Disclaimer: Obviously, I don't own any of the characters, no matter how much I WISH I did. They belong to the idiot Joss and the WB.
~ Please excuse all errors in anything! I only got the WB this year, so needless to say, my only information comes from episode guides, which don't go into much detail. I'm only assuming that they'd met Willie already, and that he sells blood, so please, just bare with me. J ~
The Power Within
By Jules
Chapter 1
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
This takes place during Beauty and the Beasts. After Buffy visited Angel, after chaining him up in the Mansion and he kinda wigged out when she touched his shoulder.
Um, lets say, just for fun, that Cordelia and Xander broke up.
I don't remember what day it was, so lets pretend it's Friday
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
** The library **
Willow and Buffy sighed, as Cordelia and Xander had yet another fight.
"Will they ever stop?" Willow whispered to Buffy.
"Not very likely, it's like it's an aphrodisiac for them. Can you say, ewwww?"
Willow kind of nods her head.
"God, did something go into your closet and take out Ieverything/I that had even the slightest hint of style in it?" Cordelia questions.
"Oh, well excuse me, the rest of us underlings can't afford to never wear the same outfit twice you airhead." Xander responds
"Oh pullleeeaaassssseeee, is that the best you can come up with? My Imaid/I who doesn't even speak English could think of a better come back you dimwit!"
"Again, another example of just how high and mighty you think are. You're family hires illegal immigrants to do their work for them."
"Yeah, well Imy mother/I cleans our house more than yours does." Cordy shot back.
"Oh yeah, well you are a shameless, conceited, stuck-up, rich snob, who is completely useless. And you know what, no one really likes you, just your daddy's money, which buys you the popularity."
The room went completely silent. Cordelia's mouth hung open in shock.
Inside, Willow silently rejoiced just a bit, she knew that there was no chance of a relationship between the two now.
Buffy was surprised as well, Xander had been way harsh. Too harsh, that was cruel, even if he was only talking to Cordelia. She'd never been more ashamed of her friend, then she was right then.
Cordelia, at the same time, could feel her heart breaking. She couldn't believe he'd actually said that. She tried to shrug it off, it was just Xander, she didn't love him or anything . . . but then why did it hurt so much when he said that.
Xander clapped his hand over his mouth startled, what had he done? What had he said? Was that venom that had just been spewed forth actually come from his mouth? Xander knew at that moment, he'd gone too far, way too far. He closed his eyes, and braced himself for the slap, and for her to start yelling . . . nothing happened.
Cordelia just stood there, stunned for a moment. She could practically feel her eyes well up with tears, but she wouldn't do that. She wouldn't allow herself to go there. Instead, Cordelia spun around, and walked silently out of the library, until she reached the hallway, where she ran to her car, then speed off home.
Meanwhile, in the library, Xander watched Cordelia run off, "Oh my god, what did I do?"
"Xander, that was mean, that was overly harsh." Buffy scolded.
Xander doesn't even realize that there was anyone else in the room, "She's never going to forgive me . . . no matter how many bouquets of flowers I send her, or how much jewelry I buy her."
Buffy nodded her head in agreement, not even trying to lie to him, "Your right about that. You went way over the line Xander. Especially with the last two jabs. Talk about being insensitive why don't you, God Xander, you are so lucky she didn't wig out on you."
"I think I would have preferred it . . ." Xander groaned, sitting down and buried his head in his hands. He'd just successfully destroyed possibly the best thing that had ever happened to him.
** Middle of the night **
Angel shook on the floor, in the midst of another horrible dream/memory of his time in Hell. 100 years of torture and emotional and physical pain.
~*~
** Across town **
Cordelia tossed and turned in her bed, her dream waging on in her head.
ICordelia stood still, looking around, she was in the mansion. She looked around and saw a body thrashing around on the floor, hesitantly, she went over and touched it on the shoulder
FLASH!
She was suddenly in, what could only be described as, the pits of Hell. She saw all the sinners, in pain, and knew that for sure, that was where she was. Cordelia's eye caught a familiar face, and her heart was in her throat, Angel. He was withering around in utter agony.
For once, Cordelia Chase didn't run, she slowly, but surely, walked up to him, and kneeled down beside him, gently touching his face.
"Angel?" She whispered.
Angel looked up, in pain, "Cordelia . . . please."
Cordelia was shocked, "Yes Angel?"
"Please, help me . . . mansion . . . help . . ."
"What do you need?" She asked again, terrified.
"Go . . . the mansion . . ." He gasped.
"Why? Why do I need to go to the mansion?" Cordelia pressed.
Angel yelled in pain, his eyes were filled with terror and torment.
Cordelia backed away, but nodded her head. /I
Cordelia woke up in a cold sweat, remembering what he'd said.
"I have to go there, now" She knew it in her heart.
For the first time in her whole life, she didn't care that she was only wearing her short white satin negligee, or that her hair was a mess. She grabbed her robe, and put on a pair of shoes. As a precaution, she got two stakes, a cross, and her holy water squirt gun.
She snuck out of the house, as she'd done a million times before, then sped off to face whatever was there. She didn't know why, but she couldn't control the need she had to go to the mansion.
** 10 minutes later **
Cordelia took a deep breath, then opened the door hesitantly, holding her cross in front of her.
Her keen hearing caught the moaning that was in the other room, and she quickly went towards it. It was just like her dream, Angel was chained up, obviously having a nightmare.
Cordelia gasped, I'What the hell is he doing here? And is it Angel? Or Angelus?'/I
It hit her then that Angelus would never have nightmares, he was too ruthless to feel scared, to feel pain, to feel anything but bloodlust. Her mind flashed back to the dream, Angel, begging her to help him.
Cordelia knew she had to help him, no matter how scared she was. The chains would hopefully help to keep him from killing her, if he were Angelus . . .
She made up her mind and kneeled next to him. Her heart was racing a mile a minute, terrified. What was she doing? Had she totally gone mental? She didn't know, but she kept on doing what her heart told her to.
Cordelia reached out to touch Angel(us), then pulled back her hand suddenly. What was she thinking? She couldn't do this, she was petrified . . . but she had to . . .
Again she reached out, her soft hand finally gently brushing his face.
i~*~ ANGEL'S DREAM ~*~
Angel was in pure utter agony, back in the pits of Hell.
Hadn't he gone home? Hadn't he fallen to the floor in the mansion? How did he get back here . . .
The thought trailed off has another spasm of pain hit him.
His eyes opened and he saw a figure, dressed in a short white dress . . . an angel? In Hell? It's long legs walked over to him, and kneeled by his face . . . Cordelia? What was she doing here? His head went back down though, not having the strength.
He felt someone gently touching his face, and heard a woman whisper, "Angel."
Angel looked up, in pain, "Cordelia . . . please." He begged her.
Cordelia looked surprise. "Yes Angel?"
He knew then, he needed her, he managed to get out his plea, "Please, help me . . . mansion . . . help . . ."
"What do you need?" The angel asked him.
"Go . . . the mansion . . ." He urged.
"Why? Why do I need to go to the mansion?" She pressed.
Angel was racked with another spasm, his eyes must have looked terrifying, because Cordelia backed away, but nodded her head.
Then she disappeared, leaving him alone again . . . /I
Angel felt the brush of someone's hand on his face. The touch was so careful. He felt himself be pulled from the visions which were his suffering, his eyes slowly opened, and there she was again, Angel's angel, Cordelia.
"Cordelia." He gasped out.
Cordelia watched Angel's eyes open, and knew, it was Angel there lying in anguish.
She gasped, "Oh God, Angel, who did this to you? Who chained you up?" she questioned, stroking his face.
Angel shakes his head, taking in unneeded breaths, "I don't really remember. The last couple of days have been a blur."
Cordelia looked around, and saw that someone had actually left the key on a table on the other end of the room, "I'll be right back."
She quickly went and got it.
"Lets get these things off of you." She quickly went to work taking off all the chains that were on his weakened body, "I see you got your soul back Deadboy." Cordelia chatters flippantly, trying to lighten the situation.
"Just before . . . before Buffy sent me to Hell." Angel told her, deep pain flashing in his eyes.
"Oh God." Cordelia gasped in horror, "You mean it worked? Willow's soul restoration actually worked? How did you get here? I know it's only been like four months . . ."
Angel looked at her, a bit surprised, "Only that long? God, time must go by faster in Hell . . ."
"How long were you there?" She asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Angel closed his eyes, "Let's just leave it at a long time. I'd be over 350 if you went by how many years I spent there."
Cordelia doesn't remember how old Angel was, but she did know it was in the 200's, so this was like a really long time.
Things are silent for a moment, Angel resting his head on Cordelia's lap, and Cordelia still stroking his face.
Eventually she snaps out of it, "Come on Angel, let's get you into bed, can you make it?"
Angel nods his head, "If you help me."
Ten minutes later, and a lot of help from Cordelia, both collapsed on the master bedroom's huge bed, exhausted.
Cordelia's worn out, she was tired as it was, having only gotten two hours of sleep before being awoken from the nightmare, then helping Angel to bed wore her out.
Angel was exhausted too, 100 years in Hell did that to a vampire . . .
Though neither remembers how, both Cordelia and Angel fell asleep.
** Seven am **
Cordelia slowly wakes up, extremely aware that she wasn't in her bed, and that someone's arms were wrapped around her, and that her pillow felt muscularly toned. She opened her eyes and looked up, Angel! She was very relieved however to see the look on his face much more peaceful then the pain-filled one she'd seen last night.
She didn't want to disturb him, but she had to get up, it might have been a Saturday, but if she weren't there if her parents checked in on her . . . what was she saying, no one would miss her! But she still had things she needed to do.
"Angel . . . Angel, wake up." She softly called.
He didn't move.
Cordelia rolled her eyes, they didn't call her a bitch for nothing, so she got dirty, "Angel you jerk! I need to go!"
Angel awoke with a start at the sound of someone calling to him, he looked down to see who the heck his arms were around, and was surprised to see Cordelia, then the night before came back to him.
"Good morning Soulvamp." She told him perkily, "Would you mind letting me go? I have to go!"
Angel immediately relinquished his hold on her, "Sorry."
"Whatever." Cordelia shrugged, "I have to go home, and if someone sees me like this . . . I'll never live it down."
Surprisingly caringly, Cordelia put a blanket on him, "You are to sleep while I'm gone. I'll be back later to check on you, as soon as I can. Do you need anything while I'm gone? Clothes, food, whatever . . ."
Angel's surprised at her behavior, but admits, "I got clothes, but . . . um, I kinda need blood . . ."
** Two hours later **
Cordelia had hurried home, showered, blow-dried her hair, eaten a little something, gotten dressed, and then hurried out the door, all before her parents had even noticed she was up.
Now she was speeding down the road to Willie's.
She stepped into the seedy bar and looked around in disgust. Cordelia spotted the little weasel behind the bar, and walked right over to him.
"Hey!" Willie greeted, "Aren't you that hot friend of the Slayers?"
"I need blood." She told him.
"What? Why would I carry such an item."
"Give it a rest you pervert, I want blood, and I want it now. And don't you dare try to rip me off, I talked to a friend and found out how much the going rate is. And my friend would be royally pissed if you tried to do that to me, and he's not a nice person when he gets mad . . ." Cordelia warned. "Now I want several packs of blood, and a cooler and ice to keep it fresh."
Willie rushed to give her what she wanted. Once it was in her hands, Cordelia flashed her trademark grin at him, and threw him a couple big bills, "I didn't buy blood, I wasn't here, you never saw me. Or else I'll rip of a few choice members of your body and shove them so far up your ass you'll be singing soprano for the rest of your life, got it?"
Willie nodded his head, "Got it."
Cordelia then sauntered out, leaving an intimidated Willie behind. Demons and slayers threatened him all the time, but he'd never been more frightened of a woman in his life.
Angel had been dozing on and off for a couple hours, and woke up when he heard the door of the mansion. The footsteps quickly went up the stairs, and the door of the bedroom was thrown open, he was relieved that it was Cordelia.
"Hey Angel, I'm back!" She tossed him a pack of blood, "And I brought lunch. Enjoy, I'm gonna put the rest of these in the kitchen, and make a few calls, then I'll be back. Do you own the mansion?"
Angel thinks for a moment, "Well, I used to. Unless they repossessed it or something while I was gone . . ."
"I'll check it out."
~ Please excuse all errors in anything! I only got the WB this year, so needless to say, my only information comes from episode guides, which don't go into much detail. I'm only assuming that they'd met Willie already, and that he sells blood, so please, just bare with me. J ~
The Power Within
By Jules
Chapter 1
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
This takes place during Beauty and the Beasts. After Buffy visited Angel, after chaining him up in the Mansion and he kinda wigged out when she touched his shoulder.
Um, lets say, just for fun, that Cordelia and Xander broke up.
I don't remember what day it was, so lets pretend it's Friday
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
** The library **
Willow and Buffy sighed, as Cordelia and Xander had yet another fight.
"Will they ever stop?" Willow whispered to Buffy.
"Not very likely, it's like it's an aphrodisiac for them. Can you say, ewwww?"
Willow kind of nods her head.
"God, did something go into your closet and take out Ieverything/I that had even the slightest hint of style in it?" Cordelia questions.
"Oh, well excuse me, the rest of us underlings can't afford to never wear the same outfit twice you airhead." Xander responds
"Oh pullleeeaaassssseeee, is that the best you can come up with? My Imaid/I who doesn't even speak English could think of a better come back you dimwit!"
"Again, another example of just how high and mighty you think are. You're family hires illegal immigrants to do their work for them."
"Yeah, well Imy mother/I cleans our house more than yours does." Cordy shot back.
"Oh yeah, well you are a shameless, conceited, stuck-up, rich snob, who is completely useless. And you know what, no one really likes you, just your daddy's money, which buys you the popularity."
The room went completely silent. Cordelia's mouth hung open in shock.
Inside, Willow silently rejoiced just a bit, she knew that there was no chance of a relationship between the two now.
Buffy was surprised as well, Xander had been way harsh. Too harsh, that was cruel, even if he was only talking to Cordelia. She'd never been more ashamed of her friend, then she was right then.
Cordelia, at the same time, could feel her heart breaking. She couldn't believe he'd actually said that. She tried to shrug it off, it was just Xander, she didn't love him or anything . . . but then why did it hurt so much when he said that.
Xander clapped his hand over his mouth startled, what had he done? What had he said? Was that venom that had just been spewed forth actually come from his mouth? Xander knew at that moment, he'd gone too far, way too far. He closed his eyes, and braced himself for the slap, and for her to start yelling . . . nothing happened.
Cordelia just stood there, stunned for a moment. She could practically feel her eyes well up with tears, but she wouldn't do that. She wouldn't allow herself to go there. Instead, Cordelia spun around, and walked silently out of the library, until she reached the hallway, where she ran to her car, then speed off home.
Meanwhile, in the library, Xander watched Cordelia run off, "Oh my god, what did I do?"
"Xander, that was mean, that was overly harsh." Buffy scolded.
Xander doesn't even realize that there was anyone else in the room, "She's never going to forgive me . . . no matter how many bouquets of flowers I send her, or how much jewelry I buy her."
Buffy nodded her head in agreement, not even trying to lie to him, "Your right about that. You went way over the line Xander. Especially with the last two jabs. Talk about being insensitive why don't you, God Xander, you are so lucky she didn't wig out on you."
"I think I would have preferred it . . ." Xander groaned, sitting down and buried his head in his hands. He'd just successfully destroyed possibly the best thing that had ever happened to him.
** Middle of the night **
Angel shook on the floor, in the midst of another horrible dream/memory of his time in Hell. 100 years of torture and emotional and physical pain.
~*~
** Across town **
Cordelia tossed and turned in her bed, her dream waging on in her head.
ICordelia stood still, looking around, she was in the mansion. She looked around and saw a body thrashing around on the floor, hesitantly, she went over and touched it on the shoulder
FLASH!
She was suddenly in, what could only be described as, the pits of Hell. She saw all the sinners, in pain, and knew that for sure, that was where she was. Cordelia's eye caught a familiar face, and her heart was in her throat, Angel. He was withering around in utter agony.
For once, Cordelia Chase didn't run, she slowly, but surely, walked up to him, and kneeled down beside him, gently touching his face.
"Angel?" She whispered.
Angel looked up, in pain, "Cordelia . . . please."
Cordelia was shocked, "Yes Angel?"
"Please, help me . . . mansion . . . help . . ."
"What do you need?" She asked again, terrified.
"Go . . . the mansion . . ." He gasped.
"Why? Why do I need to go to the mansion?" Cordelia pressed.
Angel yelled in pain, his eyes were filled with terror and torment.
Cordelia backed away, but nodded her head. /I
Cordelia woke up in a cold sweat, remembering what he'd said.
"I have to go there, now" She knew it in her heart.
For the first time in her whole life, she didn't care that she was only wearing her short white satin negligee, or that her hair was a mess. She grabbed her robe, and put on a pair of shoes. As a precaution, she got two stakes, a cross, and her holy water squirt gun.
She snuck out of the house, as she'd done a million times before, then sped off to face whatever was there. She didn't know why, but she couldn't control the need she had to go to the mansion.
** 10 minutes later **
Cordelia took a deep breath, then opened the door hesitantly, holding her cross in front of her.
Her keen hearing caught the moaning that was in the other room, and she quickly went towards it. It was just like her dream, Angel was chained up, obviously having a nightmare.
Cordelia gasped, I'What the hell is he doing here? And is it Angel? Or Angelus?'/I
It hit her then that Angelus would never have nightmares, he was too ruthless to feel scared, to feel pain, to feel anything but bloodlust. Her mind flashed back to the dream, Angel, begging her to help him.
Cordelia knew she had to help him, no matter how scared she was. The chains would hopefully help to keep him from killing her, if he were Angelus . . .
She made up her mind and kneeled next to him. Her heart was racing a mile a minute, terrified. What was she doing? Had she totally gone mental? She didn't know, but she kept on doing what her heart told her to.
Cordelia reached out to touch Angel(us), then pulled back her hand suddenly. What was she thinking? She couldn't do this, she was petrified . . . but she had to . . .
Again she reached out, her soft hand finally gently brushing his face.
i~*~ ANGEL'S DREAM ~*~
Angel was in pure utter agony, back in the pits of Hell.
Hadn't he gone home? Hadn't he fallen to the floor in the mansion? How did he get back here . . .
The thought trailed off has another spasm of pain hit him.
His eyes opened and he saw a figure, dressed in a short white dress . . . an angel? In Hell? It's long legs walked over to him, and kneeled by his face . . . Cordelia? What was she doing here? His head went back down though, not having the strength.
He felt someone gently touching his face, and heard a woman whisper, "Angel."
Angel looked up, in pain, "Cordelia . . . please." He begged her.
Cordelia looked surprise. "Yes Angel?"
He knew then, he needed her, he managed to get out his plea, "Please, help me . . . mansion . . . help . . ."
"What do you need?" The angel asked him.
"Go . . . the mansion . . ." He urged.
"Why? Why do I need to go to the mansion?" She pressed.
Angel was racked with another spasm, his eyes must have looked terrifying, because Cordelia backed away, but nodded her head.
Then she disappeared, leaving him alone again . . . /I
Angel felt the brush of someone's hand on his face. The touch was so careful. He felt himself be pulled from the visions which were his suffering, his eyes slowly opened, and there she was again, Angel's angel, Cordelia.
"Cordelia." He gasped out.
Cordelia watched Angel's eyes open, and knew, it was Angel there lying in anguish.
She gasped, "Oh God, Angel, who did this to you? Who chained you up?" she questioned, stroking his face.
Angel shakes his head, taking in unneeded breaths, "I don't really remember. The last couple of days have been a blur."
Cordelia looked around, and saw that someone had actually left the key on a table on the other end of the room, "I'll be right back."
She quickly went and got it.
"Lets get these things off of you." She quickly went to work taking off all the chains that were on his weakened body, "I see you got your soul back Deadboy." Cordelia chatters flippantly, trying to lighten the situation.
"Just before . . . before Buffy sent me to Hell." Angel told her, deep pain flashing in his eyes.
"Oh God." Cordelia gasped in horror, "You mean it worked? Willow's soul restoration actually worked? How did you get here? I know it's only been like four months . . ."
Angel looked at her, a bit surprised, "Only that long? God, time must go by faster in Hell . . ."
"How long were you there?" She asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Angel closed his eyes, "Let's just leave it at a long time. I'd be over 350 if you went by how many years I spent there."
Cordelia doesn't remember how old Angel was, but she did know it was in the 200's, so this was like a really long time.
Things are silent for a moment, Angel resting his head on Cordelia's lap, and Cordelia still stroking his face.
Eventually she snaps out of it, "Come on Angel, let's get you into bed, can you make it?"
Angel nods his head, "If you help me."
Ten minutes later, and a lot of help from Cordelia, both collapsed on the master bedroom's huge bed, exhausted.
Cordelia's worn out, she was tired as it was, having only gotten two hours of sleep before being awoken from the nightmare, then helping Angel to bed wore her out.
Angel was exhausted too, 100 years in Hell did that to a vampire . . .
Though neither remembers how, both Cordelia and Angel fell asleep.
** Seven am **
Cordelia slowly wakes up, extremely aware that she wasn't in her bed, and that someone's arms were wrapped around her, and that her pillow felt muscularly toned. She opened her eyes and looked up, Angel! She was very relieved however to see the look on his face much more peaceful then the pain-filled one she'd seen last night.
She didn't want to disturb him, but she had to get up, it might have been a Saturday, but if she weren't there if her parents checked in on her . . . what was she saying, no one would miss her! But she still had things she needed to do.
"Angel . . . Angel, wake up." She softly called.
He didn't move.
Cordelia rolled her eyes, they didn't call her a bitch for nothing, so she got dirty, "Angel you jerk! I need to go!"
Angel awoke with a start at the sound of someone calling to him, he looked down to see who the heck his arms were around, and was surprised to see Cordelia, then the night before came back to him.
"Good morning Soulvamp." She told him perkily, "Would you mind letting me go? I have to go!"
Angel immediately relinquished his hold on her, "Sorry."
"Whatever." Cordelia shrugged, "I have to go home, and if someone sees me like this . . . I'll never live it down."
Surprisingly caringly, Cordelia put a blanket on him, "You are to sleep while I'm gone. I'll be back later to check on you, as soon as I can. Do you need anything while I'm gone? Clothes, food, whatever . . ."
Angel's surprised at her behavior, but admits, "I got clothes, but . . . um, I kinda need blood . . ."
** Two hours later **
Cordelia had hurried home, showered, blow-dried her hair, eaten a little something, gotten dressed, and then hurried out the door, all before her parents had even noticed she was up.
Now she was speeding down the road to Willie's.
She stepped into the seedy bar and looked around in disgust. Cordelia spotted the little weasel behind the bar, and walked right over to him.
"Hey!" Willie greeted, "Aren't you that hot friend of the Slayers?"
"I need blood." She told him.
"What? Why would I carry such an item."
"Give it a rest you pervert, I want blood, and I want it now. And don't you dare try to rip me off, I talked to a friend and found out how much the going rate is. And my friend would be royally pissed if you tried to do that to me, and he's not a nice person when he gets mad . . ." Cordelia warned. "Now I want several packs of blood, and a cooler and ice to keep it fresh."
Willie rushed to give her what she wanted. Once it was in her hands, Cordelia flashed her trademark grin at him, and threw him a couple big bills, "I didn't buy blood, I wasn't here, you never saw me. Or else I'll rip of a few choice members of your body and shove them so far up your ass you'll be singing soprano for the rest of your life, got it?"
Willie nodded his head, "Got it."
Cordelia then sauntered out, leaving an intimidated Willie behind. Demons and slayers threatened him all the time, but he'd never been more frightened of a woman in his life.
Angel had been dozing on and off for a couple hours, and woke up when he heard the door of the mansion. The footsteps quickly went up the stairs, and the door of the bedroom was thrown open, he was relieved that it was Cordelia.
"Hey Angel, I'm back!" She tossed him a pack of blood, "And I brought lunch. Enjoy, I'm gonna put the rest of these in the kitchen, and make a few calls, then I'll be back. Do you own the mansion?"
Angel thinks for a moment, "Well, I used to. Unless they repossessed it or something while I was gone . . ."
"I'll check it out."
