Chapter Eleven
The little bell over the door rang as Susan opened it and sent into Chu Whan' s shop. The familiar smells greeted her and she was able to relax just a little.
Chu Whan came out from behind the curtain, "Susan, I've been expecting you." He handed her a freshly made jar of cream. Quickly she applied it around her mouth and felt great relief. She removed the herringbone coat and tended to the handprints burned into her arms.
The little bell on the door tinkled again, but Susan hardly noticed as she tended to her wounds. As she stood there another scent made it's way to her and she quickly turned to find Angel looking at her. There was no smile, but his eyes showed a longing.
Susan went over and put her arms around his neck as she said, "I thought I would die without you."
"I was starting to think I may never find you again," Angel responded.
"I'm so confused, people seem to know what is going on more than we do, or at least I do," she said with a questioning look.
"I know ... I've run into the same thing." He continued, "Let's get out of here so we can be alone."
Susan went over to Chu Whan and took his hand in hers. "You've been a great help."
"You no burn?" he asked.
"For someone like you it is a small pain to endure."
Angel thanked him for the telephone call then put his arm around Susan and held her close as they went out the door together, the bell ringing their exit.
They took only a couple of steps around the corner when Angel stopped and turned her to him. Susan was worried for only a second that maybe he was angry at her disappearance but instead he covered her mouth with his and they welded together passionately. The urgency between them was almost unbelievable. Their tongues touched with the electricity of passion.
A young man walked by and muttered, "Geez, get a room."
Angel commented that maybe that would be a good idea. He opened the car door for her then hopped over to the back seat and slid down into the driver's seat. Susan cuddled in beside him as close as humanly possible. She realized that without him she felt like she was missing a part of herself and for now she felt whole again. Although she didn't know it, Angel felt exactly the same way. He drove with his arm wrapped tightly around her and Susan held on to him with her hand on the inside of his thigh. How they were going to stop this time neither of them knew.
"Where should we go?" Angel asked with a kiss. They were both in a painful longing.
"Where ever it is don't let it be very far, I don't need luxury, I just need you."
The black convertible turned into a nearby motel and stopped in front of the door marked 'office'. It appeared to be fairly new establishment although neither of them noticed. Parked, Angel again covered Susan's mouth with his, his hand resting on her breast. She started to undo his belt, but thought better of it. "Angel, we better get a room."
"Right" he said adjusting himself, "No wasting any more time."
The ten minutes it took to register seemed like an eternity, and all the time they watched each other as if somehow they would be torn apart again.
"Congratulations Mrs. Smyth," the desk clerk called from the door as Angel came back to the car. Susan returned the greeting with a small wave and a grin.
"My, you are original," she smiled at Angel.
"I'll save my being original 'til a little later," he smiled back, again not resisting the urge to shower her with kisses.
"Angel, lets get inside."
Right, room twenty four, here we come."
Angel unlocked the door. "We better at least make it look official," he said as he carried Susan over the threshold.
Angel laid her on the bed and again their mouths and tongues met in urgency. Susan's hands busily unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it back over his shoulders. He straightened up and finished removing it. Her hands felt the strength and smoothness of his chest. Angel pulled the knit top out of Susan's jeans and over her head. He reached behind her back to unclasp her bra and tossed it in the corner, where it landed over a lampshade. His lips met hers, then traveled down over her neck, gently touching the scar of the cut he had witnessed. He continued over each breast feeling the hardness of her nipples with his tongue. He had a hardness of his own that urned for attention and Susan felt its firmness against her thigh. Just when there seemed to be no turning back she said, "Angel stop." He stopped for a second then continued, thinking he hadn't heard right. "Angel Stop!" This time he felt Susan's hands pull at his shoulders.
He raised his face so his eyes met hers, "I thought you wanted this."
"I do Angel, more than you will ever know, but is it safe? Do we know that I won't be the end of you? I think people want you evil again and are using me to do it."
Angel lay back on the bed beside Susan, his head supported by his hand. She turned toward him, placed her hand on his chest, not wanting to break the touch.
"I need a shower, a very cold shower," he said moving quickly out of the bed, "then we better discuss this situation."
"Don't leave me, Angel!"
"What's wrong?"
Her voice broke, "You are going to be taken away from me, I can feel it so strong."
"Join me in the shower," he said with a sly grin and a playful rising of his eyebrows.
"That sounds a little dangerous."
"Don't worry so much, I'll just be a minute." Angel was surprised at the change in Susan. Even when possessed by a demon she showed less fear. "We will talk when I'm finished."
Susan listened to the shower water as she put her top back on. It had been running for only a minute when she raised her voice a little and called his name. She became frantic when he didn't answer and she almost ran into the bathroom. "Angel!" she half shouted.
He poked his head out from behind the curtain. "You okay?" A little shampoo lingered in his hair from the interruption.
"You didn't answer."
"Come here," he put his wet arms around her. "You can trust me. I'm not going anywhere." His eyes looked deeply into hers. "Wait here while I get the rest of this soap off." A minute later the water shut off and Angel's hand reached for a towel. He half dried himself then wrapped the towel around his waist and stepped out of the tub. Again he wrapped his arms around her. "Something is really wrong isn't it?"
"In my whole life I've never felt so scared of loosing anyone and being alone. Maybe it is because I lost baby Faith, but it feels so much deeper."
"Susan, I can't remember ever feeling about anyone the way I feel about you. I'm not going anywhere without you anytime soon." He reached for his boxers and pulled them up under the towel. "Come lie down with me and rest, maybe that will help, then we will figure this out later." Angel turned down the bedding and climbed in under the covers. Leaning back against the headboard he crooked his index finger at her, "Come rest for awhile."
"I left my things in the car. I want to get them before they might walk away," she put on her shoes.
"I should get some things out of the trunk," he said swinging his feet out of the bed, but as Susan opened the door the morning sun shone brightly into the room. Angel made a dive under the covers, as she quickly closed the door. "Sorry, I didn't realize the time. What do you need out of the trunk?" She grabbed the keys off of the small table by the door.
"Just the small cooler and case," he said still under the covers.
"I'll just be two seconds," she closed the door with a click. Outside she opened the trunk and found what Angel had asked for, along with a few other interesting demon fighting supplies. She shut the lid and noticed eyes watching between split blinds in the next room. Across the way a guy had been leaning against the wall, then started to walk toward her. Susan grabbed her bag out of the car and frantically knocked on the door. Quickly Angel opened it, standing behind the door so the sun missed him.
Susan was crying, "What's wrong with me, Angel. A few nights ago I stayed in an alley with a bunch of strangers and now I'm scared of my own shadow. If I can't see or hold you constantly I'm scared you are going to turn into a demon. Something is messing with my head and I can't stand it."
Angel put the things on the table and carried Susan over to the bed. He removed her shoes, then her jeans and pulled the light covers over her. He then slid in beside her and held her as close to himself as he could without hurting her. "I'll get you through this," but he knew it wasn't just in Susan's mind because he felt it too. They both knew that not everything was all right.
She lay so close that Angel could feel her heart beat against his ribs and for a while it felt so strong it could have been his own. God, he wished he could feel his heart beat along with Susan's.
She slept for awhile and Angel would have thought she was still when she quietly said, "You've washed off your cologne."
"I have some in my case if you want me to put more on."
"No, I'd rather you just stay here with me." He turned his body to hers and gently placed his hand on her neck and pulled her to him, the urgency being a little more under control. Then they both slept, so close they were almost one.
They stayed that way for almost three hours. Often Susan would wake for a moment and when she would see Angel beside her asleep she would settle again. After awhile she woke to find his eyes looking into hers. This time she reached over to him, but she could feel his hesitation. "Who is Alex?" he asked.
"Alex? Where do you get that name from?"
"You said it in your sleep."
"I don't know any Alex, Angel, honestly. I dream and dream, as soon as I'm asleep but I can never remember what they are all about, just horses and hills and fires and death. I don't know where it is coming from."
"It's okay. How do you feel about karaoke?"
"Listening or singing?"
"There's a bar where the owner listens to the singers and can answer their puzzles and see the future. Let's see what he knows about this."
"It would sure be nice to know what is going on."
"There is only one thing ... it is a demon bar."
"So the owner is a demon, too?"
"He's an okay guy and I won't leave you for a second."
"So they have unisex bathrooms?"
"Trust me again. Not very long ago you trusted me so much I was actually inside of your body. You trusted me so much I washed your wounds. Trust me again, Susy."
"Stay you, Angel and I'll trust you."
"What do you mean?"
"God, I don't know. My dreams are so mixed up, but sometimes you are you, then suddenly you are trying to kill me and it seems so real."
"We'll get the answers tonight. Hopefully it's what we want to hear. If I could make love to you and let us feel what we really need to feel it should end all of this. We have about another three hours before the sun sets, so maybe a little T.V. to kill the time?"
"Could we get something to eat?"
"Damn, sorry I forgot. As I don't eat, I don't get hunger pains. I guess we better get delivery. Pizza okay?"
"I'm sorry I keep costing you money, but I'm still broke."
'Hey, if things work out you'll have years to pay me back."
"You'd want me for years?"
"I think I want you forever." He pulled her to him again, "I could really get used to this."
"Me too," she said returning the kiss wholeheartedly. Almost in protest her stomach growled.
"Better order that pizza - there's a delivery list by the phone."
Susan made the call and before hanging up asked Angel if there was anything he wanted.
"Got what I need in the cooler."
They both lay down on the bed to watch T.V. while they waited for the pizza. Angel spooned in behind Susan and they settled on watching the news channel, avoiding the porn and any bed hopping shows. His hand slowly found it's way up under her top. It was warm in the room and they were still dressed lightly.
"You are a typical man, aren't you? One thing on your mind."
"Hey, we can have a little fun can't we? Besides the delivery guy should be here in about fifteen minutes. What can happen?"
"If I had my way, lots!"
The knock came on the door twenty minutes later. The covers from the bed were on the floor as were the two lovers. "Just a minute," Angel shouted. "Susy, can you get that? I've got a bit of a problem!"
"A big bit I'd say," she grabbed her jeans and pulled them on while Angel sat on the bed and pulled some of the covers over his problem.
"You ordered pizza?" the guy at the door asked as Susan opened it. She gasped and took a step back. It was the same man she had seen earlier outside in the parking lot.
"Gunn, What are you doing here?" Angel asked, swinging his feet to the floor and pulling his jeans on.
Gunn stepped into the room. "The guys were worried when you didn't come home this morning. I cruised around until I spotted your car. I didn't think I should disturb you when you have company, but figured when the pizza came it would be safe enough." Gunn looked around the room and half smiled when he noticed the bedding and a lamp knocked over on the floor and the bra hanging from another light where it had landed earlier. "They were worried but it looks like a little "mattress mambo" hasn't hurt you yet. Susan, I presume," he said, extending his hand. As she hesitated he continued, "Oh right, I forgot can't be touched by a human, vampire must be okay then?"
"Well, you can tell them there is no problem," Angel answered.
"You can tell them yourself - they should be here in a few minutes trying to undo any damage."
"Can't they give a guy any privacy?"
Susan started to tidy up the room, but Gunn was right, they were only a few minutes. He had left the door ajar and they came in with a loud bang, wheedling weapons of stakes and amazing looking swords.
Angel shook his head, "You guys are astounding. What do you think you were going to do with those?"
"Well, we would at least have to try."
"You mean you haven't gone demon on us?" Cordy asked. "You've been here since last night and you are okay. They must have been lying to you just so you would ... well, I don't know ... have a boring life."
"Cordelia, some of us can practice some restraint," Angel responded.
Cordy looked around the room, her gaze finally falling on the piece of clothing that had landed on the lampshade. "Looks like you two might have to practice some more before you get it right."
"You mean you haven't..." Wesley hesitated trying to find the right word.
"Done the "dirty dead?" added Gunn.
"Played "mattress tag"?" quipped Cordy
"No, we have not made love yet! Not that it is any of your business." Angel was rather annoyed.
"Well Angel, considering the consequences it is our business," Wesley was concerned.
"We'll let you know if and when so you can be ready to pounce. We are going to "Caritas" tonight and see what Lorne has to say."
"Good idea," Wes agreed.
"So if you guys can go we will get back to practicing."
"By the look of things maybe we better stay." Cordy continued, "Besides Susan needs a new outfit for her debut."
"What kind of place is this?" Susan had found herself a chair in the corner and was quietly eating the pizza. She was starved. "I really don't need anything."
'Sure you do. Besides we better give the men some time to chat," Cordelia was anxious to go shopping.
"Angel?" Susan questioned, her tone of voice showed a hint of alarm.
"Its okay Susy. There is a strip mall across the road. Cordy, take the business credit card."
Susan went into the bathroom to tidy up, closing the door behind her.
"Cordy, she's having some problems so stay with her all of the time. Be back in an hour. If you are not back I'll come get you ... sun or no sun!" Angel knocked on the bathroom door. "Can I come in?"
"Sure."
He went into the bathroom closing the door behind him.
"I've never seen him like this before," Wesley stated.
Susan looked rather pale. "Angel, they are taking me away from you."
He put his arms around her and drew her close. "No, I'll be here when you get back. Cordy will know that if she doesn't have you back in an hour there will be hell to pay and she knows what that can be like."
"I love you, Angel."
"Don't worry, Susy. I'll be here. Besides I better talk with Gunn and Wes. There is some business we should discuss so we can get some real time alone together. I love you too." His mouth covered her's in a kiss that was hard and very deep, and showed a true passion. When they parted he said, "Hopefully that will last until you get back."
"Maybe it is a good thing they are here ... practicing restraint is getting harder and harder," Susan held on to him tightly.
"For me too!"
After Cordy and Susy left Wesley remarked, "You'd hardly know she was the same person. Angel, what has happened?"
He took the time to tell the two men that whatever it was, it was much more complicated than just feelings for each other. "There must be a reason why we have been brought together far beyond our control. We'll find out tonight. If we get the answer we are hoping for I expect complete privacy, no more worrying about my soul."
"And if you don't get that answer?"
"We'll worry about that only when that happens."
Angel took the bag of blood out of the cooler and poured himself a glass full. "It better be the right answer," he said more to himself than to the others.
After fifty-five minutes had passed since the women had left, Angel went and stepped out the door. By now it was well in the shade. As promised Cordelia had Susan back within the hour, with their arms full of boxes. When Susy saw Angel waiting she couldn't help but give him an enormous grin.
Cordy seemed to be in her glory and was talking a mile a minute. "Boy, this power shopping is something else." They unloaded at least eight packages into Gunn's truck leaving Susan with a box and a small bag. Angel gave Cordy a frown. "Oh, pop a pill - you can take it out of my wages."
Angel put his arm around Susy and held her close, "You okay?"
"I was when I saw you waiting."
"We're going to be okay, Susy."
"I hope so."
"We should be able to go in about an hour, so you get ready. These guys think they should go with us. You okay with that?"
"I think so. We might need them if the news isn't good."
"Don't worry, the news will be good."