Title: The End of the World . . . Again?
Author: Dock
Posted: 09-21-2002
Rating: R
Email:
Content: C/A, F/G, Everything else is a surprise (be afraid . . kidding), crossover
Summary: The Scoobies come to LA to stop the latest apocalypse.
Spoilers: Everything up to S3, including a few spoilers for S4 (nothing major)
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: Nothing Fancy and anyone who asks
Notes: I decided to get off my lurking butt and post my very first story. Oh in case you're wondering Anya is off being a vengence demon somewhere and Dawn is visiting her Dad. I can only handle so many characters at once. Be forewarned, I have taken minor liberties with the past.
Feedback: I'd love some but please be gentle. This is my very first try.
Part 8
Angel blinked. The ability to move was slowly returning. He looked around the table. The other men still seemed frozen. The thought that it was all a spell crossed his mind but he dismissed it. It wasn't a nightmare either.
He reviewed his evening. He had been good. Cordy wanted him to bond with the guys so he did. They carried one of the round tables from the old ballroom out into the lobby. It made the perfect poker table. Spike, Giles, Xander, Gunn and he played while Connor watched. They had talked about everything that had happened in Sunnydale and he told them about LA. He was pleasant. Actually he was downright friendly. He couldn't wait for Cordelia to come home. She'd see how good he'd been and reward him.
He was glad he'd already sent Connor to bed when the girls stumbled. He wouldn't want him to hear their conversation. Then again, he didn't want to hear it either. He wanted to interrupt but couldn't seem to find his voice. Sweet, innocent Willow had come into the hotel talking about having sex while floating. He expected her to blush when she saw them but she didn't even flinch. It was like they saw them without actually seeing them. Then Buffy started talking about her sex life with Spike. He was about to force himself to speak when Cordelia shocked him into his current state. She'd had sex with Giles. *When? Where? And why the fuck didn't I know about it?*
Now here he was. His mobility was back. He thought about trying to use his voice but decided against it. Speaking would lead to demanding answers from Giles and that would lead to removing his head from his body. He silently got up and left the room.
His steps slowed as he approached his bedroom door. He wasn't sure he could go in there and not ask questions. He was too angry and hurt and she was too drunk to talk. She had slept with Giles. She was a higher being. She had a mission he knew nothing about. She wanted to know what Spike looked like naked! He took a few calming breaths. She also said she loved him.
He quietly entered his room. Cordelia was sprawled across his bed in her bra and panties. Her discarded dress lay on the floor by the bed. He felt his entire body harden at the sight. As she rolled over onto her stomach, he felt his anger deflate. He picked up her dress and added it to the drycleaning pile. Then he reached down and adjusted her position. He sat down on the edge of the bed and removed his shoes and socks before standing up and undressing down to his boxers. He climbed into bed beside her. She was snoring lightly. Her wonderful scent was mixed with tequila. She said she loved him. There was no calling him a dumbass this time. He pulled him into his arms. He knew they would work everything out. He was never gonna let another man touch her ever again. He stroked her back as he drifted off to sleep.
***
The first thing Cordelia noticed as she awoke was how warm Angel felt in her arms. The next thing she noticed was she was practically naked. They were both in their underwear and she was almost lying on top of him. She tried to remember how she ended up here. She'd gone dancing with Fred, Buffy and Willow. They had a good time and a whole lot of tequila. They got home safely and talked some more. She told them a lot more than she meant to, but she was forgetting something. Something important. *Shit! The guys were in the room the whole time.* She reviewed their conversation in her head. Angel heard everything. *I so need to get out of here!* She disentangled herself and tried to get up. She squeeled when Angel grabbed her by the waist and rolled her under him.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Um..nowhere..um..I mean I was just going to the bathroom."
He rolled off of her. He watched her grab his shirt on her way to the bathroom. He could hear her pacing and muttering to herself. He saw the panic in her eyes. He wouldn't put it past her to climb out onto the ledge to avoid talking to him. It was a good thing his bathroom didn't have any windows. She came out a few minutes later and headed straight to the door.
"Where are you going now?"
"Um..to make Connor his breakfast."
"And you were planning to go downstairs only wearing my shirt? Of cours I think my shirt hangs lower than that dress you wore last night."
She looked down and cursed. "I guess I should get dressed."
"Don't bother." At her arched brow, he continued. "Xander, Gunn and Connor made plans to go out to breakfast this morning. I think Fred was supposed to go too but I doubt she felt up to it. How do you feel by the way?"
"A little fuzzy, but alright. I guess the demon in me helps with hangovers."
"We need to talk."
"Didn't anyone ever tell you talking is overrated?"
He laughed. "That's funny coming from you, but since you're always right, I should listen."
She grabbed her bag. "Good. I'm just gonna take a shower."
"Yeah. I should just go with my first instinct. I'm gonna find Giles and remove his head." He started to climb out of bed.
Cordelia launched herself across the room and tackled him to the bed. "That's not funny."
"Neither was finding out that the two of you are lovers!"
"Were. Past tense."
"You lied to me."
"I did Not lie. I just didn't tell. It's not like you've given me a list of your past lovers."
"Well I didn't invite my lover into our home and pretend we were only friends."
"Ex-lover and I didn't invite anyone. They just showed up and in case you've forgotten your past lover is here too."
"But you know about Buffy. I didn't know anything about Giles. You knew I was jealous and you acted like I was being crazy. You should have told me."
"Until last night we were just friends. I didn't owe you an explanation."
"Cor, we haven't been 'just friends' for a long time." He shifted so they were facing each other. "Let's just push the fact you should have told me aside. Tell me now. You said it happened while you were living in LA. I'm a vampire. I would have smel.."
"Eww. Please don't finish that sentence."
"Was it after I fired you?" He looked away. He hated to think about that time.
She lifted his chin. "No. It was before that." When he started to say something, she covered his mouth. "This will go a lot faster if you don't interrupt." He nodded. "It was when you were helping Faith. I was taking my well deserved paid vacation. So much had happened, I didn't want to be alone. Doyle's death, my demon pregnancy, the visions and I guess Faith knocking me unconscious and torturing Wesley was the last straw. I needed to get away."
She sighed. "No. That's not true. I know this sounds self-centered but I was angry with you." She covered his mouth again. "I kept thinking what if she'd taken me instead. I would have been the one tortured and she'd still be the one you comforted." She wiped a tear away. "I was selfish back then."
He pulled her hand away. "No you weren't. You had a lot to deal with. The truth is if it had been you, I would have killed her."
"Don't say that. You did the right thing. I should have helped you. Instead I went to Sunnydale to surpise my mom. Her birthday was coming up." She could feel her tears start to flow. "When I got there, she told me..I should have called first. She said in the future, I should just mail her a present. She and Daddy were trying to rebuild their social status and a struggling actress who works as a secretary would be a liability. If I stayed away, they could just lie to their friends about me. That was the last time I spoke to her."
He couldn't believe her mother would treat her like that. "I wish you would have called me."
"You had your hands full." She saw him flinch. "Baby, it wasn't you. Remember this was the old me. I didn't share my pain."
"You still don't." When she started to roll away, he pulled her back. "What happened next?"
"I didn't want to go home yet, so I wandered around Sunnydale. I ended up at the coffee shop." She laughed. "Rupert was singing. He was really good. He saw me. I almost left but I needed someone to talk to. He joined me when he finished. We talked for hours." She smiled as she remembered. "He got me to open up and I returned the favor. He'd been feeling rather useless and unwanted. He needed someone too. Before we realized it, the place was closing. It was too late to catch a bus, so invited me to stay with him." She heard his growl. "It wasn't like that. It started out completely innocent. He went to sleep on the couch."
She sighed. "I had a nightmare that night. When I woke up, he was holding me. He told me I was screaming. He asked me about the nighmare. Said it would help if I talked about it." She hesitated.
"What was it about. Do you remember?"
"Like it was yesterday." She took a deep breath. "It was about my night with Wilson. I know I told you I was okay, but I wasn't. I never wanted to let another man touch me." She looked into his concerned eyes. "Angel, that was my first time." She looked away. "Despite what people thought about me, I didn't sleep around in high school. I wanted to wait until I was in love." She rolled her eyes. "I knew I didn't love Wilson but I really liked him. I didn't want..I didn't want to lose him because of my fears."
She wiped away more tears. "Before Doyle jumped, he told me it was a shame we didn't get the chance to find out if his demon face was something I could grow to love. He shouldn't have had to die with that regret. If I hadn't been so stupid, we could...I promised myself that I wouldn't let my fears stop me from risking my heart. Wilson seemed so nice. He really listened when I talked. I thought I was so lucky. He could have any woman he wanted, so..."
She cleared her throat. "When I woke up alone and very pregnant, I felt so used and stupid. I was so grateful that I had you and Wesley to save me. I meant what I said. I had two people I could trust with my life. What I couldn't say was I never wanted to trust anyone with my heart again."
She shook her head. "Giles held me all night. I felt so safe. It just felt right. I asked to make love to me. I needed to know it could be nice. At first, he turned me down. He didn't want to take advantage of my vunerable state." She laughed. "It took me some time but I wore his resistance down." She stopped laughing at Angel's pained expression. "By the time I left Sunnydale, I felt strong. I was me again. I made the decision that I was never going to be anyone's victim ever again. Bad things would continue to happen, such is life, but only I could make myself a victim."
He tried to absorb everything she told him. He couldn't believe she'd been in so much pain and he never knew. "Promise me something."
"What?"
"From now on you'll share your pain with me."
"Angel.."
"Promise me!"
"I will if you promise me something in return."
"I'll share my pain too."
"Duh! I've insisted on that ever since your epiphany. No I want you to promise me not to feel guilty. I am responsible for my own decisions just as those who attack me are for theirs."
"But.."
"No buts. You have a tendency to feel responsible for every bad thing that happens to me."
"That's because.."
"No because. No buts. Promise!"
"Fine. I promise to try not to feel guilty." She arched her brow. "That's the best I can do."
"I'll accept that. One more thing. No trying to fix it unless I ask."
"Wait. How can.."
"Sometimes I just need someone to listen. If I have to worry about what you might do, I won't feel comfortable coming to you."
He huffed. "I promise not to do anything without discussing it with you first."
"Angel.."
"I'm trying here. I can't stand to see you hurting."
"That's why.."
He clutched her arm. "No. I need to be there for you. Please don't shut me out!"
"Shh" She stroked his cheek. "I promise to share everything with you. I love you Angel."
He felt the ache in his heart disappear at her words. He cupped her cheek. "I love you." He pulled her lips to his for a chaste kiss. "I love you so much." He kissed her again. The kiss seemed to deepen by the second. He could tell she needed to breath, so he released her lips. He looked into her eyes. "I'm never gonna let you go."
She felt her eyes tear up. "Do you mean that?"
"Of course"
She smiled. "No more you deserve the sun nonsense? No more you deserve normal?"
He laughed. "You deserve that and so much more, but I've decided to be selfish. No other man will ever touch you again. You are mine."
She threw her arms around him and squeezed. "That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me. You love me enough to stay and fight for us."
He returned the hug. "You seem to be handling my possessive nature a lot better today. Does this mean I get my marking rights?"
She giggled and pulled back. "Angel, last night we were talking about ownership. Right now we're talking about fidelity." She narrowed her eyes at him. "That works both ways mister. If I catch you releasing any of your frustrations by having casual sex with someone since your stupid curse allows that, you will be dust. The only loophole you better think about is one that will allow us to be together."
He smiled. "Cor, you are the only one I want to be with and we will find a way to be together." He pulled her closer. "But I was still talking about ownership. I don't want any man touching you for any reason."
"Angel, I will hug and kiss any member of my family or friends whenever I want. This is non-negotiable!"
He growled. "What the hell happened to your personal bubble?"
"Don't growl at me!" She calmed herself before continuing. "When I was in the higher realms, I felt so alone. I missed you guys like crazy. I needed a friend. I needed a hug. Higher beings consider affection to be beneath them." She laughed. "My sword instructor, who made insulting me an artform, complimented my technique one day. I was so excited I hugged him. He looked at me like I punched him. I'll never forget the look on his face. I thought about all those baby books I read. They all said that touch was so important to a child's development. When I was up there, I realized it never stops being important. You should know that better than anyone. You spent all those years isolated. I won't give it up now that I know how it feels to not have it."
He grumbled. "I hate it when you make sense when I'm trying to be irrational. Fine! Some touching will be allowed. But I'm the only one who can kiss your lips."
She leaned forward and kissed him. "Agreed."
He smirked at her. "You know this works both ways. I can hug and kiss family and friends too, Buffy included."
She laughed at his confident look. "Nice try. Yes, you can too, Buffy included. She knows you, broody boy, are my vampire."
"Fine" He gritted his teeth. He thought he had her. He couldn't stand the thought of Giles, Spike or Xander touching her. Gunn was alright though. He seemed pretty happy with Fred. Just as long as there were no long hugs. This was definitely going to drive him to bite someone!
"Quit pouting. It's not like I've turned into a clingy person. There are just times when a person needs a hug." She started kissing his neck. She whispered. "You're the only one I want." She nibbled and sucked the skin on his non-pulse point.
He groaned. "What are you doing?" He purred as she sucked harder.
She nibbled a little more before responding. "I'm marking my property." She giggled as she felt a whoosh of air and found herself pinned to the bed. Her giggle turned into a moan as he attacked her neck. She felt his face change. "You know I love both your faces, don't you?" She felt him pull away from her neck. She looked into his yellow eyes. "You're always beautiful to me." She reached up and stroked his ridges with her fingertips. "I love you, my sweet manpire." She pulled his head down for a kiss. She swept her tongue into his mouth and ran it along his teeth. She retreated back into her mouth only to dive back in and impale her tongue on his fangs.
As the taste of her blood touched his tongue, he felt his demon thrash for control. He sucked her tongue into his mouth until the small cut closed. He released her mouth and began kissing down her neck until he reached the mark he'd started to make. His demon wanted to give her a real mark, but his soul resisted. He slid back into his human face. He latched onto his mark and reveled on the sweet taste of her skin. His hand slid under her shirt and made its way toward her breast. Before he reached his target, she smacked him on the back of his head. "Oww! Cordy, c'mon you marked me!"
"Not that dumbass. Your hand was going someplace it shouldn't."
He put on his best puppy face. "What's wrong with that?"
"You haven't taken me on a single date yet and you think you should already have groping rights. I don't think so. I want romance."
He smiled at her pouty expression and rolled off of her. "I think that can be arranged. For now I'll just settle for snuggles."
She started giggling. "I never thought I'd see the day when the former Scourge of Europe actually used the word snuggles in a sentence."
He pulled her head down to rest on his shoulder. "Well the former Scourge of Europe never dreamed of meeting someone like you. You are one of a kind Cordelia Chase."
"Well duh!" She snuggled into his arms. "You still haven't asked about the higher realms."
"I know. I was waiting for you to bring it up. No more secrets, remember?"
"Yeah"
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"At first I was just grateful that you weren't mad at me for leaving. I know you didn't blame me, but you were so angry with the powers. The belief that they let me come home seemed to calm you down. I was afraid you'd declare war on them if you knew I had to cut a deal in order to leave."
"I would have been furious at first, but the truth is I can't think of a better person to act as a guide to lost souls than you."
She looked up at him. "Do you mean that?"
"Yes. Don't you realize that is exactly what you've been for me. You are my heart, my humanity and my guide. I need you so much."
She tried to blink back the tears. "Angel, I know you may think you've been the only one benefiting from our friendship, especially since I never told you certain things, but that isn't true. It was your mission and unfathomable compassion that brought this family together. It was my belief in you that's helped me become the woman I am today. You may focus on the sacrifices I've made but I know everything I've endured has been worth it. I consider myself very lucky to have you in my life. You've saved more than my life these past few years. You are my hope, my inspiration and my savior. I will always need you."
He stroked her cheek with his thumb. "You are truly an amazing woman. I love you."
She turned her face to kiss his palm. "You're pretty amazing yourself. I love you too."
"I'm sorry."
She scrunched up her forehead. "For what?"
"Spike. He's a lost soul you've been trying to help. You wanted my help and instead of supporting you like you do for me, I gave both of you a hard time."
"Don't be too hard on yourself. You didn't know about my mission."
"Spike told me you seemed to know more than you should have. Did you have a vision?"
"No thank goodness. I so do not need a vision of Spike and Buffy enjoying bondage fun. The powers just give me the knowledge. It was a little freaky at first. It's like suddenly I have someone else's memories."
Angel frowned. "Were you scared?"
"No just a little overwhelmed. I'm pretty quick at adjusting to the strange. Knowing about his life without any bias he has helps me to help him."
His frown deepened as a thought occured to him. "If you'd had a vision of them, you would have gotten to see him naked. You wouldn't have had to ask Buffy."
She started giggling. "I hadn't thought of it that way. I bet he's all washboard stomachy." She blinked up at the now yellow eyes above her. She wasn't afraid, so she decided to push him a little further. "And those beautiful blue eyes!"
He couldn't believe this woman. He was vamped out and had her pinned to the bed and she still pushed. "You will never ever see him naked! You're mine." He smashed his lips to hers. He used her moan to invade her mouth. His fangs cut her tongue and lips. He stopped when his mouth filled with her blood. "Oh God, Cor! I hurt you!"
She laughed at his panicked look. "I think I'm gonna enjoy belonging to you." She pulled him back down for another heated kiss.
He relaxed and allowed his human features to return. He used his hand to tilt her face and deepen the kiss. He felt her clasp one of his hands and lay it on her breast. He smiled against her mouth.
She let out a moan as his thumb flicked her hardening nipple. She groaned her disappointment when his hand disappeared. She sighed as it reappeared under her shirt and grabbed her lace covered breast.
He began trailing kisses down her neck. He felt her hands roaming his back spreading their warmth. He used his teeth to undo her shirt. It was his after all. He spread open the now buttonless shirt. "You are so beautiful." He dipped his head to land butterfly kisses along her torso until he engulfed a lace covered nipple. His hands slipped behind her to unhook her bra. He didn't register the knocking until she started pushing him away. "You have got to be kidding me!"
She pulled her shirt together. "Whoever that is has really lousy timing." She blew out a frustrated breath.
He pushed her shirt open again. "Let's just ignore them. They'll go away eventually."
She smacked his hands away. "Or they will fear the worst, smash thru the door and stake you."
He growled as he carefully pulled a pair of pants on. He saw her climbing out of bed. "Don't move. After I kill whoever is on the other side of that door, we are picking up exactly where we left off."
She rolled her eyes at him. "As romantic as that sounds, I'm hungry. I am gonna take a shower and then get something to eat." She grabbed her bag and headed to the bathroom. "I'm locking the door. Don't even think about joining me." She shut the door behind her.
He growled when he heard the lock click. He threw open his bedroom door to find a smirking Spike. "You asshole. How long have you been there?"
"Long enough to know your chit wants to see me naked. I feel really bad about interrupting what you're not supposed to be doing, but vamp detective is needed downstairs."
"Why did they send you?"
"Gunn and Fred figured you wouldn't be a very happy vampire about being bothered. I volunteered to get you. I don't really like you when your happy."
"Do you have any idea how hard you make it to be nice to you?"
"I don't want your pity, Angelus. Now come downstairs."
"I'll be down in a minute. I need to get dressed."
"Don't forget to bring Cordelia with you. Nice hickey by the way!" He shut the door as he left.
Angel stared at the bathroom door. He could hear the water running. Images of water cascading down her naked flesh bombarded his mind. He knew his restraint wasn't up to the challenge and got dressed.
A fully dressed Cordelia came out as he was putting on his shoes. She was rubbing a towel on her wet hair.
"We have a case."
"We do? I didn't know we had any clients. Who was at the door?"
"Spike"
She froze. "Was he listening?"
"Yes. He enjoyed rubbing in the fact that my girlfriend wants to see him naked."
"Aww! Baby, I was just teasing. You're the only vampire I want naked." She paused. "Did you just call me your girlfriend?"
Angel wrapped his arms around her. "You seem to be having a hard time understanding what 'you're mine' means."
She smacked his chest. "I know what it means. It's just hearing you call me your girlfriend gives me a happy." She gave him a quick kiss. "Now let's go find out about this case."
He felt his entire being tense at her words. He was about to give her a happy when they were interrupted. He might not be allowed to have one but he wanted her to have all the pleasure she could take. He relaxed. She was his now. There would be happy giving time after the case.
Part 9
Cordelia and Angel entered the office to find Spike and Gunn bickering. Fred was sitting at the desk rubbing her temples.
"Shut up, both of you! I have a headache!" Four sets of eyes looked at the usually quiet Texan.
"Fred, sweetie. How's the hangover?"
"It was much better until those two came in here."
"Sorry baby. We'll talk in the lobby." They left Fred with her head resting on the desk. "Thanks for takin' my girl out and gettin' her drunk."
Cordelia ignored his sarcasm. "You're welcome. So where is everyone and what case do we have?"
"The watcher left to visit a 'friend'. Red and the slayer went sightseeing. The whelp and Connor are in the kitchen eating..again. I think chubs has finally met his match."
"Would it kill you to use their real names?"
"I'm already dead, Peaches. Just like you."
"If Blondie is done with roll call, I'll tell y'all about the case. We have another nest to clean out. I met with the guy we rescued from those Secr..Secra..blue demons. He noticed that a condemned building on his block has a lot of activity at night, but noone moves around during the day. He gave me the address so after we left his place Xander, Connor and I checked it out. It looks like about 20 vamps set up shop. We should go tonight."
"You've been busy."
Gunn eyed the couple holding hands. "You'd be amazed what you get done when you get out of bed in the morning."
Cordelia blushed. "We had a lot to talk about. I'll leave the planning to you three manly men. I'm starving."
Angel watched the sway of her hips as she left the room. He wanted to throw her over his shoulder and take her back upstairs. "Maybe I should go and make her something to eat."
Gunn blocked his path. "I thought we had a plan to make."
"I'm the boss. I decide when the meeting's over."
"Yeah right. I think we both know the real boss just walked out the door."
Angel knew he should argue. He should be insulted but what was the point. Fred was right. He would go buy her coffee at noon on the sunniest day of the year if she asked him to. He sighed. "She's amazing."
"She is at that, Peaches. How did you ever get a woman like that to love you?"
"I have no idea. I'm just grateful that she is." He cleared his throat. This was gonna be painful. "Spike, I'm sorry about what I said at dinner last night. You were right and you know how much I hate that."
Spike stood there completely stunned. *Did Angel just apologize to me?* "That's okay, Pea..Angel." He tried to shake off his confusion. "So about this nest?"
"What? It's a vampire nest. We'll go tonight. We took out twice that many the other night. Let me know when everyone gets back. We should head out shortly before sundown. We want to catch them at home." He headed to the kitchen. It already felt like he'd been away from Cordelia for too long.
Gunn watched Angel's retreating form before he turned to Spike. "That was Angel, right?"
Spike snickered at Gunn's look of disbelief. "Yeah. What of it, mate?"
"I've never seen him so mellow. It's almost as creepy as the whistling and humming."
"I bloody love it. He said I was right about something without punching me for it." He happily followed his grandsire. He was in the mood for one the cheerleader's concoctions.
***
Cordelia smiled as she noticed the change among the two groups. Giles, Xander, Connor, Gunn and Fred were riding in the van while Buffy, Willow and Spike were riding with her and Angel. They were finally mixing of their own free will. She rested her head on Angel's shoulder. She saw Spike roll his eyes at her. Buffy hadn't been to happy when Spike sat in the front. She'd expected him to sit with her and Willow in the back. Cordelia made a mental note. She'd have to work on the two of them before they went back to Sunnydale. Spike needed to be honest with her, maybe then Buffy wouldn't hate herself for still having feelings for the vampire who tried to rape her. How she resisted staking him that night, Cordelia would never know. She glanced at the blond manpire sitting next to her. It still shocked her that a soulless vampire could regret his actions enough to actually seek a soul. The two had had a rather mutually violent relationship, but if Cordelia could forgive Angel for his actions as Angelus and his beige period then perhaps there was still hope for Spike and Buffy. Buffy's drunken confession confirmed she still wanted him, having a permanent soul should make things better. Hopefully they could develop a loving and supportive relationship.
When the powers first sent her info on Spike's unlife, she thought that Angel might be able to face the same challenge and get a permanent soul as well. The only problem with that plan is it would have to be Angelus that faces the trials. She hated to admit it but she didn't think Angel's soulless self would do it for her. Buffy was luckier than she knew. She snapped out of her thoughts, when Spike opened his door.
Everyone filed out the vehicles and were struck with a sense of deja vu. The large building looked a lot like the one they'd gone to two nights prior.
"Is anyone else getting the wiggins from this?"
Gunn pulled out his hubcap axe out of the trunk. "It's just a building."
Spike held his hand out to the advancing group. "I think everyone should wait out here. I'm gonna take a look around the building."
Buffy was nervous. Xander wasn't the only one wigged. "I don't think that's such a good idea. We should go in together."
"Worried out me, Luv? I'm touched. I'm just another vamp to these guys. I don't have Angel's poofy reputation. We have no vision to guide us this time. It's a big building and with your heartbeats, we'd end up being the ones hunted. Let me go in and find out exactly where their hiding. I'll be fine." He didn't wait for a response and disappeared into the building.
His yellow eyes searched every corner of every floor. When he reached the fourth floor, he heard voices. He quietly crept through a rather large storage room to peer into a smaller one. There were about 15 vamps sitting on some boxes. None of them seemed to notice his presence. He listened to them arguing about where to hunt for the night.
***
Buffy had been pacing since Spike went in. She was angry with herself for being worried. It was bad enough that she'd been jealous of his closeness with Cordelia. He'd been avoiding her since he returned to Sunnydale. He always helped when she asked but he tried not to get too close to her. She'd been grateful at first. The memories of the attack were still fresh in her mind. He'd apologized and told her he'd never try to touch her again. She didn't understand why but she believed him. Watching him with Dawn and now with Cordelia, she realized he did change. *I can't believe I miss him touching me! How sick am I?*
Spike suddenly appeared out of the darkness. "There's about 15 of them of the fourth floor. Their makin' plans to leave so we better move fast."
Like the experienced fighters they were, they moved quickly and quietly. The vamps were still arguing when they reached the fourth floor. Buffy, Spike, Angel, Connor and Gunn didn't hesitate. They started dusting one vamp after another. The room didn't accomodate too many fighters so Cordelia, Willow, Xander, Fred and Giles remained in the larger outer room.
"Well that was fun."
Gunn looked over at Angel and Spike. "How long does it take for a new vamp to rise?"
Angel whipped around to look at him. The question made him nervous. "Why?"
"Well, I saw blondie vamp stake our client. I spoke to him this morning. What are the chances this isn't a trap?"
Angel looked around the room. "Let's get out of here now."
Everyone headed toward the stairs. They were halfway there when vampires started pouring out of the stairwell.
"This is bad." Angel started looking around for another exit. There was a window near them but they were on the fourth floor. Spike, Buffy, Conner and he could make the jump, but the others wouldn't.
When the flow of vamps finally stopped, there were close to sixty. One half of the large room was filled.
"I won't let you guys die." Everyone gasped as Willow's hair turned black.
Gunn pulled Fred behind him. "What the fuck?"
Giles ignored Gunn's question. "Willow, no! You have to fight this. We will find another way. You need to stay in control."
"I'm sorry. We'll all be killed if I stop. I have to do this. Please forgive me."
Xander stepped closer to Buffy. He didn't want to die tonight but he'd rather take his chances with the vamps. He didn't want to lose his best friend to dark magic. What if they couldn't get her back this time.
The vampires started to surge forward only to come in contact with a force field.
"A force field. That's not so bad." Xander stopped when her now black eyes locked with his.
"You! You made the pain come back. You made me weak!"
Giles approached the angry witch. "Willow, come back to us. You can control your power."
She started laughing. "This is gonna be fun. You don't have your borrowed power this time old man."
Cordelia watched as the events unfolded. She knew she had to stop Willow but first she needed to get rid of the vampires. They'd attack as soon as the shield went down. *When did my life turn into an episode of Star Trek?* "Angel, you have five seconds to get the hell out of this building and take Spike with you."
Angel was about to argue until he saw she was beginning to glow. He grabbed Spike and threw him out the window. He looked back at his love. "I'm coming right back." He jumped to the alley below.
"Deadboy just ran away." He stepped behind Buffy. "What are we gonna do?"
"I don't.." A bright light flooded the room. When she opened her eyes, all the vampires were gone. "know."
Giles tried to keep his tone soothing. "We're safe now Willow. You've saved us. Now take back control."
"You're all fools if you think you're not gonna pay. I'm going to finish what I started. You feel up to a rematch slayer?" Her eyes moved from Buffy to Cordelia. "I smell power." She floated toward the former tormentor. "So you think you can take me?"
"No. I told you I know." She grabbed Willow's shoulders with both hands. Willow struggled but couldn't break free. Her magic was useless. "Shh, Willow. Let it go. Let it all go."
Giles, Xander, Buffy, Connor, Fred and Gunn watched as Cordelia began to glow. The light seemed to spread to Willow until both women were light up. When it finally faded, Willow slumped bonelessly to the floor. The sight left them all speechless.
"Slayer, are you alright? What happened? The Poof went crazy and threw me out the window." He looked at their shocked faces.
Angel rushed in. He went straight to Cordelia. He stroked her cheek. "I see you dusted the vamps. That power is pretty handy. Thanks for the warning." He smiled.
She laid her hand on his. "I'm so glad you're okay." She felt so drained. She managed to return his smile before darkness took her.
Angel caught her before she hit the floor. Her steady heartbeat kept him from panicking.
"Wow. I know Barbie took out a hotel full of those slugs, but 60 vamps is impressive." He looked over at the scoobies. "How come noone told us about Sabrina? She had some scary ass mojo goin' on."
Giles carefully picked up Willow's unconscious form. "Do you mean to tell us Cordelia dusted all those vampires?"
"Yeah. Barbie got some power of her own."
"Question later. I need to get Cordy home." Angel left cradling Cordelia with Connor close behind.
Xander was still trying to process what happened. "I never thought I'd say this but I miss the hellmouth."
***
Angel tossed Gunn his keys. "You drive!" He climbed into the backseat. He gently placed Cordy's head on his shoulder. Gunn, Fred and Connor squeezed into the front.
"Should we wait for the others?"
"No. I want to get her home. They know the way."
Gunn started the car and headed for the hotel. "How is she?"
"She's asleep. She was pretty drained after she..cleansed Connor. Dusting all those vamps and doing whatever she did to Willow wiped her out."
"That was pretty tight! You had me goin' for a second. I saw you push Blondie out the window and then you jumped. It isn't like you to run. I figured it out when I saw the flash and no more vamps. Guess she didn't want to see y'all dust too. Maybe we should take her out with us more often."
"Charles, let's wait to see how Cordy feels before you start planning anymore fights."
He smacked his fist on the steering wheel. "This was my fault. I should have known the guy was a vamp. He was human before. I didn't think.."
"It's not your fault Charles. Neither Connor or Xander suspected anything was wrong."
"I'm sorry too."
"No sweetie. I wasn't saying it was your fault either. It happened. It was nobody's fault."
"I'm supposed to be a detective. Maybe I should take a class." Fred gave his thigh a supportive patt. "And what the hell happened with the red head? One second I see all those vamps and I'm thinkin' Oh shit!. The next that chick is scarin' me more than the vamps. Giles definitely left out a lot of details on poker night. He said she was in control of her powers. Plus, I'd have remembered the part with the hair. That was really creepy."
***
Cordelia came around as Angel carried her into the hotel. He started taking her upstairs.
"Put me on the couch."
"Cor, you're exhausted. You need to rest."
"I will as soon as I check on Willow."
"I'm sure she's fine. Connor was fine after you did the glow thing on him. You can check on her in the morning."
"Angel, I'm fine. Besides what I did with Willow was a lot different. You should have made sure they made it out of the factory okay."
"They have Buffy and Spike with them. They're fine. You're the one I'm worried about."
Giles walked in carrying the still unconscious Willow. He was followed by Xander, Buffy and Spike.
"Cordelia, you're awake! I was concerned."
"I'm fine, Giles. Just a little drained. How's Willow?"
"Asleep I think. Her heartbeat is steady, her eyes are normal and her hair is red so I suspect she will be fine."
"Good"
"Cordy, I know what you told us last night, but I thought it was the tequila talking. I didn't believe it until I saw it with my own eyes."
Xander shook his head. "I saw it and I still don't believe it."
"Why did you throw me out the window, Peaches and what did your chit do to all the vamps?"
"Angel pushed you 'cause I told him to get out of the building and take you with him. The window was the quickest way out. The vamps, I dusted."
"I could have left you behind. You too could be a pile of dust."
"Oh! I guess a thanks would be in order." He looked at Angel's expectant face. "I'm not actually gonna say it. Just know it's in my heart."
Buffy rolled her eyes at Spike. She stroked Willow's hair. "So Willow can't do magic anymore. I hate to say it but a part of me is relieved."
Cordelia cleared her throat. "Um Buffy. I didn't bind her powers."
Buffy snatched her hand away as if she'd been burned. "You didn't?"
"No. I didn't feel it was necessary."
Giles started polishing his glasses. "What exactly did you do then?"
"Maybe we should wait until Willow wakes up to discuss this."
As if on cue, Willow started to groan. "Did anyone get the license plate of the truck?"
Xander stroked her cheek. "What truck would that be, Will?"
"The one that ran me over."
"Oh that truck." He chuckled. "Sorry Will. There was no truck. You were run over by Queen C."
"Oh Goddess! Did I hurt anyone this time?"
Cordelia got up despite Angel's protests. "Actually you held the vampires off until I could dust them." She down next to Willow. "We need to talk."
"I lost control again."
"Yeah you did. I had to stop you."
"I still feel some magic in me. Why didn't you take it all?"
"You were trying to protect us but the darkness overwhelmed you. You didn't deserve to have your powers bound."
"I'm dangerous."
"No sweetie. Not anymore. How can I explain it?" She ran her fingers through her hair. "Invoking dark magic didn't make you more powerful. It simply gave you access to your full power."
"Huh?"
"It wasn't a coincidence that you were drawn to magic. The power was always there. You simply didn't have access to it. With study and practice, you would have reached your potential. Invoking dark magic was basically a short cut. You bypassed the study and practice, but doing that is what gives you control. I chose not to bind your powers. I just reversed what dark magic gave you. I left you with the ability to use only the amount of power you can control. With time, study and practice, you can still reach your full potential. You won't need to be afraid of your power."
"Wow. You really are powerful."
"How much do you want me now?" The two girls started giggling as they hugged.
"This is extraordinary! I have so many questions."
"After I've rested, okay?" He nodded.
"Not bad for the former bitch of Sunnydale High. I can say I dated you before you became supergirl." He placed a hand on Cordelia's shoulder. "Seriously though, thank you for helping Willow. I don't know what I'd do without her."
She patted his hand. "I know." She gave him a wink before turning back to Willow. "This is your second chance, Willow. I expect you not to waste it. You might want to look into creating or joining a coven. Other witches can provide balance and stability."
Willow nodded. "I'm gonna do it the right way this time."
Cordelia gave her another hug. "I don't know about you guys but I'm hungry again. Who's up for Chinese?" Fred started nodding and left to place a large order.
Cordelia got up and walked over to Angel. "Are you hungry?"
He smiled as he pulled her into his lap. He nuzzled her neck. "How about you let me take care of you for a while."
"Pfft. I let you carry me around before. I'm fine. No lies. No half truths. Taking care of my family makes me feel better." She kissed his cheek. "Are you hungry?"
He whispered in her ear. "Not for blood. How about we go upstairs for some snuggles?"
She giggled. "Where's my romance?"
"Cordelia Chase would you do me the honor of going on a date with me tomorrow evening?"
Everyone in the room groaned. "Would that be before or after the apocalypse?"
"Damn. I forgot about that." He scowled. "Why do demons always try to end the world?"
She snorted. "Gee, I don't know. Why don't you tell us."
He gave the room a sheepish look. "Oh right. Forget I said that."
Cordelia kissed his forehead. "It's a good thing your so good looking." She climbed off his lap. "Spike, are you hungry?"
"I could eat."
"Any preferences?"
"Surprize me, Luv."
Angel turned to Gunn after Cordy left the room. "What do you think she meant by that?"
Part 10
Angel was disappointed when he woke up alone. He extended his senses expecting Cordy to be in the bathroom. She wasn't. He felt the spot she'd slept in. It was cold. He glanced at the clock already knowing it to be late morning. Figuring she went downstairs for breakfast, he went to the bathroom for a quick shower. He was eager for his morning kiss. *I need to tell her I want to wake up with her in my arms every morning. She should have woke me up. I would have convinced her to stay in bed.*
***
The first person Angel spotted was Xander. He was in the lobby playing Gunn's gameboy. "Xander"
"Deadboy"
Angel gritted his teeth. "Have you seen Cordy? She wasn't in bed when I woke up."
"Look Soulboy! I am struggling to stay in denial and I would appreciate it if you didn't mention Cordy and your bed in the same sentence."
"What's your problem?"
"My problem? Well let's see. I came here to help Buff stop an apocalypse. What could be more normal than that? Before I know what hit me, I'm actually starting to miss the hellmouth. My ex-girlfriend is now part demon 'cause of you. You have a kid with the same vampire you dusted after she framed you for biting Mrs. Summers. Cordy is a mother figure to your kid. I got to listen to a drunk Buffy talk about her sexcapades with Deadboy Jr. Giles, my Yoda, slept with my Cordy. But she'll never be mine again 'cause she's in love with the vampire who's tried to kill both of us. My best friend almost gave into the dark side..again. Fortunately Cordy is now supergirl with glowy powers." Xander took a few deep breaths. "But I was dealing. Buffy and Cordy's argument about who Willow should fantasize about helped. Then this morning I get to listen to Buffy and Spike arguing 'cause he decided to follow in your glorious footsteps and get himself a soul. Only he decided not to tell us. He did however have no problem telling Cordy. As if all this isn't enough to make denial impossible, Cordy asks ME to wake YOU up and let you know she and Buffy went shopping. Apparently they've decided to be friends. They couldn't do it when we were dating, no matter how many times I asked them to. No it took their shared passion for the undead to bond." He glared at Angel. "You never deserved Buffy and you sure as hell don't deserve Cordy."
"And you do?"
He looked away. "I didn't say that I did. I know I've only been here a few days but I've seen enough to know that she deserves the best. Someone like...Giles."
"Aren't you trying to deny that happened?"
"Yes, but for them I can learn to accept it. I'd insist on being best man of course."
Angel growled. He wanted to rip the boy's arms off and beat him to death with them. It bothered him that he partially agreed. He knew he didn't deserve Cordy, but he'd kill before he'd lose her. He tried to push his thoughts away. "Where's everyone?"
Xander considered ignoring Angel's question. It really upset him that Angel was the one who got to watch Cordelia grow from a spoiled selfish bitch into a caring generous woman. He sighed. The worst part was how happy she looked sitting on his lap eating her Chinese food. *Did I ever make her happy?* "Buffy and Cordy went shopping. Gunn, Fred and Connor went out to eat. Giles is up in his room rereading tonight's prophesy. Willow is still upstairs sleeping. Spike is downstairs in the basement. I decided to stick around in case Willow needs me."
"Thanks. I think I'll check on Spike."
"Whatever"
Angel clenched his fists. *Where the fuck does he get off. Cordy has a scar because of him!* He slammed the basement door behind him.
Spike glanced up at his agitated grandsire. "What's wrong with you?"
Angel scowled. "I woke up alone and I just got reminded that I don't deserve Cordy by the loser in the lobby."
"Don't sugar coat it Peaches. Tell me how you really feel."
Angel's face twisted into an evil smirk. "I want to wear Xander's intestines as a belt."
"That's sweet. The cheerleader didn't mention anything about givin' you the big happy last night. She did say something about you poutin' 'cause she wouldn't let you give her one."
Angel's jaw dropped. "She said that to you?"
"We were havin' a frank discussion about our love lives this mornin'."
Angel stepped closer. "So you're the reason I woke up alone!"
Spike held his hands out as he backed up. "She was hungry. I happened to be in the kitchen. I was tryin' to use the bloody microwave. What did you do? Search until you found the most complicated one out there."
"Cordy picked it. I think she chose it so I'd be more dependent on her. I usually use the small one in the office. I push how long and the start button. The one in the kitchen is a reminder just how old I really am. Between that and the VCR, I feel lost. Don't even get me started on cell phones!"
"Modern technology is supposed to make life easier. It usually makes me feel stupid."
"How pathetic are we?"
"Pretty pathetic. One twenty-something chit has us wrapped around her finger. I'm the worst though. I've only really known her a few days and I already jump when she snaps her fingers. At least it took her years to train you. Plus I'm so slayer-whipped, I went and got myself a soul so I'd never hurt her again. Mission failed." He sent a few vicious blows to the punching bag.
"What happened this morning?"
Spike hugged the bag. "You didn't see her face. She was so hurt that I didn't confide in her. The fact that I talked to Cordy was like rubbing salt in the wound. I told her Cordy knew by lookin' at me, magic powers and all. No matter what I do I seem to hurt her." He slumped to the floor. "Do you remember what you told me? To kill this slayer you had to love her. It sickens me how right you were. All the times I've tried to kill her haven't scarred her half as much as my loving her has."
Angel felt a shudder go through him at Spike's defeated tone. Being reminded of his soulless time in Sunnydale wasn't helping. "Buffy was just shocked at the news. She doesn't really like surprises. Cordy will help her deal. I know how Buffy can lash out when she's hurting. You guys can work things out."
"I'd be happy if we could be friends. Our relationship, if you could call it that, became destructive when sex came into it. Literally. The first time we had sex, we actually demolished an entire building. We made you and Darla seem gentle."
"Okay, I didn't need to know that. Friends is a good goal. Cordy was my best friend long before we fell in love. I've never felt so connected to anyone. It scares me sometimes."
"'Cause of the curse?"
"No. Can I trust you with something?"
"Sure"
"I loved Buffy. She was the first girl I ever loved and that includes before I was turned. I cared for Darla. She was my demon's kindred and sire. We shared a passion for each other and destruction. Both of them owned a side of me. My soul loved Buffy so much it found bliss in her arms, but my demon only reveled in her pain. My soul wanted to help Darla but it was the darkness, the demon, that was drawn to her. It recognized her as its companion. With Cordy I've found love and acceptance that I never dreamed possible. My soul fears the bliss it finds in her smile. What frightens me is so does my demon. I never really thought my demon was capable of love. I always figured it was because I was an evil soulless demon. I dismissed the fact that other vampires could love. If my demon could, it would love Darla but it never did." He ran his fingers through his hair. "Whenever Buffy was in danger, I would use my demon to help her. When Cordelia is in danger, my soul has to hold my demon back from killing everyone in sight until the danger is gone. That night I spent with Buffy, it never crossed my mind to mark her. I figured it was because I knew it was wrong. Do you know how many times I've had to stop myself from marking Cordy?"
"That explains it."
"What explains what?"
"I wondered about Buffy's scar. I knew it was yours. It struck me as odd that it was a scar from feeding. I was surprised you didn't claim her as your mate. I figured it was 'cause you were delirious at the time."
"No. I refused to bite her so she hit me to draw out my demon. It just wanted to drain her. It was hard to fight the impulse. How come you never marked her as yours?"
"You know how seriously I take that. Choosing a mate is a commitment. I would never do that with Buffy unless she wanted it too. She didn't even want to tell her friends. I was her dirty little secret."
"Sounds like you both did your share of hurting each other."
Spike had his hands around Angel's throat in an instant. "Don't ever say that. Nothing she did compares to what I did to her!" He backed away when he saw the shock on Angel's face. He hung his head. "You know my demon doesn't take rejection very well."
"I don't want to hear the rest of this, do I?"
Spike went back to punishing the punching bag. He started pounding. "No. You don't." He could feel his tears start to flow.
Angel stood there unsure what to do. He knew what a soulless Spike was capable of when he felt rejected. "I don't get it. She seems to miss having sex with you, so it couldn't be that bad."
"It was. I don't know why she said what she did. I promised never to touch her again. It's best I keep it."
"Whatever you did, you aren't the same anymore. Just try to be friends and let her decide if she wants you to touch her again."
Spike stopped his assault. "Have you ever thought about what your demon would do to Cordelia if you lost your soul again?"
Angel fidgeted. "Of course. It's what keeps me from burying myself inside her."
"Exactly and if that were to happen, what would you do?"
"Did I ever tell you there's a drug that simulates bliss?" Spike shook his head. "An actress who wanted me to turn her slipped me a happy pill. It released Angelus for a few hours."
"What did you do?"
"Terrorized the actress, taunted Wesley, and made fun of Cordy's acting." He gave a harsh laugh. "She's a good actress when her life is on the line. She tricked me into thinking her cup of water was holy water. It distracted me long enough for Wes to knock me down the elevator shaft. Then they chained me up 'til it wore off."
"Is there a point to your happy little story?"
"I still have an occasional nightmare about what I planned to do to her and this was before I fell in love." He began his own punishment of the bag. "She forgave me then and she'd forgive me now. Cordy has a greater capacity for forgiveness then anyone I've ever known. Hell we've both tried to kill her and right now she'd sacrafice herself for either one of us. She has already sacraficed so much for me. I once tried to face the sunrise because I felt overwhelmed with guilt. Buffy stood there begging me to fight for us. I couldn't..wouldn't do it. A freak snowstorm stopped me from being dust. What would I do? I would do anything Cordelia asked me to. Anything. Whether she wanted me to face another sunrise, remove an appendage of her choice or stay and make it better, I would do it. Hopefully someone would stake me before I managed to hurt her."
"I'd do it. I don't want to see her in pain." He held the bag for him. "She wouldn't want me to. She'd fight for you. That woman would probably have Angelus wrapped around her finger."
"That's a possibility. Like I said, my demon is in love with her too. She'd definitely be my mate for the rest of her life."
"Bloody hell! If these women had any sense, they'd get as far away from us as they could."
"I know but I don't think I could let her walk away from me again. It almost killed me the last time. This family tends to self destruct without her. I couldn't leave her either. I don't think I have any selflessness left in me when it comes to her. Hell, I wanted to kick Willow's ass for fantasizing about my Cordy!"
Spike couldn't help it. He started laughing. "Peaches, you really have lost it."
***
Angel was still in the basement when Cordelia returned. "How's Buffy?"
"A little better. She's pretty confused. She wants to hate him for all the things he's done, but she can't seem to. A part of her still wanted him and now that he has a soul, it's even more confusing for her. She's gone to talk to him."
"Spike is pretty freaked. What did he do to her?"
"That's between them. I just gave her the best advice I could."
"Which was?" He noticed her hesitation. "What's wrong?"
She took a deep breath and sat next to him. "I told her that they need to deal with this together if they want to be friends. Deciding he isn't responsible for his actions now that he has a soul isn't a solution. She did that with you." She felt him try to pull away so she grabbed his hand. "Not because it isn't a valid point but because Spike will never feel that way. He blames himself, soul or no soul. They need to face it. The two of you never dealt with what happened. It's no wonder trying to be just friends failed."
"I know."
"Angel, you know I forgive you, don't you? I mean I can't give you absolution for all your past deeds. It isn't my place. For that I can only offer you my understanding and support. I can and do forgive you for the times you hurt me.." She gave him a small smile "and the times you tried to kill me."
"How can you forgive me?"
She giggled. "'Cause I'm a saint." She released his hand and knelt in front of him. "Because I love you. Plus I kinda had a lot of practice. I forgave Connor. I forgave Spike. I forgave Lindsey the moment I heard him sing." She laughed when he growled. "I'm still pretty pissed at Lilah though. Disfigurement is so not acceptable!"
"I don't deserve you."
She slipped her hands around his neck. "How about I let you make it up to me with another new wardrobe."
He smiled. "That could be arranged."
She pulled him down for a kiss. "Actually you did it this afternoon. I used your credit card when I went shopping." She squealed as he pressed her against the wall.
"I didn't like waking up alone this morning." He planted kisses along her jaw as he unbuttoned her shirt.
Cordelia, desperate to touch skin, slipped both hands under his shirt. "Well I guess you're gonna have to visit me a lot when I go back to my apartment."
He stopped his kisses. She moaned at the loss of his mouth and hands. "What do you mean?"
"Angel, I agreed to stay so Connor would feel comfortable living here. He's bonded with Fred and Gunn. Plus he's no longer hostile with you. He's not gonna leave just 'cause I sleep in my apartment. I still plan to wait and see how he deals with Lorne. He'll be home tomorrow night. They got off on the wrong foot. What with the 'filthy demon' comment and all. He seems okay with Spike so there's hope. I don't think Connor wants to be alone anymore. He's ready to accept all of us as his family."
"And that makes me happy. It really does but I want you to stay here with me for us."
She pushed him away and began buttoning her shirt. "Angel, I think it's a little early in our relationship to discuss living together. Besides I couldn't abandon Dennis."
He smacked her hands away and unbuttoned her shirt again. He retraced his earlier path of kisses. "I want you in my bed every night."
She lost her ability to think when his lips descended on her breasts. She felt a hand drop to her pants. He just unzipped them, when they heard someone descend the stairs.
"Sorry Peaches. Vamp detective is needed upstairs." Angel vamped and turned to Spike. Spike laughed. "Stop! You're scaring me. Now get your sorry ass upstairs." He winked at Cordy. "Pet, you might want to button up." He could still hear Angel growling as he hurried up the stairs.
"Soul or not, I'm gonna stake him." He smacked her hands away again. "I'm the boss. They can wait." He bent down for a kiss but Cordelia ducked and slid away.
"Since when are you the boss?"
"Since Wesley stole my son."
"And that makes you the boss how? We let you come back to work for us in case you forgot. So you aren't the next in line. Besides Angel Investigations was my idea in the first place. You just wanted to hide in your bat cave and brood. Starting a business was all me. If anyone should be boss it's me and this boss is telling you to get your cute ass upstairs. We have an apocalypse to avert." By the time she stopped for a breath, her shirt and pants were buttoned. When she looked up at Angel, he was smiling. "What?"
"I love you."
"That's so not gonna work. Don't even try the puppy eyes. I'm still the boss." She giggled when he scooped her up in his arms. "What are you doing?"
"The boss shouldn't have to walk up all these stairs. I'll just have to carry you." He kissed her forehead and headed to the lobby.
***
Angel was surprised to find Spike and Buffy sharing a couch. He sat down still cradling Cordy. He grabbed her hips when she wiggled to make herself more comfortable on his lap. He slipped his hand in the back of her shirt to trace her tattoo.
Buffy rolled her eyes at their display. "So Giles, who are we fighting tonight? Mustard Demons?"
Xander tore his eyes from Cordy's smiling face. "No ketchup demons."
Buffy giggled. "Evil condiments. Whatever shall we do?"
"I say we barbeque. That ought to put the fear of God into them."
"Uh oh! Deadboy made with the funny. The world is definitely ending."
"If you're all quite finished, perhaps we can start. The Kaat Suup demons will perform the ritual tonight. We cannot let them finish however we must let them begin."
"What?"
"I'll see Buffy's what and raise you a huh?" Cordelia continued at Giles' exasperated look. "That's what you get for playing poker without me."
"Aww baby. I didn't know you wanted to play."
"Well Mr-I-got-a-3 I wouldn't have wanted to play that night but next time I'm in."
A subdued Willow perked up. "We did have fun."
Fred agreed. "Yeah. I never had so much fun at a club before. I think every guy in the place bought us a drink."
Willow started giggling. "What about those two guys who kept following Buffy and Cordy?" The red head oblivious to her friends' pleading looks continued. "What is it with you two and vampires?"
Fred started nodding. "It was nice of them to dance with them before they staked 'em."
Cordelia felt Angel's grip on her knee tighten with every word. "You danced with strange vampires?"
Cordy shrugged. "What? So I danced with a vampire. If a certain manpire of mine danced with me, I might have said no."
Buffy looked over at a growling Spike. "And if a certain other vampire had told me about his soul, I might have said no too."
Willow rolled her eyes. "Who are you two kidding? You still would have danced with them."
Buffy and Cordy tried to fight it but both failed. The two girls started laughing hysterically.
"What's so bloody funny?"
Buffy struggled for breath. "They were like eighty. Who the hell turns senior citizens?"
Cordy wiped her tears away. "Yeah I was surprised they had teeth let alone fangs. We felt sorry for them."
"Yeah! They deserved a final dance before we dusted them."
"We do make a killer tag team, Buff."
"That we do."
Spike and Angel were debating if they should be angry or not. Their internal struggles were halted by Giles.
"Would you please focus!" Everyone gave him a sheepish look. "As I was saying, we need to allow the demons to start the ritual." He glared at anyone who appeared like they might interrupt him. "The particular demons have an amazing regenerative ability. It renders them almost impossible to kill. However when they perform rituals, they combine their life essences. Once they're joined they become extremely vunerable. Decapitating one should kill all of them. We will need to burn the bodies afterward."
"Does that mean you don't need all of us? 'Cause Cordy and I want.." His question died on his lips at Giles' menacing look. "Nevermind."
Cordelia cleared her throat. "Okay. So we hang back until they start and then Buffy decapitates the nearest Ketchup demon. Sounds too easy. What's the catch?"
"Hey! How come short and deadly gets to do the decapitating?"
"Charles.."
"What?" Gunn whined. "I could use that new axe I got."
Xander gave him a strange look. "Buff's the chosen one."
"Not by us she wasn't. This is LA and we do the killin' around here."
Connor nodded. "It isn't a woman's place to do battle."
Cordelia arched a brow. "Excuse me? What chauvanist thing just came out of your mouth young man?"
Connor mumbled an apology as he stepped behind Fred.
"Who cares who does the killin', as long as it gets done. Don't be such a baby Charles. You got to kill vampires just last night."
Giles fixed his glasses. "Quite right. Whoever has the best opportunity once the ritual begins can take the fatal blow."
Buffy leaned over to Spike. "I kinda like havin' someone want to do the killing for me."
"That's interesting Pet. Especially considering how mad you got at me everytime I tried to help before you asked for it."
"True but that was 'cause I hated being grateful to you." She smiled at his dejected look. "It made me want to express my graditude."
Spike gave her a small smile. "Don't tease me, Luv. You're gonna make me want to save the world."
Xander groaned at their exchange. He noticed the two seem awfully cozy on the couch. "So when do we leave?"
"The location is just south of LA. It will take about an hour to reach it. Fred was kind enough to get the directions off the computer. I suggest we arrive an hour early. We'll need to find a place to hide."
Xander rolled his eyes. "So when do we leave?"
Giles blew out a frustrated breath. "We leave in two and a half hours. We should gather some weapons. We have no way of knowing if other types of demons will be attending the ritual. It would certainly be in the best interests of the demon world to ensure the ritual succeeds."
"See Charles. Even if you don't get to do the decapitating, you still might get to kill something."
The Sunnydale group gave the couple an odd look. Angel was too busy whispering in Cordy's ear to notice anyone else. He wanted to take advantage of the time left.
"Angel, why don't you, Gunn and Connor gather the weapons. Xander and Spike can bring both cars around back so they can be loaded." She noticed their hesitation. "I meant now." They all grumbled as they did as they were told.
Giles sat down next to Cordelia. "You have to teach me how you do that."
"Do what?"
"Make them do what you say. Xander didn't even make a single sarcastic remark. Just did as he was told."
"It's easy. Arguing with me brings out the bitch." She gave him a wink. "And nobody wants that."
***
Xander slumped down on the red couch. "That was by far the lamest apocalypse ever."
Gunn threw his new axe in the weapons' cabinet. "Ya got that right."
"I liked it. It was definitely my favorite." Cordelia noticed the strange looks she was receiving. "What? I wasn't even slimed. My outfit wasn't ruined." She gave everyone her best smile.
Angel grumbled as he pulled Cordy down on his lap. "That was a complete waste of time. We could have been doing something romantic." He slipped his hand in the back of her shirt to rub her tattoo. "I blame Giles."
"I beg your pardon. We did stop the world from ending."
"English, I hardly call 3 demons standing around a fire an apocalypse. Loading the car took longer than the actual battle."
"What bloody battle? The slayer walked up to the short one, tapped him on the shoulder and chopped his bleedin' head off. It was over before I could even come out from my hidin' space."
Buffy sat down next to Xander. "It was pretty lame."
"I'm so sorry it was such a disappointment. I'm sure the next one will be more dangerous. Perhaps we might all be killed."
Xander glared at Angel. "The next one better be in Sunnydale otherwise I'm sitting it out."
Angel rolled his eyes. "Oh no! The world will be doomed if Xander isn't there to save it."
"Perhaps we should all turn in. It is rather late."
Angel considered taunting Xander some more until Cordy shifted in his lap. "Giles is right. All that...standing around has tired me out."
Xander continued to glare at Angel as he watched him go upstairs with Cordelia. "Shouldn't we be worried about Angelus? He could be the one who tries to end the world next."
***
Angel had stripped down to his boxers before Cordelia managed to take off her shoes. He decided she needed help. "You have really horrible taste in men."
"Excuse me?" She smacked his hands away and undressed herself.
"Would you get mad if I ripped Xander's arms off and beat him to death with them?"
"Eww and yes." When she was down to her bra and panties, she grabbed her bag and walked into the bathroom.
Angel started to follow her until he heard the lock click. *First thing tomorrow I'm taking that lock off!* He growled and went back to the bed. She came out a few minutes later dressed in a tank top and boxers. "What the hell are you wearing?"
"They're called pajamas dumbass." She climbed into bed and pulled the covers up.
"I know what they are. Why are you wearing them?"
"'Cause I'm going to bed and I wear pajamas when I sleep."
He nuzzled her neck as one hand slipped under her shirt. "I'm not sleepy yet."
She pushed his hand away. "I've been thinking." He groaned as he rolled onto his back. "I think we should do some research before we..um...fool around anymore. I don't want to endanger our family by getting too happy."
"Cor, I can still give you a happy."
"Yes but as you pointed out before it's a slippery slope. We might slide."
"I only said that because I didn't want that Slug to touch you."
"You should have been honest about your feelings."
"I tried to tell you how I felt. You practically shoved me out of your way so you could swallow the Slug's tongue."
"If you hadn't been acting like kissing me was horrible, I might have stayed to listen and stop calling Groo the Slug."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to insult your wonderful boytoy."
Cordelia threw the covers off. "That's it. I'm sleeping somewhere else."
Angel grabbed her wrist and tugged her back into bed. He climbed onto her and pinned her hands above her head. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Away from you. Now get your fat ass off me!"
He leaned down and began kissing a path from her chin to her ear. "I'm sorry baby. Please don't leave."
Cordelia moaned. His lips sent shivers down her spine. When he released her hands, she pulled him in for a kiss. She nipped his bottom lip before opening up to battle his tongue. She felt his hand slip under her shirt again. This time she allowed him to cup her breast. "Promise me you won't get too happy."
***
The next morning Cordelia walked down the stairs smiling. She was surprised to find everyone except Angel gathered in the lobby. Luggage was stacked by the door. "You guys aren't leaving already are you?"
"Yeah. I can't leave the hellmouth unguarded for too long. The vampire population starts to feel neglected. They're a high maintenance group."
"I remember. I was usually the one they wanted to sacrifice. How I don't miss that. 'Course that pretty much happens here too." She pulled Buffy into a hug. "Thank you for every single time you saved me. Maybe I can return the favor some time."
Buffy looked at Willow and Spike. "I think we're even."
"Giles, it was really good to see you again. Call me sometime and I'll tell you all about the higher realms."
"I will. I'd like us to stay in better touch."
"I'd like that." She kissed his cheek. Cordelia grabbed Willow into a hug. "You take care of yourself. I expect a progress report from time to time."
"I promise."
Cordelia hugged Xander next. She whispered into his ear. "I'm sorry we didn't get to spend more time together. I just want you to know that you are ten times the man your father is on his best day. Don't let your fears dictate your actions." She kissed his cheek before releasing him.
"Can I call you sometime. I'd like us to be friends."
"Absolutely and we are friends." She gave him a wink. "So Spike, you do know the sun is shining?"
"Yeah Pet. The van windows are tinted and I have my trusty blanket. I'll be fine."
"You know you're welcome here any time."
"I know."
"Call first!"
"Thanks Peaches. I'm feeling the love."
"I'm kidding." To the shock of everyone, Angel gave Spike a hug. "What? Excuse me for being friendly." He hugged Willow next.
Cordelia laughed at Willow's expression. Her laughter dimmed a bit as he pulled Buffy into his arms. She resisted growling. She really didn't want to hear an 'I told you so'.
Angel approached Giles next. The watcher offered his hand before he could be hugged. He winced slightly at Angel's grip.
Xander glared at him. "Don't even think about it."
Cordelia laughed as she linked her arm with Xander. "You know he grows on you if you give him a chance." She walked them out to their van. She stopped when Angel followed. "I don't think they need your burning corpse to light the way."
Xander smiled as he walked into the sun with Cordy still on his arm. Angel watched from the shadows. A blanket covered Spike ran by him and leaped into the van. Cordy gave everyone except a covered Spike another hug before they drove off.
"Don't take this the wrong way but I'm glad they're gone."
Angel turned to Gunn. "Don't tell Cordy but so am I." They walked back into the hotel. Angel sat on the red couch and waited for Cordy to come in."
"Hey broody boy! What happened to my smiling champion?"
"He watched the woman he loves walk into the sun."
She put her hands on her hips. "You promised no more you deserve the sun crap!"
"I want you to be happy."
She straddled his lap. "You make me happy." She peppered his face with kisses. "You made me very happy last night."
He smiled. "What can I do to make you happy right now? Anything you want."
"Anything?"
"Yup. Anything."
"I miss Wesley."
TBC