No Fear_Conclusion
by obi's girl
Kate Lockley fingered her crucifix as she watched a case video. It was of Darla, Lindsey McDonald, killing the Concierge, a bellboy and couple other unwilling victims. Though it was gruesome, she had to watch it in order to understand how Darla's sick twisted mind worked. It was late but she didn't care. Darla was ruthless and she was right to let Angel track her. He knew her better than she did.
And it made matters worse, since she had a new lap dog. Lindsey McDonald. She hated what he stood for and now he was a demon, it wouldn't be a problem killing him. She turned to her partner. He smiled.
"Still watching that tape?"
She nodded yes, "Darla's unpredictable. I need to study how she thinks in order to catch her,"
"I thought Darla was Angel's case? Belongs to Angel Investigations?"
Kate smiled, letting go of her crucifix. "It does but we're doing a joint partnership. It's better that way. It makes it easier to track her,"
"Kate, listen to yourself. You're just as obsessed about Darla as he is,"
She scowled, "I'm not obsessed. I just happen to have a soft spot for Angel, although if you tell him that - you're a dead man,"
He smiled, "I won't. It's your love life, not mine," and dropped a file on her desk, "It's the file of Lindsey McDonald. It took some strings to get, but I got it. Wolfram & Heart have tight security."
"It's a Lawyer firm - the worst kind in my opinion," she replied, going through the file.
He peeked over at the file, "Just what exactly are you looking for? Past relationships' gone bad?"
Kate laughed, "No."
The officer waited a moment for a reply but after a minute, he began to walk away. Kate stared at the papers, scanning down the page. She knew what she was looking for - proof that Wolfram & Hart was responsible for bringing Darla back and hopefully, enough evidence to convict them and shut them down for good.
**
Buffy Summers awoke the next morning, as Giles reentered the room. He already had breakfast and brought up some leftover for her. She smiled graciously at him as he lay the tray on the bed. "Thanks. I'm starved,"
Giles smiled, "I'm sure."
"Mmm. This is delicious. Who made it?"
"Angel actually." He replied.
She froze, looking at him unbelievingly. "Angel can cook? If he can cook, how come he never offered to make me dinner, while we were dating?"
He laughed, "He's not the best. Cordelia helped him a bit. Vampires have no taste buds, remember?"
Buffy nodded, "I remember," she changed the subject, "So, has Angel checked in with the station? Asked if Kate has been able to track where Darla might be?"
"I don't know. You'll have to ask him about that and I think she's eased up on him, a bit,"
"I see," she replied.
**
Buffy walked down the stairs, noticing Angel was on the couch reading the paper. Cordelia was at her post, behind the check in desk manning the phones or rather working on her nails. Wesley and Gunn still weren't in. She continued on. Angel stood up, dropping his paper.
"Morning,"
She smiled, "I didn't know you could be up at this early in the morning,"
Angel looked at his watcher, "It's later afternoon, Buffy. 3:00,"
She blinked, running to check his watch. "3:00. I've been asleep since we got in. Great,"
"If it's any consolation Kate called. She wants us to meet her at the station. She thinks she knows where Darla maybe and how to shut down Wolfram & Hart...for good,"
The Slayer scratched her back a bit, "Then let's go,"
**
Regardless of what her partner thought, Kate didn't go home. She stayed at the station, going over Lindsay's file and watching the Hotel tape. Lockley understood Darla was dangerous and needed to be stopped. She also understood that Angel was the only one who could that but she also knew, it wouldn't be easy for him.
Her gaze was averted once she saw Buffy and Angel arrived. Buffy. Kate didn't particularly like Buffy though she had been giving her all to fight beside Angel. She was the mythical Vampire Slayer, the Chosen One. Even though she worked to save souls like Angel, she still didn't like her and her attachment to Angel was nerving.
"So, what did you find?" Buffy asked, confronting Kate.
She stopped fingering her crucifix and faced the small girl. Kate had to admit that for a Slayer, she was rather small. If someone said she was the Slayer, they wouldn't have believed it. Buffy didn't even seem like a threat. "I have the proof that Wolfram & Hart are responsible for bringing Darla into this world," showing the disk. "And have you two checked the sewers at all?"
Angel nodded no, "We haven't. We've been tracking them up ground,"
"Well you should. A homeless man said he saw two people jumping into a sewer, near the downtown old Factory Park. His description fits that of Darla's and Lindsay's. I say we got 'em,"
Buffy smiled glancing at Angel. "I'll call Cordelia. Tell her to get a hold of Gunn and Wesley," the vampire said, disappearing from sight.
Once again, Buffy smiled at Kate though she didn't return the gesture. Buffy frowned. "You don't trust me, do you, Kate?"
"No, I don't but Angel does. He's known you for a long time. And you know Darla. You fought her before...and after he spared my life, I've been having second thoughts about him,"
Buffy folded her arms, "Good thoughts I hope,"
"Mixed. I know I can't ever forgive him for not being able to save my father but I can thank him for saving my life." She paused, "And as corny as this might sound, I'm asking for your blessing,"
She laughed, unfolding her arms, "My blessing? What are planning on marrying him because he didn't kill you, like you thought he would?" Buffy paused, "Kate, I know he cares about you. He has that look he used to have for me. But what your asking, I'm not sure I can give. It's up to him if he wants to be with you - not me. I'm just the ex-girlfriend, but I wish you well and hope, you are true to your word," She smiled, "Because if you aren't, expect hearing from me again,"
"Ladies?" Angel said, interrupting them. Both girls turned to him, smiling. It made suspicious but he didn't ask. "I've notified Gunn and Wesley. Wes is on his way to A.I and Gunn's going to meet us at the rendezvous point with some of his gang for back-up, incase things get ugly,"
As they turned to leave, Buffy called her back, "Kate. Thanks and May the Force be with you,"
She blinked as Buffy left with a smile on her face. Angel shrugged as he followed Buffy out. Kate smiled, "And with you, Buffy," dropping into her desk chair.
**
Angel looked suspiciously at Buffy as they left the station, heading for the garage. He smirked a bit, causing her to glance at him. He waved his hand. "I'm sorry, but can you explain why you blessed Kate with the famous Star Wars phrase, cause I don't get it,"
Buffy smiled, rolling her eyes, "It's a complicated story. But I can't worry about that right now. We have a hunt to do,"
"Indeed you do," a voice replied.
The two swirled around, facing Darla and Lindsey. Buffy held her stake defensively, ready to fight while Angel just stood there. She glanced at him worriedly, lowering her stake a bit. The silence was deafening and it nerved Buffy. "Angel? Angel?"
He shook his head, breaking off the stare. The vampire glanced at Buffy, giving her a small smile of reassurance. She smiled at him, facing Darla and Lindsey again. Darla smiled. "Slayer, we meet again. Come to join the festivities, I see,"
"Likewise," she replied, glancing at Lindsey, "So, Darla, why him?"
She rolled her eyes, not sure what the girl was talking about, "I don't understand. What do you mean?"
"I mean, why did you choose him? Was it because he had a thing for you, or were just lonely and you needed a lap dog to play with or was it because the sex was good and you couldn't get enough of it?"
Lindsey thrusted forward, growling angrily at Buffy, showing off his vampire features.
Buffy laughed, "Or maybe it's all three reasons. And he makes for a nice body guard,"
"You don't know me, Slayer. You don't judge me," he growled.
Darla kissed his cheek, hushing him as she faced the Slayer. "So, why not give it another go, girl?" taunting her. Buffy raised her fist, punching her in the face.
Lindsey cut between them but Darla pushed him back, landing him flat on the floor. As he started to get up, he felt a pair of hands grab his shirt. "Angel. Good to see you again," he laughed.
Angel turned away briefly, vamping out before he punched Lindsey in the face. He fell to the ground. Lindsey glanced at Darla. He grabbed her hand, pulling her away from Buffy before she got another shot at her. Darla looked at him furiously but gazed at Buffy and Angel. She smiled, "No. This is between Angel and I. A long time dispute..."
"Which needs to be settled now," he concluded, lunging at her.
Buffy stood still, distracted by Darla and Angel's interaction. It was enough distraction for Lindsey to take her from behind and grab her neck. He smiled, holding her in place. "Angel, hurt my Darla and I kill her," he yelled at him.
Angel froze, letting go of Darla. He raised his hand, gesturing that he let Buffy go. "Don't do this Lindsey. Let her go,"
He nodded his, "No."
"What do you want?"
Lindsey glanced at Darla then back at Angel. He kissed Buffy's neck, creating a strong reaction from Angel. "She's a nice girl, Angel. And strong. I see why you chose her. She looks innocent and yet she isn't, is she? She's a deadly killer, but in a good way - just like you,"
Buffy tried to talk but nothing came out, nothing Angel could hear. Darla smiled, blowing Lindsey a kiss. He smiled back, gazing at Angel. "I know how you feel about her. She's your whole life as Darla is mine. So, I ask you. Let us go. We'll leave LA. Never come back," he paused, "Grant us this one wish, and your Slayer blonde will live,"
She stared blankly at Angel, her eyes pleading. Buffy was confused but she knew what he had to do and she agreed. The Slayer nodded yes. Angel peered at Lindsey again, twirling his ax before dropping it. "Leave. Leave now before I change my mind. And don't ever come back, cause if you do, you're on my hit list,"
Lindsey released Buffy, swirling her in Angel's direction. He caught her, smiling down at her. Darla growled. No. It wasn't right. She wanted to make Angel squirm. "NO!" she cried, dashing beside Lindsey. "Kill him. He's the only thing standing between the two of us. I know you want too. I know you want me all to yourself. KILL HIM!"
He gazed back at her, "I won't do your dirty work for you, my love. That's your job," Lindsey kissed her cheek as he began to walk away. Darla yelled, glaring back at Buffy and Angel.
"You won this round, Angel. But next time, it won't be so easy," and she disappeared, behind him.
Angel frowned, watching her leave. She was gone again - hopefully for good. He turned to Buffy. During the whole ordeal she had been crying, but her tears were happy tears. She knew he couldn't kill her and she understood why, because like her, she and Angel were soul mates - a bond stronger beyond death. Angel reached up, brushing her cheek and her tears away. He smiled, kissing her forehead. It was over...for now.
The End
by obi's girl
Kate Lockley fingered her crucifix as she watched a case video. It was of Darla, Lindsey McDonald, killing the Concierge, a bellboy and couple other unwilling victims. Though it was gruesome, she had to watch it in order to understand how Darla's sick twisted mind worked. It was late but she didn't care. Darla was ruthless and she was right to let Angel track her. He knew her better than she did.
And it made matters worse, since she had a new lap dog. Lindsey McDonald. She hated what he stood for and now he was a demon, it wouldn't be a problem killing him. She turned to her partner. He smiled.
"Still watching that tape?"
She nodded yes, "Darla's unpredictable. I need to study how she thinks in order to catch her,"
"I thought Darla was Angel's case? Belongs to Angel Investigations?"
Kate smiled, letting go of her crucifix. "It does but we're doing a joint partnership. It's better that way. It makes it easier to track her,"
"Kate, listen to yourself. You're just as obsessed about Darla as he is,"
She scowled, "I'm not obsessed. I just happen to have a soft spot for Angel, although if you tell him that - you're a dead man,"
He smiled, "I won't. It's your love life, not mine," and dropped a file on her desk, "It's the file of Lindsey McDonald. It took some strings to get, but I got it. Wolfram & Heart have tight security."
"It's a Lawyer firm - the worst kind in my opinion," she replied, going through the file.
He peeked over at the file, "Just what exactly are you looking for? Past relationships' gone bad?"
Kate laughed, "No."
The officer waited a moment for a reply but after a minute, he began to walk away. Kate stared at the papers, scanning down the page. She knew what she was looking for - proof that Wolfram & Hart was responsible for bringing Darla back and hopefully, enough evidence to convict them and shut them down for good.
**
Buffy Summers awoke the next morning, as Giles reentered the room. He already had breakfast and brought up some leftover for her. She smiled graciously at him as he lay the tray on the bed. "Thanks. I'm starved,"
Giles smiled, "I'm sure."
"Mmm. This is delicious. Who made it?"
"Angel actually." He replied.
She froze, looking at him unbelievingly. "Angel can cook? If he can cook, how come he never offered to make me dinner, while we were dating?"
He laughed, "He's not the best. Cordelia helped him a bit. Vampires have no taste buds, remember?"
Buffy nodded, "I remember," she changed the subject, "So, has Angel checked in with the station? Asked if Kate has been able to track where Darla might be?"
"I don't know. You'll have to ask him about that and I think she's eased up on him, a bit,"
"I see," she replied.
**
Buffy walked down the stairs, noticing Angel was on the couch reading the paper. Cordelia was at her post, behind the check in desk manning the phones or rather working on her nails. Wesley and Gunn still weren't in. She continued on. Angel stood up, dropping his paper.
"Morning,"
She smiled, "I didn't know you could be up at this early in the morning,"
Angel looked at his watcher, "It's later afternoon, Buffy. 3:00,"
She blinked, running to check his watch. "3:00. I've been asleep since we got in. Great,"
"If it's any consolation Kate called. She wants us to meet her at the station. She thinks she knows where Darla maybe and how to shut down Wolfram & Hart...for good,"
The Slayer scratched her back a bit, "Then let's go,"
**
Regardless of what her partner thought, Kate didn't go home. She stayed at the station, going over Lindsay's file and watching the Hotel tape. Lockley understood Darla was dangerous and needed to be stopped. She also understood that Angel was the only one who could that but she also knew, it wouldn't be easy for him.
Her gaze was averted once she saw Buffy and Angel arrived. Buffy. Kate didn't particularly like Buffy though she had been giving her all to fight beside Angel. She was the mythical Vampire Slayer, the Chosen One. Even though she worked to save souls like Angel, she still didn't like her and her attachment to Angel was nerving.
"So, what did you find?" Buffy asked, confronting Kate.
She stopped fingering her crucifix and faced the small girl. Kate had to admit that for a Slayer, she was rather small. If someone said she was the Slayer, they wouldn't have believed it. Buffy didn't even seem like a threat. "I have the proof that Wolfram & Hart are responsible for bringing Darla into this world," showing the disk. "And have you two checked the sewers at all?"
Angel nodded no, "We haven't. We've been tracking them up ground,"
"Well you should. A homeless man said he saw two people jumping into a sewer, near the downtown old Factory Park. His description fits that of Darla's and Lindsay's. I say we got 'em,"
Buffy smiled glancing at Angel. "I'll call Cordelia. Tell her to get a hold of Gunn and Wesley," the vampire said, disappearing from sight.
Once again, Buffy smiled at Kate though she didn't return the gesture. Buffy frowned. "You don't trust me, do you, Kate?"
"No, I don't but Angel does. He's known you for a long time. And you know Darla. You fought her before...and after he spared my life, I've been having second thoughts about him,"
Buffy folded her arms, "Good thoughts I hope,"
"Mixed. I know I can't ever forgive him for not being able to save my father but I can thank him for saving my life." She paused, "And as corny as this might sound, I'm asking for your blessing,"
She laughed, unfolding her arms, "My blessing? What are planning on marrying him because he didn't kill you, like you thought he would?" Buffy paused, "Kate, I know he cares about you. He has that look he used to have for me. But what your asking, I'm not sure I can give. It's up to him if he wants to be with you - not me. I'm just the ex-girlfriend, but I wish you well and hope, you are true to your word," She smiled, "Because if you aren't, expect hearing from me again,"
"Ladies?" Angel said, interrupting them. Both girls turned to him, smiling. It made suspicious but he didn't ask. "I've notified Gunn and Wesley. Wes is on his way to A.I and Gunn's going to meet us at the rendezvous point with some of his gang for back-up, incase things get ugly,"
As they turned to leave, Buffy called her back, "Kate. Thanks and May the Force be with you,"
She blinked as Buffy left with a smile on her face. Angel shrugged as he followed Buffy out. Kate smiled, "And with you, Buffy," dropping into her desk chair.
**
Angel looked suspiciously at Buffy as they left the station, heading for the garage. He smirked a bit, causing her to glance at him. He waved his hand. "I'm sorry, but can you explain why you blessed Kate with the famous Star Wars phrase, cause I don't get it,"
Buffy smiled, rolling her eyes, "It's a complicated story. But I can't worry about that right now. We have a hunt to do,"
"Indeed you do," a voice replied.
The two swirled around, facing Darla and Lindsey. Buffy held her stake defensively, ready to fight while Angel just stood there. She glanced at him worriedly, lowering her stake a bit. The silence was deafening and it nerved Buffy. "Angel? Angel?"
He shook his head, breaking off the stare. The vampire glanced at Buffy, giving her a small smile of reassurance. She smiled at him, facing Darla and Lindsey again. Darla smiled. "Slayer, we meet again. Come to join the festivities, I see,"
"Likewise," she replied, glancing at Lindsey, "So, Darla, why him?"
She rolled her eyes, not sure what the girl was talking about, "I don't understand. What do you mean?"
"I mean, why did you choose him? Was it because he had a thing for you, or were just lonely and you needed a lap dog to play with or was it because the sex was good and you couldn't get enough of it?"
Lindsey thrusted forward, growling angrily at Buffy, showing off his vampire features.
Buffy laughed, "Or maybe it's all three reasons. And he makes for a nice body guard,"
"You don't know me, Slayer. You don't judge me," he growled.
Darla kissed his cheek, hushing him as she faced the Slayer. "So, why not give it another go, girl?" taunting her. Buffy raised her fist, punching her in the face.
Lindsey cut between them but Darla pushed him back, landing him flat on the floor. As he started to get up, he felt a pair of hands grab his shirt. "Angel. Good to see you again," he laughed.
Angel turned away briefly, vamping out before he punched Lindsey in the face. He fell to the ground. Lindsey glanced at Darla. He grabbed her hand, pulling her away from Buffy before she got another shot at her. Darla looked at him furiously but gazed at Buffy and Angel. She smiled, "No. This is between Angel and I. A long time dispute..."
"Which needs to be settled now," he concluded, lunging at her.
Buffy stood still, distracted by Darla and Angel's interaction. It was enough distraction for Lindsey to take her from behind and grab her neck. He smiled, holding her in place. "Angel, hurt my Darla and I kill her," he yelled at him.
Angel froze, letting go of Darla. He raised his hand, gesturing that he let Buffy go. "Don't do this Lindsey. Let her go,"
He nodded his, "No."
"What do you want?"
Lindsey glanced at Darla then back at Angel. He kissed Buffy's neck, creating a strong reaction from Angel. "She's a nice girl, Angel. And strong. I see why you chose her. She looks innocent and yet she isn't, is she? She's a deadly killer, but in a good way - just like you,"
Buffy tried to talk but nothing came out, nothing Angel could hear. Darla smiled, blowing Lindsey a kiss. He smiled back, gazing at Angel. "I know how you feel about her. She's your whole life as Darla is mine. So, I ask you. Let us go. We'll leave LA. Never come back," he paused, "Grant us this one wish, and your Slayer blonde will live,"
She stared blankly at Angel, her eyes pleading. Buffy was confused but she knew what he had to do and she agreed. The Slayer nodded yes. Angel peered at Lindsey again, twirling his ax before dropping it. "Leave. Leave now before I change my mind. And don't ever come back, cause if you do, you're on my hit list,"
Lindsey released Buffy, swirling her in Angel's direction. He caught her, smiling down at her. Darla growled. No. It wasn't right. She wanted to make Angel squirm. "NO!" she cried, dashing beside Lindsey. "Kill him. He's the only thing standing between the two of us. I know you want too. I know you want me all to yourself. KILL HIM!"
He gazed back at her, "I won't do your dirty work for you, my love. That's your job," Lindsey kissed her cheek as he began to walk away. Darla yelled, glaring back at Buffy and Angel.
"You won this round, Angel. But next time, it won't be so easy," and she disappeared, behind him.
Angel frowned, watching her leave. She was gone again - hopefully for good. He turned to Buffy. During the whole ordeal she had been crying, but her tears were happy tears. She knew he couldn't kill her and she understood why, because like her, she and Angel were soul mates - a bond stronger beyond death. Angel reached up, brushing her cheek and her tears away. He smiled, kissing her forehead. It was over...for now.
The End