*~*~*
Seven days had passed without event. The gang at Angel Investigations began to wonder if Wolfram and Hart had even noticed that the scroll was missing. Everyone began to settle into his or her rolls. Chandra let Faith take over the slaying scene with Angel. Lindsey and Angel were making their best efforts to get along for the sake of the pregnant slayer. Wesley and Fred's relationship was steadily progressing. Gunn just seemed to help were he could, but it was like he felt more in the way of what everyone else was doing.
"Hey G!" Faith smiled as she jogged down the stairs in denim shorts and a white tank. Her bare feet padded along the hard floor, making their way to Gunn in the lobby.
He grinned. He liked Faith. She was real about everything. "What's up?"
"I have this problem. You see, I need to do some training and Angel is sleeping. I've already trained with Wes before and let me tell you, too easy. But now you…" She clicked her tongue and rubbed his arm. "I could get a workout."
He swallowed and wondered if there was a double meaning behind that. "A'ight. I'm in."
*~*~*
"Why haven't you done anything?"
"I thought it was your turn?"
*~*~*
Gunn ducked and used his staff to block Faith's blow with hers. She smiled. "Not bad for a guy." She quickly brought the staff back and swept it under his legs. "But not really that good either."
He glared at her from the ground. "Okay, but you're a slayer. Not a human."
Her face dulled a little. "I'm still human."
He stood. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean…"
She waved it off. "It's okay. Don't sweat it. It's all good." She set the staff aside and wiped her palms on her shorts. "I think that's enough for today."
He put his staff up as well. "We could always work out another way." He snatched her wrist and pulled her flush against him, crushing his lips to hers.
*~*~*
"Well, that wasn't that hard to figure out."
"You think you can do better?"
"The seer…"
*~*~*
Cordelia rubbed her temples and closed her eyes, trying to focus on the papers in front of her. She was working on some new advertising. Concentrating that hard had made her head hurt again.
"You okay?"
She raised her head and met the blue eyes of the former lawyer. "I'm fine. Just…"
"Headaches?" Lindsey pulled up a chair beside her. "How bad are they getting?"
"It's just a little one." She gasped as she felt the lawyer's hands begin to rub her neck and shoulders. She couldn't help the small sigh that escaped her lips. "Lindsey…"
He smiled. "I like when you say my name." He continued to rub her shoulders.
"Would you like it if I said that I wanted you to take me right here on this counter?" She stopped him and turned to face him, her eyes flashing with lust.
*~*~*
Chandra sat up and wandered into the bathroom to look at herself in the mirror. Having everyone around was making this a lot easier. She was coping with the fact that she might be carrying the anti-Christ by hanging on to the fact that she might be carrying the ultimate champion.
Angel cracked open the door. "You okay?"
She nodded and smiled. "I'm chill. Just thinking."
"About?"
"Names." She smiled.
He grinned. "I suppose that's something I never thought of."
"It's something it'll need." She came out from the bathroom and started to put on her shoes. "I'd like to go out to dinner tonight."
He nodded. "That can be arranged. I just want to see how things are going on the scroll and stuff. Make sure everything's okay."
"Has he found out any more about my child?"
Angel shook his head. "Chandra, I think we need to talk. About… Us…"
"There is no 'us,' Angel. I get that. You're a vamp, I'm a slayer. I've got that." She took a few steps to the closet and stopped. "Cordelia's vision never came true, did it? About the purple demon?"
He paused. "No."
"Something's not right. I mean, everything's all quiet and… calm. I don't like it."
He looked thoughtful. "The calm before the storm."
Chandra put on a pair of jeans and a tee, also tucking a stake in her belt. "Patrolling would be a good idea." She slipped some holy water in her coat and turned to him. "You all for it?" Without waiting for an answer, she headed out of the room.
*~*~*
The lobby of the Hyperian was eerily quiet as Angel and Chandra came down the stairs. She pulled the stake from her waist. "Where'd everyone go?"
Angel vamped and sniffed. "They're here." His eyes flashed golden. "Lindsey." Without another word Angel leapt over the counter and burst into Wesley's office where Cordelia and Lindsey were buttoning up their clothing. "What the…?"
Chandra followed. "CJ?"
Cordelia ducked her head. "Uh, I guys." She grinned sheepishly.
Angel growled and leapt to Lindsey, wrapping his hands around his throat.
Chandra pulled him back. "Angel! Stop it!" She looked to her friend. "CJ, what's goin' on here?"
Lindsey looked at Cordelia and then back to Chandra. "We…"
"Had a wild monkey spank?" Chandra smiled. "It's okay. Really."
"Like hell it is!" Angel piped up, letting his human face slip back on.
"Hey!" Cordelia snapped. "Who I choose to sleep with is my business!"
Angel looked to her, softening. "But… him?"
Faith cleared her throat as she stepped into the office. "Problems?"
Angel turned to the other slayer and scrunched his face. "You and Gunn too?"
Chandra tried to keep from laughing. "Angel, people have sex. It's part of life." She took a moment to look at the group around her. Her face melted into a thoughtful expression. Her eyes were locked on an object that rested on Wesley's desk. Slowly, she made her way to it and picked it up. "Isn't this the pendant Fred was wearing the other day?" She turned the bronze pendant in her palm.
Angel looked closer. "Yeah, but it was silver yesterday."
Lindsey stepped forward. "It's a Tatsel pendant. I've seen two others like it. They harbor demons. Like urns do. When they're empty they're bronze."
Chandra closed her eyes and clinched it in her hand. "It's still here. The entity. I can feel its essence." She opened her eyes. "We need to find out what was in here."
Faith sighed. "This means more bookwork and less ass kicking, right?"
*~*~*
When Wesley and Fred returned from dinner, they were met with books spread about the lobby. Faith was lying on her stomach and looking completely bored as she read through a Melodrik book. Chandra was on the couch beside her with another book. The others were nowhere to be seen.
"Did Cordelia have a vision?" Wesley asked as he picked up a book.
Chandra looked up. "Nope. But Fred might have released a demon."
Fred's smile faded. "I did?"
Chandra smiled. "Not on purpose. I promise. We just have to…" She trailed off as her eyes ventured over Wesley. The ex-watcher was in considerably good shape. Without realizing it, she flicked her tongue out to moisten her dry lips.
Wesley cleared his throat. "Chandra?"
She shook her head and blinked a few times, finding all three of them staring at her. "Uh, find out what it is I mean." She swallowed, finding her throat dry. "I… I think I need some water." She quickly stood and rushed to the water cooler, getting a cup and swallowing down several glasses.
*~*~*
"Oooh! I would have never thought of that!"
"That's why I'm the smart one."
"Oh no!"
"What?"
"The other slayer. She has the right book."
"I can take care of her. Permanently."
*~*~*
Faith sighed and glanced over the words in front of her. The book was so dusty she was glad she didn't have strong allergies.
Locotorp Demons
During the days of Napoleon, the Circle of Itnava, a very determined society, wanted to throw the cycle of emotions off balance. Meant as a jest to the magical world, they contrived the Locotorp Demons. These demons were extremely mischievous, turning people's lust emotions to an amplified level.
Faith laughed. "That's a good one."
Wesley glanced up. "What is?"
"A horny demon. Like, you know, one that makes you horny." She laughed again, a light chime among the dead air.
Wesley looked her over. "Indeed…" He took a deep breath and pried his eyes from her and her leather pants the fit so snuggly and that small halter top that barely covered her pale flesh. He cleared his throat again and shifted in his chair, trying to hide the erection that was threatening to make its presence known to onlookers. But would she be looking?
Faith looked back at the page. The demons were sketched there on the pages. They were well dresses in ball attire. One was a female in a dress, the horns and beady eyes gave away the demon in her, and the other was male in a formal suit.
But behold lust may turn to violence as the rage of blood boils from within. Let no one be part to these creatures. Let no one be slain by their methodical torment.
"Big words." Faith sighed and started to turn the page but stopped. There was a necklace also scribbled onto the page, almost like an afterthought. It slightly resembled the one they were looking for.
Wesley was taking larger breaths and trying to calm himself down. He shouldn't be attracted to this killer. But then again, it almost thrilled him as he wondered what it would be like. When she had bound him to torture him… Maybe he could do the same to her. Ravish her like he wanted.
*~*~*
Angel and Gunn walked through the lobby with some bags of deli food, ignoring Faith and Wesley. Setting the bags on the counter, Angel cast a glance towards Chandra who was still sitting by the water cooler towards the back. "Chandra?" he spoke quietly as he approached her. "Are you okay?"
She looked up to him and grinned. "A little thirsty." She filled her cup again and drank it down.
Angel took her wrist in his hands and looked it over. "You should eat. Your pulse is a little weak." He motioned to Gunn to bring a bag in and grabbed a turkey sandwich handing it to her.
She took it gratefully and began to slowly eat. "I just… was looking through some books and then I started looking Wesley over and…"
"Looking Wesley over?" Gunn quirked up.
"Yeah, like I was gonna jump his bones at any minute."
Angel and Gunn wrinkled their noses.
"Don't you two look at me like that!" She stomped her foot and headed back out into the lobby. "Like you guys never..." She halted in her steps as she watched Wesley creeping closer to Faith who was lost in her reading. The look in his eyes was that of a pure predator. "Wesley?"
He froze and looked up to her, his eyes changing. "Chandra." He took a step back as Faith looked up from her book.
Angel and Gunn came out with the rest of the sandwiches and stopped when they felt the tension. "What's going on?"
"Nothing." Wesley quickly retreated to his office.
Faith jumped up off the floor. "I found that necklace. But uh, this isn't all making sense."
Chandra looked towards Wesley's door and pulled her hair up off her neck.
Faith handed the book to Angel. "Locotorp demons. They were the last ones put into that little copper crap it looks like."
Angel read through the words effortlessly. "Demons of lust."
Faith nodded. "Like I said. No sense." Her eyes widened. "Hey! You think that they got to Cordy and her lawyer buddy?"
Angel looked from Faith to Gunn. "Or you two? Or Wesley and Fred?"
They looked at each other. "Huh?"
Chandra nodded. "That's why I was looking at Wes like that. It makes sense."
*~*~*
"Well now they know."
"Yeah, but they haven't found us."
"That's because they aren't looking for the right thing."
*~*~*
Cordelia and Lindsey peeked out of the room they had been in to check if the coast was clear. She tiptoed out into the hall, pulling on Lindsey's hand. "It's okay. Don't worry."
He cautiously looked around as he followed. "Angel's gonna kill me."
She stopped and turned, her eyes narrowing. "He will not. I'll stake him first. I'd kill anyone to have you."
*~*~*
"It's silver again!" Fred ran out into the lobby the next morning and waved the pendent.
"What?" Angel took the pendent from her and turned it over. "That means it's full."
Faith stretched and yawned. "So I guess it's all fixed, right?"
Angel looked towards Wesley's office where he was looking through some books. "He seems normal. Where are Lindsey and Cordelia?"
Faith smiled. "They shacked up last night after you went to bed. Probably innocent. You know, pounding the headboard to make sure it's sturdy?"
Angel growled and glared at Faith. "Not funny."
She bounced up. "Lighten up, Angel. I mean, its just sex."
"Yeah. And look what sex can get you. An apocalyptic child and lots of hurt people. All just because of stupid sex."
Faith looked at him in awe and then turned her glance to the stairs.
Angel cringed. "She's right there isn't she."
Faith slowly nodded.
He took and unneeded breath before turning to the stairs where the young slayer stood, tears brimming in her deep eyes. Her lip began to tremble as she watched him.
"Chandra, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that."
"But you did. You did." She turned and bolted back up the stairs.
Angel looked down in defeat.
*~*~*
Chandra knocked on Lindsey door and wiped her eye. When it opened, Cordelia smiled to her. "Chandra! What's up?"
She sniffled. "I need to talk to him."
Cordelia's eyes narrowed. "No you don't. You want him. Well, you know what? He's mine. And I will do anything to keep him!" Letting out a scream, she grabbed the slayer's throat.
*~*~*
Wesley wasn't really paying attention to his reading. He was glancing up now and then to look at Faith. She was so beautiful in that dark and dangerous way.
Fred sighed. "Do you like me?"
Wesley shook himself and looked to the big-eyed brunette before him. "What?
"You… keep looking out at Faith. I was just… Well I was wondering if you still liked me." She looked down, almost as if she was ashamed to have asked.
He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "Yes. It's so clear now."
She looked up. "What is?"
"Faith would want me if it wasn't for you hanging all over me."
*~*~*
"Good trick."
"I figured that other demon belonged in there anyway."
*~*~*
Angel heard the scream from upstairs and recognized the voice as Cordelia. "I'm gonna kill him." He tore up the stairs. "Cordelia!" He was brought to a screeching halt as he found Chandra fending off almost animal like attacks from Cordelia. The slayer could easily take out the seer, but it looked like Chandra was mostly trying not to get either of them hurt.
"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?"
Both girls stopped fighting and looked towards Angel. Cordelia had a hold of Chandra's hair as she smiled up. "Just going to kill her. That way I have no one in my way of Lindsey."
"What?"
"She wants him. And she can't have him."
Chandra looked up at Angel. "The demons. They aren't contained."
Gently, he pulled Cordelia off of Chandra. "Cordelia, she's not going to take him."
When Angel felt the burning on his shoulder, he jumped back and growled. Lindsey was standing behind him with a jar of holy water. "Get away from her! You can't have her."
*~*~*
Faith clicked on the stereo and bounced about the lobby, closing her eyes and getting into the music. She liked being useful again. Even the research was… Okay, that was boring but still. She was a part of something. And it was kind of nice.
"Faith?"
She jumped and opened her eyes. "Wes!" She quickly turned off the radio. "Sorry, was it too loud?"
Wesley grinned slowly. "No." He looked her over.
She raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"You like it rough don't you?" His hand brushed some hair from her face.
"Rough?" She brushed his hand away.
He smiled and leaned closer, his voice hissed out the word: "Sex."
She stepped back. "What?" The corners of her mouth lifted before she began to laugh. "Wesley, I think you need some more sleep."
*~*~*
"That's too bad. I kind of liked him."
*~*~*
Faith slapped Wesley hard enough to break his nose when he tried to grab her breast. "Hey!" she yelled. "What are you doing?"
He held his nose. "You I was hoping. Don't tell me you don't feel it." He advanced to her again. "Faith, we were meant to be together."
She took her fighting stance. "Don't make me do this, Wes."
"Faith, can you not feel the heat pulsing between us?" He took another step.
She quickly dropped and swept her leg down to drop him. Back flipping, she prepared herself again to strike in a non-fatal force if needed.
Wesley stood slowly, holding his shoulder. "Faith, just listen to me…"
*~*~*
Fred sighed at the book she was reading. She was pure science. But with everyone else under the demon's influence, it left her to do this. She picked up the pendent from Wesley's desk and swallowed.
"Once unseen, caused much harm. Now reveal your true form. Show to us your deception. Bring yourself to our perception. Admisceri novis sermonibus noster acies!"
*~*~*
"No!"
*~*~*
Fred blinked against the flash of light and stared at the two demons before her. They stood about three feet high and were dressed in eighteenth century ball attire. Their skin was a pasty orange, no hair atop their heads and their eyes were blackened. Sharpened teeth lined their wide mouths as they looked to her.
The female spoke first. "What have you done?"
Fred swallowed. "Be seen?"
The male looked to his companion. "This game bores me. They are not much fun." He glared at Fred. "I am Salax."
"Uh, Fred."
"Well, I congratulate you, Fred. On finding us. Most mortals take longer." He looked around. "I suppose this means you want us away?"
She nodded.
The female demon sighed. "And the vampire made it so interesting. I'm going to miss it."
"Silence Salax."
Fred glanced from one to the other. "You're both named Salax?"
The male grinned. "Well, actually we're two halves of a whole. We are Salax."
"Lust."
"You speak Latin." He sighed. "Fine then. We will depart." He closed his eyes and raised his hands. "Retexo defigo!"
Fred raised a hand to shield her eyes as another flash filled the hotel.
*~*~*
Up on the second floor of the Hyperian, Cordelia and Lindsey stood poised with stakes and holy water against Chandra and Angel when the flash took them over. Everyone took a moment to blink before slacking his or her fighting positions. "Angel?" Cordelia looked to her friend and the burns on him. "Oh God!" Rushing to him, she began to dab off the water.
"Vegas?" Lindsey looked to Chandra. She had a cut lip and torn clothing. "Are you okay?" He didn't dare step near her.
She nodded slowly and walked back down the hall to her room, shutting the door.
Cordelia glanced back at Lindsey and blushed, quickly turning her attention back to Angel. "Let's get you fixed up." As Angel headed back to his room, she turned to the lawyer. "Um…"
He chuckled. "If you don't want to keep seeing me, I'd understand."
She cleared her throat. "Not that it wasn't fun that time."
"Five times."
She reddened more. "Still, it was the spell."
He grinned. "Right."
*~*~*
Wesley froze when the light blinded him. As his vision focused, he looked towards his former charge and bowed his head in shame.
Faith relaxed slightly. "Wes?"
He took a step back. "I… I'm sorry."
She grinned and walked up to him. "I guess that means the mojo wore off." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay. That wasn't you."
He looked up. "I suppose not." He sighed. "Right then. Everything's back to normal."
Fred came out of the office rubbing her eyes. "Wesley?"
He rushed over and hugged her, sweeping her into his arms. "Fred! I'm so sorry."
She smiled and kissed his nose. "I know. And it's okay. They're gone." She held up the pendent in her hand.
"But that was silver this morning." Wesley took it from her slowly. "And it can only be used for one thing at a time…"
Faith glanced towards the office. "Maybe he was in it."
Fred and Wesley turned to the seven foot purple demon emerging from the office.
Faith smiled. "Action."
Seven days had passed without event. The gang at Angel Investigations began to wonder if Wolfram and Hart had even noticed that the scroll was missing. Everyone began to settle into his or her rolls. Chandra let Faith take over the slaying scene with Angel. Lindsey and Angel were making their best efforts to get along for the sake of the pregnant slayer. Wesley and Fred's relationship was steadily progressing. Gunn just seemed to help were he could, but it was like he felt more in the way of what everyone else was doing.
"Hey G!" Faith smiled as she jogged down the stairs in denim shorts and a white tank. Her bare feet padded along the hard floor, making their way to Gunn in the lobby.
He grinned. He liked Faith. She was real about everything. "What's up?"
"I have this problem. You see, I need to do some training and Angel is sleeping. I've already trained with Wes before and let me tell you, too easy. But now you…" She clicked her tongue and rubbed his arm. "I could get a workout."
He swallowed and wondered if there was a double meaning behind that. "A'ight. I'm in."
*~*~*
"Why haven't you done anything?"
"I thought it was your turn?"
*~*~*
Gunn ducked and used his staff to block Faith's blow with hers. She smiled. "Not bad for a guy." She quickly brought the staff back and swept it under his legs. "But not really that good either."
He glared at her from the ground. "Okay, but you're a slayer. Not a human."
Her face dulled a little. "I'm still human."
He stood. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean…"
She waved it off. "It's okay. Don't sweat it. It's all good." She set the staff aside and wiped her palms on her shorts. "I think that's enough for today."
He put his staff up as well. "We could always work out another way." He snatched her wrist and pulled her flush against him, crushing his lips to hers.
*~*~*
"Well, that wasn't that hard to figure out."
"You think you can do better?"
"The seer…"
*~*~*
Cordelia rubbed her temples and closed her eyes, trying to focus on the papers in front of her. She was working on some new advertising. Concentrating that hard had made her head hurt again.
"You okay?"
She raised her head and met the blue eyes of the former lawyer. "I'm fine. Just…"
"Headaches?" Lindsey pulled up a chair beside her. "How bad are they getting?"
"It's just a little one." She gasped as she felt the lawyer's hands begin to rub her neck and shoulders. She couldn't help the small sigh that escaped her lips. "Lindsey…"
He smiled. "I like when you say my name." He continued to rub her shoulders.
"Would you like it if I said that I wanted you to take me right here on this counter?" She stopped him and turned to face him, her eyes flashing with lust.
*~*~*
Chandra sat up and wandered into the bathroom to look at herself in the mirror. Having everyone around was making this a lot easier. She was coping with the fact that she might be carrying the anti-Christ by hanging on to the fact that she might be carrying the ultimate champion.
Angel cracked open the door. "You okay?"
She nodded and smiled. "I'm chill. Just thinking."
"About?"
"Names." She smiled.
He grinned. "I suppose that's something I never thought of."
"It's something it'll need." She came out from the bathroom and started to put on her shoes. "I'd like to go out to dinner tonight."
He nodded. "That can be arranged. I just want to see how things are going on the scroll and stuff. Make sure everything's okay."
"Has he found out any more about my child?"
Angel shook his head. "Chandra, I think we need to talk. About… Us…"
"There is no 'us,' Angel. I get that. You're a vamp, I'm a slayer. I've got that." She took a few steps to the closet and stopped. "Cordelia's vision never came true, did it? About the purple demon?"
He paused. "No."
"Something's not right. I mean, everything's all quiet and… calm. I don't like it."
He looked thoughtful. "The calm before the storm."
Chandra put on a pair of jeans and a tee, also tucking a stake in her belt. "Patrolling would be a good idea." She slipped some holy water in her coat and turned to him. "You all for it?" Without waiting for an answer, she headed out of the room.
*~*~*
The lobby of the Hyperian was eerily quiet as Angel and Chandra came down the stairs. She pulled the stake from her waist. "Where'd everyone go?"
Angel vamped and sniffed. "They're here." His eyes flashed golden. "Lindsey." Without another word Angel leapt over the counter and burst into Wesley's office where Cordelia and Lindsey were buttoning up their clothing. "What the…?"
Chandra followed. "CJ?"
Cordelia ducked her head. "Uh, I guys." She grinned sheepishly.
Angel growled and leapt to Lindsey, wrapping his hands around his throat.
Chandra pulled him back. "Angel! Stop it!" She looked to her friend. "CJ, what's goin' on here?"
Lindsey looked at Cordelia and then back to Chandra. "We…"
"Had a wild monkey spank?" Chandra smiled. "It's okay. Really."
"Like hell it is!" Angel piped up, letting his human face slip back on.
"Hey!" Cordelia snapped. "Who I choose to sleep with is my business!"
Angel looked to her, softening. "But… him?"
Faith cleared her throat as she stepped into the office. "Problems?"
Angel turned to the other slayer and scrunched his face. "You and Gunn too?"
Chandra tried to keep from laughing. "Angel, people have sex. It's part of life." She took a moment to look at the group around her. Her face melted into a thoughtful expression. Her eyes were locked on an object that rested on Wesley's desk. Slowly, she made her way to it and picked it up. "Isn't this the pendant Fred was wearing the other day?" She turned the bronze pendant in her palm.
Angel looked closer. "Yeah, but it was silver yesterday."
Lindsey stepped forward. "It's a Tatsel pendant. I've seen two others like it. They harbor demons. Like urns do. When they're empty they're bronze."
Chandra closed her eyes and clinched it in her hand. "It's still here. The entity. I can feel its essence." She opened her eyes. "We need to find out what was in here."
Faith sighed. "This means more bookwork and less ass kicking, right?"
*~*~*
When Wesley and Fred returned from dinner, they were met with books spread about the lobby. Faith was lying on her stomach and looking completely bored as she read through a Melodrik book. Chandra was on the couch beside her with another book. The others were nowhere to be seen.
"Did Cordelia have a vision?" Wesley asked as he picked up a book.
Chandra looked up. "Nope. But Fred might have released a demon."
Fred's smile faded. "I did?"
Chandra smiled. "Not on purpose. I promise. We just have to…" She trailed off as her eyes ventured over Wesley. The ex-watcher was in considerably good shape. Without realizing it, she flicked her tongue out to moisten her dry lips.
Wesley cleared his throat. "Chandra?"
She shook her head and blinked a few times, finding all three of them staring at her. "Uh, find out what it is I mean." She swallowed, finding her throat dry. "I… I think I need some water." She quickly stood and rushed to the water cooler, getting a cup and swallowing down several glasses.
*~*~*
"Oooh! I would have never thought of that!"
"That's why I'm the smart one."
"Oh no!"
"What?"
"The other slayer. She has the right book."
"I can take care of her. Permanently."
*~*~*
Faith sighed and glanced over the words in front of her. The book was so dusty she was glad she didn't have strong allergies.
Locotorp Demons
During the days of Napoleon, the Circle of Itnava, a very determined society, wanted to throw the cycle of emotions off balance. Meant as a jest to the magical world, they contrived the Locotorp Demons. These demons were extremely mischievous, turning people's lust emotions to an amplified level.
Faith laughed. "That's a good one."
Wesley glanced up. "What is?"
"A horny demon. Like, you know, one that makes you horny." She laughed again, a light chime among the dead air.
Wesley looked her over. "Indeed…" He took a deep breath and pried his eyes from her and her leather pants the fit so snuggly and that small halter top that barely covered her pale flesh. He cleared his throat again and shifted in his chair, trying to hide the erection that was threatening to make its presence known to onlookers. But would she be looking?
Faith looked back at the page. The demons were sketched there on the pages. They were well dresses in ball attire. One was a female in a dress, the horns and beady eyes gave away the demon in her, and the other was male in a formal suit.
But behold lust may turn to violence as the rage of blood boils from within. Let no one be part to these creatures. Let no one be slain by their methodical torment.
"Big words." Faith sighed and started to turn the page but stopped. There was a necklace also scribbled onto the page, almost like an afterthought. It slightly resembled the one they were looking for.
Wesley was taking larger breaths and trying to calm himself down. He shouldn't be attracted to this killer. But then again, it almost thrilled him as he wondered what it would be like. When she had bound him to torture him… Maybe he could do the same to her. Ravish her like he wanted.
*~*~*
Angel and Gunn walked through the lobby with some bags of deli food, ignoring Faith and Wesley. Setting the bags on the counter, Angel cast a glance towards Chandra who was still sitting by the water cooler towards the back. "Chandra?" he spoke quietly as he approached her. "Are you okay?"
She looked up to him and grinned. "A little thirsty." She filled her cup again and drank it down.
Angel took her wrist in his hands and looked it over. "You should eat. Your pulse is a little weak." He motioned to Gunn to bring a bag in and grabbed a turkey sandwich handing it to her.
She took it gratefully and began to slowly eat. "I just… was looking through some books and then I started looking Wesley over and…"
"Looking Wesley over?" Gunn quirked up.
"Yeah, like I was gonna jump his bones at any minute."
Angel and Gunn wrinkled their noses.
"Don't you two look at me like that!" She stomped her foot and headed back out into the lobby. "Like you guys never..." She halted in her steps as she watched Wesley creeping closer to Faith who was lost in her reading. The look in his eyes was that of a pure predator. "Wesley?"
He froze and looked up to her, his eyes changing. "Chandra." He took a step back as Faith looked up from her book.
Angel and Gunn came out with the rest of the sandwiches and stopped when they felt the tension. "What's going on?"
"Nothing." Wesley quickly retreated to his office.
Faith jumped up off the floor. "I found that necklace. But uh, this isn't all making sense."
Chandra looked towards Wesley's door and pulled her hair up off her neck.
Faith handed the book to Angel. "Locotorp demons. They were the last ones put into that little copper crap it looks like."
Angel read through the words effortlessly. "Demons of lust."
Faith nodded. "Like I said. No sense." Her eyes widened. "Hey! You think that they got to Cordy and her lawyer buddy?"
Angel looked from Faith to Gunn. "Or you two? Or Wesley and Fred?"
They looked at each other. "Huh?"
Chandra nodded. "That's why I was looking at Wes like that. It makes sense."
*~*~*
"Well now they know."
"Yeah, but they haven't found us."
"That's because they aren't looking for the right thing."
*~*~*
Cordelia and Lindsey peeked out of the room they had been in to check if the coast was clear. She tiptoed out into the hall, pulling on Lindsey's hand. "It's okay. Don't worry."
He cautiously looked around as he followed. "Angel's gonna kill me."
She stopped and turned, her eyes narrowing. "He will not. I'll stake him first. I'd kill anyone to have you."
*~*~*
"It's silver again!" Fred ran out into the lobby the next morning and waved the pendent.
"What?" Angel took the pendent from her and turned it over. "That means it's full."
Faith stretched and yawned. "So I guess it's all fixed, right?"
Angel looked towards Wesley's office where he was looking through some books. "He seems normal. Where are Lindsey and Cordelia?"
Faith smiled. "They shacked up last night after you went to bed. Probably innocent. You know, pounding the headboard to make sure it's sturdy?"
Angel growled and glared at Faith. "Not funny."
She bounced up. "Lighten up, Angel. I mean, its just sex."
"Yeah. And look what sex can get you. An apocalyptic child and lots of hurt people. All just because of stupid sex."
Faith looked at him in awe and then turned her glance to the stairs.
Angel cringed. "She's right there isn't she."
Faith slowly nodded.
He took and unneeded breath before turning to the stairs where the young slayer stood, tears brimming in her deep eyes. Her lip began to tremble as she watched him.
"Chandra, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that."
"But you did. You did." She turned and bolted back up the stairs.
Angel looked down in defeat.
*~*~*
Chandra knocked on Lindsey door and wiped her eye. When it opened, Cordelia smiled to her. "Chandra! What's up?"
She sniffled. "I need to talk to him."
Cordelia's eyes narrowed. "No you don't. You want him. Well, you know what? He's mine. And I will do anything to keep him!" Letting out a scream, she grabbed the slayer's throat.
*~*~*
Wesley wasn't really paying attention to his reading. He was glancing up now and then to look at Faith. She was so beautiful in that dark and dangerous way.
Fred sighed. "Do you like me?"
Wesley shook himself and looked to the big-eyed brunette before him. "What?
"You… keep looking out at Faith. I was just… Well I was wondering if you still liked me." She looked down, almost as if she was ashamed to have asked.
He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "Yes. It's so clear now."
She looked up. "What is?"
"Faith would want me if it wasn't for you hanging all over me."
*~*~*
"Good trick."
"I figured that other demon belonged in there anyway."
*~*~*
Angel heard the scream from upstairs and recognized the voice as Cordelia. "I'm gonna kill him." He tore up the stairs. "Cordelia!" He was brought to a screeching halt as he found Chandra fending off almost animal like attacks from Cordelia. The slayer could easily take out the seer, but it looked like Chandra was mostly trying not to get either of them hurt.
"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?"
Both girls stopped fighting and looked towards Angel. Cordelia had a hold of Chandra's hair as she smiled up. "Just going to kill her. That way I have no one in my way of Lindsey."
"What?"
"She wants him. And she can't have him."
Chandra looked up at Angel. "The demons. They aren't contained."
Gently, he pulled Cordelia off of Chandra. "Cordelia, she's not going to take him."
When Angel felt the burning on his shoulder, he jumped back and growled. Lindsey was standing behind him with a jar of holy water. "Get away from her! You can't have her."
*~*~*
Faith clicked on the stereo and bounced about the lobby, closing her eyes and getting into the music. She liked being useful again. Even the research was… Okay, that was boring but still. She was a part of something. And it was kind of nice.
"Faith?"
She jumped and opened her eyes. "Wes!" She quickly turned off the radio. "Sorry, was it too loud?"
Wesley grinned slowly. "No." He looked her over.
She raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"You like it rough don't you?" His hand brushed some hair from her face.
"Rough?" She brushed his hand away.
He smiled and leaned closer, his voice hissed out the word: "Sex."
She stepped back. "What?" The corners of her mouth lifted before she began to laugh. "Wesley, I think you need some more sleep."
*~*~*
"That's too bad. I kind of liked him."
*~*~*
Faith slapped Wesley hard enough to break his nose when he tried to grab her breast. "Hey!" she yelled. "What are you doing?"
He held his nose. "You I was hoping. Don't tell me you don't feel it." He advanced to her again. "Faith, we were meant to be together."
She took her fighting stance. "Don't make me do this, Wes."
"Faith, can you not feel the heat pulsing between us?" He took another step.
She quickly dropped and swept her leg down to drop him. Back flipping, she prepared herself again to strike in a non-fatal force if needed.
Wesley stood slowly, holding his shoulder. "Faith, just listen to me…"
*~*~*
Fred sighed at the book she was reading. She was pure science. But with everyone else under the demon's influence, it left her to do this. She picked up the pendent from Wesley's desk and swallowed.
"Once unseen, caused much harm. Now reveal your true form. Show to us your deception. Bring yourself to our perception. Admisceri novis sermonibus noster acies!"
*~*~*
"No!"
*~*~*
Fred blinked against the flash of light and stared at the two demons before her. They stood about three feet high and were dressed in eighteenth century ball attire. Their skin was a pasty orange, no hair atop their heads and their eyes were blackened. Sharpened teeth lined their wide mouths as they looked to her.
The female spoke first. "What have you done?"
Fred swallowed. "Be seen?"
The male looked to his companion. "This game bores me. They are not much fun." He glared at Fred. "I am Salax."
"Uh, Fred."
"Well, I congratulate you, Fred. On finding us. Most mortals take longer." He looked around. "I suppose this means you want us away?"
She nodded.
The female demon sighed. "And the vampire made it so interesting. I'm going to miss it."
"Silence Salax."
Fred glanced from one to the other. "You're both named Salax?"
The male grinned. "Well, actually we're two halves of a whole. We are Salax."
"Lust."
"You speak Latin." He sighed. "Fine then. We will depart." He closed his eyes and raised his hands. "Retexo defigo!"
Fred raised a hand to shield her eyes as another flash filled the hotel.
*~*~*
Up on the second floor of the Hyperian, Cordelia and Lindsey stood poised with stakes and holy water against Chandra and Angel when the flash took them over. Everyone took a moment to blink before slacking his or her fighting positions. "Angel?" Cordelia looked to her friend and the burns on him. "Oh God!" Rushing to him, she began to dab off the water.
"Vegas?" Lindsey looked to Chandra. She had a cut lip and torn clothing. "Are you okay?" He didn't dare step near her.
She nodded slowly and walked back down the hall to her room, shutting the door.
Cordelia glanced back at Lindsey and blushed, quickly turning her attention back to Angel. "Let's get you fixed up." As Angel headed back to his room, she turned to the lawyer. "Um…"
He chuckled. "If you don't want to keep seeing me, I'd understand."
She cleared her throat. "Not that it wasn't fun that time."
"Five times."
She reddened more. "Still, it was the spell."
He grinned. "Right."
*~*~*
Wesley froze when the light blinded him. As his vision focused, he looked towards his former charge and bowed his head in shame.
Faith relaxed slightly. "Wes?"
He took a step back. "I… I'm sorry."
She grinned and walked up to him. "I guess that means the mojo wore off." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay. That wasn't you."
He looked up. "I suppose not." He sighed. "Right then. Everything's back to normal."
Fred came out of the office rubbing her eyes. "Wesley?"
He rushed over and hugged her, sweeping her into his arms. "Fred! I'm so sorry."
She smiled and kissed his nose. "I know. And it's okay. They're gone." She held up the pendent in her hand.
"But that was silver this morning." Wesley took it from her slowly. "And it can only be used for one thing at a time…"
Faith glanced towards the office. "Maybe he was in it."
Fred and Wesley turned to the seven foot purple demon emerging from the office.
Faith smiled. "Action."