Chapter 6
Drusilla landed on the next lawn, and was able to halt her landing through the orb. She didn't know exactly how she did it, but she did it!
She brushed herself off, since this particular yard's owner, had just cut the grass. And there was some of it on her pants.
Drusilla walked over from that yard and back into the Haliwell's. Cole was just setting Phoebe down. Phoebe stared at her, before turning and walking back into the house. Piper and Paige were left out on the lawn with Cole and Drusilla.
'Dru, I don't want to make things worse here, but why would you wear Phoebe's dress out with Cole?' Piper asked.
Drusilla looked from Piper, Paige and Cole, then turned and began to walk down the sidewalk! Cole began to hurry after her. Paige looked at Piper.
'Where does she think she's going?' she asked her older sister.
'Just leave her be. We all need a cooling off period.' Piper answered. But Paige pointed after Drusilla.
'Cole is following her! She doesn't need to spend anymore time with that creep!'
'Paige, what choice to we have? Dru will be back. We need to see to Phoebe.'
Paige nodded reluctantly, as she watched Cole and Dru become smaller, as they walked further away. She then turned and followed Piper into the house. But things weren't much better inside either.
'Who the sodding hell do you think you are, pushing her out of the window like that? She said she'd get your bloody dress cleaned, didn't she?!' Spike seethed, facing off with Phoebe.
Phoebe sized him up, having just noticed him for the first time.
''Sodding hell'? Is that some sort of cute way of swearing at me?'
Angel stepped in between the two of them.
'Alright you guys...' he began. But Spike would have none of it! He pointed at her.
'She's off with Belthazor now! You keep pushing her away like this, and soon none of us will be able to reach her!'
'I don't want to reach her!' Phoebe screamed. She then suddenly seemed to get control of herself and walked out of the room. Piper sighed heavily as she and Paige watched Phoebe leave the room.
'I'll go...' Paige began. But Piper shook her head.
'Leave her alone. She needs time by herself. Jason's funeral is tomorrow.'
Angel rubbed his forehead. Phoebe hadn't said a word about that! He knew from lifetimes of experience, that holding things in did no good. At least not for him and he was dead! But for a living person...both Phoebe and Drusilla were suffering.
'You know, Spike here is right.' Paige said, although she did not look at Spike. 'We need to find a way to get past this and include Drusilla in our family. Cole is taking advantage of this rift. And if it keeps up, we could lose her forever.'
Piper suddenly looked around the room and smiled.
'I just thought of something. I'm going to summon Grams.'
'Grams? Who is that? Another witch?' Spike asked.
'Grams is our grandmother, Penny Haliwell. I think it would go a long way in helping Drusilla, if we could find out who her mother and father really were.'
Angel began to nod.
'Then maybe she could see that she belongs somewhere. Maybe she could see why it is so important to work on her craft.'
Paige nodded in agreement.
'Okay, so we'll summon Grams, then maybe she can tell us who Drusilla's parents were, or at least maybe her real mother's name.'
'Okay, but what about Dru?' Angel asked before Spike could. 'We need to find her.'
Paige looked around, then walked over to a drawer and pulled out a map of San Francisco. She then turned back to Angel and Spike.
'I'll scroll for Dru.'
Spike walked over to her and eyed the map.
'You can do that? We'll find her? Just like that?'
'Oh yeah. And let's hope that we don't find her at Cole's apartment.' Paige answered,. She then looked at Angel.
'I think I should orb him back to your offices first.' Paige said to Angel. Spike gave her a hard look.
'I'm standing right in front of you, you know! I suppose you're referring to me, hey?'
Paige finally faced Spike.
'Look, I'm sure you don't mean any harm here. But you two have a lot of unresolved issues to deal with. Now, either Drusilla and you both sit down and deal with them, or you stay away from her. Either way, something has to be decided.'
Spike looked from Paige to Angel.
'Angel? Back me up here, mate! Tell the witch here that I won't be excluded from Dru's life like this!'
Angel smiled at Paige.
'Let me have a talk with him, okay?' Angel requested. Paige nodded and headed for the kitchen. Angel then turned to Spike.
'Before you say another word, I want you to listen to me: I agree with Paige....and I agree with you.'
'What the bloody hell does that mean?!'
'It means that I think you were right before, Spike. I don't think Dru is upset about making you. I think she's still angry about Buffy. But, Dru is the one that has to decide that either she is going to have it out with you, or, not see you.'
Spike just stared at him.
'I work with you, Angel! She can't just decide not to look at me at Wolfram&Hart!'
'She can if you transfer to another office or something...'
'No!'
'Spike...'
'Angel, if Belthazor was not involved, and this was just about her needing time, then I'd do what you ask, I swear it! But this is not only about Belthazor using Dru's powers in some kind of way! He could very well make her think that he loves her or something and then where would she be? Dru needs to see him for what he really is!'
Angel felt for Spike, he really did. But he had lived longer than him. He shook his head.
'And she's going to have to discover that for herself. Now, when Paige finds Dru, I will go and talk to her alone. I will also have this same conversation with her, that I've had with you. If she decides she doesn't want to see you, then you're transferring, no ifs ands or buts about it.'
'And if she wants to chat it out?' Spike asked.
Angel lifted a brow.
'Then that's up to you, Spike. What are you offering Dru? Friendship or something more? You know, she made you to be her lover. The two of you have never really been friends, really. Is that even possible?'
'Angel...'
'And another thing,' Angel continued, ignoring him. 'if you are offering Dru something more than friendship, then you damned well need to make sure that Buffy is out of your life for good. Tell her you're alive. Don't leave that situation hanging.'
Spike smirked up at him.
'What, Spike?'
'I can't believe your sodding nerve! I could give you the same piece of advice, mate! If you want Belthazor's left overs...'
'Don't talk about Phoebe that way!' Angel almost snarled. He was that close to revealing his vampire face!
'Fine! 'Phoebe'! If you want a relationship with her, then maybe you need to get Buffy out of the way too...and of course, tell her that the two of you can never shag!'
Paige walked back in on the two vampires glaring at one another.
'Am I interrupting something?' she asked knowingly.
'No.' Angel said quickly. 'Did you find Dru?'
'Uh yeah. She is at Cole's apartment. I guess he must've shimmered her there.'
Spike threw his hands up in the air in disgust! Angel focused in on Paige.
'Could you orb Spike here back to Wolfram&Hart? Then when you come back, orb me over to Belthazor's. We're not going to let him turn her without a fight.'
Paige smiled and walked over to Spike.
'C'mon, 'Goth Boy'. Let's get you home.' she said, pulling on his arm. Spike looked at Angel. Angel nodded. Paige and Spike orbed away.
****
Drusilla sat on Cole's couch. He brought her a drink and she downed it in three gulps. He gently took the glass from her.
'Tell me what happened?' he asked softly.
Drusilla shook her head.
'I shouldn't even be here.'
'Dru, you can't let everyone tell you that I'm the problem. I'm not the reason you're having a hard time learning your craft. Phoebe is making life hard for you, and even though Paige and Piper appear to be neutral, you know that deep down, they're on Phoebe's side. It's only natural. They've known her longer.'
Drusilla nodded tiredly.
'I know. It's just that if this is what being human again feels like after all of these years, then I'd rather not.'
'What does that mean?' Cole asked.
Drusilla looked him in the eye.
'It means that I'm this close to going to the nearest vampire bar and getting turned again!'
Cole's eyes widened! Drusilla was talking suicide here! That wouldn't benefit him, that was for sure! She would probably lose her powers and go back to being insane.
But, there was a part of him that felt for her. He didn't know why, he just did. He reached for her hand.
'Look, why don't you stay with me until things cool down with the girls, okay?'
Drusilla removed her hand from his and looked at him. She gave him a sly smile. Cole smiled back, though a bit unsure as to what she was grinning at!
'What?' he asked.
'Why are you being so nice to me?'
'What do you mean? Dru, we go back a ways...and like I told you before, I know the position you're in. You're trying to get your bearings and everyone is beating up on you.'
'No, that's not what I mean. You know, I can see Phoebe all around you. You still love her. Your being involved in this, is not going to endear you to her. You'll lose her to Angel for sure.'
'Angel?' Cole asked, keeping his tone light.
'Yes. Phoebe is interested in him...and him her.'
Cole just stared at Drusilla. Angel? Angelus wanted Phoebe? That was not going to happen!
'It's sad though.' Drusilla murmured. She stood up and walked over to his terrace door. The view overlooked the river.
Cole stood up as well and followed her out there.
'What's sad?' he asked.
She looked over at him.
'Nothing.' she said. Cole would just love to know the exact details about Angel's curse, if he didn't already. Then, he would know that there was no real hope for Angel and Phoebe. But right now, she didn't feel like going into it.
'Listen, Dru, my offer still stands: stay here with me. No strings attached. I'll help you train in a stress free environment. In fact, you won't have to go back to the house at all. I'll shimmer over there and get your things.'
Drusilla grinned at him!
'Yes, everyone would love that! Okay, we can try this...but, I don't have anything at the house that I want. But...'
'But what?' Cole asked, secretly delighted that his plan was coming along so well.
'Before I became human again, I was staying in a crypt...one that was actually close to the house...I have some things there that I would like.'
'I think I know the cemetery you're referring to. I've stayed there myself many times...which crypt though?'
'It said Woodland on it.'
'Oh yeah! That one is very nice! I stayed there once when bounty hunters were after me. Okay, I'll get a box and shimmer on over there.'
Drusilla just nodded. There was a slight wind and her hair was beginning to whip around.
Cole reached out and touched some of it.
'This is going to get easier, I swear it. Okay?'
Drusilla nodded and did not protest, when Cole pulled her into a small hug. He did have a nice, big body. She felt safe.
Cole then let go of her and walked back into the apartment. He walked over to a closet and pulled out a huge carton box. He then waved at her and shimmered away. Drusilla stared at the spot he had just stood in, before turning around and looking back out at the view.
****
That was how Leo and Angel found her, when they orbed into Cole's apartment. Angel looked at Leo.
'It's too bad that none of the Elders knew anything about what Cole could be up to.' Angel said. Leo nodded.
'I know. It would go a long way in getting her to come back home with us.' Leo responded.
'She's coming home with me.' Angel said firmly. 'I know it will be a bit of a hassle, orbing her back and forth, but she can't stay here.'
Drusilla turned, having heard them for the first time. She walked back into the apartment, her eyes on Angel.
'You know, I see you've gotten around that 'being invited in' thing that vampires have to go through.' she noted.
Angel smiled.
'I could get used to this orbing thing, yes. Are you alright?'
Drusilla shrugged.
'I'm fine. I'm not going back to the house though. I'm staying here.'
Leo put his face in his hands and groaned! Angel looked around.
'Where is he?' he asked.
'Cole went to pick up some things of mine.'
'Back at the mansion?!' Leo almost squeaked. He then looked at Angel.
'I'd better get back to the house. Dru, call me when you're done.'
'Leo, wait!' Drusilla yelled, but Leo had orbed away. Angel gave her a quizzical look.
'What?'
'Cole isn't at the house. I want nothing from there. I sent him to the crypt I was staying in.'
'The crypt? Why? Why would you want anything from there?' Angel asked, perplexed.
'My dolls are still there...and a couple of other keepsakes. The things that I've always had with me.'
Angel gently placed his hands on her shoulders.
'Dru, you had that stuff when you were a vampire. For God's sakes, make a clean break of it! Don't hold onto that stuff!'
'I've already sent Cole there. It's done. I'm staying here. I can't keep apologizing for what I did to Phoebe's boyfriend. I won't!'
Angel could see that she was not going to back down. He decided to offer a compromise.
'Fine, Dru. Live where you want. But you know this arrangement is going to make it harder for you to get to know Piper, Paige and Phoebe.'
'I plan on using my powers to help you, not to make it 'The power of four'. They're never going to accept me. I'm not daft, you know.'
'I know that, Dru. I know you think you know what you're doing. Fine, I don't like it, but if living here is what you want, I can't stop you. But you will be training with me, and the girls. Though, Leo's orbing in to get you here every morning, might be a little inconvenient.'
Drusilla shrugged.
'He can report back to you as to how I'm faring here. I have no problems with any of that. Besides, I think I'm getting the hang of the orbing myself, plus I'm still willing to learn....and work for you.'
They smiled at one another for a moment. Then Angel broached another topic.
'I had a talk with Spike. The two of you are going to either have to talk things out or I'll transfer him to another office. If you come to some sort of common ground, then the two of you will probably be working a lot together. You'll need to get past your differences for the good of the company. Which is it going to be?' he asked her.
Drusilla was silent for a moment. Then she nodded.
'Okay, I'll talk to Spike.'
Angel was vastly relieved! Now they could get down to business without bad feelings hanging over the group!
'Okay, well let's call Leo. I had Paige orb Spike back to Wolfram & Hart.'
But Drusilla shook her head.
'No, we don't need Leo. I'll take you there myself.'
Angel raised a brow. He had seen no evidence that Drusilla could orb anywhere...except out of a window! 'Uh, Dru...'
Drusilla smiled up at him.
'Trust me.'
Angel took her hand. He would have no choice. But, Drusilla soon orbed them out of Cole's apartment. It was where they would end up, that concerned Angel.
****
Angel and Dru ended up in the lobby of Wolfram & Hart. Harmony eyed the two of them. Actually, her gaze was specifically on Drusilla.
'Any messages?' Angel asked Harmony. Harmony smiled.
'Yes. Spike wanted you to know that he's taking a leave of absence.' she chirped. Angel lifted a brow.
'Where did he go?' he asked, glancing at Drusilla, who was busy staring at the office decor.
'To Paris...to see Buffy.' Harmony said smugly. Drusilla looked at her then and their eyes locked.
Angel said nothing. So, Spike had taken his suggestion to tell Buffy he was alive. Harmony began rambling on.
'Yeah, that girl that orbed him in, Paige? Anyway, Spike told me to get Andrew on the line...God, I never liked him! Anyway, I did and he and Spike talked, then Paige offered to orb him to his place to get some things, then orb him all the way to Paris. That was so sweet of her! And I think Wesley took a liking to Paige as well, which is nice since Fred died and...'
'Thanks, Harmony.' Angel cut her off. He turned to Drusilla.
'Dru, I told Spike...'
But Drusilla put a hand up in a halting motion.
'You don't have to cover for him, Angel.'
'I'm not covering for him, Dru, I suggested that he go and tell Buffy he was alive so...'
'Angel it's none of my business what Spike does or doesn't do. What time do you want me here for training tomorrow?'
Angel bit his lip. Dru thought that Spike had run off to be with Buffy. Then again, he may very well have.
'Nine.'
Dru nodded. She eyed Harmony, then looked at her nametag.
'It was nice seeing you again, 'Harmony'.'
Harmony smirked, but said nothing.
Dru looked back at Angel.
'I'll see you in the morning then.' she said, then orbed away as if she had been doing it all of her life. Angel sighed heavily. He had never expected Spike to take his advice, much less do it this soon. He would've been lying to himself, if he didn't admit, that he was more than a bit curious, as to how a 'Spike/Buffy' reunion would go down. He looked at Harmony.
'Harmony, I need for you to order a floral arrangement.'
'Why? For Morticia there?'
'No, Harmony, not that it's any of your business, but it is to send to a funeral...tomorrow.' he said.
Drusilla landed on the next lawn, and was able to halt her landing through the orb. She didn't know exactly how she did it, but she did it!
She brushed herself off, since this particular yard's owner, had just cut the grass. And there was some of it on her pants.
Drusilla walked over from that yard and back into the Haliwell's. Cole was just setting Phoebe down. Phoebe stared at her, before turning and walking back into the house. Piper and Paige were left out on the lawn with Cole and Drusilla.
'Dru, I don't want to make things worse here, but why would you wear Phoebe's dress out with Cole?' Piper asked.
Drusilla looked from Piper, Paige and Cole, then turned and began to walk down the sidewalk! Cole began to hurry after her. Paige looked at Piper.
'Where does she think she's going?' she asked her older sister.
'Just leave her be. We all need a cooling off period.' Piper answered. But Paige pointed after Drusilla.
'Cole is following her! She doesn't need to spend anymore time with that creep!'
'Paige, what choice to we have? Dru will be back. We need to see to Phoebe.'
Paige nodded reluctantly, as she watched Cole and Dru become smaller, as they walked further away. She then turned and followed Piper into the house. But things weren't much better inside either.
'Who the sodding hell do you think you are, pushing her out of the window like that? She said she'd get your bloody dress cleaned, didn't she?!' Spike seethed, facing off with Phoebe.
Phoebe sized him up, having just noticed him for the first time.
''Sodding hell'? Is that some sort of cute way of swearing at me?'
Angel stepped in between the two of them.
'Alright you guys...' he began. But Spike would have none of it! He pointed at her.
'She's off with Belthazor now! You keep pushing her away like this, and soon none of us will be able to reach her!'
'I don't want to reach her!' Phoebe screamed. She then suddenly seemed to get control of herself and walked out of the room. Piper sighed heavily as she and Paige watched Phoebe leave the room.
'I'll go...' Paige began. But Piper shook her head.
'Leave her alone. She needs time by herself. Jason's funeral is tomorrow.'
Angel rubbed his forehead. Phoebe hadn't said a word about that! He knew from lifetimes of experience, that holding things in did no good. At least not for him and he was dead! But for a living person...both Phoebe and Drusilla were suffering.
'You know, Spike here is right.' Paige said, although she did not look at Spike. 'We need to find a way to get past this and include Drusilla in our family. Cole is taking advantage of this rift. And if it keeps up, we could lose her forever.'
Piper suddenly looked around the room and smiled.
'I just thought of something. I'm going to summon Grams.'
'Grams? Who is that? Another witch?' Spike asked.
'Grams is our grandmother, Penny Haliwell. I think it would go a long way in helping Drusilla, if we could find out who her mother and father really were.'
Angel began to nod.
'Then maybe she could see that she belongs somewhere. Maybe she could see why it is so important to work on her craft.'
Paige nodded in agreement.
'Okay, so we'll summon Grams, then maybe she can tell us who Drusilla's parents were, or at least maybe her real mother's name.'
'Okay, but what about Dru?' Angel asked before Spike could. 'We need to find her.'
Paige looked around, then walked over to a drawer and pulled out a map of San Francisco. She then turned back to Angel and Spike.
'I'll scroll for Dru.'
Spike walked over to her and eyed the map.
'You can do that? We'll find her? Just like that?'
'Oh yeah. And let's hope that we don't find her at Cole's apartment.' Paige answered,. She then looked at Angel.
'I think I should orb him back to your offices first.' Paige said to Angel. Spike gave her a hard look.
'I'm standing right in front of you, you know! I suppose you're referring to me, hey?'
Paige finally faced Spike.
'Look, I'm sure you don't mean any harm here. But you two have a lot of unresolved issues to deal with. Now, either Drusilla and you both sit down and deal with them, or you stay away from her. Either way, something has to be decided.'
Spike looked from Paige to Angel.
'Angel? Back me up here, mate! Tell the witch here that I won't be excluded from Dru's life like this!'
Angel smiled at Paige.
'Let me have a talk with him, okay?' Angel requested. Paige nodded and headed for the kitchen. Angel then turned to Spike.
'Before you say another word, I want you to listen to me: I agree with Paige....and I agree with you.'
'What the bloody hell does that mean?!'
'It means that I think you were right before, Spike. I don't think Dru is upset about making you. I think she's still angry about Buffy. But, Dru is the one that has to decide that either she is going to have it out with you, or, not see you.'
Spike just stared at him.
'I work with you, Angel! She can't just decide not to look at me at Wolfram&Hart!'
'She can if you transfer to another office or something...'
'No!'
'Spike...'
'Angel, if Belthazor was not involved, and this was just about her needing time, then I'd do what you ask, I swear it! But this is not only about Belthazor using Dru's powers in some kind of way! He could very well make her think that he loves her or something and then where would she be? Dru needs to see him for what he really is!'
Angel felt for Spike, he really did. But he had lived longer than him. He shook his head.
'And she's going to have to discover that for herself. Now, when Paige finds Dru, I will go and talk to her alone. I will also have this same conversation with her, that I've had with you. If she decides she doesn't want to see you, then you're transferring, no ifs ands or buts about it.'
'And if she wants to chat it out?' Spike asked.
Angel lifted a brow.
'Then that's up to you, Spike. What are you offering Dru? Friendship or something more? You know, she made you to be her lover. The two of you have never really been friends, really. Is that even possible?'
'Angel...'
'And another thing,' Angel continued, ignoring him. 'if you are offering Dru something more than friendship, then you damned well need to make sure that Buffy is out of your life for good. Tell her you're alive. Don't leave that situation hanging.'
Spike smirked up at him.
'What, Spike?'
'I can't believe your sodding nerve! I could give you the same piece of advice, mate! If you want Belthazor's left overs...'
'Don't talk about Phoebe that way!' Angel almost snarled. He was that close to revealing his vampire face!
'Fine! 'Phoebe'! If you want a relationship with her, then maybe you need to get Buffy out of the way too...and of course, tell her that the two of you can never shag!'
Paige walked back in on the two vampires glaring at one another.
'Am I interrupting something?' she asked knowingly.
'No.' Angel said quickly. 'Did you find Dru?'
'Uh yeah. She is at Cole's apartment. I guess he must've shimmered her there.'
Spike threw his hands up in the air in disgust! Angel focused in on Paige.
'Could you orb Spike here back to Wolfram&Hart? Then when you come back, orb me over to Belthazor's. We're not going to let him turn her without a fight.'
Paige smiled and walked over to Spike.
'C'mon, 'Goth Boy'. Let's get you home.' she said, pulling on his arm. Spike looked at Angel. Angel nodded. Paige and Spike orbed away.
****
Drusilla sat on Cole's couch. He brought her a drink and she downed it in three gulps. He gently took the glass from her.
'Tell me what happened?' he asked softly.
Drusilla shook her head.
'I shouldn't even be here.'
'Dru, you can't let everyone tell you that I'm the problem. I'm not the reason you're having a hard time learning your craft. Phoebe is making life hard for you, and even though Paige and Piper appear to be neutral, you know that deep down, they're on Phoebe's side. It's only natural. They've known her longer.'
Drusilla nodded tiredly.
'I know. It's just that if this is what being human again feels like after all of these years, then I'd rather not.'
'What does that mean?' Cole asked.
Drusilla looked him in the eye.
'It means that I'm this close to going to the nearest vampire bar and getting turned again!'
Cole's eyes widened! Drusilla was talking suicide here! That wouldn't benefit him, that was for sure! She would probably lose her powers and go back to being insane.
But, there was a part of him that felt for her. He didn't know why, he just did. He reached for her hand.
'Look, why don't you stay with me until things cool down with the girls, okay?'
Drusilla removed her hand from his and looked at him. She gave him a sly smile. Cole smiled back, though a bit unsure as to what she was grinning at!
'What?' he asked.
'Why are you being so nice to me?'
'What do you mean? Dru, we go back a ways...and like I told you before, I know the position you're in. You're trying to get your bearings and everyone is beating up on you.'
'No, that's not what I mean. You know, I can see Phoebe all around you. You still love her. Your being involved in this, is not going to endear you to her. You'll lose her to Angel for sure.'
'Angel?' Cole asked, keeping his tone light.
'Yes. Phoebe is interested in him...and him her.'
Cole just stared at Drusilla. Angel? Angelus wanted Phoebe? That was not going to happen!
'It's sad though.' Drusilla murmured. She stood up and walked over to his terrace door. The view overlooked the river.
Cole stood up as well and followed her out there.
'What's sad?' he asked.
She looked over at him.
'Nothing.' she said. Cole would just love to know the exact details about Angel's curse, if he didn't already. Then, he would know that there was no real hope for Angel and Phoebe. But right now, she didn't feel like going into it.
'Listen, Dru, my offer still stands: stay here with me. No strings attached. I'll help you train in a stress free environment. In fact, you won't have to go back to the house at all. I'll shimmer over there and get your things.'
Drusilla grinned at him!
'Yes, everyone would love that! Okay, we can try this...but, I don't have anything at the house that I want. But...'
'But what?' Cole asked, secretly delighted that his plan was coming along so well.
'Before I became human again, I was staying in a crypt...one that was actually close to the house...I have some things there that I would like.'
'I think I know the cemetery you're referring to. I've stayed there myself many times...which crypt though?'
'It said Woodland on it.'
'Oh yeah! That one is very nice! I stayed there once when bounty hunters were after me. Okay, I'll get a box and shimmer on over there.'
Drusilla just nodded. There was a slight wind and her hair was beginning to whip around.
Cole reached out and touched some of it.
'This is going to get easier, I swear it. Okay?'
Drusilla nodded and did not protest, when Cole pulled her into a small hug. He did have a nice, big body. She felt safe.
Cole then let go of her and walked back into the apartment. He walked over to a closet and pulled out a huge carton box. He then waved at her and shimmered away. Drusilla stared at the spot he had just stood in, before turning around and looking back out at the view.
****
That was how Leo and Angel found her, when they orbed into Cole's apartment. Angel looked at Leo.
'It's too bad that none of the Elders knew anything about what Cole could be up to.' Angel said. Leo nodded.
'I know. It would go a long way in getting her to come back home with us.' Leo responded.
'She's coming home with me.' Angel said firmly. 'I know it will be a bit of a hassle, orbing her back and forth, but she can't stay here.'
Drusilla turned, having heard them for the first time. She walked back into the apartment, her eyes on Angel.
'You know, I see you've gotten around that 'being invited in' thing that vampires have to go through.' she noted.
Angel smiled.
'I could get used to this orbing thing, yes. Are you alright?'
Drusilla shrugged.
'I'm fine. I'm not going back to the house though. I'm staying here.'
Leo put his face in his hands and groaned! Angel looked around.
'Where is he?' he asked.
'Cole went to pick up some things of mine.'
'Back at the mansion?!' Leo almost squeaked. He then looked at Angel.
'I'd better get back to the house. Dru, call me when you're done.'
'Leo, wait!' Drusilla yelled, but Leo had orbed away. Angel gave her a quizzical look.
'What?'
'Cole isn't at the house. I want nothing from there. I sent him to the crypt I was staying in.'
'The crypt? Why? Why would you want anything from there?' Angel asked, perplexed.
'My dolls are still there...and a couple of other keepsakes. The things that I've always had with me.'
Angel gently placed his hands on her shoulders.
'Dru, you had that stuff when you were a vampire. For God's sakes, make a clean break of it! Don't hold onto that stuff!'
'I've already sent Cole there. It's done. I'm staying here. I can't keep apologizing for what I did to Phoebe's boyfriend. I won't!'
Angel could see that she was not going to back down. He decided to offer a compromise.
'Fine, Dru. Live where you want. But you know this arrangement is going to make it harder for you to get to know Piper, Paige and Phoebe.'
'I plan on using my powers to help you, not to make it 'The power of four'. They're never going to accept me. I'm not daft, you know.'
'I know that, Dru. I know you think you know what you're doing. Fine, I don't like it, but if living here is what you want, I can't stop you. But you will be training with me, and the girls. Though, Leo's orbing in to get you here every morning, might be a little inconvenient.'
Drusilla shrugged.
'He can report back to you as to how I'm faring here. I have no problems with any of that. Besides, I think I'm getting the hang of the orbing myself, plus I'm still willing to learn....and work for you.'
They smiled at one another for a moment. Then Angel broached another topic.
'I had a talk with Spike. The two of you are going to either have to talk things out or I'll transfer him to another office. If you come to some sort of common ground, then the two of you will probably be working a lot together. You'll need to get past your differences for the good of the company. Which is it going to be?' he asked her.
Drusilla was silent for a moment. Then she nodded.
'Okay, I'll talk to Spike.'
Angel was vastly relieved! Now they could get down to business without bad feelings hanging over the group!
'Okay, well let's call Leo. I had Paige orb Spike back to Wolfram & Hart.'
But Drusilla shook her head.
'No, we don't need Leo. I'll take you there myself.'
Angel raised a brow. He had seen no evidence that Drusilla could orb anywhere...except out of a window! 'Uh, Dru...'
Drusilla smiled up at him.
'Trust me.'
Angel took her hand. He would have no choice. But, Drusilla soon orbed them out of Cole's apartment. It was where they would end up, that concerned Angel.
****
Angel and Dru ended up in the lobby of Wolfram & Hart. Harmony eyed the two of them. Actually, her gaze was specifically on Drusilla.
'Any messages?' Angel asked Harmony. Harmony smiled.
'Yes. Spike wanted you to know that he's taking a leave of absence.' she chirped. Angel lifted a brow.
'Where did he go?' he asked, glancing at Drusilla, who was busy staring at the office decor.
'To Paris...to see Buffy.' Harmony said smugly. Drusilla looked at her then and their eyes locked.
Angel said nothing. So, Spike had taken his suggestion to tell Buffy he was alive. Harmony began rambling on.
'Yeah, that girl that orbed him in, Paige? Anyway, Spike told me to get Andrew on the line...God, I never liked him! Anyway, I did and he and Spike talked, then Paige offered to orb him to his place to get some things, then orb him all the way to Paris. That was so sweet of her! And I think Wesley took a liking to Paige as well, which is nice since Fred died and...'
'Thanks, Harmony.' Angel cut her off. He turned to Drusilla.
'Dru, I told Spike...'
But Drusilla put a hand up in a halting motion.
'You don't have to cover for him, Angel.'
'I'm not covering for him, Dru, I suggested that he go and tell Buffy he was alive so...'
'Angel it's none of my business what Spike does or doesn't do. What time do you want me here for training tomorrow?'
Angel bit his lip. Dru thought that Spike had run off to be with Buffy. Then again, he may very well have.
'Nine.'
Dru nodded. She eyed Harmony, then looked at her nametag.
'It was nice seeing you again, 'Harmony'.'
Harmony smirked, but said nothing.
Dru looked back at Angel.
'I'll see you in the morning then.' she said, then orbed away as if she had been doing it all of her life. Angel sighed heavily. He had never expected Spike to take his advice, much less do it this soon. He would've been lying to himself, if he didn't admit, that he was more than a bit curious, as to how a 'Spike/Buffy' reunion would go down. He looked at Harmony.
'Harmony, I need for you to order a floral arrangement.'
'Why? For Morticia there?'
'No, Harmony, not that it's any of your business, but it is to send to a funeral...tomorrow.' he said.