TITLE: RAGING MOON
DISCLAIMER: SEE PREVIOUS CHAPTERS
A/N: THANK YOU TO EVERY ONE WHO SENT FEEDBACK.
I KNOW EVERYONE IS GETTING ANGSTY AS TO WHEN ANGELUS AND BUFFY WILL GET TOGETHER – DON'T WORRY, ALL WIL BE REVEALED IN DUE CHAPTER CONTAINS SLIGHT MENTIONS OF B/L. PEASE DON'T HATE ME.
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
LOS ANGELES
Riley was seething with anger. He couldn't believe he had been such a fool to trust someone he didn't know. The day Darla arrived on his doorstep offering to help him, he thought she was a gift from above, but he could not have been more wrong. Darla never wanted to help him. She just wanted to use him as a pawn to get what she wanted. Granted he would also have benefitted from her plan if they succeeded.
After the failed attempt to reach out to Buffy, Darla had lost her temper and screamed at him. He never was one to worry about female tantrums but he had never seen a person react like Darla did that day. It started with fighting, as he tried to explain and defend himself, she had started screaming and then she threw him with whatever object had been closest to her.
Riley liked to think of himself as a calm person. He left Darla alone for a few hours hoping she would calm down and then they could talk rationally like two adults. Returning to her hotel room two hours later he had been stunned at the havoc she had left behind.
All the mirrors were broken, the chairs were turned over, the entire contents of the mini bar were pulled out, and she no doubt had drunk most of it. Her clothes and shoes were laying everywhere, along with his that she had pulled from his small suitcase.
Riley was just about to turn around and leave when he heard her calling him from the bathroom. Curiosity got the better of him and he went to look if she was okay. Darla stood in the bathroom, clad only in lacy underwear. It was obvious that she was drunk by the way she struggled to keep herself upright.
He had prepared himself for another screaming match but Darla had other ideas. Riley never got the chance to say his piece because Darla leapt into his arms and started kissing his neck. It was the last thing he expected her to do but he was never one to say no to quick shag. As Darla pulled his shirt from his pants he let her take the lead as they both fell backwards onto her bed.
####
SUNNYDALE
"Hey B, I'm about to leave for my shift. Are you going to be okay here by yourself?" Faith asked as she was getting dressed. She didn't like leaving Buffy alone but knew there was no other way around it.
Buffy entered Faith's room and leaned her shoulder against the door frame. "Faith, you can relax. I'll be fine. Uncase you have forgotten, I've been on my own many times before." Buffy joked and was glad to see Faith smiling at her.
Faith held her hands up in mock surrender "Just making sure. Now that you have a baby on the way, you can never be too careful." It was always like that between them, playfully joking with each other.
Faith finished getting ready and she was out of the door and off to work. Buffy was a bit sad but knew it was just her hormones kicking in. Not only that but she was feeling very lonely, and she missed Angelus. In fact she missed the whole pack.
Faith's apartment was quiet and serene, where the mansion was always crowed with people and Morgan and Cooper's laughter. She missed going out on runs into the forest with them and chatting with them while eating Alyssa's delicious breakfasts.
Buffy couldn't help but wonder if Morgan and Cooper would ever know her baby. She hoped they would. Unfortunately it all depended on how Angelus would react to the news of her pregnancy. Would her child also be born a half wolf? Or would her baby be born totally human? So many questions were running through her mind she was starting irritated with herself.
There were so many unanswered questions and she had no one to turn to for advice. She would have loved to go to her mother for advice, how else would she know what to do? Asking Alyssa was out of the question so she had only one other option left…buying the 'What to expect when you're expecting' seemed like a good idea.
A knock on the door pulled Buffy from her thoughts and she went over to check who it was. To her surprise, Lindsay was standing outside with a dozen roses in his hands. "Lindsay?" Buffy asked shocked, she could hardly see his face behind all the beautiful white and yellow flowers.
"Hey. So Faith called me and told me she was worried about you being alone, and seeing as I'm such a great friend, I volunteered to come and babysit you." Lindsay said as he strolled into the apartment. Buffy was still a bit shocked at seeing him there but could help but laugh at what he said. Faith would defiantly do something like call someone to 'babysit' her.
"Babysit huh?" Buffy asked with a grin on her face.
"You've got it. I brought pizza, a movie, champagne and flowers to cheer you up." Lindsay marched into the kitchen and started opening doors to get a vase, plates and glasses. "You just sit you're pretty little ass down on the couch and I'll be right with you." Lindsay said while getting everything together.
Buffy was skeptical but did as he said and made herself comfortable as she waited for him. She didn't miss the comment about her 'behind' either. If felt nice to hear a compliment like that. A few minutes later he strolled back into the room and placed the flowers on a nearby table and handed her a glass filled with alcohol-free champagne.
"You get the alcohol free one seeing as you don't like drinking…it makes you do the strangest things." Lindsay trailed off and they both laughed at the reminder.
"The flowers are beautiful, thank you." Buffy said as she looked at the large bouquet of colorful flowers. She had almost forgotten how nice it felt to receive flowers every once in a while. "You really didn't have to go through all this trouble-"
Lindsay cut her off, "It's no trouble at all, and I wanted to do it so please...relax." Buffy smiled at him appreciatively. "So what do you want to watch tonight Madame? I have King Kong, Wedding Crashers and Ace Venture." Lindsay read out the titles.
Buffy burst out laughing and Lindsay soon joined in. At least he was making her laugh so that was a bonus point for him. When Faith had called him earlier that day, he expected it to be about work. He was overjoyed when she asked him to go and keep Buffy company. Faith obviously knew that he hungered for some time alone with the blond, and he had agreed immediately.
Now, sitting here with her sipping champagne and eating pizza he had never been happier. Buffy was a great person and who could blame him for falling in love with her. She was everything any guy could want in a woman. When she had moved to L.A. he had been upset and angry with himself for not having made a move on her earlier.
That no good ex-boyfriend of hers had never appreciated her and Lindsay despised the guy with a passion. Buffy was kind and sweet where Riley was the complete opposite. He never understood what she had seen in him or how they had ended up together but he was glad Riley was no longer in the picture.
Lindsay had once witnessed an exchange between Riley and Buffy at the bronze. Buffy had been sitting with a friend of hers when Riley walked in. Buffy moved to go and greet Riley but he just looked over her head and approached a slutty red head at the bar. The look on Buffy's face had been burned into his mind for all time.
As she stood a few feet behind Riley, mouth agape at what was happening, Lindsay had wanted to punch the guy out and take Buffy in his arms and soothe her. No women deserved to be treated like that, least of all Buffy. That was the night Lindsay realized he was falling in love with Buffy.
Shaking his head to dismiss the errand thoughts, he inserted the first movie. 'Ace Ventura' was the choice of the moment and he couldn't be happier. Buffy needed to laugh a bit. He had seen sadness in her eyes but didn't want to pry into her personal business.
They chatted, sipped champagne and laughed together like they were long lost friends. Lindsay was very impressed with himself. Buffy's laugh was the most mesmerizing sound he had ever heard. Lindsay filled up their glasses in between laughter. When Ace Ventura was finished they agreed on Wedding Crashers. After grabbing another piece of pizza he flopped down on the cough right next to Buffy so that his leg was gently touching hers.
When she didn't move away Lindsay felt somewhat reassured. He stayed like that for a good twenty minutes, sipping from his glass and laughing at the movie. Buffy was having a great time as well as she had tears running down her face from all the laughing.
Lindsay took a deep breath and glanced over at Buffy, he had been stealing glimpses at her all through the night and she caught him red handed. "Do I have something on my face?" Buffy joked as she rubbed over her face.
Lindsay chuckled at her then pulled her wrist gently from her delicate features. Buffy went still as his hand folded around her wrist. He took her hand in his and smoothed his finger over her delicate flesh. "No you don't have anything on your face." Lindsay said then placed her hand back into her lap and focused his attention back on the movie.
Buffy felt slightly awkward but when Lindsay laughed hysterically she laughed with him. It was nice having company, she was tired of being alone all day. This is exactly what she needed, great company, food and a comedy. Instant remedy for the blues.
Lindsay commented on something one of the actors said and Buffy couldn't help but giggle at him. He was so absorbed into the movie and he was totally living it. They continued watching the rest of the movie and when it was done Buffy wanted to watch another comedy.
Lindsay agreed with a smile then popped "Observe and Report" into the player. They lost all track of time and when Faith got home she was very happy to see Buffy enjoying herself. She greeted them and grabbed a piece of the pizza. She was beat after her shift and all she wanted to do was jump into the shower and get into bed. She said goodnight then left the two alone again.
"It's getting a bit chilly, want some hot cocoa?" Buffy asked him. He looked momentarily surprised then paused the movie and said he would love some. As Buffy went into the kitchen he excused himself to the bathroom.
Once inside, Lindsay let out a deep breath. Buffy sure had his insides in a twist. When she caught him staring at her he felt like an idiot but she smiled at wiped at her face. Just as she wanted to place a strand of hair behind her ear he gently took her hand in his. Her skin was as soft as silk. He had to force himself to let her hand go and focus on the movie again.
When she didn't say anything he was relieved. He didn't know what she was thinking but would give anything to know what was going on inside her head. Lindsay splashed his face with some cold water then went out to the kitchen to see if he could help her.
When he came into the kitchen, Buffy was straining to reach the cocoa on the top shelf. She was miles away but she stretched her body in an attempt to get it. Her shirt was riding up, exposing some of her creamy stomach.
This wasn't good. Seeing her like that did serious things to his mind and body and he rushed over to help her. "Here, let me…" He got the cocoa from the shelf with no problem and handed it to her, only then did he realize how close they were. He could smell her scent as it tingled his nose.
Buffy looked up at him with huge eyes and he was shocked into place. His mind screamed at him to move…to do something…but he could only stare as she moistened her suddenly dry lips. When he saw her tongue sneak out he couldn't help himself.
Lindsay lowered his head and placed his lips gently against hers. She felt so wonderful, even better than in his dreams. When she didn't pull away or shove at him he gained new confidence. His left hand reached around and softly settled on her hip. He wanted to taste her so badly. Coaxing her mouth open to let him in, he kissed he deepened the kiss.
Lindsay felt like he had died and gone to heaven. Her lips were soft and supple and she tasted tangy like the champagne she had been drinking. Lindsay edged himself closer to her, wanting to be closer still. He didn't want this moment to end.
Buffy was stunned. What was happening? One moment she was reaching for the cocoa and the next Lindsay was at her side kissing her. She kept stone still as she felt his hand on her hip. His lips nudged softly at her, seeking entrance and she granted him access.
Lindsay was a good kisser, that was for certain, but it didn't feel right...He wasn't Angelus, no one would ever match up to him. Buffy placed her hands against his chest and gave a soft push, making Lindsay stop his actions.
Lindsay didn't say a word as they looked at each other for a few moments. Buffy broke the silence, "Lindsay…" She began but stopped, she didn't know what to say. She didn't want to hurt him but she knew it was inevitable.
Lindsay looked more focused now, he was still in a daze but she had his full attention. He didn't move away as she started speaking, he wanted to savior every moment. Even if he only had her in his arms for a few seconds, he would take those few seconds.
"Lindsay, I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression but…I can't do this, I have…I…I'm seeing someone, back in L.A. I have someone in my life." She just realized what happened. She was no better than Angelus or Darla, she was doing the exact same thing, kissing another man.
Lindsay regarded her in silence then gave a feeble attempt at a smile as he backed away from her," I should have known. A great woman like yourself would already be taken." Lindsay shook his head as he leaned against the counter. What had he been thinking? He should have …asked…or something before jumping her like that. The damage was done.
"I'm sorry…" Buffy started but Lindsay stopped her by grabbing her hand and folding it in his.
"Don't be. I'm the one that should be apologizing. Buffy…I'm sorry…I shouldn't have done that. It's just…I couldn't help myself. I know I probably wreaked any chance of still having a friendship with you but…"
Buffy saw the defeated look in his eyes. She cared about him and didn't like seeing him like this. She squeezed her other hand around his and smiled at him, "Nothing you could ever do, would make he want to end my friendship with you." It was true, she didn't want to lose him but he had to know that she wasn't romantically interested in him. She also had lots of baggage, he didn't even know the half of it.
"I'll take whatever I can get." He answered honestly then pulled her in for a hug. She returned the hug, this was what friendship was about and Lindsay was one to have on your side. After a few moments he let her go, he clearly used those few moments to compose himself.
"So…how about that cocoa?" He asked with a smile playing on his lips. Buffy returned his smile as she prepared the hot drinks. A few minutes later they settled back into the couch and finished watching the movie.
Lindsay couldn't help but glance at her again. Buffy truly was a beautiful woman, both inside and out. That guy back in L.A was very lucky to have her, he hoped he knew that. Yet he couldn't help but wonder why she was in Sunnydale alone. Maybe she was just visiting for a while, maybe there was another reason, not like she would tell him.
Maybe Faith would fill him in later, she obviously trusted him enough otherwise she wouldn't have asked him to stay with her. He made a mental note to call her in the morning.
When the movie was over he was so tired he almost fell asleep right there on Faith's couch. Buffy wasn't fairing any better. She had already dozed off a bit while the movie was still playing. He bid her goodbye then got in his car and drove home.
Buffy closed the door behind him and slid the lock in place. She couldn't help but think back to what happened. She never expected Lindsay to feel that way about her. When he kissed her she was shocked. But her mind drifted to Angelus right away. Lindsay was nothing like Angelus. But her heart belonged to Angelus and nothing would change that.
Her heart constricted as she thought of him and what happened. The last words she had spoken to him had been in anger. Seeing him with that woman in his lap had struck her so hard she felt like she couldn't breathe. Did he still have feelings for Darla? Could it be that he was having an affair with her? That would mean that he didn't want her anymore.
Darla was older than her and surely more experienced. Men liked that didn't they? Experienced women? She was beautiful and no doubt Angelus was attracted to her. Did she have more to offer to Angelus? It was obvious by her designer clothing that she was wealthy and successful.
Angelus had told her that they had dated once. Could it be that he wanted her back? Angelus never spoke that much of his past. Maybe he was trying to hide the feelings he still had for Darla.
Buffy curled the blanket around her. All the thoughts racing through her mind was driving her crazy. No matter what happened she would deal with it. After all, what else could she do? Only time would tell and she could do nothing but wait and see how things played out.
####
LOS ANGELES
WOLFRAM AND HART
Harmony poked her head into Angelus' office so see what he was up to. He had been in his office all day, not even leaving for lunch like he usually did. She was a bit worried about him but knew better than to ask why, "Angelus? I'm heading home. It's nearly seven o'clock, shouldn't you also be heading out?"
"Ok Harmony. I'm just going to stay and finish up this last case file. I'll see you tomorrow." He dismissed her without even looking up from the papers in front of him.
Harmony sighed but didn't say anything. She just pulled his door closed behind her and nodded to the security guard on her way out. Harmony hated it when he was like that. She wished Buffy would just come back. She was sick and tired of Angelus' moods.
Angelus stayed at the office for another hour to catch up on some work. When his phone rang he wanted to ignore the call but answered it instead. Morgan's friendly voice filled his ears, "When are you coming home Angel? Mom said dinner was going to be ready in thirty minutes and she's going to be real mad at you if you don't show up." She warned.
He chuckled at that "Tell your mom I'll be there in the next ten minutes." Ever since Buffy had left, the kids had gotten more and more attached to him. Every night he returned from work, he found the kids waiting in the garage to see if Buffy was with him. Every night they left with the same sad disappointed look on their faces. Angelus hated himself even more then. It was his fault that the kids were disappointed each night. He had caused Buffy to leave.
Grabbing his jacket and cell phone, he switched off the light and made his way to his car. Once seated inside, he took his cell from his pocket and dialed Buffy's number. It was no surprise that it went straight to voicemail.
"Buffy? I miss you. Please…please come home." His tone was pleading and he didn't bother to try and hide it. He wanted her back in his arms where she belonged. Driving home, he was on autopilot. He was halfway up to the lobby when he noticed he had forgotten his phone in the car. Jogging back, he grabbed the phone through the open window and saw that he had missed a call.
As he looked at the phone he cursed to himself. What if it had been Buffy? She could have been in trouble and his phone was in the car. The number was withheld so he couldn't be sure who phone him. It probably wasn't even Buffy. Sighing to himself, he strolled back into the mansion.
####
Angelus was up very early the next morning. With Buffy gone he didn't sleep more than four hours so he spent extra time in the gym. It was way too early for him to head to the office. After a long workout session he went back to his room to take a shower.
Fifteen minutes later he was freshly shaven and showered and sipping on a cup of hot coffee while the kitchen staff were preparing breakfast. Alyssa was still sleeping so the chef prepared breakfast. Morgan and Cooper came rushing down the stairs, shouting to their dad to hurry up. They were probably late for school…again. Whenever Alyssa left him to attend to the kids they were always late.
Lark charged down the stairs with his jacket half on and two backpacks in his arms. Jip, they were defiantly late for school. Each of them grabbed a waffle and toast as they rushed out of the house. Angelus chuckled to himself and he heard Lark speed out of the garage.
The kitchen started filling out as all the members of the pack started to arrive. Some were dressed for work while some just came down to get a coffee. Angelus couldn't help but think that Buffy would be one of the zombies stumbling into the kitchen to get her daily wake-up call.
Placing the newspaper on the counter her said goodbye and left to get to the office. It would do him no good sitting around mopping. He still had a business to run. It was just getting harder and harder each day without Buffy. Thinking to himself he would give her a few more days then he was going to Sunnydale to go get her. He was tired of being without her. She belonged here with him and the pack, surely she knew that?
END CHAPTER TWENTY TWO