"Oh for goodness sakes, she's just going home. I mean it's not like someone is going to put a bomb in her car or something." Cordelia exclaimed, angry that everyone only paid attention to Buffy.
Buffy shot across the room. Her hand was around the other woman's throat in an instance. "You would do well to just not talk, if you are ever near me again, Cordelia. I won't tolerate your spiteful tactless comments, not ever again. Now leave with your lover and don't ever step foot in this club again."
Angel tried to pry Buffy's fingers off Cordy's neck. Everyone else did nothing; they just watched Buffy shake the taller girl as if she weighed nothing. She looked him in the eye then threw Cordelia at him. They landed in a tangle of arms and legs. Cordy's dress gathered at her waist like a cummerbund exposing her top and bottom. She wore a small thong under the dress. It was the only thing that kept her from begin totally nude to her audience. Angel tried to push her up off him and confront Buffy. His hand found Cordy's breast instead of the shoulder he aimed for.
Spike laughed, "Come on Angelus give us a real show. You know for old time's sake. Squeeze those bessies, make her scream."
When they were finally standing and Cordy's dress covered her once again. Angel looked for Buffy but she was nowhere in sight. "Where did she go?" He advanced on Spike. His fist lashed out at the blonde vampire totally forgetting the Furies wards.
Spike just grinned in anticipation. When Angel's hand would have made contact with his child's jaw, he was thrown back into the wall by an unknown force. Cordelia ran to him. Crouching down, her breasts once again popped out of the too tight top of her dress.
"Cordelia, would you mind covering yourself. I'm ready to leave here."
She glared at him as she slowly put her dress back in place. As she stood, her breast brushed his face. He just wanted just push her away but didn't want to embarrass her even more.
"Can't fight in here Peaches. Don't you remember the Furies wards are really powerful? I'm sure you remember the girl's don't you Angelus. Mmm, just thinking of my lovelies make me feel all manly. I would be happy to take this outside with you. You know how a good fight gets your juices flowing. Don't you remember, Angelus? I'm sure if Buffy were still here she'd tell you the same but, oh, oops sorry old chap she's flown the coop. Got something waiting for her at home. Did you see her light up when she got that call? It warms the cockles of my heart to see her look so happy."
"That's enough." Angel snarled. He grabbed Cordy's arm shoving her out of the office, club to push her towards the car, finally.
Doyle stood watching them. He didn't think Buffy had the whole picture on her vampire. Trouble was he didn't know if it would make a bit of difference. She was so closed off only allowing the few of them in. No, Doyle didn't think she'd accept anything but what she already had her heart and mind set on - vengeance.
Buffy rushed through the door into his waiting arms. He felt her tremor as he held her. Picking her up like a child, he carried her into the study. Sitting on the couch with Buffy curled up on his lap, he quietly rocked her as his hand brushed through her hair.
"How long can you stay?" She mumbled with her head buried in his neck. Buffy held on tight, as if he was a life preserver to keep her from drowning.
"Tell me about it, sweetheart." His deep voice rumbles under her ear.
Buffy looked up into his kind brown eyes as her breath hitched. She kissed his cheek softly. "He's here, Johnny, and he brought her. I didn't think it would hurt anymore but it does. I just want him to leave. There is only one bedroom, Johnny. They are lovers. I don't understand it but they are. I can't deal with that now, not when it is almost time. Faith's eighteenth birthday is only a few weeks away. They will all be coming here for that. It is so close I can taste it. The whole upper echelon of the Council always participates in the Crucitorium. I can't see Giles going through but the junior G-man that I can see. What kind of people are they? A Slayer is called young; she fights night after night once she learns how to control her power. Then 'IF' she makes it to 18, they take it all away to see if she can survive without it. It is cruel and from what I've been able to research there have only been five Slayers to ever survive it."
"Don't let this get you all worked up. Your plan is good and the people responsible for Lil and Lilly's deaths will finally pay. Remember you have to be in control, not them. If your emotions go on overload you won't succeed, honey." Johnny held her close, as far as he was concerned, she was 'his' little girl. He would take out that damned vamp himself if he caused her more heartache.
"Doyle had a vision. Someone was going to take Angel out for me, to please me. I don't want that Johnny; I just want him to leave me alone. At least, I don't have to worry about him coming here," Buffy sighed heavily. "Is everything all right here?"
He kissed her forehead. "Of course it is, honey. I told you my boys would make sure no one comes on the property that isn't supposed to be here. I've taken care of things in New York, everyone have their orders. If you can stand me, I plan on staying til this is through."
Buffy squealed hugging him tight until he groaned. "Sorry. Of course, I can stand you. You know how much I miss you when you leave. Have you seen anyone else?"
"No, I just waited for you. Max should be here as soon as the club closes." Buffy took his hand as they walked up the stairs.
Angel drove off in a rage. The GTO was hitting 90 mph, as he dodged in an out of traffic.
"Angel slow down. You are going to kill us," Cordelia yelled through her hair, which whipped about her face.
He ignored her until the tires screeched and the car came to a hard stop in front of his apartment. He tore out of the car leaving Cordy sitting there alone. She decided tonight would be a perfect time to seduce the handsome vampire. Cordy never believed there was a curse. She decided that Buffy did something that drove Angel over the edge and that was why he changed so much. Cordy got out of the car, slowly smoothing down her dress. She thought back to being exposed to Angel. She smiled sure that the image was fresh in his mind. He was bound to want another one, this time more up front and personnel.
Her heels clicked across the tiled floors of the office. Angel was nowhere in sight. Cordy moved towards the elevator, looking down she slid her hands into the top of her dress to pull her breasts higher. They were barely contained showing the top curve of both nipples.
That's better; now let's see you resist these babies. The elevator doors opened but she still didn't see Angel anywhere. Cordy moved towards the bedroom, the only other place he could go to sulk. She smiled brightly to find him drinking from a bottle of liquor. His head was thrown back as he guzzled down the dark liquid.
"Angel, what can I do to help?" Once she was directly in from of him, her hand brushed up his chest.
He looked down at her hand, his eyes swept over her. The liquor hit his system hard. "Did you hear her? She ordered me to leave 'her' town. She acted as if I was a bug for her to stomp out. I'm Angel; I'll have you know people feared..."
Cordelia leaned forward then pulled his head towards her for a kiss. His mouth tasted strange from whatever he was drinking, not bad just different. Angel wasn't sure how to react then his body and the liquor seemed to take any decision from him. His hands came up to cup her breasts, in his mind they were Buffy's smaller, full breast. He couldn't figure out why they didn't seem to fit his hands perfectly like before. One hand slid up her hip but that was different too. It was rounder, not slim and muscular.
Angel woke, the next morning, with a pounding head. His mouth had the remembered taste of the absinthe. Angel couldn't believe he drank so much of the strong liquor. Once small glass was enough to cause a normal man to get drunk. Vampires liked it because huge amounts of normal liquor had to be consumed even to make them relax. He heard a soft snore beside him and glanced hesitantly over his shoulder. There in the bed beside him was Cordelia. He glanced under the covers to see they were both nude. Oh no, what have I done?
"That is a very good question?" Angel's head snapped up. There standing in the doorway was Whistler, shaking his head at his charge. Why do I always get the clueless ones? Or, ones that want to kill me?
Angel quickly covered Cordelia as he climbed out of the bed. He gritted his teeth against the pain in his head. Pulling on some pants, he pushed the balance demon into the living room. "What do you want, Whistler? If you are here to tell me about Buffy, too late. I met Lady B last night. She told me to pack up and leave her city. So, go away I don't want to hear anymore from you." Angel pulled a bag of blood from the refrigerator.
"You don't want to know your girl is going to war? Fine by me." Whistler turned with a smirk on his face.
"She is what? Has she lost her mind? Who is she going to war with?" The questions tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them.
"Thought you didn't want to know anything else. Looked to me as id you have moved on to bigger things." His head motioned towards the bedroom.
"I don't even remember last night. It certainly wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been drinking."
"If I were to tell you where your girl was living, you would be interested?" Whistler watched Angel's face closely.
"I don't think Buffy would want me to know. Even if she did, she certainly wouldn't want to talk to me again."
Whistler gave a snort of disgust. "That is it? She says go away and you do with your tail tucked between your legs. I thought you loved her, guess I was wrong."
Angel was in front of him with burning amber eyes. "Don't speak of what you don't and can't understand. I have mourned her every minute of the day. I was ready to meet the sun but realized the Buffy; I knew would want me to keep fighting."
"How come you just accepted she was dead then? Don't tell me you couldn't feel her. She certainly felt you. Your return caused her to collapse. I guess her connection to you was stronger than yours to her. Guess she really loved you while you just played games with a starry eyed teenager." Whistler shouted at him.
Angel moved to grab him but Whistler wasn't there. He clasped the larger vampire in an iron grip then tossed him across the room. "Who taught you everything you know? I just didn't teach you everything I know." His foot easily held Angel on the ground.
Whistler bent down to whisper to Angel causing the souled vampire to go so pale, his skin was translucent. "But, how? Why?" Angel tried to take in everything he just heard.
"You will have to ask the Slayer that." A piece of paper landed beside Angel with an address written on it. Whistler stepped into the elevator. "Oh by the way, your 'good' friend in there, nothing happed. Doesn't matter what she says. She stripped you and her down then climbed into bed with you. You should really learn more about the people you put your faith in, Angel." He disappeared behind the closing elevator doors.
Cordelia came out of the bedroom dressed in Angel's shirt with only the center button fastened. She moved towards him slowly for effect. Glimpses of her breasts and womanhood peaked out as she walked across the room. "Angel, honey, come back to bed. I thought we could have a repeat of last night." Cordy smiled up at him, glancing at his face through her lashes. She smoothed a hand over his bare chest.
Angel grabbed her hand. "Don't," he said in a soft firm voice.
"Why Angel? We have a wonderful time last night and I know you care for me. Why can't we be together?" Her hand flicked opens the button then she held the shirt open. Arching her back to push her breast higher. "Can you really say you don't want to touch me, taste me, and slide inside of me?"
He looked at her as if he was seeing her for the first time. "I'm sorry Cordy. I don't look at you that way. You are my friend but you're not..."
"Not what? The, oh so, perfect Buffy Summers. She isn't perfect, Angel. She let you believe she was dead for over a year. That isn't love that is just mean. I would never treat you like that. We could be good together. I'm not an innocent virgin who doesn't know what to do. Let me show you." Her hands moved to open his pants but Angel moved away.
"No Cordelia. I don't want that with you. I'm sorry; there is something I need to go check out." Angel quickly dressed and left the apartment.
"Where could he go? It is still daylight outside." Her hands moved down her body. "How could he pass on a chance to go to bed with me? I mean look at this body. What is he a monk?"
While Cordelia ranted about her situation, Angel sped towards his destination. He used a blanket and wasn't surprised to find the top already up on the GTO - Whistler. The previously sunny day was now overcast.
Buffy had the house to herself since Johnny went to see Tony and everyone else was with their lovers. She was enjoying the time alone and went outside to enjoy some fresh air. She spread a blanket in the shade and lay down to read more on the Crucitorium.
Angel followed Whistler's directions and approached a clearing quietly. Whistler said he would learn everything he needed to know here. He moved through some dense trees stopping when he heard a voice. It was Buffy.
"What are you doing here?" Her voice was soft and loving. "Come here and lay with me."
He couldn't believe Whistler sent him to spy on Buffy and her lover. The temptation to see the man who could make Buffy speak in a voice he thought reserved only for him was too much. Angel moved closer and saw her propped up on her side looking down. Her hand was moving as she murmured words of love. Then his world titled completely when he heard the sound of laughter. Buffy's laughter followed close behind. Angel stepped out of the trees. He walked closer as quiet as possible but Buffy turned to face him.
"What are you doing here?" Buffy tried to block his view of the other occupant on the blanket.
Angel's feet moved without his knowledge until he stood directly over the top of her. He looked down to see a small child no more than a year old. It was a little girl all golden, pink and white. The baby looked up at him with large brown eyes - his eyes. Dark blonde curls capped her head, which she tilted to look up at his face. The tiny blonde cherub smiled at him, showing dimples then she waved her chubby arms.
"She is beautiful. Why didn't you tell me?"
Buffy gathered her daughter close to her heart, caressing her soft curls. "It was none of your business. She has nothing to do with you, Angel. She is MY daughter. Now leave you are trespassing." Buffy stood with the little girl clutching her tightly.
The loudness of their voices was scaring her. She wasn't used to her Mommy sounding this way. A small cry was heard. "Shush, now Lil, its okay. Mommy is here and no one is going to hurt you." Her eyes flicked to Angel.
He watched the love and warmth leach out of her eyes as she glared at him.
"Buffy that is our child. How, I don't know, but it is plain to see I'm her father. We need to discuss this. I have a right to know her. She is just as much mine as yours."
Buffy's back stiffened causing Lil to cry in earnest. Buffy rocked her and softly patted her back. She felt someone approach and was relived to see Johnny and Max moving quickly across the lawn. "Here's Uncle Johnny and Maxie, sweet pea. You go play with them and Mommy will be right there." She handed Lil to Johnny then gave them both a look. They nodded their heads in understanding as they swept the baby back into the house.
She turned back to her former lover. Her face hard and her voice cold. "No, Angel, there is none of her that belongs to you. You weren't there to die on the operating table during emergency surgery. You weren't at the hospital every day until they kicked you out to rest because she was a month premature. You weren't there when I collapsed and had to be rushed to the hospital only to learn in a few short minutes that I was going to have a baby while my aunt and an innocent girl were blown up because the Council decided I had gone rogue. You were off in Ireland hiding only to return to take up with someone who always treated the woman you professed to love like dirt. GO AWAY ANGEL! Go to hell! I really don't care but don't ever come near my child again."
Buffy turned to go back in the house when he grabbed her pulling her into his arms. His whole body sighed being able to touch her again. Angel felt like he had been walking through a nightmare until he felt her skin. He heard her breath hitch then she went completely still in his arms.
"Get your hands off me, Angel. I'm only giving you one warning."
He felt something race down his spine at her voice. It was the voice of someone who meant what they said and was ready to back it up. "NO! We are going to talk this out. Why didn't you come to me? Why does everyone think you're dead? How could you let me suffer this way?"
Buffy relaxed in his arms then lashed out with her foot, kicking him away from her. Angel flew backwards into a tree. She advanced on him like a hungry tiger. "You suffer. I lost everything - you, Kendra, jenny, my home. Lil was the only person I had to turn to, so I went to New York. Imagine my shock when I collapsed on your big entrance back into the world. I was rushed to the hospital while the Council put a bomb in the club. They killed Lil and another girl in order to do away with the rogue Slayer - me. When I contacted Mom, she sent Giles to get you. To bring you to her so she could tell you where to find me. How to come to me. But, you, Angel, you ran away. You couldn't even tell I was still alive. So, don't you talk to me about suffering? Don't tell me who I owe anything to. I'm well aware of who I owe. Believe me Angel; I plan on making sure they are paid in full."
His hand snaked out to grab her ankle pulling her down on top of him. He captured her face between his hands. Looking in her eyes, he bent his face to brush her lips. His tongue asked for entrance but was denied. One hand squeezed her firm rear causing Buffy to squeak. That was what he needed to gain entrance to her sweet mouth.
Their bodies responded to the closeness. They recognized their other half and demanded access, demanded to feel whole again. His hands move down to cup her more firmly to his hardness as he pushed up against her. Her hardened nipples drilled into his chest. Angel could smell her arousal. It only made him want her more. To be surrounded by her heat as she pulsed around him. He moaned at the memory of their night together, of all the other nights they had teased and tasted each other. They learned to play the other's body like a fine instrument. Angel pulled on that knowledge, now.
Buffy felt the heat rush through her body. She wanted him, was on fire to feel him once more. Light sparked off something then she realized it was his claddagh ring. Her body went rigid as she scrambled out of his arms.
"No, you will not play me for a fool again. Not now, not..."
He interrupted her. "Not what, about to go to war?"
Buffy's eyes drained of all emotion, except one. It burned from a place deep inside her. For the first time ever in their relationship, Angel was afraid of her.
"I'm not playing, Buffy. I love you. I always have, no matter how hard I tried to stop. Why not now? Who are you going to war with?" Angel's voice turned soft, persuasive. Buffy didn't say a word. Angel tried to process everything she had said and done. His eyes widened as he looked at her in shock. "The Council, you are going after the Council. Buffy that is suicide. You have to stop this before it is too late."
"Before I die for real. I'm already dead Angel, don't you know that. The Buffy Summers you knew is dead. She died the night you returned. I guess I should thank you for that but somehow I can't. Go back to Cordelia. Go back and climb in bed with her. Let her take care of that for you." She glanced down at him straining against his pants. "I certainly won't. Tell Whistler and the Powers to leave me, the hell, alone." She was across the lawn and back in the house in a burst of speed.
Angel started to go after her but stopped when he heard a voice behind him. "Well you certainly screwed that up." He knew exactly who was behind him - Spike. Turning he saw him leaning against a tree, in his black duster and Doc Martins. "You really are a bloody wanker, Peaches. Buffy isn't a little girl for you to order about or try to tell what to do. In case you missed the bulletin, she RUNS THIS WHOLE BLOODY TOWN!" Spike's voice boomed over the quiet lawn. "You come here and learn a secret only a few people know and demand for her to listen to you. There's not a one of us who wouldn't give our lives for her and Lil. Go back to your cheerleader, Angelus. Maybe she will let you play the big man for her."
"I am not sleeping with Cordelia. Why does everyone keep saying that? The last person I slept with was Buffy. Cordy is my friend and that is all."
Spike smirked at him as he lit a cigarette. "Might ought to tell the chit that. She likes to tell everyone how you confessed your undying love. That as soon as Buffy wasn't there to confuse you, you pledged your love to her. Gotta say the bloody bint has a vivid vocabulary when she 'accidentally' slips out juicy tidbits to other people. Which means the Watcher heard, which means Mum, which means. You get the idea don't you, Peaches. Or was I using too many big words for you?" Spike quirked an eyebrow at his grandsire. He often wondered why the souled version of Angelus was often so much denser than the original.
"But, she is just my friend that is all. I gave her a place to live because she didn't have anywhere else. Nowhere to go, no family but her parents. What am I going to do, Spike? I love Buffy, no matter what. I want to know my child as well. To help raise her, watch her grow. How can I get through to her?"
Spike looked at Angel without saying a word then made some inner decision. "My advice, get rid of the cheerleader. You are going to have to show Buffy that you want her and will stand by her no matter what she does. She barely let's anyone in but Lil, Johnny and Max. She is a good friend to all of us but we know not to step over the line. Truth is we don't want to lose her to this war she is dead set on fighting. But, there isn't a one of us that won't be beside her till it's through. Question is where will you be?" Spike faded into the shadows of the woods.
Angel slowly made his way back to his car. His thoughts on Buffy and Spike's words. He moved into the apartment quietly and overheard Cordelia on the phone.
"Harmony, it is so great living in LA. Angel is just dreamy. Don't spread this to another person but, oh, my gosh, he is the greatest lover ever. Of course, he is big. Yes, we even do that. Let's just say, he is a stallion, but in bed he's a tiger. No, I mean he has a big dick and fucks like a Wildman. Now you understand? Damn, Harmony, haven't you ever done it before. You are talking like a stupid virgin. I told you how to take care of that. Just do what I did, go out of town. Go see relatives somewhere and just choose someone. Yes, Harmony, any guy. If he is male and under forty, he will be more than willing. No, I don't anymore I have Angel. Yes, I think he is going to pop the question. Of course he has money, he gorgeous of course but with money he's even more so. Listen I have to go get ready for my honey. He ran out to get us some champagne. No, you idiot, champagne is perfect any time of the day. Now remember don't say a word to anyone about what I told you. Listen; get over being a virgin and I'll tell you anything you want to know about getting and keeping a man."
Angel stayed in the shadows as he watched his 'friend.' She moved through the apartment towards his figurine collection. One very special one was displayed at the top. It was a wood nymph. It was a Faberge original that reminded him of Buffy. He watched Cordy pocket the little statue then re-arrange the others so another was now in its place. His eyes narrowed as he moved closer to watch through the bedroom door.
Cordy dressed herself in a black bra, thong and was sliding on thigh high stockings. An intricate corset hung about her hips, which she attached to the stockings. She put on black mules with three-inch heels and feathers across the toes. Last, she pulled on a black silk kimono that showed the bottom of her rounded backside.
Angel admitted Cordy was a beautiful woman but the calculating gleam in her eyes took away from it.