just fic

Title: VampSmack Down
Author: Anne
Disclaimer: Nope, not mine, never.
Note: Sorry Alice that's it has been so long since the last post, RL was around rearing its ugly head.
Spoilers: Mentions definitely to WIW- Groo as come and gone with little effect- as for BTVS- don't know where to really place it but Buffy and Spike are having sex and Buffy is being 'oh' no but still going to Spike.
Comments: Thank you for all the great feedback- this started out as a simple challenge and I've seemed to have made it longer than planned. Blame Alice, not me.



Chapter 12

"Spike." The blonde female vampire that had been sitting next to the Count earlier jumped up.

"Baroness, you look hot to trot."

The Baroness started to laugh, but the absolute stillness of her sire gave her second thoughts. “Uh, Spike, you weren't invited, maybe you should go."

Spike waved up an invitation. "Was too. Got the Master's. He couldn't come he's dust. So, that just leaves Granddad and me to carry the oh so proud banner of the House of Aurelius. Ooh, blood wine." Spike grabbed at the wine goblet Mortimor was carrying.

"Um, sir that was the Count's."

"Whoops." Spike grinned wiping his mouth looking at the British servant, keeping a hold of the cup. "Do you eat rats, yet?"

"No."

"Shame, it was always fun watching Renfield chase after them. Oh well, don't worry you’ll start soon enough."

"I wait with anticipation." Mortimor said dryly.

"Angelus AND Spike. My pleasure knows no bounds. I was unaware that the Master was dead. It is a loss." The Count said.

Spike shrugged. "I don't thinks so, always wanted to live in a cave- boring. Or at least that's what Granddad said when he staked him."

The Count turned to Angelus. "You killed your grandsire, also."

"Shit happens." Angelus said. " I'm seriously contemplating killing my grandchilde, too."

"Good one." Spike slapped Angel on the back. He leaned over to Cordelia. "Looking mighty tasty tonight, pet. Love the dress."

"I'm not your pet. Angelus, kill him, please."

Spike laughed. "I always liked you, you know."

"Stop, you're making feel all warm and fuzzy inside."

Spike winked. Angelus growled. Cordelia glared. Spike laughed and turned back to the Count. "Drac, it doesn't seem like the entertainment is into the movie. Another flop, uh." Spike looked towards the seated humans talking and drinking rather than watching the film. "I blame it on Anne Rice. Who wants a stuffy Transylvania Count when you can have a rock star Lesat? Sometimes fiction is better, uh."

This time Dracula growled.

"Hey, I'm on your side. Can't abide the way she gives her vampires souls and they don't get to shag." Spike shivered dramatically. "Gives you the willies don’t it Angelus. Poor blokes, ensouled vampires that can't shag. Feel sorry for them."

Cordelia really wanted to stake the blonde vampire, but instead she smiled and brought Angel’s hand up to her breast in a slow caress along her body. "He wouldn't know, we shag all the time, everywhere, in ever manner. Is that what you do with all your time now watch movies- what can't find anybody to bite or is it just too much of an headache for you."

“Lust but no joy is there, pet?” Spike winked.


Angel knew he had to stop this before it all exploded in their faces. Or he went insane. Cordelia had now moved his hand to her other breast. That definitely had to stop. He curled his fingers around her hand moving it and his up to her shoulder.

"Spike, you were late, didn't want to wait. When did you get to LA?"

"Just arrived." Spike took another swallow of his wine. "Had some slayer trouble."

Cordelia's fingernails pierced Angel's hand. Angel's expression didn't change.

"Still killing slayers, Spike. That's so- young." The Baroness rolled her eyes.

"You killed the slayer?" Dracula asked. The other vampire’s in the room slowly moved forward waiting to hear Spike’s answer.

"Is that an hint of envy I detect Count. Heard she ran you out of Sunnydale after you tried to mindfuck her. See that was your first mistake, Blondie is more into the physical than the cerebral. And you know, I'm kind of hurt that you didn't stop by and say Hi. It was kind of rude."

"Mortimor, why didn't I know that Spike was in Sunnydale?"

"Possibly because I didn't know of the gentlemen's existence until two weeks ago, Master?"

"You are trying my patience, Mortimor."

"I do what I can, Master." Mortimor gracefully bowed and backed away.



****************************

Mortimor watched the circle of vampires get larger as more of the undead aristocrats gathered around to listen for whatever next came out of Spike’s mouth. Every vampire in the room seemed to encircle the Count and the two younger vampires. They’re expressions were a mixture of interest, surprise, disdain and even a touch of fear, but they all wanted to hear. It wasn’t every day that the Count was mocked. In fact it never happened, but it was happening now. First with Angelus’ sly sardonic shows of disrespect and now Spike’s more blatant loud comments. Mortimor was very optimistic. He had never seen the Count so angry.

“Hey.”

Mortimor raised a brow to vampire that was tugging on his arm. It was one of the local vampires that had been employed as waiters for the party. “What’s he doing here?” The vampire pointed to Angel.

“Angelus is a guest.”

“Angelus? That ain’t his name, it’s Angel. He’s the vampire I told you about - the one that kills vampires, hangs out with humans, heard he got a soul. I’m outta of here, whenever he shows up vamps die.”

“Angelus is an old acquaintance of the Count. The Scourge of Europe. You must be mistaken.”

“ Scourge of the vamp population more like. Hey, believe what you want. I just know he wiped out a nest on Canal Street last week; I barely got out alive. He and his humans killed at least 15 vampires that night. I’m gone before he starts dusting.”

Mortimor stared after the young vampire. He sighed. It had been going so well. Mortimor headed back towards his Master.

***************************



"Wow, he's uppity." Spike grinned after Mortimor. "I like him. And no, I didn't kill the slayer, the bitty piece is more fun alive than dead."

"Fun?" Dracula raised his brows.

"As in capital SEX, I tell you, you used the wrong approach with her. You know, a little punch in the foreplay, none of that mind fuck stuff, go straight for the down and dirty.”

Cordelia couldn’t stop her jaw from dropping. She was going to kill the blonde vampire. Cordelia wanted to look at Angel; she needed to see his reaction at Spike’s crude comments about Buffy. Cordelia couldn’t tell, Angel hadn’t moved his hands from around her body, or reacted in anyway that she could feel. But, Angel had to be angry.

Angel had no idea what game Spike was playing, but he wasn't in the mood for it. And he didn’t like the way that all of the vampires in the room were now surrounding them. Granted they weren’t threatening just eager for gossip. But, Cordelia was in the middle and that was too close for Angel’s comfort. “You’re boring me, Spike.”

"You don't want to hear about the slayer? It's good stuff, wild and dirty."

"You're the one with the slayer fetish, not me." Angel answered lazily, rubbing Cordelia's neck, keeping her from lunging at the blonde vampire. He had to get her out of there; she was about to go ballistic.

"You're having a sex with the slayer. I don't believe you." The Baroness laughed.

Spike shrugged. "Got the claw marks to prove it."


*******************

“Mortimor, why have you dragged me across the room?”

“I do apologize, Master, but it seems that my real blunder wasn’t knowing that Angelus was in Los Angeles but rather that somehow he’s received a soul and has taken up killing vampires as a calling. I thought it best if you retire for the night.”

Dracula shot a look towards Angel. “A soul? Impossible.”

**********************


"Is there a point to you tale because if there is get to it."

"No point." Spike shrugged. "Just thought you'd be interested."

"I'm not. In fact I'm very bored." Angel yawned.

Cordelia tugged on Angel's arm. "Killing him could liven things up a bit, please Angelus. Just kill him and put us all out of this misery."

"Bloodthirsty, little chit aren't you."

"It's the company, I keep."

"Can I have her when you're done? She's hot and feisty. " Spike asked Angel.

"Guess not," Spike said in response to Angel's low growl. "You're keeping her, uh. Has it been fifteen minutes yet, you got a watch?" Spike grabbed at Angel's wrist. "Yep, okay then. How reliable is your fang gang?" Spike looked up as a loud fire alarm went off and two firemen burst into the room.

Spike shrugged. "Pretty reliable, I'd say.” Spike grabbed Cordelia's arm. "Pet, you're wanted downstairs." Pushing her through the crowd of startled vampires into the panicking humans running toward the exit.

“Catch, Peaches." Spike tossed some stakes towards Angel as he plunged his into the chest of the nearest vampire.

Cordelia was pushed into one of the firemen. "Cordy, here." The fireman thrust a cross bow into her hands.

"Gunn?"

"Like the outfit? Always wanted to be a fireman."


**************************


Count Dracula and Mortimor watched as Angel turned from the explosion of dust that had once been the Baroness. He lunged quickly breaking another vampire’s neck as he plunged in his stake. Spike had a vampire in the air throwing him across the room only then to ram his stake into an attacking vampire.

“Mortimor, does Spike also happen to have a soul?”

“That I am unaware of, Master.”

Dracula nodded. “The young woman, Angelus’ property, she aims well. Did you see where she got the cross bow from?”

“I believe it was from the fireman that is using that rather large wooden stake quite effectively.”

Again Dracula nodded. “The other one is also quite efficient.”

“Master, the young lady seems to have seen you.”

“Yes, it seems she has.” Dracula raised his hand in a flash catching the wooden bolt before it reached his chest. He crushed the arrow in his fist. “I think you are right Mortimor, it is time to leave.” Dracula turned disappearing into the darkness of the doorway.


********************

“Where’s Dracula?” Angel asked.

Spike looked around at the dust filled room. “I didn’t get him.”

Cordelia got up from her position behind the bar. “He got away. I almost had him. Not fair. It was a good shot.” She glanced down at her dress.

“Gunn, I told you to get Cordelia out of here.”

“Don’t be so pigheaded Angel, I helped. Hey, look no stains,” She twirled in front of Angel. “I can eat.”

“What, Cordy I…”

“The dress, it wasn’t ruined, I can take it back now.” She smiled brightly.

“What? You’re taking it back? Why?”

“Got to eat, Angel.”

Spike choked on the laughter that was gurgling in his throat at the sight of Angel’s forlorn expression. Peaches obviously hadn’t gotten over his button fetish. What the hell. Spike was in a good mood. He sauntered over to the bar and picked up a goblet of wine and took a large swallow. Spike went over to the beaming young woman. “What some wine, pet?”

“Don’t call me that.” She glared at the blonde suspiciously. “Why?”

“Why….Whoops.” The goblet fell to the floor.

“You bleached blonde dead clumsy jerk, look what you did.” Cordelia yelled, brushing frantically at the spatters of wine settling on the front of her dress, rushing towards the bar in search of club soda.

“Don’t get your panties in a twist, it’s red wine with just a little bit of blood, it blends in.”

“I could still kill you.” Angel said coming up next to Spike.

“Hey, I just saved your hide and your fantasy. I deserve a big fat thank you.” Spike whispered so only Angel could hear.

“Spike, why are you here?” Angel asked in the same low tone.

“Wanted to talk to you, get your advice….about Buffy.”

“I am going to have to kill you aren’t I?”

Spike shrugged. “So, you got room in that big hotel for me? I’m sure it will only be for a couple of days.” He walked out of the room.


Cordelia, Wesley and Gunn rushed up to Angel. “He’s not staying. You aren’t going to let him stay.” They all said at once.

Cordelia tugged at Angel’s arm. “You can’t. He’s annoying, really annoying and think about Connor, Spike’s not a good influence. He smokes. And look what he did to my dress.”

“Cordy, until we know what Dracula’s next move is you’re staying at the hotel.”

“What? You can’t order….Are you going to let Spike stay. You are, aren’t you? Damn straight I’m staying at the hotel. While he’s there, I’m there.” She turned away in a huff.

“That was easier than I thought.” Angel gave a quirky smile to Wesley and Gunn.

“Angel, why does Cordelia have what looks to be a vampire bite on her neck.” Wesley rubbed at his glasses.

The smile was gone in an instant. Angel stared at Wesley and Gunn for a full minute, then walked away without saying a word.

“He bit her.” Gunn smacked his 4’ by 4’ stake on the ground.

“Yes.” Wesley put his glasses back on. “Angel and Cordelia are safe, the humans are safe that is all that matters for right now.”

*******************************

Cordelia stormed up to Spike. “I get that you helped us. I get that you’re defanged. I get that you have been helping Buffy and the Scoobies. But if you pull that ‘Buffy and I’ are doing the pelvic thrust shit in front of Angel again you are dust. And if you so much as look cross-eyed, cuss, smoke in front of Connor you will be dust after I drench you in a vat of holy water. You got that.” She poked him repeatedly in the chest. “And you’re paying for my dress.” The click of her heels sounded on the floor as she stomped out of the theater.

“What did you say to her?” Angel yanked at Spike leather jacket.

“Hey, Peaches calm, she tore into me. Feisty isn’t the word for that tasty bit.”

Angel growled. “If you touch Cordelia or so much as look at her funny or make her upset, you are dust. And if you put Connor in any danger what so ever you are…”

“Dumped in a vat of holy water, I heard. Who’s this chap that needs to be protected from my big bad evil self?”

“My son.” Angel went to follow Cordelia out of the hotel.

“UH.” Spike’s cigarette fell to the floor as his mouth dropped open. He grabbed Wesley’s arm, as the former watcher was about to pass by. “Did the Poof just say he had a son? As like in a real son?”

“Yes.”

“Like he really ‘HAD’ a son? I mean NOT shooting dead blanks.”

“Yes.” Wesley jerked away from the blond vampire’s grip.

“How is that possible? Should I be thinking about covering Mr. Happy?”

“Prophecy.’” Wesley shook his head and then turned back. “If you so much as go near…..”

“I got it. Damn. I’m dead not deaf.”

Wesley glared then moved away.

Gunn stopped in front of the blonde vampire. “And if you so much as sneeze in Fred’s direction, you’re meeting the end of my Mr. Happy.” He slapped at the large stake in his hand.

“Ever hear about over compensation.” Spike mumbled under his breath as the black man left the theater. “Anybody know the words THANK YOU Spike for saving our asses.” Spike shook his head and lit another cigarette. Trusting bunch could have stayed in Sunnydale for this type of ingratitude.


Chapter 13

Cordelia stood at the curb stomping from one foot to another. She should be relieved, evil vampires dead everyone safe, but she wasn’t she was angry. All those really old vampires had creeped her out, especially Dracula. The way she had responded to Angel’s kisses and caresses had confused and freaked her. Spike’s appearance and comments had annoyed her to no end. She was creeped, freaked, confused and annoyed and that made her angry. And now this. “The limo is gone. The LIMO is gone.” She swung and glared at Angel.

“Uh, I’m sure Gunn or Spike will give us a ride.”

“I am NOT riding with that bleached blonde dead asshole. He ruined my dress.”

“Well, Gunn….”

“Great. Right, ride in the back of a pick up truck, I think not. I HATE MY LIFE.”

“Cordy, you don’t mean that.”

“Of course not. But it felt good.” She sighed and just stared at Angel.

“Uh, Cordy about…”

“Angel, I’m tired, hungry and not in the best of moods. Talking about anything more substantial than food or sleep is not a good idea.”

“I’ll call a cab.”

“Thank you.”


****************************************

Cordelia hadn’t spoken since she said thank you. She had just got silently into the cab as soon as it pulled up. And now she was leaned up against the back passenger window staring out into the night.

Angel couldn’t gauge her mood. So, he also remained silent. The quiet in the cab was deafening.

Suddenly, Cordelia swung around. “Kiss me.”

“UH.” Angel jerked back in surprise and confusion.

“Kiss me, Angel. I need to know the difference. Do it.”

“Difference?”

“The difference, Angel, between when you kiss and touch me 1) while possessed 2) during the vamp marky thing and 3) just kissing me. Do it.”

“Um, Cordy.” Angel blinked.

“And don’t you dare say you won’t because it’s horrible, kissing me is NOT horrible.” Glaring.

Angel moved to her, his hands cupping her face, his thumbs caresses her jaw line. “Of course it isn’t. It’s…” Angel stared at the young woman trying to understand what was going on in her head. Cordelia was nervous, scared and she wanted him to kiss her. Angel couldn’t figure it out. But he did want to kiss her.

“Just do it, do it now.”

“Then be quiet.”

“Angel.”

“I can’t kiss you if you keep talking.” Angel leaned in quickly preventing anymore words from leaving her mouth, his tongue taking advantage of her parted lips to penetrate and explore, his hand sliding down to the small of her back to press her closer, the fingers of his other hand entangled in her hair.

Cordelia’s hands had nowhere to go except around the vampire’s back. Her hips scooted shortening the distance between their bodies even more. Her arms tightened around the vampire as her hands caressed the width of Angel’s back; her tongue met Angel’s eagerly. A soft whimper vibrated in her throat. It was happening again. Cordelia’s hands suddenly clutched at Angel’s shoulders and shoved. Her head shot up as she moved away from the vampire, her eyes wide and staring.

“How do you do this to me?”

“Do what?” Angel blinked at Cordelia. Now what was going on? She wouldn’t answer. She just kept staring. Cordelia’s face was flushed, her heartbeat elevated, her breath expelling in small gasps, her scent was the same but more, it was vibrant, thick. Angel could taste it. He blinked. Cordelia was aroused….by him. It had to be him. Angel was the only other person there. Except for the cabdriver and he didn’t count or at least Angel hoped not. He shot a glance at the cabdriver. The man was 50 if he was a day, fat and balding. Angel felt a little more confident. He turned back to Cordelia. She was speaking again.

“You said you didn’t know how to the vamp mind thingy. Is it because you bit me? Or is it just some old expert experience? Do you even feel anything?”

Now she was making Angel mad. Why couldn’t Cordelia just accept that she was attracted to him? Granted, Angel was still a little floored at the concept, but the evidence was there and he was more than willing to accept it. “Cordelia, shut up.”

“Don’t you dare tell me to shut up. Answer me.”

“Cordy, if you were really my property, if I could do the mind thingy on you-you would shut up, but you didn’t shut up did you? Do you ever shut up, when I tell you too, no. As for feeling anything, I don’t know, you tell me.” He grabbed her hand and brought it directly to his obvious erection or at least now obvious to Cordelia.

Cordelia yanked her hand back as if she was burned. Cordelia was beginning to feel trapped as Angel’s body leaned over hers, not touching but encompassing all the space around her. “If I could make you do what I want, believe me your body would be under mine, I would be inside you filling you, my hands, my mouth would be touching, tasting slowly, so slowly, so not to miss an inch.” His voice low and rough.


Cordelia gulped, she felt the warmth in her belly solidified in her womb at Angel’s words. She was getting lost in the intensity in his dark eyes. She couldn’t get lost. “Why?” she managed to squeak.

Angel sat up. The intensity remained in his eyes. Cordelia scrunched up her face. She also saw a touch of humor in the dark orbs.

“Why?” Angel gave a small laugh. “Because you are beautiful, sexy as hell, more than that you are courageous, remarkable, loving, strong, loyal, frustrating, annoying and I….”

“Hold on. I blanked out after sexy as hell, start over only you can skip the frustrating and annoying part.”

“No, Cordelia, I don’t think I can. I…”

The small smile that had been forming on Cordelia’s countenance halted. “Stop, Angel.”

“Cordy.”

“Angel, Buffy and Spike are having sex.”

“What?”

“I said…”

“I heard what you said, I just have no idea why that is relevant to the here and now.”

“Angel, obviously you didn’t hear me, I said BUFFY and SPIKE are having sex. He didn’t actually tell me, but it’s true.”

“Cordy.”

“Angel, BUFFY AND SPIKE, sitting in a tree KISSING. Buffy and Spike, sex, two backed beast, horizontal mumbo.”

“I doubt it was in a tree, Cordelia. But who knows?”

Cordelia stared. "Why aren't you mad?"


Angel sighed. “Cordy, I'm not pleased that Buffy and Spike are together, especially since I don't think that they are really together."

"Angel, I think..."

"Cordy, Spike came here to talk to me about Buffy, to get advice. I'll never be Dear Abby or Oprah and we've never been pals or buddies, even when I was Angelus, but he came here, which means he's desperate. Spike's a rarity, a soulless, evil, pain in the ass, romantic. He loves. And if he's not obsessively happy right now, it's because Buffy doesn't love him back. And if she is having sex with him, then she's not in a good place right now. Buffy's the slayer, she's not going to choose to have sex with a vampire that she doesn't love, not unless something is really wrong. And that doesn't please me. What?"

"Nothing, it's just that- that was the most words I've heard you ever say, it was almost deep. There were so many. It was very weird in an amazing way." Cordelia scrunched up her brow again. "Don't you want to go running to Sunnydale to find out what's wrong with her?"

"No. Spike will tell me. If I can help, I will. But I'm not leaving." Angel paused. "Cordelia, could you ever fall in love with a vampire?"

Cordelia turned away from the intensity that sprung back into Angel's eyes and stared out the window of the car. She was in danger of getting lost again. She thought about it, trying to ignore Angel's silent gaze. He was waiting. Cordelia sighed her eyes searching the darkness of the passing night for an answer that they both could live with. There was something comforting about denial and something very heartbreaking when a two-ton truck full of realization crushes that carefully honed denial.

"I don't know." Cordelia started slowly, her forehead never leaving the glass plane. "Maybe. The vampire would have to have a soul. I don't know why, I just think it would be important. He would have to be good, brave, strong- a champion, " She smiled sadly at her reflection on the glass. "A dorky champion, who I trusted with my life." Cordelia paused and turned to Angel. "I guess my answer is no. Because you see, that vampire doesn't exist. Angel, you're the closest thing, but you’re not it, because if I were to fall in love with a vampire with a soul, he would have to love me as much as I love him. I couldn't be the consolation prize because the love of his life was unavailable. And our love couldn't have the power to destroy him, couldn't be what makes him turn back into a soulless killer. I wouldn't, couldn't put him, my family, myself in that kind of danger. But, Angel, I can say that I will stay with YOU as long as I can, because I do love you. You're my best friend." Cordelia smiled. She could live with it. She studied Angel. The handsome vampire was smiling also. Good. Everything would be fine and back too normal. Just no more kissing. Cordelia couldn't help it- she frowned.

Angel had been nervous and fearful waiting for her answer. Cordelia's 'I don't know' and 'maybe' hadn't completely alleviated either, but it was much more promising than the unequivocal no, he had half expected. Then she said she could fall in love with a vampire. One with a soul. Angel had a soul and better yet he was a dork. Cordelia called him one all the time. She could fall in love with him. Angel almost reached for her, but then he heard it, the unequivocal no. Cordelia said he wasn't the vampire she could fall in love with. That wasn't right, Angel was positive that he was the only ensouled dorky champion vampire in existence. Cordelia had continued to speak, his mind had to catch up with her words. He was on track when she finished. Cordelia was in love with him or at least she would acknowledge it after he cleared up a couple of things for her. If Angel had known that not telling Cordelia that his soul was permanent would cause him to go through 5 minutes of excruciating torture, he would've told her, then maybe they would be kissing some more, instead of just looking at each other from the opposite sides of the back seat.

"Cordy..." Angel was interrupted by the shout of the cabdriver to get out. Angel looked out the window; he hadn't even realized that they had reached the hotel. He tried to think of his options. Killing the cabdriver wouldn't do any good, Cordelia would get mad and they would be stuck in a car going nowhere. He could tell the driver to take them to Cordelia's. That would work and he did have to get his car. Angel could talk to her there. But, then Wesley and Gunn would probably get anxious; they hadn't been real pleased when they saw his mark on Cordelia. And then there was Spike; Angel really didn't want the blonde vampire wandering around the hotel and Connor without Angel being there. Angel didn't believe that Spike would necessarily be a danger, but Spike had a tendency to cause trouble just by being able to walk and talk.

"Angel, come on, we can't let Spike around Connor without one of us there. He'll probably start smoking or something. Let's go. Pay the man."

Angel nodded. His decision had been made for him.


Chapter 14

“Peaches, it’s about time, these idiots won’t show me my room won’t even let me up the stairs.” Waving to Wesley and Gunn. Both men were standing between Spike and the staircase, their weapons still in hand. Angel noticed that Fred had somehow ended up sitting on the bottom of the stairs. She jumped up as soon as she saw Cordelia and Angel. “Can I go into the kitchen now.” She glared at Wesley and Gunn, her hands on her slim hips.

“Angel, go check on Connor, then make up a room for Spike on the third floor the furthest one from Connor. You,” grabbing at the blonde vampire. “I want to talk to.”

“Peaches.”

Angel shrugged and went up the stairs.

“I’m staying.” “I ain’t leaving.”

Cordelia shot a look at Wesley and Gunn. “Did anyone tell you to? Hmm. You know where your rooms are. Geez. Come on.” She pulled Spike into Wesley’s office and slammed the door.

“Can the poof be even more whipped? Ow.” His hand going to the spot on his head that Cordelia smacked.

“Angel says that you’re here to talk to him about Buffy. So talk. Cuz unless you tell me exactly what you are planning to say, you’re not getting near him. I won’t let you upset him.”

“You can’t keep me from him.” Spike growled showing his game face.

“Don’t kid yourself, I tell Angel, really tell Angel to throw you out, you’re gone. I won’t ask him to stake you, just kick your blonde dead ass to the curb. But, you know what? If you piss me off enough, I’ll stake you and he won’t kick me out. So talk. And wipe that face off.”

“You’re just being a bitch because you know about the chip in my head.”

“Right. Spike can’t hurt humans, I heard. But guess what? I not human, well I’m not all human. So, if you want to try your vamp scare tactics go ahead. Come on, just try to hit me.”

“You smell human.”

“Eww, don’t smell me.”

“It’s not like I can help it, you reek of… the Poof and ….So, what Peaches got a kid and a permanent soul now. He got you all hot and bothered. Or, is it just that you can’t give him the big happy. Wow, I guess I really did hit the nail on the head. I was joking.”

Cordelia swung.

“Stop hitting me.”

“Then watch your mouth. And put that cigarette away. You’re not smoking in here.”

“The kid’s upstairs. Come on, let me smoke.”

“Not in here.” She grabbed his arm. “The garden.”


******************

“So, what do you mean you aren’t all human?” Spike sat on the stone bench next Cordelia. Spike wasn’t sure why he was putting up with the young woman. But it seemed if he was going to talk to Angel, he was going to have to go through the young woman. And Spike needed to talk to Angel, Buffy was driving him nuts. Angel was his last hope.

Cordelia shrugged. “Part demon. Don’t know the type. Wesley’s researching.”

“How?”

“With books.” She smiled at Spike’s look. “I made a choice,” answering seriously.

“You chose to be part demon?” Spike stared at the young woman. This was not the same cheerleader from Sunnydale.

“You didn’t see my other choices. Death or TV stardom.” Cordelia shrugged again.

“Right. TV stardom is a really bad choice all that money and fame. I get it.”

“No you don’t, but it doesn’t matter. I do.”

“You’re really okay with it.” Buffy needed to take a lesson from this woman.

“Sure, though honestly, I do still wake up some mornings checking for horns and a tail. It’s the not knowing, you see. Go to bed looking like me; wake up with horns and green skin. A little unnerving. But Wesley doesn’t think that will happen since it hasn’t happened. Spike, why are you here? What do you expect Angel to do? If you’re sex life with Buffy is all screwed up what do think Angel can do to fix it? Why do you think he would fix it and not just kill you? You talking about Buffy. Buffy, you know, the love of his life, soul mates forever, the tragic undying love story of all time. Spike, I’m serious, I don’t want you upsetting him. He’s been getting better.”

“Better?”

“Smiling, he tells jokes, bad ones, but still they're jokes, he wears clothes other than black, I won’t let you go putting him back into brood mode.”

“You don’t understand.”

“Unfortunately, I think I do. Did Dracula really do the mind zap on Buffy? That I don’t understand.”

Spike shrugged. “He bit her. It almost worked, but she ended up coming to her senses and running him out of town.”

Cordelia’s eyes got big. “Eww.”

“I'm with you. That old vampire is a pain in the ass.”

“That’s what Angel says, you know, Buffy must be the only slayer in history that vampires are clamoring to boink rather than kill and she must be the only one that lets them.”

Spike smirked. “I like you.”

Cordelia sighed. “Don’t, that was mean. I really don’t hate Buffy, everyone thinks I do, but I don’t. I know she’s brave, courageous, superhero material, it just gets tiring sometimes to know that you’ll always be second best, if that, when she’s around. I’d almost forgotten what it felt like. Spike, you may be having the best sex of your undead life with her but it will always be Angel. He will always be first with her, just like she will always be first with him. Get over it, being a consolation prize is not fun in the long run.” Cordelia looked down at her hands as silence fell over the garden.

“Cordy, go upstairs. Connor needs you.”

Cordelia jumped up. “Is something wrong? Angel, is Connor okay?” Running to the vampire standing in the doorway of the garden.

“Yes, he’s fine, he’s just looking for someone to Blurslurp on. I won’t do. So, that means you.”

Cordelia smiled brightly and ran into the lobby.

***************************

“So, are you going to kill me?”

Angel went into the garden taking the seat that Cordelia had vacated. “I gave you my conditions.”

“I think I might’ve of upset her.”

“No. I did that. Spike, I can’t help you. And if its my blessing you came for I can’t give that to you, either. All Buffy wants is a normal life, I couldn’t give that to her and you sure and hell can’t.”

“She’s driving me crazy, she says she wants me, but it’s wrong, I’m evil, but then she comes back fucking the daylights out of me. I can’t take it anymore.”

“You are evil, it is wrong and what- are you losing your stamina.”

Spike growled.

“Spike, what’s wrong with Buffy?” Angel’s tone changed to one of concern.

“What? Something has to be wrong with her because she wants me. You the only vampire she can want?”

“From what I heard, she wanted Dracula for an enthralled minute. Cordy maybe right, Buffy is the only slayer in history that boinks vampires rather than stake them.”

“Jokes…. you really aren’t going to get violent over this are you?”

“About Buffy and you, no. Touch anyone in the hotel, yes.”

“Don’t you mean the cheerleader?”

“Cordy and Connor go without saying, the others I’m reminding you.”

“Chip,” Spike pointed to his head. “No biting, allowed.”

“I’ve confidence in you Spike, you can cause damage even without biting.”

“Thank you, someone appreciates my full range of talents.” Spike came back from his pacing and sat next to Angel.

“You’ve really chosen the humans?”

“Haven’t you? You’re still in Sunnydale helping them. I’ve got a soul, what’s your excuse. Have you even tried to get rid of the chip?”

“No. Not really.”

“Why not?”

“Then I would really be the monster she excuses me of being. I miss hunting and feeding.”

“Yeah, so do I.”

“You can.”

“No, I can’t.”

“Bugger.”

“Spike, Buffy doesn’t want to love a vampire, I don’t know if she ever can.”

“She loved you. What makes you so special?”

“She was sixteen didn’t know that I was a vampire at first, then she rationalized that it was okay because I had a soul. A fake vampire. It was never the same after Angelus, once she saw what I was capable of. Kind of brought the whole fake vampire myth crashing down around us. We said we still loved each other and we did, but it wasn’t the same the hesitation that she originally felt turned into distrust. Neither of us forgot what I was after that. We were in love for what 3 years and it all that time, I could count on one hand how many times I drank in front of her- smiled, laughed- never. Does she keep blood in the refrigerator for you?”

“The watcher did.” Spike jerked off the stone bench and started pacing again.

Angel shook his head. “Cordy, spices mine, says it’s boring. Keeps the refrigerator in her apartment stocked just in case I come over. Not only forgave me for majorely fucking up, but became even a better friend as a result. A friend, Spike. Is Buffy your friend, she wasn’t mine. I loved her, she loved me, but we weren’t friends.”

Spike stalled in his pacing. “She’s told me stuff, stuff that she didn’t tell the Scoobies- about her dying.”

“That’s definitely one up on me, she just told me she was fine, but she’s not is she, Spike.”

Spike plopped back on the bench. “She said that she was in heaven or someplace peaceful, safe, happy, then she was ripped from it, put back on hell.”

“Fuck.”

“She’s working at a hamburger joint trying to take care of the Nibblet, be all grown up, strong, but she’s not happy. She’s dying inside, she said that’s why she was with me, just to feel something for a little while. She’s forgotten what she is, she doesn’t remember that she’s strong, confident, beautiful, special, all she sees is…the hamburger joint. I don’t know how to fix it. That’s why I’m here. I want you to fix it. You can tell her who she is, you love her, she loves you, go tell her.”

Angel stared at Spike. “You’re truly an oddity, Spike. A vampire willing to give up something you need to possess and love. I’ve done it, would do it again, did do it, luckily Groo was an idiot, but I did it, because I’ve a soul, Angelus never would’ve considered it. But you have. I’ve changed my mind. If you need my blessing, I'll give it to you. I don’t know what good it will do you, but I give it.”

“I didn’t ask for your blessing.”

“I know, but I won’t do what you are asking me to, I won’t because it would be a lie, a lie to Buffy, to me. We’re over. We’ve been over a long time ago. My life is here.”

“You bastard, you said you loved her, Angelus was obsessed with her because you loved her, soul mates, even you’re cheerleader said so.”

“I never said Buffy was my soul mate, everyone else said that and Cordy….Cordy is... I loved Buffy, ask me four even three years ago, I would’ve said it was forever then I would’ve gone to brood alone. But, now, when I hear Buffy’s name, I think about her and I’m just grateful that she loved me at all.” Angel looked back at the hotel. “I thought it would be forever, but it wasn’t. But this has to be forever, it has to be, I could leave Buffy, I could move on when I though she was dead, I don’t think….” Angel turned away and looked up at the stars. “They don’t need us, Spike. We don’t deserve them. They need normal. Sun.”

“Problem is they aren’t normal. The Cheerleader actually seems to have accepted it. Buffy, is still fighting it. Do you remember when we brought terror to the countryside? Those were the days. Could you ever imagine that we would be sitting here scared of two twenty-year-old mortals? It’s fucked up, I tell you.”

Angel laughed. “Yes, it is. But, I wouldn’t change it. Spike, love Buffy if you want and maybe it will be okay, stranger things have happened. But, if you push her or hurt her, I may have to get violent. I do still care very much about her. But, you know if it gives you any hope, she told you her pain, she trusted you. It’s a start, it may not amount to much, but it is a start.” Angel got up and headed for the hotel. He stopped and turned. “Spike, how long can you stay?”

“My calendar is clear, no pressing engagements.”

“Stay at least until we know what Dracula is up too.”

“Hell, Peaches, you know what he’ll be up to, he’s going to go after the Cheerleader. It’s pay back time and she’s hot.”

“The last time I fought him…”

“You didn’t win. I’ll stay. What the hell, it’s not like the home hearth is being tended waiting my return.”

“Did you tell Buffy you were coming here?”

“Hell no. What you think I’m crazy?”


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