Part 12<\/b><\/p>\n
Chase Manor
\nThe Next Night<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel stood in front of Chase Manor. In fact he had been standing there for about ten minutes, debating whether or not to bother Cordelia.<\/p>\n
He\u2019d heard through the grapevine that she had not shown up at school yet, but this being her second night home, he didn\u2019t doubt that. What he\u00a0did<\/i>\u00a0doubt was if he was welcome here or not. Sure, he\u2019d bonded with her quite well in that she was going to chop his head off last night, but that\u2019d been a fa\u00e7ade! She\u2019d just wanted to know how he\u2019d gotten his soul. Perfectly legit.<\/p>\n
Angel threw back his head and groaned. This was not like him! Even though he kept out of the spotlight, he was still a straight to it kinda guy!<\/p>\n
So why can\u2019t I knock on the door<\/i>, he debated with himself, shuffling his feet. He knew he had to do something and fast- he had to see Buffy tonight at The Bronze, but- he needed to see\u00a0her<\/i>\u00a0first. Angel couldn\u2019t understand where this fascination with her had come from. All summer she had plagued his thoughts, pushing all others aside.<\/p>\n
And he didn\u2019t even know her.<\/p>\n
Still immersed in thought, Angel didn\u2019t see the balcony doors on the second floor swing open.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Cordelia opened the doors onto her private balcony, hoping the fresh night air would rejuvenate her will to pack. Or rather get her will started to pack at all!<\/p>\n
She had never been a \u2018woe is me\u2019 individual, but damn if having your parents skip the country on you with no knowledge of their whereabouts- it was time to indulge in a little cry time. Sure she hadn\u2019t told them where she was going the night Sunnydale almost became Sunnyhell, but that was\u00a0their<\/i>\u00a0instructions. They had drilled into her head for years that if something unexplainable (in a rational sense) ever happened to her, to get the hell out of dodge. Money was set aside for her at a lock box at Sunnydale Airport and she was to go to where she thought she would be safe.<\/p>\n
Stabbing her straw into her cherry Capri-Sun, Cordelia leaned over the balcony, looking up at the stars. Taking a sip, she asked herself the question that would never get answered. \u201cWhy me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Once she\u2019d stepped into the house last night after Angel had walked her home, she had wanted to break down right then and there.<\/p>\n
It was all gone. The furniture, the antiques, the works of art- everything but her belongings. Anything that was significant to her; Capri-Suns and her carton of cookie dough ice cream, remained. It was as if her parents wanted everything that reminded them of their daughter to stay behind.<\/p>\n
Including me<\/i>, she confessed to herself, trying to still the stinging in her eyes. Just as she was about to go back in, she heard a noise below.\u00a0What the hell is he doing here<\/i>?<\/p>\n
Glancing down, Cordelia couldn\u2019t suppress the small grin that graced her glossed lips.<\/p>\n
It was Angel.<\/p>\n
Yummy, vampire Angel dressed in a dark blue velvet jacket and- surprise!- black slacks.\u00a0He sure does give bold colors their due<\/i>, she mused. He was standing directly underneath her balcony, and he was so caught up in thought he didn\u2019t even notice her standing right over him.<\/p>\n
Taking another sip of her fruit drink, Cordelia felt her smile widen into a wicked grin, as a thought of diabolical cleverness consumed her.<\/p>\n
Time to be bad<\/i>.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Sucking in a deep breath of unneeded air, Angel chanted to himself that he was gonna do it- he was going to knock on her door.<\/p>\n
Just as he was about to leave his position as vampire statue, to go to Cordelia\u2019s front door, he felt a small sprinkle of wetness land on his forehead. Glancing around, he didn\u2019t hear the sprinklers come on and he knew there wasn\u2019t a cloud in the sky. Wiping the dew from his face, he brought his fingers to his nose- cherries?<\/p>\n
Suddenly an intoxicating giggle came from above.<\/p>\n
Jerking his head up, he saw Cordelia collapsed over her balcony railing, consumed with laughter. Shaking his head in disbelief, Angel couldn\u2019t help but notice how nice her legs look in her cut off khaki shorts. Narrowing his eyes he saw that she had spilled some of cherry drink on her white tank top, in her effort to get it directly in his face.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t believe you just did that, Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAh,\u201d she giggled, \u201cBut you smell so cherry-rific now!\u201d Trying to control herself, she leaned over a little more. \u201cThat\u2019s what you get for coming around here unannounced.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, I\u2019m sorry I just-\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d she interrupted, giving him another grin. \u201cI was kidding. Why don\u2019t you come on up?\u201d<\/p>\n
“You sure?” He couldn’t help but feel uneasy. She was accepting him so effortlessly. No one had ever done that before.<\/p>\n
“If I wasn’t sure, would I ask you?”<\/p>\n
True. “No, I guess not.” Giving a small grin, Angel walked over to her door, a small thrill of satisfaction coursing through his being as the barrier vanished. He was invited in.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Cordelia bounded down the stairs, strangely excited about being in close proximity with the vampire. Who wouldn\u2019t be? Dead dude was a total hottie.<\/p>\n
She knew she was supposed to have some instinct about him, like she did with all vampires, but not with him- it just didn\u2019t \u2018vibe\u2019 with him. The only gut feeling she had was \u2018yum\u2019 and that he wasn\u2019t going to hurt her. And that unusual, yet nifty, thing of a soul! Boy had that thrown her for a loop. It was almost like she could see it- a soothing, soft golden glow that encompassed his entire being. It had only been for a moment, but that was enough.<\/p>\n
Coming to the bottom of the staircase, she couldn\u2019t help the small, bitter smile that toughed her lips when she saw him surveying the emptiness that was her former home. Angel had an expression of shock. \u201cYep,\u201d she whispered as she came to stand by the vampire, \u201cThey took it all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel could not believe it. The living room, the foyer- all of it had been lavishly decorated when he had last came here, now it was void of everything. He really hated her parents.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t be. It just may be for the better any way.\u201d She had a feeling it as better for\u00a0them<\/i>. \u201cI rarely saw them anyway. Besides,\u201d she cocked her head toward him, her grin contagious. \u201cThis apartment is supposed to be kick ass.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a nice building,\u201d Angel confirmed, giving her a smile that transformed his entire face into ultra-hottie.<\/p>\n
Tugging on the hem of her tank top, Cordelia tried to control the butterflies in her stomach. She never got butterflies. Fluttering in the stomach did not happen to her! \u201cSo, why are you all dressed up nice and pretty?\u201d Good, Cor. Light approach on something she was an expert at- fashion…\u00a0and<\/i>\u00a0flirting.<\/p>\n
Angel gave a brief glance down at his blue jacket and slacks. He was a little more dressed up than usual, but he figured Buffy would like it. Their past two meetings had not gone very well. \u201cI\u2019m meeting Buffy at the Bronze tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReally?\u201d Cordelia had been thinking about the other slayer earlier that night. She really wanted to talk to her about what had happened with the Master. When she had fallen asleep last night, all she kept dreaming about was bat-face. And they were not warm and fuzzy. \u201cThat sounds like a good idea. The Bronze,\u201d Cordelia could feel the strain on her face about seeing her familiar haunt, in light of what she had been through last summer. \u201cMind if I tag along?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Angel practically shouted, \u201cOf course I wouldn\u2019t mind.\u201d Having Cordelia around seemed to put him at ease. His demon had been bridled with agitation the past few months, but Cordelia\u2019s presence ebbed that.<\/p>\n
Giving him another smile of unparalleled beauty, Cordelia turned on her heal to the grand staircase. \u201cCool. Just give me two shakes of a lamb\u2019s tail and I\u2019ll be ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel wished she would shake more has he watched her run up the stairs. The back of her legs were toned and supple. And where her lower back met the back of her thighs, with her rounded\u2026 \u201cGet a grip, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her time in Japan had done a body good.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
It was more like forty-five shakes later, when Cordelia finally descended down the staircase again.<\/p>\n
Turing to greet her, Angel felt his voice catch in his throat when he saw her. Cordelia had decided to pile her gorgeous mahogany hair on top of her head, with small tendrils framing her face and neck. Her make-up was flawless. Instead of using lipstick, she\u2019d applied a shiny gloss which he liked immensely.<\/p>\n
But it was the\u00a0outfit<\/i>\u00a0that was causing his lower half to twitch. She was wearing a vibrant, almost sheer, red dress (what was it with this girl and red?) that ended two inches above her knees. The sleeves ended just below her elbow, and the neckline was modest, just showing the top of her delightful breasts. But it was the slits on both sides that almost had his jaw dropping to the marble floor. They were slit almost to the curves of her ass. It was a dangerous dress.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou look- um,\u201d he was truly at a loss for words.<\/p>\n
Cordelia smiled, finally feeling like her old self. There was nothing like Chanel perfume and a Versace dress to make a girl feel at home. \u201cFeel free. Gawk at the goddess that is me!\u201d<\/p>\n
She turned to the side, allowing him a glimpse of her tanned leg that started from her delicate feet, which were adorned in three inch heels. He loved those shoes. Beautiful black, strappy shoes that exposed her precious toes. And the legs. They didn\u2019t end. \u201cDo you think I\u2019m ready to be reintroduced to Sunnydale society?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re more than ready.\u201d It was honesty.<\/p>\n
\u201cWonderful,\u201d she glided toward him, linking her arm into his. \u201cWill you escort me?\u201d Cordelia couldn\u2019t help it! Flirting with him was as natural as breathing.<\/p>\n
Angel gave her a wicked grin, his chocolate eyes twinkling. \u201cI\u2019d be delighted.\u201d Still grinning like a Cheshire cat, he began leading her to the door. Suddenly she pulled away. Angel stifled a growl at the movement.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry,\u201d she said, \u201cI forgot my wrap.\u201d Lucky for her, she didn\u2019t see his eyes turn from brown to gold at the sight of her retreating figure, as she raced up the stairs to her room. Angel had just seen the back of her dress.<\/p>\n
It had no back. It was\u00a0beyond<\/i>\u00a0backless. There was a tiny silver chain that connected the shoulder, with a small ruby clasp dangling down her upper back. The end of her dress ended right before her ass. He could see the small dimples!<\/p>\n
Red. Two slits! Completely backless\u2026 That meant no bra and maybe no panties, unless she was wearing underwear that resembled dental floss!<\/p>\n
Angel inwardly groaned. It was going to be a long night.<\/p>\n
The Bronze<\/b><\/p>\n
The Bronze was packed more than usual tonight. Willow had a feeling Cibo Matto had a lot to do with it. The Japanese pop band had just finished a song, when she turned to Xander, worry etched in her elven face. \u201cI just think something\u2019s up, is all.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWillow, you\u2019re paranoid.\u201d It was the only logical explanation.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy\u2019s never acted like this before,\u201d she continued, as she recalled how Buffy had almost slammed Harmony against the locker doors earlier at school. Harmony had come up to the girl, laughing at how Buffy had showed up at the dance a few months ago, all wet. Of course, the ditz had no way of knowing that the reason why Buffy was soaked in her designer white gown, was because a master vampire had drowned her. But the slayer did not care. \u201cEver since she got back, she\u2019s been different.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander rolled his eyes in exasperation (or denial). \u201cBuffy\u2019s always been different, Will.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s never been mean.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAny sign of her?\u201d Xander craned his neck around the club. \u201cShe said she was coming.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Willow sighed. It was back to \u2018Buffy is my universe\u2019 for Xander. \u201cThe band\u2019s cool though.\u201d Her detachment not notice as he continued to search for the petite slayer.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah. Cool.\u201d He agreed, but didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
Willow glanced down at her vanilla sundae, a small flicker of hope inside her. Gabbing her spoon, she dabbed a little of the ice cream on her nose, hoping Xander would see\u2026 and he did.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou got something on your nose.\u201d Xander turned away again, and almost gave a whoop, when he saw the object of his masturbatory fantasies walk in. It was Buffy, wearing a sexy cream dress that showed off her legs. With Buffy, he was leg man!<\/p>\n
Seeing her gang, she sauntered over to the table, more than aware of the stares she was getting. This was what she had been hoping for, when she had picked out this dress. But the man-\u00a0vampire<\/i>, whom she really wanted to see her in the dress was not around.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey guys,\u201d Buffy leaned over, taking a sip of Xander\u2019s soda. \u201cHow\u2019s it going tonight?\u201d The place was almost overflowing.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood,\u201d Xander piped in, a little too eagerly.<\/p>\n
Willow scooted her chair closer to Buffy. \u201cSo how\u2019s it going?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFine,\u201d Came the terse reply. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, reason\u2026 well, this afternoon with Harmony-\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy gave a sickeningly sweet smile. \u201cBitch deserved it.\u201d Turning her back on Willow, Buffy looked over to the entrance of the club. Walking through the doors as if he had the world at his feet was Angel. Buffy tried to suppress the thrill she got just looking at him. He really was beautiful. She totally loved him in that blue velvet jacket.<\/p>\n
Angel just stood there, oblivious to the admiring stares of the fairer sex. He glanced over his shoulder, giving a breathtaking smile to the lovely brunette that came up beside him.<\/p>\n
Buffy felt a solar flare of jealously squeeze her heart at the warm expression on the vampire\u2019s face. The girl\u2019s red dress put her cream one to an almost childlike shame- the girl was\u2026 No. It couldn\u2019t be! It just wasn\u2019t fair!<\/p>\n
It was Cordelia.<\/p>\n
Hell bent on making someone pay, Buffy grabbed Xander\u2019s hand, pulling him toward her. \u201cLet\u2019s dance.\u201d Not waiting for an answer, Buffy dragged the helpless, hormone ridden teenage to floor.<\/p>\n
Willow looked on, a sad, heartbroken shadow clouding her otherwise sunny face. The dance between her two friends was anything but friendly, as Buffy began to sway her hips ever so much closer to Xander\u2019s.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, Willow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Turning to the soft voice behind her, Willow almost let out a sigh of gratitude when she met the hazel eyes of Cordelia Chase. Where there used to be malicious glee whenever she was around the redhead, there was now an open friendliness. With the brunette was Angel, who was also giving off the vibes that he was glad to see her too. This was just what she needed right now. \u201cOh my God!\u201d Willow jumped out of the chair to hug the slayer, \u201cCordelia, it\u2019s so good to see you!\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia smiled at the sudden move, and hugged the shorter girl back. \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you, too.\u201d And she meant it.<\/p>\n
Willow pulled back, trying not to let the tears form, as surely as that lump in her throat was growing. \u201cHow are you?\u201d She really had been worried about Cordelia all this summer, not knowing what had happened to her.<\/p>\n
\u201cBetter,\u201d Cordelia admitted, seeing that Willow understood what she meant. When she had left for Sendai, her inner turmoil had been closer to chaos. Cordelia made a mental note to make sure and fill Willow in on her time in Japan. \u201cAnd you? How\u2019ve you been?\u201d<\/p>\n
It was a subtle movement, just a flash of bright green eyes toward the dance floor. Both Angel and Cordelia caught the glance, and brought their attention to the myriad of couples dancing. One couple in particular was a little too hot. Or rather the petite blond was being too hot. Angel blinked in shock as he saw Buffy grind the swell of her ass into Xander\u2019s groin. The poor boy didn\u2019t know if he should hold on or run away.<\/p>\n
Seeing the expressions on their faces, Willow gave Cordelia a small smile. \u201cI\u2019ve been better.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the\u00a0hell<\/i>\u00a0is she doing?\u201d Cordelia knew Buffy Summers had no romantic inclinations toward Xander Harris.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaking a point.\u201d Angel whispered, his dark eyes full of worry.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Buffy was having too much fun. She was tapping into something within her that was both dark and dangerous.<\/p>\n
\u201cXander,\u201d Buffy angled her body around, facing her friend dead on. \u201cDid I ever thank you for saving my life?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rubbing her body forcefully against his, she brought her gooey pink lips to his ear, \u201cDon\u2019t you wish I would?\u201d Not waiting for an answer, Buffy turned on her heal, sauntering out of the Bronze without a care in the world.<\/p>\n
Cordelia and the others witnessed the exchange with heavy hearts. \u201cAngel,\u201d Cordelia lightly touched his arm. \u201cI\u2019ll be right back.\u201d The vampire nodded his head as he regarded the grim purpose in her mutli-colored eyes.<\/p>\n
Giving a slight smile to Xander as he returned to the table, the slayer went in search of the other slayer.<\/p>\n
Alley outside the Bronze<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy!\u201d<\/p>\n
Stopping dead in her tracks at the sound of that voice, Buffy rolled her eyes in annoyance. She had just made a grand exit, that she was sure was seen by Angel, now the brunette hussy had to ruin it. Keeping her passive expression, Buffy the Vampire Slayer turned to around to face Cordelia the Vampire Slayer.<\/p>\n
Moss green eyes clashed with hazel. Suddenly, this alley felt way too small.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s going on, Buffy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Smirking, Buffy took a few steps closer to the rival slayer. \u201cThings that have absolutely no business to do with\u00a0you<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n
The music of Cibo Matto wafted lightly through the alley. Other than that, the silence was deafening as the warriors regarded each other.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh,\u201d Cordelia finally said, her voice syrupy with condescending charm. \u201cI see. No longer the only slayer on the block, so now you have to campaign for bitch of the year.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs defending champion, are you nervous?\u201d Buffy was a little perturbed that Cordelia had placed a nail into one of her issues that quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know I can hold my own. On\u00a0both<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n
The dangerous tone was not lost on Buffy. \u201cI don\u2019t know about that, Cordelia. Maybe the Queen Bitch of the universe part, but the other- Call me curious.\u201d If anything had been itching within her, it was to throw down with Cordelia. Especially after seeing her with Angel.<\/p>\n
Cordelia let out a throaty laugh, her heels clicking against the wet pavement as she moved closer. \u201cOh, you really don\u2019t wanna go down that road of pain with me, Curious Georgina.\u201d Cordelia could feel her power surging through every fiber of her being. \u201cYou may have been a slayer longer than I, but my first kill was a master vampire. Take a moment to think about that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy Summers felt the slight swell of both jealously and fear, as she let that sink in. It was true. Not even knowing what a slayer was or anyone to guide her, Cordelia Chase, newborn slayer, and successfully killed the Master. Cordelia, not Buffy, had prevented the world from ending and Buffy hated her for that.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood on you. Call it beginners luck.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCall it whatever the fuck you want, Buffy,\u201d She had had enough of this. \u201cWhatever\u2019s causing the Joan Collins\u2019tude, deal with it, embrace the pain, spank your inner moppet but get over it.\u201d Cordelia cocked her head to the side, her gaze not leaving Buffy\u2019s even for a moment. \u201cCause I did.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her words were striking too close to home for Buffy\u2019s liking. \u201cI\u2019d say it\u2019s about time for you to mind your own business.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat you just did in there,\u201d Cordelia retorted, angling her head toward the Bronze. \u201cTaking your inner frustrations out on a friend that cares about you- that made it my business. So it\u2019s long past. Nighty night.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not even bothering to reply, Buffy turned on heal and proceeded to leave the alley.<\/p>\n
Cordelia hoped she was going home. What that girl needed was serious R&R with meditation. If Jun Yoshino had been here, Buffy would have been knocked ten ways from Sunday.<\/p>\n
Deeply immersed in thought and trying to sooth her mounting rage, Cordelia didn\u2019t see or notice the two vampires, as they emerged from the shadows behind her.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Shaking her head in frustration, Cordelia took a step backward with the intention of going back into the Bronze. Suddenly she bumped into a cool body standing right behind her. Feeling the press of a male chest at her bare back, Cordelia quickly subdued the rage that Buffy had ignited and focused.\u00a0Ah, shit<\/i>!<\/p>\n
Turning as fast has her skintight dress would allow, she caught the wrist of the male vampire, who had just moved to cover her mouth to silence her. \u201cWhy are you making me fight in this dress?\u201d Not waiting for a reply, Cordelia gave a quick jerk of her hand, causing the vampire\u2019s wrist to crack. His yowl of pain echoed through the alley.<\/p>\n
Seeing the other vampire in danger, his accomplice- an equally retarded looking male vampire- emerged from his side view angle to aid his demon brother.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, I\u00a0love<\/i>\u00a0this dress!\u201d Snarling, she lifted her left leg, delivering a brutal front kick to the second vampire\u2019s groin. Has he gasped in pain, the slayer whimpered at the horrible sound of ripping fabric.\u00a0This was so not going to be fixable<\/i>, she fumed, giving a vicious yank to the broken wrist in her clenched hand. They were gonna pay!<\/p>\n
Using every ounce of her strength, Cordelia wrenched the vampire bodily over, grinning at the loud pop of his shoulder being disconnected. Grasping the wounded arm in both hands, she slammed the vampire into his buddy, who was still whimpering over his bruised jewels.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo what\u2019s the trauma, suckers?\u201d<\/p>\n
Vampire #2 glared up at her, his face in full demon mode. \u201cBitch! You murdered our Master!\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia chuckled and rolled her eyes. \u201cYeah? And I\u2019m gonna kill you, too! Gotta a problem with that?!\u201d Leaning over, she grasped a small wooden plank by her feet. \u201cSorry, dude.\u201d Plunging the sharpened end of the plank into his chest, she didn\u2019t notice as Vampire #1 hobbled away down the alley, clutching his battered arm.<\/p>\n
Just as the dust settled, Cordelia noticed she was down one vamp, but the other was well down at the other end of the alley.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, get back here! We\u2019re not finished yet!\u201d Fully intent on running after him, she began to sprint down the alleyway when suddenly the heel on her left pump broke off.<\/p>\n
\u201cSon of a bitch!\u201d<\/p>\n
Back inside the Bronze<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel, Willow, and Xander were nervously regarding each other in the wake of Buffy\u2019s dance-o-rama.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve been out there a long time,\u201d Willow quipped, desperate to end the uncomfortable silence. She wasn\u2019t used to being around Angel and Xander seemed to not want to be around\u00a0anyone<\/i>. The teenager\u2019s eyes were almost glowing with unbridled anger.<\/p>\n
Angel nodded in agreement. \u201cLet\u2019s go check on them.\u201d Stepping to the side, he allowed the teens to go ahead as he solemnly followed behind. Neither one of them knew what they would find outside the Bronze.<\/p>\n
The Alley<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel had his head down as he exited from the Bronze, so he almost ran into Willow and Xander, who were at a dead stop in front of him. Just as he was about to ask them what the hold up was, he saw what they were staring at.<\/p>\n
It was Cordelia. The right side of her body was facing them, as she glared down at the end of the alley. Her once perfectly crowned head of hair was now a bedraggled mess and she was breathing heavily. It didn\u2019t take rocket science to realize she had just finished a fight.<\/p>\n
Wedging himself past the two teens, Angel dashed over to Cordelia, \u201cWhat happened? Did Buffy-\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d She interrupted, her jaw working in aggravation. \u201cTwo vampires got the jump on me. I dusted one, but the other got away.\u201d Turning her head to meet Angel\u2019s eyes, the slayer pouted in annoyance. \u201cThat\u2019s\u00a0never<\/i>\u00a0happened before.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the situation, Angel couldn\u2019t help but grin. \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll live, Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rolling her eyes, the slayer saw that Willow and Xander were gawking. They\u2019d never seen her in this state of disarray. Cordelia Chase was never in a disheveled state. \u201cHey there, Xander! How was your summer?\u201d She had decided she would tell Angel later about the vamps knowing it was her who had killed the Master.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, groovy!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGroovy, huh,\u201d Cordelia smiled and she began to walk toward the two of them, when an unexpected chill graced the left side of her waist. Cordelia felt her face flame red as she realized how far up\u00a0that<\/i>\u00a0slit on her dress now was. \u201cAngel,\u201d she whispered, \u201cCan I borrow your coat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat for?\u201d<\/p>\n
Not wanting to speak out loud, she grabbed his right hand placed it on her now bare hip. Cordelia shivered at his cool touch. \u201cI had to kick one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel felt as if his hand had caught fire. He was touching her golden skin and oh, did it feel good! Looking into her hazel eyes, Angel let his pinkie finger caress down her heated flesh. Smiling, Angel delighted in his discovery. She\u00a0hadn\u2019t<\/i>worn underwear.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened with Buffy, Cordy?\u201d Xander asked, breaking the brief moment between vampire and slayer.<\/p>\n
Shaking herself away from Angel\u2019s dark gaze, Cordelia looked over his shoulder at Xander. \u201cNothing much, just major baggage.\u201d Still keeping her eyes on Xander, she tugged on Angel\u2019s sleeve. \u201cShe doesn\u2019t seem all that ready to talk about whatever is bugging her.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a wide grin still adoring his angelic face, he slid off his coat, grinning ever wider when she snatched it out of his hands to cover herself. He liked how she looked in his clothes.<\/p>\n
Feeling a little more secure, now that her damaged dress was covered by Angel\u2019s coat, Cordelia moved past the vampire toward her fellow classmates. \u201cSay,\u201d she began, giving them her famous smile, \u201cHow\u2019s about we blow this pop stand for an all night diner? I\u2019m just\u00a0not<\/i>\u00a0feeling the Bronze right now.\u201d Both teens agreed in unison.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d Cordelia turned back to the vampire. \u201cYou game?\u201d<\/p>\n
Slowly, Angel nodded, coming to stand with them. Angel considered Cordelia with careful scrutiny- she just made him want to feel a part of something. If felt nice.<\/p>\n
Finally feeling at ease with one another, all four proceeded to head away from the Bronze\u2019s main alley toward town.<\/p>\n
Xander started to giggle as he realized the reason why Cordelia was limping was because on of her high-heeled shoes was broken. \u201cOh, shut up, Harris!\u201d Cordelia grumbled, when she saw what he was sniggering at.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey,\u00a0itoko<\/i>. You still fighting with everyone?\u00a0Oyaoya<\/i>!\u201d<\/p>\n
Cousin<\/i>? Cordelia stopped dead in her tracks and spun around to face the owner of that deep, teasing voice. Not standing more than ten feet from her was a handsome, well-dressed Japanese man in his twenties. The huge smile on his face only got wider at her stunned expression.<\/p>\n
\u201cJin<\/i>?!\u201d<\/p>\n
London, England
\nWatcher\u2019s Council, Headquarters in London<\/b><\/p>\n
Daniel Augustus Bellaver dipped his quill into his ink vial, loving how the dark liquid dangled at the tip. He was a fan of the past and a lover of history. Never had he, in his adult life, used anything but quill and aged parchment for writing. Bellaver absolutely detested pens and pencils. The vulgar things had no grace.<\/p>\n
Just as he was about to conclude his letter to Quentin Travers, the head of the Watcher\u2019s Council, he was interrupted by a quite knock at his office door. \u201cEnter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vinessa Chandler, his secretary and also a Watcher-in-training, entered through the massive oak doors. \u201cYes?\u201d He asked in his infamous cold voice, not even bothering to grace her with a look as he continued his work. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry to bother you, sir,\u201d Vinessa began. She was a strong woman, or she wouldn\u2019t have been able to remain as his secretary for so long. Other girls had tried, but they couldn\u2019t stomach the man\u2019s cold and callous manner. He wasn\u2019t lecherous, which had at first surprised the honey blonde, whose first aspiration was to become a model. He was just the most unfeeling man to have ever walked the planet. Vinessa was sure even Hitler had more heart. \u201cJulius Sandefer is here to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n
That got a reaction, as Bellaver jerked his head up, snapping his hard hazel eyes at her. \u201cIs he now?\u201d She nodded in confirmation. \u201cShow him in and go ahead and leave for the rest of the day.\u201d Vinessa blinked in surprise. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, you\u2019ll be paid,\u201d he sneered at her expression.<\/p>\n
The blonde\u2019s own blue-green eyes turned just as hard, \u201cThank you for your generosity, sir. I\u2019ll show him in.\u201d Turning on her heel, she exited, grateful for the blessing that was this Julius Sandefer. She was free of Daniel Bellaver for a whole, precious day.<\/p>\n
Bellaver rose from behind his desk and walked over to the small bar he kept just for the kind of guest he was about to expect. Pulling out two glasses, he was just about to pour a brandy, when his doors opened again. The man with the ordinary face, but unordinary eyes came in. \u201cHow are you, Daniel?\u201d Julius Sandefer smiled at his old friend and mentor.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be fine and well, Julius, when you inform me about my granddaughter,\u201d His eyes glittered with purpose as he handed the gray eyed man his brandy.<\/p>\n
\u201cSame old hard-assed, Bellaver.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI hate change.\u201d The Watcher flashed a malicious smirk, and went to take a seat with his glass of brandy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell,\u201d he began as he followed the older man to take a seat in the dark leather chairs. \u201cShe\u2019s back in Sunnydale and according to what my associates tell me she has already made contact with Angelus.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bellaver slowly shook his head, \u201cNo.\u00a0Angel<\/i>. He is not Angelus-\u00a0yet<\/i>.\u201d The sinister grin appeared on his face again has he contemplated what that met. Should any of the other Watchers found out what he was up to, what had been brewing for generations, he would surely be lynched.<\/p>\n
Sandefer rolled his eyes, \u201cWhomever. They seem to be getting quite close in such a short time. She\u2019s only been back in town for about two days.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is to be expected.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sandefer was a Watcher as well, even though he had made Angelus believe that he was an assassin for hire. Now that had been fun! Seeing the vampire\u2019s reactions to the threat of Buffy Summers\u2019 friends and family. Of course that had been a fabrication. The only two targets that required termination were the women from the airport. But the deep set lie was needed to keep Angel off Cordelia Chase\u2019s trail until she completed her training in Sendai.<\/p>\n
Julius Sandefer trusted his mentor with his life. He had too. Only Daniel Bellaver knew that it had been he who had killed his slayer, Corrine Sweeney. She had been the slayer before India Cohen. It was necessary to kill his darling girl. They needed to speed up the process of the Slayer line.<\/p>\n
To make way for Cordelia Chase.<\/p>\n