Chapter Five
'Every breath you take
Every move you make
Every bond you break
Every step you take
I'll be watching you'
The Police, 'Every Breath You Take'
C ordelia greeted the battered and sweaty group with dry towels and hugs as it limped its way back to Brian's house. Willow was still a little weak after nearly being strangled, and Xander took a couple of shots to his ribs as he rushed to save his redheaded friend. Not surprisingly, Brian was the least hurt, sustaining a fading bruise he received from a lucky kick to the head. The bruise stretched from his jaw line all the way up to his temple. If not for Cordelia's deadly aim with his crossbow, he was certain they would have overwhelmed him. Once the three made it inside, Cordelia led them to the couch, as the telltale sirens of the Sunnydale Police and Fire split the silence. Brian gave her directions to his first aid kit, underneath the bathroom sink.
"Brian, you were amazing!" Cordelia breathed as she banged a cold pack against the corner of the coffee table before handing it to him, then sat down heavily between Brian and Xander.
"So were you, Cordelia." Brian replied tiredly, wincing as he pressed the compress against his cheek. "So were you all."
Xander smiled and leaned against Cordelia, pulling the brunette in a one-armed hug. "Yeah, Cordy. You saved my life out there. Where'd you learn to shoot like that?"
Cordy blushed, then shrugged. "Don't know. Brian just told me where to shoot and I did. Though he forgot to tell me to brace it against my shoulder first. It's gonna leave one helluva bruise tomorrow, you know."
Brian winced. "Ummm… oops?"
"Oops?" Cordelia repeated sarcastically, rubbing at the tender spot on her shoulder. "Oops is right."
"I'm sorry, really. I was in a bit of a hurry. Tomorrow after school, if you want, I can show you how to use it right."
"Sounds like fun, Brian. It's a date, then." Cordy turned to Willow who was sitting next to Brian and flashed her a superior grin, while Xander rolled his eyes in exasperation.
Willow stood up quickly, her icy stare never leaving her "friend." The red head grasped Brian's hand on her way up. "I'm feeling a little thirsty, Brian. Wanna help me find something to drink?"
Brian shrugged. "There's water, milk and apple juice in the refrigerator, Willow. Help yourself."
Willow glared at him, squeezing his hand in hers. "Well, then, why don't you help me find a glass, then?"
"OW!" Brian grunted, then realized he was in trouble. "Oh! Oh, sure. Glasses. Don't need to drink out of the container. Nope, we're civilized people here! And civilized people… like us… use glasses. Yep, we sure do. Don't we, Willow? Excuse me, guys." He stood quickly and was nearly pulled into the kitchen.
Willow spun on her heel mid-stride, catching Brian off balance. He plowed forward and nearly sent Willow to the linoleum floor. She staggered back for a moment, her arms flailing at her sides before Brian pulled her to him. More startled than angry, Willow took a half-step back, searching his eyes. "So, you and Cordy are dating now?" Willow growled, trying to keep her voice low enough that she wouldn't be overheard.
Brian blinked at her in confusion. "Willow, what are you talking about?"
"Sounds like fun, Brian. It's a date, then." Willow mimicked Cordelia in a high pitched and nasally falsetto, continuing to mock the other girl with over-animated gestures.
Brian sighed hard, rolling his eyes at the smaller girl. "I can't believe you're jealous, Willow."
Willow responded with a sour face. "I am not jealous of that… that…"
"Uh-huh, if you're so not jealous, then why are you acting like this?" Brian replied slowly, but Willow could sense his patience waning.
The redhead paused a moment in her frustration, allowing herself to take a calming breath then exhaled. "This is how it starts with her, Brian. She sees something I like, then suddenly, she has to take it away."
"And I have no say about it?" He answered her.
"Well, you're the one 'dating' her." Willow whined, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Oh, yeah. Such a big date. Teaching her how to properly utilize a Horton double crossbow." He made a face at her. "Just imagine the romantic possibilities."
"I'm sure Cordelia Chase could find a way…"
"What, with you sitting right next to me?" Brian countered evenly, the beginnings of a smirk twisting the corners of his lips. "I seriously doubt she's that good."
Willow stepped back, confusion evident on her face. "Huh?"
"What? You thought she was going to be the only one there? Aren't you going to be there? Or Xander? Or Buffy?"
A small smile began to creep over Willow's face. "You mean… you're not interested in Cordelia?"
"Willow," Brian chuckled. "She's a friend. That's all. I barely know her!"
Willow shrugged. "Yeah, but you've only known me for a few days, too."
"True. But you're different. You're special to me."
"I am?" Willow replied, a happier tone entering her voice.
Brian pulled her to him, and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "Of course you are. Please don't ever think otherwise, okay?"
Willow snuggled her head against the crook between his shoulder and chest, pulling her arms tighter around him. "Okay." She mumbled into the warmth of his body.
Cordelia frowned to herself as she realized what she had done. She retreated back in her old 'bitch mode' when the conversation got too intimate. She hated herself for hurting Willow, especially when she didn't really feel that way for Brian at all. He felt more like an older brother to her than anything else. She just hoped Willow would give her enough time to apologize before slapping the crap out of her. The brunette sighed audibly, rubbing tired eyes and leaning against the supple leather sofa. She stifled a yawn and snuggled deeper into the warmth it provided, not realizing she was sinking deeper into Xander's chest. She gave into the yawn, luxuriating in the comfort she felt. She took a breath and her eyes shot open.
Xander!
Her head shot up and her eyes locked on to his. Xander sat stock still in his seat, fearful that any movement would send her running like a startled deer. Cordelia pulled away slowly, the blood drawn away from her face, leaving her looking pale as a ghost. She tried to speak several times, but couldn't manage much more than opening and closing her mouth like a fish out of water. Inside her mind, Cordelia was spinning with questions that she had no answers to. 'What was it about him that always caused this kind of reaction in me, ever since we first met on our first day of kindergarten? Is this what Willow feels like when she's around Brian? Does Xander feel the same way about me? That too-hot-to-touch-but-I'm-too-cold-to-stay-away kind of feeling? Why won't he just kiss me already?'
Xander's mind was jumbled with a flood of almost the exact same questions and feelings. 'God, she is so beautiful! Does she know how I feel about her? How can I feel this way about her, after the way she always treated Jesse, Willow and me? I wonder if Cordelia even feels the same way? How would Willow and Buffy react if I told them I liked Cordy? They'd laugh in my face. Or worse, hate me forever. I just want to kiss her so bad. Ha! Cordy would knock me into the middle of next week if I even tried. It would be so much easier if she just kissed me, instead.' He shut his eyes tight and sighed tiredly, wishing the dizzying feelings that threatened to overwhelm him would just go away. When he opened his eyes, he could see the look on her face. She looked so… lost. And it surprised him to realize it hurt him to see her that way. No longer caring about their adversarial past and the judging looks he knew he would get from Willow or Buffy and possibly Giles, he leaned forward and put his hand on her shoulder. "Are you gonna be okay, Cordy?"
She seemed confused by the question. "What do you mean?"
"Well, you looked kinda upset." He replied cautiously, fearful of her wrath should she take things he said the wrong way.
She shook her head. "I'm okay, I think, Xander." She responded. "I'm still freaking a little about being in that fight, but I'm handling it." She took a long look towards the kitchen.
"I don't think you're gonna break them up, Cordy. I've seen the signs. They fit together, sorta like Buffy and Angel. I guess we'll just have to learn to accept it." Xander offered her.
"Why would I want to break them up? I think they're cute together."
"But, I thought-"
Cordy shrugged. "I don't know what I was thinking. And now, I bet Willow's gonna be royally pissed at me." She sighed, and stared down at her hands. "I was just thinking how lucky she is, and that I wished I would find somebody like that."
Xander smiled wryly, but said nothing.
Cordelia took a deep breath, smiling at Xander, then leaned against Xander's shoulder and closed her eyes. She could feel him tense almost immediately, and for a moment, was certain she had made a horrible mistake. When she felt him relax and pull his arm around her shoulder, she smiled. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what?," Xander asked.
She shrugged against him. "Nothing. Everything. I don't know. Talking with Willow earlier made me see how much of a lie I was living. I just wanted to say I'm sorry."
The only response she got was a comforting arm wrapped around her shoulders. They were asleep almost immediately.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A large bank of top-of-the line computers sat along the dryest wall in the underground lair. Pentium III's, James had informed him. State-of-the-art machines that will revolutionize his rule over the world, come the day. The Master looked on, folding his arms over his chest, trying his best not to look too confused. It had been over sixty years since he had stepped out into the world. Back in his day, his world was filled with such novelties as the horse-drawn carriage and kerosene lamps. Now the world never slept, the "Information Age" as James put it. And he was filled with mortal dread for it. So much to learn, and so little time. Has time passed him by? Will he be able to not just survive, but thrive in this new era? Bah! He shook off the hesitation and fear, reminding himself he is the Master and all will bow before his will. Or be crushed beneath his heel.
His other childe, Jessica, was engrossed in a digital string of number sequences that flew by at such speed that he had trouble just recognizing the characters, let alone understanding their meaning. But he put his trust and his faith in his 'daughter.' She would not let him down. But curiosity got the better of him, in the end. "What are you doing, my dear?"
Without turning her head to address him, she called back over her shoulder. "James had many accounts linked to the Council of Watchers. I'm just seeing that it doesn't go to waste."
Money, he sighed. It does make the world go 'round, he realized. A hundred years ago, it was all about the blood. Fifty years ago, even. Again the stab of fear reached his black heart. Was he truly becoming a dinosaur? Just a best forgotten example of a long forgotten age? He ground his fangs in frustration. Never! He is Heinrich Joseph Nest, childe of Aurelius, himself! He was destined to rule! But, try as he might, the niggling thought refused to die. He turned to a fledgling, and roared. "Bring me something to eat! Someone young!" The fledgling's eyes widened, and he bolted out of the door without question. He turned back to the series of screens, allowing himself a calming breath, despite the long atrophied lungs within his chest. He studied the monitor next to his childe. It showed a series of status bars and meters. "And this?"
"This," Jessica smiled ferally. "Is a surprise, my Master."
His anger dissipated instantly. "Oh, ho! A surprise? Do I get a hint, my child?"
"Good things come to those who wait, Master." James' voice echoed from the doorway. He turned to Jessica who was still focused on the computer terminal. He leaned over her shoulder, smelling her sweet fragrance, as well as the remains of a recent kill. He smiled and licked at her ear lobe, earning a shudder from the female vampire. "How much longer, Jess?"
"Just a few more minutes." She replied throatily, turning her head and kissing James deeply.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Brian and Willow returned to the living room a few minutes later to find Xander and Cordelia spooned up together on Brian's couch. Brian smiled, knowing how exhaustive physically and mentally a fight like that could be. So he made no movement to try to wake them. He turned to gauge Willow's reaction, and he wasn't disappointed. Emotions fought a tug-of-war across her features: anger, fear, jealousy, happiness and pain. She nearly dropped the glass of apple juice she had brought back with her from the kitchen.
"Are you okay, Willow?" Brian asked cautiously.
Willow nodded absently and returned to her homework, but Brian wasn't convinced and told her so. "Why wouldn't I be?," she replied, a hint of anger seeping into her voice.
Brian began to challenge her statement, but thought better of it, and sat down next to her and began to flip through his American History book. Every few seconds, his attention would be drawn away when Willow would sigh melodramatically. He would look up just in time to see Willow turn back to her book. After three attempts, Brian finally broke the silence. "Do you want to talk about it?"
The red haired teenager looked up. "Talk about what?"
Brian scowled for a moment, letting his irritation get the better of him for a moment. "Well, either Cordelia has done something to upset you… again, or you've sprung a slow leak."
She glared at him sharply, but was unable to keep the grin off her face. She turned to glance at the sleeping couple on the sofa. "It's just that they… aren't supposed to be together. It's not fair!" She realized only a moment too late what she said. She turned and saw the pain reflected in his eyes.
"So, you'd rather be with Xander." It was a statement, not a question. He nodded absently. "I understand. Well, I won't stand in your way, Willow."
Willow squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head violently. "No! Brian, I didn't mean it. Really. It's just that I've loved Xander all my life. Sometimes I feel like he's the other half of me."
"I can't compete with that, Willow. And I'm not sure I'd even want to try." He leaned forward, not wanting to wake either Xander or Cordelia. "If you and Xander are meant to be together, it would be wrong for me to stand in your way. I just want you to be happy."
"I don't know what I want, Brian. All I know is that I'm happy with you now. Isn't that enough?" Willow replied, on the verge of tears. Brian nodded, forcing down the ever-increasing lump in his throat, and wondering why a girl he only met a few days ago was having this much of an effect on him.
"Willow?" A voice echoed from the doorway to the living room. Xander was standing there, pale as a ghost, with a shocked Cordelia leaning against his shoulder. "You… love me?" Xander could barely believe his ears. Willow was in love with him. Since when? And why did he just find out now? He turned to catch the eyes of Brian and Cordelia. Brian looked… resigned. He wasn't stupid, he probably saw it from the beginning. 'No wonder he never hit me back, it would've ruined any chance he had with Willow.' Cordelia looked, well she looked hurt by it. Upset, really, and not bothering to hide it. Her eyes were puffy and reddening and she sniffled once before turning away. 'Am I really dense? Because this is making no sense at all.' He opened his mouth to speak when Willow bolted past him heading for the front door. The heavy oak door slamming behind her as she headed out into the night.
Brian started to get up, but was stopped by Xander. "I'll get her, Brian. You guys stay here." He never saw the sour looks that Brian and Cordelia gave him behind his back.
Willow made it back to her front door, alternating between panting and sobbing. Her emotions couldn't decide between humiliation or anguish. Since it couldn't decide, it came upon a compromise, seemingly doubling the pain it caused. Xander heard her! She would never be able to look him in the eye again. Or Brian. 'Oh, God! Brian! How could I hurt him like that. What was I thinking?'
Hot trails of salty tears stung her eyes and made her vision blurry. She got as far as her front door, when Xander finally caught up with her. "We need to talk, Willow."
