Warning: Very long chapter! So kick back and relax before starting to read this. On to the story...
Chapter 12
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from the Angel series except my own.
Wesley slowly walked forward, his penetrating gaze still locked with Kaia's eyes. Kaia smiled softly at his blatant appreciation of her appearance. "Good morning," she greeted. He didn't answer at first, his eyes still floating languidly over her. Kaia fidgeted under his stare. His eyes were so blue; they reminded her of the ocean.
Wesley finally spoke. "Good morning," he answered softly. "How are you doing?"
"I'm fine," Kaia replied with a smile. He rewarded her with a half smile. "Yes...yes I can see that," he replied flirtatiously. He gave her another look that made her cheeks redden. What was wrong with her? She couldn't remember the last time she blushed so much. Gunn's eyes widened. What the hell was wrong with Wesley? He was never this forward with women before. Gunn smiled, amused at the sudden change in his friends behavior. He glanced at Fred and his mood changed. She was smiling, but it was forced. He was getting that feeling again...like she didn't like the idea of Wesley being attracted to Kaia. He thought maybe he was just being paranoid last night, but now he wasn't so sure. They didn't get to talk last night about it. By the time Fred had came to bed, Gunn was already asleep. He would have to find some time to broach the subject later.
Kaia was completely oblivious to the reactions of the people behind her; she was so focused on Wesley. She then glanced at the cup of coffee he was holding and saw the Starbucks label. Angel's coffee smelled good, but nothing compared to Starbucks coffee. After the day she had yesterday, she felt entitled to get some. She smiled flirtatiously at Wesley. "Hey Wesley do you mind sharing some of that Vanilla Latte with me," she asked.
Wesley looked down at the cup in confusion. "How did you know this was a Vanilla Latte," he questioned.
Kaia tapped her nose lightly. "I have incredible senses. It's one of my...shall we say gifts. Instead of answering her, he simply held the cup out to her. She smiled and took it from him, feeling a shudder go down her spine when their fingers brushed against each other. She titled her head to the side. "Don't you mind me putting my mouth on your cup," she asked him.
Wesley shook his head. "It's not a problem, unless you have a disease I should know about," he replied, his eyes lit up in amusement.
She giggled at that. She couldn't believe she was actually giggling like some star struck teenager. "No...no diseases here," she said before taking a sip of the hot liquid. She closed her eyes in pleasure. It was that good.
Wesley smiled at the look on her face. "Is it that good," he asked.
She opened her eyes and gazed at him. "Very," was all she said as she turned around to go back to the table. There were eggs, bacon, biscuits, toast, and pancakes, plus an assortment of condiments such as jelly, butter, and syrup. As she placed a bacon, eggs, and biscuits on her plate, Kaia wondered if they had a spread like this everyday because it had been a long time since she had eaten like this. She bit into a piece of bacon and her eyes strayed to Wesley again. She took a couple more sips of the coffee and then held it back out to him. "No you keep it," he said, shaking his head. "Besides, you seem to be enjoying it a whole lot more than I was." She mouthed a 'thank you' and bit into her bacon again.
The loud sound of the front door banging closed was heard. Spike casually walked into the kitchen. "Well, well, well," he said sarcastically. "You blokes started breakfast without me." Spike saw Kaia and his eyebrows rose in surprise. "Well what do we have here? You sure clean up good." Kaia didn't respond, choosing to only glare at him. She placed her food and coffee on the table, before returning angry eyes to Spike again. "I see that lip healed up well," Spike continued, ignoring the way her eyes narrowed further. "By the way I'm sorry about that, but you just---." He didn't get a chance to finish his sentence. Kaia swiftly grabbed him by the throat raising him off the floor.
"You...I should beat your ass for last night," she snapped. Spike clawed at his throat and his face vamped. Wesley placed a hand on Kaia's shoulder and she turned to look at him. They were now an eerie yellow and he took a step back. Kaia's eyes returned to their normal shade as soon as she saw Wesley withdraw from her. Spike dropped down unceremoniously, almost landing on his rear, as she released her fingers from his neck. He threw an angry glare at Angel, his face now back in human form. "You see what I get for trying to help out mate," Spike exclaimed. "I would appreciate it if you would tell your little she wolf here to simmer down."
Kaia's hands clenched at her sides as she resisted the strong urge she had to punch Spike. Her hands came up and she began to unbutton her jacket, feeling her body temperature rise out of her anger. She shrugged out of it and placed it on the closest chair. She caught the way Spike's eyes went directly to the cleavage that was showing above the bodice of the strappy bustier she wore. Spike whistled appreciatively forgetting about his previous anger.
"Spike," Angel warned, narrowing his eyes at the vampire.
Spike rolled his eyes. "Don't get your panties all in bunch Angel," he said. "You have to admit she's a sexy piece of work, even if she has a little bit of a temper." He looked at her again and gave her a sardonic grin.
Kaia crossed her hands over her chest and narrowed her eyes again. "You know I understand why you were following me," she began. "What I don't understand is why you couldn't just be straight with me. Why play games?"
Spike shrugged. "I was trying to be subtle love."
"Subtle," she scoffed. "You're about as subtle as a whore at a Mary Kay convention."
Spike laughed. "Good one pet. Beauty, humor, and bitchiness...just what I look for in a woman."
Kaia rolled her eyes and turned to Angel. Angel saw the look on her face and he knew he had to try to diffuse the situation. "Spike could you behave for a minute," Angel asked sharply. "And where the hell where you last night? I thought you said you were coming straight here."
Spike walked past Angel and went directly to the fridge, pulling out a container of blood. He paused to take a long drink and then turned back around to face Angel. He shrugged his shoulders slightly. "I got caught up," he said simply.
Angel's jaw clenched. "Caught up in what," he spat.
"Nothing much," Spike answered. "Went to a bar, met a hot girl, and she took me back to her place for some fun. I thought I deserved some attention after the bruising I took last night." He then walked back over to Kaia. "I think you owe me an apology by the way," he told her as he ran his fingers down her arm lightly. Before she could react, Wesley swiftly grabbed Spike's arm and pushed him away from her. "Spike, she is not one of your whores," Wesley said angrily. "I suggest you keep your hands to yourself."
Spike held his hands up in front of him, the same sarcastic smile on his face. "Oh I get it," Spike said, his eyes straying from Kaia to Wesley and back again. "You've laid claim on the pretty little thing. It's alright mate. I'll back of the little lady." Gunn snorted trying to hold back a laugh. He had to give it to Spike. The guy could rile you up without even trying. From the expression on Wesley's face, he was definitely succeeding.
"Spike next time could you at least call back and let us know what's up," Angel said, trying to get Spike's attention back to the subject at hand, his inability to work as a part of the team. "You're not on your own anymore. You're a part of a team and this team checks in."
Spike rolled his eyes. "Okay...okay," he said tiredly. "Just relax." He took another sip of blood and moved to drop himself down in a chair. Kaia grimaced at the sight. She knew he was a vampire, but seeing him drink blood like that was just too gross.
Then she remembered last night. Angel was one too. She turned to him. "By the way you seemed so inclined for me to be straight with you. Why didn't you tell me you were a vampire," she asked bluntly.
Angel's mouth opened and then closed. "Well...um...you see...you never asked," he stumbled. At the look she was sending him, he rushed to continue. "I didn't think it was an issue. Is it?"
She shook her head. "No it's cool," Kaia replied calmly. "I came to the conclusion that you were one last night. When you were pacing back and forth in front of the mirror I saw your reflection was absent. Plus, you smelled different...sort of like Spike. Not exactly like him...just not human."
"You can actually detect the difference between humans and...well...non-humans, Angel questioned, a little surprised that her senses were so perceptive."
Kaia nodded. "My sense of smell is very sensitive and as well as my hearing. Just like you huh?"
"Yeah...just like me," Angel countered with a smile.
"You also have that pale complexion going on so it was pretty easy to figure out," Kaia continued, her tone light and teasing. "Don't worry I won't stake you." She grinned at him.
Angel chuckled. "I would appreciate that," he said, his own tone slightly teasing.
"I won't stake you either," Kaia said turning to Spike.
He smiled at her and placed his container on the table. "Well thanks a lot love. Now I can sleep good tonight." She returned his smile in spite of herself.
"Is that what I think it is," Spike said playfully. "Is that a smile love? See guys. I told you I was charming."
Kaia let out a snort at that comment. She reached down and slid her feet out of her shoes, silently cursing the designer who created them. "Fred, I think we need to sue Jimmy Choo," Kaia said, as she flexed her newly manicured toes. "These heels are not meant to be worn."
"Well maybe not to walk in, but trust me they can be worn in other situations...preferably situations where you and I are both naked," Spike chimed in with a wink. Kaia ignored him and instead chose to look at Wesley. He seemed to be very interested in directly below her neckline. She reached a hand out and titled his head back upwards to meet her eyes. His face flashed pink for a quick moment before returning its normal shade.
Wesley averted his eyes and walked away a little to put some space between them. Whenever he was around this woman, it made him do and say things completely out of character. Jesus! He was just openly staring at the woman's bosom for Christ's sake! Let's not forget the blatant flirting and his barbaric reaction to Spike touching her. Kaia noticed the change in his demeanor, but she decided to ignore it. She had other things to deal with...like the question of her paternity.
"Fred I know you ordered a bunch of stuff...like other clothes," Kaia said casually. "Did you by any chance order any sweats and t-shirts...so that I can change?"
Fred didn't reply right away. She had stood by and watched the exchange between Wesley and Kaia. She had noticed how Wesley became angry at Spike touching Kaia and how he couldn't take his eyes off her. She suppressed the wave of jealousy she felt and forced a smile. "Yeah, actually I ordered some casual clothes for you to wear," she said with fake cheeriness. "But it's not what you're thinking. It's girly sweats, what I like to call lounge wear. So don't think you're gonna go back to dressing all tom boyish again. That's one of the rules I think we should make for you. You can only wear clothes that are meant for girls or women if you prefer that term."
"Fred," Kaia wined. Fred held up a hand. "No, you told me yourself that you've dressed like this before," she said forcefully, interrupting Kaia from going any further. "Look at how you strut in those heels. There's no way I'm letting you go back to that boyish crap. It won't kill you to admit you like being feminine. Right, Angel?"
Angel smiled. "Yeah I don't think it would kill her," he said with a half smile. "New rule...no more looking like a tom boy." With that he winked at Kaia and she smiled back, rolling her eyes playfully. "Fine," Kaia huffed. "Just show me what else you bought and it better not be pink."
Fred let out a genuine giggle and grabbed her hand and began leading her out the dining room. Kaia pulled back causing Fred to stop. "No there's a faster and cooler way," Kaia said with a grin. "Now I'm gonna warn you. It might make you feel a little nauseous." Kaia then grabbed Fred's hand and they both teleported out of the room.
Gunn shook his head in annoyance. "So she warns Fred, but she didn't warn me," he said. "Well let me warn you guys. That teleporting stuff makes you feel like barfing. I ain't doing that shit again!"
Kaia looked down at the array of outfits Fred had laid out on the bed. There were also bags and bags of clothes stacked up in the closet, along with boxes of shoes. Kaia had first thought that Fred had gone over board, but then she soon realized her real agenda. She had intended for Kaia to stay with them all along. It's a good thing Fred foresaw her staying longer, because her funds were too low to be splurging on new clothes. Fred was leaning against the dressing table silently studying the way Kaia was looking at the clothes. She pushed herself off the dresser and came over to the bed and picked up a light purple velour sweat suit. She held it out to Kaia, releasing a sound of irritation at the frown on the young girl's face..
"Oh just try it on," Fred said in exasperation. "It's cute. It will look cute on you. There are some purple and white Nike sneakers over there too. This is about as dressed down as you're gonna get. I know you wanna put it on. I can see it on your face." Kaia took the clothing out of Fred's hands and held it up so she could see it clearly. Fred was right. It was cute and she did want to put it on. It had been so long since she had dressed like this. She had the body for it so why not.
Kaia nodded and began to take off her slacks. She then slid the bustier off, leaving her only in a black strapless bra and black low-rider panties. She glanced at Fred and saw her staring at her chest longingly. Kaia raised an eyebrow. "Fred is there something you want to tell me about your...you know...sexual preference," she asked carefully.
Fred glanced up and a blush appeared on her face. "No, I'm not...like...well...like that," she stuttered. "I just wish I was a little...you know...bigger in that area," she said gesturing to Kaia's chest.
Kaia glanced down at her breasts. "They're just breasts Fred," she said simply. "It doesn't make you a woman necessarily. Besides I see the way Gunn looks at you. He is so in love with you. I doubt he cares about your bra size."
Fred smiled a genuine smile. "Thanks," she said, ducking her head slightly in embarrassment.
"No problem," Kaia replied. After she was dressed in her new outfit, she walked over to check out her reflection. Her mouth gaped when she saw how much of her midriff was out. Even though she knew her stomach was showing, she was still surprised at actually seeing it in the mirror. The pants rid way too low on her hips and they were fitted around the hip area and butt. She groaned as she saw her breasts were pressed against the white tank top she wore underneath the jacket. Maybe if she zipped up the jacket? As she zipped up the jacket she saw that wouldn't work either. The jacket was almost as short as the tank top, but at least it would camouflage her bust slightly. Too much of her abs were visible though, she thought as she ran a hand down her slight six pack stomach.
"Would you wipe that expression off your face," said Fred, chuckling lightly. "You look great." Fred paused, not sure if she should say what she was thinking. "I think Wesley will enjoy seeing this outfit."
Kaia stiffened momentarily. "What are you talking about," she asked innocently.
"Oh don't play innocent," Fred responded. "I saw the heated looks passing between you too. You guys are into each other. I think it's...you know...great. It's been a while since he's been with someone." Fred awkwardly pushed a strand of hair behind her ears. She figured the only way to get rid of this jealousy was to just face it head on. She decided seeing Wesley happy would make her happy too. He deserved all the happiness in the world. She would just have to get over herself.
"Oh really," Kaia remarked with mild interest. "Thanks for the heads up, but I don't think us getting involved would be such a good idea. I have other things to worry about remember. The whole getting my life back thing kinda takes priority."
Fred nodded. "I know," she said emphatically. "But you don't want to run again from yet another thing. You've been running for a long time. Don't run away from your feelings about Wes. It may take a while to break down that shell of his, but there's a kind, sweet, wonderful man under there."
Kaia looked at Fred curiously. The way she praised Wesley you would have thought she was into him herself. Kaia was tempted for a moment to read her mind, but she resisted. Her adopted parents had taught her that not only was it rude, but you might find out something you didn't want to know in the first place.
"Okay, I'll think about it," Kaia said as she sat down on the bed to put on a pair of bobby socks. "Would you hand me those awful looking sneakers over there?"
Fred scoffed. "Don't hand me that! You know you like them." Fred handed the sneakers to Kaia and crossed her arms over her chest, looking down at her defiantly.
Kaia grinned. "Yeah I know. I'm just being a bitch." She tied the laces and stood up, walking around to get a feel for them. They actually felt good. She had forgotten how great it was to wear brand name sneakers again. "Okay I'm ready to go downstairs now, but there's something I need to talk to you about first." This was going to be...well hard. It was the first time she was telling someone her secret since her best friend Amy back in high school. But after those men had tried to kidnap Amy, her and her family had moved away and had went into hiding to stay safe, leaving Kaia feeling alone again. That was the last she had ever seen or heard from her friend.
"Go ahead," Fred prompted, breaking Kaia out of her memories.
"Alright...this may seem weird but I need to know if you guys have access to someone who could run some tests on both Angel and my blood...someone who'll be discreet," Kaia said warily.
Fred's eyes opened wide. "Wait, you want me to get blood from you and Angel and then have tests run on them," she asked, her tone incredulous. Kaia nodded.
"Okay I'm actually the head of the lab at Wolfram & Hart so finding a lab is not a problem," Fred started tentatively. "It won't be a problem getting Angel's blood either. Do you mind explaining to me why you want me to do this," Fred asked, her tone indicating that she was suspicious.
Kaia hesitated. "I'm not sure you'll believe me if I tell you."
"Try me," Fred responded.
Kaia sat back down on the bed and patted the space next to her. Fred sat down facing her, her legs crossed Indian style. "What I'm about to tell you, you have to promise not to tell anyone, not even Gunn and especially not Angel," Kaia pleaded.
Fred instantly looked uncomfortable. "You want me to lie to Charles," she asked. "I'm not sure I can do that. He can read me like a book and I'm a terrible liar."
"All I'm asking is that you let me tell Angel whatever you find out from running the tests," said Kaia, her tone almost desperate. "He needs to find out from me, not from anyone else."
"Okay fine," said Fred warily. "But I get the feeling you already know what the results of these tests will be. What kind of tests do you want me to run anyway?"
Kaia sighed deeply. "I need you to run a paternity test. I'm not sure how it works with vampires, because he's dead and all...well not dead, but undead. The point is I need some sort of paternity test done."
Fred jumped up from the bed and crossed to the other side of the room. She spun around to face Kaia once again, her face in total shock. "Why would you need a paternity test done? Unless...Are you saying what I think you're saying? "
"That I think Angel is my father...yeah I think he is," Kaia said firmly.
"That's impossible Kaia," cried Fred. "I'm not sure if you were wondering why both Angel and Spike weren't trying to suck our blood, but the reason is they got their souls back, except Angel's soul came with a price. He killed a young gypsy girl and her family in turn cast a spell on him. If he experiences pure happiness, well like say an orgasm, he turns back into Angelus."
"Angelus," Kaia questioned in confusion.
"That's his alter ego," Fred responded impatiently. "Angelus is the evil part of Angel that lives within him, but he's controlled as long as Angel never gets too happy, if you know what I mean. So you see he couldn't have fathered a child, not to mention vampires are infertile. Actually...Oh God!" Fred held a hand to her chest as she just remembered something or shall we say someone very important. Connor!
Note: I know it seems strange that Kaia is revealing her secret and being so open with Fred just like that, even though she's supposed to be so guarded and secretive, but I wanted to show that they will start a bond and that Kaia realizes that the only way to get her life back is to tell some of her secrets. I'm trying to hold off on Angel learning the secret right away, but how I'm picturing it in my mind he may just find out pretty soon, but we'll have a another battle scene first. I want them to see how similar Angel and Kaia fight. Maybe it will cause everyone to start thinking. I already have the idea played out for how Angel will find out...it will involve Lindsay. Okay please review. Next two chapters involve the trip to the lab and another fight scene.
