Chapter Eleven: Aftermath
"Fuck." At Angel's groan, Buffy's scowl deepened.
"We should talk." The slayer said, voice a forced calm. At the sentence, the group made their way back into the living room, including a begrudging Riley.
"Figured as much." Buffy closed the door to the house. She sat on the chair Cordelia had just vacated and looked up at Angel, eyes angry but flickered with hurt and betrayal. He wondered which act she would attack first. Logic would say Darla; vampire, sire, evil, etc.
"You're having sex with Cordelia?"
Of course…
"Had. It was once."
And the other stuff.
She didn't ask about the other stuff.
Chicken shit. Afraid of your tiny, slayer ex. Such a pussy.
"Angel, that's not the point!"
"Then what's the point, Buffy?"
"You slept with Cordelia! And then Darla!"
"So what? You act like you haven't fucked anyone since we broke up. We're tied up now." Buffy flinched at his harsh tone and words.
"I don't turn evil, Angel."
"I didn't either, so what's the issue?"
"The issue is you didn't know you wouldn't!" The weight of that seemed to hit them both at the same time. "Did you even think about that? Did it even cross your mind?"
"Of course it did!" Angel snapped. "I think about it every damn day!"
"Then why-"
"I don't know! Cordelia…I didn't think about it. It just happened. And Darla…I didn't care. I think I wanted it gone."
"Why?"
"I just broke my best friend's heart. I hurt the only person who ever accepted me unconditionally while loving me." Buffy opened her mouth to protest. "You loved me Buffy, but we were never friends and you never accepted me fully. You couldn't. I never resented you for it, it just meant there was a level our relationship could never reach. With Cordelia, I found that. And destroying it crushed me, more than I ever thought it would."
There were several moments of silence. Buffy was wringing her hands, staring at her shoes. Her mind was spinning. She didn't know what to say to him. Angel's head was turned to the side and he appeared to be staring out at the tree in Buffy's yard. Really, he was trying to pick up Cordelia's scent before the breeze blew it away. He almost had it…
"Do you love her?" The question stunned him and the scent was gone.
"What?"
"Do you love her?" Angel was quiet, seemingly contemplating.
"I-I think so. I don't know. It's complicated."
"How is it complicated? Do you love her? Yes or no?"
"It's not that simple. With you, I loved you. It was pure, all soul. I never would dream of hurting you, even in that moment when every instinct screams to mark you, claim you, I couldn't. It was too dark for what we had. With Darla, it was the complete opposite, still is now. Even with the soul, she brings the demon so close to the surface. The soul doesn't want her. There are no feelings other than pain and sex, sometimes anger, and obsession."
"But with Cordelia, it's all so different. I don't even know how to explain it, I've never felt this before. Both, demon and soul, want her. Angelus is obsessed with her. He wants her constantly, wants to bite her, mark her, claim her." Buffy flinched. "It's all he thinks about. And the soul wants to keep her safe, protect her, make her laugh and smile, be with her…love her. So yes, I love and am in love with her, but all of me is. Including Angelus."
Fuck that. I don't love that bitch. I'm not Spike, falling in love. That's your shit.
Liar.
My ass! I kill and maim, damn it. I don't love.
Now who's being a pussy? Man up.
"I think that's why the demon's so restless. It loves her. And I don't know what that means, but it scares the fuck out of me." Buffy took a few deep breaths. She asked him to tell her, but really wasn't expecting all this. Her brain didn't even seem capable of taking it all in. She blew out a shaky breath.
"I had to ask…" And then Angel did something Buffy didn't expect. He laughed. Really laughed, smile wide and eyes alit. Buffy felt a strange relief flood her and she laughed back. She had rarely seen this Angel. And despite herself, she couldn't help thinking that if Cordelia was a contributing factor to this, him loving her couldn't be all that bad.
"This is what happens when you pry."
"I guess I just never realized how screwed up your head is."
"You have no idea." The laughter deepened and it was several more moments before they stopped.
"So, I get Darla. No love, affection or feelings. But, you're in love with Cordelia. How do you still have your soul? Not that I'm not happy you're not evil. I just don't understand."
"I honestly don't know. I have a few theories, but I can't say for certain."
"Care to share?"
"I-"
"Angel." Willow's voice broke the conversation. Everyone's heads popped up behind her, all straining to catch a bit of the conversation now that the two weren't screaming at one another. "Your phone is ringing. It's Cordy." Angel took the phone from Willow with an affectionate grimace sent toward it. He smiled ever so slightly, voice already apologetic as he answered.
"Cordy?"
"Hello, Lover." Angel's face tightened, his jaw locked, and a growl erupted from his throat. Stunned faces stared at him as he snarled her name.
"Darla."
***
Cordelia had left Buffy's, crying and in a rush to get anywhere as long as Angel wasn't there. She wiped furiously at the tears falling from her eyes. She didn't know who she was angrier with, Angel or herself. She was livid with him, for how he had hurt her, for what he did with Darla and, most importantly, for risking his soul and everything he had worked for. And then she was angry with herself for caring so damn much, for falling for him, for being hurt, for being jealous, for being so concerned about him while he was out being an idiot, and even for being angry. She scowled as she continued to walk, cursing her heart.
Cordelia knew she should go back to the hotel. She was alone without any weapons in Sunnydale. The fact that she was crying and her neck was still slowly seeping blood made her a perfect victim. She really, really should go back to her hotel room, but she couldn't. Everything about that room either screamed him, or them, and Cordelia couldn't deal with that right now.
So she continued to walk. Cordelia had left the residential areas of the Summers residence and entered the heart of town. The stores and restaurants were dark, all the streets vacant. Cordelia unconsciously held her hooded sweatshirt tighter to her body. A chill ran up her spine and she stopped. A soft humming echoed in the desolate plaza. It grew louder, seemingly moving closer to Cordelia; she remained frozen to her spot until the soft tune abruptly stopped. Cordelia took in a shaky breath and turned, coming face to face with Drusilla. The vampire smiled at her.
"Little sister." Drusilla swung at Cordelia, and the Seer's world went back. "Grandmumy daughter is very cross with you."
Cordelia blinked, the light flooding her vision, causing the pounding of her head to intensify. She didn't recognize where she was. She was facing out, surrounded by concrete pillars and grounds. She forced herself to focus on her surroundings instead of the pain causing through her head and body. She was immobile, tied up, but to what she wasn't sure. She looked around and concluded she was in an underground parking garage. In the distance she heard two women arguing. Cordelia recognized those voices, and they were getting closer.
"Drusilla, enough!" Darla yelled.
"But you said-"
"Things have changed! I know you wanted a damn sister, but that's not happening!" The two came into view.
"Why?"
"You know why! You saw her neck! I'm not going to hand deliver my fucking replacement to him! And neither are you!" Cordelia took in a breath. Of course Darla had noticed the bite.
"Daddy will be mad if you hurt her. He loves her." Darla snarled at her. A small part of Cordelia rejoiced at the thought of Angel loving her, despite her broken heart screaming it may not be true and her brain telling her she had other issues to focus on. None of it would matter if Darla opted to kill her in the next few moments.
"I don't care, Drusilla! He doesn't get to replace me! I made him!" It dawned on Cordelia then that Darla wasn't talking about Angel, she was talking about Angelus. Darla felt that Cordelia had replaced her where Angelus was concerned. Darla turned to Cordelia. "You can't have him." Cordelia didn't blink, hazel eyes glaring back at blue.
"What are we going to do?" Drusilla asked, regaining Darla's attention. "Kill her?" Darla sent an evil smile Cordelia's way, then turned back to Drusilla.
"Not until he's here. Where's that damn cell phone?" Darla and Drusilla disappeared in search of Cordelia's cell phone. The Seer realized they were going to use her as bait to draw Angel in. She tried to strain against her bindings, but realized she wasn't going anywhere. She was trapped. She cursed herself for running off, putting herself and him in danger. Darla reappeared, wearing that same ugly grin, Drusilla behind her. Darla pressed the phone to her ear and Cordelia faintly heard it ring followed by his voice.
"Cordy?" Despite the situation, her lips twitched ever so slightly at his tone. He probably had the puppy dog eyes in effect and everything.
"Hello Lover." She stared at Cordelia as she spoke. Cordelia scowled at the blonde, and heard Angel's deadly snarl of her name.
"Darla."
***
"Where is she?" Angel growled into the phone.
"Here. Perfectly safe with me and Drusilla. For now."
"If you hurt her, I swear-"
"What? You'll hurt me? You'll kill me? Been there, done that, sweetheart. Now it's your turn to hurt." Angel heard a click as the line went dead. Darla smirked at Cordelia. "That should get him here quickly."
"Darla. Darla!" Panic shot through Angel. He ran shaky hands furiously through his hair. "Fuck!" He kicked the wooden chair and it splintered under the force. Everyone jumped.
"Angel-" Buffy started in an attempt to calm him.
"We have to find her."
"I know," Buffy said. "We will."
"Where do we start?" Willow asked. Angel sighed. There were so many possibilities, not enough time, and her scent had drifted away with the breeze too long ago. He took a slow, deep breath, trying to collect himself. Where would Darla go?
"I should check the hotel. She probably won't be there, but maybe Lindsey will be. It's the best guess we have right now. She'd want somewhere dark and secluded. Probably abandoned, probably underground. She falls on taught habits when she's desperate, and The Master was all about underground. That and minimal entrances. Less to guard, less surprises."
"I'll patrol, see what information I can find," Buffy said. "Spike, you hit the demon scene, see what's going around. Willow, Xander and Anya, do whatever research you can to try to narrow down where they could be. We'll find her, Angel." Angel nodded, appreciating how Buffy's voice softened in reassurance. The group split.
Angel didn't waste time with knocking. He clutched his hand around the hotel room's door knob, preparing to twist until the lock broke. To his surprise, it turned and allowed his access. He entered cautiously, unsure of what he was walking into.
"Calm down, Fangs. I'm sure you can tell no one else is here. Not quite the ambush." Lindsey stated as he walked into the living room, arms full of clothes. Angel stood just inside the doorway, watching the lawyer. He was in a hurry, shoving his expensive slacks and shirts haphazardly into his suitcases. "What do you want?"
"Where are they?"
"No idea." Lindsey stated and disappeared back into the bedroom. He reemerged seconds later, a couple pairs of shoes in one hand and a stuffed carryon in the other. "Left a couple hours ago."
"Lindsey…" Angel started, tone indicating his impatience, but the desperation betrayed him. He needed information.
"I know!" The lawyer snapped and turned to him. "I know, okay. I'm assuming you're here because they have your seer."
"What do you know? Where is she? Where are they?"
"I know the plan. And I wanted no part of it."
"What is it?" Lindsey sat down, slouching. He lit a cigarette. Angel knew he didn't smoke, the scent of nicotine had never lingered on the lawyer. He took a long drag, then blew out a stream of smoke.
"Dru wants another child. Darla doesn't want the family to grow." Their eyes met. "We'll see who gets their way." Angel was gone before Lindsey took another drag.
Spike, Buffy, and Riley were back by the time Angel returned. Spike had no luck at the local demon haunts. He was sure the creatures he spoke with had answers, but none were willing to go against Darla and Drusilla. Buffy and Riley were equally unsuccessful while patrolling. Willow, Xander and Anya had looked for anything underground in the city that could be a hideout. Angel reviewed what they found; tunnels, sewers, an abandoned underground parking garage.
"There." Angel said, referring to the parking structure.
"Are you sure?" Willow asked.
"Yes. The tunnels don't have enough space. The sewers are out of the question. Darla doesn't do sewers. It has to be the parking lot. More space, one way in and out. They have to be there."
"What's the plan?" Buffy asked. Angel didn't know. He hadn't thought about strategy since Cordelia had been taken. He forced his emotions down and tried to focus.
"They are very dangerous right now. More than you can imagine." Angel's voice was somber as he spoke. "They probably have a small army by this point. We need to go in fully armed and prepared to just battle. Buffy, Spike, Riley and I will attack. Xander, Willow, and Anya, focus on getting Cordelia and anyone else they have captive out. There is a chance we won't all make it out. If that's not something you can face, I understand." No one said anything. Anya was about to speak when Xander sent her a look. She rolled her eyes, but remained quiet otherwise.
"Okay." Angel said. "Grab some weapons." They armed themselves as heavily as they could. Spike stood beside Angel as they walked out of the door.
"Great speech, Mate. Way to fire up the troops. Nothing like the 'We're all gonna die' theme." Angel smirked.
"You ready for this?"
"As ready as I'm going to be. Let's go."
There were no guards at the entrance of the parking garage. The group made their way to the level Angel and Spike sensed everyone on.
"I count at least six extra humans." Spike said. Angel nodded.
"Ten other vampires beside them, six demons." Angel said. "Everyone ready?" He looked around at the faces of the Sunnydale crew; they all nodded. Angel found himself desperately wishing Wesley and Gunn were there, hating there was no time to even let them know all that was going on. He realized how much he relied on and needed them in addition to Cordelia. He felt a pull at his heart. What would become of them without her?
Don't. Angelus' voice was almost pleading. Angel pushed that thought down. He would save her. He had to. "Let's go."
The group burst through the stairwell door. Vampires and demons met them immediately, expecting them. Buffy and Riley fought together, taking on four vampires. Spike struck any and everything in his way, clearing a path for Xander, Anya, and Willow to the terrified people huddled in the middle of the garage. The trio reached the group, glancing around for Cordelia and an escape route simultaneously. Spike kept a path clear for them, and they led the six people out.
Angel was shoving stakes into hearts and twisting necks of demons in stride, letting Angelus' anger and his own fear drive him forward. He scanned the area, eyes on the lookout for Cordelia.
Angel caught glimpse of her, trying to catch her gaze. Cordelia was obstructed by Drusilla and Darla. Darla sent a wicked smile Angel's way, making her way toward him. Drusilla stayed with the tied up Seer. Angel looked for Willow, Xander, and Anya, willing them to get to Cordelia. He spotted them as they made their way toward the exit with the six would-be vampire and demon meals. Buffy, Riley and Spike were busy. Darla was closing in. Angel needed to get to Cordelia.
You ready? Angel asked his demon. Angelus was stirring, knowing what would be of Cordelia if Darla had her way.
Let's finish this. Darla charged. Angel met it. He took a punch to the face. Angel returned it, only to be met with her thin, sharp elbow coming up to meet his nose. Angel's eyes watered and he was momentarily disoriented. Darla took advantage and kicked him in the stomach, her hands reaching for his neck. Darla fought with a ferocity that Angel had not seen from her in too long to remember.
"You do not get to replace me, Angelus!" She roared at him. Angel looked at her as her nails dug into the flesh at his neck. He saw blind fury and outrage. But beneath it, he saw hurt. He had left her. All of him.
"I'm sorry." Angel whispered. Darla growled. Angel hissed as her nails drew blood, the pressure increasing. "You've gone too far. You know that, don't you?" Angel saw understanding flash in Darla's eyes.
"Let's end this," she hissed. Angel broke from Darla's hold. Fists flew and growls emitted from both as they battled.
Buffy, Riley, and Spike all managed to kill the vampires or demons they were fighting, but were instantly met with another attack. They cast glances at Cordelia, then Angel as he and Darla battled.
Drusilla watched as Angel grabbed Darla and pushed her into the ground, grip keeping her in place. Something felt very wrong. Drusilla realized that Darla wasn't winning this one. Drusilla grabbed Cordelia, lifting her off the chair, her hands still tied and mouth still gagged.
Darla was in a panic as she struggled against Angel's hold. She couldn't get free. Angel's face changed back, brown eyes staring at his Sire. Darla's human features returned. She saw the look in Angel's eyes and stopped fighting. It was done. Around them, one by one, the fighting stopped.
One hand on Darla's throat, Angel pulled a stake from his pocket with the other. Angel's lips met Darla's briefly in a sweet, soft kiss, both their eyes fluttering close. He pulled away and rested his forehead against hers.
"Goodbye." Darla's eyes opened wide and her lips parted in pain as Angel plunged the stake into her heart. Dust fell beneath and around him. Everyone seemed to freeze.
"Angel." Cordelia's voice called everyone's attention. Drusilla held her close to her, Cordelia's body in front of the vampire's. Drusilla was shaking and looked as insane as ever. Her eyes were lost, but furious, with tears silently falling down her face. She looked at the pile of ash where Darla had been. Wildly, she glanced from Angel to Spike.
"Come now, Love." Spike said soothingly.
"Dru." Angel's tone was soft. "Let her go." Drusilla's eyes met Angel's.
"My family is all gone." She whispered, tone broken.
"Drusilla."
"Now yours is, too." Cordelia cried out as Drusilla plunged something sharp into her back. She crumpled to the floor. Angel roared as the scent of her blood filled his nose. It was filled with anger, and fear, and desperation.
Not her. Cordelia couldn't die.
Please. Not her.
The dagger clattered on the concrete as Drusilla dropped it and made her escape. Angel rushed to Cordelia. The Scoobies gathered around her.
"Call an ambulance!" Angel shouted. His voice sounded foreign in his own ears; strained. When had he started crying? Angel kneeled beside her, holding her. He could feel the blood seeping from her wound. His hands were stained with it.
"I knew you would find me." Cordelia spoke, her voice hoarse. She coughed, her own blood staining her lips and dripping down her chin.
"Yeah. I'm just too late." Angel said through a sob. Around them, the Scoobies were stunned.
"The ambulance is ten minutes out." Xander said. He felt his eyes sting as he fought back tears. Anya wrapped her arms around him.
"You know they're not going to make it in time, right?" Cordelia said softly to Angel, her hand caressing his face, brushing away tears. Angel couldn't speak. He knew she was right. He could feel her heart beat slowing. Willow buried her head into Spike's chest and cried. He held her tight.
"I love you." Angel told Cordelia. She sent him a soft, sad smile.
"I love you, too." Angel realized that she would never grace him with that radiant smile again. He didn't think he had ever experienced such pain.
Cordelia's eyes closed and her hand slowly slipped from Angel's face. Her breathing slowed. Angel heard the sirens in the distance.
"Cordy." Angel felt panic rise in him. He heard crying around him.
No.
"Cordy! Cordelia!" Angel tried to rouse her. "No! Cordy, baby, come on!" He hugged her to him, her body limp. Angel could barely hear her heart beat.
No! Angelus roared. Angel buried his head into Cordelia's pulse point and sobbed. His heart shattered, his world crumbled down around him.
Fix this!
Angel cried.
Fix this! Now! We can't lose her!
I can't...
I can.
Cordelia's breathing stopped. Angel lifted his head. Her heart beat grew fainter.
"Willow." The red head jumped at the sound of her name in Angel's rough tone. She turned red, puffy eyes to him. "Do you still have the soul restoration spell?" All eyes snapped to Angel. Willow's brain was moving slowly in her grief.
"Um…yes."
"Can you do it?" Understanding flashed in Willow's eyes. She nodded.
"Yes." Angel turned back to Cordelia, his face changing. Realization dawned on Buffy and the rest of the group. Angel lowered his head and Buffy grabbed his shoulder, pulling him away.
"Angel, no!"
"Back off, Buffy."
"You can't!"
"I have to."
"Angel, Cordelia wouldn't this." The slayer tried to reason.
"You don't know Cordelia like I do. She didn't want to die. Period."
"You think she'd prefer being a vampire?"
"Buffy, I won't let her go. I can't. I need her." Buffy's gaze softened despite herself.
"Angel…"
"I'm running out of time!" He snapped, his voice desperate. "I need to do this." Buffy's gaze was reproachful. Riley softly grabbed her hand and pulled her back from Angel.
Buffy averted her gaze as Angel's fangs met Cordelia's throat, re-puncturing the healing bite mark. He drank briefly. Angel finished and opened the veins on his right wrist. He tilted her head and held his wrist to her mouth, the blood dripping down her throat. The group was silent. Angel pulled his wrist from Cordelia's mouth. The sirens grew louder.
"Do…do we need to bury her or something?" Xander asked, breaking the silence.
"No. We'll head back to Buffy's house." Angel said, lifting Cordelia. "I'll lay her in the guest room. Then, we wait. I'll know soon that it worked. Once I do, I'll have Willow do the spell. Cordelia will have her soul before she wakes up."
"What if it doesn't work?" Xander asked quietly,
"It will. It has to. Now let's go before the ambulance gets here."