Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon and Angel the series.
Spoilers: Let's say the entire series?
Feedback: Always welcomed and read
A/N: Guess what? The story hijacked itself! Bad story! No really, my original plan, out the window. My characters took off without me and are probably crying out, 'na na na nana' right now. So this will be longer than expected as well as the surprise that popped up this chapter. Surprise you say? Why yes! It was a surprise for me, so I'm leaving it as a surprise for you as well! I hope you all enjoy it and it makes as much sense to you as it did to me. If not, blame the characters, it wasn't me I swear!
Chapter Ten
It had been two days. Two days and Angel couldn't remember ever feeling as lost as he did right now. Even during his so called 'beige period'. He had tried to call a meeting and though everyone showed up, it felt as though he were intruding. Fred and Wes chatted, exchanged a kiss and he had been surprised that Cordy had been right. Part of him knew that she had a hand in bringing the two together. Lorne smiled at the two and they chatted. Once the meeting started, however, it was all business. Their voices clipped, reporting only what they had to. Wesley was civil, but barely. Lorne was dismissive and Fred was quiet, apologetically so, but he knew she was more hurt for them then for him. Gunn was the only one that was the same and for some reason that bothered him even more. He suggested they all take lunch together, trying to garner a smile. Every last one of them had something to do. So he had watched as they all left and Wes' words came back to him. He'd lost his family. That was when he stopped Gunn and told him to set up a drive. He wanted to, no he needed to, see Connor. Know that it was worth it.
AA
Cordy let out a growl and tossed the broom down from the top of the ladder. She heard a chuckle and narrowed her eyes, leaning over the top of the ladder and glared at him.
"You know, you could help."
"What, an' take away all your fun?"
She looked around for something else to throw and finally settled on a bottle of spray. Grabbing it she pulled back to throw it at him and he put his hands up to protect his head with a laugh. Before the bottle went flying his hands came down and he jumped for the ladder as she dropped the bottle out of a limp hand and seemed to almost float off of the ladder. Catching her he moved her to the couch and pushed the hair from her face, his own screwed up in concentration.
"Fred! Oh god Spike it's Fred!"
Her hands tightened on his arm and he frowned. He didn't get to ask more as they were interrupted by the front door opening.
"Spike? But, but. . . "
Cordy's eyes faded from white back to hazel and she looked up at the vampire with apology in her eyes. He stiffened and stood up slowly, not letting go of Cordelia as he turned to the group standing in the entrance way.
"Slayer."
Buffy was obviously in shock, not able to take her eyes off of Spike. Willow put a hand on her arm hoping to help her, while the three slayers behind her looked uncomfortable. Giles frowned and set down a bag. That's when Buffy's eyes went down to his hand on Cordelia. Then she shut down and glared at Cordy.
"Thought you were dead. What, is it part of some program for vampires? Get a soul, fall for a slayer, run away and find the biggest bitch possible?"
Willow winced and looked at Cordelia with her own apology. Spike was growling and Cordelia stood up, putting her hand in his to help him calm down.
"What are you doing here Buffy?"
Giles cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"We have reason to believe that an ancient god is about to rise and attempt to destroy the world. We had heard about Angel and the, er, law firm so felt it best to bring a small group of slayers to deal with it."
Cordy let out a long breath and nodded then she let go of Spike and stepped forward.
"Well, yeah, there's a problem. I just had a vision and it's after Fred. I don't think she has a lot of time so, why don't you guys come in. There's rooms upstairs if you want to find one to settle into. I'll explain what I know as soon as you're settled."
She turned to Spike.
"It's in her lab. Some sort of sarcophagous? If she opens it it will infect her, kill her and take her over."
"Like that Jasmine thing then?"
"No, worse. It burns her soul away, leaves nothing behind. NOTHING. You have to stop her."
Spike nodded and went for the weapons cabinet. The others had started to move but Buffy stopped.
"Wait, what is going on here?"
Cordelia and Spike exchanged a look before he left to get his sword, Angel's old broad sword and leave out the back.
"Buffy, we, have a lot to talk about, and I promise it's not what it looks like and I'll tell you everything."
"Buffy? Maybe we should get a room first, get everyone settled in?"
Willow smiled at her friend and to everyone's relief Buffy reluctantly nodded and grabbed bags, then gave orders for the girls to follow her up the stairs. Willow paused to give Cordelia a hug and they both relaxed some.
"Sorry, about. . . "
"Oh don't Willow, honestly, I'm just so glad to see you all!"
"Really?"
"You have no idea."
Cordelia laughed, eyes filling already and Willow grinned. She knew that Cordy had changed, and was really kind of liking talk to her, at least the last few times she had come by. She nodded and headed off to get her own room and Cordelia sighed. Going to sit down she didn't realize Giles was still standing there.
"Giles?"
"You're a seer."
He didn't ask, so much as stated. She licked her lips and tried for a smile.
"It's, a long story."
He nodded and walked over to sit across from her. Obviously ready for the story himself so she sighed and thought how Wes would want to be told if it was new. That detached Watcher thing that was more informational. Sitting forward she started, knowing it was longer than she thought.
AA
Spike had come straight to the lawyer's office. He was only a bit surprised to find orders to keep him and Cordelia out. He held his hands up and backed away showing he'd leave without a problem. It worked, the receptionist stopped with her call to security and he glanced to an elevator opening before he darted for it and headed to the lab. It was Fred, he wasn't going to let that thing take her. No matter what Angel wanted. By the time he got off there were security ready for him and it was one hell of a fight taking them down but he made it and slipped into the lab to find several eyes staring at him. He leaned back against the door and looked for Fred. Her head down as she looked at a clipboard as she came out of her office and he ran for her.
"Fred!"
Stopping and eyes gone wide she looked up at him. Glasses slipping down her nose.
"Spike! What are you doing here?"
"Savin' you. Cheerleader had a vision, come on."
He grabbed for her arm and that damn Knox was suddenly right there trying to pull her away.
"Security is on their way, let her go!"
Fred shook her head and looked confused, she trusted Spike and had been getting worried about Knox. Pushing away from him she stood next to Spike. The door burst open and Spike turned, pulling Fred behind him and bringing up his sword.
"That's, my sword."
Angel frowned at him and Wesley rushed past him to Fred, looking her over just to make sure.
"Seems you left it behind. Jus' like your seer."
Angel glared at him, Spike knew it was going too far but he was tired of seeing the pain in Cordelia's eyes when she'd find something of his around the hotel.
"Why are you here Spike?"
"Surprised? Or jus' upset that your little declaration to keep us away didn' work?"
Wes frowned and pulled Fred close.
"What are you talking about?"
"Seems there's orders t' make sure the cheerleader an' I don' come back."
Fred and Wesley both looked at Angel, betrayal fresh, yet again. Angel shook his head but didn't have time to deny it when Fred looked up to Wes and explained.
"Spike says Cordelia had a vision, about me."
All eyes went to Spike and Angel raised a hand to the guards coming up behind him to stop.
"So she's comin' wit' me."
"Wait, Spike, what did Cordelia say?"
Wesley's arm had tightened around Fred.
"Said somethin' about a god risin'. There's some sorta coffin or sarcophagous. She opens it, it infects her, an' kills her. You ain' touched nothin' yet have ya?"
He turned and looked at Fred worried. But it was Knox that stepped up.
"That is ridiculous! The artifact arrived this morning and Ms. Burkle has been excited about looking it over. I doubt seriously that some seer, who from what I was told has mental problems and only recently wakened from a coma, had a vision on it. If she did it's probably a sign of psychosis rather than a warning. She's obviously jealous of Ms. Burkle and her position here!"
Wesley glared at the man but turned to look at Fred.
"Did you open it?"
"No, no not yet. It's, in the other room."
Wesley looked up at Spike who nodded, then he smiled slowly and looked at Knox.
"Since bright boy here thinks there's not a problem, how about he opens it, yeah?"
Knox blinked and backed up, it was all he needed. Wesley advanced on him and smiled, arm to the side.
"After you."
Knox looked around for help but everyone was glaring at him. Nervously he headed to the room and opened it to step inside. Fred went to follow but both Wesley and Spike reached for her. Spike shook his head and closed the door, sealing Knox inside so the rest moved to the observation window on the side. Fred stood there nervous and hit the button on the side to speak to him in the room.
"The tools are all set up. Jus' be careful, don't want any damage to the case itself."
Knox nodded, but Wesley and Spike both saw the nerves and looked at each other. The man put gloves on and took the small chisel to work at the edge before pushing at the top. It moved, only a centimeter. Dust flew out and he coughed, backed up and covered his mouth. Screaming he went for the door.
"Let me out! Hurry! He was supposed to send it to her! Not me! Not me!"
Spike glared and Fred covered her mouth. Wesley held her, she was obviously upset. The dust flew at the man and it was too late as it moved into his lungs. Angel stepped forward and slammed his fist into the button.
"Who? Who sent it!"
Knox coughed and slid to the ground, whining.
"Gunn. It was his job to send it."
They all stiffened and Spike moved over to Fred.
"Come with me, pet. Safer at the hotel. 'Specially with the slayer there."
Angel stared at him but he ignored him. Wesley kissed her temple then sighed and nodded handing her off to Spike. Fred looked back at him.
"But, Wes. . . "
"He's right, it's safer. Please Fred, I need to know you're safe."
"She's safe now, she doesn't need to leave."
Angel knew he sounded desperate, he didn't care. Fred stepped into Spike and he shook his head.
"Sorry poof, ain't your call. Seems t' me if it weren' for the vision, she'd be dyin' right now instead of that bloke. You'd 'ave lost her either way. This way, she's safe."
Spike knew how Wesley felt and looked up at him.
"Sorry mate. Can always join us."
Wesley looked up at Angel and frowned.
"No, I'm afraid I can't. I agree, however, that Fred is free. She served her time for Angel, and nearly paid her life. I'd say her portion of the contract is complete, wouldn't you?"
Angel shoved his hands in his pockets and nodded.
"Be safe Fred."
Fred tossed her arms around Wesley and kissed him before pulling away and wiping at her face.
"I love you."
Wesley's face softened and he held her, reluctantly letting his arms fall away.
"I love you too. I'll see you again, Fred. I promise."
He looked up at Spike, begging him to end this before he couldn't let her go. Spike nodded and put an arm around her shoulders.
"Come on, pet."
He whispered and led her out of the room, followed by the guards out the building and to the sidewalk, just to be sure.
AA
The slayers had found rooms and Buffy had found one as well. Taking Angel's old room as her own. By the time they had all come back downstairs, comments on how messy things were, Giles was sitting next to Cordelia and arm around her. That alone had surprised them all. He stood and asked them all to sit down, explaining how important it was to listen. His look to Buffy letting her know that she needed to just listen this time. Unsure why she nodded and sat on the couch opposite with Willow and the slayers took to the floor or stood. It was, a long story to say the least. Cordy briefly described her visions. How she got them from Doyle when he died, she explained about Connor and Buffy looked like she wasn't breathing. Willow reached for her hand and Cordelia's face had softened. She tried explaining Angel's beige period, and then came Jasmine. She hated that part and honestly wouldn't have gotten everything out if it weren't for Giles. He'd made sure to add in the information of how it wasn't her, how her body had been in a way, possessed. Thankfully, because Buffy did not look happy but then lowered her head as she finished. She got to the coma, glossing over the kiss and Angel asking the powers for her to stay. She explained about Drusilla and what Spike had done to save her. Then she explained why Angel was stuck at Wolfram and Hart with the others.
Letting out a breath she looked around at the faces, most of them looking surprised and still slightly confused.
"So, now Spike takes care of the visions, and, I guess, we're kind of starting over. That's why the place is a mess, I haven't been able to get it all cleaned yet. Sorry."
Eyes went to Buffy and she suddenly stood up and waved a hand.
"Okay out!"
Giles frowned and stepped forward.
"Buffy. . "
"Giles, take the girls to the basement, I know Angel used to train there, make sure you can get it in shape for training. Will, can you check supplies? I need to talk to Cordy. Alone."
Willow stood and looked at Giles worried. Cordy stood up and nodded to them with a small smile.
"It's okay, go ahead. I haven't hit the basement myself yet. Will, you might want to start in the kitchen."
There were odd looks around but then Giles left with the slayers and Willow gave Buffy's hand a quick squeeze before walking over and giving Cordy a hug, then she too left.
It was so quiet and Cordy wasn't sure just what Buffy wanted, oh she could guess and there was a lot, but she thought it best to wait. She didn't have to wait long.
"You're in love with him."
It wasn't what she expected and she blinked.
"What? No! Spike, he's a good friend. Okay more now, and it's weird sure, but in love? No. I think, it's kind of, well the mark thing is new, and, different. . . "
"I meant Angel."
Her face fell.
"Oh."
Buffy stood there staring at her, then she licked her lips and tossed her hands up.
"Man he is such an idiot!"
"E-excuse me?"
"I'm not going to say it's not weird, you know you being in love with Angel and now, marked or whatever, with Spike, but, is Angel an idiot?"
Cordy sat back down and put a hand to her head.
"I think I need to sit. Am I in the right dimension?"
Buffy winced and then came over to sit next to her. Suddenly very interested in her shoes.
"Right. See, I love him. I do, I think I'll always love Angel. I see him again, and I smile, but, I was an idiot. I mean really. I thought I was so adult, being a slayer and all, but I was still a kid. And I loved him, do love him. But what we had was, some bad teenage romance. I guess what I'm trying to say is, Angel was right to leave me. We both needed to grow up, and while I'll always love him, I'm not in love with him. You know?"
Cordy closed her eyes and then laughed lightly. Buffy raised her head and looked at her.
"Sorry, it seems to be my week for weird conversations. This, is not where I thought we'd be. You and me I mean."
Buffy smiled crookedly.
"Yeah, have to admit the whole seer thing? Kind of freaking me out."
"You should have seen me when I first got them. Mind splitting pain and I was kissing everyone trying to gt rid of them. Now I wouldn't give them up for the world. They've, given me a purpose. Like you with the slayer thing."
Buffy rolled her eyes.
"Please, I hated being a slayer!"
"Past tense?"
"Well, yeah. I mean, other than being the longest living slayer, I'm not the only one now. I mean, we find these girls that suddenly have more power than they know what to do with. I have to train them and tell them about their destiny, but I know I'm not sending them off to die. They aren't in it alone, so, I'm not in it alone. Does that make sense?"
"With our lives? As much sense as you can get!"
"Okay, so back to Angel. I saw that eye roll! Listen, you didn't say it, but, I get it, you love him. You've done a lot for him too. I got that too. What I don't get, is why he's still there? He's working for evil."
"I told you, Connor."
"Yeah, but you also said that he's going to be involved whether he likes it or not. Wouldn't it be better to be the one that helps him?"
"I don't think he sees it that way."
"And back to him being an idiot!"
Cordy laughed but there were tears in it and Buffy wasn't sure what to do but did cover her hand and give it a squeeze.
"Oh god, does this mean we're friends?"
Buffy snorted.
"Please. Like that will ever happen! But, I guess, we dont' have to be enemies. Seems we're on the same side now after all."
Cordy nodded and smiled at her.
"Thanks. I mean that. I'm, glad you guys are here. I was feeling kind of . . . "
"Lost?"
"Totally."
"Yeah, been there. You know, I can't say what's going to happen, with this god thing? But after, maybe, you could take in some slayers here?"
"Oh, if you guys need room sure."
"Well, we could always use another place to train but then, you guys aren't going it alone."
Cordy smiled.
"You mean Spike? Do you love him?"
Buffy sucked in a breath.
"I, care about him. I told him I loved him but, he knew I was lying. I know he loved me, he went and got a soul and it's just, it's hard. "
Cordy squeezed her hand back.
"Sounds like you two are going to need a talk."
The door opened again and both heads snapped up to see Spike come in with Fred. He frowned at the two women holding hands but Fred rushed passed him and to Cordelia. Cordy stood and the two wrapped arms around her.
"Fred! Oh my god are you all right? I saw. . . "
"I know! Spike told us, and they let me leave but Wes. . "
"It's okay. It'll be okay Fred. Let's, get you your room back okay?"
She nodded to Spike who shoved his hands in his pockets and nodded back. She turned the woman in her arms and headed to the stairs. A quick glance back to Buffy.
"Sooner is better than later, Buff. Trust me."
With that she was gone up the stairs and a slayer and vampire stood feet away, miles away, from each other in the lobby.