A/N 1: Okay, sorry about the long delay. It's been… *checks her calendar*
yep, over a month. But it's not my fault, honest!! I was busy.. AND I had
the worst case of writer's block I've ever had in my life(honest on that
too!!). It was crazy. Really!
A/N 2: Also, you might be a bit confused at the beginning of this chapter, but it'll make sense in the end. So, don't worry, k's?
A/N 3: And if you're still a fan of this story after all this time, THANK YOU SO MUCH! Hugs and kisses all around! :) (Don't mind me.. I'm a bit melohdramatic!!)
Chapter 15:
Four Years Later
"Is Dad back yet?" A deep voice startled Lorne, who knocked over the martini he was fixing.
"No, he's not." Lorne grabbed a towel and began sopping up the alcoholic drink. "He probably won't be back until eight or nine o'clock tonight."
Journey nodded. "Okay, well, tell him that I said 'Hi' when he finally shows up." He turned to leave.
"Stop right there, Mister. You can tell him yourself." Lorne paused. "Unless, of course, you have somewhere more important to be."
Journey turned back slowly. "Well.. I AM going out tonight."
"With who?"
"These kids I met this morning."
"Oh. So, since you met these guys this morning, you really don't know them, do you?"
"I know enough."
"Oh, do you now? Well, Mr. Know-It-All, what's their names?"
Journey rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on. What a ridiculous question." He paused. "Jake, Michael, Gage, and Trevor."
"Okay, Precious. And just what are Jake, Michael, Gage, and Trevor's last names?" Lorne set about making himself another martini.
"Uh…"
"Just as I thought, Mr. Smarty Pants is also Mr. Clueless."
Journey let out an exasperated sigh. "Ugh! What does it even matter?"
"Journey, I will not let you go out and roam the streets with strangers."
"They're not strangers, okay? I know them."
"And that automatically makes it all okay? Let me tell you something: I don't know them. So, unless you plan on introducing these kids to me, you're staying home tonight."
"Lorne, that's not even fair!! I can't introduce them to you. Have you forgotten the fact that you're green?!"
"Have you forgotten the fact that you're immortal? Or the fact that your father is as well? And you didn't forget to tell them that your Daddy's a vampire, did you?"
"Okay, fine. I get your point. But what then? Am I supposed to roam the earth, friendless for eternity?"
"Journey, that's not what I mean. You've just got to be careful whom you hang out with. You're not like other kids."
"Don't you think I know that?" Journey began to pace. "So, what am I supposed to do, O Wise One? Become a social recluse, like my Father?"
"No. We sure don't need another Angel in the world. You're just going to have to be careful and choose your buddies wisely, that's all."
"And just who am I supposed to choose?"
Lorne took a sip of his martini. "I don't know. Milo and Charlie?"
Journey made a face. "I haven't hung out with them in years. They were SO boring."
"Well, maybe they're not so boring now. You don't know unless you give them a try."
He nodded. "Okay. I'll think about it."
"Good." Lorne gulped down the remainder of his martini.
Journey stood there for a moment. "So can I go out with the guys?"
"No."
"You know, you're not my Dad, Lorne. I don't even have to listen to you."
"I know that. But I also know that your dad left you in my care." Lorne paused. "Just like I know that he's missed you and he can't wait to see you…. tonight."
Journey stared back, his dark eyes masking the fury behind them. He whirled around, ready to leave. He paused, though, and spoke softly: "Well, it's about time he showed some interest in me."
Before Lorne could respond, Journey shoved the door open and was gone.
Lorne sighed and set about pouring himself another drink. Opting this time for some scotch, he uncapped the bottle and let the alcoholic liquid dance into his glass. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Lorne was no longer alone in the kitchen.
"What can I do for you, sweetheart?" He asked, without looking up. He didn't have to look up to know when Cordelia entered a room.
She walked over to him and sat down on the countertop. "So, today's the day, right? The day Angel will return?"
"Yes, Cordy-baby. Today's the day."
A smile lit up her face. "Good." She sighed happily. "I can't wait to see him. I mean, it's been so long." She gently ran a finger across the scar that now marred her beautiful neck. "I haven't gotten to say 'thank you' yet, you know?" She remarked sadly.
Lorne nodded. "I know, baby doll. But that's not your fault at all. You were very different two years ago when Angel left." He smiled at her. "You've come a long way since then, Cordelia."
"I know. But it still upsets me that I let 4 years go by without thanking him for saving my life that night."
"Better late than never, right? And tonight's your chance."
Cordelia nodded, taking in what he was saying. "I can't wait to see him. I wonder if he looks different."
"Well, seeing as how he's dead, and he hasn't changed much in over 200 years, I'm thinking no." He looked at her for a moment. "Why don't you go out and buy a new dress or something for Angel's welcome home party tonight? And take Journey with you. It'll give him something to do too."
Cordy hopped down off the counter. "Okay, I'll take the little tyke off your hands for now. But we'll be back soon. I don't want to miss Angel getting home."
"All right, sweetie. Have fun." Cordelia waved good-bye and exited through the swinging kitchen door.
Lorne leaned against the counter and sighed.
* * * *
Hello there.
Yes, I do mean you.
C'mon, have a seat. I'll be your navigator for this particular trip.
Can I get your anything? A tequila shot? Martini? Rum and Coke? A reading?
Oh, well. Just thought I'd try.
Anyway, I've decided to share with you my views of just what's happened these last few years.
As you may have already noticed, Journey isn't quite the youngster he used to be. No siree, they adventurous child is now a full-blown, pretty darn independent teenager.
Cordelia may seem like the same old Cordy to you. But in reality, she's anything but. If you'd been around the last four years, you'd know exactly what I'm talking about.
Yep, it's been four very long and trying years. Two of which we'd been left totally and completely Angel-less. And so, since none of you know, I'm going to take the time out of my extremely busy schedule to fill you in on what you've missed.
Now, we're gonna go fast, in order to finish this little trip down memory lane before Angel returns. So, hang on tight and keep up, 'cause I'll not be repeatin' myself.
First off, after that day, Cordy was in a lot of trouble. She'd lost a lot of blood and had to have numerous blood transfusions. She was also in intensive care, because her body had gone into shock.
It was touch and go for a while. We weren't sure if she'd ever pull through.
But eventually, she did. Our Cordy always was a fighter (still is, too). And though she finally healed physically, it took longer for her to heal emotionally. Her whole state of mind changed drastically. She was no longer the independent champion, fighting bravely by Angel's side.
She was now the dependent survivor, clinging to Angel's side for dear life.
The sparkle had gone out of her eyes and her opinionated views were quietened. Without the bright light that was Cordelia, the Hyperion soon turned into a tomb.
Though the change in personality affected all of us, it affected Angel the most. He felt that it was his fault that Cordy was harmed in the first place, even though we all tried to convince him otherwise. Angel also thought that this total change in Cordy was his fault.
Because he blamed himself and because he's Angel, he took Cordelia in and began taking care of her. She could no longer stay alone; every little noise, movement, or thing frightened her. She was also deathly afraid of the dark and she had nightmares every night. And so, they began to share the same room. Whenever he left the hotel, she either went with him, or begged him to lock her in the basement, so she'd be safe from all harm. Basically, Cordy and Angel became attached at the hip.
And even though he helped Cordy out those times more than he will ever know, the guilt he felt mounted with each passing day. After two years of being a permanent babysitter to a woman that was thirty-four years old, he was practically searching for a reason to leave.
And he got one. One day, he received a call from Willow. After a rather lengthy conversation with her behind close doors (his Siamese twin Cordelia waited impatiently outside), we finally learned that Buffy was pregnant and that the old gang was wanting Angel's help in controlling the Hellmouth until after the baby's arrival.
Angel wasted no time in offering his help to those poor, defenseless people. (Yes, the poor defenseless part was a joke… sorry.)
So, anyway, Angel left us. He called every once in a while, but for the most part, we were on our own. That was A-Okay for Wes, Fred, Gunn, and Faith. They all had lives of their own to live, anyhow.
But as for me, I became Angel, in a sense. With his absence, I became twin to Cordelia and insta-father to new teen Journey. Neither was an easy task, lemme tell you.
Journey was upset that Angel had left; though he wouldn't talk about it. Since the day Angel left, a volcano of hatred began to build inside that child's body.. and I fear it may just erupt upon Angel's arrival tonight.
Cordelia, on the other hand, just wished he'd come back.
Soon, a year had passed. Gunn and Faith had gotten married (to each other, of course!). And they were patiently awaiting the arrival of their daughter, little Asiaree Traedor Gunn. And let me tell you, she's a beauty! She'll be breakin' hearts in no time.
But on with the story…
So, anyway, Angel was finally on his way home, back to us, back to Journey, back to Cordelia. We all stayed up that night (well, Cordy, Journey, and me did), waiting to see him. The night wore on and Angel didn't show up. We didn't sleep, watching the sunrise, yet Angel's face we didn't see.
It's been a year, and Angel still hasn't been home.
After we spent that night waiting on him to come home, we grew worried at the thought of what might have happened to him. Cordelia was absolutely hysterical. I didn't think I'd ever get her to calm down. Journey could care less whether Angel ever came home again, so he wasn't too upset by the whole ordeal. We tried to get a hold of him, but we couldn't.
It was two weeks before we found out anything. And that was because we got a postcard in the mail. The front of the postcard showed a rock castle and rolling green hills. On the back, Angel had scrawled, "I'm taking care of unfinished business. Will call soon. Love to all. Angel."
That was it. That was all. No indication of where he was at or how long he'd be there.
But after studying the postcard for a few minutes, we found out that the card was postmarked Limerick. And not Limerick, Maine, like I thought it was. Limerick, Ireland.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking. What the Hades is Angelcakes doing in Ireland, of all places? Oh, you weren't thinking that. Hmm. Well, I was thinking that, anyway.
So, when he called, I asked him.
Of course, I got some lame answer about how he had to connect with his roots or something. Of course, I know the real reason. He just wanted any reason to stay away from his brat of a child, Journey!!
5..4..3..2..1. Okay, I'm sorry. Got a little agitated there. I love Journey, really, I do. He's basically my kid, you know. It's just that.. spending two years with a rebellious, angsty teenager can really fry your nerves.
Anyway… so, to make a long story short, Angel's been in Ireland ever since. And now he's comin' back. Today.
Hopefully, it'll be a happy reunion.
Most likely, it won't.
* * * *
Journey sat on his bed, idly flipping through a magazine. His eyes roamed to the window and he stared at the stars through the black gauze curtain. An idea in mind, he got up and walked out of his room.
In a few minutes time, he was laying on the rooftop, staring up at the big expanse that is the universe. It was always so calm and peaceful up here. He came up here daily now, to have his own little world. Where he was the leader and everything was done his way. He liked that feeling. And plus, it gave him time to think.
He'd only been up there ten minutes when he heard a car door slam and the sound of people talking. He got up and peered over the edge of the building as Cordelia squealed, "Angel!"
Looking over the side, he could see his Dad clearly in the moonlight, surrounded by Lorne, Cordelia, Wesley, Fred, and Gunn. Faith was inside, he knew; inside with Milo, Charlie, and Asiaree. His Dad hadn't appeared to have changed any at all. But of course, he was up thirty feet in the air or more.
After everyone outside had welcomed his Dad, Journey faintly heard him ask, "Where's Journey?"
"And finally, he asks about me," Journey muttered as he backed away from the edge of the Hyperion's roof and slid away, hidden in the darkness.
TBC
A/N 2: Also, you might be a bit confused at the beginning of this chapter, but it'll make sense in the end. So, don't worry, k's?
A/N 3: And if you're still a fan of this story after all this time, THANK YOU SO MUCH! Hugs and kisses all around! :) (Don't mind me.. I'm a bit melohdramatic!!)
Chapter 15:
Four Years Later
"Is Dad back yet?" A deep voice startled Lorne, who knocked over the martini he was fixing.
"No, he's not." Lorne grabbed a towel and began sopping up the alcoholic drink. "He probably won't be back until eight or nine o'clock tonight."
Journey nodded. "Okay, well, tell him that I said 'Hi' when he finally shows up." He turned to leave.
"Stop right there, Mister. You can tell him yourself." Lorne paused. "Unless, of course, you have somewhere more important to be."
Journey turned back slowly. "Well.. I AM going out tonight."
"With who?"
"These kids I met this morning."
"Oh. So, since you met these guys this morning, you really don't know them, do you?"
"I know enough."
"Oh, do you now? Well, Mr. Know-It-All, what's their names?"
Journey rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on. What a ridiculous question." He paused. "Jake, Michael, Gage, and Trevor."
"Okay, Precious. And just what are Jake, Michael, Gage, and Trevor's last names?" Lorne set about making himself another martini.
"Uh…"
"Just as I thought, Mr. Smarty Pants is also Mr. Clueless."
Journey let out an exasperated sigh. "Ugh! What does it even matter?"
"Journey, I will not let you go out and roam the streets with strangers."
"They're not strangers, okay? I know them."
"And that automatically makes it all okay? Let me tell you something: I don't know them. So, unless you plan on introducing these kids to me, you're staying home tonight."
"Lorne, that's not even fair!! I can't introduce them to you. Have you forgotten the fact that you're green?!"
"Have you forgotten the fact that you're immortal? Or the fact that your father is as well? And you didn't forget to tell them that your Daddy's a vampire, did you?"
"Okay, fine. I get your point. But what then? Am I supposed to roam the earth, friendless for eternity?"
"Journey, that's not what I mean. You've just got to be careful whom you hang out with. You're not like other kids."
"Don't you think I know that?" Journey began to pace. "So, what am I supposed to do, O Wise One? Become a social recluse, like my Father?"
"No. We sure don't need another Angel in the world. You're just going to have to be careful and choose your buddies wisely, that's all."
"And just who am I supposed to choose?"
Lorne took a sip of his martini. "I don't know. Milo and Charlie?"
Journey made a face. "I haven't hung out with them in years. They were SO boring."
"Well, maybe they're not so boring now. You don't know unless you give them a try."
He nodded. "Okay. I'll think about it."
"Good." Lorne gulped down the remainder of his martini.
Journey stood there for a moment. "So can I go out with the guys?"
"No."
"You know, you're not my Dad, Lorne. I don't even have to listen to you."
"I know that. But I also know that your dad left you in my care." Lorne paused. "Just like I know that he's missed you and he can't wait to see you…. tonight."
Journey stared back, his dark eyes masking the fury behind them. He whirled around, ready to leave. He paused, though, and spoke softly: "Well, it's about time he showed some interest in me."
Before Lorne could respond, Journey shoved the door open and was gone.
Lorne sighed and set about pouring himself another drink. Opting this time for some scotch, he uncapped the bottle and let the alcoholic liquid dance into his glass. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Lorne was no longer alone in the kitchen.
"What can I do for you, sweetheart?" He asked, without looking up. He didn't have to look up to know when Cordelia entered a room.
She walked over to him and sat down on the countertop. "So, today's the day, right? The day Angel will return?"
"Yes, Cordy-baby. Today's the day."
A smile lit up her face. "Good." She sighed happily. "I can't wait to see him. I mean, it's been so long." She gently ran a finger across the scar that now marred her beautiful neck. "I haven't gotten to say 'thank you' yet, you know?" She remarked sadly.
Lorne nodded. "I know, baby doll. But that's not your fault at all. You were very different two years ago when Angel left." He smiled at her. "You've come a long way since then, Cordelia."
"I know. But it still upsets me that I let 4 years go by without thanking him for saving my life that night."
"Better late than never, right? And tonight's your chance."
Cordelia nodded, taking in what he was saying. "I can't wait to see him. I wonder if he looks different."
"Well, seeing as how he's dead, and he hasn't changed much in over 200 years, I'm thinking no." He looked at her for a moment. "Why don't you go out and buy a new dress or something for Angel's welcome home party tonight? And take Journey with you. It'll give him something to do too."
Cordy hopped down off the counter. "Okay, I'll take the little tyke off your hands for now. But we'll be back soon. I don't want to miss Angel getting home."
"All right, sweetie. Have fun." Cordelia waved good-bye and exited through the swinging kitchen door.
Lorne leaned against the counter and sighed.
* * * *
Hello there.
Yes, I do mean you.
C'mon, have a seat. I'll be your navigator for this particular trip.
Can I get your anything? A tequila shot? Martini? Rum and Coke? A reading?
Oh, well. Just thought I'd try.
Anyway, I've decided to share with you my views of just what's happened these last few years.
As you may have already noticed, Journey isn't quite the youngster he used to be. No siree, they adventurous child is now a full-blown, pretty darn independent teenager.
Cordelia may seem like the same old Cordy to you. But in reality, she's anything but. If you'd been around the last four years, you'd know exactly what I'm talking about.
Yep, it's been four very long and trying years. Two of which we'd been left totally and completely Angel-less. And so, since none of you know, I'm going to take the time out of my extremely busy schedule to fill you in on what you've missed.
Now, we're gonna go fast, in order to finish this little trip down memory lane before Angel returns. So, hang on tight and keep up, 'cause I'll not be repeatin' myself.
First off, after that day, Cordy was in a lot of trouble. She'd lost a lot of blood and had to have numerous blood transfusions. She was also in intensive care, because her body had gone into shock.
It was touch and go for a while. We weren't sure if she'd ever pull through.
But eventually, she did. Our Cordy always was a fighter (still is, too). And though she finally healed physically, it took longer for her to heal emotionally. Her whole state of mind changed drastically. She was no longer the independent champion, fighting bravely by Angel's side.
She was now the dependent survivor, clinging to Angel's side for dear life.
The sparkle had gone out of her eyes and her opinionated views were quietened. Without the bright light that was Cordelia, the Hyperion soon turned into a tomb.
Though the change in personality affected all of us, it affected Angel the most. He felt that it was his fault that Cordy was harmed in the first place, even though we all tried to convince him otherwise. Angel also thought that this total change in Cordy was his fault.
Because he blamed himself and because he's Angel, he took Cordelia in and began taking care of her. She could no longer stay alone; every little noise, movement, or thing frightened her. She was also deathly afraid of the dark and she had nightmares every night. And so, they began to share the same room. Whenever he left the hotel, she either went with him, or begged him to lock her in the basement, so she'd be safe from all harm. Basically, Cordy and Angel became attached at the hip.
And even though he helped Cordy out those times more than he will ever know, the guilt he felt mounted with each passing day. After two years of being a permanent babysitter to a woman that was thirty-four years old, he was practically searching for a reason to leave.
And he got one. One day, he received a call from Willow. After a rather lengthy conversation with her behind close doors (his Siamese twin Cordelia waited impatiently outside), we finally learned that Buffy was pregnant and that the old gang was wanting Angel's help in controlling the Hellmouth until after the baby's arrival.
Angel wasted no time in offering his help to those poor, defenseless people. (Yes, the poor defenseless part was a joke… sorry.)
So, anyway, Angel left us. He called every once in a while, but for the most part, we were on our own. That was A-Okay for Wes, Fred, Gunn, and Faith. They all had lives of their own to live, anyhow.
But as for me, I became Angel, in a sense. With his absence, I became twin to Cordelia and insta-father to new teen Journey. Neither was an easy task, lemme tell you.
Journey was upset that Angel had left; though he wouldn't talk about it. Since the day Angel left, a volcano of hatred began to build inside that child's body.. and I fear it may just erupt upon Angel's arrival tonight.
Cordelia, on the other hand, just wished he'd come back.
Soon, a year had passed. Gunn and Faith had gotten married (to each other, of course!). And they were patiently awaiting the arrival of their daughter, little Asiaree Traedor Gunn. And let me tell you, she's a beauty! She'll be breakin' hearts in no time.
But on with the story…
So, anyway, Angel was finally on his way home, back to us, back to Journey, back to Cordelia. We all stayed up that night (well, Cordy, Journey, and me did), waiting to see him. The night wore on and Angel didn't show up. We didn't sleep, watching the sunrise, yet Angel's face we didn't see.
It's been a year, and Angel still hasn't been home.
After we spent that night waiting on him to come home, we grew worried at the thought of what might have happened to him. Cordelia was absolutely hysterical. I didn't think I'd ever get her to calm down. Journey could care less whether Angel ever came home again, so he wasn't too upset by the whole ordeal. We tried to get a hold of him, but we couldn't.
It was two weeks before we found out anything. And that was because we got a postcard in the mail. The front of the postcard showed a rock castle and rolling green hills. On the back, Angel had scrawled, "I'm taking care of unfinished business. Will call soon. Love to all. Angel."
That was it. That was all. No indication of where he was at or how long he'd be there.
But after studying the postcard for a few minutes, we found out that the card was postmarked Limerick. And not Limerick, Maine, like I thought it was. Limerick, Ireland.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking. What the Hades is Angelcakes doing in Ireland, of all places? Oh, you weren't thinking that. Hmm. Well, I was thinking that, anyway.
So, when he called, I asked him.
Of course, I got some lame answer about how he had to connect with his roots or something. Of course, I know the real reason. He just wanted any reason to stay away from his brat of a child, Journey!!
5..4..3..2..1. Okay, I'm sorry. Got a little agitated there. I love Journey, really, I do. He's basically my kid, you know. It's just that.. spending two years with a rebellious, angsty teenager can really fry your nerves.
Anyway… so, to make a long story short, Angel's been in Ireland ever since. And now he's comin' back. Today.
Hopefully, it'll be a happy reunion.
Most likely, it won't.
* * * *
Journey sat on his bed, idly flipping through a magazine. His eyes roamed to the window and he stared at the stars through the black gauze curtain. An idea in mind, he got up and walked out of his room.
In a few minutes time, he was laying on the rooftop, staring up at the big expanse that is the universe. It was always so calm and peaceful up here. He came up here daily now, to have his own little world. Where he was the leader and everything was done his way. He liked that feeling. And plus, it gave him time to think.
He'd only been up there ten minutes when he heard a car door slam and the sound of people talking. He got up and peered over the edge of the building as Cordelia squealed, "Angel!"
Looking over the side, he could see his Dad clearly in the moonlight, surrounded by Lorne, Cordelia, Wesley, Fred, and Gunn. Faith was inside, he knew; inside with Milo, Charlie, and Asiaree. His Dad hadn't appeared to have changed any at all. But of course, he was up thirty feet in the air or more.
After everyone outside had welcomed his Dad, Journey faintly heard him ask, "Where's Journey?"
"And finally, he asks about me," Journey muttered as he backed away from the edge of the Hyperion's roof and slid away, hidden in the darkness.
TBC