Part 4
"Hey Kate."
"What are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too. I'm just here to check the site out."
"It's not your scene to investigate."
"It ain't exactly yours either Ms. Big-Bad-FBI-Agent. Why you here?" She sent him an angry glare.
"I'm assigned to check this place out." She snapped at him, scopping the area out.
"Who ever thought you of all people would end up on the FBI...what the hell?" Angel looked in fron tof him. "I thought you cleared out all the bodies?" She looked past him.
"Oh my God. I guess they missed this one." Angel squatted down next to the corpse.
"Did they all look like this?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Look at the facial expression." Kate didnt' really want to look at the face. She hated these type of cases. "The face is distorted with fear."
"How do you know?"
"The twist of the lips, the look in the eyes. It's obvious. If you would actually look."
"I'm not as comfortable looking at bodies Angel. Sorry."
"No human has the power to posess this type of fear into another person. And to keep that fear in their eyes and on their face even in death. This is definately a suprahuman case."
"I could've told you that. We had a witness Angel. He appeared human, but in this town, a lot of things do." She sniped, sending him a crooked glance. "Anyway, he gave me an address but made me swear not to give it to anyone else."
"So you're going to giev it to me."
"No. I'm going with you." Angel groaned but knew he was stuck with her.
"Fine." Pulling out his phone, he dialed the number. "Wes? I got a lead. A witness. Kate. No, Kate's not the witness. She has an address. Yeah. We're going to go check it out. Anything new? All right. Keep working on it. I'm sure something will come to Cor." He hung up and glanced at Kate, who was already in her car. "I guess I'll follow you."
* * *
"That was Angel. He has an address of a witness." Wesley said, gaining all of their attention.
"There's a witness? That lived?" Cordelia sounded astonished. A brief yawn escaped her lips. She was feeling really tired after her past vision. Which Wes had failed to mention to Angel. Same vision really. Just some new details on the demon. No point in worrying Angel any more.
"Apparently, yes. Him and Kate are going to go talk to him, seeing as she won't just give him the address."
"It's only obvious she has the hots for him." Cordelia muttered with a bit of annoyance behind her voice.
"Anyway, he's going to go see if he can get any information out of him."
"So he's going to knock the hell out of him until he talks?" Fred asked in her normal perky voice.
"I'm sure Angel will be rational."
* * *
Angel connected another blow with the Mardkai demon, his face finally taking on it's true form.
"You know, if you would just tell me what I need to know, we wouldn't have this problem." He tried to reason as the demon swung his large arm and fist over his head. "Fine. Do it the hard way." A short punch caught the demon in the nose, sending him flying back. Both Kate and Angel cringed as the concrete was crushed. "Ow. That's going to leave a mark." He walked over to the demon and squatted down in front of him. "Now listen...what's your name?"
"Marcus."
"Marcus? Interesting name for a demon. Listen Marcus. We didn't want any trouble. You're the one who attacked me. I just wanted to ask you some questions."
"What sort of questions?"
"What did you see at the scene where all those people were killed."
"I didn't see nothing."
"I know you were there. You gave my friend Kate here your address. So why don't you just fess up before I have to get physical."
"All right. I don't know much about them. But the big guy, he's the leader. And he said something about knowing someone here. Or knowing of someone here. Some vampire. Agnes, Aiden, Anthony? No. That's ain't it. Angie..Ang...some famous guy. Big bad legend."
"Angelus?" Angel asked, knowing the answer and fearing it.
"Yeah. That's it. But that's all I know man. I swear!" Angel thought about it and stood, almost expecting his knees to crack.
"That's all I need to know." He walked to the door. "For now." He left, Kate behind him and got into his car.
"I'm coming to the hotel with you."
"Kate. No. Go home. We have enough going on right now. It's dangerous. I don't want to get you in the mix. That and the demon going around."
"What?"
"My ex girlfriend is in town. You remember Buffy? Petite blonde, scary attitude. When you arrested Faith."
"Yeah. And Cordelia is probably freaking out, right?" He sent her a confused lok as she got into her car. "Angel. She's crazy about you. Everyone knows." His face fell and she knew he was probably thinking about Buffy. "World War III?"
"Worse if she knows." He said, speeding off and heading to the hotel. (It's not that obvious.) He assured himself.
* * *
Angel barged into the hotel.
"I've got information." Cordelia sent him a bright smile, happy he was back. He didn't return it though as he sensed her pain. "You had a vision."
"Oh. Yeah. Just a small one. Nothing new. Just some more details on the demon."
"And you people didn't think to call me?" He addressed his friends angrily.
"You were busy. I didn't want to worry you." He was about to argue when she cut him off. "Don't. It's not a big deal. Now report." She put on her, "This discussion is over" face and he knew he was beaten.
"The head demon guy wants to meet me." He received only confused looks.
"No offence Angel, but why would some bad ass demons want to meet you?"
"Not him Gunn."
"Cordelia," Buffy started, her tone cold, "he just said they wanted to meet him." She recieved nothing but a classic Queen C glare.
"They want to meet Angelus, not me." All eyes focused on Angel again.
"Nope. Nuh-uh. Not a chance in hell Angel. No. You are so not going Angelus on us."
"As fun as it sounds and though there is something I wouldn't mind doing to lose it, I have a plan." Off Cordy's glare, "I won't go evil. But first I need some information on wht we're going after."
"From what Cordelia told me about the vision. I think we have Bejreggan demons. They like cold, damp places."
"Sewers."
"Most likely. They are a threat Angel so you'll need to be careful. They're brutal, nasty creatures Angel. Under thier human features, they have dark eggplant purple skin. A tail nearly two feet long with a spiked ball at the end of it. Thick, sprawled out fingers with webbing between them and long, sharp claws at the ends. Deep chest, broad shoulders, hugely developed muscles. Knobbed and heavy plated head. Fangs. About seven feet tall-"
"All right Wes!" Angel yelled. "I get it."
"You scared Angel?" Cordy teased.
"Me? Pfft. Please." Buffy stared at him. /He just pfft'd! That's a major Queen C thing!/
"Angel. I don't think it's really a good idea to go alone." Wesley stated, gaining his attention.
"There are a lot of them. Maybe someone should go with you."
"Actually, that's a good idea Wes." He looked at the group. "Not one of you guys though. Angelus was never that big a fan of the male class."
"I'll do it." Buffy stated eagerly.
"You're the slayer Buffy. It's too obvious. A vampire can sense a slayer right off the bat, right Angel?"
"Yeah." He looked at Cordy, who's eyes widened. "You up for it Cor?"
"Me?"
"Her?" Buffy screamed.
"Yes." Wesley looked at Cordelia. "You can pretty much fend for yourself. And I'm sure you could pull off a vampiress look."
"She could." Angel immediately said, gaining a look from Buffy.
"Why not? And if anything bad happens, you'll protect me, right Angel?"
"Of course."
"Angel? What happens if they ask to see Cordelia's vampire face?" Buffy asked.
"Um. Well, there are only like four times a vampire usually vamps out. When they're fighting, when they're pissed off, when they're feeding, or during sex." Angel gained odd looks. "Oh please. Like you all didn't know that already. So if they want to see it, I'll just get all defensive over it. No sweat. Gunn? You think you and Wes can find out where these things are? I need a location."
"No problem Angel. We'll get right on it." As they were leaving the building, Wes called to Angel.
"This goes without saying, but I think you're in charge of this case." Angel sent him an apoligetic smile, to which he just shook his head and left.
"Angel. I think I'm going to head home." Cordelia said, shocking Angel. he wanted her to stay.
"Are you sure?'"
"Yeah. Dennis gets grumpy if I'm not there. Ghosts. I'll see you tomorrow. Tel the guys I said bye. I'll see you Fred. Night Lorne."
"Bye Cordy!"
"See you tomorrow Princess."
"Bye Willow. Bye Xander. Buffy."
"Bye Cordy." Willow and Xander said in unison.
"Cordelia." Buffy said in the same icey tone Cordelia had used when saying her name. She sent Angel a smile and winked.
"I'l see you tomorrow Angel. I think we have things we need to work on. Like me kicking your ass again."
"It was just a punch to the nose." She flashed him a bright smile. "I'll see you tomorrow." He said and she left.
"Angel. Is there somthing you want to tell me?"
"Actually Buffy..."
"Angel. Can you come in here for a second?"
"Sure Fred. Um...we'll talk about this later Buffy."
"No. I think I'm just going to go to bed." She went to him and kissed him on the cheek. "Goodnight Angel." Angel went into the office to talk to Fred and Buffy went up to bed.
"Is it me or is there something really lacking in their relationship?" Willow asked Xander.
"Like...the relationship?"
"Yup. This does not look good for Buffy, does it?"
"Nope.
Part 5
Buffy had spent most the night staring at her ceiling. She just couldn't figure it out. What was wrong with Angel? He had barely said two words to her since she got here. And he didn't want to go back to Sunnydale with her. What was up with that? They had talked about this before. What had suddenly changed his mind? She wasn't exactly sure, but she knew it had something to do with the gang. Cordelia Especially. Since when were they so close? Why were they so close? It made no sense to her. /Him and her aren't...no. They couldn't possibly...nah. He isn't that crazy. After all, he's my soulmate. Everyone knows it./ Or so she kept telling herself all night until she fell asleep, trying desperately to convice herself that Angel still loved ehr and that it had nothing to do with Cordelia.
* * *
Willow chewed on her bottom lip nervously. She had finally gotten the meanings of the words kyerumption and moira out of Fred and it had scared the living day lights out of her. She tried to tell herself it was impossible. But Angel seemed different...so distant. And he seemed very attached to Cordelia. In fact, they were both down stairs together right now. Willow gathered up all the courage she could muster and headed down into the basement. She nearly fainted when she heard moans and grunts echo through the room. She stepped down, keeping out of sight, but allowing herself to see them. Just as they had said, they were down here training. She nearly jumped when Angel let out a long, dramatic sigh. Cordelia put her hands on her hips.
"What now?" She quipped.
"You're not balanced." Now she groaned at his complaining.
"Angel. I'm balanced okay? See? Balanced I am." He pushed her lightly and she fell back, catching herself and landing on her butt. Angel just stared at her with a satisfied smirk. "That's not fair."
"Who ever said that I play fair?" A pout formed and Angel wanted to capture the lips with his. She held out a hand to him and he grabbed it, pulling her up to her feet and close to him. Unable to deny himself, he placed a soft kiss on her forehead. She pulled his lips down to hers for a tentative kiss. Her arms wrapped around his neck, bringing him closed. He cupped her check, slipping his tounge inside her mouth, seeking out hers. Seconds later they pulled away, knowing it would lead some where they couldn't go right now. Not yet. "This is getting harder every time I taste you." She sent him a sad smile, running her hand over his cheek.
"I know baby. It's hard. But with Willow's spell."
"Yeah." He reached down for another kiss. "It's sweet agony?" She nodded, feeling the alarms going off in her body.
"Um, let's just finish the training, yeah?
"Yeah. Stay balanced." Willow race dup the stairs without a peep and locked herself in the bathroom, trying to take deep calming breaths to calm the rapid beating of her heart.
"This is bad. This is so, so, so bad. What am I going to do? I can't keep this from Buffy. This is really, really bad." She kept rambling to herself.
"Willow?" She let out a yelp hearing Wesley's voice? "Willow? Are you all right?"
"Oh yeah. I just know a secret that could kill my best friend. After of course she probably kille dtwo of yours. But other than that, a just great. Yup. I can't handles this."
"I can't hear you Willow."
"I'm fine Wesley."
"Okay. If you're sure." He said and walked away. She continued to take long, deep breaths. And when she finally came out, Buffy decided to come down stairs. She could swear she was going to have a heart attack.
"Hey Will."
"What? I didn't see nothing! I swear! I was just, sitting here, and yeah! Nothing!" Buffy gave her friend an odd look. "Coffee." Willow quickly told her. Buffy just nodded and went to sit next to Xander. The two began talking as the red head chewed frantically on her finger nails, nearly jumpng out of her skin when Angel and Cordelia emerged.
"Gross. I'm all sweaty. I'm going to go take a shower." She grabbed Wesley's arm and looked at his watch. "Yikes. I didn't know it was so late. Fred? You want to go shopping with me. Help me pick out a vampy outfit?"
"Sure Cordy!"
"We'll take Angel's credit card and go nuts." She said, smiling at Angel who starred at her with a look of panic on his face, shaking his head repeatedly as she ran up the stairs.
"That woman's going to drive me broke. Well, broker."
"I'll watch her Angel." Angel raised a brow at Fred.
"Please. You're just as bad as she is. She's rubbing off of you. And it's looking bad for me. Speaking of bad, you guys got me a place?"
"Yes. They're heading to this club tonight. You two will fit in perfectly."
"One of those vampire wannabe clubs?"
"Yeah. It's on Olympic."
"I know where that is." There were a few seconds of silence. "Okay. I'm going to go to sleep. I didn't get much sleep last night." He gave his credit card to Fred and walked up to his room. Buffy and Willow frowned. Willow continued to chew on her nails as Buffy fell into a deep silence.
* * *
Cordelia stepped out of the bathroom and haulted as she saw Angel laying donw on the bed. She could tell he was asleep by the content look on his face. She wouldn't mind just laying down with him for a while, but she had an outfit to buy and his money to spend. She pulled her hair up in a high ponytail and ran down the stairs, where Fred was waiting.
"Angel gave me one of his credit cards Cordy." She flashed a bright smile.
"Great. But we'll have to go easy. He probably gave me the one that's almost maxed out."
"Who'd blame him? The way you spend money."
"Buffy? You have something you want to say to me? You've been making bitchy comments since you got here. Yeah, I noticed. So why don't you just tell me what your problem is."
"My problme is the way you've been drooling over Angel since I got here."
"Well, he doesn't seem to mind."
"He's too sweet to say anything."
"Pfft! Whatever. He spends time with me because he wants to Buffy. Sorry if you don't approve of that, but that's life. Get over it and get over yourself." She walked out before Buffy could respond, Fred trailing behind her. She started her jeep and her and Fred took off. In the store, Fred had fallen in love with a flower print summer dress as Cordelia searched through the leather attire. "Pants or shorts?"
"Ummm...pants." Cordy held up three tops for Fred to look at. "That one. In the middle."
"Fred. These are the skimpiest clothes I've ever seen." She smiled. "It's like dressing up for Halloween. This might actually be fun." She ran into the dressing room and put on the clothes. "What do you think?"
"Can you breathe in that?"
"Just enough to keep me alive. Good thing these demons can't heaar heartbeats. So, you think this one will work?"
"Yeah. It'll make Angel crazy."
"Crazier Fred. He's already crazy. You're right though. He loves his girls in leather. he just won't admit it." Cordelia paused and stared at her friend, reality kicking in. "Fred? You know about me and Angel?"
"Yup." She nodded frantically, her smile reaching her eyes. "We all do. Wes, Gunn, Lorne. You can only spend so many nights up there with him before it's only obvious. How can you stand being in the same room, the same bed with him without wanting to...you know?"
"It's not easy Fred. trust me. But the spell is going to make things so much easier. Now come on. Let's pay for these and head out."
"Cordy? Not to bring up something I'm sure you don't want to hear, but what if Willow doesn't want to do the spell? I mean, she is Buffy's best friend. And she's still in love with him."
"A little competition never hurt anyone Fred. Especially not me."
* * *
Angel waited downstairs for Cordelia.
"How you holding up Angel?" Wesley asked him.
"I haven't worn these pants since, since Merl died." He said, addressing his black leather jeans and the black silk shirt that fit him perfectly. He caught Willow, Buffy and Fred staring at him. "I look good?" Fred nodded, Willow's face turned as red as her hair, and Buffy just stared at him with an expression he knew all too well. "Yup. I look good."
"But she looks better." Gunn said, his mouth dry as Cordelia came down the stairs. Him, Wesley, Angel and Xander all had that straight guy staring at a scantily clad woman with clothes as tight as a second skin. Black leather pants with slits all the way to the hip. A black leather haulter with a dramatic v-neck that tied up the front, showing off her cleavage. With a pair of five inch heels over a two inch platform. She smiled at the expression on Angel's face.
"How do I look?"
"Fuckable." He choked out, not realizing what he said until the blush hit Cordelia's cheeks and everyone gawked at him. "I mean, great, wonderful, incredible." She walked up to him, inspecting his appearance.
"You don't look too bad either. And you can stick with your first answer." She whispered. It became only to obvious to Buffy at this point. Angel and Cordelia were together. No wonder Angel didn't want to leave, but wanted his soul permanent. She watched in a stunned silence as the two left together.
"Buffy, are you all right?"
"I don't think I am Xander. Angel and Cordelia of all people, are together. Like Angel and I once were. Oh my God. I, um, I need to go upstairs for a while. Lay down. He left me. He chose her over me. I just don't get it." She walked up to the room she was staying in.
"She whines too damn much." Gunn told Wesley.
"This is hard for her. She loves him. I don't know why, but she does. They were together for three years."
"I know the story. Big dramatic relationship, he moved, she dated the other guy and dissed him about it, her mom died, they made out under a tree at the cemetary, she died, he survived and started to fall for Cordy, she came back, he went to see her, Wesley and Cordelia made fun of the conversation, and here we are. Anything else happen besides that?"
"There was more to it than that." Willow argued. Gunn rolled his eyes.
"Right. A whole helluva lotof whining." Willow knew there was no way she was going to win this arguement. It was pointless to try. And in a way, she was happy that Angel and Cordelia had found someone that made them happy. But for her friend's sake, she wished they wouldn't have fallen for each other.
Upstairs, Buffy cried hysterically into the pillow she was using. She was angry, jealous, hurt and she could fell her heart shattered. How could she let this happen? She knew they had had their ups and downs. A lot of downs and arguements, but she thought their love was eternal. He was supposed to be her soulmate after all. She should've known better. Not for the first time, she believed that there really wasn't someone out there for her. She knew she would be up here for a while. But after she was done crying, she would go downstairs and be strong until they had killed the demons. Then, her and her friends would leave. Screw Angel and his soul. She didn't care if he got it now. After all, he didn't want to be with her, why should it matter to her?
* * *
Angel moved up to the club with Cordelia on his arm. Looking over the crowd, they fit in perfectly. He pulled Cordelia close to him. Cordelia's heart beat echoed in his ears, making both of them thankful for the loud chatter and music radiating through the building. The few vampires who were actually there would be too distracted with their dates and their soon to be dinner to pay them any mind.
"You sure you're okay with this?"
"No turning back now, right?"
"Wrong. If you want to go home, you can. I'll take care of this."
"And leave you alone in there? I don't think so." They moved to a table and he pulled her chair out for her. He took his seat across from her.
"You know, I'm not that helpless." His serious tone was betrayed by the grin lighting up his features.
"You know you wouldn't survive without me"
"You're right, as always." The waitress came up to them.
"What can I get you two?"
"Cordy?"
"I'll have a glass of wine."
"I'll have the same." He wasn't normally a wine fan, but what the hell? He needed his mind straight tonight anyway. He turned his head as, what he could swear was a growl, vibrated through Cordelia. "What?"
"You know her?" She asked, indicating the woman that was staring at him.
"No. You know them?" He asked, his tone angry as he caught the eyes of a group of men staring at her.
"Just a few admirers." She said casually. He flashed his fangs and amber eyes at the guys, who turned their attention away from Cordelia. "that was mean Angel. They were just looking at me."
"Oh, like you weren't glaring at the girl who was looking at me." She rolled her eyes and sipped her wine after it was brought to her.
"Angel." She whispered to him. "How are we going to get all these people out of here. They aren't just going to leave."
"I think that plan is out Cor."
"Why?"
"Because they're already here."
"How do you know it's them and not some other demons?"
"Cordy, baby." He put on a grin. "This is me we're talking about. Who knows demons better than me?"
"The demons. You better be right Angel."
"Don't worry. I am. Come on, leave your drink. We're going to go join the party." She held on to him tightly.
"Angel. There are more of them." She muttered, addressing the two extra people that were with the demons.
"Vampires. Don't panic, they won't be paying any attention to you."
"In this outfit? Yeah right."
"Cordy. Angelus can be a very jealous vampire. No one touches his girl."
"Am I your girl Angel?"
"You know you are. Now calm down, and don't breath too heavily. The music is too loud to hear heartbeats unless you are really close and concentrating hard." He walked over to the group and took a seat, pulling Cordelia next to him. "Mind if I join the party?"
"Yes." The demons stared at his as he made himself comfortable and ordered another drink.
"So, what's up guys? How's demon life treating you?" They stared at him, angrily.
"Who the fuck are you?" The leader, Angel assumed, snarled at him.
"Bejreggan demons. I swear, you don't keep up with your history. You want to meet me, yet you don't even know what I look like? Can you believe that baby?" He asked Cordelia, who laughed at the absurdity of it. The whole time Cordelia felt as if she was going to lose it, but she never let it show.
"I don't like to repeat myself."
"Yeah, well I don't like to introduce myself to people who were looking for me in the first place."
"I can't believe you don't know of the famous Angelus." They all turned to Cordelia.
"Him? Angelus?"
"In the fangs." The vampires stared at him.
"It is him. The legendary Angelus."
"Come now guys. I'm no different than all of you. I'm just a regular vampire, who happens to be a genious." He said with a smile.
"It must be Angelus. He's disgustingly sure of himself." Angel caught one of the vampires staring intently at Cordelia.
"Hey! You checking out my girl?" He growled. The vampire stared at him with wide eyes.
"No, no. I was just, admiring her outfit and how good it looks on her."
"Don't let me catch you staring at her again or I'll rip out your intestines, tie them around your dick and hang you upside." Cordelia almost flinched at his harsh words. While the vampire across from them squirmed in his seat under Angel's glare. She had dealt with Angelus in Sunnydale and knew he wasn't the friendliest of people, but a vampire who enstall fear into other vampires. Creatures who were feared were afraid of him. Doyle was right, Angelus was a definate bastard. Angel turned to who he assumed was the leader. "So, what did you want with me anyway? Because, I too have a life. Things to do, innocents to kill, vampiress to screw..." As Angel began to talk with the demons, hw moved his hand to her thigh and squeezed. Normally it was physical contact that could lead to problems for them. But in this case, it was just a signal for her to go use the phone to call the guys.
"Oh God! How long does it take to bring a damn drink? Excuse me baby, I got a waitress to kill." She said in a ditzy voice. She kissed him on the lips, and he held her to him for a second, before letting her go. As she retreated, he smacked her on the butt. She sent him a sexy glare, before going up to a waitress. "Excuse me? Yeah, high. Listen, there's been an emergency and I was wondering if there was a more private phone line I could use?"
"Oh, yeah. Right this way." Angel had turned his attention back to the group.
"She ain't the sharpest knife in the drawer but she's a firecracker where it counts." They exchanged a couple laughs before Angel turned their attention back to their conversation.
"Thank you. Listen. Go home."
"What?"
"Get out of here. Go home. Now! Go!" The girl listened to Cordelia and took off. "Yeah. Wes. It's Cordy. Yeah. Head down here now. Angel's stalling them. So get down here. There are vampires here too so bring everyone and load yourselves with some serious weapons. Yes. Bring Buffy too. We're going to need all of them. Angel sensed more vampires. There are a lot of them here. All right. Hurry!" She hung up, walked to the counter and got another glass of wine and walked back to the table. "Stupid bitch. She wasn't even planning on bringing me another glass."
"So, what were you saying about your plan?"
"You seem very interested in this Angelus."
"Well, why wouldn't I be interested in death and destruction."
"I don't know Angel, you tell us."
"What did you call me?"
"We got a tip from another vampire that you killed his brother. And I thought, 'Why would Angelus kill his own kind?'"
"He bothered me." Angel said, grabbing Cordelia's arm as they both stood up. The demon's true forms came over them. People in the club ran out terrified as the demons and about ten other vampires came up to them, cornering them to the wall.
"This doesn't look good Angel." Cordelia whispered to Angel, who held her tightly to him.
"Duh." Was all he could manage as he felt his back hit the wall.
