Title: Vamp Smackdown
Author: Anneb
Posted: 04-07-2002
Rating: NC17
Disclaimer: BTVS/ATS do not belong to me. Bow to Joss and Co. - 'Dracula' is really Bram Stokers'
Category: C/A romance and adventure- some B/S implied.
Dedication: Alice, of course for the challenge. Dave for being patient and not rolling his eyes.Chapter 38
Cordelia bit back her sigh, trying to grab on the happiness that was rushing away like a runaway freight train. She knew exactly when her euphoria started to desert her. Exactly 30 seconds after Angel started to brood and tense again. Though, she didn’t know exactly when that happened. It could’ve been 60 seconds after she mentioned Dracula or maybe it was 10 seconds after Angel glanced for the fifth time at the scratch marks on her cheek. She didn’t know. But, Cordelia did know that less than two minutes after feeling the most loved and the safest of her life, she was back to feeling uneasy and chugging along to being scared again. At least, Angel hadn’t let go of her hand this time. It was firm in her grasp. Cordelia knew if he even attempted to move it, she would yell holy murder.
Cordelia snuck another sidelong look at the vampire. It just wasn’t fair. Angel had been able to wipe all of her fears away. Why couldn’t she make him feel better? Cordelia wasn’t sure which was driving Angel to brood more, Dracula or Angel’s ‘grr’ display. Or were they one and the same? Cordelia sighed. She didn’t know. She had just hoped that she had at least reassured Angel that she hadn’t been mad or hurt by his overly aggressive love making style. Hell, hadn’t he noticed that she hadn’t been exactly shy during the whole thing. Cordelia had told the vampire that she wanted it, needed it even. Didn’t he believe her? Shit, this was more unnerving than worrying about Dracula’s next move. “Angel.”
Angel stopped, his eyes resting once more on the scratches before reaching Cordelia’s gaze. Cordelia’s heart hurt as a cloak settled briefly over Angel’s eyes, hiding in that moment what he was thinking and feeling from her.
“Cordy,” Angel released her hand, but cradled Cordelia’s face before she had a chance to take a deep breath and scream. “I won’t let him touch you. I love you, so much.” He rested his forehead on hers. “Trust me, please.”
Conflicting thoughts smashed into each other. Part of her wanted to smack the vampire silly for even asking such a stupid question and for concealing whatever else he had been thinking. Sure, Cordelia didn’t doubt that her protection was on the top of Angel’s broody list, but she wanted to know what items two and three were. But the other part of her just wanted to jump back in Angel’s arms at his declaration and the now visible love overflowing in his dark gaze. Cordelia sighed, she would let the happiness win out over her irritation for now. Cordelia smiled and wrapped her arms around Angel. “Duh. I love you, too.”
Cordelia’s smile got brighter, happy that she made the right choice. Slapping Angel wouldn’t have brought such a goofy grin to the vampire’s face. Lord, her vampire was adorable when he did that. Cordelia squeezed tighter. She didn’t want to let go, ever.
Angel buried his head in Cordelia’s hair, reveling in the scent. This is what he needed to remember. Knowing that Cordelia loved him gave him the strength of will to combat his instincts. He just needed to remember. Angel made his promise and he meant to keep it, but it was hard. Dracula’s name, the other vampire’s intent brought Angel’s raging instincts flashing forward. Angel leaned up brushing the broken skin on Cordelia’s neck with a gentle thumb, his lips tenderly coating Cordelia’s smile. Angel could do it; he was stronger than his demon and Cordelia’s love too precious to lose because of his rage.
Angel pulled up at Cordelia’s mumbled breath on his lips, his brows arching in a questioning angle.
“I said, sewers it is," pouting and reaching to pull the vampire closer.
Angel stepped back and chuckled. “No. We’ve a perfectly good bed waiting for us, come on,” Angel urged Cordelia forward.
Cordelia tugged back. “It’ll do for now, anyway.”
Angel turned back, his eyebrows reaching again.
“Angel, the bed’s kind of small. I mean it’s okay for us, but what about when Connor falls asleep with us? Smooshed baby,” starting to move ahead of the vampire, totally missing the return of his goofy grin.
Angel started to follow trying to remember which store web sites had the biggest bed. He had looked at so many.
Chapter 39
Cordelia frowned. Maybe the sewers wouldn’t have been that bad for their ‘place’. She looked again at the faces staring at her and Angel as they walked into the lobby. Every single person’s questioning look turned to concern as they saw her dirty and disheveled appearance. Well, except for the blonde vampire, Spike just stared. Cordelia bet real money that was a sniff he just did. “No bed for now, that’s for sure,” mumbling to Angel. Cordelia looked behind her. The vampire was gone. Where did he go? She looked back to the others. Well, she found him. Angel had Lorne pressed up against the counter. Well, Cordelia always knew Angel was quick. But that was impressive. Though, she wasn’t real pleased to see the tension build back up in the vampire, he was so still and Lorne was turning blue.
Cordelia glared at the blonde vampire. He kept staring and sniffing. Finally, Spike leaned back against the counter, his gaze now shifting to Angel going all intimidator on poor Lorne.
“Spike,” Angel nodded towards Cordelia, leaving the hotel lobby as quickly as he entered a piece of paper clutched in his grip. Cordelia’s body turned as he went past her. “Angel?”
The dark vampire stopped suddenly and was back in front of her. “Under no circumstances leave Spike,” pulling her roughly into a fierce kiss. Cordelia blinked and he was gone.
Cordelia slowly turned back to the others. Why were they all staring at her? Cordelia glanced back at the door to the basement. Angel left without his coat. That wasn’t right. Cordelia tugged the leather closer to her body.
“Cordelia.”
Cordelia turned back to Wesley. “Uh.”
“Are you all right? You look…”
Cordelia shook her head. “I’m fine. Where’s Angel going?”
“Lorne brought a list of possible leads on Dracula.”
“Oh.”
“Cordy,” Wesley moved closer. “You’ve been hurt,” Pointing to the scratch marks on her face. “What happened?”
“I’m not hurt,” snapping back. “I…I fell.” Cordelia shot a glare at Spike’s cough.
Spike shrugged and got more comfortable against the counter. Spike didn’t quite understand but he had been concerned when Angel and Cordelia entered the lobby. His eyes going to the cheerleader immediately, his first thought had been that grandsire had broke bad with the young woman and hurt her. But, again he didn’t understand his relief when he realized that Peaches might have broke a little bad, but not Angelus bad. Though, Spike looked again at the door Angel just ran through, Angelus was not that far. Spike couldn’t help but wonder if Cordelia knew just how close.
“Did you find out what Dracula took?” Wesley asked accepting Cordelia’s explanation about her appearance.
“We never got there. Dracula did another spell.” Cordelia scrunched up her face turning back towards the basement door. “Spike, shouldn’t you go with him or Gunn?”
“Chit, he can take care of himself.” Spike said. “And, it seems I’ve been assigned as your personal body guard. Come here, chit, let me guard you.” He held his arms out. Spike smiled at her glare letting his arms fell back to his sides. A glaring cheerleader was much better than an increasingly worrying cheerleader.
“Cordelia, tell us what happened.” Wesley demanded, his glasses firmly in his hands.
Cordelia took a deep breath. “We were on our way to my apartment. Then I felt it, the spell. Dracula wasn’t near, but the spell was powerful. Um. I…Angel…we were able to break the influence…uh, that’s when I fell.” Cordelia looked up at Wesley. “I was heading east before…um…it stopped. How far does a beckoning spell reach?”
Wesley pushed the glasses on his head. “Usually, it’s within a small radius, but depending on the specific spell and item used, it could be several miles. We need a map of the sewers.”
“Got it.” Gunn went to the drawer of Cordy’s desk.
“Yes. Cordy, where were you? How far from the hotel?” Wesley urged.
Cordelia shrugged. “Half way, maybe? I’m not really sure.”
Wesley frowned. “That’s okay, we’ll figure it out. Oh, Cordy, put this on.” Handing her a bright stone attached to a chain.
“Yuk, and why?”
“It’s a general block to beckoning spells. It will help give resistance while we search for the exact spell.”
“Uh, no. I’m thinking that we should just let it be. If Dracula does the spell again, I go and Angel…and you’ll follow. Viola, we find him.”
“Peaches okayed that brain fart?” Spike cocked a brow.
“Yeah, and shut up.”
Spike rolled his eyes. Well, at least he better understood his babysitting duties. The cheerleader would be glued to his hip until Angel got back. She wasn’t wandering off on his watch. There would be hell to pay after his grandsire killed him. Spike squirmed, Angel trusted him that much? Things were getting really weird.
“Cordy, I think that is dangerous.”
Spike nodded encouragement to the jr. Giles.
“Pooh, I’ve resisted so far…well..” Cordelia looked back to the basement door. She had when Angel was near her. Why did he have to go all ‘grry’ after the leads? Cordelia glared at Spike. “You should’ve gone.”
“Chit, I wished I had.” Spike didn’t need or want this particular responsibility.
“Cordelia, you have resisted, I wonder why?” Wesley chewed on the arm of his glasses.
Cordelia shrugged. “I didn’t at first, but then I guess ….I don’t know. Angel was there and it stopped.”
Wesley swirled around. “Angel? No. Of course.” Wesley slapped his head and sat down.
“What?” Cordelia moved closer a long with all of the others.
“It so simple. How’d I miss it?”
“Gee, tell us and maybe we could fill you in on what an ass you were?” Cordelia glared.
”Cordy, Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a not only a work of fiction but it’s a treatise on the vampire. None of his victims knew he was feeding, influencing them. It correlates with every thing I’ve read on beckoning spells. But you’ve known, affected okay, but you knew. And that’s because you knew.” Wesley shot up pleased with himself.
“Uh, can I tell him, he made no fuckin sense?” Gunn looked around.
“Let it flow.” Spike rolled his eyes.
Gunn flinched. Damn. Again, he agreed with the vampire.
“Cordy, you’ve been able to resist because you know who and what Dracula is and what he’s trying to do. You know that whatever feelings the spell induces is just that a spell. So you resist.”
Cordelia blinked. “Oh. Do you need me anymore? I want to take a bath.” Cordelia headed for the stairs. “Why are you following me?” She turned smack against Spike.
“Chit, think of me as super glue until Peaches gets back. Let’s just ‘stick’ together. I’ll hold the soap.” Spike winked.
Cordelia waited she wasn’t exactly sure why, but she did. When they were out of the sight and hearing of Wesley and the others, she turned on the blonde vampire.
“You want to stick to me? So, stick, come on Spike, let’s stick.” Cordelia brushed up against the vampire.
“Whoa, get away, stop. Are you nuts?” Spike pushed at the young body thrusting towards him.
"Hmmph. No. I'm just not in the mood for your attempt at witticisms." She cut, her demeanor polar opposite from only a second ago.
"I get it. No more ribbing and NO more rubbing from you. I don't need Peaches going all granddad on me. I'm doing you'll a favor, you know."
"Hmmph." Spike caught the door before it slammed in his face.
"Chit, I meant it, I'm next to you until the poof comes back. I'm not taking the chance of you wandering after Dracula in some fogged out lust trance."
"I’m not LUSTING after Dracula."
"Not now, sure. But, if he does that magic again, bang goes the hormonal hotwiring, flash goes the heat in the belly and off you go. And if it happens, I'm not losing you. Jr. Giles may not have mentioned the lust factor of beckoning spells, probably make him blush, but you and I know and from the looks and smells of you, Peaches knows too. You all right?" Spike reached out to touch the scratch marks.
Cordelia slammed away his hand. "Angel didn't hurt me. I'm fine. I told him last night. He's not...we're fine. You don't know what your talking about- I don't know what you’re talking about. And for your information, Wesley is not a jr. anybody. His name is WESLEY." Cordelia slammed the door of the bathroom.
***********************
Cordelia leaned back against the shower wall, wishing the last 24 hours could wash away along with the dirt and grime that coated her body. Had it only been 24 hours ago? She had woken up knowing that Angel loved her. She had walked into the nursery to see Angel and Connor. Her men. Cordelia had been so happy. Dracula only a minor blip on their trouble radar. Even Angel's worry that Dracula would come after her hadn't dimmed her happiness, not really. He was just another bad guy that Angel would fight and win. Cordelia still didn't doubt that they would eventually defeat Dracula. She just hated that he was messing with her mind and that it was affecting Angel.
Chapter 40
Spike couldn’t help but glance appreciatively at the towel wrapped body that came out of the bathroom. The chit was really quite a tasty piece. Bad thoughts, death wish thoughts, even. Cordelia ignored the vampire and went straight to her duffle bag taking it back into the bathroom.
Cordelia pulled out her clothes, studying her shirt, her fingers rubbing hesitantly over the small marks on her neck. Cordelia glanced up catching her reflection in the mirror. Cordelia frowned and slowly drew her hand away from her neck.
Cordelia bypassed Spike as she exited the bathroom, stopping in front of Angel's closet. She was tempted to go get one of Angel’s shirts. Cordelia bit her lip, undecided. Wesley had said that her ability to resist wasn't because of Angel. Still, she wasn’t completely convinced. Cordelia knew what she felt during the ‘dream’ experience and in the sewers. Cordelia sighed, shaking her head at the door, she needed to find out if Wesley was right.
Spike's eyes never left the young woman. The towel was now gone. In its place was a pair of jeans and simple t-shirt, showing off a tease of a tattoo at the cusp of the low waistband of the pants, Spike noticed in approval. The bright design was certainly strategically placed on the chit’s backside to give off the most optimal tempting effect. Spike narrowed his eyes upward towards Cordelia’s neck. Spike seriously doubted that the young woman knew that she was fondling at Angel’s mark, her fingers’ manipulations bringing visibility back to the fading wounds.
“It won’t do any good, you know. They’re going bye, bye.”
“What?!” Turning.
“Those little babies are fading fast. In a day or two, any evidence of Peaches’ nibbles will be gone, like they were never there.”
Cordelia jerked away her hand. “Angel’s mark….His mark…. of ownership, you mean.”
Spike shrugged. “Whatever. No wonder he’s a basket case. It must be frustrating the hell out of him.”
“I don’t follow.” Cordelia stared.
Spike shrugged again and looked away. Maybe he had already said too much. The possible fallout from his speaking his mind wasn't something Spike usually concerned himself with, but in this particular instance maybe he should start.
“Oh, nevermind, you don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said cuttingly.
Spike swung back around, getting annoyed at her tone. “I tell you what I know- I know that Peaches loves you, I know that he’s a vampire, whose soul makes him a wuss about almost everything, but it doesn’t change that particular truth. I know that Dracula’s pissing in his playground, trying to take his most prized toy. He’s walking a tightrope right now, between that soul of his and his baser and more violent instincts. And you should know that, too. After all, you’re the picture of pure acceptance, but is it acceptance or just denial or god forbid stupidity?”
“I get that he wants Dracula dead. So do I.”
“That ain’t all he wants, love.”
Cordelia blinked, flashes of Angel in the sewer, his true vampire visage glowering, his strength pushing her against the wall. She had experienced as Spike put it, Angel’s baser and more violent vampire instincts.
Cordelia didn’t want to be a ‘sex slave ‘ or ‘pet’ or ‘prized toy’, even to Angel’s ‘Master’. Did Angel want her as a ‘sex slave’, as his property? Cordelia couldn’t believe that. She was obviously missing something. “What if he marks me again….really marks me? Will, I be some sort of slave?” Cordelia’s tone no longer snapping just contemplative.
Spike’s earlier warning signals to just shut up and just watch the chit, flared up again. He knew that his grandsire would not be pleased at all about this conversation. “Don’t you think these are tidbits you need to find out from Peaches?”
“You’re here, he’s not. I want to know.”
Spike sighed and began to understand how the chit could order Peaches around. Though, Spike couldn’t decide whether it was her glare or tone, both were regal, daring you to deny her. The cheerleader would’ve made a helluva vampire. “The mark is just a symbol. Humans did it, still do. They branded their cattle and slaves, collared them even. Any property they think valuable enough they ‘mark’. Hell, wedding rings are the same, just not as blatant. Sure, cloak the vows in God and love, but once that ring is on the finger, the human is claimed as taken. It’s a symbol, love. It gives the right to be royally pissed if someone poaches. It’s the culmination, not the beginning.”
Cordelia listened, then nodded and turned to leave.
Spike couldn’t tell if her nod was one of understanding, but he could tell he had just been dismissed. Well, he wasn’t leaving, determined to stay put. Shit, she was leaving. “Hold on, chit, where you going?” Moving to follow.
Cordelia stopped in mid stride. “To get Connor and wait for Angel.”
Chapter 41
Spike slid next to Gunn, jumping up on the counter. “So, how long you and the babbling brook over there been shagging” He nodded towards Fred. The pretty brunette was hovering around Connor in the basinet, making cooing noises as Cordelia placed a bottle up to the baby’s mouth.
Gunn glanced up jumping off the counter. “We ain’t…it’s none of your business. Shut up, dawg.”
“Whoa, pardon mois, so that big stick you carry is just for show. Use it or lose it, that’s what I say.” Spike winked.
“I can stake you, you know.”
“I was talking about you’re other stick, but if that’s the only one you know how to use.” Spike dramatically winced. “I feel for the chit. Nice, growl.” Spike laughed as the black man stomped off.
“Spike.”
The blonde vampire’s head shot up at Cordelia’s call. Damn, there was that tone again. “What.”
“Leave Gunn alone and come here.”
Spike grumbled but dropped gracefully from the counter.
“Hold Connor.”
“No.” Spike back peddled his previous path. “Why?”
“Because, your family and needs to get use to you.”
“Again, why?” Spike wished she would stop with the family crap and the high and mighty tone.
“Because I said so.”
Spike forced his feet to remain in place. He was not at her beck and call - and he didn’t want to touch the little squirt.
“Spike, he won’t bite.”
“That’s his first problem.” Spike rolled his eyes. “I ain’t holding him.”
“And they call Connor a baby.” Rolling her eyes back at the vampire.
Spike’s grumble turned to a sigh of relief. Finally, Peaches was back, let him deal with her. Poor sod. The blonde vampire went to the basement door, opening it. Spike restrained from yelling for the other vampire to hurry his ass up the stairs.
“Spike?” Cordelia looked questioningly and then turned to Fred. “Here, take Connor, please.” Hurrying to follow Spike.
Wesley pushed aside his books and got up. Good, with Angel back, they may be able to find out where exactly he and Cordelia were when the spell hit. Cordelia hadn’t been very helpful. Wesley had managed to triangulate an area but it was over a twenty-mile span. He needed more specifics.
Spike looked, smelled and pushed the other vampire back down the stairs, slamming the door behind both vampires. “You smell like death and look like shit.”
Angel growled and moved forward.
“You want her to see you like that?”
Angel paused and looked down at his tattered and bloody shirt. “She’s seen worse.”
“But the reason?” Spike cocked a brow.
“She doesn’t know that and won't.” Angel growled. Spike blinked and stepped back. Spike really hoped that the chit wasn’t a tattletale.
Angel moved towards the door, as it swung open. “Spike, what the hell are you thinking.” Cordelia stopped. “Angel.” She hugged him tightly. “Eww.” She leaned back. “How much of this is yours.” Her hands ignoring the multi color splotches of blood, concentrating on the red. She glanced at the vampire, scrutinizing every inch of his body. “Go upstairs, see Connor later.” She pushed. “I knew you should have worn your coat. Hmmph.”
Angel couldn’t help but smile a little. Angel shot a gruff ‘no’ over his shoulder at Wesley’s questions if he found anything of use as he headed up the stairs.
“You are a stupid chit.” Spike shot.
“No, you are the stupid one. What were you thinking? Anyway, he should’ve worn his coat. Leather while being sexy and ‘oh’ so cool offers protection. He should’ve been wearing it, if he was going to go off on some macho vamp ‘instinctive’ interrogation spree. He’s just lucky, he’s not really hurt or he’d be dead.”
Spike stumbled back at her glare and Hmmph as she stormed after Angel. Damn, she had listen to him and more amazing she had understood. Spike wandered back into the lobby, his eyes going from Connor to the young woman. Cordelia’s tattoo dancing as her hips swayed with every stomp up the steps. Spike was back to his original thought that he yelled to Angel when he first arrived in LA. His grandsire was a fuckin lucky bastard.
Lorne, who had been watching the interesting displays of the major player’s auras from sidelines, moved beside the blonde vampire. “Lollypop, like I said take what is offered and what you want can’t be far behind.”
Spike growled. He needed a cigarette. “William.” Fred called. Spike didn’t bother to growl at the young woman. “Yes, pet.”
“You sure you don’t want to hold him.”
“Fred, I don’t think…”
“Shh, Charles, Cordy said it was all right, besides he’s family. I worked out the diagram. It’s in the files.” Fred stated as if that made it fact.
“Gunn, Fred’s right. Cordy said it was okay and you didn’t hear Angel disagreeing.” Wesley mumbled shoving at his glasses never looking up from the pages he was reading.
“Yeah, like he could. Geez whipped dawg, well, okay, but if blonde vamp even….oh shit, do we ever get to kill vampires anymore?” Gunn whined flopping back against the counter.
“Charles, only the other night, you killed a bunch.”
“True.” Gunn said grabbing for his computer game.
Spike looked at the group remaining in the lobby. Fred, the cute crazy young woman was smiling at him, holding the squirt out. Jr. Giles…Wesley, he corrected, had after a frustrated sigh sat back down to his books. Wesley had barely said a word to Spike, since his original threats. But, Spike wasn’t offended; Wesley had pretty much ignored everybody since he embarked on his research tasks. Only coming up for air, when he needed a question answered or Fred to fire up her computer. Gunn sat on the counter, now intent on his computer game. The young black man had glowered and growled at Spike since he first arrived, not to mention threatened. Spike was use to that, moron boy did it all the time, but unlike Xander, Spike had moments of connection with the young black man. Granted, all to the disgust of Gunn, but still they existed. Gunn’s threats didn’t bother him; Spike understood that they were reflexive to Gunn’s nature. He hated vampires. But as long as the others accepted Spike, the young black man would remain all talk and truthfully the threats had stopped for the most part, leaving a reluctant acceptance, angry only when Gunn remembered to be hostile. The green demon, well Spike wouldn’t begin to decipher the flaming demon. Spike glance up the stairs, finally truly understanding. Spike was accepted by these strange people, not because Angel degreed it so, but because the young woman that followed him said it was so. Spike smiled. He had told the chit wrong. Angel couldn’t mark her, she already owned him. A flash of pain passed momentarily as a vision of how Spike could be with the Scoobies if Buffy loved him. He could acknowledge that she owned him. But it was only her love that would give him a family in Sunnydale and that he didn’t have.
********************
Buffy stood dazed outside of Willie’s. Spike had gone to a party- in LA? What kind of party? LA? Buffy blinked. Angel was in LA. Was there a connection? No they hated each other. Spike wouldn’t go running to tell Angel about their relationship. Buffy paused and scrunched up her face.
“Hey, slayer.”
She glared at the vampire moving towards her. “Go away, can’t you see I’m in the middle of something.”
The vampire looked around at the empty alley. “Uh, no.”
“Stupid.” Buffy moved to walk away.
“Aren’t you going to try to kill me?”
“I don’t know are you going to be a dumb ass and try to kill me? I’m not in a good mood, you know. Oh, hell. I’ll just kill you.” Buffy pulled a stake out of her pocket in a flash, twirling it expertly for a killing strike.
“Whoa, hey, I was just joking about the killing bit. I’m going to Willie’s- sanctuary you know.”
“I’m a slayer, you’re a vampire, sanctuary isn’t a concept that I know.”
The vampire rolled his eyes. “Great, lovely. Look I’ll just go on my way. Really, I just wanted a drink and hear the gossip. It’s not every day one of ours gets to hang with Dracula.”
Buffy stopped her twirl, the stake resting directly on the vampire’s heart. “Dracula?”
“Yeah, Spike got an invitation. He’s gone to the birthday bash. Which kind of boggles the mind with Spike being not a hundred percent if you know what I mean.”
“Spike and Dracula?”
“Hey, that’s what I heard that’s why I’m going back to hear more.” The vampire pointed to the back entrance of Willies. “I’ve already fed, I don’t want to tangle with you. Gossip.” He nodded back to the door.
“Oh, I should let you live? You just admitted to killing a person.”
“I’m a vampire, what do you expect. Damn. And you the slayer, sleeping with that soul freak must have thrown you. Hey, a word on the street is you’re screwing Spike now. Is that true? What kind of slayer are you, anyway? Would you sleep with me?”
Buffy didn’t even blink. She just stabbed. She shrugged off the dust and went back into Willie’s kicking the door in.
“Where exactly is this party?” Pulling Willie across the bar.
“Babe, you’re late, it was two, three days ago.”
Buffy shoved Willie flying against the wall.
“How is it that some newbie knows about …knows…How…?”
“We’ve moved on from the party, haven’t we?" Willie got up rubbing his head. “If you’re trying to ask how does everyone know that you have a thing for killing and/or sleeping with vampires check the bathroom wall.”
“What?!”
“Hey, it there in carved wood.” Willie shrugged.
Buffy stood and stared. She wanted to kill, throw up and cry all at the same time. She read it again through the gashes in the wood that had been obliviously put later in an attempt to obliterate the words.
Buffy and Angel sitting in a tree
kissing
First came the love and then the fuckin’
Now comes Angelus and some serious funin’
As death greets scoobs one by onein’
Buffy went back to Willie. “Who did that?’
“Who do you think?”
“But, Angel, came back and crossed it out?”
“The ensouled one barely set a foot in here after hell spit him back, Spike did that.”
Buffy slammed the door. She was going to LA.
Chapter 42
Lorne leaned over again. “You haven’t been listening to me.”
Spike looked at the demon than back at the others. Gunn and Wesley ignoring him, but not rejecting him. He stepped towards the young woman. “I don’t know how.”
Fred flashed a big smile. “It’s easy, here let me show you.”
“The neck, the neck.” Gunn said never looking up. “Got hold the head up.”
“Yes, but be careful, the little chap likes to spit.” Wesley turned the pages of his books.
Spike held Connor. His hands were hesitant as he tried to remember not to use too much pressure. His eyes shot to his brow thrusting the child back to Fred as the baby let out a wail.
“Oh dear.”
“What’s going on?” Cordelia yelled running back down the stairs, pushing back her damp hair. “Why is Connor crying?” Cordelia paused on the staircase taking in the scene. “Spike, show him the vamp face, he likes it. Hurry, otherwise, Angel will come flying down here like a bat out of hell.”
“What’s wrong with Connor?” Angel rushed down with a towel clutched to his waist.
“Nothing.” Cordelia held her hand against the vampire’s chest. “He’s just getting use to Spike.”
Angel considered, and then nodded. “Sing to him, he likes Irish lullabies or the standard.” Angel winced as Connor cried out again. “Cordy?” Angel moved closer to his son.
“Angel.” She said softly.
“The standard?” Spike held the child out. “Peaches?”
“The vamp face,” The room cried out.
Wide eyed, Spike transformed. Connor stopped, his cries small gasps.
“Now, talk to him you dolt.” Cordelia rolled her eyes.
“About what?”
“Who cares, just keep it clean.” Cordelia tugged at Angel. “It’s okay.” She whispered. Angel looked once more at his son in the arms of Spike, who was now introducing himself to the child in game face. “But, I wanted to….”
“Later, let them spend time together, when we’re done, we’ll put him to bed and you can vamp and baby talk all you want.”
“When we’re done?”
“Did you think we were?”
Angel tightened the towel around his waist and looked at the smiling hazel eyes. “Uh, Spike keep it clean, no cussing or smoking.” Angel pulled at Cordelia’s hand. “What we’re we doing?”
“I’m going to have to start from the beginning, aren’t I?”
“I think that would be best.” Angel tugged the young woman back up the stairs.
*******************************
The slight smile on Angel’s face had left as Wesley’s questions cascaded around him. The balance that he had violently obtained wavered as he strode up the stairs.
Angel had learned nothing of value. But his rage had been appeased momentarily. The reluctance of the informants gave him an excuse and with that violent satisfaction. Ignoring for the time that it was more ignorance than reluctance. He had reached a fragile balance as he left the last demon alive. But, Spike almost ruined it. He smelled of her. It hadn’t mattered that Angel’s mind knew that the scent was fleeting, not damning. It still caused his instincts to flare. Angel could’ve killed him, if she hadn’t shown up. Her scent first appeared, her true scent, not one mingled with another’s. Angel had almost smiled. There was another. His son. Again, Cordelia and Connor’s scents were intertwined. His very own evidence that miracles existed.
Cordelia’s tone, both chiding and lecturing, the love apparent with every word did make him smile. Angel went obediently up the stairs. The balance no longer needed, until Wesley spoke. His voice so full of questions, reason and reality, proving that Angel’s self-indulgent rampage hadn’t done anything to change the danger or situation. Angel’s body tensed as he continued on his path.
Cordelia leaned against the bedroom door, staring at the closed bathroom one. She thought for the moment about the best course of action. She had to be careful. Cordelia believed Spike. Angel was walking a tightrope and she didn’t want him to fall or be pushed, especially by her, in any one direction. When it was time, she would lead him the best she knew how, but now, her gut told her to keep him up there safe and balanced. She shrugged. The best way she knew to keep the vampire balanced was to keep him unbalanced. He was broody and angry, so she wouldn’t be. Cordelia strode into the bathroom.
“What are you doing?”
“I was…”
“Going to just jump in the shower. Come one, let me look at you first. Damage control. That’s me. You’d just rinse off and get into bed without even a by your leave at cuts or bruises. Come on.” She pulled the vampire out of the bathroom pushing him on the bed.
Cordelia smiled looking forward the vampire trailing behind her. Two out of three, she just hoped at the next fork in the road, she would choose correctly. Angel was letting her lead, trusting where she would go. “Shirt off…or do you need help.” She fiddled with the tears in the material and the colored stains. “Most of this looks like a rainbow demon blood, but not your particlar brand of borrowed blood. I’m right, right? How much of this is yours. Damn’t Angel, if you’re really hurt.” Cordelia pushed away his hands, efficiently unbuttoning the shirt, displaying a defined chest covered with lacerations. “What? Nevermind, they don’t look deep.” Cordelia smacked Angel on the head. “Coat.” Cordelia looked down at Angel’s pants. She nodded, no red splotches or stains.
“Okay, you can go, but clothes go in the incinerator pile.” She pushed.
“Where are you going?”
“Nowhere, stupid, just going to get the Florence Nightgale stuff ready when you’re clean.”
Angel got up and moved to the bathroom. He had to admit he was in a daze. All of his rage kind of plummeted when Cordelia took over, he would go with it. It seemed to be less complicated. It was still there in the background, but it was contained for now, as long as she was there. Angel smiled again; he could hear Cordelia humming softly, the pleasant sound barely masking her heartbeat. She wasn’t leaving him that was all that mattered.
“Let me see.” Cordelia opened the shower curtain. “How have you lived so long? Hmmph. Give me that.” She grabbed at the washcloth. “Even vampires need to be wary of infection.” Leaning in, half her body still safe from the spray of water.
“Um, I never got infected before.”
“So? That means what, exactly?” Cordelia squeezed soap on to the cloth and gently cleaned every cut.
“Um, Cordy?”
“Hmm.” Cordy not looking up, busy with her ministrations.
“Um, you’ve dropped the washcloth.”
Cordelia looked down at the material balled on the porcelain. “Yeah, it looks like it doesn't. Your point?”
“Um, no point.” Angel tried to find a place for his hands. He was losing balance quickly. “Um, Cordy.”
Cordelia looked up impatiently. “What?”
“I’m not injured there.”
“Yet, but if you don’t shut up, who knows.” She smiled and went back to her task.
Angel looked down at the dark head that move forward once again. He tensed as he felt the lips encase his penis returning to their original pattern. His hands finally finding purchase entangled in the dark strands of hair. It wasn’t helping, his knees were beginning to buckle and he couldn’t get a steady stance.
“Cordy?” he moaned, not wanting to interrupt but knowing that if he didn’t he would he would crush her when he fell.
“Geez, fine. I’ll stop.” Cordelia jumped up.
“No. No. Just its slippery….the tub…carpet maybe, bed better, bed, bed, yes.” Angel tried to regain the moment.
Cordelia glared, then scrunched up her face. “Finish your shower.” She pushed the vampire back into the pelting water.
“Cordy?’ Angel stumbled to get out of the shower. Shit. He looked down at his raised and very hard, suddenly neglected penis.
Shit. Angel grabbed at the towel, moving quickly after Cordelia. He was the one with super vampire hearing and she was the one that heard Connor cry out first.
Chapter 43
Continue on...
Angel paused on the top step.
“Do you or don’t you trust Spike?” Cordelia cocked her head.
Angel considered. He had asked the other vampire to stay and protect both Cordelia and Connor. He looked at Cordelia. There was no doubt in her eyes. “You trust him?”
Cordelia shrugged. “He’s been okay, but one cigarette and he’s out. Come on, he’s Spike, that means he’s annoying but he has helped us.”
“I thought I was suppose to be convincing you.”
Cordelia grabbed Angel’s hand. “He’s alright.”
Angel smiled. “From the beginning?”
Cordelia looked at the towel wrapped around the vampire’s waist. “I’m thinking I don’t have to waste the time, what do you think?”
“I’m not.” Angel scooped the young woman up in his arms rushing her to the bedroom.
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“See, Connor loves your vamp face the best.” Cordelia murmured into Angel’s chest.
Angel dragged Cordelia’s compliant body further over his. “I’ve a new song for him do you want to hear it.”
Cordelia snuggled in closer, groaning. “I’ll wait for that particular ‘pleasure’”
Angel laughed hugging her closer.
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Spike was the last one up. He wandered through the first floor, stopping at Fred’s bedroom. Spike opened the door quietly. He didn’t cross the threshold, the young woman’s earlier warning making him smile as he glanced at her sleeping form. Gunn was an idiot, if he wasn’t in bed with the chit. Crazy, she may be, but cute as a button, she definitely was. But that wasn’t why Spike stopped. He glanced at the small child in the crib. The squirt laughed at his vamp face. Fred assured him that it was a laugh, not gas or anything like that. For the first time since Spike got the chip, he felt something other than embarrassment, disgust or helplessness at being laughed at. The kid was okay in his book.