Returning to the booth, Buffy hastily wiped her eyes as the waitress delivered their food and flirted with Lorne. After a period of idle chat while they ate, she cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. "That's not all I needed to say," she told Wes, causing him to put down his tea and give her his full attention.
"What is it, Buffy?"
"How loyal do you feel to Angel Investigations?" she asked.
He sighed. "The only reason they allowed me back is because they need the benefits of my Council training. They monitor my every move just to ensure I don't forget that I'll never be in their inner circle again."
Oz couldn't help himself. "It's probably not my business, by why do you put up with it?"
"I've made mistakes," Wes explained wearily. "I want to make up for them by using my talents to help people. Working for a team with muscle and a phone line to the Powers is more effective than working on my own, even if they DO despise me. But I've become disenchanted with their methods."
"How so?" Buffy questioned.
"I was never pleased with the idea of asking people to pay me for saving them. At first, we didn't; we only accepted money from the clients that insisted. Some people became emotionally scarred due to their brush with evil, and didn't want to feel indebted to us. They saw paying us as a way to take back control of their lives. We made just enough to keep the business afloat and feed ourselves. But in the year that I was cut off, things changed. Now everyone has to pay, and they choose the cases they take based on the highest bidder, not the highest need. I've taken on a few of their rejected cases alone, but I have to be careful that they don't discover me."
"What about Fred and Gunn? Where do they stand?"
"They chose him," Wes replied bitterly. "Gunn and I used to be close, especially since he didn't fully trust Angel. When Angel turned dark and abandoned us all to go on his Childer-induced rampage, we stuck together. I realize what I did to Angel was infinitely worse than what he did to us, but we forgave him almost instantly. And they'll never forgive me."
"Where is Connor now?" asked Oz.
Wes ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "No one knows. After he dropped Angel in the bottom of the ocean, he left L.A. Most of our time these days is spent trying to find him, and I think it's driven Angel slowly mad. He's acting the way he did back when Darla was resurrected. I think his desperation to find Connor is what ultimately drove him to take money from our clients."
"What a mess," groaned Buffy, head aching from trying to piece all of it together. Oz leaned into her for a moment and nudged her lightly with his elbow. She gave him a small smile.
"Speaking of paying clients," Wes said suddenly, looking contrite. "I just found out that Cordy's been charging you all these years."
She waved him off. "It's no big, Wes. Money isn't important. I'm sorry I didn't realize just how bad things had gotten for you here."
"Right," he replied sarcastically. "You're ONLY responsible for saving the entire dimension on a regular basis; shame on you for not finding the time to save me from my self-imposed slavery."
"What?"
"Let's be honest, shall we?" He glared challengingly at her and his voice grew harsh. Buffy shivered in the face of this newer side of Wes that he mostly kept hidden. "I've stayed with Angel because I believe deep down that I deserve the emotional flogging. Just like you push people away because you've decided you deserve to be alone. We've both screwed up royally in the past, Buffy, so we've been punishing ourselves."
Their gazes locked across the table, neither yielding. Oz and Lorne stayed quiet, knowing instinctively that this was an important moment for their friends. Suddenly, and to everyone's surprise, Buffy smiled. "That's why I'm here, Wes. Are you ready to let it go and get on with your life?"
"Are you?" he challenged back.
"Yes." Her voice crackled with power, and every head in the restaurant turned to watch her.
"What do you want from me?" he demanded, voice low and steely.
"I want you to move to Sunnydale and be my partner in crime," she stated simply.
"Partner?"
"Yes. Not Watcher/Slayer, not employer/employee, but equal partners," she said firmly, not wanting either herself or Wes to fall into another unhealthy relationship. Oz and Lorne just watched the conversation avidly, eyes shifting back and forth between the two as though viewing a tennis match.
"I won't charge people for saving them. Do you have an alternate financial plan?"
She nodded. "I do. I think we should buy the Magic Box." Oz glanced at Buffy, surprise evident on his face. Then he smiled.
Wes paused, stunned, but covered it smoothly. "Neither of us has the funds for that, nor the credit rating to qualify for a loan. And does the owner even want to sell?"
"The owner is dead." She flinched, and then continued. "His daughter inherited the property and wants to sell it. Jezza will loan us the money; it's in her best interests. That way, the magic shop will be part of the Underground network with Jezza's Place and Bert and Ernie's bar."
"Do you know anything about running a shop? A magic shop, no less?"
"I've been working there for three years now," she said evenly. "Hannah, Jacob's daughter, has been in contact with me. He left the property to her, but added a stipulation that, should she want to sell it, I get first dibs."
"Interesting," he hedged.
"You don't have to make up your mind on the spot. I'm serious about being equal partners. Buying the Magic Box is just one option. My main offer is for you to come work with me."
Wesley fell silent to think everything over. Inwardly, he was rejoicing that Buffy wanted to work with him, to be partners, to forge a whole new relationship based on what would work best for them both. He was, however, trying to be professional about it. The Slayer, meanwhile, fidgeted nervously in her seat while she waited. Oz placed a calming hand over hers, and she met his eyes. He looked equal parts awe-struck and proud. Well, she'd taken herself by surprise, too. She'd come here simply intending to apologize to Wes, not offer to go into business together. But it felt right to her, so she squelched her fears.
Taking a deep breath for courage, Wes spoke. "I agree to your proposal for an equal partnership. As for the Magic Box, I think it's a viable option, and a brilliant plan at that, but I would like us to hold off on making a decision until I've moved to Sunnydale and can better understand the situation."
"I agree," the Slayer replied solemnly, and held out her hand for Wesley to shake. "Partners?"
"Partners," he agreed, taking her hand in his own.
"Woohoo!" Buffy shrieked, losing all pretense of professionalism as she dragged Wes out of his seat to hug him tightly. He grinned and hugged her back; unable to remember the last time he'd felt this hopeful and excited. Quite possibly, he never had.
"Congratulations, Kiddos!" Lorne beamed happily. "How about we take a little trip to Caritas to celebrate? Drinks are on me."
Twenty minutes later, they were ensconced in a booth at the karaoke bar, watching the various demons that took advantage of Lorne's appearance to get onstage and sing. While they chatted about the success of the bar and enjoyed their drinks, The Host introduced Buffy and Oz to the more peaceably inclined patrons. To Buffy's astonishment, most of them had heard of her, not as the Slayer, but as Kyontar, the Underground's Goddess of Protection. She made quite a few new acquaintances that promised to look out for Sunnydale's displaced citizens.
Some time later, when Lorne returned from reading a Kevrok demon, Buffy asked, "Does A.I. pay you for your consulting work?"
"Nah," Lorne replied. "Angelcakes just comes to me when he needs something, trashes Caritas, and doesn't bother to help clean up." His normally cheery voice was laced with bitterness.
"The Angel train leaves a lot of bodies in its wake," she agreed. "Do you want them to pay you?"
He shook his head. "I just wanna run Caritas in peace and do my work for the Underground, Cream Puff."
"You shouldn't let Angel push you around, Lorne. Caritas is important to you, and it should come first. How is he completely unaware of the L.A. Underground? Especially since he's made a point of telling me that this is HIS city, not mine," she ranted. "I can't believe he sees this place as just a demon karaoke bar where you perform a few parlor tricks to keep the customers happy."
"He said that, Kyon?" The Host demanded, suddenly visibly angry.
"Oh God, I'm so sorry!" she backpedaled, instantly contrite. "I thought you knew…when you mentioned how he thoughtlessly trashes the place and leaves…I can't believe I…"
"Chill, Twinkie," he smiled softly at her. "I did know, deep down. Angelcakes just doesn't see that there're other ways to promote peace than by killing the bad guys. He's so ashamed of his own demon that he can't handle being around others --- unless he needs them. He sees me as a frivolous mercenary, and won't look any farther. That way he doesn't have to feel guilty about using me."
"Caritas is special, Lorne, and thanks to you, the Hellmouth itself has two thriving safe havens," Buffy reassured him, enraged at Angel's treatment of this gentle soul. "I know you love the big city, but would you consider a change of pace?"
"What do you mean, Kyon?" Surely she wasn't suggesting…
"I mean," she replied evenly, looking him straight in the eyes, "that you could come to Sunnydale. You could open a Caritas II, or go into business with Bert and Ernie, or Jezza. The Underground isn't well established there, yet. We need help, especially since I have other Slayer duties. I know how devoted to the cause you are, and the Sunnydale sect needs you. You could even split your time between there and here. I just want you to promise me that you'll think about it, OK?"
"You're really something, Cream Puff," Lorne marveled. "You make a guy wanna jump through rings of fire just to see you smile. Am I right, fellas?" he looked to Wes and Oz, who both nodded solemnly.
An hour later, they headed back to the Hyperion, Wes having decided he was going to leave Angel Investigations that very afternoon. Buffy told him that he could take as much time as he needed, but he'd declined.
"I've paid my dues," he said firmly, "and owe them my allegiance no longer."
Lorne had insisted on accompanying them, not wanting to miss the inevitable fireworks that would result from Wes' defection. The plan was for Buffy, Oz and Lorne to distract Angel while Wes gathered his belongings. That way, they could depart quickly once he'd made his announcement. He'd been living in the Hyperion with the others, because Angel wanted to be able to watch over him at all times. It struck Wes suddenly how like his demonic counterpart Angel was when it came to his vendettas. No one could carry out a long-term revenge campaign like Angelus.
"Hi all," Buffy chirped jovially as they entered the hotel, throwing a surreptitious nod to Wes, who snuck into his office to organize the texts and weapons that he wanted to take.
"Where'd you go?" Fred asked in a friendly tone, earning her a grateful smile from the Slayer. The A.I. team was still exactly where they'd left them, and Buffy cast a quick glance at Oz to see if he'd noticed. The slight upturn of his lips indicated that he had.
"First we went to Karma, this great restaurant that Lorne picked out. Of course, it's obvious why he likes it there since the waitresses are all in love with him!" She giggled and pulled a face at The Host, who turned a bit red and then winked at her. "Then we had a drink at Caritas."
Fred smiled at their antics. "That sounds…" she began, but was cut off by Cordelia.
"Well thank God you didn't drag me along," the Queen drawled. "I can't think of anything that would ruin my appetite faster than Lorne flirting." She made a face to emphasize her point, secretly seething at the obvious closeness between the two.
"Cordy!" Fred exclaimed, glancing nervously at the newcomers, relieved that they looked more amused than angry.
"That was nothing," Lorne spoke up, mischievously. "You should've seen the Cream Puff at Caritas. Everyone wanted to meet the infamous Kyontar. I got at least ten marriage proposals on her behalf."
Buffy slapped him lightly on the arm. "You exaggerate, Hostie."
"She's right, it was nine," Oz deadpanned.
She turned on the Werewolf. "And you! Are you forgetting whose lovely, groupie free house with the big, comfy bed you're staying in?"
"Devon has groupies?" he gasped. "I don't care how many different species of Slime demon live in his shower, I'm moving in!"
She sniffed, brushing away a fake tear. "Fine, if it's the swingin' groupie lifestyle you crave, I guess I can't compete."
He grinned. "I've even got the perfect pick-up line. Ready?" He leered at her and pitched his voice low, doing a fair impression of Elvis. "I used to be with the band."
"Ooh, Elvie, you rock my world," Buffy simpered, mock swooning. "There's nothing sexier than a coked up has-been. Let's boff and spread VD." Gunn and Fred burst out laughing.
"That's what I'm goin' for, see?" he replied, voice still low and booming. "Thanks for lettin' me practice on ya, Darlin'." He patted her on the head like a child. Buffy growled at him challengingly and he returned the favor. Meanwhile, Wesley stepped out of his office having packed two large boxes of tomes and weapons. He shot an amused glance at the show the duo were putting on, and then slipped upstairs past Angel. The vamp barely noticed the ex-Watcher, his eyes were glued to the Wolf and the Slayer, scowling.
"Oh please," Cordy groaned. "It's bad enough that we have to be nice to freaks on a daily basis, we don't need to watch your inter-species mating rituals, too. Save it for the Discovery Channel."
The duo stopped short. Oz watched Buffy carefully, wondering if she was going to rip the cheerleader apart. Her eyes held a trace of hurt, and he could tell the Queen had scored a low blow with her latest attack. He touched her arm briefly and smiled, trying to convey support and comfort. It must've worked, because her brow quirked, and the amused expression came back to her face.
She turned to Cordelia, taking a few steps in her direction, and Team Angel braced themselves for a physical or verbal retaliation. Instead, Buffy just fixed Queen C in her gaze and smiled broadly. Smirking, she looked pointedly from the bleached blond to Angel and back again. Then she winked. Cordelia's sharp intake of breath was the only indication that she understood, and for once she could think of absolutely nothing to say.
Angel chose that moment to step forward. "Buffy, I want to apologize for my behavior earlier. Can I take you out to dinner tonight and make it up to you?" He put on his best smile.
Cordy gasped. How dare he ask Buffy on a date right in front of her? "Oh, I don't think so, Mister…" she began, but the Slayer cut her off.
"Sorry, no can do," she replied, with no trace of actual sorrow in her voice. "We've gotta get back to Sunnydale."
"Is this about the Kuunchadri?" he asked eagerly. "We could go, too, and help you…"
"What?" Cordelia shrieked, and jumped up from her seat to approach them.
Buffy ignored her. "I'm fine, I've got all the help I need." She grinned at her companions.
"But, I…"
"Angel," Queen C interrupted, poking a manicured finger into his chest. "We can't just run off every time Miss Freaks R Us gets a splinter." She changed tactics, running her hands over his torso and smiling coquettishly up at him. "We're going apartment hunting tomorrow so we can finally get out of this rat trap, remember?" she pouted, rubbing her breasts against him.
"Woah, speaking of mating rituals…" Buffy commented dryly.
"I liked yours better," Gunn informed the Werewolf and Slayer. "There was the whole cool growling factor..."
Buffy laughed. "Gunn, Fred, you two are welcome to visit Sunnydale anytime." Keeping a watchful eye on Angel, she pulled a scrap of paper and a pen from her purse and jotted down her phone number. "Feel free to call me whenever."
The Queen stormed back to sit behind the front desk and Angel once again approached Buffy. "Can we talk?"
"Sure, talk," she replied shortly.
"In private?" he begged.
She stared him down. "We're all friends here. Whatever you have to say to me, you can say in front of them."
He glowered at her. "Why are you acting this way?"
"What way is that?" She refused to budge an inch.
"Are you angry with me, Buffy?"
"Nope," she replied, the spitting image of nonchalance. "I'm sorry to burst your bubble, Angel, but I don't really think about you that much."
Frustrated, he grabbed her arm. "Don't toy with me. I know that's not true." His vamp features emerged for a moment, making everyone shiver, but Buffy stared him down.
"You've got something on your face," she offered.
Angel vamped fully then, hands gripping her shoulders. Oz pulled on his newfound connection with Buffy. Still within Angel's grip, she turned her head to meet his gaze. She could tell he was asking if she wanted him to intervene. She shook her head slightly, indicating that she could handle it, and their eyes glowed briefly.
Angel, looking up in time to see Oz's eyes flash silver at Buffy, pushed the Slayer away from him suddenly to lunge at the Wolf. Oz fell backwards under the weight of Angel's tackle, but somehow, acting on pure instinct, he managed to kick up and out, throwing the vampire across the room.
The Wolf was bursting beneath his skin to get out, but for reasons Oz didn't understand, he only transformed partway, and then stopped, still having control over his actions. This was new.