hands around her waist. Cordelia moved her free arms taking them to her shirt and pulling throwing the garment to the floor of the hall once it was free of her body.
“Christ,” Angel grumbled as he looked at the golden full breast pressed to his chest. He stepped quicker. “Get the door.” He growled. Angel wasn’t about to stop his hands journey over Cordelia’s exposed flesh.
Cordelia giggled as she leaned down, one hand clutching on to Angel’s shoulder as the other turned the doorknob to the one of the many guest bedrooms in her house.
“See, bed.” She pointed to the king-size piece of furniture, “and curtains.”
Angel laughed a choked growl. “See, woman on bed.” Angel tossed Cordelia on to the mattress.
Cordelia barely got an indignant hey out before Angel’s body was on the bed next to her, pulling her back into his body.
Cordelia curled into him, her hands going back up under his sweater, tugging it upward. “Move, you dork. I want it off.” She tugged harder as the material was trapped under his body.
Angel chuckled, moving just enough.
“Better,” Cordelia signed staring at the bared hard chest. “Beautiful,” she whispered leaning in to attack the cool flesh with her lips and tongue.
The growl vibrated resounding in Angel’s chest. Cordelia giggled, but didn’t stop, at the sound and slight movement. She just wiggled her hips closer.
“My turn to be impatient.” Angel said lowly, his hands finding the waistband of Cordelia’s pants. “And you don’t even have to move.”
Cordelia leaned up at the sound of material tearing and the chill that breezed over her legs. “I liked those pants.”
“So, do I, off.” He pulled her pouting face back to his lips, as his hands traveled quickly and possessively over all of the now exposed delicate flesh. His fingers drawn like magnets to the soft folds hidden in the juncture of smooth firm thighs.
Cordelia whimpered softly into his embrace as Angel’s fingers found their goal. She tensed almost immediately at the tender insistent strokes that tease and caused her nerves to jump under her skin.
Cordelia swallowed, hips squirming and fingers latched on tightly to strong arms. She choked loudly as the nerves no longer jumped but fell in a downward tizzy, causing her muscles to tremble and her skin to flush and warm.
“Angel,” she whispered, her breath raspy.
“Shh, Cordy,” Angel leaned in to capture whatever she was going to say. He didn’t want to talk; he wanted to feel everything this beautiful woman had to offer. It would never be enough.
Angel saw a kaleidoscope of warm colors in his minds eye. Reds, hot yellows and glowing oranges, fire. He felt alive, with every soft touch and whimpered sound. Angel moved his lips trying to catch the flames with his tongue.
Cordelia dug into the mattress as Angel swirled his tongue, teasing her breast and his hands pressed and molded every bit of her flesh that they could touch. She stretched, arching her body closer giving him more to caress. The physical sensations were bringing tears to her eyes. Causing her to gasp and move, making her grab at any cool flesh she could capture. Her hands stalled at the feel of leather and material. She groaned yanking and pulling, getting frustrated at the barrier to her need.
Angel turned to his side bringing Cordelia with him, his hands catching her frantic ones. He leaned suckling at the smooth underside of Cordelia’s chin as his hands led her to his belt, guiding and helping her remove the last stitch of clothing between their bodies.
Cordelia yelped in triumph as the annoying materials fell off the bed. She rolled onto the vampire’s chest, leaning up, straddling Angel. She smiled down from her position of control, bringing a soft hand up from his chest trailing towards the strong planes of his face. “I…” Cordelia blinked, the haze of desire wanning briefly as something stronger took hold, she shook the feeling away and embraced the return of desire as Cordelia rethought, or rather forgot her thought and settled on her feelings of the moment. “I want you Angel, now.” She groaned moving her hips to tease Angel’s own hard evidence of arousal.
Angel growled his agreement, positioning his hands on Cordelia’s hips pushing them down on to him. He groaned and shouted his growl as the tight heat surrounded him. This was, as close to heaven he would ever get, the thought flickered quickly through his mind, the physical sensation of being encompassed overwhelmed anymore thought.
Angel rocked pulling and pushing Cordelia into a rhythm that she was happy to maintain. Flashes of pleasure so intense they could be mistaken for agonizing torture built up from her toes, spreading out to her fingers and rushing to her brain.
Angel felt the flesh that covered him boil and teeter; he soaked in the sensation, his hips thrusting harder at the encouragement. His body was cloaked in the hot colors and heat of fire. He buried himself in it, wanting each stroke to last longer. He pushed as Cordelia gasped out. She threw her head back in abandonment, letting Angel move them both, trusting where he was taking them and trusting that he would catch her when she broke.
She moved until she couldn’t, when the tingling and intense pleasure erupted shutting down her muscles, leaving nothing but overly sensitized nerve endings. Tears pooled in the corner of her eyes and she was turned. She gasped looking into the vampire’s dark eyes. What? She couldn’t tell…desire…definitely…but wonder and amazement…what? Thoughts flew as Angel trusted driving into the very core of her being, causing ever cell in her body to burst. Her limbs fell as Angel pressed in shuddering as he thrust, growling and choking as his weight crushed into her. It was wonderful.
Cordelia with great concentration raised her arms around the vampire. “Love you,” she whispered, no longer able to censure her thoughts or forget or not understand, she didn’t care. This was right. Cordelia smiled softly as she hugged the vampire and closed her eyes.
Angel waited cuddling the woman tight to him. He wouldn’t think. He wouldn’t worry. Not yet. He closed his eyes, gently caressing Cordelia’s form. Once sure she was truly asleep, he moved slowly. Once free from the soft limbs and the bed, he hurried to collapse on the nearest chair and stared.
Cordelia said she loved him. She couldn’t have meant it. Sex, makes people say the strangest things. No, he convinced himself, she didn’t. He groaned, capturing his falling head in his hands. It didn’t matter what she felt. What matter was right now, Angel knew as impossible as it was he was very close to being very happy, too close. Angel pushed back leaning against the chair, remembering Cordelia- accepting him, cooking, if you could call it that, defending, trusting, making him smile and god forbid actually laugh. Cordelia had it. She had the power to make him forget. He could get lost in her. He could love her. Angel hid his face again. He could kill her.
Silent tears formed in Angel’s dark stare as he watched the woman. In less than a handful of days this woman gained the power to make him want to live and love again and he gained the one way that Angelus could reappear in his miserable life. Angel blinked away the tears. Visions, as long as he had the visions, he couldn’t be happy or content or forget. But he hadn’t had one in what seemed forever. How he needed one right now. Angel had to go. The vampire quickly pulled on his clothes, not wanting to leave, not wanting Cordelia to feel any pain or insecurity when she woke finding him gone. But he needed to think, really think and not rationalize or need.
Continue on...