Part 3
“Hold our questions! Are you crazy? No scratch that. Who the hell are you and what have you done with the bitch we went to school with?” Cordelia turned to glare at a red faced Buffy.
“Excuse Me?”
“You are obviously a pod person or something.” She glanced around at her friends for support.
“Is it just me or has anyone else noticed she hasn’t made a single bitchy insult. She hasn’t even made any complaints. She got to be a demon. She was floating for goodness sake! And take a look at all the men. She says jump and Angel, Gunn and that kid ask how high. Now she’s got Spike looking at her like she’s the second coming! Angel has barely even looked at me since we arrived. Plus who is that kid? I saw the way he fought. He can’t be human.”
She finally stopped her frantic pacing and looked directly at Cordelia. “He looks at you like your his mother and we all know you’re hardly a fit mother figure. I want to know what the fuck is going on here and I want to know now!.” She was panting by the time she finished.
Cordelia felt her inner-bitch rising to the surface. She was about to respond to Buffy’s attack when she heard a growl. The room as a whole turned to look at a very angry vampire.
“First of all, the kid’s name is Connor, well sometimes it is, and he’s my son.” He raised a hand at those who looked like they might interrupt.
“My son. Yes I know vampires can’t have children, well I did..do. Prophesy or whatever, the only thing that I care about is I have a son. Despite his age, he was only born a year ago. Darla is..was..is his mother. Yes that Darla. I know you saw me stake her years ago. Well she was brought back. It’s a long story. Things happened. It was a dark and confusing time for me.” He shot Cordy an apologetic look.
He hated to remind her of what he put her..them through. “Darla turned up pregnant almost nine months later. Yes I am sure he’s mine. She sacrificed her unlife for our child and for that I will be forever grateful. My son and I have a shakey relationship right now. It’s a really long, painful story. And for the record, Cordy is a wonderful, kind and caring woman. Personally I can’t think of a better role model and mother figure for my son. It’s the only thing he and I seem to agree on.”
His anger deflated a bit when he saw the tears forming in Buffy’s eyes. He did still care about her. He hated to cause her pain, but attacking any member of his family, especially Cordy, is unacceptable.
“Buffy, we have all changed. None of us are the same people we were when you guys were in high school together. We’ve grown up. It may have taken me almost 250 years, but I’ve finally grown as a person. Like it or not, a lot of that is due to Cordelia. If you would like to get to know who we’ve become, then you are all welcome to stay but I will not allow you to attack any member of my family.”
Willow and Xander went to support their friend. Giles’ mind was in danger of overload. *Vampires that reproduce* He decided now was definitely not the time. It could wait until he had a moment alone with Cordelia.
“I’d like to remind everyone that we are still facing an apocalypse. Maybe we should turn in for the evening. Emotions are running high right now. After we get some rest, I’m sure we’ll all feel a lot better. We are all friends here.” He gave Buffy a pleading look.
Buffy gave Giles a slight nod and steeled herself. Angel was right. They are grown ups now. She shouldn’t act like a jealous school girl. She’d changed. It’s unfair to assume Angel and Cordelia couldn’t. She looked up at Cordy, who hadn’t moved from the stairs. “I’m sorry, Cordy. I guess I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that.”
Cordelia was so touched by Angel’s words in her defence, she was feeling downright giddy. “That’s OK. I’m sure you guys have a few surprises in store for us. Besides you were right about one thing. I am part demon now.” She shot everyone a huge smile.
“Oh dear. I think I need to sit down.” Giles collapsed on the bottom step.
Xander was staring at Cordy. “Is there something about me that makes my ex’s happy about becoming demons?” He looked over at Willow. “I mean you’d tell me, right?”
“Well I did tell you were a demon magnet once.”
Cordy looked down at the Sunnydale group minus Spike who were sitting on the steps together in stunned silence. *Maybe I should have broken it to them a little more gently*
Xander was the first to break the silence. “It seemed so simple when Giles called. There was an apocalypse scheduled in LA. We come. We kill the bad guys. We save the world again. It was gonna be like old times.”
“Yeah” Buffy mumbled. “This has got to be my least favorite apocalypse and that includes both times I died.”
“At least I’m not the one trying to end the world this time.” All four looked at one another and began laughing. The AI gang were watching them like they all sprouted horns and a tail. They looked over at the blond vampire sitting comfortably on one of the couches.
He shrugged at their questioning glance. “It’s a long story.”
When their laughter finally died, Buffy felt inexplicably better. She grabbed Willow and Xander’s hands. “Did someone mention pizza? I’m suddenly starving.”
“Yeah. Come on Fred. We’ll pick it up.” Gunn didn’t really like these people and wanted to leave before he said something he wouldn’t regret. “We’ll be back.”
“Thanks Gunn. So are you guys ready to settle in?”
“Cor..”
“Angel everything is fine. Is Connor’s dinner ready?”
“Yes”
“Perfect timing Connor. Angel will show you the way to the kitchen.” Connor blue eyes held an unspoken plea.
“OK baby, I’ll come too. Guys, rooms 250 – 256 should all be clean and earthquake damage free. I’ll let you choose who gets which room. The linen closet is next to room 240 which happens to be Fred’s room.” She watched as Giles, Buffy, Xander, Willow and Spike went off to choose their rooms.
She noticed Angel smirking at her. *So I put them on the opposite wing as Angel and I. If I’m gonna stay here too, I want some space.* She walked down to the hotel kitchen with Angel and Connor in tow.
***
Angel and Cordelia sat watching Connor eat his very first omlet. Angel could see the child in him so clearly right now. He had missed so many firsts in his son’s life. Now thanks to Cordy, he was watching his baby boy eat a dinner he prepared for him. Connor wasn’t even being hostile.
“This is very good. Are you not eating Cordelia?”
“No. I’ll have pizza with our guests later. You can meet them in the morning.”
“I like pizza. Why am I not eating pizza with you?”
“Because I would like to get a reasonably healthy meal into you. Be glad I plan to ease you into vegetables. Now drink your juice and then off to bed. Oh and I’ll probably check in on you later so no sleeping with weapons. OK?”
“Not even my dagger?”
“No. You can keep it in your night stand like your father.” She gave Angel an amused look.
“Good night Cordy.”
“Good night baby.” She gave him a kiss on the forehead and a hug. She whispered in his ear, “please thank your father for dinner and tell him good night.”
He took a deep breath. “Thank you for dinner. Good night.” He managed a small but sincere smile for both of them.
“Good Night Connor.” Angel walked over to Cordelia once Connor left. “Thank you.” He wrapped his arms around her. He felt her rub her cheek against his chest. He took a deep breath and savored her unique scent. He wanted to stay like this forever. His son was upstairs in his room and he was holding the woman he loved.
“Pizzas here.” Fred blushed when she saw what she was interrupting.
Cordelia stepped out of Angel’s arms and gave the Texan a smile. “Thanks Fred. I’m so hungary.”
“Charles went to get your…friends. I calmed him down a bit. He was really mad at the girl with the goofy name. She practically called you a bitch.”
“I used to be one, Fred. I’ve said my share of mean things to her in the past. She hasn’t been here to see me change.”
“Well that’s the past. She saw you tonight and she still had the nerve to suggest you wouldn’t be a very good mother. I’m sorry but I don’t like her very much.”
“Fred I know Buffy was out of line earlier but . . . OK I can’t thing of a but. Angel do you have anything?”
Angel was having a hard time coming up with a but too. He was still angry about some of the things Buffy had said. “Just give her a chance. She doesn’t handle surprises very well, but we need to work together. We still have an apocalypse to avert.”
“I still remember when the word apocalypse seemed so scary.” Xander’s voice startled them. “Now I can’t seem to muster the same level of fear. Do you think it’s a sign of my age?”
“No. I think it’s a sign of your stupidity.”
“Now there’s the girl I remember. Is the bitch back?”
“I’d watch what you say if I was you. Ignore the whelp, luv. I know I do.”
“If I want your advice Spike, I’ll beat it out of you. Cordy knows I’m only teasing.”
“She’s not the one you need to be afraid of moron.” Xander finally noticed the hostile glares he was receiving from Angel and Gunn. Even Fred was looking pretty pissed. “Cordy, you do know I’m only teasing?”
“Yeah I know. Guys, it’s OK. Xander come and join me at the table.” Xander maneuvered around the angry people, grateful for Cordy’s olive branch. *mental note – no teasing Cordy*
Everyone was soon gathered around the kitchen eating pizza except for the two vampires. They were off in a corner drinking Cordy’s latest concoction.
“Peaches, this is really good. What did she put in it?”
“Some spice she bought at the magic store. She won’t tell me what it’s called. She says I can only have it on special occasions.”
“Why?”
“‘Cause it tastes a lot like adrenalin. She doesn’t want it to increase my hunger.”
“Didn’t you tell her that it’s always there? The cravings never go away.”
“Yeah. I’m gonna tell her I always hunger for human blood. Not just human blood, but blood flavored with fear. And people call me dense. I don’t know why she gave you some anyway. Stay away from her, Spike. If you hurt her in any way, I will make you beg me to stake you.”
Spike could see the hint of yellow in his eyes and the repressed growl in his voice. “Calm yourself, Peaches. Where’s the love for your favorite grandchilde.” He took an unnecessay breath. “I’m not gonna hurt your girl.”
Spike studied his mug of flavored pig’s blood for a minute. “How did you get so bloody lucky?” Spike realized he was about to get mushy and decided on a subject change. “Tell me about your kid. Should I keep watching my back?”
“It’s complicated.” Angel rubbed his tired eyes. “Do you remember Holtz?”
“The vampire hunter you and Darla used to torment.”
“That’s the one. He made a deal with a time shifting demon. He brought Holtz into the future. For reason I don’t really want to discuss, Holtz ended up taking my son to a hell dimension and raised him as his own. He even gave him a new name. He taught Connor to hate me. Not just me, but all demons. Everything was black and white to Holtz. Connor found a way home. He punched his way out of Quortoth. Of course it was mainly because he wanted to kill me. He even tried to kill Cordy when she told him she was part demon.”
“What happened? He seems pretty fond of her now.”
“She cleansed him. Don’t ask. It’s one of her demon powers. That’s all I know. Ever since then, he seems to genuinely care about her. He’s never known the love of a mother. She’s the only one he seems to trust right now. I’m not that surprised. She’s an amazing woman.”
“She really is at that.”
“Don’t make me kill you Spike.”
“Just makin’ an observation, Peaches. You should see someone about your anger control issues. It’s not healthy.”
“You’re funny. I forgot how funny you can be. Oh wait, I really didn’t.”
“Geez, now you’re talking like her. You just keeping redefining the word poof, don’t you?”
“Spike, no tormenting Angel. That’s my job.”
“Cheerleader, you make a mean mug of pig’s blood. What’s your secret?”
“It wouldn’t be a secret if I told you. Listen, we need a couple of things from the corner market. Keep me company?”
“Sure”
“Not you Angel. I was talking to Spike. You get to join in on the research party that’s started in the lobby. Apocalypse remember?”
“What about you?”
“Like I said we need a couple of things.”
“Spike can research and I’ll go with you.”
“Angel, we’ll be fine. Besides you can’t give me any good gossip about Sunnydale.”
“Well I’ll come along too. I don’t trust him and neither should you.”
“You do realize I’m standing right here?”
“Look brood boy, it’s your turn to face the firing squad. I answered a lot of questions while we were eating.”
“So did I.”
“Whatever. Come on Spike. You stay and try to be friendly. They’re only going to be here a few days. Let’s try to make them pleasant ones. Alright? Bye.” She grabbed Spike’s arm and made a run for it.
Once they were safely outside, Spike spoke. “Is there any reason we snuck out the back door, Pet.”
“I didn’t want to fight with Buffy too.” She gave him a sly smile. “Do you think you could call me Cordy?”
“Sure thing, Luv..I mean Cordy. So you got me alone, now what? Are you trying to get me staked?”
“How long have you had your soul?”
Spike began walking faster. “It’s been about six months. How did you know? The only one I’ve told is Niblet.”
“Who or what is a niblet?”
“Dawn”
“Oh, how is she?”
“She’s good. Great actually, since the slayer decided to cut the cord. She flew over to Spain to visit her dad.”
“So how are you?”
“I’m fine.”
“Denial workin’ for you, is it?”
“I’m not in denial.”
“That’s funny ‘cuz that’s what it looks like to me. You need to deal with what’s going on inside. Tell your friends. They care about you.”
“No. Niblet cares about me. The rest of them keep me around because I’m useful. I’m a monster and they all know it. Believe me I ain’t in denial. I know exactly what I am.”
“I think your wrong. Angel could help you. He’s been through this. At least talk to him.”
“Like the Poof would keep it a secret for me. I really don’t feel like being compared to the almighty Angel, vamp detective.”
“So that’s why you don’t want them to know. You are afraid of the comparison.” She forced him to face her. “You don’t need to be afraid. Actually the way I see it, you totally come out on top.”
“How do you figure?”
“Well let’s see.” She began walking again. “You know Angelus pretty well. If those government people had put a chip in his head, do you think he would have helped the scooby gang? OK I know you kind of flip flopped a bit in the beginning but you eventually came through. Would Angelus fought to protect the world? He did try to have it sucked into hell once. Would he have risked his unlife for Dawn or Buffy?”
“Please, Angelus would have found the nearest minion and had it torture everyone until he found someone to remove the chip. Angelus is irrelevant. We’re talkin’ about Angel.”
“OK let’s take a look at Angel shall we. Do you remember the Boxer Rebellion?”
“Of course. That’s when I killed my first slayer.” Spike looked up at the night’s sky and blew out a breath that somehow got trapped in his dead lungs. “That memory used to fill me with such pride. Now it makes me feel sick to my stomach. She was so young.”
“Did you know that Angel already had his soul then?”
“No. You got your facts messed up. I saw him hunt and kill there. So he started hunting criminals, they were still technically human. He didn’t have his soul yet.”
“Yes he did. When he was first cursed, he was in so much pain and he was terrified of being alone. He tried to be Angelus so he wouldn’t have to. Only Darla didn’t trust him, she gave him a baby as a test. His soul wouldn’t let him kill something so innocent.”
“I had no idea. He seemed a little off. I always thought the curse happened right after. He and Darla suddenly disappeared and Dru and I were alone. I guess I shouldn’t be that shocked. The hunger and the instinct are still in me. They fuel the guilt, as if my memories aren’t fuel enough.”
“Well he ran and ended up in the sewers. He fed on rats for a long time. He basically spent the next hundred years wallowing in despair and self-pity. It took him decades to start helping. You on the other hand started helping before you even had a soul. Truth-be-told you helped before you even had the chip. You are a good man William.”
“So I’m Mr. Perfect? I don’t think so. Maybe I’m a little better than Angel and a lot better than Angelus, but a good man, no.”
“You are a good man but no you’re not perfect. And I did not say you’re better than the man Angel is now. He just took a lot longer to get where you are. You weren’t..aren’t alone. You still have a ways to go to reach where he is now.”
“Why are you doing this?”
“Let’s just say that Angel has his mission and I have mine.”
“I’m your mission?”
“Not exactly. My mission is…complicated. My life has taken many unexpected turns. I’m just doing my best with what life throws at me. It’s time for your first lesson.”
“My what?”
“Lesson. You’ve been helping for many reasons. It’s time to choose a new one.”
“And what exact should my new reason be?”
“I can’t give you one. It’s something you need to choose for yourself. There is no one answer. It’s…”
“Complicated?”
“Yes” She gave him a smile and hooked her arm with his. “Let’s take a look at your previous reasons. The first was to save Dru and beat Angelus. Later it was for survival and protection. Then you did it for love. Next came a promise to a lady and finally to be worthy of love. Did I miss anything?”
“How do you know all this?”
“What can I say? I have magical powers. Plus I have some powerful friends in pretty high places.”
“Powerful friends? Why do they care about me?”
“Because they can see your potential and so can I. I think you’re gonna make a great champion.”
“A champion. Me?”
“Yes. You.” She pulled him to stand in front of a store window. “I almost forgot about the reason that’s been there since you were first turned.”
“And that would be?”
“To kill.” She said matter of factly. “Do you see that man inside the store?”
“Yes. What about him?”
“Angel saved him from a couple of vamps about three weeks ago.”
“So?”
“Keep watching.” A woman carrying a baby came out of a back room.
“That’s his wife and their daughter. That sweet little baby is going to get the chance to know her father. Not from pictures or stories but because he’ll be a part of her life. All because Angel staked two vampires. Did Angel enjoy killing those vamps? Probably. Does that make him evil? Not really. Is killing really the big picture? Absolutely not.
The mission isn’t about staking two vamps. It was about saving that family. Angel had to make a lot of mistakes to figure out that the mission isn’t about killing. It’s about saving souls. You’d think that would mean saving souls is the right reason, right? Well it’s not.”
“I’m confused.”
“That’s where it becomes complicated. Savings souls is the mission but if you make it your reason, it will drive you crazy. The souls you save will still die someday. That man could get hit by a bus tomorrow. Some will choose to do evil. They have free will. Some will be completely ungrateful. After he saved him, that man in there called Angel a monster and ran away. It can break your spirit if you make saving souls your reason. Like I said, there are many good reasons to help. They change as we change.
You’re still a vampire and there will always be a part of you that enjoys the kill. It may seem hard to believe but that’s OK as long as you don’t let it be your reason. Your not a hunter anymore but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use your hunting skills.
Love, love is a powerful motivator, but it’s also volatile. It isn’t fair to put that kind of pressure on a person. Pedestals can be a very dangerous thing. The person you love can’t be perfect. They’ll make mistakes. They’ll occasionally hurt you and eventually they will die. I’m not telling you that you shouldn’t love Buffy. Just don’t make her your reason anymore. Just love her.”
“She doesn’t think I’m capable of love. The soul may make her believe me but she deserves better.”
“First of all despite popular opinion, demons are capable of love, but they love like demons. It’s possessive, violent and often destructive. Second of all, respect Buffy enough to let her decide what she deserves. Just provide her with all of the facts.”
“You don’t understand. I hurt her. I tried to…”
“I know. Believe me I’m not telling you it will be easy. You aren’t the same person that you were and neither is she for that matter. I’m not suggesting you pick up where you left off. Far from it. I’m saying that maybe you should try to start over.
Give friendship a chance and go from there. A piece of advice though, this time don’t try to keep her in a world of darkness just so you can have her to yourself. It’s time to try and find a place for you within her life.”
“Do I have to be nice to the whelp?”
“Xander can be trying at times but he has a good heart. He is fiercely protective of his family.”
“He really hurt Anya.”
“Yes he did. He isn’t perfect, believe me I have the scar to prove it. He let his fears control him. He still has his own personal demons to face. We all have them.”
“Tell me about it. I’m sorry, Cordy.”
“For?”
“The part I played in your scar.”
“It wasn’t the first time they kissed. It was just when they got caught. I know you were in pain at the time too. Actually you look like you could use a hug right now.” She pulled him into her arms and held him until he finally hugged her back.
He whispered in her ear, “Angel was right about you. You are an amazing woman.”
One moment she was enjoying a warm fuzzy moment and the next she was flying through the air. She landed hard on the pavement. She look up to see what happened and saw Angel in gameface holding Spike by the throat against the alley wall. *What the hell?*
***
Angel was trying to read the musty book in front of him but he couldn’t concentrate. The hotel clock seemed to be mocking him. They had been gone for a half hour and he was ready to go into full panic mode. Spike was too quick to agree to his Cordy’s virtues.
*Dammit. Where is she? It takes 5 minutes to walk to the market. I can’t believe I let her leave with Spike. Why is she being so nice to him anyway. So he has a chip and has been kind of helping Buffy. He is still the same vampire who had me tortured*
Angel didn’t realize he was growling until Gunn hit him with a ball of wadded paper.
“I can’t believe you let Barbie leave with that vampire. I would have gone to the store with her. I don’t do the research thing anyway.”
“I didn’t let her do anything. This is Cordelia we’re talking about.”
“Charles, don’t worry. He’s got that chip. Y’all are worrin’ over nothin'”
Gunn turned to his girlfriend. “A chip doesn’t mean I gotta trust him.”
Willow was absently following the conversation. “Actually the chip wouldn’t work with Cordy.”
“What do you mean?”
“Xander you heard Cordy earlier. She’s part demon now. The chip doesn’t apply to her remember.”
“Oh right. It’s hard to think of Cordy as being not completely human. Funny I would have easily believed it before we were dating.”
Buffy was about to comment when Angel jumped to his feet and grabbed his coat. “Angel he wouldn’t hurt her.”
“Look Buff, I’ve known Spike a long time. I think I know him a little bit better that you. He’ll hurt her if he can.”
“Hey I thought you were the one talking about everyone changing before. Spike’s changed too. And you’re wrong. I know a lot about Spike. Shut up Xander! Angel don’t do anything stupid. He’s changed.”
Angel didn’t bother to think about what she said. He was to busy thinking of painful ways of killing Spike.
Buffy started pacing. “Giles, maybe I should go after him.”
“I really don’t think that’s necessary. I’m sure Cordelia won’t let Angel hurt Spike unless he’s done something to deserve it.”
“He wouldn’t hurt her. I know he wouldn’t.”
“Then there is nothing to worry about. Buffy, if I really thought Spike might hurt her I would have gone after them the moment I knew they’d gone. Now I really wish everyone would muster up some concern for the impending apocalypse.”
“How many does this make again? I lost count.”
“Buffy, please. Sacred duty…”
“Yeah Yeah. I’m reading. I’m reading. Geez can’t take a joke just ’cause the world’s about to end.”
***
Angel turned the corner when he spotted them. Spike was holding her near the entrance of an alley. He had his face buried in her neck. *Oh God! He’s biting her!* He felt his demon roar to life. He was there in an instant and pushed them apart. He grabbed Spike by the throat and slammed him against the alley wall.
“I warned you I would make you beg for death if you hurt her.” He turned to see if Cordelia was alright. What he saw made him freeze. Her eyes were ablaze with anger and it seemed to be directed solely at him.
“Angel, what the fuck do you think you are doing?”
“Cordy. He…he was going to bite you. I’m saving your life.” She only seemed to get angrier. He was beginning to get worried. He didn’t realize he’d released Spike until he was shoved aside.
Spike went to Cordy who was still sitting on the pavement. “Cordy, are you alright?
“Don’t call her Cordy!”
They both ignored his comment. “My butt is probably going to be covered in bruises in the morning, but that’s nothing compared to what I’m about to do to Angel for ruining my pants.”
“Let me help you up, Luv.”
“Not until one of you gives me your coat.”
“What?”
“My pants…they split up the seam when I fell.” Her face turned red from embarrassment. It quickly turned purple with rage when both vampires began laughing. “This is funny to you?” She looked directly at Angel.
“Where is my champion? Damsel in distress here. Groo wouldn’t leave me down here. Of course he wouldn’t have knocked me down in the first place.” She knew this was a low blow but she wanted to knock that smirk off his adorable face. This was all his fault. Her ass is hanging out and he’s laughing. Stupid vampire.
Angel stopped laughing as soon as she mentioned that stupid Slug guy. Spike had no idea who she was talking about but he was enjoying watching Angel squirm. Since Angel didn’t seem to be offering, Spike shrugged off his duster and handed it to Cordy.
“Thank you Spike. At least one of you has manners.”
Angel watch Cordelia slip into Spike’s coat and stand up. He hated it when she was mad at him. *It’s not fair. I saved her, well I thought I was saving her.* “He was trying to bite you.”
“Yeah Angel that’s why he offered me his coat just now. He’s polite to everyone he tries to bite. I find it endearing.”
“Huh?”
“He wasn’t trying to bite me, dumbass. I was giving him a hug.”
“Oh…since when did you become so touchy feely? You seem to be hugging a lot lately!” Angel was beginning to feel scared. Cordy was standing so close to Spike. She kissed Giles before. *She’s mine dammit*
Cordelia saw the fear in his eyes and her anger deflated instantly. She hated to see him in pain. “Angel, I’m sorry I yelled at you. You thought you were saving me, but next time make sure I actually need it. Spike wasn’t hurting me. Now apologize.”
“I’m sorry, Cor. I’ll buy you a new pair of pants.”
“Not to me, though you will buy me new pants. I meant apolgize to Spike.”
“What?!”
“You attacked him and you were wrong. So apologize.”
Angel felt like kicking the ground and stamping his feet. He finally mumbled, “Sorry Spike.” He couldn’t stop himself from adding, “in the future, keep your hands off my seer.”
“Angel I can hug any member of my family any time I want.”
“Family! Since when is Spike family?”
“For you, over a hundred years ago. For me, a couple of hours ago.” She hooked her arm with Spike’s and began walking back to the hotel. After a few feet, she stopped.
“Are you coming?” When he looked like he was about to argue, she held out her free hand to him. His face broke out into a huge grin as grabbed her hand and threaded his fingers with hers.
Spike felt his dead heart swell. *Family* He didn’t even notice the goofy smile his face displayed but Cordelia did. Spike decided now was the time. “Angel, I’ve had my soul for the last six months.”
It took a minute for Angel’s brain to catch up with his ears, when it did everything started to make sense. He squeezed Cordy’s hand. “I’m glad you told me, Spike. We’re gonna help you.”
“Thanks mate”
“That’s what families are for.”
“OK. You guys are gonna make me cry. I’ve already ruined my pants, don’t make me ruin my makeup too. I so do not want to face the scoobies with puffy eyes.” The three started laughing and suddenly all the tension was gone. “Dammit Angel!”
“What?”
“You made me forget to stop at the store. Geez we were right there when you attacked.”
“Sorry.”
“Sorry, smorry. You get to run back there. We need cereal and fresh fruit for Connor’s breakfast tomorrow. Don’t get anything too sugary.” Angel nodded before heading off.
Cordelia could have sworn Buffy actually growled at her when they entered the hotel. *Possessive much. I guess she doesn’t like the way I look in Spike’s coat. Too bad. I guess she brings out the bitch in me.*
Fred brought her out of her reverie. “Where’s Angel?”
“I sent him to the store.”
“Um..I thought that’s where you two were going?”
“We were until Angel decided I needed recueing. I got distracted what with him knocking me to the ground and ruining my pants. Once I got up I forgot all about the store. We were outside the hotel when I remembered. He’ll be back in a little while.”
“The former Scourge of Europe is so whipped.” Spike found the whole thing amusing even though a small part of him was jealous.
“Oh Spike. I forgot to tell Angel to get milk. Can you run and catch him. Skim milk, please.” Spike rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. He simply turned around and left.
“So what have we learned about the apocalypse?”
