***<\/p>\n
Wesley gawked at the two pool chairs they\u2019d set up in the lobby.<\/p>\n
The woman lay sprawled sideways on the chair facing the vampire next to her, wearing a pretty blue sundress, patching shades, a straw hat and a Pina Colada dangling from her fingers.<\/p>\n
Angel calmly lay back drinking a Bloody Mary wearing his usual black pants a white vest and a string of fake violets around his neck. Then he looked at the big sign erected near their feet.<\/p>\n
\u2018ON STRIKE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t be on strike!\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia took a sip of her drink before lifting her head to peek at him from under her big hat. \u201cSays you.\u201d She pointed to them both grinning back at him smugly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is us Wesley.\u201d Reaching out she plopped a colorful little umbrella in Angel\u2019s drink. \u201cOn Strike.\u201d Angel held up his drink as if in toast.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, but, but, but, but…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou should get that fixed.\u201d Angel\u2019s face was a perfect picture of sympathy as he took a sip from his straw.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about the visions! What about the helpless! What about the two o\u2019clock clients I have lined up!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley,\u201d Cordelia sighed as she lowering her shades to let him meet her eyes. \u201cDo I look vision-y?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan I just say you look very hot?\u201d Angel smirked as dipped his head and winked at her from over his sunglasses.<\/p>\n
The brunette beamed back. \u201cWhy thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley blinked at them before he glared. \u201cNO! You can\u2019t do this! We have a schedule! We have clients! We STILL haven\u2019t finished the bloody filing!\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia lifted her hand and jingled silver charms on her wrist under Angel\u2019s nose. \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d She ignored the irritated watcher bearing down on them. \u201cI picked this up on my way over. Isn\u2019t it just the cutest?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel seemed to examine it closely. \u201cNice. Oh look there\u2019s a little Eiffel tower there too!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah! I always liked Paris. When we could afford it, I swear there wasn\u2019t a summer I did not shop till I dropped in those lovely little French boutiques. Oh the absolute sumptuousness of French Chiffon! Oh! To die for!\u201d<\/p>\n
He couldn\u2019t help but grin at her perfect delivery, and arched a very seductive Angelus-like eyebrow. \u201cStill have some?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley looked between them incredulously. \u201cAngel? Cordelia?\u201d<\/p>\n
The seer only smirked saucily at the vampire. \u201cWould you like to see it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWould Xander turn down a twinkie?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPromise not to touch?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOn my demon\u2019s honor.\u201d Angel purred low in his throat as the watcher started his temper tantrum.<\/p>\n
\u201cANGEL! Cordelia! You cannot go on strike! We have work to do! I\u2019m the boss! You have got to do what I say!\u201d<\/p>\n
With an intolerant sigh Angel let go of Cordelia\u2019s hand and leaned over to pull out a thick white book from under his chair and chucked it at Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cOOF!\u201d The watcher yelped as he caught the heavy book then read out the title. \u201cLabor Union Code 401-21: One thousand and one legal ways to get what you want, a.k.a Going on strike for dummies!?\u201d<\/p>\n
He looked up with wide eyes. \u201cYou have GOT to be joking Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have a Cliff\u2019s Notes version too if you want.\u201d Cordelia\u2019s eyes batted innocently.<\/p>\n
He stared at them as they sat back sipping there drinks. \u201cI\u2019ll fire you!\u201d<\/p>\n
An eyebrow arched on the young woman\u2019s beautiful face. \u201cOh I think not four-eyes,\u201d she gestured to her luscious figure stretched out on the pool chair, \u201cwhere are you going to get a seer that looks like this?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley nearly dropped the book.<\/p>\n
\u201cNowhere.\u201d Angel agreed with a possessive growl. \u201cAnd he\u2019s not getting this one either.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley jerked out of his trance at the warning in the vampire\u2019s tone and turned an embarrassed shade of crimson. \u201cOh. Well.\u201d Drawing a deep breath he tucked the book under his arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight then. We\u2019ll just wait until you have your vision. Then we\u2019ll just get over this little game you two are wasting agency finances on and get back to work. Until then, I shall be in my office.\u201d With a haughty nod, he pushed his glasses firmly on his nose and marched away.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood day.\u2019<\/p>\n
Cordelia bit her lip as she watched him promenading to his office. \u201cHe\u2019s right you know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen we\u2019ll have to have him cave before that happens.\u201d<\/p>\n
Catching the smirk in his voice she blinked at him before grinning at the wicked gleam in his chocolate eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m all ears, oh conniving one.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cNo Frank, just make sure you have the right paperwork. The man maybe a slave driver but he\u2019s not an idiot.\u201d Hanging up on his cell Angel paused in the lobby and one eyebrow arched up in pleasant surprise.<\/p>\n
One very plump and inviting bottom wiggled at him as Cordelia attempted to smooth down the mat that would be the playground of their mischief. Oh if the girl only knew the scenarios going through his head.<\/p>\n
His demon would be shamed. Of course, it was only a matter of time until his crafty seer would realize his obvious security where happiness was concerned since this whole drama was starting to give off very un-platonic undertones.<\/p>\n
And there was the kiss he\u2019d bestowed on her in a moment of weakness when she\u2019s swooped down and rescued him from that toothless, gravity defying saggy old hag. He figured it was justified since that fate had been one worse than hell.<\/p>\n
Been there; done that!<\/i><\/p>\n
So he was still staring at the wiggling butt cheeks and the slight peek of matching baby blue panties. The other eyebrow shot up.<\/p>\n
Hello gorgeous.<\/i><\/p>\n
Cordelia straightened her hands on her hips and grinned down at the stretched out mat. Yes. There was a god. She\u2019d managed to smooth out almost all the wrinkles and their plan was well underway. She had to admit.<\/p>\n
Her vampire sure had some good ideas left over from Angelus. She to look over her shoulder and blinked as he stared at her, a glazed far-away look in his chocolate brown eyes.<\/p>\n
Okay God didn\u2019t give beauty and brains to anyone at the same time.<\/p>\n
Except maybe Cordelia Chase.<\/i><\/p>\n
The brunette twisted her lips in a patronizing pout and frowned. \u201cHey wise-guy? I\u2019m up here.\u201d She pointed to her face and his head snapped up in alarm.<\/p>\n
Nearly stumbling over his feet, Angel walked over to the edge of the mat and cleared his throat, one hand rubbing the back of his head. \u201cSo you want the green side?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDuh!\u201d Rolling her eyes, Cordelia bent down and spun the little needle.<\/p>\n
Angel leaned over to the right and back to get a good peek at her bouncy bottom when she suddenly straightened. \u201cLeft foot green!\u201d Her shoulders smacked him in the head and he went sprawling across the floor.<\/p>\n
Cordelia looked over her shoulder. \u201cAngel, you\u2019re supposed to start losing after we begin playing the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re pushing it!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not pushing it! You\u2019re pulling it!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you just do it like it said it the instructions booklet, we wouldn\u2019t be in this mess.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you didn\u2019t fret and whine about every piddly-ass rule, you could reach it!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRules are good Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot in this case Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, Cordelia what are you\u2026\u201d And that was how Wesley found them. He looked up and startled, \u201cJesus!\u201d The stack of papers in his hand went flying up into a cascade.<\/p>\n
He stared at the vampire conveniently towering over one very uncomfortable seer.<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t just the fact that Cordelia was on all fours, her arms crossed out awkwardly in front of her and her legs precariously perched beside Angel\u2019s as he spooned Cordelia from behind; it was more the colorful polka dot plastic mat spread right in the middle of the hotel lobby that caught his attention.<\/p>\n
\u201cWHAT THE BLOODY HELL ARE YOU DOING!\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel frowned at the livid countenance on their boss\u2019 face. \u201cCan\u2019t you read?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah Wesley, can\u2019t you read?\u201d Cordelia shot back. \u201cI\u2019d point if I could, but my hands are kinda busy.\u201d<\/p>\n
When the watcher still looked confused Angel sighed, before jutting his chin towards the board beside the plastic mat. \u201cWe\u2019re on strike.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou should be on bloody medical leave! Have you both gone mad?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d When Cordelia wiggled, the vampire let out a very authentic growl \u2013 she froze. \u201cYes,\u201d she squeaked.<\/p>\n
With her hips fitting snuggly into his own Angel wondered at the brightness of his idea, but then figured his demon always had a better knack for seduction. Only he hadn\u2019t been planning on Miss Chase\u2019s plans.<\/p>\n
If she shimmied sideways to the left just a little more, he would be a VERY happy manpire. \u201cWesley?\u201d<\/p>\n
Still reeling from the picture they presented in the middle of the hotel lobby, Wesley met Angel\u2019s eyes with bewilderment. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWill you spin the needle?\u201d<\/p>\n
Incredulous wrath built behind Wesley blue eyes and he glared. \u201cNO!\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia wrinkled her nose with distaste. \u201cGeez Wes, what crawled up your pants? Oh wait\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Batting down the insane urge to fire them both, Wesley instead contented himself with the bells jingling above the front door.<\/p>\n
Thank God! Another customer.<\/i><\/p>\n
Pointing a finger at the two seemingly innocent schemers, he warned. \u201cDon\u2019t say it Cordelia.\u201d Turning around he smiled widely at the man striding up to them wearing a pressed brown suit and a briefcase in his hands. \u201cHow may we help you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m Frank Jennings from the Internal Revenue Service. I\u2019d like to see your books.\u201d The man held up his ID and Wesley launched into a whole tirade of \u2018bloody hell\u2019 and \u2018bloody fuck\u2019.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cI could have you hauled into prison for tax evasion.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley sat on the stool on the other side of the counter in the lobby, his head propped up in one hand as he looked down at the empty countertop.<\/p>\n
\u201cTax evasion! But we\u2019ve been paying bills and everything!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBills and receipts you do not have.\u201d Frank shrugged indifferently as he closed his briefcase.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do; they\u2019re just misplaced!\u201d Raising his head he glared at Cordelia and Angel struggling on the mat across the lobby.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia! Will you not tell me where you hid the utility bills!?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNope. Okay smartass. Left hand green!\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel smirked wickedly as he reached out and maneuvered himself over her, his face leveling with hers. \u201cI think the twister likes me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia had a hard time controlling her giggles, not to mention the maddened butterflies thrashing inside her ribcage.<\/p>\n
Frank looked at the two intimately twisted people on the floor then raised his apathetic eyes at Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know what kind of business you run here Mr. Pryce, but by the looks of it, I\u2019d say it\u2019s not exactly kosher. Now you have until nine tomorrow to find me those receipts. Or next time you\u2019ll be the one playing twister. With your inmates.\u201d<\/p>\n
He picked up his briefcase to leave before casting one last glance at the bulky, smirking vampire and the lithe brunette smiling up into his face.<\/p>\n
Lucky bastard.<\/i><\/p>\n
Wesley dropped his head in his hands and let out a groan. \u201cOh Lord I\u2019m going to prison. My father was right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hearing the feeble lament Cordelia bit her lip.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
She looked up startled into Angel\u2019s softened brown eyes. \u201cPractice a little resolve and remember the removable dentures.\u201d<\/p>\n
She burst out laughing, her hold giving way and collapsed with Angel on top.<\/p>\n
He smirked down at her. \u201cI win. Lose the dress.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley\u2019s head snapped up in alarm. \u201cSTRIP TWISTER!?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia grinned back, the challenge reflecting in her hazel eyes before she grabbed the hem and whipped off her dress to reveal the blue bikini top to match the panties.<\/p>\n
THUD<\/i><\/p>\n
Cordelia twisted her head around and saw Wesley\u2019s head hit the counter before she returned her gleeful gaze to her partner in crime \u2013 and lost her breath.<\/p>\n
Ohmigod, I\u2019m melting! Melting!<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWanna play another game?\u201d<\/p>\n
Her gaze dropped to the generous view down Angel\u2019s snug fitting white vest and the corded muscle in his arms. Hello salty goodness.<\/i> She had to see skin.<\/p>\n
It was only fair. \u201cYeah,\u201d she breathed out huskily.<\/p>\n
Wesley got up to call Gunn. He needed help.<\/p>\n
And fast.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cCharles Gunn! Do you or do you not remember all the times that I have aided you in your time of need!\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley walked out from around the counter and jumped as a yipping puppy sped past his feet and he reached out and grabbed it. He looked at the very tall, mocha skinned woman standing there in her mink coat while her eleven baby poodles ran amuck in the lobby.<\/p>\n
Of all the clients. But possibly bereaved dog owners? \u201cPlease hang on a moment Mrs. Crenshaw.\u201d<\/p>\n
He turned away, the puppy tucked under his arm and hissed into the phone. \u201cYou get your skinny little arse here right this moment Charles or I shall tell that nice new friend of yours about your little problem.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t dawg! You know I\u2019d fix you up if I could! You\u2019re my home-boy Wes! But this just can\u2019t wait.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry Wes. Gotta blaze.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGUNN!\u201d<\/p>\n
Turning around he threw a brave little smile at the impatient woman tapping her foot on the floor. \u201cOkay, so Mrs. Crensh \u2013 AWO!\u201d He yelped when sharp little teeth wedged into his arm and he dropped the struggling puppy with a wince.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo the twelfth one is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStolen Mr. Pryce. Right out of my little garden. We were out for a stroll.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight.\u201d He glared across the hall.<\/p>\n
Cordelia Chase sat there in her blue bikini, her legs crossed daintily as she pondered her move. Lifting her hazel eyes to meet Angel\u2019s she grinned. \u201cGo fish!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d the topless vampire smiled adoringly, \u201cthat\u2019s poker.\u201d<\/p>\n
Picking up her knight she stuck it over his and sat back smugly. \u201cCheck.\u201d One little puppy skidded across the hall straight for her legs and she lifted her feet to let it slide past. \u201cI win!\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley silently ground his teeth as the litter of puppies barked at his feet and Mrs. Crenshaw proceeded to look even more impatient.<\/p>\n
Angel leered at the woman across the little chess table. \u201cThere\u2019s still the mating Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The brunette looked up trying her hardest to keep a straight face. \u201cI\u2019m confused Angel. Is that a request?\u201d She mimicked his previous teasing question and was rewarded with a wide smile, he hadn\u2019t bestowed on her since they\u2019d been back.<\/p>\n
Finally losing his nerve Wesley scooped up one poor struggling shaved little puppy to keep it from biting his ankle. \u201cFor the love of all that is sacred! Please! Not in front of the clients!\u201d He scooped up another as it tried jumped up on the counter. \u201cAnd will one of you please get this bugger off my leg!\u201d<\/p>\n
He glared down one little baby poodle hanging from his pant leg, his sharp muzzled firmly clamped on the cloth; growling menacingly as Wesley shook his leg.<\/p>\n
Angel looked up at the watcher surrounded by the yipping poodles and the woman who had launched her whining complaints about getting unsatisfactory service and pretended to think for a minute. Wesley shot him a pleading glance, the ravenous puppy still hanging from his trousers.<\/p>\n
He turned to Cordelia. \u201cLunch?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley\u2019s mouth dropped open. \u201cYou\u2019re bloody joking! You can\u2019t! NOT NOW!\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia stood and stretched like a cat before grabbing her dress and throwing Angel his shirt. \u201cYou talked me into it, you smooth talker you.\u201d She smoothed down the flare of her dress and held out her hand to him daintily.<\/p>\n
Picking up her little stack of post-its she smacked one on their Strike-sign. \u2018Lunch break \u2013 Back at three.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cANGEL! CORDELIA!\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley looked at the pillaged lobby.<\/p>\n
Bugger. The cushions are crooked.<\/i><\/p>\n