Chapter Eleven
Wesley stared at the reprobates in front of him with barely hidden despise. He was used to working with champions, people who had honour and would give everything they had for the good fight: now he was stuck with two incredibly arrogant and uncooperative soulless vampires. One an undead legend with a past penchant for impaling his victims with railroad spikes and the other - a total and utter hopeless case. He mused philosophically that it was perhaps not a bitter twist of fate that he, a former watcher and trusted member of Angel Investigations would become the leader of two hapless vampires. Rather, he reasoned, it was some strange karmic bone tossed his way to make his road to the minglings of black and white just a little more textured. Still Wesley was a very determined man and more than capable of being forceful when it was required.
"This is the plan. We're getting in through this point here and moving to where the Robed demon is via this route," Wesley elaborated confidently, illustrating his plan on the blueprints of the Wolfram and Hart building. He could see the beginnings of a smirk forming on the bleached blonde vampire's face, and could feel it moving to infect the cowardly underling, Vince. Wesley slammed the blueprints down hard, startling the two demons. He spoke harshly, "As you Spike have neither the intelligence regarding where this demon is, or the brains or guts to formulate a plan yourself, I suggest you shut up."
Spike arched his eyebrow and said nothing, his expression becoming ever more derisive of the former watcher. Inside Wesley felt himself boiling, burning with murderous rage, but outside he let nothing show but cool, considered condescension. Still the grainy feel of the spring-loaded stakes concealed in his shirt sleeves gave Wesley a comforting sense of control and satisfaction.
"Let's not forget, Spike, Buffy is counting on you. And who do you think she will blame if this all goes wrong?" Wesley taunted calmly. A flash of understanding crossed Spike's face as he realised just how much he had underestimated Wesley and the lengths to which he would go. Spike could lose everything, but he could not lose Buffy - even though he knew it was over for them.
"Fine," Spike retorted. "I didn't know you had it in you to play dirty, but you got me there. Can't be on the wrong side of the slayer. Now what's this plan of yours?"
Wesley allowed himself a small smile. Things were finally beginning to go to plan.
**********************
Buffy flopped down on the chair, pulling other Angel with her. Cordelia sighed dramatically, making a huge show of moving the large pile of books she had been working through right away from them. Pointedly ignoring her, Buffy smiled up at other Angel, as he gently rubbed her arms.
"You're tense," other Angel soothed. "Just relax, it's okay."
LA Angel came into the room behind them then, and sat down on the couch beside them. "He's right, Buffy," LA Angel confirmed. "We've patrolled and there's no sign of Wolfram and Hart. There's no more we can do right now."
Buffy smiled appreciatively at the Angels. "I know, I know, both of you guys are right, so stop with the double act," she answered, putting her arms up in mock protest. "But, I just know they're here, lurking and I can't stand the wait."
LA Angel reached forward and took her hand firmly in his. "Look, whatever happens, we'll deal. You've got us," he promised softly.
Buffy looked hard at him, willing herself to be comforted by his words of strength and conviction, but somehow she just could not. Right now there was so much more than just their safety at risk; she had her whole heart at stake. Whatever he said, if she lost her Angel, she lost everything - all over again. And he would not be there to help her pick up the pieces.
**********************
Spike watched with a slight sense of unreality as Wesley fearlessly dropped through the hatch, ready to disarm the vampire-detector shamans with a masking spell. Somehow this gawky and awkward former good boy had turned himself into something of a man. Secretly Spike was a little impressed although he had no intention of ever letting Wesley know.
Suddenly there was a flash of blue as the spell took effect. Wesley calmly gestured, and Spike slid through, clumsily followed by a highly excited Vince. In annoyance, Spike whipped round, giving Vince a threatening glare. "You're s'posed to be a vampire, numbskull! What's with the skitters?" Spike demanded.
"Sorry boss," Vince wheedled. "It's just, this is like something out of James Bond or something…"
"Hardly," Wesley commented dryly. "Now hurry up."
In an uncomfortable silence, the three made their way down the vent, eventually coming to the deserted store cupboard on Lilah's floor. As Spike came through behind Wesley, his arm knocked against a mop, sending it crashing into a hapless Vince. "Oh God, it's a stake!" Vince yelled, rushing towards Spike.
"If you don't shut it, I'll stake you myself," Spike spat, pushing Vince off him.
"If you both don't shut it, I'll stake you both!" Wesley threatened. Spike scowled at him, and gave him a mocking salute.
Ignoring him, Wes carefully opened the door, and peered around. Seeing Lilah, he rapidly pushed Vince and Spike back into the cupboard, closing the door behind him.
"What?" Spike demanded, confused by Wesley's actions.
"It's Lilah," Wesley said, and then added at Spike's blank look, "She's the lawyer who's holding the demon."
"So, get rid of her," Spike countered, nonplussed.
A spark of an idea crossed Wesley's eyes, and he turned to Spike. "Even better, I'll distract her. And I know just the best way," Wes responded, his lips curling into a wicked grin.
"I'll bet," Spike jibed. "You really are the mission man - at any cost." Wesley gave him a dark look, and went to leave the room. Spike blocked his way. "Hang on, what are we supposed to do?"
Wesley rolled his eyes. "Get the bloody demon. I thought that was obvious."
**********************
LA Angel held an unneeded breath, as he watched the tiny blonde slayer vault across the horse, and land squarely with her stake pressed against the other Angel's chest. She was just so graceful and fluent, the power in her movements obviously having been refined since he had last seen her train.
She looked up at him brightly then, suddenly seeming like the carefree young girl he used to know. "So how did I do?" she asked, as the other Angel smiled proudly up at the slayer still sitting astride him
"Well, umm," LA Angel stuttered, a little distracted. "That was good. You still need to keep your flips a little tighter, but - uhh - really, no problem."
"I think it was perfect," other Angel added, pulling her down into his arms, and rolling her gently so she was pinned to the floor beneath him.
Buffy giggled slightly and gave him a quick kiss. "Well, you're biased," she teased.
"Completely and utterly," he responded seriously, beginning to sweep in for another kiss.
The two glanced up as LA Angel sounded a loud and deliberate cough. "Sorry," Buffy told him, quickly standing up. "I guess we got a little distracted. LA Angel gave her a slightly feigned smile, as he reached for an axe.
"It's time for hand-to-hand combat," he explained weakly.
Other Angel leaned back against the wall, eyeing his counterpart warily. "Sure, go ahead," he said.
Suddenly LA Angel flew into combat mode, flinging his axe full throttle at Buffy. She dodged daintily, swiping at him with a broadsword. He ducked, carrying the momentum of his forward movement to knock the sword from her hands. She quickly recovered, coming at him with a series of roundhouse kicks, jabs and punches, which he deflected. As she sprung into a flying snap kick, LA Angel grasped hold off her leg, sending her crashing to the floor. Other Angel started forward, worried his girlfriend may be hurt, but Buffy held up her hand, indicating she was fine.
LA Angel knelt over her, offering her his hand. "Had enough?" he teased.
"No," she retorted jokingly. "But you're looking a bit worn."
LA Angel smiled ruefully, as Buffy took his hand. Something in the gesture sent a frisson of memory through her, and her eyes met his. He broke the gaze quickly, aware of the other Angel's overprotective glare, and helped Buffy to her feet.
"Thanks," she said, slowly releasing his hand. "It's been a long time since we've trained together like that."
"I know," LA Angel replied huskily, trying to keep his emotions in check. "Good to know you're still in shape," he quipped, giving other Angel a quick grin.
Other Angel came forward then, putting his hands on Buffy's shoulders. "Shall we go through ambush tactics again?" he asked her.
"No," LA Angel responded a little too speedily, causing the others to look at him with surprise. "I mean, we don't want to overdo it. We have had a pretty intense session," he clumsily explained, inwardly chastising himself for his poor choice in words. Good one, Angel, he thought. Intense - just let everyone know what you're thinking, why don't you.
"Okay, if you're sure," Buffy answered, a little uncertainly. "We'll just finish up down here and see you in a few."
He nodded, and made his way swiftly up the stairs and out to the hall. I can't let this happen again, I can't let this happen again, he mentally chanted, totally unaware of the fact Cordelia was straight in front of him.
"Hey!" she cried, as he smacked straight into her. "Not invisible."
"Sorry, Cordy," he mumbled, beginning to move off again.
"So what's with the brood face?" she called after him. Angel stopped abruptly, and spun round to face her.
"I do not have a brood face," he replied through gritted teeth.
"Sure you do," Cordy answered a little coldly. "You've just been with Buffy and she always makes you miserable."
"She doesn't always make me…" Angel trailed off, realising what he was about to say as Cordy looked at him expectantly. Rapidly Angel was filled with a growing irritation at Cordelia's unsophisticated manipulation. "What's the matter, Cordy? Feel bad you're not number one anymore?" he taunted her viciously.
Cordy stepped back, visibly angered by his petty comment. "Please, get over yourself," she countered bitingly. "You just can't handle that you're not Buffy's number one anymore."
Angel looked down, his eyes pained. He turned and began to walk away so Cordy would not see the full extent of his hurt. "I'm going to sort through the weapons," he told her.
Cordelia looked after him pensively and wondered if she had been a little harsh. Oh well, she reasoned, it was too late to take it back now.
**********************
In a sleek black van, parked just down the road from Buffy's house, two male operatives from Wolfram and Hart watched eagerly as Angel stalked away from Cordelia. On another screen, Dawn could be seen researching with Lorne and Fred, while another showed Buffy and the other Angel training.
"I'm sure Ms Morgan will be very interested in this," the first operative commented.
"Yes, I'm sure she will," the other operative agreed, picking up his cell to ring Lilah.
**********************
Spike pulled irritably at his suit. He hated this outfit - it nothing for his complexion, not to mention totally undermining his carefully crafted bad boy image. Asserting himself, he gave Vince an unsettling glare, then at Vince's reflex flinch, shrugged back into his suit, smiling. Now this was more like it. He swaggered more confidently down the hallway, slightly swinging his borrowed suitcase. Well, borrowed was a loosely figurative expression - a surprisingly well-aimed punch from Vince had knocked the nice lawyer man out and the rest was history.
Spike gave an appreciative glance as an attractive young lawyer in an Ally McBeal style short skirt suit walked by. However, his smile soon faded as he spotted a guard sporting a particularly vicious looking cattle prod. Quickly he pushed Vince into a vacated office.
"What the-" exclaimed Vince, as Spike clamped a hand over his mouth. He spied the guard, then whispered, "Oh."
When the guard had passed, Spike pushed Vince back into the hallway. "Go on then, you great twit. Get moving," Spike ordered. Vince gave him a slightly hurt look and scurried along.
They reached Lilah's door, and Vince slid into a defensive stance, his hands forming a gun. "What are you doing?" Spike asked, bemused.
"Oh sorry," Vince replied, slightly disappointed. "It's what Mulder and Scully always did."
Spike shot him a warning glance, and then kicked open the door.
"That's more like it," Vince muttered, following Spike into the darkened office. Then he saw the Robed Demon, bound and gagged. "Well, lookee what we have here," he commented, pulling the gag roughly from the demon's mouth, to Spike's nod of approval.
"Vince, how good to see you. Come to mess up again?" the demon replied disparagingly.
"Least I'm not the one who got his ass trussed up in Evil Lawyer Central," Vince returned cattily.
"You couldn't avoid a stake in a veggie bar," the demon called childishly.
"Well you-" Vince started, but was stopped by Spike's firm grasp on his shoulders.
"Now ladies, you can finish your girly chat later when we've got out of here," Spike drawled.
The Robed Demon laughed caustically. "I'm not going anywhere."
Spike glowered at him. "Is that right?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous, giving the demon a savage punch to the jaw. The demon gasped in pain, as Spike followed with a few more blows to its head, rapidly knocking it unconscious. "Asleep so soon?" Spike sneered, tightening the ropes around the demon and reapplying the gag.
Vince stared at Spike in awe. "Wow," he breezed. "How can I be like you?"
"Bloody hell," Spike cursed. "Stop bloody gawping and give me a hand."
Together they dragged the demon out of the office and down the hallway. Then they heard a womanly giggle and the smacking of lips, before Wesley was thrust into the hall, looking incredibly ruffled.
"Wes," Spike said, openly smirking. "You look a bit shaken and stirred."
Wesley grimaced and quickly straightened out his clothes. "Anymore of that, and you'll be dust," Wes snapped. "Now let's get this demon out of here before anyone sees us! Why have you idiots brought him this way anyway?"
Unbeknownst to them, in the office Wesley had recently vacated, Lilah was sat, taking a very urgent phone call.
"This better be good," she barked. "You've interrupted something very important."
Lilah's expression lightened to its usual sly slant as the operatives explained to her the latest developments in Sunnydale. "Good," she told them. "It's time for your next move. But you keep her alive."
**********************
Buffy shut the door to the basement firmly, and then, checking no one was around, let out a huge sigh of relief. Just being besides the two Angels was more than enough to send her senses into overdrive, but actually having them both charge her , simultaneously? Buffy had been completely and utterly frazzled, emotionally speaking, and that was even before they had practised ambush tactics. She just needed some space, so it was only lucky that the other Angel was happy to remain tackling the punch bag for a few moments longer. She was so engulfed in her Angel frenzy that she did not notice Cordelia standing right in front of her, arms crossed.
"Cordelia, I didn't see you there," Buffy gasped.
"No," Cordelia retorted crisply. "You were likely too caught up in your little Angel fantasy. Tell me, Buffy, how does it feel to have not one, but two Angels, wrapped around your little finger?"
Buffy gaped at Cordelia, taking in the venom in the former cheerleader's voice. Then the frustrated infuriation Buffy had always felt toward Cordy began to awaken, causing a dangerous spark of challenge to flare in Buffy's eyes. "Jealous?" was her tart rejoinder.
Cordy rolled her eyes in disbelief, and snapped, "What is it with you and Angel and the jealousy thing? I am so not jealous of you and him. Remember, he made the pass on me!"
At the mention of the infamous pass, Buffy blanched, and looked a little more contrite. "I remember, Cordelia," she conceded, then added fiercely, "It's still none of your business!"
The warning made no dent in Cordelia's onslaught. "Like hell it isn't!" Cordy cried. "Your problem is Buffy, you like to have your cake and eat it. He left you, so now you're making him suffer."
"Bull," Buffy scoffed.
Cordy came closer to the slayer, her hands resting on her hips. "No, I don't think so," she pressed. "I've seen the way you've been with them both, all flirty and sexy, but I'm telling you now, you can't have them both!"
Buffy looked squarely at Cordelia. "I don't want them both. I'm with the real Angel, the only one I've ever wanted," she answered emphatically.
"Oh come on," Cordy protested. "It's so obvious you're doing the transferry thing."
Giving Cordelia one last look of annoyance, Cordy stalked up the stairs to the bathroom. She let the hot water of the shower hit her solidly, scalding her skin, as thoughts of the last few days coursed through her mind. For 3 years she had secretly hoped Angel would return to her, and now she had not one, but two. Cordelia had no idea what she was talking about. How could she? Buffy closed her eyes, and thought of the days when it had all been so simple, when there had been no decisions to make, and pretended to herself, just for a minute, that this was the case now. And then, she really did not feel so confused anymore.
**********************
The book slammed down emphatically in front of Xander. "I'm done," he stated.
"Xander," Willow remonstrated. "We still need to do more work on this spell."
"That's more your department, Will. Anyway, my brain is aches. My brain is so tired it's drivelling out of my ears towards beddy byes," Xander complained, holding his head in his hands dramatically.
Dawn suppressed a giggle, as Willow tried to look stern. Xander gave her an impish grin, and then threw a cushion at her.
"You want to get mean, mister! Well two can play at that game!" Willow yelled, preparing to ambush him with a pillow fight. Suddenly the glass in the front window shattered, sending them all diving for cover.
"Dawn!" Xander cried, as 6 operatives leapt into the front room, knocking Dawn over.
Swiftly Buffy appeared, her hair dripping wet, with both Angels behind her. The operatives rushed towards them, stun guns in hand.
"They're coming for Buffy!" Willow shouted, suddenly fully comprehending the meaning of her earlier premonition.
"Thanks for the heads up," Buffy replied, before deftly landing an operative a fierce blow as he tried to grab her. Just then, several operatives jumped into the room, all heading for Buffy.
"No one lays a finger on my girl," other Angel said forcefully, snapping an operative's arm.
"Right," LA Angel agreed, flinging an operative against the wall. Neither one was going to let anyone hurt Buffy.
To be Continued.