Electric Pancake: any advice would be helpful.

Chapter 11: Usual Suspects

The Scoobies crowded near Buffy as she told them a shocking piece of news: Angel was a vampire.

"Angel's a vampire. You're a Slayer. I think it's obvious what you have to do," Xander simplified.

For that comment, he received a smack upside the head from Shana and a snort from out of nowhere. "Xander, I don't know if this has ever been pointed out to you, but you're an idiot."

A chuckle seemed to come from behind her. Shana stomped the ground behind her and a muffled curse was heard.

Shana rolled her eyes. "All I gotta say is it's about time you found out. I was wondering how much longer I'd have to try and avoid Angel. 'Try' being the featured word, especially if the person you're trying to avoid is following you. But I guess it's payback."

"Wait a minute, you knew that Angel-" Xander started to protest but Shana cut him off.

"Can we finish this conversation in the library, away from prying eyes and innocent ears. I'll even provide an expert on Angel. So can we just go?"

The Scoobies ambled inside, pushing through the crowds and making their way to the library. Some people were tripped or bombarded by an unseen force.

Shana held the door for everyone to go in and hung back a little.

As soon as he entered, Xander repeated his protest, "You knew that Angel was a vampire, and you didn't think to let the rest of the class in on this detail?"

"He isn't a danger to Buffy or any of you. He's here to help Buffy."

"And you would know why?" Giles asked.

"I've got 2 words for you. Balance demon. He goes by the name of Whistler, though the only Whistler I could think of is human with a busted knee who helps hunt vampires. But that's just me.

Anyways, the demon is dressed like a bookie stuck between The Partridge Family and Family Ties. He approaches Angel, tells him that he can go against the grain and help the about to be called Slayer a.k.a. Buffy and he agrees."

"So he's a good vampire. I mean on a scale of one to ten, ten being someone who's killing and maiming every night and one being someone who's …not," Willow said.

"You said you had an expert on Angel. Where are they?" Xander said smugly, crossing his arms.

"You can show yourself now," Shana called turning towards the left set of stairs leading to the books.

As if unveiled, Angel appeared at the top of the steps.

The Scoobies jumped up from the table.

"What better expert on Angel than the man himself?" Shana stated, crossing her arms and smiling.

"How did you get in here, unharmed?" Giles sputtered.

"'Enter all who seek knowledge.' It gives vamps an open invite. Not to mention the spell I did that makes Angel invulnerable to the sun. Besides, he could explain the Jekyll/Hyde deal better than me. I mean he did live through it or unlived, whatever. Just give 'em the scoop. I'll be browsing the stacks."

"Could you hold on a sec?" Buffy asked Angel, then followed Shana into the stacks.

"Um, how long-" Buffy began to ask nervously, but Shana cut her off.

"He didn't hear what you said about him, if that's what you're worried about," Shana calmly said.

"But you did?"

"Once upon a time, yes. Right then and there, no."

"What do you-"

"Sorry gotta go!" And Shana disappeared into the stacks.

When Buffy emerged from the books, she stated, "I'm getting tired of that woman's cloak and dagger act." Then she puzzled. "What is cloak and dagger, anyway? Does it involve an actual cloak and dagger?" She came down the stairs, and sat at the table. "Cuz I could so get into that. I mean, I am the Slayer. Except I don't want to wear any cloak thingies. It would clash with what I'm wearing. I could use the dagger. Giles, do we have any daggers in the weapons closet," she asked finally looking up.

They all looked at her strangely. "Sorry, just wondering." Buffy slouched in her chair, trying to hide from the embarrassment.

Angel had a little half-smile on his face. "Can I start now?" he asked.

Buffy nodded meekly, embarrassment still coloring her cheeks.

"It happened in 1898…"


When Angel returned to his apartment, there was a piece of paper taped to his door. He took it off and read 'Watch out for Darla.'

This set Angel on alert. For one thing, no one knew where he lived. Second, just the name 'Darla' had him on edge. He put the paper in his pocket, unlocked his door and opened it cautiously. He closed it and stopped.

"Who's there?" he called.

A figure stepped out of the shadows.

"Darla."