"Cage, are you okay with this?"
"You were something else in there, babe. When we get back to the room, you can tell me about it."
He kissed her forehead as she leaned into him. Xander carried Buffy into his room after she fell asleep in the car. Laying her down on the bed, he couldn't help thinking. All that power in that tiny body. Who'd ever guess. Just think she's all mine. Damn Xander, what did you ever do to get so lucky.
Buffy woke up smiling. "We need to talk, huh? Come here and lie by me."
She scooted over before proceeding to tell him about becoming a Slayer at fifteen, Sunnydale, her friends, Giles, Angelus, Parker, Riley, Adam, her Mom, Dawn, Glory, Dyeing, Heaven, Spike, The First, being kicked out and finally closing the Hellmouth.
"That's how I ended up here," she finished, snuggling closer to his strong body.
"Man and I thought I was into extreme sports. You have me beat hands down."
Xander hugged her before going on to tell her about his videos, Gibbons recruiting him, the missions he had been on, Nadia and the nest of vampires they took out in France.
"Must mean we're meant for each other. Well, we have an entire week free, what will we do to pass the time." Buffy grinned rolling on top of him.
"Oh I'm sure that we can think of something."
One Month Later
"Slayer, how's the team shaping up?"
"They're ready for a real mission, nothing big just some actual field training. Where's the latest hot spot?" Buffy asked, sitting in Gibbons large office.
"Intel shows that there's an unusual surge in murders happening in Cleveland," Gus replied, looking at some reports.
"Sounds like a plan. We can go by the end of the week, but we'll need at least two places to stay that cover both ends of the hottest areas. I think that after our first major mission Shell and Stix will be ready to start working with a team of their own. They have good eyes and a cool heads. Robert will need at least one more mission under his belt before he's ready. Trina and K-9 aren't leader material. They'll be good as seconds, but that's as high as they'll ever go. I talked to them about it and Trina already knew but K-9 was not a happy puppy. I'd rather keep him with Cage and me. He can help us train others and we can keep an eye on him." Buffy looked at Gibbons, waiting for his reaction.
"I wondered if you were as smart at Whis said you were. I agree with you. There's a big mission that we should be ready to move on in about a month. It should give the team plenty of field experience. Everything you is waiting for you in Cleveland. Are you still working on filing in the holes in the demon database?"
"Yeah, I work on it as much as I can, but you're missing loads of stuff. There are hundreds of different types not to mention the hybrids."
"How do you know this stuff?" Gus asked, curious at the information the blonde had at her fingertips.
"Part of the package. Hey, were they able to refit the guns with the wooden bullets?"
"X is at the range now with the latest prototype. If he okays them, they'll be cleared for Cleveland. Go check them out."
Xander was shooting the newly refitted guns when Buffy walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around him. He put down the gun, turning in her arms to pick her up and kiss her.
"If I would have known shooting would be this much fun I'd have tried it sooner," she giggled.
He growled low in his throat and attacked her throat causing her to laugh harder.
"How are the bullets working out?"
They're great, the sights have been realigned and they added a laser for decaps," he said excitedly "You sure, you don't want a gun, babe?"
"Nope, I'll show you my favorite toy when we get to Cleveland. How it got through the airports, I'll never know. Whistler said something about not seeing what they don't understand or some other magic midget mumbo jumbo"
"Spread out but stay in contact. Keep the person on either side of you always in your sights," Buffy ordered, clasping the Scythe in her hands.
The team couldn't take their eyes off it. When Buffy came walking out with it, they went to touch it. She warned them not to, of course, K-9 ignored her and got a nasty burn for it. They moved through the cemetery until Buffy stopped then took off running; the team right on her heels behind. Ten vampires surrounded two couples who were cowering on the ground crying.
"Hey, fang face, why don't you pick on someone your own size?" Buffy yelled, casually posing with the Scythe in her hand.
"Slayer, you're supposed to be on the Hellmouth," the leader snarled.
"That's the runner-up I'm the original."
Buffy leaped five feet straight out with her foot in front of her, knocking the lead vampire down and cutting the head off two on her way through. She immediately jumped to feet; the vampires surrounded her ignoring the couples completely. The Scythe was a blur in her hand. The team arrived to watch her take out the first two and moved in to get the couples to safety. Buffy moved closer, swinging the Scythe in an arc, dusting four more vampires. She kicked another away, staking the one behind her with the end of the Scythe.
The remaining three moved in together; she dropped to her knees, sending the end of the Scythe into another one while sweeping the last two off their feet. She staked them in tandem before they could get up. The couples had run off while the team just stood and watched in awe.
Buffy turned, walking over to Cage with a smile. "I've missed this."
"How, the hell, did you do that? You were everywhere at once," Shell asked still not sure what she saw was real.
"It's what I've been doing since I was 15 years old; what I was born to do. I'll give you the whole story back at the ranch. Let's go hunting kids."
Xander stopped to kiss her quickly. "For luck," he explained, "Sure I can't get me one of those?"
Two Weeks Later
"Gus, get in touch with Whistler or whoever. There's a Hellmouth here. It isn't as big as Sunnydale but I want it closed. You should know some powerful witches between you. There's a coven in England that helped Willow. See if someone there will help. Just make sure they agree not to contact Giles or anyone else from Sunnydale," Buffy told him.
He could see the Slayer staring back at him. "I'll see what I can do and get back to you. How's the team doing?"
"They're doing well. It started off a little bumpy, but they're coming together. We should be ready as soon as we get this Hellmouth closed. Turns out, they were trying to open the Hellmouth to get someone out. When we stopped the ceremony, the big guys running it didn't know it there was this trap doohickey in it. If the ceremony stopped for any reason, the ones responsible got sucked into hell."
Gibbons' face showed his shock. "You took out the entire Cleveland branch of W&H by stopping a spell?"
"Yep, one of those caramel things, I guess. You mess with the wrong demon; they get pissy. Guess those guys didn't read the fine print, but it's all good for us. Send someone soon before some other asshole finds another way to open it while I'm here."
"I want to welcome you back and commend you on a job well done. A maintenance team will monitor Cleveland for several months but your month there contained the problem. Closing that Hellmouth and taking out W&H are major accomplishments. You should be proud of yourselves. You've come together as a cohesive team, thanks in large part to Slayer. I'll brief her later about your next mission. It's a big one, people. One that's been in the works for a long time. You have the next two weeks off. Go relax. You've earned it," Gibbons told them.
Everybody left except Xander and Buffy who waited to hear about the new mission.
"Gus, you've got something face, spit it out. There's something about this new mission I'm not going to like, right?"
"You're right, the next mission is to takedown W&H's LA branch from the inside. We started this project before we moved into demon fighting, once we did so, more data became available to us. Whistler gave us what he could. The LA branch is the crown jewel, which the others are built on. The Sr. Partners are higher-level demons that are working to come back on Earth to rule. They've been forming this plan for a long time and your friend Angel's about to allow them to do just that. Will you be able to handle this given your past relationship?" Concern was written on his face, Gibbons had grown to admire and respect Buffy.
"You said it - past. Our relationship ended when he walked away. I can handle it. I sent him to hell before and I'll stop him from letting hell come to here, even if it means doing it again. Do I want to no? I hope he can be saved just like I would anyone else. But, I won't hesitate to do whatever it takes. Not like last time," she said firmly while Xander held her hand under-the-table.
"You two take a week off. It'll take you a week to go through the information before you brief the team. Slayer, we think it'd work best if you and Xander ask for jobs. Go in as a couple; luckily, you won't have to fake that. From what we know, Angel still thinks you're his, which should work to your advantage. The rest of the team will work separately, inside and out of the company."
After they left, Gibbons sighed, "Please God, let this work."
"Babe are you going to be able to handle this?" Xander asked as they left the building.
"As long as you stay with me, I'll be fine. Do I get to watch you try to kill yourself and meet your friends; so they'll tell me your secrets?"
"Is that what you want to do this week?" He wiggled his eyebrows at her, pulling her close as they stepped into the elevator.
"I'm sure we can find many interesting things to try." Buffy pushed him against the wall, caressing him through his jeans as she kissed him hungrily.
Buffy and Xander arrived, at their new condo, in LA. She had arranged for Spike to meet them, in about an hour. He said shaking the tails that Peaches set on him was no problem. They looked around their new home pleasantly surprised to find themselves with a beachfront view. Xander took Buffy hang gliding on their time off, hooking her on the extreme sport. They also did some rock climbing, making love on cliff tops. They brought their gear, hoping to find time while they were here, along with some surfing. Buffy went to answer the doorbell and let Spike in. She hugged him introducing him to Cage as her best friend. Spike burst with pride hearing those words. When Buffy introduced them and said that Cage's name was Xander, Spike had his usual smart-ass remarks. She was glad that the two most important men in her life liked each other.
Buffy explained that they needed jobs and didn't want anything to do with Sunnydale.
"Slayer, you sure you want to work with Peaches?"
"As long as, we get to slay and earn money; things aren't always what they seem. You know me just skip along and whistle a song."
Spike understood exactly what she wasn't saying and his eyebrows went up. Buffy walked over to him, touching his coat to remove a small square stuck under the collar. She pointed to her ears and he nodded.
"I can't wait for Cage to meet Angel. I'm sure they'll get along great they're so much alike." She mimicked sticking a finger down her throat.
"Well, Slayer, better get going. See you tomorrow at the office, good luck," Spike said, grinning and shaking his head.
She gave him the bug to take with him and walked him out. He dropped it, putting his cigarette out on it.
"He seems like a nice bloke. I'm happy for you, luv."
"Thanks Spike. Be careful, it could get hairy and I don't want you dusty."
She kissed him good-bye then went inside.
He walked away whistling. The Whistler sent the Slayer and her new man to look into Capt. Forehead's new empire. It should get interesting around here, especially when the cheerleader hears that Slayer's in LA. Yep, ought to be some show and I plan on having front row seats.
"Mr. Angel, your 11:00 is here, a Mr. Cage and party," said a temp, filling in for Harmony.
"It's just Angel. How many times do I have to tell you people? Send him in," he sighed.
Angel sat behind a large desk in full sunlight. Xander walked in first wearing khaki pants, a cream sweater and brown blazer. Angel smiled putting out his hand.
"Mr. Cage, I'm Angel." His back stiffened at the woman who walked in behind him. "Buffy?"
She walked in wearing a green silk dress that darkened her eyes to emerald, her hair hung down her back in curls. She skin glowed with a beautiful golden tan, which left him speechless.
She's even more beautiful than the last time I saw her. Angel thought she was the most beautiful woman that he'd ever seen. Buffy seemed different. The way she carried herself with an air of confidence that he didn't remember. She was all woman and comfortable in her own skin but unaware of her affect on others, which was even more alluring.
"Hello, Angel, how are you?" She took a seat crossing smooth tanned legs.
Angel gulped, "Why wasn't your name on the appointment?"
"Oh, I thought I'd surprise you and Cage indulged me." Buffy smiled at the other man, her eyes glowing with emotion.
Angel felt his demon surface. "What can I do for you?"
He tried to keep the growl from his voice. Jealousy almost caused him to vamp out. Buffy's only supposed to look at me like that. She's my mate.
"Well, I took some time off, which is how Cage and I met. We've been doing some freelance slaying, but got tired of moving around. I thought about you running this big company and hoped that you could use the extra help," she explained, giving him an innocent smile.
"You both want to work for me?" He asked incredulously. Could he handle seeing her everyday especially with that gorilla? He knew he had Cordelia but that was just until his Shanshu. He always expected to go to back to Buffy that she would be waiting for him.
"Angel, are you all right? Did we catch you at a bad time? We can reschedule if you'd like." She put the right amount of concern in her voice.
"Oh, no. Sorry, long night. I'm sure I can find something for you here. We'd be lucky to have you on our team, Buffy. Cage, was it, if Buffy vouches for you, then you must be good, so welcome onboard. I'll have my secretary take you down to personnel to fill out paperwork and you can start tomorrow." He smiled at Xander, but it didn't quiet reach his eyes.
"Thanks, Angel." Buffy kissed him on the cheek. "We'll get out of you hair, now. Oh, I almost forgot, thanks for giving Spike a job, it means a lot to me."
They walked out and Angel watched them through the blinds. Xander picked Buffy up spinning her around before kissing her. Men stared at her while women admired him. Angel closed the blinds angrily.
"He's gone now, but you can kiss me again just to be sure," Buffy whispered to Xander who pulled her close to into a deep, passionate kiss.
"Buffy, is that you?" Harmony asked as she returned to her desk.
"Hi, Harmony, longtime no see."
"What are you doing here and who's that? You aren't here after my Blondie Bear are you?" Harmony asked looking Xander over.
"I'm going to be working here. This is my boyfriend Xander Cage, and no, Spike and I are just friends. You work here?" Buffy replied, trying not to roll her eyes.
"Yeah, I'm a working girl. I'm Angel's secretary. Cordy got me the job," she said proudly.
"Congratulations, oh you're supposed to take us to Processing"
"Sure follow me." Harmony led them to the elevators.
They got on the adjacent elevators as Cordelia got off. She head whipped back around in a quick double take, shaking her head.
"Angel, I thought I just saw Buffy getting on the elevator," Cordy said as she walked into the office. She saw him staring out the window, brooding. Damn, it was that blonde bitch. She thought, ignoring her own dyed locks. "Angel, did you hear me."
"Yeah Cor, it was Buffy and her boyfriend. I gave them jobs starting tomorrow," he told her over his shoulder.
"What are we running here a halfway house for Sunnydale rejects," she asked loudly hands on her hips. "Did you tell her you're with me now?"
"Cordelia, didn't you hear me? She came with her boyfriend."
"Men can be so stupid. That's the oldest trick in the book to make the old boyfriend jealous. I bet he's gay or she paid him to act the part."
"I don't think so. Anyway why do you care?" he asked finally turning around to face his lover.
"She's always hurt you in the past, and I won't let her do it again. Call her and tell her you changed your mind. You do it or I will." She threw her chest out, stalking toward him.
"No, I gave her the job and you aren't going to interfere. We may sleep together Cordelia but you don't own me. No one tells me what to do. Don't push me again," he snarled, clenching his hands together in anger.
She pushed him into his chair then crawled onto his lap and started to kiss him. Cordelia bit his neck, while she pressed her body against him. She smiled against his neck when she got the desired affect.
"I love you, Angel. I'm scared that I'm going to lose you," she whispered softly.
She pulled her top off, baring her ample chest to him. Angel accepted what she offered him. His face morphed into its vampiric visage as he lowered his head to bite into her flesh. She gasped as his sharp teeth sent her over the edge. While he drank from her, Cordelia smiled happily to herself.
I know how to handle my man.
Angel drank from Cordelia, but his thoughts went to a different time, a different neck. A tiny and delicate neck offered freely; her breasts full against his chest; her breath came in pants as they climaxed together. Buffy saved his life that night whenever he drank from Cordelia that night always filled his mind. Cordy's breasts, though beautiful, always seemed too large, her body too tall. He had to use all his control at times not to scream Buffy's name, especially today.
"I love you, baby," Cordelia purred.
"Me too," he replied.
"Tell the Sr. Partners I want a meeting tonight," Cordelia snapped at Eve as she stormed into her office. "Buffy's in LA, and Angel just gave her a job. I need to find out what's the best approach to get rid of that little freak once and for all. Angel's mine. I'm not giving him up until I decide that I don't want him anymore, not a minute before."
"You know they don't like you coming to see them. If Angel catches you then you're no good to them anymore." Eve tried to reason with the angry seer.
Cordelia walked over and picked Eve up by the throat.
"Do as I say or they'll be replacing you. I won't get caught. Angel's going out later to negotiate that agreement between the B'Gorgs and Smortans," she said, throwing Eve across the room into a wall.
"If that bitch thinks she can come to my town and take my man, she's wrong. I'm not some weak little teenager that needs rescuing by her. I'm as strong as she is. The Powers chose me to have the visions not her. I've helped Angel for years. They never lifted a finger to help her. They made me part demon so I wouldn't die; ha, she's died three times already. Why the hell won't she just stay dead? I'll just have to make sure that this time there's nothing left to bring back. Why the hell are you still here?"
Cordy glared coldly at the other woman, who rushed from the office.
That woman is bonkers. If the Powers thought she was so special, why'd they lock her in a white room to keep her away from their champion? She has some serious mental health issues. Maybe her demon-half is eating away at her brain a little everyday. Kinda like what we're trying to do to Angel's soul. Now, that's poetic justice. Eve smiled as she went to contact the Partners.
Yeah, wouldn't it be great if by the time her plans came together, Ms Chase were a drooling idiot. I wonder if Angelus would even drink from her, or would he just snap her neck? Oh well, it'll be fun to watch either way. I'll just be glad when someone does away with Bitchdellia.
The AI Team, including Spike, sat gathered in Angel's office.
"Thanks for coming everybody. I asked you here to welcome our two newest employees," Angel announced.
"Who are they, Angelcakes?"
"Buffy Summers and Xander Cage."
"Buffy's coming to work here. Is that wise?" Wesley asked, remembering how high the tension could get between the two ex-lovers.
"Isn't she the one that died and came back?" Fred asked quietly.
"Xander Cage! Shit that's X; he does extreme sports. He's the bomb. X rode a snowboard down an avalanche that guy is fearless," Gunn exclaimed. "Way to go Angel."
"Angel, Buffy and Cage are here," Harmony announced.
"Show them in," he told her.
Angel felt his body respond at just the thought of seeing her again. Buffy walked in wearing low-rise red leather pants and a black halter-top. Xander had on black leather pants and a tight white T-shirt.
"Hello Buffy, Xander, let me introduce you to the team. This is Fred Burkle, Charles Gunn, Lorne, Wesley Windham-Pryce, Spike and Cordelia Chase. Everyone this is Buffy Summers and Xander Cage."
"Hi, everybody. I've heard a lot about you over the years. Wesley, you're looking good. Cordy, it's nice to see you again. It's been a longtime."
She walked over and gave Spike a hug. "How are you doing?"
"No worries, Slayer." He smiled, hugging her back.
Cordy laughed and said, "Buffy, I can't believe you fell for someone named Xander."
"Well, I figured if one was good enough for Queen C, this one was perfect for me."
Buffy walked back over to Xander and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Man, X, I've seen all your videos. They're ice, dawg," Gunn said, his street slang sounding out of place with his new persona.
"Thanks dude, I live for speed. It's the ultimate rush, well it was," he said, looking at Buffy hugging her close.
"Gag me," Cordy said under her breath. Spike looked at her but she gave him her best smile.
"So, you're the famous Slayer that Angelcakes went off the deep end about?" Lorne smiled. "Gotta say, sunshine, you're one sweet Twinkie."
"Thanks, I think. You're the one that reads people when they sing, right?" Lorne nodded. "Must suck if they can't carry a tune, huh?" Everybody looked at Angel and started laughing. "Did I say something wrong?" Buffy wrinkled her nose, wondering what was so funny.
"No, honey bun, it's just that sugar lips over there's one of those customers. Everybody wonders why I drink so much. A bad singer can ring in my head for days."
"Buffy, why aren't you guarding the Hellmouth?" Wesley asked unable to contain his curiosity any longer.
"Well, it's closed for one thing, and Faith's there. I figured it was her turn," she said with a shrug.
"How'd it close? Did Willow find some spell? I know she's gotten extremely powerful, but I hadn't realized it was to that degree," Wes exclaimed.
"Nope, just little ole me. I used the amulet Angel brought me. It turned out that I'm more than human. Who knew, right? Anyway, the info he gave me helped me close the Hellmouth and banish the First. Powers did a happy dance, won me a much needed vacation to Hawaii, where I met Cage and the rest is history," she said, grinning at them.
"How'd you win a trip to Hawaii?" Cordelia asked. She was glaring at Angel since the remark about him going to see her.
"An old friend of the family that I talked with when it was over. They saw how burned-out I was, so they sent me for some R&R."
Buffy decided to change the subject and turned back to Angel. "When do we get the tour of this place. Do we have offices or what?"
"Wes, will show you around today to get you familiar with the layout. Where are you staying?"
"Oh, we have a condo on the beach. It's only about twenty minutes from here." When Buffy turned to head toward the door, everyone saw her tattoo.
"Oy, Slayer what's on your back?" Spike asked, getting up from the couch for a closer look.
"It's a tattoo. Cool, huh? I got it and another one in Hawaii."
"What does it mean?" Fred asked, captivated by the beautiful design.
"It looks like some form of Chinese, but I'm not familiar with this dialect," Wesley replied, studying the letters.
"Its ancient Chinese, 5th Dynasty. It says Freedom can only be given away," Buffy supplied.
"Oh, that's beautiful. Is the other one Chinese as well?" Fred asked enthusiastically.
"No, it's a flower. A bird of paradise to remind me of Hawaii."
She smiled at Xander who wiggled his eyebrows, earning him a smack on the arm, followed by a giggle.
"We're ready whenever you are Wesley," Buffy told him.
"Oh, yes. Right this way." He led them out of the office.
"That's one gorgeous hunk of man," Fred said. Everyone turned to look at her. "Well he is."
She looked back at them crossing her arms with a put upon huff.
"Man, Angel, how'd you ever walk away from Buffy? She's beautiful," Gunn said, staring at the blond through the window. Cordelia huffed, glaring at him. "I'm not saying that you aren't good-looking Cordy, but that has to be the hottest woman I've ever seen."
"Oh, please. She's a midget with the body of a child," Cordelia snorted.
"I've never seen a child built like that. All that strength underneath golden velvet skin, DAMN!"
Cordelia glanced at Angel under her lashes; he was glaring at Gunn. He looked ready to pounce on the fighter-turned lawyer. She didn't care what the Sr. Partners said she planned to have that slut taken out, and soon.
Spike sat back, watching Peaches and the cheerleader closely. He could almost read their minds. Angelus only wanted something if someone else had it, and Miss Demony Britches wanted Buffy's blood. He knew the Slayer could take care of herself, but he wasn't about to let these pillocks hurt her. Spike had started following Cordy for the last month, thanks to a tip from the Whistler. He had lots of interesting information that Buffy needed to know, so that she could be ready for anything. In the meantime, he may just have to figure out a way to get rid of the bint himself. "I'm off children, ta." Spike left the office with his black duster swooping out behind him.
"Wesley, where's Connor?" Buffy asked.
"Who?" Wesley asked confused.
"Oh, I must be thinking of someone else; wasn't there someone else that worked with you?"
"Not since I've been here. There used to be a man named Doyle but he died," he told her.
"That was his name. I knew it was something Irish. You know me and names, I can't keep them straight. Thanks for the tour, Wesley. We'll be going now. Ring us when you need us. We have a few errands left to do for the house. It's good seeing you, Wesley. You've done well for yourself." Buffy hugged him before walking away with Xander.
Wesley watched them go. She's turned into a remarkable woman.
"I want you to find out what happened to Angel's son, Connor. I got a feeling it's important. No one remembers him but Angel. If W&H wiped everyone's memories, what did they do with Connor? Are they going to use him later for leverage to force Angel to do what they want? If you find him, put him where they can't touch him; no matter how innocent the situation looks. Your info on Cordy was right, my spidey sense went off the charts with her. She might've been good once, but not anymore. Lorne didn't even cause a blip, so he's cool."
Gibbons knew Buffy was really worried about the boy since she didn't call him, Gus or tease with him, just got straight down to business.
"Your friends in Sunnydale have been trying to find you, but we've blocked their attempts. As far as we can tell, the other Slayer's doing the job. Oh, your house sold and I'll be sending you the funds. We'll find the boy, Slayer. We have Intel on him, so he should be easy enough to find. If we're careful we can scour the W&H databases," he reassured her, watching her leave his monitoring sight.
"Hey, boss man. She's pacing the room. You know that means trouble for someone. I'm sure we'll go break some heads tonight. These people are a trip here. There are demons everywhere and they still think they're changing it from the inside." Xander shook his head. "We'll let you know what we find out."
He turned the sat phone off, turning toward Buffy. "Come here, baby." He pulled her to him. "We'll figure this out, but not tonight. Go put on your suit, we'll catch some rays then go kick some ass or whatever you want to do."
Xander kissed her nose, sat her back on her feet and patted her butt as she headed toward the bedroom.
They relaxed for the rest of the afternoon. Xander heard about a new club called 'Smash.' They decided to spend an evening out dancing. Buffy wore a short, silver, halter dress that fit like a second skin with slits up the sides. Soft curls framed her face while a clasp held the rest in a soft up-do. The silver reflected onto her hair and skin giving them a shimmering glow. Xander wore black dress pants and a dove gray silk shirt tailored to fit his body. Their outfits complimented each other, him tall and muscular, her tiny and petite.
The bouncer recognized Xander and allowed them to cut through the line. The owner escorted them to a semi-secluded table close to the dance floor and sent over a bottle of champagne on the house. Before they could get comfortable, Buffy grabbed Xander, pulling him onto the floor. They wrapped their arms around each other, grinding their hips to the music.
On the opposite side of the club, the AI team sat down and ordered drinks. "Damn, look at that girl in silver. She's got some moves," Gunn exclaimed, watching the slender body sway to the music.
Buffy raised her arms and turned so her back brushed against Xander as she ground her hips into him. Xander's hands swept down her body from fingertips to hips. Pulling her closer, holding her to him, they swiveled their hips together to the beat of the music. Buffy kept her eyes closed, leaned her head on Xander's shoulder as she allowed the music to flow over her.
Angel had just taken a sip of his drink and almost choked. The woman everyone was watching dance was Buffy, his Buffy. That Neanderthal was groping her in front of everybody. "Oh, that's Buffy. They dance well together, don't they? Talk about Kyrumption. You can tell they're crazy about each other; they're in their own little world," Fred said dreamily. Xander and Buffy went back to their table, seeing that their champagne had arrived. The AI team saw Xander toasting Buffy, then watched the couple start kissing.
Angel scooted his chair back. "Forgot to make a phone call, I'll be back in a minute," he said before practically running out of the club.
Spike watched the entire thing from the bar with a grin as he rubbed his hands together. Let's have some fun, boyo. He walked to the side of the building and witnessed Angel beating his fists against the wall. "Oy, Peaches. What did the mean wall do to you?"
"Go away, Spike. I'm not in the mood for you tonight," Angel growled.
"But, that's when it's the most fun to bother you, oh gelled one."
"Leave me alone boy!" Angel vamped out, turning to roar at his grande-childe.
"Didn't like seeing Buffy with her new man, huh? Kind of stings don't it? But, isn't she doing what you left her for? Finding a normal guy, someone that can take her into the sun. I have to say the sun does look good on her. What's the problem anyway you're with the cheerleader?" Spike raised an eyebrow.
"I still care, okay. Are you happy? Yeah, I wanted her to have all that but it still hurts. Somehow, I always thought she'd be waiting for me. I know I'm with Cordy, but if I could have Buffy, wild horses couldn't keep me away," Angel screamed at the top of his lungs.
Cordelia stood around the corner, listening to every word. I'm Cordelia Chase, and I'm not anyone's second choice. He just thinks that way because Buffy has someone else. He hasn't even thought of her in years; he was too busy with me, taking care of me, falling in love with me. She went back into the club to find Buffy and Xander slow dancing. Cordelia smiled, walking over to tap Buffy on the shoulder. "You don't mind if I cut in, do you? I want a chance to get to know our newest member better."
Buffy looked at Cage, who gave her a wink. "No, I'll go say hi to everyone. Where are you sitting? We didn't see you when we got here."
"They're over by the bar. You two were already on the dance floor when we arrived. Now shoo, I want to hear all about how you two met." Cordelia gave her a megawatt smile. "X, mmm, what a naughty name. What does it stand for?" She fluttered her lashes at him and giggled.
"Xander," he said with a straight face. You have to be kidding me. He held her away from him as she kept moving closer, rubbing her breasts against his chest.
"How'd you meet our little Buffy?"
"We were neighbors in Hawaii. Our suites were next to each other, I got locked out and she let me use her phone."
"Suites, huh? Extreme sports must pay well. You look like you can handle yourself." Cordy wiggled closer, pushing her breasts against his chest.
"I do all right. Anyway, we spent the next month together and fell in love. What can I say I'm a lucky man? She's one hell of a woman." Xander smiled, looking at Buffy over Cordy's head.
"Yeah, she's something all right," Cordy said, her tone slipped before she could catch it. "Isn't it difficult being with someone so small, you being such a large man? I mean wouldn't you prefer to be with someone more womanly, taller perhaps?" She glanced up at him under her lashes.
"Are you kidding me? Believe me, she's all woman; sometimes more than I can handle. I wouldn't change a thing. Thanks for the dance, Cora, see you at work." He walked over to Buffy, whispered in her ear before leading her back to their table. They grabbed their stuff and made their way out of the club. Xander stopped along the way to sign autographs. Someone handed Buffy a pen and paper, which caused her to laugh and shake her head.
Cordelia stomped back to the table. Cora! Cora! How dare he! Grown men have groveled for me to throw them a bone since I was fourteen and he can't even remember my name. She watched them leave; her arms crossed over her chest while her eyes snapped with repressed anger. She almost went across the table when someone asked for Buffy's autograph. That's supposed to be my life. The life I gave up for Angel and he'd throw it away, throw me away for BUFFY SUMMERS!
Damnit, it was her turn, she was going to get everything she deserved this time and that included Angel. No one was going to stand in her way, not Buffy Summers, not anyone. She wondered what happened in Sunnydale. Maybe as a concerned friend, she would just have to call and find out.