{"id":2100,"date":"2015-06-26T20:13:02","date_gmt":"2015-06-26T19:13:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/?p=2100"},"modified":"2015-12-11T09:51:25","modified_gmt":"2015-12-11T09:51:25","slug":"times-two-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/2015\/06\/26\/times-two-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Times Two. 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

Title: Times Two<\/b>
\nAuthor: <\/b>Dannyblue
\nPosted here: <\/b>
\nEmail<\/b><\/a>
\nRating: <\/b>PG-13. Nothing you wouldn\u2019t see on the show.
\nCategory: <\/b>Time Travel
\nContent: <\/b>
\nSummary: <\/b>A sequel to Time Trip<\/b><\/a> Angel gets a glimpse of his future.
\nSpoilers: <\/b>Takes place after \u201cProvider\u201d on ANGEL. Also general BtVS
\nDisclaimer: <\/b>The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
\nDistribution: <\/b>Anywhere, just drop me a note so I’ll know where.
\nNotes: <\/b>This is the answer to a challenge made to me by Yabyumpan<\/b> over at the Stranger Things Forum. I didn\u2019t exactly follow the challenge to the letter, but I think this works too.
\nThanks\/Dedication:<\/b>
\nFeedback:<\/b>Yes, please.<\/p>\n

\n

Part 1<\/b><\/p>\n

The Past\u2026<\/p>\n

Angel sat alone in the mansion, in a chair that faced the cold fireplace. A first edition of Les Miserables lay, unopened, in his lap. And, in his mind,the memories were like shadows. Black as night, and sharp enough to cut.<\/p>\n

He remembered a young couple, newly married, about to spend their first night alone in their honeymoon cottage. They answered a late-night knock on their door, and were too kind to turn away a hungry, road weary traveler. A bedraggled stranger.<\/p>\n

He lingered over the meal they offered, and silently laughed at the young groom\u2019s impatience. The young man was so desperate to be alone with his new bride.<\/p>\n

As the hours wore on, as Angelus lingered over every slice of bread or hunk of cheese, asked for one more tankard of mead, the young man\u2019s impatience grew. His civility began to vanish. When his hints fell on seemingly deaf ears, he became openly rude.<\/p>\n

Finally, his embarrassed bride pulled him aside.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can it hurt to help this poor man?\u201d she asked in a whisper, unaware Angelus could hear every word. \u201cYou and I will have the rest of our lives to be alone together.\u201d<\/p>\n

And, shamed by his wife\u2019s words, the young man once again became the gracious host.<\/p>\n

Angelus started with the bride. He visited one torture after another upon her young body. And her husband of less than 24 hours, gagged and tied to a chair, saw it all\u2026<\/p>\n

Angel snapped out of his reverie, screams echoing through his memory. He took a deep, unneeded breath and glanced towards the window.<\/p>\n

The sun had set.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The patrols were an excuse.<\/p>\n

Angel, who wasn\u2019t good at self-deception, knew it. In fact, it was safe to say everyone knew it. But, still, his feet from carried him towards the Bronze.<\/p>\n

Towards Buffy.<\/p>\n

Hands in the pockets of his duster, the vampire moved through the shadows, avoiding the glow of the streetlamps more by instinct than design. He didn\u2019t have to think about where he was going. The trek had become very familiar.<\/p>\n

Every night, an hour or two after sunset, he met up with Buffy at her home, or the Bronze. Then, the two of them went of patrol.<\/p>\n

Never mind that she was the Slayer, stronger than any other human, any vampire, could hope to be. That there wasn\u2019t much she couldn\u2019t handle on her own. That they\u2019d be more effective, cover more ground, if they split up.<\/p>\n

It was a little piece of common sense they both chose to ignore. Doing the sensible thing would mean losing the one thing they had left.<\/p>\n

They\u2019d both agreed it was unwise to spend too much time together. But, on patrol, they could pretend they were together to hunt. And not just to be together.<\/p>\n

Angel turned the corner and saw the Bronze. Its sign blazed like a beacon for every teen in town to see. A steady stream of young, attractive patrons flowed through the door.<\/p>\n

Angel walked into the Bronze\u2026and was swamped by sensations. The glow, the hot energy, of youth. The sounds of hearts pumping in a hundred different rhythms, each unique and enticing. The smell of warm blood, teasing the hunger that was always there, just beneath the surface.<\/p>\n

Once upon a time\u2014in fact, not so long ago\u2014he\u2019d loved places like this. The dim lights, made mysterious by the haze of smoke. And the people, the smell of their blood getting stronger and sweeter as they danced, and laughed, and flirted. Once upon a time, on a night like this, in a place like this, his mouth would\u2019ve watered as he singled out his prey.<\/p>\n

Now, his first instinct was to flee. To get away from the sea of pulsing humanity. The temptation screaming through his veins. To go back to the mansion and sink into the darkness that was so much a part of him. Alone, as he deserved.<\/p>\n

But he couldn\u2019t. Because she was there.<\/p>\n

She sat at a table, gently swaying to the music, surrounded by her friends. Willow said something that she must not have heard. She leaned forward, so the red-head could whisper in her ear. Then, she threw her head back and laughed.<\/p>\n

Mesmerized, Angel drank in the sight of her. The youthful innocence that surrounded her. He\u2019d lost the ability to laugh that way, to smile that way, so long ago. But, watching her, he could almost remember what it felt like\u2026<\/p>\n

Just then, Willow spotted him. She offered him a shy wave. Then tapped Buffy on the arm, and she pointed in his direction.<\/p>\n

Buffy turned. She saw him. And her eyes sparkled.<\/p>\n

If Angel had had a pulse, it would have raced. As it was, the heavy weight that always pressed against his cold, dead heart seemed to lift. A little.<\/p>\n

Angel made his way through the crush of bodies. Ignored them. Focused on her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Angel!\u201d Willow said when he reached the table. And he could almost believe she couldn\u2019t remember the feel of his hands around her throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d Oz said with a quiet nod.<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel!\u201d Buffy said, her voice determinedly cheerful. \u201cI didn\u2019t think you were going to show!\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel gave her a long, hard stare. He knew that voice. It was her we\u2019ll-be-friends-if-we-can\u2019t-be-more voice.<\/p>\n

For his part, Angel doubted they could ever be just friends. They\u2019d moved too far too fast past that moment to try to recapture it now. But if this was the only way they could spend time together without her feeling guilty about it\u2014without her deciding they shouldn\u2019t spend time together at all\u2014he would try to pretend.<\/p>\n

He was about to ask if she was ready to go when there was a break in the music, which was replaced by the hum of clashing conversations. Two bickering voices cut through the chatter like a well-honed razor.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust drop it!\u201d the female voice said.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrop it!\u201d the male voice replied. \u201cHow can I *drop* it? I\u2019ve been deeply insulted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, with 18 years of experience under your belt, I\u2019m sure you\u2019re used to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

As another song started, the bickerers appeared out of the crowd. Cordelia Chase glided across the room, head held high\u2026like a princess navigating a sea of peasants. Xander Harris stomped after her, a sullen frown on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, guys,\u201d Buffy said as they approached. \u201cTrouble in paradise?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cXander\u2019s just being a dweeb,\u201d Cordelia said. She gracefully lowered herself into a chair. \u201cYou know. The usual.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just can\u2019t believe you,\u201d Xander said. Apparently too angry to notice Angel, he dropped into his seat with much less grace. \u201cGoing to a party *I\u2019m* not invited to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah,\u201d she said, as if it made perfect sense. \u201cIt\u2019s being catered by Le Mason.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOooh!\u201d Willow exclaimed, impressed. Then, she cast a guilty glance towards Xander. \u201cI mean, really?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee?\u201d Cordelia exclaimed, triumphant. She tossed her long, lustrous hair over her shoulder. \u201cEven Willow knows it\u2019s a big deal. And it\u2019s not *my* fault there\u2019s an exclusive list of guests that *you\u2019re* not on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so I\u2019m not *exclusive* enough for you?\u201d Xander demanded, looking like a whipped puppy.<\/p>\n

\u201cPfft!\u201d Cordelia answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Xand,\u201d Buffy said. \u201cWillow and I will keep you entertained. \u201cWe can go to the movies. Or watch videos\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d never go to a party *you* weren\u2019t invited to,\u201d Xander said to Cordelia.<\/p>\n

The former May Queen looked down her nose at him. \u201cYou mean like that *thing* you took me to last week? Cold pizza, warm soda, and a room full of dermatologically impaired losers, dancing like they were having a group fit? *Not* being invited to another one of those would be a compliment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning away from a sulky Xander, she glanced at the Slayer. \u201cHey, Buffy? Is that a new sweater?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, actually.\u201d Buffy straightened the hem of the black button down. \u201cJust got it today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWow. You actually look halfway decent for once. I mean, *I* might even buy that. If I was running low on cash.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Buffy\u2019s face fell, Angel frowned. Cordelia Chase reminded him of the girls he\u2019d known back in his days as Liam. And as Angelus. Wealthy. Pampered. Shallow and vain. Thoughtlessly cruel, because she didn\u2019t bother to care about other people\u2019s feelings. Preoccupied with her appearance, her social status.<\/p>\n

When he first met her, she\u2019d never missed an opportunity to flirt with him. Every attempt she made to get his attention embarrassed him more than the last, and Angel did his uneasy best to pretend not to notice.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, that hadn\u2019t lasted. Since she\u2019d learned he was a vampire, and he went on his little evil spree, she\u2019d pretty much ignored him. For which he was extremely thankful.<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel.\u201d Buffy turned towards him. \u201cAre you ready to go?\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing him for the first time, Xander frowned towards the shadows in which Angel was partially cloaked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead Boy,\u201d the teen said. \u201cI didn\u2019t see you skulking there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel didn\u2019t comment. Instead, he turned towards Buffy. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

There wasn\u2019t much activity in the Havenhurst Cemetery\u2026as one might expect. After all, it was fast after 10 p.m. Hardly a peak time for visitors.<\/p>\n

But this was Sunnydale. Walk through a cemetery in the middle of the night in this town, and you had to expect some action\u2026usually. But, tonight, all was quiet\u2026<\/p>\n

Except for the voice of one pissed off high school senior.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just can\u2019t believe Snyder!\u201d Buffy exclaimed. Stomping around a headstone, she waved a stake around for emphasis. \u201cThat weasel-faced\u2026weasel. He\u2019s determined to catch me doing *something*. And to make my life miserable until he does. And let\u2019s not even talk about Mrs. Grover\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

And she told him all about her day. The pop quiz she knew she failed. Cafeteria food that could barely be classified as food. Her mother\u2019s \u201clet\u2019s send Buffy to a college far away from here\u201d campaign.<\/p>\n

Listening to her talk about her life, her normal life, made Angel realize how far removed he was from it. She had an entire existence that didn\u2019t include him. Another life he couldn\u2019t be a part of.<\/p>\n

This was why being around her was almost as painful as being separated from her. Getting these little glimpses into her life, and knowing he would always be on the fringes of it.<\/p>\n

It was why he treasured every moment they had together. Why every moment they spent apart felt like forever.<\/p>\n

Finally, Buffy sighed and looked around. \u201cThis place is dead,\u201d she said\u2026then gave Angel a sheepish smile. \u201cPardon my pun. I think we should call it a night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel felt disappointed\u2014he\u2019d been hoping they\u2019d spend more time together tonight. But all he said was \u201cWhatever you say.\u201d<\/p>\n

And he walked her home.<\/p>\n

As they paused outside her front door, preparing to say goodbye, a familiar awkwardness settled over them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Buffy began as she shifted from one foot to the other. \u201cI guess I\u2019ll see you tomorrow night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Angel agreed, hands still buried in his pockets. It was a reminder not to give in to the urge to touch her. Because one touch was too much\u2026and would never be enough. \u201cTomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

After an uneasy pause, Buffy darted forward and kissed him on the lips. Ending it before he could truly capture it. Then, almost like the hounds of hell were on her heels, she ran into the house.<\/p>\n

Sighing, Angel walked away, melted into the shadows. Already, he was thinking of the long, empty hours that would pass until he saw her again. And the memories that would eat away at him. Reminding him he didn\u2019t deserve to even look at her, let alone love her.<\/p>\n

As he cut across the cemetery towards the mansion, he heard it. A low, tortured moan. A garbled, strangled sound.<\/p>\n

Without a second thought, he ran towards the commotion.<\/p>\n

What he saw was a demon. A demon with leathery gray skin, leaning over a boy maybe a year or two older than Buffy and her friends.<\/p>\n

The demon had one three-clawed hand on either side of the boy\u2019s head. And a long, tentacle-like tongue extended from the creature\u2019s mouth and into the boy\u2019s. Angel could see the muscles in the teens throat work as the\u2026*thing* worked its way down.<\/p>\n

Wondering if he was too late, Angel ran towards the horrifying tableau. He tackled the demon, knocked the creature away from its victim. As the boy collapsed to the ground, Angel slammed his fist against the demon\u2019s temple. The thing staggered back, it\u2019s tongue whipping wildly from side to side. A high pitched, keening squeal issued from its throat.<\/p>\n

Glancing at the boy\u2014who was either unconscious or dead\u2014the vampire pulled out a dagger. Except for several stakes, it was the only weapon he carried.<\/p>\n

He saw that, at the end of the demon\u2019s tongue, there was another mouth. With razor-sharp teeth that snapped at the air. Angel could only imagine what it had done to the victim\u2019s mouth and throat.<\/p>\n

Orange eyes glowing with rage, the thing charged.<\/p>\n

Angel parried the clumsy attack, stepping back and to the side. With a flick of the dagger, he severed the snapping tongue.<\/p>\n

Clutching at its mouth, the thing fell to the ground.<\/p>\n

Now, the demon\u2019s howl was so high pitched, it was almost beyond the range of human hearing. The sound clawed at Angel\u2019s enhanced, vampire senses, making his teeth itch.<\/p>\n

Losing an appendage would be enough to slow most beings down. Or at least tell them this was a fight it didn\u2019t want to be in. But, even as Angel took several steps back, the demon was trying to get up.<\/p>\n

Watching, Angel noticed something. The demon\u2019s entire body was covered with that leathery gray skin. It was mottled, rubbery, and looked as thick as armor.<\/p>\n

Except for on its forehead. The skin over the area mystics identified as the third eye was a smooth as a human\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Making a split-second decision, Angel cocked his arm back and threw the dagger.<\/p>\n

The knife struck with pinpoint accuracy, piercing that patch of vulnerable skin.<\/p>\n

And a wave sickly green light exploded from it.<\/p>\n

The light was like a tangible thing. A flood that covered the entire area.<\/p>\n

Angel felt as if his eyes were being bathed in slime. The light seemed to sink into his eyes, penetrating his mind, seeping into the rest of his body.<\/p>\n

The vampire squeezed his eyes shut. Dizzy, nauseous, he fell to his knees.<\/p>\n

He felt like he was spinning through a void. With no up. No down. No smell or sound. Just that sickly green light.<\/p>\n

Finally, the light started to fade. Eyes squeezed tight, Angel waited for the dizziness and nausea to pass.<\/p>\n

Taking a deep, unnecessary breath, he opened his eyes\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026And found himself in a place he\u2019d never seen before.<\/p>\n

Standing, Angel studied his surroundings. He was in a large, windowless room.<\/p>\n

\u201cA training room,\u201d he realized, taking note of the mats on the floor, the punching bag hanging from the ceiling. The weapons adorning the wall.<\/p>\n

Pausing when he saw the vases of plastic flowers placed here and there.<\/p>\n

He was about to explore a little more when he heard a door open.<\/p>\n

Frowning, he turned\u2026and saw a woman bounding down a flight of stairs. She was tall and lithe. And chin-length, brunette hair bounced with every step she took.<\/p>\n

When she got to the bottom of the stairs, she turned towards him\u2026and let out a startled shriek.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeez, Angel!\u201d she exclaimed, pressing one hand to her chest. \u201cHow in the world did you beat me down here? I thought Connor would keep you busy for at least another ten, fifteen minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eyes narrowed, he stepped forward. \u201cCordelia?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d she asked. Looking him up and down, she put her hands on her hips. \u201cWhy are you dressed like that? Those are going out clothes. Not training clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel didn\u2019t answer. Instead, he studied the young woman.<\/p>\n

It *was* Cordelia. And yet\u2026it wasn\u2019t. Not the Cordelia he\u2019d seen just a few hours before.<\/p>\n

Her hair was shorter, cut into a style that enhanced her striking features.<\/p>\n

And her clothes. Angel had known Cordelia to go demon hunting dressed in a white suede skirt and high heeled pumps. He\u2019d never seen her dressed this casually. Sweat pants, the waist rolled down to ride low on her hips. And a short-sleeved t-shirt that left her midriff bare.<\/p>\n

When several moments passed and he still hadn\u2019t spoken, Cordelia frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel,\u201d she said. Hazel eyes filled with concern, she took a step forward. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before he could answer\u2014or even think of a way *too* answer\u2014the door opened once again. And a man came down the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Cordy,\u201d he said. \u201cYou ready to get\u201d\u2014and he looked at the occupants of the room\u2014\u201cstarted?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia\u2019s mouth dropped open. Eyes wide with disbelief, she stared at one. \u201cAngel?\u201d Then, her head swung around to face the other. \u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n

A heavy silence fell over the room. The two men stared at each other. Identical expressions of shock on their identical faces.<\/p>\n

Part 2<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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