Title: A Little Ways Back
Author: anne
Posted: 04-05-2003
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Rating: NC-17
Category: Time travel, adventure, romance (I hope)
Content: The one you have to think about and root for is C/A.
Summary: Sequel to Into the Past and Now to the Present. If you haven’t read Into the Past or Now to the Present, then you should. I posted them at ST but it was before the wonder of Nothing Fancy so you will need to go to: http://www.1freespace.com/temptatio...s/caindex.html. If you don't want to do that, see the Story So Far notes below.
Spoilers: I'm not really sure but Cordy isn't a demon, so none of that other icky stuff that followed...major change in the ATS universe...Cordy's visions aren't deadly, just were really painful but Wesley fixed that....purist leave me alone...
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made. Movies mentioned- ‘Back to the Future’- Universal Studios, Robert Zemeckis; ‘Frequency’- New Line Studios- (summary- as it wasn’t anywhere the pop icon that the other was-) Solar storms occurring 30 years apart allow a father (Dennis Quaid) and son (Jim Caviezel) to talk through time using the same ham radio. In son’s present dad’s been dead for 30 years. As they talk history is changed. A seriel killer’s crime spree is altered making it worse. Once the son ( a cop) figures this out, father and son work together through time to solve the crime. ***It sounds kind of cheesy but I liked it.
Distribution:
Notes: This series was orginally started to be fun while I took a break from writing an angsty part of an another story...but I liked it enough to do a sequel and Gabby scared me enough to do another.
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Dedication: Gabby- no not that one….the truly scary one, the friend, and cheerleader when she isn’t stalking the board and terrorizing. This is at her request. (oh, I didn't do any real work today because of the idea she started. Her fault, all of it.)
The Story So Far: But if you don’t- In to the Past- the fang gang finds a prophecy “The Vampire with a soul will be damned, his redemption lost, when the mate of his soul, is torn asunder by the demon that lies within.” Everybody pretty much realized that meant Angelus- Cordy is the only that doesn’t realize that she is the other part of the prophecy. Wolfram & Hart do a spell, dropping Cordy in 1898, Cordy runs into Angelus and the rest of the fanged four, but Angelus is the big worry, because he decides he likes her. Stalks her, Marks her. Cordy still hates him but can’t kill him because of the whole changing history thing. Angel and Wesley figure it out and save the day. There is a fight between Angelus and Angel. Ending with Angel telling Cordy his soul is secure and he loves her in the present. (NC-17) Oh, Angel remembers a brunette in his past that got away, the one as Angelus he marked, but the memory is fuzzy, so much that he doesn’t remember that he faced his future self, but he does remember she was brunette and thereby starting his blonde leanings. But as present Angel, he remebers and realizes who the brunette was. It's a happy time. Well for Angel. There is a tiny bit of angst- almost non-existent, then Cordy tells the present souled Angel to basically remark her. The ending is NC-17 and happy.
Now to the present- three weeks later. - Wolfram & Hart try again, this time bringing Angelus of 1898 to the present. Once he goes through the portal he remembers and wants Cordy, to turn her because well he liked her and she got away. He sort of wins making the prophecy come true for a version of a future, but Wesley figures out how to fix it, while present Angelus fights past Angelus. But the good guys prevail….and C/A end up happy and in love and Angelus of the past is back where he belongs. And present Angelus swept under the time changing rug. Things are good in my C/A universe.
Part 12
Cordelia entered the graveyard. Damn’t, Buffy said she was going patrolling tonight before going to the Bronze. Why wasn’t she here doing this?
Right, because the visions came to Cordy-vision girl. Cordelia was getting mad. The Powers had to know she didn’t have her warrior to tell the vision too, so why bother. For higher beings, they sucked.
Cordelia silenced her angry sigh and continued walking scanning the area for her victims.
She paused, seeing the two kids, grouping like there was no tomorrow. Then again maybe they knew something she didn’t. “Get the hell out of here.”
“Cordelia Chase?” The young girl blinked. “You’re Cordelia Chase.” The girl said with some awe.
Great. That’s all Cordelia needed-Freshmen. “Go on, get out. Necking should be done in the back seat of a car, not a graveyard. Don’t you’ll know anything? Now go.”
“But they’re our dinner.” A voice drifted through the night.
Cordelia swirled as two vampires appeared from behind a larger monuments built to honor one of the town’s founding fathers.
“Get a pizza.” Cordelia placed herself between the young couple and the vampires. She was relieved when she heard the girl scream and the sound of pounding feet leaving the area.
“Oh, are you the delivery person? I’m okay with that.”
“Pfft.” Cordelia turned, trying to keep the vamp that had remained silent in her line of sight as he started to creep around.
Cordelia felt the air swoosh and then felt strong arms grab her. She spun, using the kick Angel had taught her. The vampire fell back as the other one decided to shut up and charge.
Cordelia swung with her fist, yanking out her spritzers, stinging the vampire in the eyes with the holy water. She quickly pulled her stake from the back of her pants and lunged.
She had less than a second to congratulate herself on the dust pile, when she was tackled. Cordelia squirmed, trying to keep her neck from the vampire.
The vampire yanked at Cordelia’s collar, fangs preparing to plunge when he jerked up.
“You’ve been marked.” The vamp sniffed. His yellow eyes’ widened. “Shit, Sorry. Please don’t tell, okay. I’ll just be going.” The vampire got up immediately, pulling Cordelia to her feet, brushing at her jacket in an apologetic manner.
“There’s no reason to mention this, it was an honest mistake, word’s not out on you. Didn’t know he claimed a mortal. If I had known you belonged to him, I wouldn’t ever have tried to bite you. No way. Don’t tell, please. You might want to tell him though to make his mark a little bigger, you know more apparent, or let us know, get the word out, you know, or at least maybe you could wear lower cut shirts, just so we know right at the get go, just some suggestions to avoid this type of thing happening in the future, you know. I’m very sorry, please don’t tell,” the vampire nodded backing up.
Cordelia swung and kicked, “And the word’s not getting out on me, you dead moron, you know," she added as her stake plunged into his chest.
Well that was very interesting. Angelus moved out from behind the trees staring at the young woman, stuffing her weapon back in her pocket, and then pulling at the collar of her shirt and jacket. Not only could Cordelia Chase fight much better than she let on, she was hiding a vampire’s mark, not a bite, but a mark. Angelus thought about what he knew about the Xander-ass’s girlfriend, she hated all that was vampire, yet, she let her self be marked. He couldn’t believe that, some vampire must have just taken her.
Angelus narrowed his eyes. Whose mark could’ve scared that vamp off so quickly? Angelus was the only one that could scare the heebie jeebies out of the idiot dead of this town. If there was a new player snacking about Angelus needed to know. He moved quickly.
“Cordelia” he drew her name out in a mocking tone,” full of little nasty secrets aren’t you?” Angelus grinned as the girl stilled, fear erupting through her blood. His eyes narrowed again as the fear was shoved down and the teenager stared him straight in the eyes.
“Angelus, full of shit, aren’t you? Go fuck with your blonde obsession’s head, be a dear and go, I’ve had a bad night.” Cordelia smirked. And as soon as her words left her mouth, she cringed. Damn, she should’ve screamed and not talked.
Angelus studied the girl, remaining rooted to his spot, too interested at the woman’s increase of fear, to anger, to fear and now back to anger but this time the anger seemed to be directed inward rather at him.
Okay. Cordelia could fix this. She yelled to the high heavens and took off running.
Angelus started. He took off catching the girl before she got ten feet.
“It was worth a shot.” She glared, her tongue refusing to follow the plan of her brain. “Do I have to remind you that I am not worth killing? Buffy wouldn’t shed a tear, we aren’t really friends.”
“You’ve been hiding yourself, haven’t you Cordelia. Stronger than you act, less disgusted by my kind. You've been fibbing all this time, let's see who's had a taste.” Angelus’ free hand went to the collar of her shirt.
Cordelia just reacted. She kicked the vampire in the balls.
Angelus staggered back, growling into his knees. Damn that hurt. He was going to kill her.
Angelus caught the running girl again, slamming her up against a cement mausoleum. “Do that again you’re dead. I just want to ask you a question.”
Cordelia snorted. She stared at the vampire, his brutal strength squeezing her shoulders, his presence unmovable. She smirked. Angel taught her this. She swung bending her elbows, snapping the side of her palms against Angelus’ throat. She grunted in satisfaction as the vampire fell.
She turned hearing her name shouted. Christ. She looked down at the vampire staggering to get to his feet. “Get out of here or your girlfriend is going to kill you. Damn’t, Angel, get up and run.” She begged, pulling at the vampire’s heavy weight.
“Cordy? Oh god, Angelus has her.” Xander’s yell floated in the air.
“Xander, it’s okay,” Buffy at full speed.
“You said it would give me 3 seconds, it’s been at least five. Get up, throw me across the goddamn graveyard and run.” Cordelia turned to the stunned vampire.
“Dumb ass.” Cordelia said lowly, then turned and screamed. “Help me, Xander. Angelus tried to kill me.” She wailed at the top of her lungs. “Get out of here, you asshole,” she whispered to the vampire and turned, “Buffy, thank god," Cordelia grabbed onto Buffy blocking her path to Angelus.
Angelus jumped. He didn’t know what was going on, but whatever it was he didn’t feel up to fighting Buffy just then.
Buffy disentangled herself from Cordelia, "Damn it get off me. Where’d he go?” she shouted.
“That way. Didn’t you see him? Geez, some great slayer sense you got there.” Cordelia turned as Xander ran up.
“Xander.” She wailed throwing herself in his arms. “I almost died.”
“Shush, Cordy, it’s okay, Buffy’s here.”
“Right, the great little Miss Slayette let him go again.” She blinked at the blonde that was canvassing the area trying to find the vampire.
Buffy swirled. “I could've gotten him if you hadn't thrown yourself in my way. What are you doing here?”
Cordelia gulped. “I was feeling better and wanted to meet Xander at the Bronze, if it’s any of your business.”
“Like that? Here?” Buffy pointed to Cordelia’s casual way too casual outfit.
“Fashion is a ever changing thing, know it, learn it Summers and you just might be presentable.” Cordelia hmmphed and turned. “Should I even ask you to walk me back to my car.” She pouted to Xander, pulling her hair down from its ponytail spreading the long locks, hiding the skin that her collars didn’t.
Xander looked from the fuming slayer and to his waiting girlfriend. God, Cordy had gotten even better at doing that pouty seductive look.
Angelus growled as watched from the tree branches above. His golden eyes focused on the brunette that latched her self onto the moron, acting helpless. She was a fake. He licked his lips as her dark hair tumbled past her shoulders, further securing the marks on her neck from view. Fool the moron, but couldn’t fool him. Buffy and her gang of little fighters didn’t have a clue who Cordelia really was. Angelus didn’t either, but he thought maybe it was time for him to find out.
***
“Cordy?” Xander asked.
“Um.”
“Are you all right? That was Angelus.” Xander whispered anxiously.
“Yeah.” Cordelia leaned up against her car, her eye watching the corners of the darkness for sight of the vampire. Damn. She’d screwed up. The only thing she could hope was that Angelus’ obsession with Buffy would distract him from any interest in the scene he witnessed earlier. Right and she was buying the Brooklyn Bridge tomorrow.
“Cordy?”
Cordelia turned to her teenage old boyfriend, gently cupping his face. “Thank you for saving me, you’re really a wonderful person for a dork.” She gently kissed him on the lips.
Xander stood motionlessly as Cordy’s car drove off. He’d hoped for some major tongue gratitude and instead he got a sweet caring kiss that rocked him too his toes. He closed his eyes, his finger touching his lips. He could love that girl that just left him.
He turned as Buffy and Willow ran up to him. Xander smiled at his best friends.
“She just left?”
Xander nodded.
“She yelled at you, didn’t she? Damn her, what was she doing out here in the first place?” Buffy grouched. “Did you see what she was wearing?”
Xander blinked. “She didn’t yell Cordy thanked me.” He gave another dazed smile and walked away from the cemetery.
Angelus dropped from the trees. Okay. That was sickening. What did he know about Cordelia Chase? And why hadn’t he ever noticed that she had legs that went on forever and a body that made men cry….and thick dark rich hair, that begged to have fingers entangled in its mass. Angelus frowned. He didn’t like brunettes, did he? That question was washed away with the need to know what vampire touched and claimed her.
Part 13
Cordelia leaned on her bed. She’d bet dollars to doughnuts and the end of the world that she messed up earlier with Angelus.
She incapacitated him and then saved him. But she couldn’t let him see the marks and she couldn’t take the chance that Buffy would kill him, either. Whether he remembers who she was or not, she was noticed and that wasn’t a good thing.
Cordelia groaned. She was beginning to think the best thing to do was just leave Sunnydale. Once out of sight, Angelus’ momentary notice would be focused back on Buffy. And history could go on. Cordelia could hide out in LA for the next couple of years, then go to Margo’s party, and ‘run’ into Angel.
There wasn’t much that she had done to help or save anyone in her last years of high school. And she could avoid the literally painful break up with Xander. That hadn't seemed to effect Xander all that much, so what would it hurt to miss out on that little drama and well, she wasn't the only student that helped blow up the school. Sure, Cordelia guessed that she had driven the Scoobies around alot. But if that were all it was, she'd leave Xander her car. He could be the Scooby chauffer.
Her parents, shoot, she could just call them and tell them that she wanted to finish school in LA or somewhere. They wouldn’t care and the money would run out soon enough. She would be alone. So what? She wouldn’t be once the time came to meet up with Angel. Granted, she did not want to live through Doyle’s death, the everlasting vision trip, Dennis’ mom, the demon babies, and etc. again, but she could because in the end she would be with Angel, Wesley, Gunn, Fred and Lorne, wouldn’t she?
She startled at the sharp tap at her window. Against Cordelia's better judgment she stood, pushing aside the curtains and opening the window. “What do you want?”
Angelus perched on the railing of the non-functional ornamental balcony. “You don’t seem that surprised to see me.”
Cordelia stared coldly at the vampire, clutching her robe closer to her neck. “That’s not really answering my question now is it?”
Angelus hopped down, standing on the narrow ledge provided. “You’re not scared of me, why? Who protects you?”
Cordelia stared at the handsome face then started to laugh, tears falling as the gasps left her throat. “Scared of you? Yeah, reassure yourself- I am. Who protects me? Oh god that one’s priceless.” She laughed, brushing away the tears, trying to calm herself.
Angelus growled. “You are marked, who did it.”
Cordelia gulped, the laugher dripping once again from her lips.
“Shut up.”
Cordelia coughed, brushing her hand against her eyes. “Sorry, that just is really…funny…and ironic coming from you.” Cordelia shook her head regaining her composure. “Did you what something or are you just here to make my night.”
“You’re crazy.”
Cordelia started to laugh again raising her hand as she tried to calm herself again. “More with the funnies and the ironic stuff. You got to stop pushing my buttons or I’ll pee in my pants.”
Angelus showed his demon.
“Oooh scary, be even scarier if you could get to me. But, oh well, eek,” Cordelia wiped the last of her laugher away, she didn’t care anymore, she had decided, she would run and catch up with Angel later.
“You aren’t what you seem. I saw you. You can fight. That little trick to the neck is only known by vampire hunters.”
“Or vampires that have been hunted.”
“The one that marked you, who? Who is in my town? Who took you?”
“Took me?” Cordelia repeated indignantly. “No one ‘took’ me. I gave myself. Met a dangerously sexy vampire, blew me away. Really not much choice, just had to have him, he felt the same.”
“Who?” Angelus growled leaning up as far as he good before the invisible barrier stopped him.
Cordelia leaned close, licking her lips. “A magnificent vampire that is capable of extraordinary acts, beautiful, mine.”
Angelus leaned back. “ I will know your secrets.” He growled jumping.
Cordelia looked out into the darkness. “You already do, just as I know yours. God, I hate you so much Angelus, will you ever just leave us in peace to be happy” her sad voice choking finally in the sobs she had wanted to cry.
Angelus stood as the teenagers crying words floated down. He really didn’t understand, but he would.
Part 14
Cordelia woke up. She would go to school until mid morning then she would go to the bank. Her father hadn’t drained her trust fund yet. She would need it, if she were going to hide out in LA for the next couple of years. Maybe she’d look for Gunn, or maybe not. She didn’t know, but she did know she had to leave Sunnydale as soon as possible.
***
Cordelia stared down the fidgeting bank manager. “Mr. Reynolds the Chase’s have been doing business with this bank for years. How do you think my daddy would react if I told him how uncooperative you are being?”
“Ms. Chase, the amount of money you are requesting will close your trust account. I helped your father set up that account it is for your college.”
Yeah, right. Cordelia choked down her snort. “I’ve authority to access the account.”
“For a limited amount. Your father only has the authority to close the account.”
“And he’s given it.” She showed the bank employee a note signed by her father.
“Um,” The squirrelly little man pushed at his glasses. “I’ll have to get his signature card to compare.”
Cordelia raised an elegant brow causing the man to blush. “Not that I think…its bank procedure.”
“Then do hurry,” she said patronizing.
Cordelia was pretty sure that the scrawl on the note would pass muster, her forgeries had never failed her before. She gave a bored glance around the bank. She was getting a headache…. no. No. She scrambled up from her chair, heading for the door before she crumbled under the screaming pain, ignoring the calls from the bank manager. Cordelia made it to her car before breaking down, her body jerking at the pain and images flowing through her mind.
Cordelia gulped, willing the bright spots from her sight, ignoring the fire pulsating through her brain. She started the car and drove too slowly and too carefully to her house.
She stumbled up to her mother’s bathroom grabbing at the pills. She took a handful and slumped to the floor.
Thirty minutes later she made it to her bedroom, setting her alarm clock and falling to the bed. Her last thought was that the Powers were really trying to screw her.
***
Cordelia woke to a sound of ringing, she punched her alarm clock, but the ringing kept resounding through the room. She blinked and grabbed at the phone by her bed.
“Cordy,”
“Xander?”
“Yeah, I’ve been trying to call you all afternoon. Are you all right?”
Cordelia shook the cobwebs from her head, thankful that she could move it. The pain was almost non-existent. “I’m better.”
“Enough to go out?”
“Tonight?” she glanced at the clock. She had two hours.
“Yeah, too celebrate.”
“Celebrate?”
“Uhm.”
Cordelia could picture Xander’s head jerking up and down.
“Words, Xander, they're more helpful than grunts and goofy expressions on the phone.”
“Oh, right, Buffy saw Angelus last night. He’s out of the picture.”
Cordelia froze in the bed, her mouth suddenly dry. “She…” Cordelia couldn’t complete her sentence.
“Yeah, wounded his ass big time. He ran away, limping and bleeding.”
Cordelia took a deep breath. “But alive?”
“Unfortunately yeah, but he’ll be down for awhile so its time to celebrate.”
“And you expressed this feeling of joy with Buffy?” Cordelia’s instant relief was turning into annoyance.
“Well, no, she’s kind of shaken up about the whole thing. That's why I thought we should go out, show our support.”
“Right, go have you’re slayer cheer up party for her finally having the guts to hurt her psychotic boyfriend, count me out, I’m still sick.”
“Oh. Well maybe later then.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Cordelia hung up, slumping on her bed. Good news- Angelus wasn’t dead. More good news- She wouldn’t have to worry about him showing up when she went out. Bad news- She’d have to face the squirrelly bank manager tomorrow.
***
Angelus groaned as he sat up in bed. Damn slayer, caught him by surprise when he was leaving Cordelia Chase’s house. His mind had been too preoccupied with deciphering the earlier events and Cordelia’s last words. He knew her secrets? She knew his? The hating him, he could understand but the other. Then there were the dreams he had while he was healing. Brown hair- a woman with rich dark hair. He hadn’t had that thought in almost a century. A woman whom he had wanted but had gotten away…the one that chose another vampire. He had tasted that woman, the memory was…. making him hard. Angelus felt his erection growing as he tried more to remember the woman with dark hair, a fire in her flashing eyes, a bold tongue overriding the fear that rippled through the intoxicating scent of her blood, a strangeness, a strength, and a beauty he had rarely seeb before or since.
Angelus eyes snapped open. It couldn’t be. But the Cordelia Chase he saw in the cemetery last night fit many of the requirements of that woman.
Angelus looked down at the healing stake wound and the fading bruises. Silly Slayer thought that these would keep him down. Angelus swung his feet to the floor. Time to get some fresh blood and maybe pay another stop at Cordelia Chase's. He would get his answers.
***
Cordelia walked into the alley, this time she had real stakes and a crossbow. She pushed her collar down. Hey, if Angel’s mark were a deterrent for vampires then she would use it.
Cordelia let loose a round of arrows into the vampires huddled at the end of the alley. She staked the one that her bolt missed. She leaned down. “Go home.” She said kindly to the scared child. “Run.”
The child blinked and scrambled to his feet and ran, only to be swung up and held.
“Cordy, is this another present? You’re too good to me. I didn’t get you anything. Don’t worry, I’ll find some one. Hi, miss me.”
Cordelia’s crossbow dropped, shock taking over her face as she stared at Angelus. He looked perfectly healthy. He looked…. Her eyes widened, the shock turning into real terrifying fear. “No.”
“Yes.” He looked at the struggling child in his hands. “I’m not hungry. But, since it was a gift.” He plunged his fangs draining the boy in seconds. He tossed the body aside as refuse, licking his lips. “Not bad, and thank you, but that wasn’t what I really came for.” He stalked to the still woman, blocking Cordelia’s path to the street. “Do you know how long it took me to find you in this place. Five whole minutes. That’s how much you mean to me. Come here, love.”
“You….” Cordelia gulped, still staring at the young dead boy. “Oh god, no.” She looked back up. “I was worried about the wrong Angelus, those bastards, they sent you here.”
“If you’re talking about that souled freak who lost his ‘soul’- don’t fret, I’ll kill him, as for the ‘bastards’, I’ll kill them too. Why aren’t you running into my arms?”
“Because I despise you, duh.” Cordelia backed up, her mind finally coming to grips with what was happening.
“There’s that spirit that I crave.” Angelus was up against Cordelia in an instant, yanking at her neck. “I will so punish you for letting that souled abomination pollute my mark, touching you,” Angelus jerked Cordelia’s face to his.
“Never.”
Angelus laughed, rubbing his hands over her body, then stopping, holding her out for his inspection. “Like the hair, but you need to be fattened up. I don’t remember you being this bony.”
Cordelia pushed and slapped at his hands. “Get off me.”
“Cordy, all be all over you and you’ll scream for it.”
“I told you once, don’t underestimate me.” She swung her stake slicing into his stomach.
“That’s it run, Cordy darling, but you can’t hide. You can’t kill me, but I can kill you and I will, making you mine forever.”
Cordelia didn’t pause in her running as she heard Angelus’ laugh and mocking voice getting closer.
Cordelia screeched to a halt.
"Hold on." The leather clad vampire stepped out, picking her up, and leaping into the air his feet setting them firmly on the roof above.
Cordelia gulped, the action too quick not giving her anytime to think, staring at the familar vampire grabbing her hand tightly, leaning down to look over the ledge. "Come on. He'll sense us soon enough."
Once again, Cordelia was picked up and carried from rooftop to rooftop, finally landing to the ground. The vampire ran through the alley, kicking in a chained door. He pulled Cordelia through the abandoned hallway to another door. He held her close as he reached in his pocket to get a key.
He put her down once they were inside, locking the door behind him.
Cordelia blinked at the vampire. "You saved...Angel?"
The vampire stared for a moment and then gave a soft smile. "Were you expecting anyone else?"
"Well, Geez, I don’t know, two Angelus' running around town. Not just one, two," She held up her fingers pointedly. "I hate Wolfram & Hart.” She glared. "How did you find me? Where are we? Oh, what do I care, you're here.” She ran into his arms.
It was going better than Angelus hoped. Granted he had been more than just a little surprised to see himself accost Cordelia in the alley. Even more surprised at hearing the exchange between he and Cordelia. They were obviously well acquainted. And since, that Angelus seemed to want him dead, he thought he better find out more about what was going on. So, Angelus too the rescue. And now, it seems that not only was Cordelia Chase acquainted with Angelus, but also the ensouled version if the way she was murmuring the name Angel over and over again and hanging all over him was any indication.
"Angel," She pouted, pulling his lips to hers.
Very well acquainted, Angelus hid his smirk, leaning in to sample the taste of Cordelia Chase.
Shock hit his system as the kiss deepened and her soft ample breast pressed against his chest. Her scent flowed around, pounding in his brain as her fingers scratched up to the short hairs at the back of his neck. Angelus knew Cordelia Chase. He knew her well.
Cordelia licked her lips, smiling. "Got to breathe."
"Right." Angelus resisted the urge to grab her by the hair and attack her mouth once more, tearing at her clothes to see the soft mounds that had pressed against him. Too taste all of her. "Did he hurt you," Angelus reached for Cordelia's collar, pretty positive what he would find, but he wanted to know for sure.
"No." Cordelia stilled as the vampire moved his lips over the scared wounds. He wanted to laugh as he took in his own scent embedded permanently in the small wounds. No wonder the girl laughed so hysterically when he demanded to know what vampire protected her. It really was funny, bizarre, but funny.
That idiot soul had been so enamored with the slayer that he missed what was right under his nose. Well, Angelus couldn’t fault the soul too much. He had almost overlooked the girl that he had wanted for over 100 years.
Angelus looked up from the wounds, into Cordelia's eyes. At some point, though, the soul must have noticed. The scent wasn't from when he first marked the woman in Gertie’s. It was continuous and recent.
Well, if she didn't mind. Angelus’ demon emerged going back to the marks.
"Whoa, 'grr' guy, we don't have time for more hickie making. How are we getting home? I want my body back.” She pushed away.
Angelus wanted her body badly and her blood. He growled.
"Geez, Angel, keep your pants on. Is Wesley with you?" Cordelia moved further leaning up against an old table, running her finger through the dust. "Nice place, who's is it. Dead person's I imagine."
Angelus answered the question he could answer. "My old apartment."
"Right, bad memories, uh, couldn’t stay in the place where you're soul had a moment of perfect contentment. Scared you would catch Buffy and soul cooties."
"Something like that."
Cordelia nodded, shoving her hands in her pocket. "Pretty brave, bringing me here. You know how I get when you throw the blonde little Miss Slay It in my face, imagining you and she doing the horizontal mumbo.” She cocked a brow.
Angelus hesitated. "We had to go somewhere."
"That’s true. Past Angelus wouldn't know about this place, just the current one. And Buffy supposedly beat the crap out of him tonight so he's probably safely tucked in with the crazy Dru."
Angel remained silent.
"What's wrong Angel, Sunnydale catch your tongue -are you reverting back to the broody stoic guy?"
"I guess, bad memories here," Angelus hazard a guess.
Cordelia nodded. "Yeah, failed love affairs, evil doings,” Cordelia jumped off the table heading towards the vampire. "Don't brood, you're here so that means we can go home. Then every thing will be all right." Cordelia reached up to caress Angel's face and with the other she plunged her stake in his stomach as hard as she could.
Angelus growled, grabbing for her as he fell.
She jumped out his reach leaning down. "You kiss better with a soul, you got the 'I want to ravish and plunder’ bit right, but you just didn't put enough feeling in to it. A girl can tell things like that." She pushed the vampire down, pulling out the stake, placing it on his chest. "Don't. I will kill you if I have too." She reached into Angelus leather jacket getting the key.
Cordelia considered the wounded vampire as she got up. "That's pretty deep, but I've seen you fight and win with worse, so...” She swung again, this time leaving the stake embedded next to other gapping wound on his stomach.
"Angelus, I don't know if you will listen to me," she kneeled down to the growling bloody vampire, "but it is in your best interest not to get involved with this. This isn't your concern."
"I will kill you," Angelus pain filled face promised.
Cordelia sighed. "And here I thought you wanted me." She unlocked the door and left.
"Oh, I do and I'll have you," Angelus yanked at out the stake. Damn't he was going to have to get more blood and remember not to underestimate Cordelia Chase in the future. She had warned him.
***
Cordelia glanced around trying to get her bearings as to what part of town she was in then she ran.
***
Cordelia slammed her door, falling to the floor. Her mind was raging in conflict on which she should damn first, the Wolfram & Hart lawyers or the Powers that sent her straight into both Angelus’ path.
She couldn’t leave Sunnydale now. Past Angelus would follow and possibly killing 1998 Angelus in the progress.
What was she going to do? She would have to go to Giles. She couldn’t keep this to herself any longer. If past Angelus came across Buffy there would be no mocking, no hesitation, he would just kill the slayer or she would just kill him when she realized that Angelus could give a damn about her. But how was Cordy going to convince the Scoobies that neither Angelus could be killed.
Cordelia got up, moving too the couch. She tossed the stupid movies to the floor. Cordelia went to kick them, but stopped. She had gotten four- all the Back to the Futures and one she had never heard of, in fact, the only reason she got it was because for an old guy, Dennis Quaid was hot.
Why not? What else was she going to do but cry? She put the movie into the VCR, and read the back cover. A father and son reach through time to solve a batch of serial killings. Serial killings, time travel, hell, it may be the just the movie that could help her.
Cordelia rolled her eyes, fast forwarding, no solar flares or ham radios for her to talk to Angel through. Though that would be nice, Roger, Roger, Angel, help. She paused the video her interest peeked as the father in the 60’s laid his lit cigarette on the wooden desk, and an exact burn mark showed up on the previously unmarked desk the son was using in the ‘90’s.
She fast forward the mystery and family parts, pausing again as the father hid the killer’s wallet under the floor boards for the son to find almost immediately over 30 years later.
Cordelia stopped the movie. Maybe she could go to LA, break into the abandoned Hyperion leave a note for Angel to find or not leave a note...mail one. She picked out the wrong movies.
Cordelia scrambled through her father's Rolodex, while digging for stationary and a pen.
Part 15
Present
Lilah circled her thumbs. “So what’s the count?”
“Three more attorneys are in the hospital.” Lindsay sat in the chair next to her.
“Impressive that makes 8 wounded and 2 dead.”
“I don’t think you can count those two, Angel barely touched them, they died from heart attacks.”
Lilah looked around the hotel. “So, when we will know that it’s safe to return.”
“When Angel isn’t even a memory or barely one.”
“Uh.”
“Well, if Angelus 1 succeeds and stays in 1998, killing Angelus 2, history will be changed. The vampire with a soul will never exist, no need for Wolfram & Hart to know about him except as vicious vampire. If Angelus 2, succeeds then Angel never gets his soul back and we can close the vampire with a soul’s file as a prophecy wanna be.”
“So our memories will just change?”
Lindsay nodded.
“How do you know so much about time travel?”
“I watch movies.”
“Oh.” Lilah scrunched up her face. “I hope Angelus 2 wins.”
“What does it matter?”
“Angelus 2 doesn’t know Wolfram & Hart exists, Angelus 1 does.”
“So, Angelus 1 won’t come after us, we gave him Cordelia.”
Lilah rolled her eyes. “Angelus 1 isn’t the grateful type. He’s apt to bite the hand that feeds him, literally. Hey, if everyone's memories change how are we going to get the credit?" Lilah asked the really important question.
***
Angel stared down at Cordelia. It had been too long. His hand covered hers. God, he had to get her back. He gently brushed his hands over her face tucking a strain of hair behind her ear.
Fred knocked on the door, clearing her throat.
Angel looked up. "Not now Fred."
Fred cleared her throat again, this time with sorrow and regret. Angel didn't look well. She knew the only time he left Cordelia's side was to go question the Wolfram & Hart employees or anyone else he could think of that might have the answers. Fred was sure that the only reason he slept and ate at all was because Wesley convinced the vampire that he would need his strength when they did find the answer.
"I'm really sorry, Angel, honest, but there is a messenger from a law firm. He has something for you."
"Wolfram & Hart?"
Fred shook her head. "A law firm from Sunnydale. He said it was important. That he needs your signature as proof of service. I thought since, Sunnydale was where you used to live and well....I just thought you should know, maybe. I’m sorry.”
***
Angel opened the cardboard container to find another envelope. He pulled out the fine stationary, fancy initials adorning the top. He froze as he saw the writing. "Call Wesley." He shouted to Fred.
"He's at the magic shop waiting for the delivery of that old book on souls. He..."
"Get Wesley."
"Yoa man, what's the yelling for, do you know something?" Gunn came in the lobby.
"It's from Cordy.... dated November 18, 1998.” Angel showed them the big bold underlined date.
"I'll call Wes.” Gunn ran to the phone.
"What does it say?"
Angel started to read out loud.
Dear Angel,
I hope you get this, I had to max out my gold card, I thought the point of gold cards was they didn’t have a max, anyway. I had to pay for this letter to get delivered, lawyers cost way too much, but I'm pretty sure this one isn't evil, just expensive. I couldn't go back to the bank and face that weasely bank manager again after I ran out of there like a lunatic yesterday. I told the lawyer to send this letter three years from this now. I hope I got the dates right.
Anyway, I got this idea from watching a movie, this father left a wallet for his son to find 30 years…nevermind; we’ll rent it when I get back.... I should just jump right in, uh. Okay. I'm in Sunnydale. I'm not supposed to be in Sunnydale, I'm supposed to be in LA with you. But, what I think happened is somehow Wolfram & Hart sent me back to Sunnydale 1998. They got my body, I'm stuck in my 17 year old body. I had to go to Trig again, I'm not happy right now and I'm dating Xander, this sucks. I WANT MY BODY AND LIFE BACK.
Okay, enough with the venting, Xander and school are the least of my worries. See, at first I thought the evil weenies sent me back because this is when you lost your soul. Okay, not a great time, but I lived through it once. So, I figured if I just stayed out of Angelus way, I'd be okay until you saved me, but that plan didn't go to well. I think I can safely say he noticed me and also to make matters even more fun, 1898 Angelus is also here. So, you see.... HELP.
I haven't gone to Giles yet, because I don't want to take the chance of changing stuff, but if this letter doesn't get to you. I might have to, so I'll give you five days. I'm at my parents’ house. They’ll be coming back that weekend. Please get this. One Angelus maybe I could handle but two. And Past Angelus wants to kill this Angelus. And I’m scared and …I’m whining. Sorry. I know you’re doing everything you can. But, hurry. Please.
I love you,
Cordy
P.S. Wear your purple shirt. Sneaky 1998 Angelus tried to make me believe it was you. Pfft. Red silk, Leather-, and he can’t kiss worth a damn, well, not like you. I don’t want to have to do that again…. wear the shirt, you know which one I mean, you better. I love you.
Angel stood stunned, his eyes returning to the beginning to read again. He tried to grasp the meanings and his feelings as the words penetrated his brain. Cordy was alive, she was communicating with him...happiness, relief...okay, next emotion, Wolfram & Hart, Cordy being in 1998 away from him...rage, the desire to maim and disfigure...okay, Two Angelus after Cordelia...fear, fear that weakened him at his knees...Angelus kissed her...rage, rage that made him stand straight and forget about wanting to cry in fear, but just kill...Cordy was alive and loved him, he kissed the best...happiness…Purple shirt...confusion.
Angel blinked and re-read, letting the cycle begin again.
***
Wesley barreled in to the lobby. “What’s happened?”
Fred bit her lips and Gunn shrugged, they pointed to the motionless vampire with a letter tight in his grip.
“What’s…” Wesley walked closer to Angel.
“He got a letter from Cordy, a lawyers office had it delivered. He’s been like that for the last fifteen minutes."
“What?” Wesley took off his glasses and rubbed his head. He knew that soon he had better come up with better questions. “Uh?” Okay, maybe he needed some more time or at least more information.
“We haven’t read the letter, he started to read it out loud but stopped, he did show us the date -November 18, 1998 and it was from Sunnydale.”
Wesley nodded that helped. “Uh?”
“I called the law firm, not Wolfram & Hart, it does exist in Sunnydale, but they wouldn’t give me any information, something about attorney -client confidentiality.” Fred kept nodding. “He won’t let us read it. He said to call you back, though,” Fred smiled helpfully.
“Growls and goes vamp if we get near.” Gunn agreed.
Wesley straightened his shoulders. “Angel.” He stepped back at the growl emitting from the vampire. “Angel,” Wesley tried again. “You wanted me here. Can I see Cordy’s letter, please.” He held out his hand tentatively, not flinching as gold eyes bore into him. Slowly, they turned a deep brown. “She wrote.” Angel explained as he thrust the paper in Wesley’s hand so quickly that the man jumped back. “She was sent back to 1998, two Angelus. I have to change. Figure it out.” He ran back up the stairs. Finally, Angel had figured out the purple shirt addition.
***
Angel sat on the chair next to the bed, his hand holding Cordelia's tightly. "I'm coming.” He promised. Angel looked down at the same clothes he had been wearing for the past two days, then back at the prone young woman. "I better shower or you'll just eww and I know what I’ll wear. I’m coming,” Angel, repeated his vow.
***
Angel bounded down the stairs, energy vibrating in his every movement. He was going to Cordelia.
“So, when?”
“Angel,” Wesley cautioned.
Angel’s good mood, did a direct 360, “ Wes, we know where she is, don’t tell me I’m not going. DON’T.” he growled.
Wesley took a deep breath. “I’m not, I just want you to listen. This will not be like when we went back to 1898. You will have to be cognizant of the many possible ways you could effect our present. You have to be aware that you can’t see Buffy, or….”
“Fine, no problem, let’s get on with it,” Angel shifted his feet.
“Angel, this is serious, you can’t…”
“Wes, I have no reason too see Buffy, why would I want to, I WANT Cordy, now hurry up and tell me how.” Angel growled.
Wesley blinked at the force of the emotion and all that it encompassed. “You may run into her…”
“So, I’ll pretend to be Angelus, she’d expect it. No biggie.”
“Angel, she will try to kill you.”
Angel shook his head. “I hadn’t killed Jenny Calendar yet, she’s still hesitant, and being all gooey eyed. I can get away, I won’t hurt her or anything.”
Wesley caught his glasses before they hit the floor. That was the first time he ever heard Angel state nonchalantly an evil he committed as Angelus, and his blowing off Buffy was… Wesley knew that Angel loved Cordy very much, but this was unexpected.
“Yes, well, Cordy’s given us the date, smart girl, Fred has adjusted the original spell to create a time portal to that time. But, you will have to do the soul spell there,” Wesley handed Angel a glass orb. “It is very important that this remains intact. Once you do the spell, Cordy’s, our Cordy, soul will enter into it, leaving the 17 year old Cordelia fine if not a bit dazed,” Wesley looked up at Angel’s frown. “She will be fine, back to her delightful old self.” Wesley rolled his eyes.
Angel narrowed his eyes. “She wasn’t that bad. You kissed her.”
Wesley coughed, not sure which comment caused the vampire to glare at him. “Yes, well, she’ll be fine. But, then you have to subdue 1898 Angelus and send him back to his time. Once there, the normal time should flow.”
“Cordy’s letter said that I did notice her in 1998 more than before. I don’t remember that.”
“You wouldn’t. Your memory of Cordy and London happened after the time line was reestablished. While Angelus of 1898 is in Sunnydale, he is creating a temporal anomaly…a time cross roads if you will …if he returns to his natural era, then time should return to normal, There are arguments that time is circular, but you are an example that its not. You know,” Wesley pointed to his head. “That prior to your memory of Cordy being in London, she wasn’t even born yet, that it was a freak of Wolfram & Hart, yet, you remembered her. So, theoretically, Angelus of 1998 does too, just not as a time anomaly. You didn’t notice her in 1998, he probably won’t once Angelus is returned to 1898.”
“She said he did.”
“Yes, but, your love for Buffy remains the same, so that will also effect Angelus. Angel, you have to remember you can’t kill either Angelus. We can't be sure of how that would effect the future."
Wesley sighed at Angel’s growl. “Are you sure I can’t talk you into letting me go with you.”
“No. If this goes wrong for some reason you need to be here to help her.” Angel took one last look up the stairs. “I’m ready.”
***
Wesley, Gunn, and Fred turned to look at each other as Angel disappeared into the Portal. “Well?” Fred shoved at her glasses.
“Well, we take these.” Wesley handed out some small disc.
“Whoa, what?” Gunn raised his hands.
“If all goes well, Angel will return with Cordy’s soul but if something goes wrong we might never know. If time is changed, then so will our memories. Take this, and we will know, and then we can fix it.”
“Oh.” Fred grabbed at the wafer.
“Down the hatch.” Gunn took one as Wesley swallowed his own.
Fred nudged at her glasses, looking to Wesley. "So when did you kiss Cordy?"
Wesley groaned.
Part 16
1998
Cordelia sat on the couch. How long? Did the letter even get there? She prayed. It had been a horrible day, she had seen more money pass to different hands in all of her past three years. Except when David Nabbit showed her his petty cash, the sweetie hadn’t even noticed when she started to drool. She wished she had been able to go to his wedding but demon crisis had interfered, all the papers said it had been a gala affair. She sighed. Cordelia loved dorks, why couldn’t she just love zillionaire ones, oh well.
It had taken her best clothes and fake smile to get the lawyer to agree to keep her letter safe and to mail it three years later. She wasn’t sure she understood the dynamics of her plan, hell she knew she didn’t. But, the cop in the movie didn’t have to wait 30 years for the wallet to show up.
But, Cordelia did understand banks and lawyers. The lawyer had agreed after he called the bank to confirm that there was 10,000 dollars accruing interest waiting to be handed over when the letter was delivered and signed for. Cordelia shrugged about her gold card. If it worked, she didn’t care. She'd be home and if it didn’t she just go back to forgery or stealing the family silver to get her start in LA.
Cordelia stared at the clock and scrunched up her face, as the insistent knocking on her front door got louder. Was Xander actually checking up on her?
"Cordy."
Christ. Cordelia flinched. Would the vampire ever realize that the knocking thing didn't work? She wondered which evil dumbass was at her door. Like it mattered. She swung open the door. "Go away."
"Cordy, its me."
"Uh duh," The retort slowed as she stared. As far as she knew, neither Angelus was capable of such a pathetic puppy dog look and both had been injured, this one looked fine. She narrowed her eyes, taking in all of the vampire, from the tip of his gelled hair, the leather coat, the purple shirt, the black pants, the black boots. Her eyes went back up to the purple shirt. THE purple shirt.... Cordy’s jaw dropped, hope, and relief flooded her suspicious glare.
"I love that shirt." Cordelia happily squealed, recognizing the shirt that Angel had bought in an attempt to impress her, the one that had previously identified her Angel when she had been confronted with two unconscious vampires- one evil- the other a Sweet Gorgeous Dork. It was the shirt she told him in her letter to wear.
"You hate it. You said it doesn't go with my skin tone, I need the blue based."
"I love it. I love you. Oh God.” Cordelia yanked at the vampire, "Get your butt in here." The door was barely closed before Cordelia was in Angel's arms. "You figured it out, I knew you would.” She mumbled pressing kisses all over his face, her legs, and arms wrapped around the vampire, pushing Angel back against the door.
"The letter…Wes...” Angel tried in between the lips that were roaming all over him.
"Shut up and kiss me."
Angel shut up, adjusting Cordelia's body tighter to his hips, cupping his hand through her hair, pulling her face back to him, and capturing her lips. Angel groaned into the kiss, his tongue urgently tasting the flavor offered, his fear and anxiety diminishing as each second past with Cordelia in his grasp. The sight of her, lying so still, her body present but her essence her life out of his reach had threatened to destroy Angel. But now, he had her. The rest would be easy as long as he knew that she was in his reach, with him.
Cordelia tugged at his coat, her hands urged for what her lips were too busy to demand.
"Cordy, wait.” Angel pulled away, settling her on her feet.
"Uh," Confusion took over Cordelia's flushed face.
"Breakables in my jacket."
"Uh.” She said again.
Angel shrugged out of his leather coat, moving too put it safely on the couch. He scanned the room quickly and was back to Cordelia in an instant. "Your parents are gone for the week?"
"My what?” Cordelia's confusion grew, as did her frustration.
"Mother, father...."
"Next week. Yeah."
"Anyone else showing up?"
"No. Angel?"
The vampire quickly kissed her forming frown. "Where's your bed."
Cordelia blinked understanding that question. She grabbed Angel's hand and dragged him to the stairs.
***
Cordelia wanted to jump up and down, dance, skip, swirl, and laugh with joy. Her Angel was here, nothing could be that bad if he was with her. Actually, she didn't want to jump up and down, she just wanted to jump him.
However, she didn't make it from the closed bedroom door that she had been leaning on. Her back hit the wood as Angel pressed up against her, hungrily attacking her with his mouth and hands. Cordelia laughed, copying his frantic attempts to rid both of them of their clothes.
Angel growled at the sound, her laughter filling his ears with the music he had been scared he had lost. Angel tore at her shirt, his lips leaving hers, to rain moist nips and kissing along her cheek and neck, his hands holding her possessively against his body.
Cordelia moaned, hugging his hips in the cradle of her thighs, her arms pressing his lips against her neck, her head falling back, exposing more of her skin to vampire.
A low growl vibrated through Angel's chest as his lips targeted the marks on her neck, tonguing the permanent scars of his making. Angel secured Cordelia to the door as his hands made wide sweeping motions, his thumbs, lifting and rubbing at the underside of the cotton that contained her full breast.
Cordelia arms slid around, holding on as Angel leaned back up to seize her lips. Angel slid his hands cupping Cordelia's head and ass, taking her from the door, moving with strong strides never leaving the warmth of Cordelia's lips.
Angel tumbled Cordelia on the bed, urging her arms away and pulling her shirt from her body. Still kissing, Cordelia use her free hands to wiggle out of her stretch pants. Angel fumbled at his belts, reluctantly standing to yank at his pants and shirt.
"Wait." Cordelia knelt on the bed.
Angel hands stalled, looking at the young woman clad in white thin panties and a sport bra that hugged her breast not hiding her straining nipples. "That's not going to be possible.” He growled.
"Your shirt, don't," She whined as he proceeded to rip it from his body, popping the buttons. "That was my favorite." She pouted as the purple material landed on the floor.
"Get a new one." Angel kicked off his pants and leaned in on one knee, pushing Cordelia back on the bed.
"But it was a lucky shirt.” She scramble back as Angel crawled up her body, caging her with his arms.
"You can pick out the next lucky one."
Cordelia considered. "You'll go with me?" Her eyes twinkled at the thought.
"Shopping?"
"Why not, you said you liked it."
"I did not, I said that I thought you would like it if I went." He growled, trying to pull at her sports bra, getting in caught over her arms. "Get this thing off."
Cordelia pushed at his hands. "You’re getting it all tangled.” She grabbed the bra and pulled it off easily.
"That's why I told you to take it off." Angel insisted, bringing his mouth back to her lips to cut off her retort.
Cordelia brushed at his shoulders, dragging her nails down the vampire's spine, delighting in the shivers along Angel's skin. She drew her finger back up, gripping at the shoulders she had left.
Angel placed his hands between their bodies, finding the edge of elastic, tugged ripping the flimsy material.
Cordelia broke from the kiss, cradling Angel's face. Her fingers caressed wide along his strong jaw, her eyes boring into his, a soft smile appearing as she stared. "You're here, you found me,” she said in love and amazement.
"Always," Angel growled, reaching for her lips as he moved his hips, embedding deep into the hot welcoming walls. He propelled his hips taking him further, filling Cordy to her core.
Cordy gaped out, tightening her legs, squeezing, holding him impossibly close and then slowly beginning to mimic Angel’s rhythmic pace. Angel groaned at the soft friction, jerking as he moved with more force to capture it again and again, harder and longer.
Tears squeezed out of the corner of Cordy's eyes, her nerves pushing against her skin. The knowing that Angel was with her, in her, intensified the pleasure. The breath caught in her throat, the blood heated, skin tightened as the nerves were pushed to the breaking point. She cried out, her body shuddered, surrounding Angel in its pleasure. Angel soaked everything in, the sounds, the feel, the fragrance, allowing it to take him over. Angel shouted out her name as he came, burying deep as he fell.
Angel gathered Cordy in his arms, remaining quiet, listening as her heartbeat, and breathing slowed reaching equilibrium. Cordelia licked her lips. "So you missed me?"
Angel chuckled. "A little."
"That's good to know.” She smiled, curling up in the safety of his embrace.
***
Angelus stood straight as his mirror image jumped on the fake balcony. Both vampire's stared through the window. “She’s mine.’
“There seems to be a differing opinion on that.” Angelus shrugged.
“You’ve been injured.”
“So, have you.”
“Her?” he jerked towards the woman writhing underneath the vampire with a soul and their face.
“Yeah, and the slayer.” His eyes glued to the scene.
“I can’t even imagine. You sicken me as much as him.” Angelus glared.
“Yeah, well, he’s got the girl.” Said the Angelus of 1998. “Damn, do you know how long she’s been under me? Fuck, soul boy turned her down when her first met her here. All, in love with the slayer."
“Just proves that I got stupider as time went on.” Angelus growled.
“How’d you get here?”
“Lawyers, they want them destroyed, seems they’re soul mates in the future.” He looked again. “Angel's Investigations, helping the helpless. It's disgusting.”
“Soul mates, uh? Buffy’s going to be so pissed, she thought it was her.”
“You still think about the slayer, fool. That’s who belongs to us, me. She’s the one, fire, and strength. I would’ve killed Darla for her. Instead you kill Darla for some skinny blonde.”
“You know you’re future, and it wasn’t me, that was the soul boy.”
“Close enough.” Angelus growled into the window. "You smell like her."
"We had an encounter, I think she likes me."
Angelus growled. "My Cordy will pay for her choices then we'll hunt the night together." He jumped to the ground.
Angelus shook his head. Melodrama with out the sense humor. Angelus could’ve of sworn he was much more fun back in the day. Angelus stared into the window. Soul Mates, uh. Well, he didn't have a soul or particularly what a mate. Yet, he did remember how Cordelia Chase's blood had tasted so long ago, how her lips and chest felt pressed against him more recently, the fragrance of the woman clung too his clothes making him wonder how set he was on not having a mate. He stared he never envied his soul anything. But, as he watched his body possess the young woman and her fervent responses, again he wondered. She fit him perfectly. Cordelia Chase knew how to use that body of hers that was sure. His eyes glowed yellow and growled as the vampire in the bed moaned sinking once again into her body.
What had she said? Angelus hadn't put enough feeling in their kiss. Well, he would the next time. She would feel everything he had to offer, the pain, and the pleasure. Chuck it up, soul boy. Angelus grinned. His time was about to end. Angelus jumped to the ground searching for a body to relieve the burning ache in his cock.
Part 17
Cordelia woke. Something was different this morning. She opened her eyes and took in her surrounding. Well for starters it wasn't morning, but the biggest and best thing that was different from her prior mornings was standing at her dresser, fingering the items displayed.
"What are you doing?"
Angel picked up the picture of her and Xander, scowling as he showed her.
"Don't tell me your jealous."
“Your letter said you were dating the moron."
"Angel," she threw her pillow. "Little preoccupied with life and death issues, no time to sit back a enjoy the horrors of dating Xander."
Angel brightened. "It was horrible."
"Angel. Pfft. Xander's cute and sweet...” she scrunched up her nose. "Lot of the times."
Angel put the picture done with grunt, not believing it. "I've never been in here before."
"Well, duh, Sunnydale. I wasn't too big on inviting vampires in to play.” She hugged at her knees.
"I had soul, I do. You could've invited me in."
Cordelia raised her brows. "You wanted to come over for coffee, help with my homework, what? Pfft. Didn't notice me, remember?"
Angel shook his head and sat on the bed. "I don't know why not, you're certainly noticeable." His eyes grazed over her sheet-covered body up to her eyes.
"Um, how about because you were in love with little Miss Slayette."
Angel frowned. "Still." He tugged at the sheet, uncovering the rest of her body for appreciation. He pushed her down on her back, his hands tracing the curves. His fingers swirled on her lower belly searching, his frown still evident.
"It didn’t' happen yet."
Angel nodded, and leaned over gently kissing the skin that in a matter of months will be ribbed open.
"Angel?"
"I don't want you to be hurt like that."
Cordelia shrugged. "I will but I'll live. I did. Hey, my tattoo's gone too."
Angel frowned again. "I know. I miss it,” still examining her body with his intense gaze, his hand testing the weight of her full breast.
Cordelia scrunched down her nose at the vampire. “You don’t seem pleased.”
Angel’s hand stalled. “I don’t.” he chuckled.
“You keep looking at me and frowning. Don’t force yourself to touch me if you don’t like it.”
Angel laughed, his hand resuming its previous caressing. “Gee, here I thought I hid my disgust pretty well when I ‘forced’ myself to make love to you, burrowing to the hilt, stroking into you screamed out.” He raised his hooded gaze to Cordelia’s.
Cordelia gulped, feeling the heat pool in between her legs, she wetted her lips. “That’s not what I meant.”
Angel gave slow smile. “Your body’s different. It’s lacking the sun that I love to kiss, its free of the pain you will experience, it’s strong, but not as strong as you will be, it’s less rounded and lush, but still so beautiful. I’ve never touched this body.” He whispered into her flat belly, darting out with is tongue, savoring the flavor of the skin. “It tastes the same, though, still uniquely you.” Angel lifted his head to catch Cordelia’s eyes. “Are its secrets the same? Will my slightest touch cause tremors and your breath to choke on the pleasure?” He cocked his head.
“You did.” Cordelia licked again at her lips.
Angel shook his head, his deep brown eyes maintaining contact with Cordelia’s darkening ones. “That could’ve just been luck, I have to know for sure. I need know that this body also belongs to me. I’ve loved it now I need to possess it.”
Cordelia slightly nodded mesmerized by the dark stare and low growl coating Angel’s words. She leaned back closing her eyes as Angel’s head lowered beginning his assault, with hands, lips, and blunt teeth. Angel left no area free from his need.
Cordelia jerked her hips as Angel’s kiss explored her center. Cordelia twisted the sheets in her fists, biting at her lips to keep from screaming out, the tangy taste of her blood appeared underneath her teeth.
She couldn’t stop her voice, Angel’s name came out in loud gasp as the vampire tongued her inner folds, relentless seeking out the evidence of her arousal, creating more on its quest.
Low growls hummed in Angel’s chest as drank in the moisture. His tongue concentrated on the bud pulsating out of the pink petals. He swirled, nicked, and soothed as Cordelia screamed his name and her muscles convulsed furiously.
Cordelia blinked into the yellow glowing eyes under the ridged brow. “Mine,” vampire said plunging his fangs into her neck as he plunged into her very core reaching back to touch the end of her womb, thrusting in and out as he took her blood, possessing her body completely.
Cordelia’s body arched into a taunt wire, breaking as the combined sensations claimed her, depriving her mind and body of any thought or feeling expect that of intense unbearable pleasure.
Angel growled loudly, increasing his powerful strokes moving past the contracting muscles as Cordelia’s life filled his veins, becoming his own. Angel jerked up his head as the painful pressure in his balls burst forth in joy. His powerful body weakened crushing Cordelia with his spent body, nuzzling at Cordelia’s neck, kissing and licking at the blood spotting the smooth column.
Cordelia lifted her arms hugging at the vampire, her hands smoothing the tremors that wracked his body. “Satisfied?”
Angel leaned up, kissing now at her lips, sucking at her bottom lip, taking the blood from the small cuts caused by her teeth. “Always.” He said with a final kiss, shifting his weight.
“Oh,” Cordelia rubbed her cheek against his chest. “So, I guess you won’t be needing to do that again anytime soon.”
Angel eyed the dark hair covering his chest. “I don’t know, Cordy, I’m a pretty insecure vampire, I’ll probably have to do it all the time.”
“Thank god for your issues, then.” Cordelia smiled.
Angel laughed.
Part 18
Angel nuzzled further into Cordelia’s neck, taking comfort in the scent and gentle echoing of her heartbeat against his chest. He wanted to remain in her embrace but something kept nagging at him, preventing Cordelia’s soft sounds of life from lulling him back to sleep.
Angel’s eyes opened realizing the frustration. They weren’t curled, intertwined in each other’s bodies in their bed at the Hyperion. With a dread that cut through the contentment, Angel recognized where they were and what needed to be done before he could get that happiness back. Angel turned to wake Cordelia but stopped, his eyes drawn to the long windows as his nostrils flared. He moved slowly, not to disturb Cordelia.
Angel stood in the middle of the room, scenting the air. The room was rich with the combined fragrance of their lovemaking. With reluctance, he blocked out Cordelia’s and concentrated on his own. A low growl rumbled in his chest as he was led to the window. Rage overcame the vampire, rage at his stupidity, the danger that had existed and at the gall of his selves, but even in the anger there was a smugness- in the 'eat your dead hearts out boys' sort of way. Angel shook head- was he ever not an arrogant bastard.
Cordelia stretched up at the lost of Angel’s presence. She rubbed her eyes. “Why are you ‘grr’? What is it?”
“Get dressed.” Angel stilled his rage, smugness, and his self-recriminations, concentrating on Cordy’s safety.
“Angel?” She got out of the bed, wrapping the sheet around her. “Is something wrong?”
“Get dressed, we have to leave NOW.” He grabbed for his pants.
Cordelia stood firm. “I’m not going anywhere until you tell me why.”
“Cordelia,” Angel ordered.
Cordelia scrunched up her face at the demanding tone. It was not the typical request couched in a coaxing manner or frustrated plea, it was a tone that the vampire rarely used with her, one that gave her no room to argue, one that Cordelia took seriously even if it pissed her off.
Cordelia went to her dresser and started to yank out clothes. “All I’m asking is for full disclosure, an open line of communication, for you to tell me what the hell has got you so riled up all of sudden.” She shoved her legs into her jeans.
“They were here.” Angel relented once he saw that she was following his directions.
“Who was here?” Cordelia poked her head through her shirt, waiting for Angel’s answer. Her eyes widened, as she comprehended his silence. “They as in them? Both of them? Where? There?” she ran to the window, only to have Angel pull her back.
“When?” She blinked up at Angel. Her mouth dropped open at his continuing silence. “Then? When we…. Those voyeuristic perverted bastards. They just stood there and watched?” Her eyes flashing. “What kind of ……eww. Why?”
Angel looked up from putting on his shoes trying to decide if she really wanted an answer. He sighed as she tapped her foot with balled fists on her hips waiting for him to say something. How was he to explain that the watching was the only thing he understood? Cordelia’s body, her beautiful face writhing in pleasure, giving pleasure to his body, to theirs, hell, he’d have been transfixed by the sight. He growled. He caused that wondrous sight and fuck his past selves. Angel grunted and compromised with his answer. “Cordelia, I imagine they came looking for you.” Angel threw his ripped shirt aside.
“Together?” Cordy’s face was still wrinkled in wordless disgust.
Angel kept his face passive, confused at that particular concept. Angel wasn’t that different than is soulless counterparts when it came to certain things - the paramount being his aversion to share what was his. With a soul, his possessiveness was tempered by love and the knowledge that Wesley, Gunn, Fred and even Lorne were Cordy‘s, as well as his, friends and family and because of that he would willing share her with them to a certain extent. But, as Angelus he knew that wouldn‘t even be a consideration. He found it difficult to believe that either of the past Angelus‘ would stand side by side while watching him make love to Cordelia, no matter how beautiful and enticing she was. Angel would want to kill the man in her bed and so would they. The fact that they hadn't tried made him uneasy and triggered his instincts to get Cordelia to safety.
“But why?”
“Together or separate, who cares. We have to go.” Angel stood.
Cordelia shook her head. “They can’t get in, either of them, I never invited…” her eyes shot up to Angel. “I did invite them in didn’t I, they‘re you.”
“Yes, now do you see why we have to get out of here?" Angel picked up his shirt again, pulling it on letting the loose sides fall.
Cordelia studied the vampire and ran out of the room.
“Cordy?” Angel had a momentary fear that she was escaping from him, blaming him for the danger she was in. Confusion overcame that feeling as he heard Cordelia yell back that she’d only be a second.
Cordelia puffed back into her bedroom. “Here.” She threw a gray sweater at the vampire. “It’s my dad’s.” She stuffed her mother’s painkillers into her back pocket.
“Where are we going to go?” She bit her lips and scrunched up her face. Angel was a lot broader in the chest and shoulders than her dad.
"It’s too small. I’ll go get….”
Angel grabbed Cordelia’s hand. “It’s fine. I need my jacket. Do you have any weapons here?”
She nodded. “Not much but what I have are downstairs.”
***
“Keys.” Angel had his hand out.
“It’s my car.”
“Cordy.”
“Fine,” she fished out her car keys. “So, where are we going?”
“I’m not sure. Angelus of now knows Sunnydale as well as I do. The mansion is out and so is my old apartment.”
“Nice place, by the way.”
“You were there?”
“Angelus took me there.”
“He what?”
“Watch the road.”
“What did he do?”
“Not now, Angel. We have to decide where were going.”
Angel growled.
“I know we can go to the Magic Shoppe. Giles doesn’t own it yet, so no chance of the Scoobies hanging around. I can do an uninvite spell. What’s wrong with that idea?” She asked at the vampire’s silence.
“You uninvite them, you uninvite me.”
“Oh, so where do we go?”
“Get rid of the your car, take the sewers, back track, confuse the scents and go into one of the old tunnels.”
“Won’t Angelus of now, know about them?”
“Yes, but, I only need enough time to do the soul spell and open the portal.”
“What soul spell?”
“Later.” Angel stopped the car. “Get out, will leave your car here.”
“In this neighborhood?”
“Are you worried about someone stealing it? Come on Cordy, Sunnydale has the lowest crime rate in the country, well except for murders.”
“I knew there was a reason I liked this town, Gee.” Cordelia rolled her eyes and followed Angel through the alley.
Continue on...