The Gift
Chapter 9
Wesley, Buffy, Connor, Xander and Fred came in to find out how Angel was doing.
Dr. Martin had pulled up a chair next to the bed and was sitting down and resting. "How is he doing Dr. Martin?" Wesley asked quietly.
"Dr. Summers, do you know the region of the brain where the pipe went through?" Dr. Martin asked Spike. "Yes, I believe it was the Occipital region of the brain. Although it might have also affected the Cerebellum." "And what does the Occipital region and Cerebellum control?"
"Vision and movement."
"To answer your question Wesley, Angel could be blind for awhile. How long I don't know. I have a feeling that he will regain his sight when Cordelia goes into labor. There is also a possibility that he could have some type of motor skill impairment, such as being able to feed himself, picking up things or as bad as walking. I am not a brain surgeon so I can't say for sure what has been affected. We won't know for sure until he wakes up." Dr. Martin got up from the chair. "Spike can you watch over them tonight. Tomorrow is Saturday so I know Mike doesn't work. I am also going to ask him to come out here tomorrow. If Cordelia wakes up during the night tell her the truth about Angel. If anything happens call me."
Everyone followed Dr. Martin down to the dinning room. "Sit down everyone. I am going to make myself a sandwich, does anyone want coffee?" "I'll make it Dr. Martin." Buffy said as she got up and went into the kitchen. Ten minutes later they both came out with cups full of coffee and Dr. Martins sandwich. They gave Dr. Martin a few minutes to eat.
"What is Angels prognosis Dr. Martin?" Wesley asked.
"Wesley, I honestly don't know. Everything that I know to be true for the normal human being isn't true for Angel." Dr. Martin finished her sandwich. No one was talking.
"I want to tell you that you've all done very well in dealing with the changes that have taken place with Angel. He has had to make a lot of changes to the way that he thinks about himself. But he has one last hurtle that he seems to be having a very hard time with. Angel has a lot of pride in himself, the fact that he has made it to the rank of Master Vampire, his ability to kill efficiently and quickly, the fact that he was able to father a son, and a lot more. What it comes down to is that Angel can find pride in the simplest things. His biggest problem with this is that he thinks he can do everything himself and that his choices are the best and only way. Gunn have you noticed anything about the way Angel fights or makes decisions on how something should be handled?"
"Angel is more careful. He isn't so devil may care now. What I mean is that he doesn't charge into the middle of the gang and start slashing everything. He is more careful now. I think it's because he has something to live for now."
"Does he ask for any ones opinion as to an attack plan or how a difficult situation should be handled?" Dr. Martin asked. Her eyes were half closed but she continued to listen to everything that was said. "Angel, hell no." Gunn laughed with his answer.
Dr. Martin just smiled. "So as you can see Angel hasn't learned a thing so far. All this punishment has done for him so far is give him a vacation from the pressures of leadership."
They could all see that she was very tired. "I no longer have the inside track, so to speak, with St. Michael. I no longer have Sr. Margaret giving me instructions or information that she has been given by St. Michael. I believe though that St. Michael has taken over Angels training. What has happened has been allowed to happen for Angels education. He has been given other restrictions so to speak and the restriction of his talking only to Cordelia and myself is lifted. We all know how fast Angel heals so I am not worried as to how long he will be blind. God wouldn't take away something that he has already promised and He has promised that Angel will see his children grow up to follow in his footsteps along with Connor."
"Do you want one of us to be with him at all times?" Wesley asked. "No, let him call for help if he needs it. What I am worried about right now though is how this will all affect Cordelia. She may try to take care of Angel by herself and we can't allow that to happen. I want everything to go ahead as planned Wesley. Act as though nothing ever happened to Angel. Don't make any special changes for him. He should know this place and the mansion like the back of his hand.
I am going to call it a night Wesley. Goodnight everyone." Dr. Martin dragged herself up the stairs. Her body was still on Eastern Daylight Time and she was dead tired. Before going to bed though she wanted to check on Angel.
Dr. Martin knocked on Angels bedroom door. Spike quickly answered it and opened the door. "How are they doing Spike?" "They're sleeping peacefully. Neither Angel or Cordelia have moved." Spike answered as he backed away so that she could come in and check Angel. She walked in and pulled Angels eyelid up then checked the bandage. "Everything looks okay for now. I'm going to go to bed. Goodnight Spike. Call me as soon as one of them starts to wake up."
Dr. Martin left and then went to bed. She was so tired she didn't even bother to get undressed she just laid down with the intention of getting back up and changing for bed. She saw that someone had brought her suitcases up and she remembered closing her eyes and that was the last thing she remembered.
In the morning she heard her phone ringing and she looked at her clock. It was 9:15 A.M..
"Hello." "Dr. Martin this is Spike. Cordelia is waking up." "Thank you Spike I'll be right their." Dr. Martin went into the bathroom to relieve herself and throw some water on her face. She straightened her clothes and hair then went to Angels and Cordelia's bedroom.
She didn't bother to knock she just walked in. Cordelia was just starting to wake up. Spike could tell earlier that she was starting to wake up because of the sound of her heartbeat.
Dr. Martin went to sit on the bed next to Cordelia. She finally opened her eyes. When she saw Dr. Martin she reached up and hugged her. "It's so good to see you. I missed you Mom." Cordelia turned to look at Angel and wake him up. She saw the bandages on his head. She just stared at him. "Angel, Angel wake up baby." Cordelia put her hands on his chest and shook him, but Angel didn't wake up. He didn't even move.
"What happened to him Mom?" Spike reached for Cordelia's arm, he could hear her heart start to beat faster. "Calm down Cordelia he's alright. There was an accident last night on the way back from the airport. Yesterday I had a feeling that something bad was going to happen on the way back so Gunn, Buffy and I followed him. We waited by the exit from the airport and followed them from a distance so we saw everything that happened." Spike told her what happened and what he and Dr. Martin thought was affected by the pipe. Dr. Martin explained to Cordelia the same thing she talked to everyone else about the previous night. As Cordelia listened to her she started to regain control of herself and her heart resumed a more normal beat.
"Spike, Cordelia and I can handle things for now, why don't you go and get some sleep. Cordelia go and do whatever you have to and I'll sit here with Angel then when your done I'll go and take a shower. I'll bring some breakfast up for you and I later." Spike left and went to get some blood first. He was hungry since he hadn't eaten since the previous evening. He went down to the kitchen to warm some pigs blood up. Everyone else was downstairs.
"How is he doing Spike?" Wesley asked Spike when he saw him come down stairs.
"The same. He hasn't even moved from his original position. Cordelia is awake now and we've explained everything to her. I'm going to go to bed now and sleep all day like a good vampire." Spike took his glass of blood upstairs and found Buffy still in bed. He was glad she was still there. He was starting to like having her to hold when he went to sleep. Spike looked at her, sleeping so peacefully. Buffy started to wake up. She sensed his presence in the darkened room. Spike drank the last of his blood and then removed all of his clothes. "I am going to go and take a shower Buffy. Don't move from that spot." "Yes Sir." She answered with a smile.
When Spike came out of the bathroom he came over to the bed and got under the covers with his wife. Spike fully intended to make love to Buffy but as soon as he got into the bed and his head hit the pillow he was out like a light. The long day at the office then all night sitting up with Angel had worn him out. Buffy looked at her macho manpire and just sighed. She bent over and gave him a kiss on his forehead then got up and went to the bathroom. She quietly got dressed then and went downstairs.
Dr. Martin came down stairs after awhile. "Good morning everyone." She said to Wesley, Fred, and Buffy. Gunn and Connor where with Xander and they were all starting to pack up pictures and weapons and such that were on the walls. The architect was going to be here on Monday afternoon and they were going to hopefully be on their way to Sunnydale the next day. Hunter was going to be here this afternoon along with Mike and they were going to consult with Hunter.
"How is he doing Dr. Martin?" Buffy asked as she joined her in the kitchen to get some more coffee. "Still unconscious. The thing is since I don't have the proper equipment here it's hard to tell if he is unconscious or in a coma. We will just have to wait and see if Hunter knows anything that can bring him out of it." Dr. Martin made some breakfast for herself and Cordelia and Wesley helped her to take it upstairs. It was kind of heavy with the glass of milk and orange juice on the tray along with the other plates. Just as they started to go up the stairs Cordelia came to the top of the stairs and called for Dr. Martin.
"He's awake, he's awake." Cordelia went back into the bedroom. Dr. Martin and Wesley were right behind her. They could hear everyone else running to the bedroom also.
What they found surprised everyone. Angel was in the corner of the room. He looked more like a person that was hiding then a person that was afraid. Dr. Martin approached him. "Angel it's me Mom." He pulled away from her touch as though it was a hot piece of iron.
"Where am I? Why do you have all of the lights out? Am I in a dungeon? Why are you keeping me here instead of killing me? Answer me?" Angel reached out and grabbed Dr. Martin by the arm. "I haven't eaten a human in a long time but I am so hungry right now that I think I'll take you if you don't tell me what's going on."
Wesley and the other men went to Angel to restrain him. They each took an arm and pulled him away from Dr. Martin. Fred had gone to get Spike because the men could just barely keep Angel down. They were hampered in their efforts because of the care they were taking not to reopen the wound at the back of his head. Buffy wanted to join in but she was afraid of being hurt and she didn't want to loose her baby.
Fred came back with Spike who had just thrown on his pants. He took in the scene and jumped in to hold onto Angel. "Get something to put him to sleep Dr. Martin." She did as Spike said and was back in a few minutes. Dr. Martin gave him the shot. "Spike is that you, where did you come from? Where is Darla and Drusilla?"
"Don't worry Sire. Everything will be okay when you wake up again. I promise." "What did you do? Did you turn me in just so that Holtz would leave you and the women alone. I should have dusted you when Dru brought you home. Why is it so dark in here?" Angel was starting to relax now. He was asleep in just another minute. The men put him back on the bed again.
"We need to find a place where he can lay down but where we can chain him up also." Spike said as he checked Angels bandaged head. "We can put him downstairs in the basement. There are some heavy large pipes down there that we can chain him up to. Connor went down stairs to get the wheelchair that they kept in the large kitchen. When he returned they put Angel in it and took him down stairs. Dr. Martin told Connor to get the pad that they used on the counter in the kitchen and put it on the table they used for folding clothes and linen. Dr. Martin and Cordelia then put a quilt on top of it.
"Lets move the table over to the wall. Then Spike and Connor can put Angel on the table while Gunn and I get the chains to restrain him."
Wesley and Gunn brought a pair of thick chains over to the table. Gunn put the chains on Angels ankles then looped them under the table. The ankle and wrist chains each were made of steel but were padded so that he couldn't tear his own skin to get out of the chains.
"I think we have him as comfortable as we possibly can now. I gave him enough tranquilizer to put a gorilla to sleep for the next 4 hours at least. Lets go and get some breakfast Cordelia. I think the one Wesley and I brought up is pretty cold by now. Connor would you stay with him for awhile please. As soon as we finish breakfast we'll be back down." "Sure Grandma. I'm going to run and get something to read and I'll be right back."
Later that evening Dr. Martin was keeping an eye on Angel while Cordelia took a nap. She was folding some clothes that she had washed for Wesley and Fred. When she was done she felt some ones eyes on her. She looked at Angel. He was looking at her but yet not seeing. "Good evening Angel. Do you know who I am?" "Yes Mom I know who you are. I want to know though why it's so dark in here and why am I chained up?" "Do you remember what happened 4 hours ago when you first woke up?" "I don't remember anything since last night when we left the airport. The last thing I remember is stopping for a boy that wanted to cross the road against the light. I had to slam on my breaks and that's the last thing I remember." Angel answered. He was listening for any sounds that would tell him where he was. Then his senses picked up the smell of laundry soap.
"Why are we in the laundry room?" Angels heart was starting to beat faster. Why his heart was starting to beat faster he wasn't sure, but he was beginning to have a feeling of dread.
"Mom." "Yes Angel." "What time is it?" "It's 3 o'clock in the afternoon." Dr. Martin was trying to postpone the inevitable.
"What happened to me?" Angel was starting to feel something that he very rarely felt. Fear.
"We were in an accident last night. You were the only one hurt. A man in a truck that was carrying PVC pipes was right behind you when you stopped for the boy to cross the street. One of the pipes he was carrying came loose when he stepped on his brakes and went forward and struck you in the back of your head. It hit an area of your brain that controls your vision." Dr. Martin was shedding silent tears as she saw the tears start to run down his face.
"Your in chains down in the basement because you woke up 4 hours ago and you didn't know me or anyone else but Spike. Wesley chained you up because you became violent when you realized that you couldn't see. You started accusing Spike of selling you out to Holtz for Darla, Drusilla and for his own skin. That's when I gave you a powerful tranquilizer."
After a few minutes Angel was able to speak without his voice shaking. "Mom could you get me out of these chains. I don't think I need these anymore." Wesley had just come down stairs with Fred and Buffy and heard Dr. Martin explaining to Angel what had happened. He came over to the table and undid the straps holding Angels legs and arms. "Wesley?" "Yes Angel, I'm here." "Would you send the girls away please?" Angel didn't want Buffy and Fred to see him so vulnerable.
Wesley asked Buffy and Fred to go upstairs and to their bedrooms. "You know that he will know if you are in the room so I think it would be best for now if you were to leave the room completely." The women left the basement and went into Fred's bedroom.
Wesley went back to Angel. "They're gone Angel." "Would you take me to my room please?"
"Yes Angel." Wesley went over to the side of the table and helped him down. Dr. Martin watched Angel walking over to the stairs and then up them. He didn't seem to be able to make his legs move smoothly and correctly. Angel usually took long strides so that it was difficult for Dr. Martin to keep up if he started to walk faster. Now though since he couldn't see, his steps were shorter and almost a shuffle as he put each foot forward.
Wesley kept his pace slow so that Angel could keep up with him. He stopped when they reached the stairs. "We're at the stairs now Angel, put your left hand out for the hand rail." Angel did as Wesley said. He carefully put his hand out in front of him then to the side until he found the rail. "Are you ready now?" Wesley asked Angel. "Yes." Angel replied. Wesley noticed how he gripped the rail tighter. Wesley started up the stairs. At the 4th step Angel fell forward as his foot caught on the next step. Wesley waited patiently as Angel regained his footing. He made it all of the way to the top with out falling again.
Gunn and Connor were downstairs with Xander and packing everything in the office. They came out though when they saw and heard Wesley coming through the lobby with Angel.
"Okay Angel we are at the stairs leading up to the second floor. I'm going to change to your other side so that you can hold onto the hand rail." Wesley took Angels hand off of his arm and got on his other side. Then gave him his right arm to hold onto. "You've been up and down these stairs many times Angel and you know how it curves. Keep in your minds eye what it looks like. Here we go now." Wesley started up the stairs. Angel made the first few steps okay as Wesley made it to the top then started to make the turn. Even though Wesley stopped then started for the first step Angels foot caught on the lip of the first step and he went down again. Once again he raised himself up and proceeded again. As he almost made it to the top he once again fell. This time he didn't get up. Dr. Martin went to his side.
"Are you okay Angel?" "Yes I'm okay. Mom?" "Yes Angel I'm right here." Angel was resting his head on the steps. Dr. Martin got down so that she could hear him. He apparently didn't want anyone else to hear him. "Mom, if this doesn't teach me humility then I'll never learn and you might as well give up because I'm just a lost cause. This is the most humiliating thing that I have ever had to go through." "What do you think this little episode has taught you Angel?" "To trust in others completely. Each time I've fallen it's been because I started to think that I could do it myself." "Very good. Lets get up now and remember to trust completely in Wesley."
Angel stood up and Wesley came and gave him his arm again. "Are we ready to try again?" "Yes, I've been properly chastised and I'm ready to go now." Once again Wesley told him to grab onto the handrail and they made their way up the stairs again. "Okay Angel we are at the top and we are going to be heading for your room." Wesley started again by making a slow left turn to Angels bedroom. When they reached the bedroom Wesley knocked on the door. He knew that Cordelia was inside and taking a nap. "Come in." Cordelia answered. Wesley opened the door and lead Angel in. Wesley saw the look of concern on Cordelia's face. "He's himself again Cordelia."
"Angel come over to the bed. You should know exactly where it is." Angel let go of Wesley's arm and made his way over to his side of the bed. He sat down with a deep sigh of relief. "Thank you Wesley." "Your welcome Angel. Call me if you need me again." Dr. Martin came in and sat on the bed next to Angel. "Wait a minute Wesley and I'll go down with you. Angel, Dr. Thompson and Hunter will be here in another hour or two. We are going to come up here and do a few tests so that we can see how bad the injury affected your brain. From what Dr. Thompson has told me Hunter has more experience in these things. Why don't you get some rest now. Give him some blood to drink Cordelia." Dr. Martin and Wesley left then. They could hear Cordelia go over to Angel when he started to cry.
Two hours later Angel woke up. He could sense that their was someone else in the hotel. He got up from the bed and made his way over to the bathroom. He took his clothes off and got into the shower. He just stood there for awhile and let the water run over his chest. He had taken the bandages off so he carefully washed his hair. He felt the back of his head carefully. He could feel the bone give way a little. It didn't hurt though and he was surprised at that. While he was examining the back of his head Cordelia joined him in the shower. "Leave that alone or Mom is going to get mad. Here is the shampoo, wash your hair carefully and I'll take care of the rest." Cordelia bathed Angel then she took care of herself. When they were done she took his hand. "Be careful of the step now." Angel put his toe forward a little until he found the edge of the shower then stepped out. Cordelia dried him off and shaved him with his electric shaver she had bought him last Christmas.
"Hurry Cordy, I can hear them coming up stairs." Cordelia took him to the bed where he sat down and waited for her to give him his clothes. She quickly grabbed some underwear for herself and Angel. Angel dressed himself then ran his hands through his hair. Cordelia pulled Angel back into the bathroom and gave him his tooth brush with toothpaste on it. "Here you go Angel, brush your teeth. I don't think Dr. Thompson and Mom would appreciate the smell of blood on your breath." When he was done she took his hand again and took him to the closet. She chose the usual black pants and black shirt. Just as she finished putting her clothes on they heard a knock on the door.
"Come in." Angel said as Cordelia sat him at the kitchen table. Dr. Martin opened the door and was followed by Hunter then Dr. Thompson.
"Angel Dr. Thompson and Hunter are here. Hunter is going to check you for the extent of your injury. Angel reached out to shake Dr. Thompson's hand which he took from Angels right side. After he greeted Dr. Thompson he turned to Hunter who he sensed was right beside Dr. Thompson. "Hunter, I want to thank you for coming but most of all I want to thank you for letting me use your ring. Would you believe that I actually tried to get a tan but Angelus wouldn't have it. Five minutes after coming in it was gone." Angel took the ring off of his finger and reached out for her to take it from him. He felt her small hand touch his and she took the ring.
"Are you going to miss being able to go out into the sunlight?" Dr. Thompson asked. "No, from day one I felt uneasy being in the sunlight. The dark of night is my natural element now."
"Cordelia would you make some coffee for all of us? Sit down Angel so I can check you."
Hunter pulled out a penlight and approached Angel. "Angel I want you to look straight ahead. Don't move your eyes at all." Angel did as she told him and Hunter aimed the penlight into each eye and removing it to see if his eyes would react to the light. Their was no reaction. "Angel continue to look straight ahead. I am going to shine the light in you eyes. Tell me if you see anything." Hunter shined the light directly into Angels eyes. "Do you see anything at all." "No." Angel answered. She stood up then and reached in the back of his head and felt the wound.
"Lets sit down now everyone. Cordelia brought cups and spoons over along with cream and sugar containers. She poured everyone some coffee including Angel. Cordelia sat next to Angel and started to add sugar to it. "No Cordelia. Let Angel do it." Hunter said. Cordelia started to protest but then she saw Dr. Martin shaking her head. Hunter was sitting right in front of Angel.
"Go ahead Angel you can do it. The sugar is at 2 o'clock and the cream at 1 o'clock and they are right next to your cup. Move your hand to your cup and put your hand around it. You should be able to feel the cream and sugar." Hunter said without any inflection in her voice. She said it as though instructing a child.
Angel did as she said. He put his left hand on the cup and picked up the spoon that was next to it. He carefully put his hand forward to the 1 o'clock position where he was told that the cream was. Instead of picking up the creamer he used his spoon to dip into the milk several times. Cordelia started to correct him but once again Dr. Martin shook her head. Angel didn't seem to think anything was wrong with him using his spoon to put cream into his cup. He then picked up the sugar container and poured it into his coffee. He then correctly put the spoon into the cup and stirred it. He tried the coffee. "Wow is that sweet."
"Okay Angel lets go down stairs." Hunter instructed him.
"I need Dr. Thompson or Wesley to help me." Angel said as he got up. "Why? Haven't all of you lived here for almost 5 years? You should know this place like the back of your hand Angel. I want you to walk out of your door and then over to the steps and start walking down the steps. Mike will be next to you within arms reach at all times." Hunter told Angel with a more firm voice. "Mom I can't do it." Angel had the sound of rising panic in his voice. "Angel trust Mike to catch you. Trust him Angel." Dr. Martin said as she reached out and touched his hand.
Angel took a deep breath and started for the door. Hunter, Dr. Martin and Dr. Thompson all saw how he moved with an awkward step. But Angel didn't seem to notice it himself. He made it to the door though and to the stairs by touching the walls. When he reached the stairs it took him a minute to gather up his courage to take the first step down. He held onto the hand rail tightly. Three times he fell and prevented himself from falling all of the way by holding onto the handrail. Each time he fell Mike was there to help him also. Wesley and Gunn had also positioned themselves at the bottom of the stairs.
As he finally made it to the bottom of the stairs he sat down on the second to the last step out of shear exhaustion. Dr. Martin looked at Hunter. "Have you seen all that you need to?" "Yes. He's yours now, we can talk as soon as your done." Dr. Martin went to the bottom of the stairs and sat on the step next to Angel. Everyone else came and stood around Angel and Dr. Martin also.
"Angel how did you feel as you came down the stairs by yourself and without being able to hold onto anyone?" Dr. Martin asked as she put her hand on his.
Angel was still holding onto the post between the hand rail and the step. He was still holding on so tight that you could hear the wood slowly being crushed under the shear pressure of his hand. "I was afraid." "Why were you afraid?" "I was afraid I would fall." "Why, you've fallen many times before. Why would this scare you more than at any other time." "Because I couldn't see where I was falling." "You were told that Dr. Thompson would be right by you to catch you if you fell so why didn't you reach out for him to support you?" "I don't know. I think it might be because I don't know him very well and I don't trust him 100. I trust him to take care of Cordy and Kathleen but I don't trust him enough to cover my back. Not like I would Wesley or Gunn."
"If that is true Angel why don't you consult Wesley when ever you have to do something big like planning an attack? Why didn't you ask me to help you when you wanted to find out why you couldn't let go of the guilt you felt over Angelus killing your sister?" Dr. Martins voice started to rise. She was feeling frustrated at her inability to solve this problem with Angel.
"I don't know why. I trust you and Cordy with my life but I can't say why I didn't turn to you when I wanted to take my trip through my past. I have had to trust in myself for so long that I have to tell myself to trust others." Angel finally let go of the rail and turned to Dr. Martin.
"Even though the mark of your ring is in my hand Cordy still has to remind me of what it's for and to remember that St. Michael is with me. Humans have failed me many times in the past. I can only guess that, that is why I can't bring myself to trust anyone for things when my very existence depends on it." Angel was exhausted. His head hung down low between his shoulders.
"I think maybe this accident came at a good time Mom. I think that St. Michael is controlling this blindness. Mom I love to read so much that if something is in front of me I feel a compulsion to read it. One night Spike had left one of his medical books open to a section that had information on the brain and how different parts of the brain control different things. It just so happens that it was open to the part on the occipital lobe and the cerebellum. I know that from reading that, that I shouldn't be blind. I should still be able to see at least light. I think that my Guardian Angel has taken over the task of teaching me humility and how to put my trust in others. He will make me understand, one way or another, that I am no longer an island unto myself any longer. I understand the words and what they mean but I am unable to put it into practice. So he is going to teach me."
Angel stood up then and straightened his clothes. He could sense that everyone was nearby.
"I am sorry to say you and everyone else will just have to be patient with me. I am a very stubborn man, as you all know." Angel reached out for Dr. Martin. She reached for his hand and put it on her shoulder. "Okay Angel we will work with what we have for now. I am too short for you to comfortably hold onto my arm so that is why I put your hand on my shoulder. Would you like to go to the dining room or the lobby?" "Lets go to the dining room. I am hungry for some of Cordelia's famous Cheeseburgers and Buffy's french fries along with a side of blood."
Dr. Martin started to walk forward. As they started to walk by the Lobby counter Angel stopped. "I almost forgot something Dr. Martin." Angel let go of her shoulder and turned around to everyone. "Mikaleb would you come and stand at least 3 feet behind me. Connor come and stand on her right and slightly in front of her. Cordy come and stand on her left and hold her hand or put your arm around her." When he heard them moving around to position themselves he began again.
"Spike since you work with Mike so much why don't you stand at his right. Mike I believe you have something that you wanted to ask me." Dr. Thompson turned bright red. Spike came over to stand at Mikes right side. When he didn't move Spike elbowed him in the side. "Stand in front of Angel Mike." Dr. Thompson did as Spike said. His brain functions where starting to slow down. He had been practicing what he was going to say to Angel over and over again in front of the mirror at home and in the office when he was alone. He walked over and stood in front of Angel, after that he couldn't think. His mind just went blank.
Once again Spike elbowed him. "Uh Angel, I uh." He couldn't think beyond those words. Spike whispered in his ear. "You want to court Mikaleb." "Oh right. Uh Angel, since you are the only Master Vampire here in America, uh, I have been told that I should ask your permission." Once again Mikes mind went blank and he just stood there staring at Hunter. She was such a magical woman to him. When he looked at her sometimes he could swear that the very air around her shined as though the sun was behind her. She was only 5'2" or 5'3". She had a small frame and she kept her hair long like Mary Martin did. Her skin was a soft warm light brown. It wasn't as dark as your normal Indian would be. Since she was a vampire her skin was several shades lighter. Spike elbowed him again.
Since Mike wasn't saying anything Angel spoke up. "What is it that you wanted to ask me as head of this family?" "I wanted to ask your permission to court Mikaleb." Mike let out a loud breath that everyone could hear.
Angel didn't want to let this one go without a little fun. "May I ask Mr. Thompson what your intentions are towards Mikaleb?" "My intentions?" "Yes Mr. Thompson what are your intentions? Is this just to see what it is like to be in our family? Do you want to just see what it is like to be with a vampire, or do you just want to have someone to be waiting for you when you come home after a long day at the office? Because I can tell you right now that you won't find that in Hunter. She'll walk beside you but not behind you. She will be the one to protect you instead of the other way around. Can your pride as a man take that humiliation? You will always know that Mikaleb is stronger, faster and can outreach you in anything that a man uses to protect his home and family. Her skin will never be warm to your touch Mike and if you think that I am stubborn wait until the bloom of your new love starts to fade. You might as well try to make the sun go down at high noon, you'll have more success. Will it bother you later on when you want to have children, that Mikaleb most likely can't have any? Will you ever stop to think of all the other men she has been with in the past 4,000 years? Have you ever seen her vampire face? Have you ever had to deal with her demon? You know they are a lot more hideous then what we let others see. I am asking you again Mike, what are your intentions?" Angel could sense Hunter's sadness as he pointed all of these things out to Mike.
After a long moment Mike stood straight and looked at Angel. "My intentions towards Mikaleb is marriage sir, that is after the proper length of time for a courtship. I love Mikaleb Angel. I knew she was my soul mate when I first laid eyes on her and I think she feels the same."
Angel turned towards Hunter and reached out his hand to her. "Come here Mikaleb and give me your hand." Hunter walked over to Angel and gave him her right hand.
"Give me your left hand Mike." Mike put his hand in Angels stretched out hand. Angel put Hunters hand in Mikes. "I give you my permission to court my daughter under one rule that I am asking you to respect. I want you to be with her as much as possible. I want Hunter to come and stay with us for at least 6 months. After that if you want her to live with you that is okay. If you still love each other and understand each other after one year then I will give your union my blessing. Cordy and I have known each other for 7 years. She has seen me at my worst and my best. She has even seen Angelus as he actually looks and acts. That is why I am asking you to wait at least one year. Get to know each other better, give yourselves the chance to see each other as you really are, and if after one year you still want to be with each other then we will have the wedding here." Angel took Hunter by the shoulders and gave her a kiss on her forehead.
Cordelia came to Angels side then and guided him to his old chair but when he realized where she had taken him he hesitated to sit down.
"Wesley?" "Yes Angel, I'm right here at the other end of the table. I am directly across from you." "Wesley would you come over here please." Wesley walked over to Angels end of the table and stood to his right.
"Wesley you are going to be the one that heads this family for the next 3 or 4 months. I am entrusting you with my life, and Cordelia and Kathleen's life." Angel turned to where he believed everyone else was standing. "Does everyone agree with me that Wesley should have this seat. Or does someone have different thoughts on it?" Wesley and Dr. Martin looked at each other with raised eyebrows. They both mouthed the words "Wow!"
No one said anything. Wesley cleared his throat. "Uh Angel, I think that we should look at this from a logistics point of view. Let me ask you why did you choose to sit here in the first place. What I mean is you could have just as well chosen to claim the other end of the table as your chair." Angel thought about it for a second.
"I chose it because their was no doors or windows behind me where anyone could come at me from behind. My main fighters are at the other end where they are my first line of defense. Anyone that they can't handle can be funneled down to me. While the fighters are taking on the first onslaught those that have to be protected can get away."
"I know that you are having physical problems right now but you are still the strongest with the most experience in fighting. You are our last line of defense. We know from experience that no one gets beyond you. I say that you should still stay here. It's just that for now you are what we will be protecting. Now do we have any other thoughts on this?" Wesley looked around the dinning room when he asked this question. Gunn stepped forward. "I agree with Wesley Angel. This should remain your chair. I want to make it clear to you though that you can't give up this chair until you give it up to Connor." No one else stepped forth.
"I guess that's unanimous then Angel. Sit down." Wesley said as he went to stand behind the main chair and hold it out for Angel. Angel excepted their decision by reaching for the chair then sitting down. Everybody clapped and cheered. Cordelia stepped forward and said "Wait a minute guys. Everyone stay right here for a second." She went into the kitchen and then to her desk then returned to the table. Cordelia called Fred to stand in front of her.
"Mrs. Wesley Wyndom Price, Fred, my girl friend and fellow slave to all of our men. Remember when I called you to come home because I needed you and for you to take over the care of our home because it was starting to become to hard on me to take care of things." Cordelia held out something in her hands that was covered with a towel. She put the object on the table and lifted the towel.
"Fred I give you the objects that give you the power of your new office. Here is your spatula that gives you dominion over the kitchen. I give you the dust cloth that gives you the power to tell our men when they have to help clean. Most of all now though I give you your most precious item. An Angel Investigations credit card that has your name on it. With this card you will make all purchases that are needed to supply this home of ours with all of it's food, cleanser, and furniture polish. You already take care of the books so you know what you can spend. If your short one month and you need more then go to your husband. And if he doesn't want to give you more then I expect to see him sleeping on the proverbial couch. Believe me two nights in dry dock and they'll give you what ever you want." Cordelia turned and looked at Hunter. "Listen carefully Hunter, you will need this information. Because if you can do to Dr. Thompson what Angel and Spike can do to Buffy and I then you have it made girl." Everyone laughed. Especially Angel and Spike.
"What is that Cordelia?" Hunter asked Cordelia. By the look on Hunters face Cordelia could tell that she really didn't know what she was talking about. So she looked at Angel.
"When was the last time you were with Hunter Angel? Before or After?" "I think it was before. It must have been before if she doesn't know what your talking about." "I think I'll talk to Marissa tomorrow. There is another Vampire with a soul that we recently became acquainted with. He has a tape that will show you what I am talking about." Cordelia told Hunter. She turned back to Fred then.
"So now Fred that I have given you the crown what are you fixing us for dinner. You choose and the rest of us will help you." Cordelia said.
"Well I think what Angel requested sounds good. So it's cheeseburgers and french fries for everyone. Uh, do we have ground meat and french fries?" Fred asked Cordelia since she hadn't had time to check the grocery situation yet.
"Yes, Gunn went out for me today and bought a small amount of food. Small that is in comparison to what I usually buy." "Good then lets get busy. Cordelia you can cut up the potatoes. That way you can sit down while you are doing it." "Fred I think we had better use the frozen kind for now. I told Gunn to empty the oil out of the deep fryer. It was kind of thick." "Okay then lets get the oven heated up and I'll start the hamburger patties. Why don't you start cutting up the onions and tomatoes Cordelia." By working together the women soon had the dinner ready for everyone. Cordelia went over to Hunter and asked her to come into the kitchen for a minute.
"Hunter I need to ask you do you eat solid food?" "Yes." "Do you add anything to your blood when you warm it up?" "No." "Would you like to try your blood the way we fix it for Spike and Angel?" "What do you normally put in it?" "I add cinnamon in his morning drink and red chili powder and steak sauce in his evening. Would you like to try just a sip of Angels?" "Yes, let me try just a tiny bit."
Cordelia warmed up a large mug for Angel and added the chili powder and steak sauce. Then she gave Hunter a spoon so she could try it. Hunter carefully tasted the spoonful of blood. When her eyebrows went up and a smile grew on her face she knew she had her hooked.
"That is good. Yes I would like to have some of this to go with my cheeseburger and fries please." "Okay one more question now. Do you drink blood in front of Dr. Thompson?" "Yes I made that clear to him right away that although I could consume regular food I needed blood to survive." "Very good then you can go sit down and we will be bringing in everything in a few minutes or would you like to help us?" "I can help. What would you like me to do?" Cordelia was surprised by her response. The last time she had to deal with Hunter she was a Vampire that choose not to talk to humans. She communicated as little as possible. Communication was kept to one syllable responses or instructions.
"Here, why don't you take in the onion, tomato, and cheese platters. One goes by each end and one in the middle of the table. Then you can come back and get the blood drinks for Spike, Angel and yourself." Cordelia handed the platters to Hunter. She took them without saying a word.
The ladies brought everything in and when they sat down everyone dug in. Cordelia asked Angel if he wanted a hamburger. "Just the meat please." Cordelia served him the hamburger and put a slice of cheese on it. Hunter was sitting on Angels left along with Dr. Thompson. Spike and Buffy where next to them. Dr. Martin had her usual seat at the other end of the table. Wesley as usual was on Dr. Martins left and Connor was on her right. All of the Doctors had their eyes on Angel to see how he would do when it came to eating. As Cordelia gave Angel his hamburger meat Dr. Martin put her hand on Wesley's hand to get his attention and then pointed to Angel when she got his attention.
Angel reached up to take his mug of blood. They all saw his hand trembling a little but by reaching for it with his other hand as well he was able to grab the mug and drink some blood. Since he couldn't see the mug though he held the mug up to much and it fell out of the corner of his mouth. Cordelia quickly cleaned him up. When he tried to pick up the fork to eat his meat he had a hard time grasping it. He didn't understand why he was having a problem with this when he was able to handle a spoon when he was upstairs. Angel finally gave up and picked up the hamburger with his hands. When he did that everyone went back to eating their own hamburgers.
When they were all done. Wesley thanked the ladies for a perfect meal. Hunter spoke up then. "How are you feeling now Angel?" "A lot better. I was feeling pretty tired there for awhile."
"I noticed how you were having difficulty handling the fork. Would you try it again please?" Hunter asked. She stuck her own fork into another hamburger and put it on his plate. Without any problem Angel picked up his fork and proceeded to cut up the hamburger with just his fork but was having difficulties. "Why don't you use your other hand to cut up the meat with your knife?" Hunter asked. Angel put the fork down and picked up the hamburger patty with his hand.
"Angel, pick up the knife with your left hand and cut it while holding it down with your fork." Dr. Martin said. She kept her voice low. She didn't want to sound as though she was demanding that he do it. Angel put the hamburger patty down and raised his left hand to the table. It was shaking more then it was before. "This is why I can't use the knife." Angel shouted as he slammed his hand down on the table. Dr. Martin didn't say anything. She was going to let Hunter handle this.
"Angel you are having these problems because of the injury to your Cerebellum. Your not having to hard of a time. It could be much worse so you really have no right to throw a temper tantrum. I've seen much worse. All of the problems you are experiencing right now should slowly clear up within the next couple of weeks. I want you to start exercising every day. You don't have to do anything specific just do your regular routine. They will help to get your muscles moving correctly again. Most of all you are to get a lot of rest. Every day I want you to rest in the afternoon for at least 2 hours. Your hand is shaking a lot right now because your tired. For the next 2 weeks I also want you to take the elevator. At the end of 2 weeks get one of the men to walk with you up and down the stairs while someone is watching you. You need to be very careful Angel not to hit the back of your head again until that injury heals or your going to be in the same shape or worse for a lot longer. Since I will be around you more I will be able to see your progress."
Dr. Thompson felt his pager vibrating and he pulled it off of his belt to check it. "Okay Spike your going to see your first delivery tonight. Mrs. McGregor went into labor 6 hours ago, her contractions are 10 minutes apart and she is almost fully dilated. I don't expect any complications with her. She is an old pro at this. This is her 4th baby." Dr. Thompson got up and gave Hunter a kiss. "I'll see you tomorrow morning." Spike gave Buffy a kiss then left with Dr. Thompson.
When they left the women, except for Dr. Martin got up and cleared the table. When they were done cleaning up Cordelia brought back some of her special tea for herself and Buffy.
"Mom, when do Cordelia and I get to start going through Lamaze classes? I'm going to need it almost as much as she will." Angel asked.
"Why will you need it as much as she does?" Hunter asked Angel.
"I initiated a link with Cordelia when we got married. It's a lot like the one that I share with Spike. Usually it's only your sire that you share the link with but when Angelus took over Spikes education he established the link with him. Because of that link I am experiencing everything that Cordelia feels. If it wasn't for that special herbal tea she drinks I would be getting morning sickness right along with her." "You mean to tell me that you are going to feel the pain of her contractions and the pain of delivery?" "Yes, that's what I'm saying." What happened next almost made Angel fall off of his chair. Hunter was actually laughing her head off.
"What's so funny?" Angel asked. "This is to good to be true. It's what women, for centuries, wished could happen." Everyone was laughing but Angel. "It's not funny Hunter. I got a taste of what it's going to be like when we were in Ireland. Cordelia went into labor after we went horseback riding. I was in so much pain I even thought of breaking the link with her. Fortunately they were able to stop her contractions."
Cordelia hit Angels arm with her fist. "Ow, what did you do that for?" Angel rubbed his arm where Cordelia had hit him. "I hit you because you reminded me of how you didn't say anything when Dr. Thompson scolded me for going horseback riding and jumping the fences. You could of at least stood up and told him that it was partly your fault because you're the one that was leading the way over all of those fences. You just stood there and acted like you didn't know what he was talking about." Cordelia hit him again.
"Ow! Mom tell her to stop hitting me. I'm a sick man. Besides I can't see her starting to hit me so I can duck and that isn't fair." Angel continued to rub his arm.
"Talk about fair. Mom every time he wakes up in the morning and wants me to wake up to I can't pretend to still be asleep. 'Open your eyes Cordy I know your awake because I can hear your heart beating faster.'" Angel was laughing along with everyone else now. "Well you're my wife. Your supposed to wake up when I do." "Who made up that rule?" Cordelia asked.
"I did, I saw a blank space in the marriage manual so I filled it in with that rule. As soon as I can see again I'll find that rule in my manual and show you." Cordelia tried to reach for him but her stomach got caught under the table. Kathleen kicked her in the side for that mistake.
"Ow! I'm sorry baby." Cordelia rubbed her stomach as though she was rubbing Kathleen's back. "What's the matter did she kick you because you were hitting her Daddy?" Angel asked.
"No when I tried to get up to strangle you I hit my stomach against the underside of the table so she kicked me."
Angel reached over until his hand found Cordelia. He reached for her stomach then and rested his hand on the top of her quickly enlarging stomach. Angel lowered his head and tried to communicate with his daughter. Cordelia put her hand on his and she closed her eyes and lowered her head as well. "Mommas sorry Kathleen, but your daddy is being bad." The others could see Angels hand moving up and down as Kathleen rubbed her head against his hand. Everyone looked at each other. They each had their mouths open in astonishment.
Angel raised his head and took his hand away from Cordelia's stomach.
"Dad were you able to do that with me when my mother was still pregnant?" Connor asked his father.
"I never got the chance to be with your mother before you were born Connor. She came here just one day before you were born. Besides I didn't even know I could do it until Monday when Cordelia went to Dr. Thompson and they were doing a sonnagram. Spike took my hand and put it on her stomach while we could see Kathleen on the monitor. Spike didn't know if it would work but he suggested that I try talking to her. I did then like I just did and tried to talk to her. We saw her move so that her head was under my hand and she started to rub my hand. Cordelia put her hand on top of mine and through me we were both able to send our love to Kathleen."
"Can I try it?" Connor asked Cordelia and Angel. Cordelia looked at Angel then she said "Sure Connor. You don't know until you try." Connor came down to their end of the table and pulled a chair over so that he could sit down by Cordelia. "What do I do?"
Cordelia pulled her blouse up and her pants down a little. "Give me your hand Connor." Connor gave her his left hand and Cordelia put it in the same spot that Angel had put his.
"Concentrate Connor. Let only love for your sister go through your hand and to her. Talk to her, tell her you're her brother." Connor closed his eyes and lowered his head like he saw Angel do. Cordelia felt Kathleen move away from his touch so she put her hand on his. Kathleen felt her mothers consciousness and she slowly moved over to put her head under Connors hand. Connor sent his love for her. He told her how he could hardly wait for her to come out and join him. After awhile Kathleen started to rub her head against his hand. This went on for another minute then Kathleen pulled away and rested against her mothers other side. Her behind slowly went down to rest on her mothers bladder.
Cordelia pulled Connors hand away then and straightened her clothes. I'll be right back, she's sitting on my bladder now. Cordelia got up then and went to the bathroom that was behind the stairs. Connor looked at Angel. He actually had tears in his eyes. "I could actually feel her mind Dad. She couldn't put anything into words but I could feel her contentment. That was simply amazing." He reached for Angel and hugged him. "We really are a family now. I finally have what I've always wanted." Angel hugged him back. He had wanted this for a long time also. When they heard Cordelia coming back to the table Connor finally let go. As she approached them Connor reached for her and gave her a hug. "Thank you Cordelia, thank you." "For what?" "For loving Angel and giving us Kathleen." "Well your Dad did have something to do with it."
"I know but you're the one that is giving her a place to grow. His part only took a few minutes or less." Connor laughed.
Angel was feeling very tired now. His hand started to shake again. Dr. Martin saw this. "Angel you had better go and rest now. Your first day up should be short. You don't want to push it too much." "Okay, I am tired. Would you take me up Connor?" "Sure Dad, let's go." Angel took Connors offered arm and followed him to the elevator. Cordelia went along with him to the elevator. She put her hand to her back as she walked beside Angel. Her back was starting to hurt her a little.
Connor took Angel to his bedroom then left. Xander had told everyone to start working on a design for their personnel quarters. He gave everyone large lined sheets of paper, rulers, pencils, and the dimensions of their own current rooms, and the other rooms in the hotel. Everyone had agreed that everyone but Angel and Cordelia would increase the size of their rooms by taking the room next to theirs also.
Dr. Martin had to do the design of her small clinic also so she took her papers upstairs to work on her designs. As she passed Angel and Cordelia's room she heard a lot of activity going on. She thought to herself 'I guess they weren't too tired. We have to talk to that architect about soundproofing these walls and doors.' Dr. Martin continued onto her own room, smiling and laughing to herself.
When Angel and Cordelia returned to their bedroom Angel went to the bed, kicked his shoes off and laid down. Cordelia had other ideas though. She laid down beside him then turning on her side she reached over and slipped her hand under his shirt.
Angel reached up and put his hand on hers. "I don't have the strength to have fun with you right now Cordy. I think Angelus is demanding human blood again. Can you see if there is any in Moms refrigerator. If their isn't then page Spike and ask him to bring some back." Cordelia gave him a kiss then went to check on the blood. She decided to check with Dr. Martin first.
Cordelia knocked on Dr. Martins door. "Come in." Cordelia opened the door when Dr. Martin gave her permission to enter. "Cordelia, is their something wrong?" "Yes, Mom Angel is feeling real weak and has asked me if I could get him some human blood. He said Angelus won't help him heal until he gets what he wants. Do you think it's okay?" "Yes Cordelia that will be okay. There are several bags left in the refrigerator in the big kitchen." "Uh, one more thing, uh, is it okay for us to have sex?" "Sure Cordelia just make sure that he doesn't hit his head in anyway. Which means no Spike/Buffy type sex." Dr. Martin gave her a big smile. "Thanks Mom." Cordelia closed the door and went down stairs to the big kitchen to see if their was any human blood in the refrigerator. She found 3 bags left so she grabbed one and took it upstairs.
"Your in luck Angel I found 3 bags." Cordelia came in without even looking at Angel. But when he didn't say anything she looked at him. He was sound asleep. She went ahead and warmed the blood up while it was still in the bag. When it was done she cut it open and poured it into a glass mug.
"Angel wake up. I have your human blood. It's warmed up to 98 degrees just like you like it." Angel opened his eyes slowly. He seemed to be very weak. Cordelia pulled his upper body up as high as she could and held the glass for him while he drank. As soon as the blood touched his lips Angel grabbed the glass with his own hands and drank it greedily. When he was done Cordelia wiped his mouth and chin. Some of it had spilled onto his shirt also. "I think I'll let that go for now and let you sleep." She gave him a kiss on his forehead and made him comfortable. Before laying down herself she cleaned the glass and threw away the empty bag that used to contain the human blood. For the next 3 hours they slept.
When Angel woke up he reached for Cordelia. He found that her back was to him. He reached around and rubbed her stomach then her back. He could hear her purring. He had noticed that her back was starting to hurt her more frequently now because his was hurting, but as he rubbed her back he started feeling better. Angel started to take her clothes off. One by one they came off. She had taken her pants and blouse off before laying down for a nap so he didn't have too much to take off. He started with her bra and unhooked the straps in the back with practiced efficiency. He quickly flung it to the side then put his hands on her breasts and massaged them. He noticed how they were starting to swell in preparation for them to be actually used for what they were meant for. As Angel put his hands on them Cordelia gave a slight gasp as he touched her nipples.
"Do they hurt when I touch them?" "Yes, but if you do it more gently and massage them lightly it will feel better." Angel did as she instructed and his reward was a purring sound coming from her.
Angel reached up to touch her lips then he reached up with his lips and found hers. He trailed his kisses down to her neck and shoulders then finally down to her breasts. He licked each of them and massaged the nipples with his tongue. He left his saliva all over them and gently massaged it into her breasts. His hands slowly trailed around her stomach then down between her legs. Cordelia gave a loud gasp. All he had to do was touch her and she felt his electricity travel through her center and up to her brain as she arched her back. Cordelia reached down and felt Angel to see if he was ready to give her what she wanted. She found him ready and willing. She turned over and started to take his clothes off.
They continued to make love all afternoon. When Cordelia finally called an end to their love making she laid beside her husband and the father of her child. Angel put his arms around her and pulled her tightly to his chest. They then went to sleep again and didn't wake up until 8 o'clock that night. Angel could hear Spike back in the hotel. "Lets get up now Cordy, Spike is back and talking."
Angel and Cordelia took a shower and then dressed. Cordelia called downstairs and asked one of the men to come and help Angel downstairs.
Cordelia left the door open and Connor walked right in. Cordelia came over to Angel and Connor. "He says I'm to short to comfortably guide him." "It's not so much that your too short for me to follow Cordy, but what if I fell against you. You wouldn't be able to catch me, right?" Angel took Connors offered arm then. "Either walk behind us or in front Cordy." Angel told her. He didn't hear her so he added a little begging in. "Please Cordy do as I said. I would be worried about you all of the time that I was trying to concentrate on where I was walking."
"Okay Angel I will go first. I'll be in the kitchen." Connor waited for Cordelia to get to the elevator then he started walking with his father holding onto his arm. By the time they made it to the elevator Cordelia was in the kitchen and the elevator came to them right away. Angel had his head down as though he was watching where he was walking. Connor stepped forward slowly and Angel followed him. He was hesitant at first, but he put both hands on Connor and stepped forward. When they turned around and the elevator doors closed Angel let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Are you alright Dad?" "Yes, it's just a lot more scary when you can't see where your going. You have to make your mind use logic instead of letting the fear overtake you." They reached the first floor and Connor stepped forward when the doors opened.
Angel could sense that everyone was at the dinning room table so he asked Connor to take him to his chair. Connor pulled Angels chair out for him then and directed him to his chair. Angel felt around for the table. He moved his hand over it to see where the corner was then reached out for the chair. When he found it he sat down and pulled it closer to the table. "Thank you Connor." "Your welcome Dad. I am going to see if the ladies need me to bring anything in."
Everyone was quiet. "Okay I know your all here so speak up. Lets not play games with the poor blind man. Spike how did everything go with your first delivery?"
"It was beautiful Angel. In all my years without a soul it never crossed my mind that the babies I drank were anything but an easy meal, but when I saw and heard how hard a woman has to work to bring that baby into the world I realized then how wondrous women are. They go through so much and we men get off scott free. Present company excluded." Spike laughed at what he said. For one second he had forgotten that Angel was going to go through the same thing.
The women came in with all of the food. Connor brought in 2 large platters of angel hair pasta that he put at each end of the table. Cordelia brought in some garlic bread and a bowl of salad. Buffy brought in a serving thermos full of blood along with mugs full of blood for Spike, Hunter, and Angel. Fred brought in a couple of bowls of sauce for the pasta. They all sat down then and started to serve themselves. Cordelia had gone to the large kitchen and grabbed a bag of human blood to put into his mug. Angel smelled it and took a sip. He put both of his hands on the mug and without him realizing it his face changed as he noisily drank the whole thing. As he put the mug down he licked his lips and wiped the rest off with his thumb then licked the blood off of his thumb.
Cordelia saw everyone looking at Angel. She put her hand on his. "Angel they're all looking at you. You have your vamp face on." Angel quickly changed his features.
"I'm sorry everyone but ever since Angelus was caged he won't help me to heal sometimes unless I drink human blood. He leaves me very weak and that's a signal to me that he isn't going to do what he was told to do unless he gets what he wants, and that of course is human blood. It's his way of getting back at me I guess."
"I'm sorry Angel, it's partly my fault. I shouldn't have given that to you at the dinner table. I know how it makes you react. Do you forgive me?" Cordelia said as she wiped the blood off of his chin. "All is forgiven."
Cordelia sat down again and started to eat her dinner. Everyone was still quiet after seeing Angel vamp out at the table so Cordelia thought she would redirect their thoughts.
"You noticed Mom how I admitted that it was partially my fault right away? I didn't let Angel take all of the blame by himself." Cordelia said this real loud so that everyone could hear.
Dr. Martin knew where this was going and why she was doing it so she played along. "Yes Cordelia I did notice that and that was very brave of you. I commend you for stepping forward and having the courage to admit your part in this."
"Okay, Okay, Okay! As soon as Dr. Thompson comes over here I promise to tell him that it was my fault that you went into premature labor because I led everyone over the fences. Women!"
"After all the years that you have known Cordelia Angel, did you actually think that she was going to let that incident drop. You know how she acts like everything is okay then brings it out when it can be put to good use." Wesley reminded Angel.
"I know but I was hoping that, that was part of Queen C that was thrown out of the door." Angel knew he was taking a big chance in saying that. Just as he said that though he smelled Dr. Thompson's presence. Angel just put his hands over his face. "Tell me this isn't happening, somebody please tell me this isn't happening."
"Sorry sire but it's your turn to go on stage now." Spike was laughing a wicked laugh. He was having a ball seeing his sire humiliated in front of all of these people.
"Spike would you help me please?" Angel asked. "Stand right there Mike, don't come any closer. Angel has something to say to you." Spike came over and assisted Angel. Before they left the table Angel held out his hand for Cordelia. "Come with me Cordy." Cordelia got up and followed him. "Connor would you provide a chair for Cordelia next to Dr. Thompson." Connor stood up to get the chair and put it over by Dr. Thompson.
Spike took Angel over to stand in front of Dr. Thompson then stepped away. Angel went down on one knee in front of Cordelia and reached out for her hand.
"Dr. Thompson it has been brought to my attention that I was being a coward at your office when you scolded Cordelia for jumping fences when we went horseback riding in Ireland. I should have spoken up and told you that it was my fault that she went into premature labor. I was the one that was leading the group and it was my fault that my daughter was bounced around so much. Instead of taking the long way around so that my wife and daughter would be safe I took a short cut over the fences that divide the pastures in Ireland. She had no choice but to follow me. Please forgive me Cordelia for letting you take the fall for me."
"I forgive you Angel. You may rise now."
Cordelia guided Angel back to his chair. He sat down and reached for some of Cordelia's food even though it was cold. "Did you ever get that yeast from Ireland Cordy?" "No not yet, I'll have to call Mrs. Jenkins."
"I want to do something. I'm getting bored. I've done just about all that I can do without being able to see what I'm doing. Cordy and I had sex all afternoon and then slept the rest of the time."
Cordelia hit him. "Angel, do you have to tell them everything we do?" "What difference does it make. There are 3 Vampires in the hotel and Connor can hear just as well as I do. When Wesley and Fred were having sex we heard everything. When Spike and Buffy, well let me take that back. When Spike and Buffy have sex everybody knows. The only ones we haven't heard yet is Hunter and Mike."
"Lets go see Lorne at Caritas." Connor suggested.
"Yeah that sounds good." Everybody yelled.
"Wait a minute we have to clean up first." Fred said and as the new commander she was obeyed. Everyone started taking something into the kitchen.
"Wait a minute. Fred can I have something to eat? I haven't had anything yet." Dr. Thompson asked as he grabbed some of the bread.
"Yes, of course you can. Make yourself a plate and you can warm it up in the microwave over here. Do you want any salad and bread?" Fred asked him. "Yes please." Mike answered as he grabbed the Angel Hair Pasta before it was put away. Cordelia offered him the sauce which he took and poured some on his pasta. Fred warmed it up for him in the microwave while he took the salad and bread out to the table.
"Go and sit down and I'll bring it out when it's done Mike." Hunter told him. When it was done she took it out to him with some silverware, a napkin, and a can of Coca Cola. Hunter sat down with him then while Mike had his dinner.
Cordelia put Angel to work by giving him a towel to dry the dishes. Cordelia was washing the dishes. When Angel was ready for another dish he would just hold out his hand and she would put a dish or silverware in it which he then proceeded to wipe. Everyone was done in 15 minutes. Record time Cordelia said.
Cordelia took Angel to his chair and went upstairs to get ready to go to Carritas.
When she came downstairs she gave Angels keys to Spike. "Lets go people." Cordelia shouted. Wesley and Fred came down with Dr. Martin. Connor was right behind them.
"Do you know where Caritas is Dr. Thompson?" Cordelia asked as she came to get Angel.
"Yes. We'll be right behind you anyway." Mike took his plates into the kitchen. Then he grabbed Hunters hand and went running out to his car. Dr. Martin, Connor, and Gunn rode with Wesley and Fred. They all took off to Caritas then. Cordelia called Lorne to let him know that they were coming so that he could make room for 11 people.
By the time they all arrived at Caritas Lorne had their tables ready. Everyone ordered drinks except for those that were driving. Cordelia agreed to drive Angels car so Spike could have some drinks. Fred was going to drive Wesley's SUV and Dr. Martin was going to drive
Dr. Thompson's car since alcohol didn't affect her. When Buffy asked for a margarita Dr. Thompson looked at her and shook his head saying "Can't do that Buffy. Everything you consume now you have to ask yourself first, is this good for my baby."
"But that isn't fair. Spike can drink all he wants." Buffy changed her order to a 7 UP with cherries. "I don't believe I saw you drink any tea before we left." Dr. Thompson said as a hint to Buffy. Her eyes lit up then her smile turned down. "I don't think I'm getting morning sickness. I drink the tea just in case but I've never become sick in the morning, noon, or evening. Rats!"
After several hours of drinks those that were drinking were feeling good. Fortunately they were all happy drunks. The men were taking their turns going up to the stage and singing to their wives. When it was Angels turn they all had to pick him up and put him on the stage. He didn't want to do it but once he was on the stage he couldn't get down by himself so he was stuck. Cordelia felt sorry for him so she went up to the stage.
"Sing the Irish lullaby you sung to Kathleen when we were in the barn with Buffy and Spike. I don't know why Angel but you sounded real good when you sung it." Angel thought about it and decided to give it a try. He asked Cordelia to point herself to the audience and he stood behind her. He was going to do this without music since he had no idea what the music was and was fairly certain that it wouldn't be among the music that Lorn had in the computer for accompaniment. Everyone was quiet as he sang the lullaby to his daughter. Even the bartender and waitresses had stopped serving drinks. When he was done everyone was standing to applause and blowing their nose. Cordelia started to help him down but then he stopped.
"Alright you guys you put me up here now you have to get me down. I'm kind of wobbly right now and that is added onto my original problem." Angel called out into the audience. Gunn, Wesley, Spike and Connor went to get Angel. "Turn around Angel and just fall backwards and we'll catch you." "What do you think I am? Crazy." "Common Angel don't you trust us?" Angel hesitated but then turned around and did as Wesley said. They caught him with ease and stood him upright. Angel turned around and looked at them. "Uh guys, I seem to have to go to the mens room. Can someone take me?"
"Sorry Angel, your probably feeling my urge to go." Cordelia said as she started heading for the ladies room. Dr. Martin had to go also so she followed her.
"Okay Angel I'll make the big sacrifice and take you, but if you think I'm going to hold it for you your crazy." Gunn said as he got up to lead Angel. Angel took Gunn's arm and followed him to the mens room. When they got to the mens room Gunn just put Angel in front of the urinal. "Go to it man your in position. Just point it straight ahead and don't go to the left or right." "Okay, okay enough with the wise cracks." Angel stood there for a minute and nothing happened. "Uh Gunn, since I rarely have to do this I need some help. Would you turn the faucet on please."
"I feel like I am with a kid." Gunn said as he turned the water on. With the water running Gunn suddenly had the urge to empty his bladder. Fortunately the running water had helped Angel and he was done at the same time as Gunn. They washed their hands then Gunn walked Angel out and back to the bar. Dr. Martin came out of the ladies room at the same time and followed Angel down the hall. Cordelia had already gone back to the bar so it was just Gunn, Angel and Dr. Martin going down the hall. Angel could hear Dr. Martin walking behind him. He let go of Gunn's arm and put his arm around Dr. Martin's shoulder. "I'll take care of him Gunn." Gunn turned around and saw Angel with his arm around Dr. Martin's shoulder and giving her a kiss on the top of her head. Angel had a goofy smile on his face. "Okay Doc he's all yours."
That was the last time anyone saw them. Gunn went back to the table and Cordelia asked him where Angel was. "He's coming with Dr. Martin." Five minutes later and their was still no Angel or Dr. Martin.
"Wesley, something is wrong. Angel and Dr. Martin haven't returned yet and it's been over five minutes." Cordelia was starting to panic. When she thought about it she realized that she couldn't 'hear' him. All sense of him was gone. It was like he was asleep.
Five very large men had grabbed Angel and quickly put him down with something that they pressed over his mouth which had him unconscious in seconds. They dragged him out to a van in the alley way behind Carritas. They did the same to Dr. Martin. While they put Angel in chains they put tape around Dr. Martins hands.
In a large black limo 2 men sat in the back. Four of the men got into the van while one of them came over to the Limo and climbed in. "We have the vampire and a woman that he had his arm around. We think it's the woman he calls Dr. Martin sir." Good, now we'll find out what Morgan is up to.
TBC.................................................