Protected
Chapter Six
Taking care of Things
Connor collapsed on a bench in the park. Mercy must have been wrong. He was a demon. A Galrok? It was his fault that the tiny child that grew inside Cordelia was evil. He did it. That baby was trying to bring on the new apocalypse! The baby had brought the beast to blot out the sun. The baby had stolen Angel's soul! Was it even a baby? Maybe the Galrok was posing as a baby. He put his head in his hands, a few stray tears dropping out of his eyes. Evil Cordelia had used him and he hadn't any inclination. He had lied to his friends about this, kept it a secret, and he was simply a tool Cordelia was using. Not only all of this, but Mercy was probably disgusted with him. He'd lashed out at her when she'd only spoken the truth. She'd discovered Cordelia was pregnant and drawn her own conclusions. She didn't know Connor was the father. She wasn't simply making up an elaborate lie to destroy Cordelia and Connor. She had just told the truth. He heaved a sigh, his mind swirling in a hundred different directions. He was so lost in thought, he didn't hear the soft footsteps in the path behind him. He felt himself lifted over the bench and found himself staring back at the distorted visage of a vampire. Two others stood behind him. Connor realized he was unarmed. He scanned the property and saw that a branch lay on the dewey grass. He whipped out in a side-kick, smashing the vampire's solar plexis. Connor rolled between the other two, almost reaching the hard, safe wood. Vampire number Two jerked him up and vampire number Three punched him in the stomach. Connor tried to flip over number Two, but his hold was too strong. Suddenly, a puncturing sound came into the silent night and he felt a wave of dust fly over him. He leaned down, brought the branch up, jabbing into vampire number Three and the matter exploded into the sky. He glanced over and saw Mercy panting, clutching a stake. He opened his fist and Mercy tossed the sharpened point to him. He snap-kicked the first vampire and ended with a left hook. The vampire keeled and bent over to charge at him. Connor grabbed a hold of his neck and twisted. The neck snapped and burst into the gray powder. Mercy approached him, slowly, her eyes wide, a special shade of cobalt proving her fear. Connor opened his arms and Mercy stepped into him, holding his waist. He leaned his chin on the top of her head, resting his eyes, enfolding her.
"I'm sorry about what I said earlier. I think I freaked so much because I knew you were right."
Mercy nodded and spoke, "If I'd known you were the father, I think I would have mentioned it more gently."
"No one knew."
"Just one more thing I managed to bullocks up."
Connor shook his head. "You didn't. Cordy used me. Well, the Galrok did. And I let it."
Mercy didn't speak. Connor leaned away, studying her face. Her skin was smooth, almost unblemished, olive colored. The red slash had several stiches, but it seemed to be healing. Her chesnut hair was pulled in a ponytail, a white ribbon trailing in the ebony evening. Her blue eyes looked determined and icy, making her seem even more beautiful. Mercy took this time to examine Connor. His skin was a pale white, probably a trait that came from having two vampire parents. His eyes were a rich, coffee color, the kind that reminded her of home, not the American sludge. His hair, though a bit straggly, was actually kind of attractive. She reached up, brushing a strand of hair off his forehead. Connor leaned down slowly and covered her mouth with his. Mid-kiss, Mercy realized she'd found someone who would love her, despite what her father had always said. She jerked back from the shock of her understanding. Connor looked down, stepping away from her, afraid he'd made her angry.
"No, Connor. I was just thinking about my father."
"During our kiss?! That makes me feel better."
Mercy knew how ridiculous that had sounded. She started to flush and stammered, "Well, not exactly. I mean, he always said no one would ever love us. When we were snogging, I thought that maybe he was wrong."
She raised her eyes cautiously to his face. Connor's countenance had softened considerably. He reached out to her, pulling her closer.
"He was wrong. Definitely. Now, I think we need to go take care of this Galrok before Cordelia kills all of Angel Investigations."
Mercy gave him a hand and they strolled to Hyperion, as if there were no dangers in the midnight streets.
Wesley stirred the liquid into some tea. Mercy said this would work. Angel was pacing now, like a caged animal, worry etched in his face for Cordelia. Gunn and Lorne were watching the door for any sign of Mercy.
"Winifred, you would seem to be the least likely to endanger Cordy. If Connor was here, I'd send him up with it, but he's not."
"He needed to think. I can relate to that."
They exchanged a look that said so much more than to the general observer.
"Take this up to Cordelia. Be careful."
Fred nodded, taking the cup and saucer from him. She carefully ascended the staircase.
Fred rapped lightly on the door to Cordelia's bedroom.
"Connor?" A voice called. Fred made a slight face, but kept her voice soft and sweet.
"No, it's Fred. Can I come in?"
"Of course."
Fred turned the brass doorknob, walking cautiously into the room. Cordelia was stretched out on her bed, her hand resting on her abdomen. She didn't at all look like an evil mastermind.
"I brought you some tea, Cordy."
Cordelia smiled slightly, reaching to Fred to take the cup. She sipped it easily and closed her eyes.
"Is Connor around?"
"No. Actually, he's out with Mercy."
Cordelia nodded, an odd twinge settling through her. Suddenly, her eyes flew open and she doubled over.
"Ah! What'd you do to me?"
"I'm so sorry, Cordelia."
Cordelia stagger, her arms flailing. Her eyes turned white, almost as if she was having a vision, but it was obvious that wasn't it. She grabbed a hold of Fred, jerking her down.
"You skank!"
Cordelia let out a savage kick, screaming on the top of her lungs as she fell down. Fred rolled over, crawling to the safety of the dark closet, her instinct from Pylea slipping into place.
"What did you do, Freddie? You know I know where you are. I mean I've found you everywhere from under my desk to under your bed! Why don't you come out?! We'll just have a little playtime."
Fred stayed silent, but saw the door open. Cordelia punched Fred in the face, trying to manage in the small area. Fred held her own, though, wanting to stay in the safety of the closet. That's all she'd wanted to do since Wesley had stolen Connor last year, was hide away in her small, dark spaces, just like she'd always done in Pylea and shortly after. Cordelia sprawled onto the floor, moaning in pain. Then she was silent. Fred cowered in the corner, her eyes still on Cordelia. Angel and Wesley ran into the bedroom. Angel pulled the collapsed Cordy in his arms, making sure she was still alive. Wesley slipped into the closet, kneeling next to Fred. Fred glanced up. "I hid in the closet. She knew I was here, though. Why do I always do this? Why is it so comforting to be here?"
"It was smart of you. Cordelia couldn't get to you with all the boxes and clothes around."
"But it was stupid. It didn't help."
Wesley thought back to the times his father had locked him in the closet. He was terrified of small enclosements, developed claustrophobia during his time in the closet. Fred relished dark places, enjoying the peace of the area. Wesley showered her face in soft, gentle kisses. Fred looked at him surprised.
"I heard her scream and I saw her come after you. I should have taken the tea to Cordelia."
Fred shrugged. "I'm fine, Wesley."
"I, just, I love you so much. I don't want you to ever be hurt."
"You-you love me?" Fred stuttered, her mouth wide open. He nodded.
"I love you, too, Wesley."
He smiled, kissing her on the mouth, wrapping her in his arms. He looked around at the area and realized maybe he didn't hate small tunnels and closets so much anymore They looked out into the well-lit bedroom and saw that Angel had already laid Cordelia on the bed, tucking her in tightly. He methodically stroked her blondish colored hair, willing her to awaken. Wesley crawled out of the closet, pulling Fred with him. They left the room so Angel could be alone with Cordelia. Not that he noticed that they were there, anyways.
Chapter Six
Taking care of Things
Connor collapsed on a bench in the park. Mercy must have been wrong. He was a demon. A Galrok? It was his fault that the tiny child that grew inside Cordelia was evil. He did it. That baby was trying to bring on the new apocalypse! The baby had brought the beast to blot out the sun. The baby had stolen Angel's soul! Was it even a baby? Maybe the Galrok was posing as a baby. He put his head in his hands, a few stray tears dropping out of his eyes. Evil Cordelia had used him and he hadn't any inclination. He had lied to his friends about this, kept it a secret, and he was simply a tool Cordelia was using. Not only all of this, but Mercy was probably disgusted with him. He'd lashed out at her when she'd only spoken the truth. She'd discovered Cordelia was pregnant and drawn her own conclusions. She didn't know Connor was the father. She wasn't simply making up an elaborate lie to destroy Cordelia and Connor. She had just told the truth. He heaved a sigh, his mind swirling in a hundred different directions. He was so lost in thought, he didn't hear the soft footsteps in the path behind him. He felt himself lifted over the bench and found himself staring back at the distorted visage of a vampire. Two others stood behind him. Connor realized he was unarmed. He scanned the property and saw that a branch lay on the dewey grass. He whipped out in a side-kick, smashing the vampire's solar plexis. Connor rolled between the other two, almost reaching the hard, safe wood. Vampire number Two jerked him up and vampire number Three punched him in the stomach. Connor tried to flip over number Two, but his hold was too strong. Suddenly, a puncturing sound came into the silent night and he felt a wave of dust fly over him. He leaned down, brought the branch up, jabbing into vampire number Three and the matter exploded into the sky. He glanced over and saw Mercy panting, clutching a stake. He opened his fist and Mercy tossed the sharpened point to him. He snap-kicked the first vampire and ended with a left hook. The vampire keeled and bent over to charge at him. Connor grabbed a hold of his neck and twisted. The neck snapped and burst into the gray powder. Mercy approached him, slowly, her eyes wide, a special shade of cobalt proving her fear. Connor opened his arms and Mercy stepped into him, holding his waist. He leaned his chin on the top of her head, resting his eyes, enfolding her.
"I'm sorry about what I said earlier. I think I freaked so much because I knew you were right."
Mercy nodded and spoke, "If I'd known you were the father, I think I would have mentioned it more gently."
"No one knew."
"Just one more thing I managed to bullocks up."
Connor shook his head. "You didn't. Cordy used me. Well, the Galrok did. And I let it."
Mercy didn't speak. Connor leaned away, studying her face. Her skin was smooth, almost unblemished, olive colored. The red slash had several stiches, but it seemed to be healing. Her chesnut hair was pulled in a ponytail, a white ribbon trailing in the ebony evening. Her blue eyes looked determined and icy, making her seem even more beautiful. Mercy took this time to examine Connor. His skin was a pale white, probably a trait that came from having two vampire parents. His eyes were a rich, coffee color, the kind that reminded her of home, not the American sludge. His hair, though a bit straggly, was actually kind of attractive. She reached up, brushing a strand of hair off his forehead. Connor leaned down slowly and covered her mouth with his. Mid-kiss, Mercy realized she'd found someone who would love her, despite what her father had always said. She jerked back from the shock of her understanding. Connor looked down, stepping away from her, afraid he'd made her angry.
"No, Connor. I was just thinking about my father."
"During our kiss?! That makes me feel better."
Mercy knew how ridiculous that had sounded. She started to flush and stammered, "Well, not exactly. I mean, he always said no one would ever love us. When we were snogging, I thought that maybe he was wrong."
She raised her eyes cautiously to his face. Connor's countenance had softened considerably. He reached out to her, pulling her closer.
"He was wrong. Definitely. Now, I think we need to go take care of this Galrok before Cordelia kills all of Angel Investigations."
Mercy gave him a hand and they strolled to Hyperion, as if there were no dangers in the midnight streets.
Wesley stirred the liquid into some tea. Mercy said this would work. Angel was pacing now, like a caged animal, worry etched in his face for Cordelia. Gunn and Lorne were watching the door for any sign of Mercy.
"Winifred, you would seem to be the least likely to endanger Cordy. If Connor was here, I'd send him up with it, but he's not."
"He needed to think. I can relate to that."
They exchanged a look that said so much more than to the general observer.
"Take this up to Cordelia. Be careful."
Fred nodded, taking the cup and saucer from him. She carefully ascended the staircase.
Fred rapped lightly on the door to Cordelia's bedroom.
"Connor?" A voice called. Fred made a slight face, but kept her voice soft and sweet.
"No, it's Fred. Can I come in?"
"Of course."
Fred turned the brass doorknob, walking cautiously into the room. Cordelia was stretched out on her bed, her hand resting on her abdomen. She didn't at all look like an evil mastermind.
"I brought you some tea, Cordy."
Cordelia smiled slightly, reaching to Fred to take the cup. She sipped it easily and closed her eyes.
"Is Connor around?"
"No. Actually, he's out with Mercy."
Cordelia nodded, an odd twinge settling through her. Suddenly, her eyes flew open and she doubled over.
"Ah! What'd you do to me?"
"I'm so sorry, Cordelia."
Cordelia stagger, her arms flailing. Her eyes turned white, almost as if she was having a vision, but it was obvious that wasn't it. She grabbed a hold of Fred, jerking her down.
"You skank!"
Cordelia let out a savage kick, screaming on the top of her lungs as she fell down. Fred rolled over, crawling to the safety of the dark closet, her instinct from Pylea slipping into place.
"What did you do, Freddie? You know I know where you are. I mean I've found you everywhere from under my desk to under your bed! Why don't you come out?! We'll just have a little playtime."
Fred stayed silent, but saw the door open. Cordelia punched Fred in the face, trying to manage in the small area. Fred held her own, though, wanting to stay in the safety of the closet. That's all she'd wanted to do since Wesley had stolen Connor last year, was hide away in her small, dark spaces, just like she'd always done in Pylea and shortly after. Cordelia sprawled onto the floor, moaning in pain. Then she was silent. Fred cowered in the corner, her eyes still on Cordelia. Angel and Wesley ran into the bedroom. Angel pulled the collapsed Cordy in his arms, making sure she was still alive. Wesley slipped into the closet, kneeling next to Fred. Fred glanced up. "I hid in the closet. She knew I was here, though. Why do I always do this? Why is it so comforting to be here?"
"It was smart of you. Cordelia couldn't get to you with all the boxes and clothes around."
"But it was stupid. It didn't help."
Wesley thought back to the times his father had locked him in the closet. He was terrified of small enclosements, developed claustrophobia during his time in the closet. Fred relished dark places, enjoying the peace of the area. Wesley showered her face in soft, gentle kisses. Fred looked at him surprised.
"I heard her scream and I saw her come after you. I should have taken the tea to Cordelia."
Fred shrugged. "I'm fine, Wesley."
"I, just, I love you so much. I don't want you to ever be hurt."
"You-you love me?" Fred stuttered, her mouth wide open. He nodded.
"I love you, too, Wesley."
He smiled, kissing her on the mouth, wrapping her in his arms. He looked around at the area and realized maybe he didn't hate small tunnels and closets so much anymore They looked out into the well-lit bedroom and saw that Angel had already laid Cordelia on the bed, tucking her in tightly. He methodically stroked her blondish colored hair, willing her to awaken. Wesley crawled out of the closet, pulling Fred with him. They left the room so Angel could be alone with Cordelia. Not that he noticed that they were there, anyways.