TITLE: Curiosity (3/?)
AUTHOR: Dannyblue
EMAIL: dannyblue2@yahoo.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please.
ARCHIVE/DISTRIBUTION: Anywhere, just drop me a note so I'll know where.
SUMMARY: A young couple sees something they can't quite believe.
SPOILERS: None really. Story takes place between "Dad" and "Waiting In the Wings".
PAIRING: Hints of A/C.
RATING: PG.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anyone or anything associated with "Angel" or "Buffy the Vampire Slayer".
Despite his love of horror movies in general, and vampires in particular, Grant Granger was a pretty rational-minded guy. He had no trouble separating fact from fiction, the possible from the impossible.
And his rational mind was telling him that his suspicions, which grew stronger with every second, were ridiculous. That the guy at the next table, who looked completely normal—if a little sun-deprived—was *not* the man in the book Grant now wished they'd never bought.
But all of the pieces kept falling into place. And his rational mind had to work overtime to hold onto the 'it's all a coincidence' theory.
Laura, it seemed, was having the same problem. Her eyes were darted around the outdoor café, unable to settle on one spot. The way they always did when she was mad, or nervous, or…scared, and didn't know what to do about it.
"Hello. How can I help you?"
The sound of the waitress's voice made both Grangers jump in their seats. Laura even shrieked just a bit.
"Oh, God," Laura gasped. She pressed her hand to her heart.
Realizing the couple at the next table was now looking in their direction, Grant tried to play it cool.
"Um, we're…" He had to pause for a second to clear his throat. "We're not ready to order yet." There. He'd sounded both cool *and* collected.
"Okay," the waitress said. "Just let me know when you're ready." Then, she headed to the next table. "Hello. How can I help you?"
As Cordelia placed her order, Grant leaned towards his wife. "Are you okay?"
"Oh, I'm peachy," Laura snapped. Another sign that she was upset. "Except for the whole 'freaking out' thing."
"Yeah." Grant agreed. He knew what she meant. "Do you want to leave?"
For a second, Grant thought she would say 'yes'. Then, looking almost frustrated, she shook her head. "We *can't*! You know?"
Grant nodded. It was yet another thing they had in common. They just couldn't leave a puzzle alone until it was solved.
Before they could say anything else, the waitress left the nearby table.
"Are you sure salad is enough?" Angel asked his companion. "I mean, it's not like you need to lose, you know, um, weight. Or anything."
"I ordered a salad because we're running behind, and don't have time for anything else." She gave him a meaningful look, as if to remind him who was to blame. Then, her expression turned hopeful. "Unless you want to forget about going to the…"
"No!" Angel shook his head vehemently. "After months of wheedling, I finally got you to cave. There's no *way* you're backing out now."
"Fine," Cordelia sighed. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this. What the hell *is* [I]Soylent Green[/I] anyway?"
Angel looked a tad insulted. "It's a classic."
"Not if *I've* never heard of it, it's not."
"Yes, it is. Besides, Charlton Heston stars."
"What *is* this thing you've got for Charlton Heston anyway? Not to mention cheesy sci-fi movies."
Angel's face went blank with disbelief. The picture of injured pride, his spine stiffened. "There is nothing *cheesy* about [I]Soylent Green[/I]. *Or* [I]The Omega Man[/I]. *Or* [I]Planet of the Apes[/I]. All of which I know you'd like if you just…gave 'em a chance."
"Whatever you say?" Cordelia didn't try to hide an amused smirk. "We just need to get you out of the 1970's. You won't *believe* how much special effects have improved since then."
"Funny, Cordy. Really funny."
Cordelia giggled. "I know."
As the two continued to chat, Grant studied Angel.
This was the creature who had done things so horrible, so sickeningly creative, that they were almost hard to imagine?
This was the bloodthirsty beast that was *feared* by his fellow bloodthirsty beasts?
*This* guy, who seemed ready to defend the works of Charlton Heston with his last breath?
If so, they didn't make sadistic creatures of the night quite the way they used to.
____________________
Laura watched enviously as Grant convinced himself there was nothing all that weird going on here.
He took a long, deep breath. Sat straighter in his chair. He shrugged a little, shrugging off his uneasiness. He even smiled, as if suddenly amused that he'd believed, for even a second, what they had both started to believe.
Laura wished she had his talent. But she couldn't get past the whole 270 years thing.
The waitress delivered the salads to the next table. Then, she turned to give the Grangers a questioning glance.
"Not yet," Grant said.
The waitress wasn't happy with that. With an audible sniff, she headed for the kitchen.
"By the way, how was your audition?" Angel asked. Grant noticed he made no move to pick up his fork.
"Okay, I think," Cordelia sighed. She dribbled dressing over her salad. "I still can't believe I got an audition for a decent play out of that commercial. The worst experience of my *life*."
"I wouldn't say that. I mean, it…had its moments." And he got this strangely wistful look on his face.
"Oh, please! The only thing good about that commercial is the residual checks." Grinning, she leaned across the table. "But guess what I heard. That director? You remember him? Well, he had a nervous breakdown or something! One minute, he's on the fast track. The next, he's resting peacefully in a"—she made finger quotes—'resort' upstate."
"Really?" Angel said with wide-eyed innocence. "You don't say?"
"Yeah. And, the thing is, nobody saw it coming. One day, he's a totally normal, well-adjusted jerk. The next, he's shaking like a junkie going cold turkey, and jumping at every loud noise or shadow."
"Well, it happens. I mean, he was in a pretty high pressure business. Some people can't take the stress."
"I guess." Cordy shrugged. "But, I have to say, that commercial came out great. Which lead to today's audition. For the part of a sex-starved bimbette. But, hey, at least the character has depth."
"Um." Looking uncomfortable, Angel straightened in his seat. "Sex-starved?"
"Yeah. And you could fit the entire wardrobe for the part in a brown paper bag. I mean, she spends the entire play half-dressed."
"Oh. Really?" he said, his voice going up an octave. He cleared his throat. "What I m-mean is…" Somehow, Angel managed to look both embarrassed and interested. "When you say 'half dressed', what do you…"
"And don't worry. I have it on good authority that I've improved a *lot* since the last play I was in. So, if I get the part, you won't have to try to come up with ways *not* to tell me I sucked."
"Oh, come on, Cordy." Angel's eyes shifted away from hers. "I didn't…think you were…that bad."
"Oh, really?" Cordelia gave him a skeptical look. "That's not what Angelus said."
And Laura Granger fell out of her chair.
It was inevitable, really. Captivated by the couple at the other table, she'd started to lean in their direction. She'd leaned so far, all that held her up was the force of her will.
Then, she heard that name. Angelus.
That was all it took for her to lose her concentration. Then, gravity took over. And…
SPLAT!
A little stunned by the fall, Laura sat motionless for one long moment. All around her, the diners at the café, and even a few passers by, froze. She could feel every eye in the place focus on her.
Including those of Angel and Cordelia. *And* her husband.
Too mortified to think of what she should do, she turned her panicked gaze towards Grant.
He caught on quick.
"Oh, honey!" he exclaimed as he jumped out of his chair. He knelt down beside her, his face the picture of husbandly concern. "Are you okay?"
((What an actor,)) Laura thought with a measure of pride.
"I'm fine," she said. And didn't have to pretend to be slightly dazed. "I don't know what happened."
"It must have been the medicine."
"The medicine?" Laura gave him a blank stare.
"Yeah. The medicine you were taking for your cold. You said it made you dizzy. Remember?"
"Oh. Yeah. Right." Trying to be helpful, Laura put her fist to her mouth and managed a few decent coughs.
Grant helped her to her feet, and steered her to her chair.
Face aflame, Laura watched gratefully as everyone turned their attention back to their meals.
Re-taking his own seat, Grant raised one hand. "Um, waitress," he called.
So they ordered a couple of salads—which, when they arrived, neither touched—and continued to eavesdrop.
And, as Laura started to adjust to the whole, "There's an honest to God *vampire* sitting at the next table…I think!" thing, she noticed something. Angel was looking at Cordelia like…
Well, like she used to catch Grant looking at *her* once upon a time. With longing. And doubt. And uncertainty. And a smile that never quite went away. That said he was just happy to be there with her.
That was back when they were still just friends. Before Grant told her he love her as *more* than a friend.
Laura frowned. Could a vampire—especially the one she'd spent all last night, and most of today reading about—fall in love?
"Well, time to go," Cordelia said. "The movie's about to…"
She never finished the sentence. Her eyes got this distant, far away look to them.
"Uh oh," she gasped.
"What?" Angel said, suddenly very alert. "What is it?"
Cordelia pressed her hands to her temples. "A jewelry store on…Brenner Street? There's a girl hiding in an alley. From a big, ugly, leathery…*thing*."
Looking suddenly grim—and as dangerous as the man in that picture—Angel nodded. He stood hastily tossed some bills on the table. "Let's go."
In an instant, the two were gone, headed back towards the black convertible.
For a long second, Laura and Grant didn't move. Just sat that, and stared at nothing in particular.
Laura thought of saying something. There *was* a lot to talk about. But she couldn't seem to get that conversational ball to roll.
Finally, she looked at Grant.
After a moment, Grant's eyes met hers.
"So," Laura began. And her voice only shook a little. "Do you know where Brenner Street is?"
(TO BE CONTINUED)
AUTHOR: Dannyblue
EMAIL: dannyblue2@yahoo.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please.
ARCHIVE/DISTRIBUTION: Anywhere, just drop me a note so I'll know where.
SUMMARY: A young couple sees something they can't quite believe.
SPOILERS: None really. Story takes place between "Dad" and "Waiting In the Wings".
PAIRING: Hints of A/C.
RATING: PG.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anyone or anything associated with "Angel" or "Buffy the Vampire Slayer".
Despite his love of horror movies in general, and vampires in particular, Grant Granger was a pretty rational-minded guy. He had no trouble separating fact from fiction, the possible from the impossible.
And his rational mind was telling him that his suspicions, which grew stronger with every second, were ridiculous. That the guy at the next table, who looked completely normal—if a little sun-deprived—was *not* the man in the book Grant now wished they'd never bought.
But all of the pieces kept falling into place. And his rational mind had to work overtime to hold onto the 'it's all a coincidence' theory.
Laura, it seemed, was having the same problem. Her eyes were darted around the outdoor café, unable to settle on one spot. The way they always did when she was mad, or nervous, or…scared, and didn't know what to do about it.
"Hello. How can I help you?"
The sound of the waitress's voice made both Grangers jump in their seats. Laura even shrieked just a bit.
"Oh, God," Laura gasped. She pressed her hand to her heart.
Realizing the couple at the next table was now looking in their direction, Grant tried to play it cool.
"Um, we're…" He had to pause for a second to clear his throat. "We're not ready to order yet." There. He'd sounded both cool *and* collected.
"Okay," the waitress said. "Just let me know when you're ready." Then, she headed to the next table. "Hello. How can I help you?"
As Cordelia placed her order, Grant leaned towards his wife. "Are you okay?"
"Oh, I'm peachy," Laura snapped. Another sign that she was upset. "Except for the whole 'freaking out' thing."
"Yeah." Grant agreed. He knew what she meant. "Do you want to leave?"
For a second, Grant thought she would say 'yes'. Then, looking almost frustrated, she shook her head. "We *can't*! You know?"
Grant nodded. It was yet another thing they had in common. They just couldn't leave a puzzle alone until it was solved.
Before they could say anything else, the waitress left the nearby table.
"Are you sure salad is enough?" Angel asked his companion. "I mean, it's not like you need to lose, you know, um, weight. Or anything."
"I ordered a salad because we're running behind, and don't have time for anything else." She gave him a meaningful look, as if to remind him who was to blame. Then, her expression turned hopeful. "Unless you want to forget about going to the…"
"No!" Angel shook his head vehemently. "After months of wheedling, I finally got you to cave. There's no *way* you're backing out now."
"Fine," Cordelia sighed. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this. What the hell *is* [I]Soylent Green[/I] anyway?"
Angel looked a tad insulted. "It's a classic."
"Not if *I've* never heard of it, it's not."
"Yes, it is. Besides, Charlton Heston stars."
"What *is* this thing you've got for Charlton Heston anyway? Not to mention cheesy sci-fi movies."
Angel's face went blank with disbelief. The picture of injured pride, his spine stiffened. "There is nothing *cheesy* about [I]Soylent Green[/I]. *Or* [I]The Omega Man[/I]. *Or* [I]Planet of the Apes[/I]. All of which I know you'd like if you just…gave 'em a chance."
"Whatever you say?" Cordelia didn't try to hide an amused smirk. "We just need to get you out of the 1970's. You won't *believe* how much special effects have improved since then."
"Funny, Cordy. Really funny."
Cordelia giggled. "I know."
As the two continued to chat, Grant studied Angel.
This was the creature who had done things so horrible, so sickeningly creative, that they were almost hard to imagine?
This was the bloodthirsty beast that was *feared* by his fellow bloodthirsty beasts?
*This* guy, who seemed ready to defend the works of Charlton Heston with his last breath?
If so, they didn't make sadistic creatures of the night quite the way they used to.
____________________
Laura watched enviously as Grant convinced himself there was nothing all that weird going on here.
He took a long, deep breath. Sat straighter in his chair. He shrugged a little, shrugging off his uneasiness. He even smiled, as if suddenly amused that he'd believed, for even a second, what they had both started to believe.
Laura wished she had his talent. But she couldn't get past the whole 270 years thing.
The waitress delivered the salads to the next table. Then, she turned to give the Grangers a questioning glance.
"Not yet," Grant said.
The waitress wasn't happy with that. With an audible sniff, she headed for the kitchen.
"By the way, how was your audition?" Angel asked. Grant noticed he made no move to pick up his fork.
"Okay, I think," Cordelia sighed. She dribbled dressing over her salad. "I still can't believe I got an audition for a decent play out of that commercial. The worst experience of my *life*."
"I wouldn't say that. I mean, it…had its moments." And he got this strangely wistful look on his face.
"Oh, please! The only thing good about that commercial is the residual checks." Grinning, she leaned across the table. "But guess what I heard. That director? You remember him? Well, he had a nervous breakdown or something! One minute, he's on the fast track. The next, he's resting peacefully in a"—she made finger quotes—'resort' upstate."
"Really?" Angel said with wide-eyed innocence. "You don't say?"
"Yeah. And, the thing is, nobody saw it coming. One day, he's a totally normal, well-adjusted jerk. The next, he's shaking like a junkie going cold turkey, and jumping at every loud noise or shadow."
"Well, it happens. I mean, he was in a pretty high pressure business. Some people can't take the stress."
"I guess." Cordy shrugged. "But, I have to say, that commercial came out great. Which lead to today's audition. For the part of a sex-starved bimbette. But, hey, at least the character has depth."
"Um." Looking uncomfortable, Angel straightened in his seat. "Sex-starved?"
"Yeah. And you could fit the entire wardrobe for the part in a brown paper bag. I mean, she spends the entire play half-dressed."
"Oh. Really?" he said, his voice going up an octave. He cleared his throat. "What I m-mean is…" Somehow, Angel managed to look both embarrassed and interested. "When you say 'half dressed', what do you…"
"And don't worry. I have it on good authority that I've improved a *lot* since the last play I was in. So, if I get the part, you won't have to try to come up with ways *not* to tell me I sucked."
"Oh, come on, Cordy." Angel's eyes shifted away from hers. "I didn't…think you were…that bad."
"Oh, really?" Cordelia gave him a skeptical look. "That's not what Angelus said."
And Laura Granger fell out of her chair.
It was inevitable, really. Captivated by the couple at the other table, she'd started to lean in their direction. She'd leaned so far, all that held her up was the force of her will.
Then, she heard that name. Angelus.
That was all it took for her to lose her concentration. Then, gravity took over. And…
SPLAT!
A little stunned by the fall, Laura sat motionless for one long moment. All around her, the diners at the café, and even a few passers by, froze. She could feel every eye in the place focus on her.
Including those of Angel and Cordelia. *And* her husband.
Too mortified to think of what she should do, she turned her panicked gaze towards Grant.
He caught on quick.
"Oh, honey!" he exclaimed as he jumped out of his chair. He knelt down beside her, his face the picture of husbandly concern. "Are you okay?"
((What an actor,)) Laura thought with a measure of pride.
"I'm fine," she said. And didn't have to pretend to be slightly dazed. "I don't know what happened."
"It must have been the medicine."
"The medicine?" Laura gave him a blank stare.
"Yeah. The medicine you were taking for your cold. You said it made you dizzy. Remember?"
"Oh. Yeah. Right." Trying to be helpful, Laura put her fist to her mouth and managed a few decent coughs.
Grant helped her to her feet, and steered her to her chair.
Face aflame, Laura watched gratefully as everyone turned their attention back to their meals.
Re-taking his own seat, Grant raised one hand. "Um, waitress," he called.
So they ordered a couple of salads—which, when they arrived, neither touched—and continued to eavesdrop.
And, as Laura started to adjust to the whole, "There's an honest to God *vampire* sitting at the next table…I think!" thing, she noticed something. Angel was looking at Cordelia like…
Well, like she used to catch Grant looking at *her* once upon a time. With longing. And doubt. And uncertainty. And a smile that never quite went away. That said he was just happy to be there with her.
That was back when they were still just friends. Before Grant told her he love her as *more* than a friend.
Laura frowned. Could a vampire—especially the one she'd spent all last night, and most of today reading about—fall in love?
"Well, time to go," Cordelia said. "The movie's about to…"
She never finished the sentence. Her eyes got this distant, far away look to them.
"Uh oh," she gasped.
"What?" Angel said, suddenly very alert. "What is it?"
Cordelia pressed her hands to her temples. "A jewelry store on…Brenner Street? There's a girl hiding in an alley. From a big, ugly, leathery…*thing*."
Looking suddenly grim—and as dangerous as the man in that picture—Angel nodded. He stood hastily tossed some bills on the table. "Let's go."
In an instant, the two were gone, headed back towards the black convertible.
For a long second, Laura and Grant didn't move. Just sat that, and stared at nothing in particular.
Laura thought of saying something. There *was* a lot to talk about. But she couldn't seem to get that conversational ball to roll.
Finally, she looked at Grant.
After a moment, Grant's eyes met hers.
"So," Laura began. And her voice only shook a little. "Do you know where Brenner Street is?"
(TO BE CONTINUED)