Chapter 8: Forgive and forget?
Title: A new beginning.
Author: Nikka
Author notes: Hi everyone, If you need to know about summary, rate and all the rest it's all in chapter 1 I'll just remind you that **English is not my native tongue** Although Sarah is reproofing my fic, you still may find some spelling & grammar mistakes. You're more than welcome to let me know about them but remember you may find them while you read the story. Have fun.
A special thank you to Sarah for reproofing my story. As of that the upload of the chapters may take longer.
Feedback: I love love love reviews and I'll be sure to mention it at the end of every chapter.
***
She stood in front of the door staring at it. She wanted to knock but something held her back. It was shame. She remembered when he was the one who needed his friends, the one who felt alone, confused and hurt, they all left him. She was just about to turn back when suddenly the door opened and on the other side of the door stood Wesley who was very much surprised to see her standing there.
"Hi." She greeted him with a bashful smile.
"Hello." He said a bit confused.
"You were on your way out?' She asked.
"Nothing special, thought I'd take a walk, get some ice-cream, you know." He still wasn't sure why she was here.
"Okay then, I think I'll go." She turned around when she felt his arm grabbing hers.
"Wait." He said softly and she turned to see those gentle, kind eyes she use to know, the ones he had before life made him so hard. "Care to join me?" He asked in the most gentlemanlike way possible, only true British man could.
"I'd love to." And put her arm into his inviting arm.
***
"This is absurd." Buffy said in anger after an hour past by and they still haven't heard form Angel or Cordy for that matter.
"I know." Xander replied. "He's a vampire he can't die. So why are we all worried?" He got a nasty stare from Buffy and more than that from Fred who was very protected of her home made family.
"Cause we all have hearts beaten, not bricks of wall." She snapped at him as she looked at the clock once again.
"Maybe we should go find them?" Gunn offered but Loren rolled it out.
"Don't think it's the best idea buddy, after all this is Cordy and Angel. There not your average couple, they can take of themselves."
"But Cordy's... you know." Dawn said a bit embarrassed. "And she has this thing coming after her."
"Don't worry pumpkin." Lorne smiled. "Se's a though lady, she's been through a lot and made it though. She'll be all right."
Hearing all this glorification of Queen C only aggravated Buffy even further. "I'm going to the basement." She said and headed down.
"Don't you wanna wait for Angel?" Xander called after her. As much as he hated Buffy and Angel together, he hated Buffy and spike together even more. And he knew Spike was down there.
"No, I need the exercise." Everyone turned to stare at her shocked. "I meant exercising, you know, with Angel's equipment." She said as she saw everyone nod their heads. "Dirty minds." She said quietly with a smile and went down the stairs to the basement. As she walked down the stairs she could hear punches. She pecked from the stairs to the basement to see Spike punching the punching bag. It didn't seem like he was exercising, it seemed like he was trying to kill something, or someone. "Hi." She said and broke his focus. He turned his head to see who it was and the bag that swung towards him, due to the major punching clashed onto his face, throwing him to the ground. "Are you okay?" She asked giggling.
"I'm fine." He said angrily and moved away from the punching bag, and her.
"Is everything alright?" She asked as she came down the remaining stairs and into the basement.
"Just peachy.' He said wit a bitter smile.
"Okay, now I know something's wrong. You never say peachy." She smiled and moved closer as he pulled away. "Spike what are we playing here?"
"I should ask you the same thing." He replied in an angry tune. "Tell me Buffy, are we friends? A couple? Ex-lovers? What is our definition exactly? Or are you just using me as usual, so you can throw me aside when you're done?"
"What the hell...?" She had no idea where this was coming from; Yeah they had some things to work out when he came back. They had to talk about last year and the whole bathroom-scene. They had to deal with him having a soul and all. But she thought the worse was over, she thought they finally were able to co-exist. (**Author's note: For story purposes, I decided there's no 'First', no yet anyway, and he never controlled Spike, and he still has his cheep**).
"I heard you and Angel had a little bonding moment." He said a bit calmer.
"Uh." She said understanding where his rage was coming from.
"That's all you have to say, 'uh'." He felt hurt, he didn't why, and he thought he should have expected it by now.
"I'm sorry if you got hurt, but as for your question; we are friends, at least that's what I hope we are, or can be. I never said we were anything more than that. I thought you understood that." She paused for a moment, long enough to allow Spike to ask a question.
"And Angel and you. Are you two back together?" He asked in hesitation.
"I don't know. I don't think so. Angel... has his heart set on someone else, and it's not me." She sighed.
"But do you wish it was you?" More than he wanted to hear that Angel wasn't interested in her, he wanted to hear she wasn't interested in him.
"The truth?" She asked and he nodded for agreement. "Yes, deep inside I wish he would never love anyone the way he loved me. I know it's selfish and immature, but deep down I want him to always be mine. If not in the physical sense than in the emotional at least."
"And me... do I fill in for the physical part? Is that my role?"
"No." She came closer to him and he didn't pull back. "When I told you that 'us', the way we were together can't go on, I didn't just mean you. I meant me as well. I used you Spike and I won't do it again. You're my friend, and I hope you can fill that role. But if you can't I'll understand."
"I..." Spike was about to answer when she stopped him.
"But don't expect me to feel different, or want different things. Don't expect me not to love others, in the romantic sense. Can you be my platonic friend?"
He paused for a moment, took the time to think. "I can promise you I'll be your friend. But know this; I love you Buffy. I guess I'll always will. So don't ask me to not be gallous, cause I can't help it. Can you handle it?"
"Yeah I can." She smiled. "Now can we exercise, I need the work."
"I thought you said platonic friends?" He asked with a shifty smile.
"You little..."
***
"One chocolate and one vanilla." Wesley said to the vender. "Here you go." He handed Cordelia her ice cream.
"Thank you." She said politely.
"So..." They started walking and Wesley wanted to get the ball rolling. "We've been walking around for ten minutes or more, enjoying this beautiful night and yet..."
"I know." She said quickly. "My mind isn't really here, is it?"
"No, not really." He replied. "But that's okay. Can I help, do you want to talk about it, or just..."
"Can we just..." She interrupted him again.
"Yes we can." He kept walking beside her, not saying anything, letting her think. He thought that's' what she really wanted. To be with someone she trusted and to be able to think and not be showered with confusing question.
"It is a beautiful night. You don't get to see much of the stars in the city." She looked up to the night sky admiring their beauty. "It's so peaceful and quiet, like the real world doesn't exists, you know?"
"Yeah I do, sometime I feel..." Suddenly she saw Wesley been thrown in the air. She watched him as he landed on the ground. She turned back, and there he was, he personal stalker.
"Uh shit." She said as she pulled back slowly. The Sheryon kept on. Each step of his equaled three of hers. "Wesley!" She yelled, but there was no respond. He was out. "God please don't, don't hurt my baby." She begged him as he moved closer. She could see him reach for his scabbard and pull out his sword. She wanted to run but knew she wouldn't make it even five feet. As she walked backwards, she found herself leaned against a tree. All she could now is scream and close her eyes. The sword swung but then, she didn't feel the blow. She could see bright light surrounding her. At first she thought someone came to her rescue, but then she realized it was her. She was glowing. The light didn't hurt the Sheryon but it blinded him, long enough for Cordelia to run away from there and into the busy crowed on the street. She could hear Wesley call out to her as she ran to his direction.
"Quickly he said and pulled her towards a bus who was pulling in front of them. "Get in!" He ordered and she complied. She looked out the window. Although she was long gone the light stayed on, as if it was making sure she got out. "Are you okay?" Wesley asked worriedly as e passed his hands on her face looking for bruises.
"I'm fine." She replied, still trying to catch her breath. "A bit confused, frightened and shocked, but okay." She added.
"No matter what happen at the hotel, it's the only safe place for you. He took me out in one blow; you need Buffy, Angel and Spike to protect you. We have to go there, okay?" Cordy knew he was right, she knew she had to put away her own feelings to protect her baby.
"Okay." She replied as the bus kept on.
***
Angel walked in looking at the crowd of angry and worried faces staring back at him. "What?" He asked angrily and throw his jacket on the couch nearly hitting Dawn along the way.
"Man sometimes I just wanna..." Gunn stopped half way.
'Go on. Don't stop there, if you have something to say..."
"You're an idiot." Gunn yelled back cutting him off. "You shouldn't go off like this, it's not like you could find her."
"If this city wasn't so smelly I would have." Angel said in despair. Gunn and Fred wanted to be angry with him, but couldn't find the heart too. They knew he was worried about her, as they all were. "So I'm guessing by the looks on your faces, that she hasn't contacted you?" Fred nodded her head. "So... I'll have a quick shower and then I'm going out again."
"Well I'm going with you." Gunn said quickly.
"And me." Fred added.
"You guys..."
"No point arguing Angel." Fred used her firm tune. That one that says she wasn't budging.
"Okay." He reconciled. "Give me ten minutes." He said and speeded up the stairs.
"Angel wait." Buffy called after him as she ram towards him. He stopped and turned around. "We need to talk." She whispered, hoping Spike wouldn't hear, knowing he would.
"Not know Buffy. I have to find her first." He kept walking up the stairs and she followed.
"I know that, but still. I think we should talk about what happened." Buffy kept on. She didn't want to leave it hanging like this.
"You sure picked a lousy time to have one of out 'talks'. "He said to her a bit patronizing as he entered his room. She followed him in and closed the door behind her.
"Don't talk to me like I'm a child. You may be older but it doesn't make you wiser or smarter for that matter." She snapped at him.
"What do you want from me Buffy? What can I possibly say right now that would satisfy you?"
"Maybe you can explain to me why you kissed me and five seconds later you were out the door chasing your so called friend after she ran off when she saw us." She crossed her arms.
"I made a mistake okay?" He replied angrily as he took off his shirt and took a towel out from the closet.
"Which mistake? Kissing me, or getting caught?" She wasn't really sure she wanted the answer to that question.
"I don't know." He sighed. "All I know is that a person I care a great deal about was hurt by my actions, and I need to fix it."
"I know Angel, but you..."
"No I don't think you do." He cut her off. "She's alone and confused and in danger. What if it attacks her while she wonders the street by herself? What if something will happen to her or the baby what then?" He raised his voice.
"Don't yell at me." She raised her voice as well. "I didn't kiss you. You did it all by yourself... well, not by yourself but still."
"Buffy this is pointless, I'm wasting time with you." He really didn't want to have this conversation right now, but as the words came out of his mouth, was not soon enough for him to want to take them back. He knew it would hurt her and that's the last thing he wanted. He didn't know why he kissed her, especially after he was so sure he was in love with Cordelia. True, Cordelia and him decided for now to just be friends, but his feeling haven't change. Then if so, why did he kiss Buffy? He knew he wanted to. But it was more than want; it was an urge he couldn't control like an instinct. He just felt like it was the right thing to do. He looked at her and saw the face he dreaded. Her eyes were so sad and filled with hurt. She didn't say anything else; she just steeped out of the room quietly. He let her leave; knowing anything he'll say now sound fake.
***
He came out of the bathroom, he was wearing his pans and a towel was rapped around his neck. His hair was still wet... Suddenly he heard something behind him. He quickly turned and limped on that someone pining him to the ground. His arm was pressing down on that person's neck. He looked down to see he was chocking his son. "Conor?!" He quickly let go of him and got up. Conor jumped up trying to straighten down his cloths. "What are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too dad?" Conor replied sarcastically.
"So now I'm your father. Gee you change your mind so fast this days." Angel taunted with him.
"Forget it." Conor shrugged his shoulders and headed for the door.
"Conor wait!" Angel called after him and he stopped half way turning around to face Angel.
"I'm sorry. You obviously came hear o tell me something, and I should listen to you." Conor was surprised by his reaction. Last time they met he pinned him to the wall and throw him out of his hotel. **I guess father love does concur all** He thought to himself.
"It's okay." He paused for a moment. "I saw Cordelia, She..."
"Really? Where is she? Is she safe? Did you talk to her? ..."
"Wow slow down, will you." Conor cut him off. "Yes she's safe. She was attacked by this creature... and before you say anything." Conor knew Angel would cut him off again so he beat him to the punch. "She's alright now. She and Wesley took care of it."
"Wesley? Went to Wesley?" Conor knew Angel wasn't really expecting a reply.
"I wanted to help but before I could, she took care of it." Conor kept on.
"She took care of it?" Angel asked confused.
"Yeah, it was so cool. She started to glow in this bright light so this thing couldn't see her and then she and Wesley ran off on the bus. I think they're heading this way." Conor finished off.
"And you came hear to tell me all of that?" Angel asked. Oddly enough he was impressed.
"I though you'd might want to know considering you were looking for her." He replied and then realized he slipped up and just admitted to his father that he's been watching him and the rest. Angel noticed that and decided to let it slide.
"Listen, I know we still have a lot of things to work out and I don't expect everything to work out right away, but I was thinking..."
"I'm not moving back here." Conor stopped him half way.
"Actually I was about to offer you'd stay for dinner say hi to the rest and meet our guests." Angel offered with a smile. He really wanted Buffy to meet his son, despite everything that happened.
"I don't know." Conor stood there not sure what to do.
"Come down stairs and check it out, if you like it stay, if not... Well you already know how to take off." Conor smiled. It was the first time in a long while Angel got to see his Son's smile. He liked it.
"A-n-g-e-l..." He heard a yell from down stairs.
"I guess they're here." He said to Conor A sh e quickly put on a shirt and shoes on. "Are you coming?" Angel asked him as he headed for the doorway. Conor didn't say anything he just stood there and Angel was anxious to see Cordy. "Well if you are, you know the way." He said and left the room. A few moments later Conor joined him as they came down the stairs together.
***
He ran down the stairs to see her sitting on the couch surround with people asking her how she's doing. He slowly made his way towards her. He was about to say something when suddenly Fred noticed his companion.
"Conor?" She asked surprised.
"What the hell...?" Gunn was about to approach him when Angel stopped him half way.
"It's okay I invited him to stay for dinner.
"You what man? Are you crazy? Did you forget what he tried to do to you? Did you forget he tried kill...?"
"That's enough Gunn." Angel raised his voice. "Conor is my son and he's welcome in this hotel. If anyone doesn't agree, that's his or her problem.
"But..."
"Fred I'm serious." Angel wasn't about to let the whole drowning thing come up again. He wanted Conor in his life and he knew pushing him away wasn't the way to get there.
"Whatever man, whatever." Gunn backed away angry.
"So that's' Conor?" Buffy was about to introduce herself when Angel steeped in.
"We'll do the introduction later. First tell us what happen?" Angel asked.
"Well we were attacked by the creature..." Wesley was starting to explain when Angel interrupted him.
"Actually I asked Cordy."
"No you didn't. Cause you know better than to even try and talk to me right now." She stopped for a moment, but before Angel had a chance to respond... "And what's your problem anyway. Wesley isn't good enough for you? The forgiving thing only work on some but not on others." He knew exactly what she meant and he didn't like her bringing it up in front of Conor, who didn't really seem to care all that much.
"I just wondered what the both of you were doing outside anyway. I expected more from you Wesley." Angel tried to explain. But his explanation came out patronizing.
"Then I guess it's a good thing I don't work for you anymore." And with that he turned around and walked towards the entrance.
"Wesley wait!" Cordy called out after him, but by the time she managed to get up he already left. She trued standing on her twisted ankle and slipped. Angel grabbed her. "Thank you." She said.
"Your wel..."
"Now let go of me." She ordered and he did as she asked.
"Gunn can you help me go to my room, I really want to lay down." She asked Gunn and he quickly obliged.
"What about the Sheryon?" Angel asked her as she walked towards the stairs.
"I'll tell Gunn everything, and he'll fill you in." She answered without turning back.
"Well I guess that does it for us." Buffy said and winked TO Xander.
"Yeah. I'm pretty beat myself." He faked a yawn.
"Uh come on, you're all the worse bunch of actors I ever seen." Spike said with a smirk. "Just say you had enough of their bickering for one day and call it the night."
"Yes Spike why don't you call it the night." Angel said angrily. "Fred do me a favor, fix them some rooms."
"Already did." She replied in not so kindly voice. She as well thought he was too harsh on Wes.
"Conor, are you...?" Suddenly he noticed Conor wasn't there. "Where did he go?" Angel asked confused.
"I saw him slipping out through the back when all hell brook lose." Lorne explained. "I would have stopped only I prefer my head on dry land."
"Very mature Lorne. Really you made my day." Angel was pissed by now and had enough and he decided it was time to call it quits. He turned around and went upstairs.
***
TBC
Hi ppl,
First thing I want to let you know that this chapter was updated without being reproof by Sarah, so sorry if you found any mistakes.
Thank you for all your wonderful reviews, I'm glad you liked the last chapter and I hope you.
So enjoy and let me know what you think of it don't be shy it's really important to me. And if you have any comments, ideas, suggestions, feel free.
Thank you, Nikka
Title: A new beginning.
Author: Nikka
Author notes: Hi everyone, If you need to know about summary, rate and all the rest it's all in chapter 1 I'll just remind you that **English is not my native tongue** Although Sarah is reproofing my fic, you still may find some spelling & grammar mistakes. You're more than welcome to let me know about them but remember you may find them while you read the story. Have fun.
A special thank you to Sarah for reproofing my story. As of that the upload of the chapters may take longer.
Feedback: I love love love reviews and I'll be sure to mention it at the end of every chapter.
***
She stood in front of the door staring at it. She wanted to knock but something held her back. It was shame. She remembered when he was the one who needed his friends, the one who felt alone, confused and hurt, they all left him. She was just about to turn back when suddenly the door opened and on the other side of the door stood Wesley who was very much surprised to see her standing there.
"Hi." She greeted him with a bashful smile.
"Hello." He said a bit confused.
"You were on your way out?' She asked.
"Nothing special, thought I'd take a walk, get some ice-cream, you know." He still wasn't sure why she was here.
"Okay then, I think I'll go." She turned around when she felt his arm grabbing hers.
"Wait." He said softly and she turned to see those gentle, kind eyes she use to know, the ones he had before life made him so hard. "Care to join me?" He asked in the most gentlemanlike way possible, only true British man could.
"I'd love to." And put her arm into his inviting arm.
***
"This is absurd." Buffy said in anger after an hour past by and they still haven't heard form Angel or Cordy for that matter.
"I know." Xander replied. "He's a vampire he can't die. So why are we all worried?" He got a nasty stare from Buffy and more than that from Fred who was very protected of her home made family.
"Cause we all have hearts beaten, not bricks of wall." She snapped at him as she looked at the clock once again.
"Maybe we should go find them?" Gunn offered but Loren rolled it out.
"Don't think it's the best idea buddy, after all this is Cordy and Angel. There not your average couple, they can take of themselves."
"But Cordy's... you know." Dawn said a bit embarrassed. "And she has this thing coming after her."
"Don't worry pumpkin." Lorne smiled. "Se's a though lady, she's been through a lot and made it though. She'll be all right."
Hearing all this glorification of Queen C only aggravated Buffy even further. "I'm going to the basement." She said and headed down.
"Don't you wanna wait for Angel?" Xander called after her. As much as he hated Buffy and Angel together, he hated Buffy and spike together even more. And he knew Spike was down there.
"No, I need the exercise." Everyone turned to stare at her shocked. "I meant exercising, you know, with Angel's equipment." She said as she saw everyone nod their heads. "Dirty minds." She said quietly with a smile and went down the stairs to the basement. As she walked down the stairs she could hear punches. She pecked from the stairs to the basement to see Spike punching the punching bag. It didn't seem like he was exercising, it seemed like he was trying to kill something, or someone. "Hi." She said and broke his focus. He turned his head to see who it was and the bag that swung towards him, due to the major punching clashed onto his face, throwing him to the ground. "Are you okay?" She asked giggling.
"I'm fine." He said angrily and moved away from the punching bag, and her.
"Is everything alright?" She asked as she came down the remaining stairs and into the basement.
"Just peachy.' He said wit a bitter smile.
"Okay, now I know something's wrong. You never say peachy." She smiled and moved closer as he pulled away. "Spike what are we playing here?"
"I should ask you the same thing." He replied in an angry tune. "Tell me Buffy, are we friends? A couple? Ex-lovers? What is our definition exactly? Or are you just using me as usual, so you can throw me aside when you're done?"
"What the hell...?" She had no idea where this was coming from; Yeah they had some things to work out when he came back. They had to talk about last year and the whole bathroom-scene. They had to deal with him having a soul and all. But she thought the worse was over, she thought they finally were able to co-exist. (**Author's note: For story purposes, I decided there's no 'First', no yet anyway, and he never controlled Spike, and he still has his cheep**).
"I heard you and Angel had a little bonding moment." He said a bit calmer.
"Uh." She said understanding where his rage was coming from.
"That's all you have to say, 'uh'." He felt hurt, he didn't why, and he thought he should have expected it by now.
"I'm sorry if you got hurt, but as for your question; we are friends, at least that's what I hope we are, or can be. I never said we were anything more than that. I thought you understood that." She paused for a moment, long enough to allow Spike to ask a question.
"And Angel and you. Are you two back together?" He asked in hesitation.
"I don't know. I don't think so. Angel... has his heart set on someone else, and it's not me." She sighed.
"But do you wish it was you?" More than he wanted to hear that Angel wasn't interested in her, he wanted to hear she wasn't interested in him.
"The truth?" She asked and he nodded for agreement. "Yes, deep inside I wish he would never love anyone the way he loved me. I know it's selfish and immature, but deep down I want him to always be mine. If not in the physical sense than in the emotional at least."
"And me... do I fill in for the physical part? Is that my role?"
"No." She came closer to him and he didn't pull back. "When I told you that 'us', the way we were together can't go on, I didn't just mean you. I meant me as well. I used you Spike and I won't do it again. You're my friend, and I hope you can fill that role. But if you can't I'll understand."
"I..." Spike was about to answer when she stopped him.
"But don't expect me to feel different, or want different things. Don't expect me not to love others, in the romantic sense. Can you be my platonic friend?"
He paused for a moment, took the time to think. "I can promise you I'll be your friend. But know this; I love you Buffy. I guess I'll always will. So don't ask me to not be gallous, cause I can't help it. Can you handle it?"
"Yeah I can." She smiled. "Now can we exercise, I need the work."
"I thought you said platonic friends?" He asked with a shifty smile.
"You little..."
***
"One chocolate and one vanilla." Wesley said to the vender. "Here you go." He handed Cordelia her ice cream.
"Thank you." She said politely.
"So..." They started walking and Wesley wanted to get the ball rolling. "We've been walking around for ten minutes or more, enjoying this beautiful night and yet..."
"I know." She said quickly. "My mind isn't really here, is it?"
"No, not really." He replied. "But that's okay. Can I help, do you want to talk about it, or just..."
"Can we just..." She interrupted him again.
"Yes we can." He kept walking beside her, not saying anything, letting her think. He thought that's' what she really wanted. To be with someone she trusted and to be able to think and not be showered with confusing question.
"It is a beautiful night. You don't get to see much of the stars in the city." She looked up to the night sky admiring their beauty. "It's so peaceful and quiet, like the real world doesn't exists, you know?"
"Yeah I do, sometime I feel..." Suddenly she saw Wesley been thrown in the air. She watched him as he landed on the ground. She turned back, and there he was, he personal stalker.
"Uh shit." She said as she pulled back slowly. The Sheryon kept on. Each step of his equaled three of hers. "Wesley!" She yelled, but there was no respond. He was out. "God please don't, don't hurt my baby." She begged him as he moved closer. She could see him reach for his scabbard and pull out his sword. She wanted to run but knew she wouldn't make it even five feet. As she walked backwards, she found herself leaned against a tree. All she could now is scream and close her eyes. The sword swung but then, she didn't feel the blow. She could see bright light surrounding her. At first she thought someone came to her rescue, but then she realized it was her. She was glowing. The light didn't hurt the Sheryon but it blinded him, long enough for Cordelia to run away from there and into the busy crowed on the street. She could hear Wesley call out to her as she ran to his direction.
"Quickly he said and pulled her towards a bus who was pulling in front of them. "Get in!" He ordered and she complied. She looked out the window. Although she was long gone the light stayed on, as if it was making sure she got out. "Are you okay?" Wesley asked worriedly as e passed his hands on her face looking for bruises.
"I'm fine." She replied, still trying to catch her breath. "A bit confused, frightened and shocked, but okay." She added.
"No matter what happen at the hotel, it's the only safe place for you. He took me out in one blow; you need Buffy, Angel and Spike to protect you. We have to go there, okay?" Cordy knew he was right, she knew she had to put away her own feelings to protect her baby.
"Okay." She replied as the bus kept on.
***
Angel walked in looking at the crowd of angry and worried faces staring back at him. "What?" He asked angrily and throw his jacket on the couch nearly hitting Dawn along the way.
"Man sometimes I just wanna..." Gunn stopped half way.
'Go on. Don't stop there, if you have something to say..."
"You're an idiot." Gunn yelled back cutting him off. "You shouldn't go off like this, it's not like you could find her."
"If this city wasn't so smelly I would have." Angel said in despair. Gunn and Fred wanted to be angry with him, but couldn't find the heart too. They knew he was worried about her, as they all were. "So I'm guessing by the looks on your faces, that she hasn't contacted you?" Fred nodded her head. "So... I'll have a quick shower and then I'm going out again."
"Well I'm going with you." Gunn said quickly.
"And me." Fred added.
"You guys..."
"No point arguing Angel." Fred used her firm tune. That one that says she wasn't budging.
"Okay." He reconciled. "Give me ten minutes." He said and speeded up the stairs.
"Angel wait." Buffy called after him as she ram towards him. He stopped and turned around. "We need to talk." She whispered, hoping Spike wouldn't hear, knowing he would.
"Not know Buffy. I have to find her first." He kept walking up the stairs and she followed.
"I know that, but still. I think we should talk about what happened." Buffy kept on. She didn't want to leave it hanging like this.
"You sure picked a lousy time to have one of out 'talks'. "He said to her a bit patronizing as he entered his room. She followed him in and closed the door behind her.
"Don't talk to me like I'm a child. You may be older but it doesn't make you wiser or smarter for that matter." She snapped at him.
"What do you want from me Buffy? What can I possibly say right now that would satisfy you?"
"Maybe you can explain to me why you kissed me and five seconds later you were out the door chasing your so called friend after she ran off when she saw us." She crossed her arms.
"I made a mistake okay?" He replied angrily as he took off his shirt and took a towel out from the closet.
"Which mistake? Kissing me, or getting caught?" She wasn't really sure she wanted the answer to that question.
"I don't know." He sighed. "All I know is that a person I care a great deal about was hurt by my actions, and I need to fix it."
"I know Angel, but you..."
"No I don't think you do." He cut her off. "She's alone and confused and in danger. What if it attacks her while she wonders the street by herself? What if something will happen to her or the baby what then?" He raised his voice.
"Don't yell at me." She raised her voice as well. "I didn't kiss you. You did it all by yourself... well, not by yourself but still."
"Buffy this is pointless, I'm wasting time with you." He really didn't want to have this conversation right now, but as the words came out of his mouth, was not soon enough for him to want to take them back. He knew it would hurt her and that's the last thing he wanted. He didn't know why he kissed her, especially after he was so sure he was in love with Cordelia. True, Cordelia and him decided for now to just be friends, but his feeling haven't change. Then if so, why did he kiss Buffy? He knew he wanted to. But it was more than want; it was an urge he couldn't control like an instinct. He just felt like it was the right thing to do. He looked at her and saw the face he dreaded. Her eyes were so sad and filled with hurt. She didn't say anything else; she just steeped out of the room quietly. He let her leave; knowing anything he'll say now sound fake.
***
He came out of the bathroom, he was wearing his pans and a towel was rapped around his neck. His hair was still wet... Suddenly he heard something behind him. He quickly turned and limped on that someone pining him to the ground. His arm was pressing down on that person's neck. He looked down to see he was chocking his son. "Conor?!" He quickly let go of him and got up. Conor jumped up trying to straighten down his cloths. "What are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too dad?" Conor replied sarcastically.
"So now I'm your father. Gee you change your mind so fast this days." Angel taunted with him.
"Forget it." Conor shrugged his shoulders and headed for the door.
"Conor wait!" Angel called after him and he stopped half way turning around to face Angel.
"I'm sorry. You obviously came hear o tell me something, and I should listen to you." Conor was surprised by his reaction. Last time they met he pinned him to the wall and throw him out of his hotel. **I guess father love does concur all** He thought to himself.
"It's okay." He paused for a moment. "I saw Cordelia, She..."
"Really? Where is she? Is she safe? Did you talk to her? ..."
"Wow slow down, will you." Conor cut him off. "Yes she's safe. She was attacked by this creature... and before you say anything." Conor knew Angel would cut him off again so he beat him to the punch. "She's alright now. She and Wesley took care of it."
"Wesley? Went to Wesley?" Conor knew Angel wasn't really expecting a reply.
"I wanted to help but before I could, she took care of it." Conor kept on.
"She took care of it?" Angel asked confused.
"Yeah, it was so cool. She started to glow in this bright light so this thing couldn't see her and then she and Wesley ran off on the bus. I think they're heading this way." Conor finished off.
"And you came hear to tell me all of that?" Angel asked. Oddly enough he was impressed.
"I though you'd might want to know considering you were looking for her." He replied and then realized he slipped up and just admitted to his father that he's been watching him and the rest. Angel noticed that and decided to let it slide.
"Listen, I know we still have a lot of things to work out and I don't expect everything to work out right away, but I was thinking..."
"I'm not moving back here." Conor stopped him half way.
"Actually I was about to offer you'd stay for dinner say hi to the rest and meet our guests." Angel offered with a smile. He really wanted Buffy to meet his son, despite everything that happened.
"I don't know." Conor stood there not sure what to do.
"Come down stairs and check it out, if you like it stay, if not... Well you already know how to take off." Conor smiled. It was the first time in a long while Angel got to see his Son's smile. He liked it.
"A-n-g-e-l..." He heard a yell from down stairs.
"I guess they're here." He said to Conor A sh e quickly put on a shirt and shoes on. "Are you coming?" Angel asked him as he headed for the doorway. Conor didn't say anything he just stood there and Angel was anxious to see Cordy. "Well if you are, you know the way." He said and left the room. A few moments later Conor joined him as they came down the stairs together.
***
He ran down the stairs to see her sitting on the couch surround with people asking her how she's doing. He slowly made his way towards her. He was about to say something when suddenly Fred noticed his companion.
"Conor?" She asked surprised.
"What the hell...?" Gunn was about to approach him when Angel stopped him half way.
"It's okay I invited him to stay for dinner.
"You what man? Are you crazy? Did you forget what he tried to do to you? Did you forget he tried kill...?"
"That's enough Gunn." Angel raised his voice. "Conor is my son and he's welcome in this hotel. If anyone doesn't agree, that's his or her problem.
"But..."
"Fred I'm serious." Angel wasn't about to let the whole drowning thing come up again. He wanted Conor in his life and he knew pushing him away wasn't the way to get there.
"Whatever man, whatever." Gunn backed away angry.
"So that's' Conor?" Buffy was about to introduce herself when Angel steeped in.
"We'll do the introduction later. First tell us what happen?" Angel asked.
"Well we were attacked by the creature..." Wesley was starting to explain when Angel interrupted him.
"Actually I asked Cordy."
"No you didn't. Cause you know better than to even try and talk to me right now." She stopped for a moment, but before Angel had a chance to respond... "And what's your problem anyway. Wesley isn't good enough for you? The forgiving thing only work on some but not on others." He knew exactly what she meant and he didn't like her bringing it up in front of Conor, who didn't really seem to care all that much.
"I just wondered what the both of you were doing outside anyway. I expected more from you Wesley." Angel tried to explain. But his explanation came out patronizing.
"Then I guess it's a good thing I don't work for you anymore." And with that he turned around and walked towards the entrance.
"Wesley wait!" Cordy called out after him, but by the time she managed to get up he already left. She trued standing on her twisted ankle and slipped. Angel grabbed her. "Thank you." She said.
"Your wel..."
"Now let go of me." She ordered and he did as she asked.
"Gunn can you help me go to my room, I really want to lay down." She asked Gunn and he quickly obliged.
"What about the Sheryon?" Angel asked her as she walked towards the stairs.
"I'll tell Gunn everything, and he'll fill you in." She answered without turning back.
"Well I guess that does it for us." Buffy said and winked TO Xander.
"Yeah. I'm pretty beat myself." He faked a yawn.
"Uh come on, you're all the worse bunch of actors I ever seen." Spike said with a smirk. "Just say you had enough of their bickering for one day and call it the night."
"Yes Spike why don't you call it the night." Angel said angrily. "Fred do me a favor, fix them some rooms."
"Already did." She replied in not so kindly voice. She as well thought he was too harsh on Wes.
"Conor, are you...?" Suddenly he noticed Conor wasn't there. "Where did he go?" Angel asked confused.
"I saw him slipping out through the back when all hell brook lose." Lorne explained. "I would have stopped only I prefer my head on dry land."
"Very mature Lorne. Really you made my day." Angel was pissed by now and had enough and he decided it was time to call it quits. He turned around and went upstairs.
***
TBC
Hi ppl,
First thing I want to let you know that this chapter was updated without being reproof by Sarah, so sorry if you found any mistakes.
Thank you for all your wonderful reviews, I'm glad you liked the last chapter and I hope you.
So enjoy and let me know what you think of it don't be shy it's really important to me. And if you have any comments, ideas, suggestions, feel free.
Thank you, Nikka