Chapter 18
Once Angelus was safely locked away, Leo, Wesley and Spike, began to address other concerns.
'So, you're saying that Dru will probably get Piper's powers as well?' Spike said, somewhat in awe. That would make Dru a kick ass witch, that was for sure!
'Yes, though we don't know when. I'm worried about how this is going to affect her.' Leo confided.
'Yes, with her past instability...' Wesley began.
'Hey!' Spike interrupted. 'Dru is fine now! Everything is connected and all of the fine tuning is wired, alright, mates?' he said, a little peeved and somewhat fearful. His mind went back to the night they were in that crypt, when the poison had reverted her back to the 'old Drusilla'. Angelus could easily get her back in that state again.
'Spike, we realize she's better now. But with her having to deal with Angelus and all of these changes that are happening to her, well, it will take a rather strong person to deal with all of that.' Wesley said.
'Then my Dru is the girl for you. She'll deal with this. She's determined not to be Angelus's victim anymore.'
Leo nodded.
'Well, I'm going to check in. Maybe Phoebe got somewhere with Cole.'
Spike snorted! Wesley smiled patiently.
'I hope so. Otherwise we'll have to look into some form of witchcraft.' he said.
Leo orbed away and Spike and Wesley got onto an elevator. Wesley wrung his hands together. Spike watched him.
'You didn't find much in that Book of Shadows, did you?'
Wesley shook his head.
'It's like I was saying before. If we just knew the spell that was used....there are generic spells that we could use, but they may not have the desired affect.'
'Meaning Angel may stay a bastard?'
'Well, yes, among other things. It could make things worse.'
'You mean he could stay a bastard, and add even more attractive traits to his already twisted character?'
Wesley looked over at him, just as the elevator doors opened.
'Has anyone ever told you, that you have a positively poetic way of stating the obvious?'
'No. I mean, no one had to tell me because I knew it already.' Spike said, as he and Wesley stepped out of the elevator. They began walking towards Angel's office.
Suddenly, Drusilla came running out of the office! Spike and Wesley hurried up to her.
'Dru? What is it?' Wesley asked.
Drusilla swallowed.
'I froze Harmony! I just waved my hand....and she's frozen! I'm afraid to move my hands or anything now!'
Wesley went inside the office. Spike cupped Dru's face in his hands.
'It's alright, luv. Wesley and Leo thought this might happen.'
'They knew that I might be able to freeze people?! When did they find this out?!'
'Look, let's just see to Harmony....'
But Drusilla pulled out of his grasp!
'Spike, I can probably blow things up now too...I can't be around you all! I have to get out of here!'
'Drusilla! Your powers are manageable! Now, just let us help you!'
Drusilla shook her head.
'I need to get out of here!'
'Alright, but just let me come with you.'
'Uh no! I need to be alone.'
'No, that's the last thing you need. Look, let's go back to my apartment, alright? We can pop in that movie we were going to watch last night.'
Drusilla raised a brow.
'That dreadful sounding one about that boat sinking? Uh, I don't know, Spike...'
'It will take your mind off of your new powers and Angelus. Now, let's just see if Harmony is alright, shall we?'
Drusilla sighed and together, they walked back into Angel's office, just as the freeze was wearing off. Harmony almost jumped when she saw Wesley!
'What the hell! Where is....'
She looked over by the door and saw Spike and Drusilla.
'How did you get way over there?' she asked, looking at Drusilla. She then eyed Spike.
'When did Wesley and you come back?'
Spike moved towards her.
'Never mind that. What the hell were you doing shagging Angelus?'
Harmony sniffed petulantly!
'Why do you want to know?'
'Harmony,' Wesley said, 'Angelus is dangerous...even for you. Stay away from him.'
'Yes, Harm, besides, once we turn him back to his soft and fuzzy self, he won't want you. He loves Phoebe.' Spike reminded her.
Harmony's eyes moved past Spike's to Drusilla's.
'I think the reason you want him back as Angel, so badly, is because then he won't be interested in Morticia Addams over there!'
'Dru does not look like Morticia Addams!' Spike almost growled. Drusilla raised a brow. That was the second time she had heard Harmony make this reference in regards to herself. Who was this Morticia woman?
'Oh, like she's not bug eyed like her!' Harmony challenged him.
'Dru is not 'bug-eyed'! Her eyes are just large so she can see more of the world with, that's all!'
Wesley shook his head! Dru's eyes were rather large, and yes, some might say she was 'bug-eyed'. But only someone that was truly in love with her, would characterize her eyes in the manner Spike had.
Drusilla also thought what Spike had said was rather....sweet. But the only time anything anyone had ever said about her, had indeed bothered her, was back when she lived in London. When she had lost Matthew for being 'different'. When she hadn't understood her 'affliction'.
'People!' Wesley interrupted. 'Look, Harmony, we've already posted some guards outside of Angelus's cell. Just stay away from him. You'll only get hurt.'
'The senior partners aren't going to stand for that! Besides, Angelus already has a meeting with Lilah today.' Harmony revealed.
'Lilah? That chit? What the hell does Angelus want with her?' Spike asked.
Harmony folded her arms.
'They like the idea of Angelus running this place. They think that he can make more of a profit and I doubt they're going to stand for having their CEO locked up!'
Wesley turned away from Harmony and motioned for Spike to join him. They moved away from her.
'I'll have to have Gunn look over some things...I don't think there is a designated second in command, if Angel is unable to perform his duties.'
'And apparently, according to Harmony, the senior partners don't seem to find anything wrong with Angelus running this place.' Spike said.
'Let's have Dru orb us back to Haliwell Manor. We're running out of time here. Either we hurry up and restore Angel's soul, or we'll all be working under a demon.' Wesley said.
'Would that really be so bad?!'Harmony whined. Spike turned and walked back over to her.
'Harmony, I know even though you do not have a soul, you have better sense than that. Angelus is not capable of love or giving you anything you deserve. Stay away from him.'
Harmony sighed loudly!
'Fine! Fine, I'll go catch up on some work then...I guess.' she said, stalking off. She gave Drusilla a murderous glare and pointed at her.
'I know you did something to me just now! I won't forget you!'
'And I couldn't forget you if I tried.' Drusilla answered calmly, half ignoring her. She was feeling a bit tired after her restless night. She just wanted to sleep. But she couldn't. For even with Angelus caged within these walls somewhere, she could still feel his presence, and the danger he represented.
****
Cole shimmered down to the cavern of hell that he now ran. He found many displeased demons, Fiathna and Utha, the witch that had made Angelus's reappearance a reality.
About seven demons were standing around, conversing. They stopped when they saw Cole, causing him to assume that they had been talking about him.
'What is this?' Cole asked casually, looking everyone over. One of the demon's spoke.
'There is talk that you are thinking of getting back together with the witch...the one that caused your downfall the first time.'
Cole looked over at Fiathna and Utha. Fiathna slyly pointed at Utha.
'Well, witch? Have you been telling tales?' Cole asked.
'I haven't lied. Everyone knows what you had me do. And it was not so that you could destroy the Charmed Ones. It was so you could get your witch back. If Raagon were here...'
'And he's not, is he?' Cole said snidely, producing a fireball in his hand. He flung it at Utha and her screams were drowned out only by Fiathna's, who's gown was semi charred, just from standing next to the woman!
'Now,' Cole said, addressing the other gossiping demons. 'Know this, that ignorant witch that I just obliterated, knew nothing about nothing! I am not in the habit of confiding my true intentions to low level demons and the like.'
'So, you didn't remove that vampire's soul, just to break him up with your ex-wife?' another demon asked.
Cole produced yet another fireball and slammed it into that demon! Fiathna jumped again! This whole thing was really stressing her out!
'That is another warning for the rest of you, and anyone else that dares to question me! Now, get out of my sight, all of you!'
The remaining demons scampered off. Fiathna tried to ease away as well, but Cole grabbed her arm!
'You'd better go to a healer or someone, to figure out why you can't see events before they happen, seer! I won't tolerate your uselessness for much longer! I should've known what Utha and those demons were saying! They could've undermined what I was trying to do down here! Or, maybe you were in on it too, hey?'
'No! No, I swear! I will do as you ask! I will see what I can do so I can make myself more useful to you!'
Cole released her abruptly.
'See that you do.' he said, then shimmered off. Fiathna breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't know how much longer she would be able to stay alive! She was seriously considering going into hiding!
****
Cole shimmered back into his apartment. He almost jumped when he saw Phoebe already there!
'Phoebe? I wasn't expecting you...how are you holding up?' he asked softly, feeling only slightly guilty at the circles that were underneath her eyes.
But Phoebe wasn't up for small talk. She walked up to him.
'I know you had something to do with what's happened to Angel.'
'Phoebe, I...'
But Phoebe put a hand up.
'We've known each other too long to lie to one another. Besides, you're really the only one that benefits from turning Angel back into Angelus. That way he doesn't love me, and it's impossible for me to love him. I just thought you had more consideration for Dru.'
'How has she been?'
'If you cared anything about her, you wouldn't have done this. Look, I'm through with the lectures. I love Angel. And I'm willing to do anything to restore his soul...even come back to you.'
Cole's eyes widened!
'I don't understand?' he asked carefully.
'I mean, Cole, that if you give Angel back his soul, I will never see him again and re-marry you.'
Cole couldn't believe what he was hearing! His plan had worked better than he had ever imagined! He walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders.
'If I had something to do with this, and mind you, I'm not saying I did, if I could find a way to turn Angelus back into Angel, you would come back to me? We could get re-married?'
Phoebe nodded, unable to say the words a second time out loud. There was a part of her that was hoping that Cole would just do what she asked anyway, without the strings.
But, that wasn't Cole's style.
'And this would be more than a marriage in name only? Oh, Phoebe, I want another chance with you! That's all I've ever wanted! And we could try for another baby!'
The idea of getting pregnant by Cole again, after she carried his last demon child, made her shiver involuntarily! Cole noticed.
'Are you cold? I could get you a sweater or something?'
'No, I'm fine. Yes, Cole, this would be a real marriage, as long as you cure Angel.'
That was like the umpteenth time, Phoebe had mentioned that scrubby vampire's name, Cole thought. He would just have to accept the fact that he would have to work overtime, to get his beloved to forget Angel ever existed. But, at least she was giving him that chance.
Cole nodded.
'I will do it. I'll find a way.'
'Well, can't you just use the other witch? The one that did the spell in the first place? She did work for you, didn't she?' Phoebe asked.
Utha! Good God! Utha! He had killed her! And he had no idea in the hell, how she had done what she had done to Angel! Damnit! Well, he wasn't about to let Phoebe know that!
'I'll take care of it.' was all that Cole said. He then pulled a reluctant Phoebe into his arms and stroked her hair. Phoebe sighed resignedly. She could relax when Angel was Angel again.
****
Drusilla had orbed Wesley back to the manor, then she and Spike orbed over to his apartment. They both sat on the couch, prepared to watch 'Titanic'. But, Spike's phone rang. That was the last thing Drusilla remembered, before she fell asleep....
London 1860- Pressley Residence
Drusilla was unnerved by Angelus O'Connor. She didn't much like his sister, Darla, either.
Her parents, Edward and Emily, seemed impressed with the duo that had moved into the Gilbert's home next door. Apparently, Angelus owned some sort of shipping company. And Emily Pressley was already thinking that he would make Eugenia a fine husband! That was fine with Drusilla, with the exception of one thing: Angelus had somehow managed to be seated next to her, and not Eugenia, who was sitting next to Darla, across the table.
'Yes, I am recently widowed. I know you must have noticed all of the heavy curtains?' Darla asked, demurely.
'Oh no!' Emily Pressley lied. 'I hadn't noticed a thing.'
'Well, Mr. Pressley,' Angelus said, his Irish brogue, thick, 'tell me which one of your beautiful daughters you'll be parting with?'
Edward Pressley was not as impressed with the new neighbors, and was highly annoyed to find that his wife had invited them. He had heard gossip about the Gilbert's departure, and some of it was rather sinister sounding!
'None, for now...although Drusilla there will be entering a convent.'
'Oh, that's too bad. I know you'd make someone a fine wife.' Angelus said, his voice sounding sincere.
Drusilla looked into his eyes and saw nothing but darkness. She was about to answer, when she felt his hands roam underneath her skirts! She gasped and jumped up!
'Drusilla?! What on earth is it?!' her mother asked, her tone pitched with annoyance. She had no doubt the girl had had one of her episodes! If she said anything aloud, then it might scare away Mr. O'Connor and then neither Emily, or Vivian, who was seated next to Drusilla, would have any hope of snagging the eligible bachelor! She could just see one of them now, the wife of shipping magnate!
'I just think I need some air....that's all.' Drusilla said, scooting out of her chair. Angelus stood up quickly.
'I'd be more than happy to escort Drusilla outside.' Angelus said in a kind voice. He slyly looked at Darla, who winked at him. Drusilla caught the exchange.
'No, thank you, Mr. O'Connor, I....'
'Drusilla! Now don't be rude!' Edward Pressley barked. 'Let Mr. Pressley see to you while you take in some of the night air.' He too, had lost patience with his oldest daughter. If his wife hadn't been friends with that witch, he would've never considered taking in the girl when she was born. But she was a Pressley, and he would not allow one of her fits to embarrass their family name in front of company.
Drusilla did not answer, but walked out of the dining room and towards the front door. Quicker than lightening, Angelus stepped before her and opened the door. Drusilla did not thank him as she stepped out into the night air.
Angelus closed the door behind them and followed Drusilla, as she stood beside a split rail fence. He reached out to touch her hair, just as she had a 'vision'. In it, Darla was doing something to her father's neck! Was she kissing it?
She came out of it, just as she felt Angelus's hands in her hair! She slapped them away and turned to face him. He grinned down at her.
'You know what we are, don't you girl?'
Drusilla began to breath heavily.
'I know that the Gilbert's did not leave their home, did they?'
'Oh, you are so smart. I guess that's why Darla picked you for me.'
'What?!'
Angelus reached out to caress her cheek. Drusilla flinched and drew back.
'That's right. I've come to take you away from all of this....this boring non-existance that you're living in! Your family treats you like dirt! They don't understand your talents and they're trying to send you to some stuffy convent! You won't stand a chance with that bunch in there!'
The proprietary way he was speaking about her, unnerved Drusilla! She backed away.
'I want to enter a convent, thank you very much! You killed the Gilbert's, didn't you?'
Angelus's hands snaked out and pulled her to him hard! Drusilla tried to scream, as he lifted her off of the ground and placed one hand over her mouth. Her eyes became even larger than normal, when she saw his fangs!
'Now, either you can come away with me tonight, or every night that you refuse me, someone in your family will die. So, let's just walk away quietly, Dru, what do you say?'
Angelus released her, setting her back onto the ground and removing his hand from her mouth. She then managed to run past him into the house, leaving Angelus to shake his head and grin. He had noticed that Darla seemed to be salivating over old Edward in there. He would be the first to die. They all would, until Drusilla saw things his way.....
*****
Lilah burst into the Wolfram&Hart cells with two new guards. They promptly shot the two that were keeping an eye on Angelus.
Angelus, who was now awake, grinned at her.
'What took you so long?'
Lilah gave him a cagey smile.
'Never mind that. We can't have our CEO in a cage. The senior partners want a meeting.' she said, as one of the new guards unlocked the cage.
Once Angelus was safely locked away, Leo, Wesley and Spike, began to address other concerns.
'So, you're saying that Dru will probably get Piper's powers as well?' Spike said, somewhat in awe. That would make Dru a kick ass witch, that was for sure!
'Yes, though we don't know when. I'm worried about how this is going to affect her.' Leo confided.
'Yes, with her past instability...' Wesley began.
'Hey!' Spike interrupted. 'Dru is fine now! Everything is connected and all of the fine tuning is wired, alright, mates?' he said, a little peeved and somewhat fearful. His mind went back to the night they were in that crypt, when the poison had reverted her back to the 'old Drusilla'. Angelus could easily get her back in that state again.
'Spike, we realize she's better now. But with her having to deal with Angelus and all of these changes that are happening to her, well, it will take a rather strong person to deal with all of that.' Wesley said.
'Then my Dru is the girl for you. She'll deal with this. She's determined not to be Angelus's victim anymore.'
Leo nodded.
'Well, I'm going to check in. Maybe Phoebe got somewhere with Cole.'
Spike snorted! Wesley smiled patiently.
'I hope so. Otherwise we'll have to look into some form of witchcraft.' he said.
Leo orbed away and Spike and Wesley got onto an elevator. Wesley wrung his hands together. Spike watched him.
'You didn't find much in that Book of Shadows, did you?'
Wesley shook his head.
'It's like I was saying before. If we just knew the spell that was used....there are generic spells that we could use, but they may not have the desired affect.'
'Meaning Angel may stay a bastard?'
'Well, yes, among other things. It could make things worse.'
'You mean he could stay a bastard, and add even more attractive traits to his already twisted character?'
Wesley looked over at him, just as the elevator doors opened.
'Has anyone ever told you, that you have a positively poetic way of stating the obvious?'
'No. I mean, no one had to tell me because I knew it already.' Spike said, as he and Wesley stepped out of the elevator. They began walking towards Angel's office.
Suddenly, Drusilla came running out of the office! Spike and Wesley hurried up to her.
'Dru? What is it?' Wesley asked.
Drusilla swallowed.
'I froze Harmony! I just waved my hand....and she's frozen! I'm afraid to move my hands or anything now!'
Wesley went inside the office. Spike cupped Dru's face in his hands.
'It's alright, luv. Wesley and Leo thought this might happen.'
'They knew that I might be able to freeze people?! When did they find this out?!'
'Look, let's just see to Harmony....'
But Drusilla pulled out of his grasp!
'Spike, I can probably blow things up now too...I can't be around you all! I have to get out of here!'
'Drusilla! Your powers are manageable! Now, just let us help you!'
Drusilla shook her head.
'I need to get out of here!'
'Alright, but just let me come with you.'
'Uh no! I need to be alone.'
'No, that's the last thing you need. Look, let's go back to my apartment, alright? We can pop in that movie we were going to watch last night.'
Drusilla raised a brow.
'That dreadful sounding one about that boat sinking? Uh, I don't know, Spike...'
'It will take your mind off of your new powers and Angelus. Now, let's just see if Harmony is alright, shall we?'
Drusilla sighed and together, they walked back into Angel's office, just as the freeze was wearing off. Harmony almost jumped when she saw Wesley!
'What the hell! Where is....'
She looked over by the door and saw Spike and Drusilla.
'How did you get way over there?' she asked, looking at Drusilla. She then eyed Spike.
'When did Wesley and you come back?'
Spike moved towards her.
'Never mind that. What the hell were you doing shagging Angelus?'
Harmony sniffed petulantly!
'Why do you want to know?'
'Harmony,' Wesley said, 'Angelus is dangerous...even for you. Stay away from him.'
'Yes, Harm, besides, once we turn him back to his soft and fuzzy self, he won't want you. He loves Phoebe.' Spike reminded her.
Harmony's eyes moved past Spike's to Drusilla's.
'I think the reason you want him back as Angel, so badly, is because then he won't be interested in Morticia Addams over there!'
'Dru does not look like Morticia Addams!' Spike almost growled. Drusilla raised a brow. That was the second time she had heard Harmony make this reference in regards to herself. Who was this Morticia woman?
'Oh, like she's not bug eyed like her!' Harmony challenged him.
'Dru is not 'bug-eyed'! Her eyes are just large so she can see more of the world with, that's all!'
Wesley shook his head! Dru's eyes were rather large, and yes, some might say she was 'bug-eyed'. But only someone that was truly in love with her, would characterize her eyes in the manner Spike had.
Drusilla also thought what Spike had said was rather....sweet. But the only time anything anyone had ever said about her, had indeed bothered her, was back when she lived in London. When she had lost Matthew for being 'different'. When she hadn't understood her 'affliction'.
'People!' Wesley interrupted. 'Look, Harmony, we've already posted some guards outside of Angelus's cell. Just stay away from him. You'll only get hurt.'
'The senior partners aren't going to stand for that! Besides, Angelus already has a meeting with Lilah today.' Harmony revealed.
'Lilah? That chit? What the hell does Angelus want with her?' Spike asked.
Harmony folded her arms.
'They like the idea of Angelus running this place. They think that he can make more of a profit and I doubt they're going to stand for having their CEO locked up!'
Wesley turned away from Harmony and motioned for Spike to join him. They moved away from her.
'I'll have to have Gunn look over some things...I don't think there is a designated second in command, if Angel is unable to perform his duties.'
'And apparently, according to Harmony, the senior partners don't seem to find anything wrong with Angelus running this place.' Spike said.
'Let's have Dru orb us back to Haliwell Manor. We're running out of time here. Either we hurry up and restore Angel's soul, or we'll all be working under a demon.' Wesley said.
'Would that really be so bad?!'Harmony whined. Spike turned and walked back over to her.
'Harmony, I know even though you do not have a soul, you have better sense than that. Angelus is not capable of love or giving you anything you deserve. Stay away from him.'
Harmony sighed loudly!
'Fine! Fine, I'll go catch up on some work then...I guess.' she said, stalking off. She gave Drusilla a murderous glare and pointed at her.
'I know you did something to me just now! I won't forget you!'
'And I couldn't forget you if I tried.' Drusilla answered calmly, half ignoring her. She was feeling a bit tired after her restless night. She just wanted to sleep. But she couldn't. For even with Angelus caged within these walls somewhere, she could still feel his presence, and the danger he represented.
****
Cole shimmered down to the cavern of hell that he now ran. He found many displeased demons, Fiathna and Utha, the witch that had made Angelus's reappearance a reality.
About seven demons were standing around, conversing. They stopped when they saw Cole, causing him to assume that they had been talking about him.
'What is this?' Cole asked casually, looking everyone over. One of the demon's spoke.
'There is talk that you are thinking of getting back together with the witch...the one that caused your downfall the first time.'
Cole looked over at Fiathna and Utha. Fiathna slyly pointed at Utha.
'Well, witch? Have you been telling tales?' Cole asked.
'I haven't lied. Everyone knows what you had me do. And it was not so that you could destroy the Charmed Ones. It was so you could get your witch back. If Raagon were here...'
'And he's not, is he?' Cole said snidely, producing a fireball in his hand. He flung it at Utha and her screams were drowned out only by Fiathna's, who's gown was semi charred, just from standing next to the woman!
'Now,' Cole said, addressing the other gossiping demons. 'Know this, that ignorant witch that I just obliterated, knew nothing about nothing! I am not in the habit of confiding my true intentions to low level demons and the like.'
'So, you didn't remove that vampire's soul, just to break him up with your ex-wife?' another demon asked.
Cole produced yet another fireball and slammed it into that demon! Fiathna jumped again! This whole thing was really stressing her out!
'That is another warning for the rest of you, and anyone else that dares to question me! Now, get out of my sight, all of you!'
The remaining demons scampered off. Fiathna tried to ease away as well, but Cole grabbed her arm!
'You'd better go to a healer or someone, to figure out why you can't see events before they happen, seer! I won't tolerate your uselessness for much longer! I should've known what Utha and those demons were saying! They could've undermined what I was trying to do down here! Or, maybe you were in on it too, hey?'
'No! No, I swear! I will do as you ask! I will see what I can do so I can make myself more useful to you!'
Cole released her abruptly.
'See that you do.' he said, then shimmered off. Fiathna breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't know how much longer she would be able to stay alive! She was seriously considering going into hiding!
****
Cole shimmered back into his apartment. He almost jumped when he saw Phoebe already there!
'Phoebe? I wasn't expecting you...how are you holding up?' he asked softly, feeling only slightly guilty at the circles that were underneath her eyes.
But Phoebe wasn't up for small talk. She walked up to him.
'I know you had something to do with what's happened to Angel.'
'Phoebe, I...'
But Phoebe put a hand up.
'We've known each other too long to lie to one another. Besides, you're really the only one that benefits from turning Angel back into Angelus. That way he doesn't love me, and it's impossible for me to love him. I just thought you had more consideration for Dru.'
'How has she been?'
'If you cared anything about her, you wouldn't have done this. Look, I'm through with the lectures. I love Angel. And I'm willing to do anything to restore his soul...even come back to you.'
Cole's eyes widened!
'I don't understand?' he asked carefully.
'I mean, Cole, that if you give Angel back his soul, I will never see him again and re-marry you.'
Cole couldn't believe what he was hearing! His plan had worked better than he had ever imagined! He walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders.
'If I had something to do with this, and mind you, I'm not saying I did, if I could find a way to turn Angelus back into Angel, you would come back to me? We could get re-married?'
Phoebe nodded, unable to say the words a second time out loud. There was a part of her that was hoping that Cole would just do what she asked anyway, without the strings.
But, that wasn't Cole's style.
'And this would be more than a marriage in name only? Oh, Phoebe, I want another chance with you! That's all I've ever wanted! And we could try for another baby!'
The idea of getting pregnant by Cole again, after she carried his last demon child, made her shiver involuntarily! Cole noticed.
'Are you cold? I could get you a sweater or something?'
'No, I'm fine. Yes, Cole, this would be a real marriage, as long as you cure Angel.'
That was like the umpteenth time, Phoebe had mentioned that scrubby vampire's name, Cole thought. He would just have to accept the fact that he would have to work overtime, to get his beloved to forget Angel ever existed. But, at least she was giving him that chance.
Cole nodded.
'I will do it. I'll find a way.'
'Well, can't you just use the other witch? The one that did the spell in the first place? She did work for you, didn't she?' Phoebe asked.
Utha! Good God! Utha! He had killed her! And he had no idea in the hell, how she had done what she had done to Angel! Damnit! Well, he wasn't about to let Phoebe know that!
'I'll take care of it.' was all that Cole said. He then pulled a reluctant Phoebe into his arms and stroked her hair. Phoebe sighed resignedly. She could relax when Angel was Angel again.
****
Drusilla had orbed Wesley back to the manor, then she and Spike orbed over to his apartment. They both sat on the couch, prepared to watch 'Titanic'. But, Spike's phone rang. That was the last thing Drusilla remembered, before she fell asleep....
London 1860- Pressley Residence
Drusilla was unnerved by Angelus O'Connor. She didn't much like his sister, Darla, either.
Her parents, Edward and Emily, seemed impressed with the duo that had moved into the Gilbert's home next door. Apparently, Angelus owned some sort of shipping company. And Emily Pressley was already thinking that he would make Eugenia a fine husband! That was fine with Drusilla, with the exception of one thing: Angelus had somehow managed to be seated next to her, and not Eugenia, who was sitting next to Darla, across the table.
'Yes, I am recently widowed. I know you must have noticed all of the heavy curtains?' Darla asked, demurely.
'Oh no!' Emily Pressley lied. 'I hadn't noticed a thing.'
'Well, Mr. Pressley,' Angelus said, his Irish brogue, thick, 'tell me which one of your beautiful daughters you'll be parting with?'
Edward Pressley was not as impressed with the new neighbors, and was highly annoyed to find that his wife had invited them. He had heard gossip about the Gilbert's departure, and some of it was rather sinister sounding!
'None, for now...although Drusilla there will be entering a convent.'
'Oh, that's too bad. I know you'd make someone a fine wife.' Angelus said, his voice sounding sincere.
Drusilla looked into his eyes and saw nothing but darkness. She was about to answer, when she felt his hands roam underneath her skirts! She gasped and jumped up!
'Drusilla?! What on earth is it?!' her mother asked, her tone pitched with annoyance. She had no doubt the girl had had one of her episodes! If she said anything aloud, then it might scare away Mr. O'Connor and then neither Emily, or Vivian, who was seated next to Drusilla, would have any hope of snagging the eligible bachelor! She could just see one of them now, the wife of shipping magnate!
'I just think I need some air....that's all.' Drusilla said, scooting out of her chair. Angelus stood up quickly.
'I'd be more than happy to escort Drusilla outside.' Angelus said in a kind voice. He slyly looked at Darla, who winked at him. Drusilla caught the exchange.
'No, thank you, Mr. O'Connor, I....'
'Drusilla! Now don't be rude!' Edward Pressley barked. 'Let Mr. Pressley see to you while you take in some of the night air.' He too, had lost patience with his oldest daughter. If his wife hadn't been friends with that witch, he would've never considered taking in the girl when she was born. But she was a Pressley, and he would not allow one of her fits to embarrass their family name in front of company.
Drusilla did not answer, but walked out of the dining room and towards the front door. Quicker than lightening, Angelus stepped before her and opened the door. Drusilla did not thank him as she stepped out into the night air.
Angelus closed the door behind them and followed Drusilla, as she stood beside a split rail fence. He reached out to touch her hair, just as she had a 'vision'. In it, Darla was doing something to her father's neck! Was she kissing it?
She came out of it, just as she felt Angelus's hands in her hair! She slapped them away and turned to face him. He grinned down at her.
'You know what we are, don't you girl?'
Drusilla began to breath heavily.
'I know that the Gilbert's did not leave their home, did they?'
'Oh, you are so smart. I guess that's why Darla picked you for me.'
'What?!'
Angelus reached out to caress her cheek. Drusilla flinched and drew back.
'That's right. I've come to take you away from all of this....this boring non-existance that you're living in! Your family treats you like dirt! They don't understand your talents and they're trying to send you to some stuffy convent! You won't stand a chance with that bunch in there!'
The proprietary way he was speaking about her, unnerved Drusilla! She backed away.
'I want to enter a convent, thank you very much! You killed the Gilbert's, didn't you?'
Angelus's hands snaked out and pulled her to him hard! Drusilla tried to scream, as he lifted her off of the ground and placed one hand over her mouth. Her eyes became even larger than normal, when she saw his fangs!
'Now, either you can come away with me tonight, or every night that you refuse me, someone in your family will die. So, let's just walk away quietly, Dru, what do you say?'
Angelus released her, setting her back onto the ground and removing his hand from her mouth. She then managed to run past him into the house, leaving Angelus to shake his head and grin. He had noticed that Darla seemed to be salivating over old Edward in there. He would be the first to die. They all would, until Drusilla saw things his way.....
*****
Lilah burst into the Wolfram&Hart cells with two new guards. They promptly shot the two that were keeping an eye on Angelus.
Angelus, who was now awake, grinned at her.
'What took you so long?'
Lilah gave him a cagey smile.
'Never mind that. We can't have our CEO in a cage. The senior partners want a meeting.' she said, as one of the new guards unlocked the cage.