A/N: Thank you for the reviews everyone. They do help me keep the characters in their elements. Doing a fic like this is great, but can make an fan nervous since writing about characters in a popular show like this. So instead of giving you other fans cookies for reviewing, have some cake!
Okay, now for this chapter, we'll have the ups and downs of memory loss and plans gone off the path. There will be freaking out, honesty, lies, and other things involved with Angel and Cordelia's freaky life. Bad for them, yay for our entertainment.
Ashes
Chapter 10: Some Kind of Amnesia
Seeing Cordelia Chase, laying in his bed sound asleep, alive, had Angel wandering if this was yet another dream. Maybe he fell asleep in the hall or while driving. Whatever it is, he didn't want to move or even speak for fear of waking up to reality.
Seconds tolled by, then minutes. So far, Cordelia was still in his bed. No horrible nightmare of draining her, raping her, or having Connor kill her right in front of his eyes. That was a good sign. Scratch out nightmare, put a check by fantasy dream. Any minute now, she'll seemingly wake up and ask him to make love to her...
Of course, in those dreams she was wearing some little sexy number, parading around the office while flirting heavily. The real Cordelia Chase would have raised an eyebrow at these fantasies and threaten to put a sexual lawsuit on him. That or introduce him to her favorite stake.
But so far, she did neither. Which meant...
Sniffing the air, her delicious unique scent wafted inside. Her heartbeat was steady and slow, signaling her sleeping status. She wasn't hurt, well not bad. No blood was in the air, though he did spot some bruises on her arms. They looked like finger bruises, as if someone had grabbed her forcibly.
Laying his jacket on the chair, the vampire slowly tiptoed over. He sat down, careful not to disturb her sleep. Raising a shaky pale hand, he reached over and pushed the dark brown locks away from her face. The last time he seen her at the office, she had her mane cropped and colored of all colors - blone! He loved any look on the lovely Chase woman, but he missed the way her dark chocolate hair looked against her naturally golden skin. Now, the dark, almost black chocolate hair was back and longer, down just over her shoulders.
Leaning in, he sniffed her hair. Tears flooded his brown eyes, realizing that this was real. Cordelia came back to him, safe and sound. Carefully checking her over, he was relieved to see that a little weight had been put back on. That little glimpse he got when Cordy and Skip caught him in that awkward position haunted him. The poor neglect she received from Connor before had definitely improved.
The urge to surround her with his arms were too great to ignore. Slipping his shoes, shirt, and pants off, he quickly slipped into his PJ bottoms. Though the nude was what he preferred when going to sleep, he had to think about his best friend first, especially after the horrors she went through.
Slipping under the covers, Angel turned the lights off and wrapped his arms around the sleeping beauty. Unconsciously, she turned and curled right up to his chest, wrapping her arms and legs around his. Smiling, Angel closed his eyes and slept the first peaceful sleep he's had for three long months...
A
Lindsey was furious. Not only was that infuriating Chase girl gone, but apparently she took the orb of Thesulas with her. He looked everywhere for it, hoping that he missed placed it. But he knew deep down, she took it.
All through Lindsey's search, Connor laid asleep on the couch, oblivious to the current drama unfolding. The Texan so wanted to kill the teen for that. After all, wasn't he supposed to be some human being with vampire heightened senses? He should have heard something!
After searching Cordelia's room, Lindsey found out two things. Since her bed waas cold and still made, she left sometime after their little tiff. Which meant she could be any where, in plain sight for a certain vampire to find her.
The second thing was that the orb was definitely not there. Paranoia settled in. What if she got the thing to work again and somehow retrieved her powers? Her memory would return, making her even more of a threat. She could be giving Angel the information where he was right this very instant!
Hands shaking, Lindsey quickly ran back to his room, grabbing his keys. Things had to be done to counter act what had passed. First, he would have to find a new place and...
Lindsey stopped. He was doing exactly what his training taught him not to do. Despite what his fears were telling him, he had to slow down and think. Little hard to do when there is a seer loose out there on the streets. Sitting down on the floor, he crossed his legs and got into a meditation position. Closing his eyes, he began to concentrate. Releasing all his doubts and fears.
Finaly finding his center, the young deviant was able to reason like a calm collected warrior. First off, Cordelia using the orb last night was a fluke. Her emotions were stormy, allowing her to stumble upon one of the triggers of the mighty weapon. That's one of many reasons the orb was put in the underworld. Only one with great, emotional restraint would be able to master it.
As for Angel, he now knew that the vampire could not possibly know where he was at the present moment, not that Cordelia eventually telling him wouldn't be a possibility. But he reasoned that the vampire would already be there by now, fangs bared and ready to carry out that hidden threat the last time they talked.
So, that left a little time to make some decisions. Finding Cordelia was a must. He needed that orb back, it was crucial for what he had planned. Second reason is simply to take care of a loose end. Cordelia knew too much. With her memory, or without it, she was too much of a threat to keep around. Sure, he would have loved to use her to toy with Angel's head. Turn her to his side of things, but that now was not going to happen. He should have killed her when he had the chance.
Which brought up another problem. Connor wouldn't stand for it. He had too much of his father in him to allow Cordelia's life to end, not to mention his crush on the seer. It was disappointing, since Connor was something he really wanted for the plans that has molded throughout these long months. The kid had potential, but like Cordelia, was too much of a threat. He'd have to take him out soon. But not just yet. He needed to string the kid along some more for a few more things.
Opening his eyes, Lindsey was now completely cool and collected. Harnessing his fears and rage came more easily than it used to, thanks to his decision to leave Wolfram and Hart. Standing up, he ran his hand through his shoulder length hair, and smiled. Today would be interesting to say the least.
Walking into the living room, he quickly lost the smile, trying out his acting skills again.
"Connor! Get your ass up!"
Connor grumbled, but refused to budge. Walking over to the sleeping teenager, he tried again, adding a hint of panic.
"Connor! It's Cordelia!"
That did it. Lindsey covered his mouth, hiding the evil smirk as the teenager rolled off the couch, eyes wide open. "What? What is it? Is she hurt?"
"No, dumb-ass. She's gone."
"Gone?" Connor repeated, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
"Yeah, as in vanished, disappeared, not here, gone! We gotta go, now. Before someone recognizes her."
Connor quickly grabbed his night bag and grabbed some clean clothes. A few moments later, he was ready.
"The trail is probably cold. So we need to start thinking of places that might attract her, or she might even recognize."
Connor nodded. As he followed Lindsey out the door, he thought of something. "What about that orb thing you got? Couldn't you use-"
"It's gone. She's got it with her."
That didn't sound good. "You sure? What about your girlfriend?"
"No, she knows not to touch it."
Connor began to get worried. This orb was magical, which meant it was dangerous. He never trusted it, knowing that it was meant for terrible things. He's seen what it did to the demons that Lindsey and him used it on. Even though the demons were evil, he couldn't help but feel sorry for them. No warrior should go out like that, stripped of the defenses that they were born with.
He hoped Cordelia didn't try to use it again. For her sake.
A
Cordelia sighed with contentment, cuddling closer to the rock hard, cold, male body. It felt so familiar and right. Like she's been there before. Part of her subconscious knew that this wasn't her bed, nor did she have a boyfriend to cuttle with. The other part, the sleepy, dreamy, hot blooded female side told the other side to just shut-up and enjoy it while it lasts. Dreams that were soon forgotten beckoned her to come back, relax and give in to sleep once again.
The strong arms holding her suddenly shifted, putting her on top of the hard body. A strange thrill went down her spine as large hands slowly rubbed up and down her spine, where her tight, spaghetti shirt rolled up and revealing her skin. The cold hands chilled and thrilled her. Heat began to spread throughout her body. A soft moan escaped her lips. An answering deeper moan followed, coming from the hot male she was currently sprawled on top of.
Mm. Yummy dream. Don't stop. Cordelia thought lustfully. The hands, as if answering her unspoken plea, soon slipped under her shirt, going up her spine. One hand cupped the back of her neck, messaging it while the other brushed against the sides of her bust line. Her sleepiness began to clear as the hands hypnotized her into an aroused state.
It wasn't till she heard the french glass doors open and a sharp intake of air did she realize that this dream was becoming reality. Plus, a certain male beneath her was getting excited, just like she was. Opening her eyes, she looked up from the wide chest into sleepy, beautiful, brown eyes tinged with gold. The gold color vanished as clarity settled in for both of them.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Cordelia screamed as she pushed herself off of Angel's body.
"Ahh!" yelped Angel with surprise.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" screamed Fred as she pointed at Cordelia who now currently was perched at the edge of the bed. Cordy kept screaming while pointing at both Angel and Fred. The screaming didn't stop till Lorne ran in.
"Will you people be quiet! I've got a bad enough hangover as it is!" Lorne shouted. Everyone quieted down. All looked at Cordy as she looked at the green demon. She opened her mouth to let out another scream, but Angel's quick hand covered her plump mouth.
"Let's not do that again," suggested Angel.
To his surprise, she bit down on his palm, getting him to release her. In a way, Angel liked it. Hey, he's a vampire. They associate pain between women and men a turn on. Especially when it dealt with his seer.
Quickly getting off the bed, she ran to a corner, grabbing her back pack. She then used it like a shield, waiting for an attack of some kind.
"Now everybody, just relax and breath," Lorne began.
Suddenly, Gunn rushed in with his homemade battle ax, ready to inflict damage. This was too much for Cordy to take. Screaming, she ran forward and kicked Gunn in the chins. Dropping his ax in surprise and pain, Cordy ran out of the bedroom and then through the door of the apartment.
As she reached the stairs, the same cold hard arms that cuddled her earlier circled around her waist, lifting her in the air.
"LET ME GO! I SAID LET ME GO, PERVERT!"
"Pervert?" said the confused voice from her supposed attacker. "I'm not a pervert! Just because your red panties went missing... Uh, just... calm down."
But Cordelia's stubborn streak wouldn't let her admit defeat. She tried everything. Scratching, digging her nails in his skin, trying to swing her head back to give him a head bunt. But Angel was too experienced in holding prey such as humans.
After screaming like a two year old for two minutes, Angel tried calmly again to settle his best friend down.
"I'm not going to let you go till you quiet down and stop wiggling."
Knowing that this was a situation taken out of her hands, Cordelia finally went limp, her shoulders sagging with defeat. Cautiously, he sat her down, then turned her around to face him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lorne, Gunn, and Fred standing nearby, watching with shock and disbelief.
"Who are you people?"
"Cordy-"
"How do you know my name?" Cordelia interrupted. Her irritation grew as Angel stood there, opening and closing his mouth. "It's a simple question."
"You don't remember us?" Fred intervened, coming closer to the two. Cordelia's hands were shaking as she shook her head.
"Should I?"
"Cordy, everything is okay, we're your friends," Angel calmly stated, reaching for her hands. She quickly took a step back.
"My friends?" Cordelia was more confused than ever. Her guys back at the apartment never mentioned that she had other friends.
"Yeah, we're your friends. Lorne," Angel began, pointing at the concerned demon, "Winifred-"
"Just call me Fred," the young ex-physicist said quickly.
"And I'm Charles Gunn.. Two N's."
"And I'm Angel."
"What do you remember?" Fred asked.
Cordelia shook her head. "Nothing. Just what I've been told."
"Told?" Angel asked. "Told by-"
"Um, not to be the annoying voice of reason, but it looks like Cordilicious is about to snap, crackle, and pop. How about we get ready for the day before we start with the heavy questions?" Lorne said lightly.
Cordy gave him a hard look, trying to figure out why he looked so familiar.
"That sounds fine to me... I'll just come back later."
Angel gently grabbed her arm. "Wait! Don't go, please. We have all your stuff in one of the rooms here."
"Um, no, you don't. All my belongings are in this backpack," Cordelia replied coldly.
"No, it's true!" Fred looked at her friend with a eager yet truthful face.
"So, we really... knew each other?"
"Go look in the room for yourself, Barbie," Gunn finally spoke up, giving her a encouraging smile.
Fred took Cordelia by the arm, and began to lead her to her new room. Angel, Lorne, and Gunn watched the two leave.
"I can't believe it," Angel said dreamily. "She's back."
"Yes, but not completely," Lorne replied, reluctantly playing the mood killer. "Somehow or the other, she's got amnesia. And how much you wanna bet that it has something to deal with that deranged pup of yours and his partner in crime."
"Yeah. Who knows what they did to her," Gunn said, shaking his head. Angel wasn't quite ready to fall back to reality just yet.
"But she's back! She got away and came here. That should mean-"
"Angel-face, don't get too excited. Whatever happened to her, it not only affected her memory, it also effected her physically."
Angel froze. "What do you mean?"
"Before all this trouble started, Cordelia's aura was more powerful. That demon blood The Powers put in her was very special, and growing at a rapid rate. Now, all I sense from the our girl is... normal."
"And normal is bad," Angel replied sarcastically. Lorne sighed.
"I can't know more until you get her to sing for me. But for now, take it easy, I think seeing green and waking up in Baby Bear's bed with all the Bears looking at her has Goldilocks on the edge."
"Huh?"
"What my man, Lorne, is trying to say is that rushing in and telling her everything about her non normal life while claiming to be-"
Angel raised his hands. "It's okay, I know that we have to be careful. She's got some kind of amnesia, and more than likely Connor and his friend will come looking for her. We'll need to be on our guard."
A
Wesley chuckled as Lilah jumped him, slamming him to the floor. "Feeling frisky?"
"Mm, yes, but we only have a short while before that special meeting I have to go to," Lilah replied as she began unbuttoning his shirt quickly.
"So it's a quicky then?"
Lilah groaned as she was suddenly flipped over, this time Wesley on top. Her hands rubbed his masculine chest. "Of course. As the new boss, I've got to break in those employees, crack the whip, literally and figuratively speaking."
Wesley began trailing kisses along her jaw as she continued speaking. "You know what they say, early bird gets the worm."
Wesley grunted as she unzipped his jeans.
"So many things to discuss. Such as Connor and his mysterious savior. Where they have Cordelia and-"
"Lilah, I don't need to hear what your office is planning," Wesley replied softly, suddenly not too much in the mood for this little game of theirs.
"What? I'm just concerned over Angel's son's welfare. After being tied up prisoner in the hotel over a simple thing as keeping Cordelia's whereabouts a secret, well, I was thinking that he might need a new friend. You know, like a sister... or hell, Mrs. Robinson."
Wesley kissed her gruffly, shutting her up. After a few moments, he continued on with taking off her clothing. Lilah smiled, loving how her words riled him up.
"You do know that our relationship is no longer a secret?"
Wesley shrugged as he slowly slid one nylon stocking off, then the other. "I really don't care what the evil employees at Wolfram and Hart think. You are running the show now."
"True. But I wasn't talking about them, though they've known for a little while now. I was talking about Angel."
Wesley paused. Lilah continued on. "Those annoying vamp smelling senses of his really is... well, annoying."
Seeing the look on his face, Lilah's grin melted away. "I'm sure he didn't spill your dirty little secret to little Miss Texas."
"I really couldn't care if he did," Wesley lied as he ripped her blouse open. Lilah's face winced, knowing that he just told her a bold, face, lie.
The phone began to ring. At first, Wesley ignore it. But after the eighth ring, he gave in. Lilah pouted as he left her on the floor to answer the phone.
"Wyndham-Pryce here... What?... When?"
Lilah's keen sense of observation picked up the sudden slight change in Wesley's tone. Acting as if she didn't care, she looked at her nails with a bored look. Though secretly, she tried to pick up on his tone and body actions. He turned his back to her, hiding his face. She smiled, noticing the tenseness in his back. She presumed the call was from Angel.
"Of course. I'll be there shortly."
"Who was that?" Lilah asked nonchalantly. Wesley picked up his shirt, giving her a calm and unreadable look.
"Hawkins. We just got a lead on a case. Sorry for the inconvenience, Lilah. But I really-"
"Must be going. I know," Lilah sighed, standing up. She sauntered over to her lover, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You can pay me later. And no quickies."
Wesley smiled, giving her a light peck on the lips. He then turned and walked out, telling her to lock up when she left.
Lilah quickly grabbed her cell phone, dialing Wolfram and Hart. "This is Lilah Morgan. Tell everyone to bring their files on Angel Investigations to the staff meeting this morning."
A
Cordelia sighed as she looked through the boxes of stuff in the large room. She felt both afraid and pleased to see that she did have several belongings. Stylish clothes, shoes, nick knacks, books, pictures. It all belonged to her. Well, that's what she was told.
At the moment, she was looking through pictures. Some were of her as a child, at least that was what she presumed, and the adults in the picture was her parents. There was some of her with long hair, on top of a pyramid. She smiled. Cheerleader was good. Doyle and Connor never mentioned anything about her past that didn't deal with demons. She blew that off, presuming that it was because they didn't know her during her teen years. Especially Connor, he wasn't even born then.
Laying the photo album down, she turned to a yearbook. Sunnydale High was printed on the cover in bold yellow letters. Turning the pages, she looked through pictures of herself, people she presumed were friends, and other things that the yearbook had. She smiled as she read the future the yearbook commity printed for her.
"Cordelia Chase. Has a witty personality, gorgeous, voted most popular, head of the Cheereleader squad. Will most likely succeed in everything she does. Future Movie-Star or Runway Model... Well, I agree with the witty personality and gorgeous part, but apparently the movie-star and model part never came true," Cordy sighed.
Flipping the pages over, she saw a senior prom picture of her and a handsome, tall older guy with glasses. She smiled.
"Apparently, I was into older guys. Not bad lookin' either."
Coming to class quotes, she found herself giggling as she read aloud her own. "Just call me the Boy Slayer. (giggles) Apparently, I'm not the humblest person in the room."
Flipping the pages to the back, she began to read what several people signed in the autograph section.
"Hey Cordelia, how about that... giant snake... Thanks for the flaming arrows, too bad that the school was blown up? What?"
Maybe my school years weren't exactly filled with normalcy. Jeez, what kind of life did I lead?
Setting the yearbook down, she went back to the pictures. Pictures may help better than reading about violent school days. She smiled when coming upon pictures of the woman named Fred, the other guy with the battle ax, the green demon, and one of her in the middle smiling with the hottie she woke up on and the guy from her prom picture.
"Why didn't Doyle tell me about you guys?" she murmered aloud. From the pictures, they seemed to be all close friends. And not one of them had Doyle in it. Was he picture shy or something?
She froze when coming across the picture of her, the guy with the girly name, and a baby. Both of them looked down at the sleeping baby in her arms, smiling with parental pride.
"Oh my God. I'm..." she stopped, looking up from her pictures. That man must be her... And she called him a...
Taking the picture of the happy scene, she quickly ran out the door, trying to find Angel. She quickly found the stairs and descended. Her heart began to beat faster as she entered the lobby. Strangely, nobody was around. At least, that's what she thought.
Angel quickly ducked, clutching a partially empty container of pigs blood. He hasn't eaten since the yesterday evening, and with all the fighting and stress, his throat was beginning to burn with the thirst.
Peeking over the counter, he watched as Cordy looked around. "Hello?"
Angel quickly ducked again, feeling panicy. On one hand, it was Cordelia who got him comfortable with feeding in front of her and their friends. Her one special delight was to heat up his blood and add different concoctions. Most made the blood taste unpleasant, but once and awhile he liked the added change. Now there he was, hiding from her the one quality that never really bothered her on his vampire status.
"Is anybody here? Mr. The-Guy-I-Was-Sleeping-On-Top-Of?"
Angel quickly saw his opportunity of escape as she headed for the other end of the lobby. Quickly and stealthily, he was able to escape up the stairs.
Cordelia turned around, feeling his presence, but not able to find the one she was seeking. She quickly trotted over to the counter, pausing when she saw one, single drop of a dark, ruby red substance. With a shaking hand, she touched the substance, and brought it up to her face.
"Blood... Okay, I'm getting scared now."
The sound of the doors opening had Cordelia hitting the deck now. They're conversation was not inspiring safety at all.
"Man! Can you believe that many babies popped out of there?" Gunn asked.
"I'll just be grateful if I can get their guts out of my hair."
Cordelia covered her mouth, suppressing the scream. The gruesome conversation continued.
"Damn! Chopping up their little heads and fingers was way more messier than I thought. Maybe the next time that freaky Mother needs to give birth in a deep, dark, lair or somethin'."
Cordelia gasped as the battle axe was laid on the reception desk. It's gooey blade was hanging over the edge, covered with strange gooey things. From the pinkness of the stuff, Cordy presumed it was the guts of murdered, innocent children.
"I don't think I'll ever get those screams out of my head. It almost makes me want to kill them all over again," Fred huffed.
Cordelia's eyes grew wider with each passing sentence. Suddenly, some pink blood covered goop fell on her cheek. She screamed, jumping up and scaring the other two.
"I gotta get out of here!"
"Cordy, wait!" Gunn shouted.
But it was too late. She was out the back doors in a matter of seconds. But she could go no further before being attacked by people dressed in black suits. Instincts took over as she battle the humans. Angel joined the fight, and together they were able to ward off the ambush.
"Whoa! I'm lethal," Cordelia said in wander after the people dressed in black fled.
"No argument there," Angel replied as he reached to check if she was injured. He couldn't hold back the hurt look as she yanked herself away.
"Don't you dare touch me, Angie."
"It's Angel. Just calm down."
"How can I calm down?" Cordelia demanded as Gunn and Fred joined them. "When you have people here murdering children!"
"Say what?" Gunn asked, looking at Cordy like she grown two heads.
"Don't play dumb with me. I heard you two talking about chopping babies up and the guts on that ax. Whatever went down here and... and... I'm sick of it!"
Angel held up two hands, trying to calm her down as she began hyperventilating. "Cordy, nobody here murdered any human children."
"Yeah, just evil demon spawn," Gunn replied, then instantly regretted it as Angel sent him a dark look.
"Demon spawn?... Well, I guess human blood wouldn't be pink... And who were these people then that attacked me?"
"Lawyers," Fred replied.
"Evil lawyers," Angel furthered implied. "They work for Wolfram and Hart and we've been fighting them for years. Together. As a team."
Lindsey's earlier lies about Angelus and his buddies came rushing back. "Wait a minute. We've worked together before, haven't we?"
Angel smiled hopefully, thinking that she was remembering.
"Doyle, me, you. We were once a team."
"Yes! I mean, we still are-"
"Angelus," Cordelia whispered, her eyes widening in terror. She began to slowly walk back.
"Y... Yes. I was once Angelus. But not anymore."
"You tried to kill Doyle," she shouted. Angel shook his head vehemently.
"No! I would never-"
"And you made me your..." Cordy stopped, covering her mouth. "Oh God."
Angel quickly grabbed Cordelia as she tried to run out of the garden. He quickly tried to sooth her as she screamed like a banshee, but this time nothing was going to work. Fred tried to help, but Cordy would accuse her of being one of his minions. The situation would have become worse if Wesley didn't show up and use the dart gun they kept in the desk drawer.
As the hysterical brunette slipped into unconciousness, Angel lifted her up in his arms, looking down at her with a million different feelings and emotions crossing his features.
"Well, what did I miss?" asked Wesley.
A
"Please, stop! I know nothing!"
"Are you actually telling me that a snitch such as yourself knows nothing on what goes down around here?"
Lindsey quickly punched the green demon in his kidneys, earning a satisfactory yelp. The short demon sank to his knees, his red eyes squeezed shut. "Now Sam, everyone knows that you took up your brother Meryl's business after he died. You're supposed to be top of the line, my friend. Some even say that you're better than your brother, always poking that ugly face of yours in everyone's business."
"I swear, man! I never saw the girl before. Would I keep lying to you knowing that you two were going to beat the crap outta me!"
Connor kicked Sam's spine, causing him to go limp to the floor. He began to whimper, crawling along the floor. Lindsey gently laid his booted foot over his neck, and began to apply pressure.
"Really? Guess you're not much use to us then."
Sam began squealing as the boot on his neck began to put too much pressure. "Wait! Wait, I did see something. Just show me her picture again so I can make sure."
Lindsey removed his foot and crouched down, showing him a wallet sized picture of a smiling Cordeila, waving at the camera. The demon quickly nodded.
"Yeah, that's the chick. I saw her walking around late last night. Well, early this morning, around 1 or 2 a.m., downtown."
"Where downtown?" Connor asked as he pulled out a knife. The demon heard the sound of the knife being sharpened, and gulped.
"I-I'm not sure. But I do remember it was around Cherry's Diner."
Lindsey smiled as he pulled out a couple of twenty's out of his wallet. "Very good Sam. Here's a little something for your generous help."
As the two walked away, Sam slowly picked up the money, and frowned. "Jerks. Meryl was right. Business around here sucks."
A
Back at the hotel, Cordelia was lying unconscious in Angel's bed as her friends discussed the situation.
"Poor Cordelia. She has no idea who she is or who we are, just what Connor and mystery guy told her. And I'm guessing that it's not good," Fred sighed as she plopped down on Angel's couch.
Wesley and Lorne was sitting on both sides of her while Gunn sat in a chair, watching Angel pace.
"You think they brainwashed her?" Gunn suggested. Angel shook his head.
"No. At least not completely. They definitely got her believing that we're the bad guys."
"She has amnesia, there is no mistake in that from what you told me. They most likely told her lies and half truths of your mutual pasts, and concerning you in her life," Wesley said thoughtfully. Angel's grim frown grew bigger.
"No offense Angel-cakes, but I don't think your son has the brains to turn innocent little Cordelia against us. Maybe we should start looking for who his partner is."
"Wolfram and Hart sounds like a good candidate," chimed in Fred. Wesley quickly disagreed.
"Under normal circomstances, I would agree with you. But after their little stunt outside, I'm not so sure. Besides, they would rather have Connor under the knife than be his... partner in crime."
Angel winced, but didn't disagree. "So whoever this mystery guy is, he's hard up in turning Cordy against us while keeping my son under his thumb?"
Nobody said anything.
"Lorne, when she wakes up, maybe you can listen to her as she sings?" Angel asked.
"I would love to, except she might refuse due to the fact that we're her enemies."
"Yeah, how are we supposed to show her that we were once tight if she goes all kung-fu-Cordy on us. Plus she has those glowing powers... What if she can turn us into rats?" Gunn asked with a shudder.
Wesley seemed to pale at the idea; both men shared a mutual fear of rats. Fred looked at Wesley with a innocent smile.
"She hasn't talked to you yet. Maybe, you could... get on her good side, get her to at least somewhat trust us."
"That could work," Wesley began to say, "But we have to remember that she could have been told anything about us. It won't be easy."
"We'll take it slow," Angel said softly. "No rushing her. Start out with some pictures, and show her certain objects that might trigger her memory. Of us... of me."
The sound of Cordelia's movement in the other room had Angel putting his finger up to his mouth, silencing the others. He quickly grabbed the photo album she was looking at earlier, and gave it to Wesley. Pushing the ex-watcher to the doors, Wesley entered the bedroom.
Cordelia slowly sat up, her eyes glazed from the sedative. Wesley grabbed a chair, setting it down near the bed. Tired and woozy, the seer still kept tense, looking at the man with the stubble on his face. His blue eyes didn't waver as he looked into her own.
"How are you feeling?"
"Thirsty."
Wesley nodded. "Of course. That sedative has some rather nasty side effects at times. Does your head ache?"
The seer slowly nodded.
"I'll get you something for the nuisance."
Wesley laid the photo album on the bed, then quickly walked to the door. Before he reached it, it opened enough to allow a pale hand to give the English man a glass of water, and some pain reliever asperin.
Handing Cordy the water and medicine, she caustiously took the pills and drained every drop of cool, refreshing liquid.
"Better?"
"Yeah... Thanks."
Wesley nodded, then proceeded to open the book. Before he could start explaining, Cordelia held up her hand, "I've already been through it, thanks."
"Good. Then I shouldn't have to tell you that all of us know each other. We've worked side by side for some time now."
"That doesn't change what that thing did to me."
Wesley nodded. "And what exactly did Angel do to you?"
Cordelia crossed her arms. "Don't play dumb with me."
"I'm not," Wesley replied calmly, as if this was a normal conversation between friends. "I've been out of the loop lately. For awhile now. And I honestly would like to know what happened."
Cordelia's doubts about this firm yet gentle man began to waver. There seemed to be no signs of lies, or the strange eagerness that the others had when talking to her. Something about him reminded her of what she felt when she was around Doyle, Connor, and the others. An outsider.
"I... He told me some things."
"He who?"
"The two people who have been taking care of me for the last week. Connor and Doyle."
"I know Connor, but I believe I never met Doyle. Tell me, what was this Doyle's full name?"
"Francis Allen Doyle. He used to be Angelus's seer."
Cordelia then began with the lies that Lindsey had told her. Wesley, keeping his face neautral, listened and rarely interrupted. When she came to the 'pet' part that she supposedly played, they both heard and felt the door slam in the other room. The ex-watcher didn't have to guess that it was Angel who stormed out.
When she was done, tears were trailing down Cordelia's cheek.
"And how did you escape?"
"I didn't 'escape', I simply left when everyone was asleep," Cordelia retorted, keeping the part about stealing Lindsey's orb quiet. In fact, she never talked about it once. Leaving the part of the vision she had the other night a secret.
"It sounds to me that you don't know what to believe."
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
Wesley's mouth twitched till a half smile formed. "I'm not going to pretend that we didn't know each other. You've seen the pictures. Not one shows anything wrong with the relationships between us. And yes, Angelus was a danger to all at one point in time. But now, he's gone. Angel is in control. The pictures, not to mention his actions toward you, should prove how he feels about you, and the condition of his soul. His good soul."
Cordy bit her lip, looking away. Wesley sighed. "It's a lot to take in. On one hand, two people have been taking care of you. Actions usually speak louder than words. You trust them. Just give us a chance to prove to you that we're not the bad guys."
Cordelia couldn't argue with that.
"I would ask you questions on what this Doyle looks like and others similar questions, but I think there's been enough drama for the day. Would you like to come downstairs? Maybe have something to eat?"
Cordelia hesitated before agreeing. "Sure... There was something I wanted to ask Angel before the freak out episode."
Wesley nodded as Cordelia stood up and followed him out. Apparently, the others followed Angel downstairs to calm him down. Upon entering the lobby, any sign of distress or anger was gone. Gunn was casually seated on the orange couch, playing his game-boy. Fred was busy trying to find out what that orange powdery substance was. Even though Cordelia was back, she was still curious about the properties and how it was made.
"Hey, Cordy. How's it goin'?" Gunn asked just a tad bit too obviously. Fred rolled her eyes as Cordelia smiled.
"It's... confusing."
"I'm going to order take out. Anyone have any suggestions?"
"Tacos!" Fred chirped.
"Pizza," Gunn voiced loudly, giving his grinning girlfriend an annoyed glare.
"Cordy?" Wesley asked.
"Um," Cordelia hesitated. Back at the apartment, most of the time Connor and Lindsey ordered greasy take out food. Once and awhile, Lindsey would cook. Truthfully, she didn't even know what food she liked the best.
"Chinese," Angel answered for her, knowing that she adored the food. "She likes the noodles, Tangerine chicken, 1 egg roll, and the egg drop soup. We've got some diet soda in the fridge."
Cordelia felt her heart accelerate at the sight of the vampire as he stealthily exited the office. The dark blue, silk, buttoned shirt clung to his body in all the right places. Her mouth went completely dry as he walked right up to her, his face looking so vulnerable, yet pensive. The urge to kiss away the worry was almost too hard to resist.
"Is that fine with you?" he whispered.
Cordelia gulped, then nodded. His slightly pouty lips did that half sexy smile that would have the old Cordy ogling like a school girl.
The memory of waking up the way they did came flooding back like a tidal wave, causing her to physically react. Angel was surprised to see the sudden blush that tinted her cheeks. It was rare to see Cordelia blushing. He hoped he would see more times like this.
"Well, I'm going to order," Wesley suddenly said, unknowingly breaking the spell between the two.
Realising just who she was lusting for was like a bucket of cold water. Stepping away, she put her hands in her jean pockets, then paused. The picture.
Taking it out, she slowly handed it to Angel. "Um, I was going to show you that earlier, before I freaked out."
Angel's face fell as he held the happy scene in his hands. He lovingly touched it's surface, and sighed.
"At first, I thought me and you... were..."
Angel finally looked up from the photo. Her shyness was also something he wasn't used to seeing.
"The parents... But after thinking about it, and living with Connor for a week, I now know who the baby is in the picture. He's not mine."
Those words cut Angel deeply, though he knew she didn't mean it the way she worded them.
"No. Not biologically. But... you were the closest thing he had to a mother."
Cordelia smiled, feeling more and more comfortable with the vampire. He wasn't anything the way the fake Doyle told her. She hated to admit it, but maybe, just maybe Doyle lied to her. The thought made her sick.
"Lunch will be here in fifteen minutes," Wesley called out.
Cordelia nodded. Angel handed the picture back, giving her a lost look. The instinct to comfort him took over. Taking the picture with one hand, she grabbed his other with her other hand. This move caused a feeling of a jolt of electricity going up his arm. Tampering down those flames of passion, Angel simply squeezed her hand. The Cordelia mega-watt smile greeted him, causing the sensation of floating inside of the vampire's head.
"Angel... Will you tell me more about... me?"
Grinning like the dork she fell in love with, Angel replied enthusiastically. "Yes! We can start right now, if you like?"
Giving her consent, Angel and Cordelia rushed back up stairs unnoticed by the others.
A
Lindsey and Connor were busy showing the only picture they had of Cordelia to everyone at the diner. Most were no help. Some said they recognized her as the chick who worked at the old hotel. Others simply ignored them, too busy eating their food. It wasn't till they talked to the last person, a waitress, when they got some juicy info.
"Yeah, I recognize her. I saw the poor thing walking down the street, looking so lost and fragile."
Lindsey and Connor shared a eager look. Giving his most charming smile, Lindsey continued to with his questioning. "Did you see which way she went?"
"Yeah. I would have stopped her and asked if she needed a ride, but I was called late for the night shift by my sick friend. Only got four hours of sleep!"
"Ma'am, can you please-"
"She went down that way. I hope she got to wherever she was going safely."
"Thanks," Lindsey said as he literally yanked Connor out of the diner. They quickly jumped in the truck, and drove off. Lindsey's scowl began to grow deeper, his grumblings turning into full blown out cursing. It wasn't long before they past the Hyperion.
"She's there," Lindsey all but growled.
Connor looked pale as he said, "You don't think-"
"Oh, she's there. She may have amnesia, but that doesn't stop her from remembering old feelings. Hell, for all we know she remembers everything!"
"Should we move?"
Lindsey pulled over, parking so he could calm down. After taking several deep breaths, he calmed himself down enough to think.
"No. Not yet. We just have to face facts. Cordelia might be lost to us. Even if she doesn't remember anything yet, she will soon. So... we'll go scope things out. If she's still unsure of who she is and who to trust, we'll get her out of there. As long as we get that orb back. That's very important. We get the orb, then see what we can do about Cordelia."
Connor looked down. Lindsey squeezed his shoulder before turning the key in the ignition. "Don't worry, everything will go as planned. One way or another. In fact, I may know a friend who could help us put a wedge between Angel and his seer. "
"Who?"
From Lindsey smug smirk, Connor guessed quickly on just who it was. "That chick from last night?"
"She has a lot of connections. And since she's been wanting to get fully involved with this plan, I'm gonna let her."
A
"So, we weren't... you know."
"Know what?" Angel asked, playing dumb.
Cordy looked down at the shoe she randomly picked up. It was a beautiful, expensive sandle, it's heel a purplish color. Angel gulped, recognizing the shoe from a certain ballet they went to together.
"A couple?"
Angel sighed as he sat down on her bed, noticing how she wasn't shying away. That was a good sign.
"No.. Well, it was... compl-" Angel hesitated as he found himself leaning toward her. Their lips almost touching. Closing his eyes, he prepared to close the distance. But Cordelia quickly pulled away, smiling nervously.
"Why did Doyle tell me that you were evil?"
Angel stiffened, feeling repulsed that someone would use Doyle's name to press their evil agendas. His fists clenched, he quickly began to try to nip that in the bud.
"Cordelia, this Doyle that you know, isn't the one that we knew. He's a fraud."
"A fraud? This man has protected me and-"
"Whatever he told you were all lies! Yes, we both once worked with a Doyle. He was my best friend, seer, and champion. The man gave his life so that I could continue to fight and help the helpless, not to mention giving you the visions."
Cordelia cocked her head. "I'm not sure what to believe. But... I promised Wesley that I would give you guys a chance. Tell me everything. Don't hold anything back."
Angel's mind and heart fought for dominance. On one hand, his mind reasoned that too much information would only confuse her, and potentially harm any trust that was there. On the other hand, his heart wanted to be totally honest with her, hopefully triggering her memory. Besides, Cordelia wasn't one who hid from the truth. Brute honesty was the way she would go if the situation was reversed.
Taking her hand, he sighed before looking deep into her eyes. "It's one hell of a tale."
"I'm a big girl. I think I can handle it."
Before Angel could start, Cordelia threw her head back and screamed. She began thrashing as the vision hit. Holding her tight, Angel waited till the all too familiar painful vision passed. The pain wasn't supposed to be there, which had Angel worried.
"Oh, God! It's horrible," Cordelia cried, unconciously circling her arms around Angel's neck.
Her body shook as she sobbed. Angel soothingly rubbed her back, whispering nonsense in her ear. After a few moments, she pulled away to wipe the tears away. The worried vampire quickly pulled a tissue from a box nearby. She flinched, scooting away.
"What did you see?"
"It's too horrible!"
"Cordelia," Angel said more sternly, soothingly touching her face. "Tell me."
"You. I saw you," she shouted. Standing up, she pointed an accusing finger at him. "You, except with longer lair and clothes from days of yore. You were killing, raping, destroying lives. Doyle was right. There's nothing noble or good about you."
"Cordelia, wait!"
Angel watched with shock as Cordelia yet again flee in terror from him. This time, he couldn't stop her.
A/N: Oh no! Why must Lindsey be such a pain! Because he wouldn't be the Lindsey we all hate and love. If you good people don't mind, leave a little review. Heck, even some suggestions wouldn't hurt.