Part 22<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia stretched her tired limbs. Between bouts of lovemaking, she\u2019d only managed to get a few hours sleep. She propped her head up to watch her sleeping manpire. He looked so peaceful with a small smile gracing his lips, but she was awake and bored.<\/p>\n
A wicked idea came to her. She knew he hated waking up alone and he hadn\u2019t appreciated an elbow to the ribs as a wakeup call either.<\/p>\n
She climbed out of bed, careful not to rouse him. After digging under the bed, she pulled out her prize. She silently set her plan in motion. She wriggled her way under the bed and secured the hooks to the solid steel frame Angel had custom made. She pushed the ends in four directions before crawling out.<\/p>\n
She quickly ran the length through the metal loops as quietly as possible. Once they were secure, she began clamping the ends into place. An evil smile crossed her features as the last one snapped shut. *I am so very bad.* She slid the crank into place. Mental note thank Fred later. She slowly turned the lever until she was satisfied with the result.<\/p>\n
Cordy stepped back and admired her work. Angel was securely chained to the bed. Thanks to the brilliant physicist, she was able to choose exactly how she wanted him positioned. His arms were stretched out wide leaving him little maneuverability while his legs were only a few inches apart.<\/p>\n
Her mate was completely at her mercy. She dropped the key on the nightstand and crawled onto the bed. She straddled his legs but didn\u2019t sit down.<\/p>\n
Her eyes remained glued to his face as she began dropping kisses on his chest. She gave the small male nipple a few licks, watching it harden and pebble before giving its twin the same loving treatment. He showed no signs of waking. She trailed kisses down his body. Her eyes left his face to admire his semi-flaccid cock. She planted her hands on either side of his hips. Her head dipped and she slowly licked the length of his growing erection.<\/p>\n
A smile formed as it twitched and jumped against his stomach, desperately in search of the warm source. Her mouth moved lower lavishing attention to the pouch of flesh. After a few licks, nips and some gentle sucking, his hips began to move. She worked her way back up to lick the weeping tip. It tried to jump into the warm cavern of her mouth but she moved away.<\/p>\n
Angel didn\u2019t want to wake up. He was having the most delicious dream but a very alert part of him demanded he regain consciousness immediately. He was surprised that Cordelia\u2019s warm body wasn\u2019t in his arms. Annoyance quickly turned to shock when he couldn\u2019t move his arms. His eyes shot open. He was chained to his bed and something warm was teasing his groin. \u201cCor?\u201d<\/p>\n
She rose upright on her knees. \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you doing and why am I in chains?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell I woke up and since you were still sound asleep, it gave me some time to think. It occurred to me. If Donna was so right about this,\u201d her fingers stroked his mark, \u201cthen maybe she was right about other things. I felt it was my duty as your mate to explore the possibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Amusement and raw desire filled his eyes. \u201cIs that so?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYup. You\u2019re totally at my mercy.\u201d<\/p>\n
His arms tested the chains. \u201cThese are in case I ever lose my soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTrue. I must say I\u2019m very pleased with Fred\u2019s design. Thanks to her modifications, I can choose how tight the chains are without decreasing their security. I can make them loose and give you some mobility or they can stretch tight, painfully so should I choose. I think I prefer the in-between. You can\u2019t really move but spread eagle can be rather\u2026invasive. I have to submit to an annual exam involving stirrups. This isn\u2019t about making you feel vulnerable or exposed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is it about?\u201d<\/p>\n
The evil glint in her eyes returned. \u201cWhy torture of course. No more talking. Just remember good vampires get rewarded.\u201d She rested on all fours. Her head dipped giving his length slow licks and nips.<\/p>\n
Angel struggled in vain. He didn\u2019t care how but he needed to be enveloped in her warmth. Her teasing had him painfully hard before he woke up. His patience was already gone. \u201cCor please!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBad vampire! No talking.\u201d She bit his hip then soothed the bite with her tongue.<\/p>\n
His hips bucked at the pleasurable pain. \u201cFuck!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBad vampire.\u201d Her mouth moved down his leg.<\/p>\n
His neglected cock sent an ache through his entire body. \u201cPlease,\u201d came out in a whisper.<\/p>\n
\u201cStupid vampire.\u201d Her kisses moved further south.<\/p>\n
He couldn’t stop his whimpering, but he bit his lip to prevent any further begging.<\/p>\n
At his silence, she began kissing and licking her way back to his very angry, straining flesh. Still she refused to take him fully into her mouth. She nipped the sensitive spot beneath the tip. His cock made another desperate attempt to jump into the warm cavern.<\/p>\n
Angel clenched his hands into fists. It took all his strength not to plead with her.<\/p>\n
She smiled at his continued silence. \u201cGood vampires get rewarded.\u201d Her hand wrapped around him to support the base. She gently sucked on the tip before swallowing him to the root.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes!\u201d If he could move, he would have hit himself in the head.<\/p>\n
She released him with a soft pop. \u201cYou\u2019re a very bad vampire. I guess you don\u2019t want to be rewarded.\u201d<\/p>\n
He bit his bottom lip so hard he drew blood.<\/p>\n
Cordelia noticed his bloody lip and his trembling form. She crawled up his body. Her tongue traced the injured lip, tasting the coppery tang of his blood. She lowered her hips to tease his length, moaning at the way the friction made the bundle of nerves tingle. She devoured his mouth echoing his groan with one of her own.<\/p>\n
He whimpered as she rose up on all fours again but he didn\u2019t speak. He didn\u2019t scream and he didn\u2019t cry though he wanted to do all three.<\/p>\n
She watched his tortured expression and decided to take pity on him. Her hand wrapped around him as she hovered above him. In one fluid motion, her hips crashed down taking him in to the hilt.<\/p>\n
\u201cChrist!\u201d Tears of frustration pricked his eyes. \u201cPlease baby. I can\u2019t take any more.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShh. It\u2019s okay.\u201d She didn\u2019t want to make her sweet manpire cry and truth be told her need was too great to stop. She began to move knowing they were both so close already.<\/p>\n
Angel wanted to shout for joy when she didn\u2019t leave him but he was too afraid to press his luck. He did his best to thrust his hips. He couldn\u2019t believe she\u2019d managed to chain him up without waking him. The fluttering of the hot sheath surrounding him snapped his mind out of its reverie. He groaned at the sight of the beautiful brunette riding him with wild abandon. *God I love her.*<\/p>\n
She quickened her pace and began to stroke her clit. His eyes hungrily followed her ministrations. She smiled at his strained expression seconds before she threw her head back and screamed her release.<\/p>\n
Her body clenched around him, pushing him over the edge, milking him. He howled her name as he came hard. The intensity of his orgasm left him panting for air his body had no use for.<\/p>\n
Cordelia collapsed on his chest. Her muscles had turned to mush.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou could give Angelus lessons on torture.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her giggling vibrated through his body. \u201cI didn\u2019t realize how easy you\u2019d be to break. I think Angelus is just a big cuddly carebear with fangs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou broke me a long time ago and you have a new wardrobe to show for it.\u201d He couldn\u2019t stop a smile from forming. \u201cDo you think you could unchain me now?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat depends on whether or not you\u2019re planning on seeking revenge.\u201d She watched him try to force a lie past his lips.<\/p>\n
He sighed. \u201cThere will be revenge but not right now. It\u2019ll be when you least expect it.\u201d<\/p>\n
She reluctantly rolled off him and grabbed the key. Instead of unlocking him, she sat down on his stomach. \u201cAm I a total freak for doing that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d His expression grew serious. \u201cThere was nothing wrong or depraved about this.\u201d He smiled. \u201cIt was however pretty cruel.\u201d<\/p>\n
She returned his smile. \u201cYou make me feel like I can do anything, be anything and try anything. I love you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you too. You\u2019re the only one for me, Cor. You are my best friend, my lover and my true love all rolled into one incredibly beautiful package. I\u2019m so happy it\u2019s almost scary. I keep expecting to wake up from this dream only to discover you don\u2019t really want to be with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s never going to happen. I\u2019m yours.\u201d Her fingers traced his mark. \u201cYou\u2019re stuck with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re the most amazing woman I\u2019ve ever known. You know I didn\u2019t mean what you overheard me say to the conduit, right? I would have said anything, done anything, or sold anything to save you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know. I think I was on information overload at the time. I was so confused and then Skip showed me my greatest fear.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou were always more important to me than the visions. You still are.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that now. You know what else?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDonna really is a genius.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s chest rumbled with a deep laugh. \u201cI have to agree but don\u2019t think you\u2019re off the hook.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been 24 hours, kittens. Has anyone called to check on them?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you kidding me Lorne? Which one of us do you think is stupid enough to interrupt whatever is goin\u2019 on up there?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on muffin. I came here for the gossip. I can\u2019t get any if none you big strong heroes call up there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe did write we would call, Gunn.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGo right ahead, English. I don\u2019t have a death wish. I haven\u2019t heard any bad screaming or breaking of furniture so either they\u2019re gettin\u2019 their freak on or one of them is already dead or dust. I don\u2019t want to vacuum any dust or dispose of any body and I\u2019d like to live with all my appendages attached. The phone works both ways. They\u2019ll call if they need something.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI suppose you are right. I\u2019m not terribly eager to speak to Cordelia. Even if this plan should prove helpful, I doubt she\u2019ll be too pleased with us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow is the translation coming?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m almost done. I will need your assistance with the math. There is a formula that predicts the date of this particular apocalypse. I will give you the information once I\u2019ve double checked the translation of the frame of reference. It won\u2019t work correctly if you use the wrong starting date.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSpeak American, English.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley pinched the bridge of his nose. \u201cIt\u2019s not like you start counting from zero or even one. First you must plug in a specific date which in this case I believe is 130 days into the year of 1320 AD. It coincides with\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStop. Forget I asked.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell I\u2019m not scared at all. I know we\u2019ll stop this apocalypse. Cordy told me Angel has stopped these things before. She mentioned something about the girl with the funny name too but he has us now so he doesn\u2019t need her.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHer name is Buffy and did Cordelia happen to mention the time Angel was the one trying to end the world?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh pooh. That doesn\u2019t count. He was Angelus and Angelus is gone now. Well not gone gone \u2018cause the potion only lasts for a year. How will Angel and Cordelia buy more? A million dollars is a lot of money. We\u2019re gonna need more paying clients. I bet Angel won\u2019t get mad when Cordy insists on going after our clients that can afford to pay but don\u2019t. I wonder if he\u2019ll start doing that too. I bet a vampire would make an effective collection man. He could even work for the mob. Only that would be illegal and kinda bad too. Cordy wouldn\u2019t approve. Definitely not. Maybe they could win the lottery. I could come up with a formula to pick the right numbers. I always won the guess how many jellybeans are in the jar contest back home. It was just a matter of calculating the dimensions of the\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPixie cat, I will steal you a million dollars if you don\u2019t finish that story. Not that it wasn\u2019t fascinating; I just can\u2019t talk numbers without a Seabreeze in my hand.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s alright. I probably shouldn\u2019t tell that story anyway \u2018cause the last time I won, I ate the whole jar in one sitting. I got so sick. Mama said it was wrong to be a glutton. I told her I wasn\u2019t tryin\u2019 to be a glutton. Mary Sue dared me to eat the whole jar and I couldn\u2019t turn down a dare. Mama said that was a silly reason to make myself sick. I got so sick that I haven\u2019t had another jellybean since. Thinking back, Mary Sue was probably just jealous \u2018cause she came in second.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo no jellybeans for my girl. How about I go get you some tacos instead?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh Charles, you\u2019re the best.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a tough job but somebody\u2019s got to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know, Pixie cat, I must say that your rambling has gotten a lot more linear.\u201d<\/p>\n
A huge smile spread across Fred\u2019s face. \u201cReally?\u201d
\n***<\/p>\n
Cordelia glanced at the phone. \u201cI can\u2019t believe they haven\u2019t called to check in. Wesley\u2019s letter said they would.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey probably value their personal safety too much.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHmmph. Aren\u2019t they even a little curious about what\u2019s happened up here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey know we\u2019re in love and there\u2019s no way we could have avoided each other since we\u2019re locked in. They want us to be happy and we are.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re right.\u201d She snuggled deeper in his embrace.<\/p>\n
\u201cI satisfy you, don\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPfft! Are you kidding? Most of LA probably heard how much you satisfy me. Why the sudden insecurity?\u201d<\/p>\n
He shrugged. \u201cMy body isn\u2019t warm like yours.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, you may lack body heat but you most definitely spread fire with your touch. You\u2019re an amazing lover.\u201d He looked at her with a goofy grin. \u201cDork.\u201d She lifted her head off his shoulder again. \u201cDo I satisfy you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSatisfy is way too tame of a word to describe you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a good non-answer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCor, you are an incredible lover. I can\u2019t imagine a more perfect mate.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou do bring out a wild streak I never even knew existed. In fact, it may prove to be just the tip of the iceberg.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOoh I like the sound of that. I\u2019m at your disposal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re the one with the vast experience. How about you inspire me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can do that.\u201d He quickly rolled on top of her.<\/p>\n
\u201cAww dammit! Not now. You totally freaking suck!\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel pulled away, hurt. \u201cSorry. I thought you wanted\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStupid vampires. Can\u2019t you wait? You\u2019re timing really sucks.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVampires? As in plural? Cordy, what\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m on vacation. Why can\u2019t they respect that?\u201d She blinked and focused on her very confused lover. \u201cVision. There\u2019s a gang of vamps that decided tonight is a lovely night to crash a beach party.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA vision? That\u2019s\u2026in the future, do you think you could, oh I don\u2019t know, give me a signal so I know you\u2019re not talking to me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI quote, \u201cAww dammit! Not now. You totally freaking suck,\u201d end quote.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay. Tell me more about the vision. How many vamps?\u201d<\/p>\n
She closed her eyes. \u201cIt looks like there are ten. We better all go. We have a few hours before we need to leave. You go start the shower while I call the gang.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOK\u201d<\/p>\n
She admired his bare butt as he left. \u201cStupid vampires. They couldn\u2019t just wait a few days to be dusted.\u201d She dialed the office\u2019s main line.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel Investigations, we help\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey Wes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia. Is everything all right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. I just had a vision. 10 vampires are going to crash a beach party in a few hours. Angel and I are going to shower and dress. Take down the barrier spell. We\u2019ll be downstairs soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course. Have you\u2026have the two of you talked?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cActually we figured out the whole we\u2019re in love thing at the Center.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou did? You didn\u2019t seem\u2026you were arguing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo? Have you met us? Did you really think an admission of love would mean we wouldn\u2019t argue anymore? I thought you were supposed to be the brains of the operation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a hot shower and a really hot manpire waiting for me. Gotta go.\u201d She hung up the phone and headed into the bathroom.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Wesley stared at the phone for a moment before hanging it up. \u201cLorne, can you please remove the barrier spell?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs there something wrong, muffin? She didn\u2019t stake him, did she?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. She had a vision.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShould I call Charles?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. The Mexican restaurant is only ten minutes away. We have a few hours. It\u2019s a gang of vampires so there\u2019s no need for research. In the mean time, I\u2019ve double checked the frame of reference.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred glanced over the paper he\u2019d handed her. \u201cI can do this no problem. Just give me a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat. I\u2019ve almost finished translating the where. I\u2019ll leave the when in your capable hands.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWes, I know it\u2019s only been a day but did they have enough time to really talk?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cApparently they had the talk during the retreat.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s wonderful. I knew they\u2026oh. Was Cordy mad?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry Fred. She\u2019s happily in love. I\u2019m sure she\u2019s not angry, especially not at you.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Cordelia smacked his hands away from her shirt. \u201cWe have to go downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have lots of time. It\u2019ll only take ten minutes to grab some weapons on our way to the car.\u201d His hand slipped under her shirt.<\/p>\n
She slapped his hand again. \u201cI\u2019m going downstairs. You can stay up here if you want.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened to the word no being prohibited?\u201d<\/p>\n
She gave him her patented innocent face. \u201cI never said no.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSmacking my hands is the same thing as saying no.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t pout. After we dust these vamps, we can come back here and I\u2019ll say yes as much as you want.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel smiled a goofy grin. \u201cOK\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI need you to make me a promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI promise not to say no too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot that, like there\u2019s a danger of that happening.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI need you to promise not to hurt Wesley.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo matter what gets said, I need you to promise not to hurt Wesley.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy would I hurt Wes?\u201d<\/p>\n
A devious smile crossed her face. \u201cJust promise me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOK. I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cI worked the math again. My numbers are correct.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAt least we have a few weeks to prepare. When really isn\u2019t the problem.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn did his best to talk with a mouth full of taco. \u201cSo what\u2019s the problem, besides the ending of the world?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley rolled his eyes. \u201cIt seems\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey girl. Wes was just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s nothing that can\u2019t wait.\u201d He closed the folder and nervously hid it behind his back. \u201cYou two seem happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia squeezed Angel\u2019s hand. \u201cWe\u2019re very happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand the barrier spell was unnecessary. I hope there are no hard feelings. We had the best of intentions.\u201d Wesley addressed Angel but he was really talking to Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cI should have known it wouldn\u2019t be needed. You can only fight kyerumption and moira for so long.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy returned Fred\u2019s smile. \u201cThe truth spell came in handy. We talked during the retreat but we could talk more freely in Angel\u2019s suite. And as Wes has pointed out in the past, Angel and I have had our share of problems with secrets. I know how much Wes values honesty.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell I do think honesty is important in love and friendship.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel and I agreed not to keep any more secrets. In fact, thanks to the truth spell, I was able to put one secret to rest. I finally managed to convince Angel he has no reason to be jealous of our history.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI beg your pardon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYour email message about our passionate encounter in LA had Angel\u2026curious about us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd in your later message, you referred to our relationship. It kinda opened up a can of worms I think we both wanted to keep closed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry Wes. I explained the whole thing. There were a few tense moments. The truth spell meant I had to tell him everything. I had to tell him about all the strolls in the park to get coffee when we were still in the old office, the private meetings we had when Angel began acting weird, all the times you showed up at my place late at night and we can\u2019t forget about the occasional sleepover.\u201d<\/p>\n
She gave Angel\u2019s hand another squeeze, hoping he\u2019d keep his promise. \u201cHe wasn\u2019t too happy but I assured him it was just us being good friends. I knew it was only your friendship I was after. I couldn\u2019t speak for you but I was able to tell him you never gave me the impression you were interested in more. Well there was that one time when you, Gunn and I got really drunk together. You accompanied me back to my place and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWHAT?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia turned to her enraged vampire still holding her hand. \u201cI left that one out, didn\u2019t I? Sorry. To be honest, I don\u2019t remember much about that night. Wes, maybe you could tell Angel about that one, since you\u2019re so into honesty and no secrets.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley stood there opening and closing his mouth like a fish.<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn dawg! I remember that night. Cordy hailed a cab and you jumped in claiming she was too drunk to go home alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia placed a restraining hand on Angel\u2019s chest when he began to stalk towards the stuttering Englishman. \u201cRelax. Don\u2019t forget your promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou never said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCalm down. I was only teasing. Wes passed out on my couch about five seconds after we walked through the door. He would never try to take advantage of me.\u201d Her eyes narrowed as she glared at her shaky friend. \u201cYou knew Angel was in love with me and you never said anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley finally regained his power of speech. \u201cI couldn\u2019t betray Angel\u2019s confidence. I did try to encourage you both to be honest in your feelings.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo nothing happened between you and Wes?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDuh. I told you I planned to torture him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes but you didn\u2019t say anything about giving me a heart attack.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t be so melodramatic. I just wanted to make Wes squirm.\u201d She rose up on her toes and planted a quick kiss on Angel\u2019s lips.<\/p>\n
Wesley stood tall. \u201cYou haven\u2019t asked about the apocalypse.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe apocalypse is quite real or it will be if we don\u2019t stop it. We have a few weeks to prepare.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure it\u2019s nothing we can\u2019t handle.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019re right. We\u2019ll have plenty of help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley looked directly into Cordelia\u2019s eyes, a smirk firmly set on his face. \u201cIt\u2019s in Sunnydale. This should prove quite a treat for you. You haven\u2019t been back since you graduated. Are you alright? You look a little pale.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia sank onto the red couch. \u201cSunnydale? You\u2019re sure?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u201d<\/p>\n
She scowled at Wesley\u2019s smiling face. \u201cYou suck.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes this mean we\u2019re all going to Sunnydale?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes Fred. Sunnyhell here we come.\u201d She rested her head against Angel\u2019s shoulder when he sat next to her.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t pack your bags yet. We still have some time. I\u2019ll call Giles in the morning.\u201d He watched his friends cuddle on the couch and smiled. His smile faded. \u201cBloody hell! You didn\u2019t. Please tell me that isn\u2019t what I think it is. You couldn\u2019t have possibly been so rash as to complete the mating ritual already.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re two consenting adults, Wes. It ain\u2019t that big a deal as long as they don\u2019t share any details.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot that kind of mating, Gunn. What were you thinking? I can\u2019t believe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia jumped off the couch and grabbed Wesley by the arm, dragging him into the office. Angel followed behind until the door closed in his face.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, I can\u2019t believe you did this. Tell me he only bit you. Angel didn\u2019t actually\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRecite the poem? Yes he did. We talked and we made the decision. Together.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you have any idea of the severity of your decision?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re married in a vamp kinda way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so much more than that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn marriage, divorce is an option. With vampires, until death do you part is written in stone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you suggesting Angel might kill me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course not. I\u2019m\u2026you\u2019re a young, vibrant woman. You have your whole life ahead of you. You may want to have a family someday. You may decide you want to be with someone you can grow old with. You\u2019ve just given up those options. And what happens in a year from now when the potion wears off? A million dollars a year is a lot of money. How will you afford that kind of expense or have you decided to give up intimacy as well?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLook Wes. Maybe I don\u2019t have all the answers right now but Angel and I will find a way to make it work. So vampires can\u2019t have children, you\u2019ll loan me a cup of your swimmers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBe serious.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t even know if I want children. Our lives are dangerous but if I do decide I want to, we\u2019ll find a way. Being the only one to age may be hard but being sixty with a hot young stud on my arm could be fun. The money is going to be a problem but I have confidence in Angel. Given the motivation, he will get the money. Maybe we can embezzle it from Wolfram and Hart? I still have my crown from Pylea. We can sell it. Or maybe we\u2019ll find a way to get it for less. The specialist might be willing to negotiate for something other than money.\u201d She clutched Wesley\u2019s hand. \u201cI may have more questions than answers but there is one thing I know without a doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd that is?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to spend the rest of my life with Angel. Now be a good friend and tell me how happy you are for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
He caved under her pleading eyes. \u201cI am happy for you and I will do whatever I can to support you. However my sperm is completely off limits. Angel was a second away from decapitating me because we might have shared an affair in the past. I shudder to think what he might do if you were carrying my child.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo kidding. I told the dumbass I was planning on torturing you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was rather unkind of you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou didn\u2019t tell me Angel loved me, you locked me in a room and you put a truth spell on it. If you ask me, you got off easy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t the only responsible party.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah but Gunn and Lorne just went along for the ride I\u2019m sure and who could get mad at sweet Fred? Plus, watching you squirm is always fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWere you really serious about Sunnydale?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m afraid so. Don\u2019t worry. Buffy poses no threat to you. Angel would never have gone through with the claim if he had any reservations.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know but we\u2019re going there to save the world, not start World War III.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI see your point. Would you like me to tell Giles? He could tell Buffy before we arrive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll let Angel decide that. He may want to be the one to tell her.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre we okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is your life, Cordelia. I just want you to be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen we\u2019re okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia enveloped him in a tight hug. \u201cNext to Angel, you\u2019re my best friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs are you mine.\u201d He wiped his eye. \u201cCome on. We better get out there before Angel gets the wrong idea. I\u2019m rather fond of my head. I prefer to keep it right where it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe promised me he wouldn\u2019t hurt you but we better not test him any further. Do you know that dumbass didn\u2019t read the info on the potion?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? I told him to read the entire file.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell my anal retentive manpire decided to skip that part.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHas he become more aggressive?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA little but nothing scary. He\u2019s pretty possessive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s hardly new. Some of us noticed that particular trait quite some time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t start. How was I supposed to figure it out? I\u2019m not even blond.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wes rolled his eyes as they exited the office.<\/p>\n
Cordelia approached her sulking love. She planted herself on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter with you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou did it again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid what? I wasn\u2019t even in the room to do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s my point. You shut me out. Again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWes and I needed to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou were talking about us. I should have been in there too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t going to allow Wesley to make you feel guilty or to second guess yourself. Wes was concerned and he needed to be reassured.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe doesn\u2019t want you to settle for a life with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was concerned for my happiness so I assured him that only a life with you can make me happy. You know he loves you. He\u2019s just too logical for his own good.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe made some excellent points.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDidn\u2019t anyone ever tell you eavesdropping is bad?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat else was I supposed to do? You slammed the door in my face.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI did not slam it in your face.\u201d She cradled his face in her hands. \u201cListen to me. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Our life together may not be easy but I\u2019d take the tough times with you over the best of times without you. OK?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOK.\u201d He tangled his fingers in her hair and dragged her to his lips.<\/p>\n
Cordelia moaned as the kiss deepened. She swung her leg around so she straddled his lap. His hands cupped her butt and pulled her flush against him. She pressed into his hardening form. They were oblivious to their audience.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreetings defenders of the world.\u201d David Nabbit blushed at the sight of the couple locked in a passionate embrace. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to interrupt.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s quite alright. It saves me the trouble of getting out the fire hose. What can we do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI just wanted to thank you again. Jason and Jennifer are extremely grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were happy to help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe in rewarding good work. I decided to drop off your bonus in person.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s really not\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShut up Wes. You were saying, David?\u201d Cordelia quickly crossed the room to join the conversation.<\/p>\n
He handed the eager brunette an envelope.<\/p>\n
She tore it open. \u201cThis doesn\u2019t look like a check.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not. I bought the formula…recipe…spell…whatever for the potion Angel needs. I figured he wouldn\u2019t be able to afford more.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh my god!\u201d Cordelia squealed before planting a kiss on the shocked millionaire\u2019s lips. \u201cYou\u2019re the best.\u201d<\/p>\n
Everyone braced themselves, unsure if Angel would react to the kiss or the bonus.<\/p>\n
To their relief, Angel kissed David\u2019s forehead then proceeded to ravage Cordelia\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n
Wesley tried his best to ignore his friends\u2019 passionate display. \u201cThat was very generous of you, Mr. Nabbit. It is much appreciated but I imagine you\u2019ve already come to that conclusion on your own.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood work should be rewarded. Well I have to go. We\u2019re having an emergency D&D meeting tonight in honor of Jason\u2019s return.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHave a lovely time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTell them I said goodbye whenever they come up for air.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI shall. Good night.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBye.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wes and Gunn started gathering weapons while Fred and Lorne smiled at the affectionate couple.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh for heaven\u2019s sake! Can you two control yourselves long enough to stake a few vampires?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia gasped for air. \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVision, vampires, beach party, any of this ringing any bells?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust let me go put this in the safe before we go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll be in the car.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cExcept me. You can tell me all about the battle tomorrow. If I didn\u2019t have a club to run I\u2026still wouldn\u2019t go with you.\u201d Lorne blew them a kiss as he practically skipped out of the hotel.<\/p>\n
Angel followed Cordelia into the office. \u201cNow I won\u2019t have to rob any banks. It might have hurt my redemption.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYa think?\u201d<\/p>\n
His hands slid down her curves. \u201cIt would have been worth it.\u201d He smiled. \u201cWe\u2019re going to be okay, aren\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re damn right we are. Now get your sexy undead ass moving. The sooner we dust these vamps, the sooner we get back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel tossed her over his shoulder. \u201cLet\u2019s go. It\u2019s already been far too long since we made love.\u201d<\/p>\n
She smacked his butt from her high perch. \u201cYou\u2019re insatiable.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you love me for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan\u2019t argue with that. We really are meant for each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWas there ever any doubt?\u201d<\/p>\n
The End<\/b><\/p>\n