Chapter 3: Double Trouble<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cI’m telling you, I think Angel has gone off his rocker,\u201d Cordelia warned the rest of the Scooby Gang. Willow, Xander and Oz were all gathered at the library table conducting research for Giles on the newest threat to Sunnydale and waiting for Buffy to show up from her early sweep of the cemeteries.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis surprises you?\u201d Xander stared at her. \u201cThe vamp is a walking split personality.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone has a little devil’s voice whispering naughty suggestions now and then,\u201d she returned almost defensively before remembering that she was still ticked off at Angel. \u201cI just happen to know that Angel’s little devil is a big bad demon who gets off on pushing people to the limits.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rupert Giles paced around the table listening in on the conversation. While he knew that he should be telling them to get back to the research, Cordelia’s concerns were actually quite legitimate. Lately, he too had noticed that tensions between Buffy and Angel were running high. The reason seemed obvious despite the fact that it made him cringe every time he thought of his young charge literally sleeping with the enemy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’ll have to trust that Angel and Buffy can control themselves,\u201d Giles cut in resulting in sardonic stares from Cordelia and Xander.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello!\u201d Cordelia threw her hands in the air as she reminded the Watcher. \u201cOne is a horny vampire and the other is a hormone-driven teenager. Excuse me if I don’t want my neck caught in the crossfire.\u201d<\/p>\n
Giles wasn’t certain that it was any of their business, but he explained, \u201cBuffy and Angel have assured me that they are well aware of the ramifications of pursuing an intimate relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBet that was an interesting conversation,\u201d Cordelia rolled her eyes only to receive a nudge from Xander who wanted to discourage any more talk on the subject.<\/p>\n
\u201cSlayers and vampires are natural enemies,\u201d Giles looked a little frustrated with the idea himself. In fact, he seemed more than a little irritated and confused gauging by what he said next, \u201cThey aren’t supposed to be in love. Somehow, that factor is exponentially causing some rather delicate issues with how Buffy and Angel are responding to each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia wanted to point out that Buffy wasn’t even present when Angel went wacky on her in the library. She opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan we not talk about this anymore?\u201d Xander held a hand to his stomach. \u201cThe Buffy and Angel thing just makes me sick. Major ick factor. Watching them suck face is bad enough. I don’t need to hear about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought it was just jealousy,\u201d Cordelia snapped back. Not that she didn’t get the whole vampire ick factor idea. Except that while she was pissed at Angel for being such a jerk, she could not deny the fact that his touch had left her tingling.<\/p>\n
Willow glanced over at her boyfriend sharing a silent look that suggested it was better to stay out of the conversation when Xander and Cordelia started to get snippy. Stepping in between two firing cannons might be a safer option. While Oz turned his attention back to his research, an activity that he rarely participated in, Willow failed to take her own advice. She started to worry about what would happen if Cordelia’s fears were actualized.<\/p>\n
What if Angel seduced Buffy again? Then Angelus would be back. Not a good thing. He had the nerve to kill her fish\u2014 and Miss Calendar for that matter. The vampire actually had the gall to come into her house and string up her cute little fishes. While Willow had been all too willing to cast the spell that restored Angel’s soul, she admitted to being a bit skittish around the vampire.<\/p>\n
Xander’s attention was focused directly on Cordelia. They continued to argue until she told him, \u201cYou’ve been itching to stake Angel ever since he got back from hell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNah. I wanted to do it long before then,\u201d Xander admitted. \u201cHey, does anyone else want a soda? All this research is making me thirsty.\u201d<\/p>\n
Staring at the boy, Giles wanted to point out that very little research was actually getting done. All of their time seemed to be taken up by discussing Buffy and Angel. Now they were going to load up on sugary caffeinated beverages. Trying to get them to concentrate after that would be like herding cats\u2014 completely impossible.<\/p>\n
Several hands rose at the soda offer and Xander headed toward the doors. He paused as he heard Angel’s voice just outside. Was the vamp eavesdropping? No, it seemed like he was arguing with someone.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t give a damn if these are your only leather pants,\u201d Angel’s voice clearly emanated through the doors. \u201cNow they’re mine. It’s not like you wear them anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then Angel seemed to answer his own complaint with, \u201cJust have a little respect for my things.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThose are my things,\u201d came an responding growl. \u201cYou’re the one who came along to contaminate my stuff with that pesky soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel was tired of their petty argument. \u201cEnough! We have to go in there. Just let me do the talking.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander slowly backed away from the doors. Without turning away, he called out to the gang, \u201cGuys\u2014 remember when Cor thought Angel was going crazy? Well, I think it’s finally happened. He’s out in the hallway talking to himself.\u201d<\/p>\n
The doors to the library swung open simultaneously and thanks to Xander, they were all staring in that direction. Angel and Angelus appeared side by side, striding in with the same walk and matching determined looks on their identical faces. Stopping mid way into the library both vampires found themselves subjected to wide-eyed stares.<\/p>\n
Now backing up at a faster rate, Xander joined the group. All he could muster was a repetitive, \u201cBuh-buh-buh.\u201d<\/p>\n
Willow and Oz jumped up out of their chairs, shocked at the sight before them. In a twittering voice, Willow managed to question what she was seeing, \u201cIt’s Angel\u2014 and Angelus?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat’s right, Willow,\u201d Angel confirmed standing his ground and hoping that the other vampire would do the same. Let the group get used to the idea.<\/p>\n
He noted instantly that Buffy was not among them. That meant she had not yet returned to the library after her patrol, which also meant none of the Scoobies knew about his plans.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh look, it’s Dumb and Dumber.\u201d Cordelia crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at Angel with a sudden understanding of what happened. Based on their words the other night, the vampire had found some way to do exactly as she had suggested by separating the good vamp from the bad. Only Angel had to be out of his mind to do that and bring Angelus here. \u201cIs this the part where we all hold Angelus down and let Buffy stake him?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angelus smirked at the angry expression on the cheerleader’s face. Her mouth tightened and her nose crinkled just a bit. No doubt she was thinking about the other day in the library. He certainly was. Even though Angel was in the driver’s seat, Angelus had been able to influence his behavior just enough to get a little something out of the encounter. It helped when the Soul’s thoughts were heading in the same direction. Lately, his souled self had been fighting against his sexual urges. Angelus had found that the tighter Angel tried to control things, the easier it was to break through.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia,\u201d the evil vampire raked his eyes over her adding his trademark leer, \u201cI haven’t thanked you properly for your advice. Looks like you’re responsible for my return.\u201d<\/p>\n
All eyes turned toward her, either curiously or accusingly, but Cordelia never noticed. She was far too focused on the soulless vampire giving her his full attention. Her angry bravado suddenly vanished. Deep down, she was shaking in fear. After Angel’s return, she’d put her fears behind her and tried to forget about Angelus’ threats.<\/p>\n
The evil vampire had threatened all of Buffy’s friends, but this was personal. Some of the things he’d said and the way he said them made his plans for her extremely clear. Cordelia found that her heart was racing as she met Angelus’ smug expression that told her nothing had changed.<\/p>\n
Recognizing that Angelus was letting out an almost imperceptible growl of pleasure at the scent of Cordelia’s fear in the air, Angel hoped this wasn’t an aftereffect of their encounter here in the library days ago. The last thing he wanted was Cordelia to be afraid of anything because of him. Then again, the vampire standing next to him was not really him anymore. Angelus was his own person and there were very legitimate reasons to be afraid of him.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon’t put this one on Cordelia,\u201d he turned on Angelus with a swift glare. \u201cThis was our decision. Yours and mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHer idea,\u201d countered the vamp who crossed his arms over his powerful chest. \u201cJust being polite and trying to be grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPfft!\u201d Cordelia uncrossed her arms realizing that he was mirroring her stance. \u201cI can do without any gratitude from you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is going on, Angel?\u201d Oz attempted to be the voice of reason figuring that this was a legitimate question. He could sense the fear coming off the other members of the Scooby Gang. Seeing Angelus again had them spooked.<\/p>\n
Giles finally came out of his stupor. Calmly, he placed his book on the countertop and walked directly toward the open book cage where the weapons locker was kept. Both vampires eyed his actions warily, but did not move against him.<\/p>\n
Before answering, Angel called out to the Watcher who never paused. \u201cHold off on the crossbow. Angelus can’t hurt anybody. Give me a chance to explain.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Brit’s response was to lift the weapon into a higher position taking careful aim. \u201cI am listening, but I don’t plan to do it for long.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you enjoy the champagne and roses?\u201d Angelus cut in with a query. He had to ask. It was just too tempting to ignore.<\/p>\n
Thwack!<\/p>\n
The crossbow bolt shot out in instant response only to be caught by Angelus as he used his vampiric speed to grab it. The Watcher was just too predictable at times. Poor Giles. Still so sad over Jenny Calendar’s death. The gypsy bitch! Deserved what she got. Angelus relived the memory of the satisfying crunch of her neck in his hand. Leaving her nude body in a lover’s pose upon the Watcher’s bed covered in scattered rose petals had been the only thing more satisfying.<\/p>\n
Letting out a cry of rage, Giles threw the useless crossbow to the floor. \u201cThis is not happening! I want to know what is going on here. Right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m back,\u201d Angelus let out a dark laugh at witnessing the usually unflappable man’s temper. \u201cThis time for good. What more do you need to know?\u201d<\/p>\n
Perturbed, Angel reminded the other vampire, \u201cLet me do the talking.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBuh-buh-but, this is impossible,\u201d Xander finally got it out.<\/p>\n
\u201cShut up, Xander,\u201d Cordelia yanked him toward her not wanting any interruptions before she heard what Angel had to say.<\/p>\n
Xander stared at her in shock and pointed as if sharing his discovery. \u201cThere are two of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’ve already established that, Xander,\u201d sighed Giles deeply. \u201cKeep your mouth closed until further notice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey!\u201d Willow complained. \u201cThat was mean, Giles. He’s just as surprised as we are and there is no need to yell at him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, you shut up too, Willow.\u201d That had the redhead’s mouth dropping open.<\/p>\n
Oz put his arm around his girlfriend who looked quite put out that her mentor talked back to her. \u201cLet’s just listen to what the vampires have to say.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel was starting to get a little anxious. Any second now he was going to have to tie all five of them up and gag them in order to get this explanation out. Next to him, Angelus was openly amused at the situation. He flashed Angel a wide grin and chuckled. Stupid humans, Angelus thought. He could have killed them all twice over by now.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy don’t you all sit down,\u201d Angel suggested hoping that would make the situation a little easier.<\/p>\n
Willow and Oz were the only two to take him up on it. Giles remained near the weapons locker, his gaze never leaving Angelus despite the fact that Angel was talking. Leaning against the edge of the table, Cordelia and Xander were already situated.<\/p>\n
Taking an unnecessary breath, Angel delved into his practiced explanation. He told them that he had found a way to ensure that his soul would be permanent. That he made a deal with the Moirae. Giles instantly recognized the term and turned his head to give Angel an amazed stare.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Fates?\u201d The Watcher gasped in shock, wondering how such a thing was possible considering their mythic nature and legendary status. Though the news sparked tons of questions, Giles tried to keep to the point, \u201cSo you made a deal with the Moirae to secure your soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nodding, Angel told them, \u201cI also wanted to be rid of Angelus. There was an asking price and I paid it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was actually a lot of fun,\u201d Angelus pointed out only to have his double issue a deep growl. \u201cLet me tell you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m doing the talking,\u201d Angel reminded him again that the plan included keeping certain details of their bargain to themselves. \u201cThe Moirae gave Angelus his own existence. Now he is bound by the rules of our agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander snorted. \u201cYou expect Killer Vamp Boy to follow rules?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly if I have too,\u201d sneered Angelus who suddenly moved away from Angel’s side to roam around the room. \u201cThose fucking bitches shackled me to the Powers that Be. I have to Fight-the-Good-Fight. To behave or they’ll have warning bells going off in my head.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel added with grim satisfaction, \u201cHe can’t kill humans anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perking up at the idea, Xander stepped up to Angelus who had moved within a short radius of the group. \u201cSo if I do this\u2014,\u201d the teenager whacked the vampire upside his head, \u201cyou can’t kill me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angelus released a roar of outrage. His eyes turned a deep ochre as he glared down at Xander, his hands balled into fists. \u201cNo,\u201d the vampire revealed, \u201cbut I can make you regret it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Everyone moved at once. Angelus lunged at Xander who was unfortunately too slow to avoid the attack. He grabbed the boy by the shirt and raised him up off of the floor while flashing his fangs. Xander let out a scream followed by a whimper as he was tossed to the ground.<\/p>\n
The witch and the werewolf leapt in side-by-side to pull Xander to a safer distance giving Angel the extra time to run across the rest of the distance separating them. Giles headed back into the weapons locker searching for a stake. Angelus was too close to the Scoobies for any more crossbow bolts. Not that that had worked the first time.<\/p>\n
Before Angelus could move in closer, Cordelia leapt onto his back wrapping her arms around his neck and holding on tight in hopes of preventing him from moving. Angelus’ muscular strength allowed him to ignore the sudden action. The sensation of Cordelia’s body pressing against his back proved more of a distraction than the move itself. As he paused, Angel caught up with him grabbing his arm and swinging the other vampire around to face him.<\/p>\n
Still hanging on, Cordelia let out a shout as she swung around with them. \u201cAngel, stop!\u201d<\/p>\n
Angelus’ hands moved down to hold on to the pant-covered legs tucked into his sides, enjoying the heat pressed against his back. Meeting Angel’s gaze, he smirked a bit as he ran his hands down the supple thighs. He asked Cordelia, \u201cShouldn’t that be my name you’re calling?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was going to hit you,\u201d Cordelia pointed out with exasperation.<\/p>\n
\u201cDefending me?\u201d The vampire chuckled, wondering about the real explanation.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I just didn’t want him to miss you and hit me instead.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia tried to extract herself from Angelus, but he still had a firm hold on her thighs. As she sent Angel a pleading look, he issued Angelus an order to release her. The other vampire only laughed. \u201cI don’t answer to you, Soul. As long as I toe the line for the Fates I can do anything I damn well please.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now Cordelia whacked Angelus across the head hoping to rile the vampire up enough for him to drop her. She heard a soft growl of warning at the back of his throat. It rumbled in his chest and carried through to his back where her torso was squashed against him. The short vibration sent a shock wave through her body.<\/p>\n
Angelus felt the surprised pant of hot breath against his ear, but it was followed by the increasing scent of fear. He loved that smell. \u201cDo you see her screaming in pain? Do you see my fangs biting down on her throat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngelus,\u201d warned the souled vampire through clenched teeth, \u201cI won’t have you scaring Cordelia just because you enjoy tasting her fear.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou’re still a vampire,\u201d Angelus countered. \u201cDon’t you get off on the smell of fear? I know you do. I could wallow in her scent.\u201d<\/p>\n
She asked in a small voice, \u201cLet me go?\u201d<\/p>\n
Uncurling his hands, Angelus released her and Cordelia slowly slipped down to the floor cognizant of her body’s reaction to sliding along his muscular back. Her legs were a little shaky and she was grateful when Angel pulled her around beside him effectively telling the evil version of himself to lay off.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a few more rules you are going to have to deal with,\u201d Angel stipulated firmly. \u201cAngelus, don’t ever touch what’s mine\u2014 important to me again. That goes for Buffy, the Scoobies and my stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEmpty threats,\u201d returned Angelus with a sneer. \u201cYou can’t harm me anymore than I can harm you. You’ll just have to get used to sharing and that goes for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Handing Cordelia over to Xander who walked her back to a chair so she could sit down, Angel hated the fact that she was visibly shaken by the incident. Looking back at Angelus with a harsh expression, he informed the vampire, \u201cI am going to fill the Watcher in on the rest of the Fates’ agenda. Can I trust you to behave?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angelus shifted back to his human face and batted his eyelashes innocently. \u201cLike an Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ignoring the dig, Angel caught Rupert Giles’ gaze, \u201cWe’ll need to use your office.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCertainly,\u201d Giles moved in that direction despite the fact that he had to cross Angelus’ path. Everything seemed a little hazy, which he attributed to shock. This experience was rather nightmarish. Nevertheless, he was intrigued to find out why Angel needed to talk to him in private.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou’re leaving us?\u201d Willow gleeped at the thought of being alone in the same room as the evil vampire.<\/p>\n
Xander headed for the weapons locker. \u201cI’m grabbing a few stakes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGo ahead,\u201d Angelus encouraged him. \u201cNot that they would do you any good.\u201d<\/p>\n
The vampire circled the table pausing when Oz gave him a feral sneer. Angelus glared back, \u201cThere’s no full moon tonight, werewolf, so relax. I have no designs on your little bitch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat’s pronounced witch,\u201d Cordelia put forth with a glare forcing herself to meet his gaze. \u201cWillow doesn’t deserve your insulting remarks.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCor, Cor, Cor.\u201d Angelus ran a finger along her shoulder as he came up to her position at the table. \u201cClamoring for my attention, already? Did you miss me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander returned with the wooden weapons dumping them on the table. Grabbing one of them, Cordelia pushed out of her chair so quickly that it tipped over behind her. \u201cKeep away from me or I’ll stake your evil ass.\u201d<\/p>\n
The library door opened with a bang as Buffy Summers swept into the library, her blond hair bouncing against her shoulders. Catching sight of the Scoobies, the stakes and the vampire, she asked, \u201cWhat’s up? Stake sharpening?\u201d<\/p>\n
Willow realized that Buffy still had no idea of the truth. \u201cBuffy, this is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know! Research.\u201d The Slayer shuddered. \u201cI can see the books and the stale pizza.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Buffy walked up to them, Xander attempted to gain her attention by pointing in Angelus’ direction. \u201cVampire present.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d she said flashing an intimate glance at said vamp. \u201cWe’ll take attendance later. I need to talk to Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen you might want to check out the office,\u201d Oz suggested seriously.<\/p>\n
Misunderstanding, Buffy shook her head, \u201cHere is just as good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grabbing his hand, Buffy pulled the vampire toward the stairs. Cordelia called out, \u201cGet away from him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJealous much?\u201d Buffy thought that was over ages ago. Joking, \u201cGeez, Cor. Can’t the Boy Slayer get her own vampire?\u201d<\/p>\n
With a grunt of frustration, Xander was about to yell out the fact that the vampire she was holding hands with was Angelus. Just as he opened his mouth, Cordelia clamped a hand over it. Glaring at him, she ordered him to keep silent and then passed on the message to Willow and Oz who both looked at her with reluctant acceptance. The fact that Buffy had barged in unaware of the truth was one thing, but ignoring them all just so she could cozy up to her vampire boyfriend was not acceptable.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought about what you said, Angel,\u201d Buffy told Angelus. \u201cThat’s why I’m late. I have really given this a lot of thought and I decided that it is just too risky.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cToo risky for whom?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou. Us.\u201d Buffy toyed with his hand running her fingers across the palm and over his fingers. \u201cI want you so much, Angel, but I can’t risk losing you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNever worry about that,\u201d he told her. \u201cI’ll never be too far away from you, Buff. I’ll be there at the very end, I assure you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Giving him a puzzled look, Buffy figured that he was trying to be reassuring. \u201cAngel, I’ll try to behave. No more post-Slayage kissing. I know it’s my fault. Giles says it has to do with my primal instincts coming into play.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho the hell wants that?\u201d Angelus certainly wasn’t after her kisses. As for behaving, well he had no plans for that, either.<\/p>\n
\u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angelus closed his fingers around hers and leaned a little closer to ask, \u201cWhat would you say if I told you that the decision was already a done deal?\u201d<\/p>\n
Did that mean he couldn’t get out of it? \u201cYou’ve signed a contract?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, it’s done.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy licked at her suddenly dry lips. \u201cDone? Meaning Angelus is roaming around the streets of Sunnydale?\u201d<\/p>\n
The gleam in his eye and the smirk curling his lips accompanied words that shocked Buffy to the core. \u201cGuess again, lover.\u201d<\/p>\n
A scream erupted from the Slayer’s throat as she realized this was not her boyfriend she was holding hands with, but the vampire that stalked and threatened her, the demon who murdered and tortured her friends, and the bastard who plotted to have the world sucked into hell.<\/p>\n
Yanking her hand out of his, Buffy ran over to the spot where the Scoobies had gathered to watch. Eyeing the stakes on the table, she reached for one only to hear Angel’s voice cry out from the now-open office door. \u201cWait! Killing Angelus may kill us both.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander listened to that with a gleam in his eye. \u201cTwo for the price of one stake. Bargain slaying. I like it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cZip it, Xander,\u201d Cordelia grabbed the stake out of his hand and put both his and hers on the table. Then she saw Giles emerging slowly from his office with a dazed look on his face. He was worse now than when he went in. Whatever Angel had told the Watcher in private only added to the layers of troubled concern already there.<\/p>\n
She was about to walk over to him when Angelus crept up behind her. Pointing at Buffy and his double, he chuckled in her ear, \u201cWatch this. Give them thirty seconds and you’ll see fireworks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia glanced over her shoulder at the vampire. Fireworks? Did he expect Buffy and Angel to go at it right here? Just because Angel’s soul was permanent didn’t mean he was going to jump on Buffy the second he saw her. Although Cordelia admitted that she wasn’t one hundred percent certain if the theory worked the other way around. Angel was definitely jumpable in almost any woman’s eyes\u2014 except hers of course considering that he she knew he was a vampire.<\/p>\n
Standing close to him, Buffy stared back and forth between Angel and Angelus amazed at the fact that they were exactly alike. She couldn’t tell them apart. Assuring herself that was only because Angelus was acting and pretending to be Angel, she wasn’t going to get too worried about that right now.<\/p>\n
Looking back at the souled vampire, Buffy accused him of the obvious, \u201cYou actually did it. I thought you were going to wait until we talked.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe did talk,\u201d Angel’s confusion started there and continued to escalate.<\/p>\n
Buffy put her hands on her hips expressing her irritation. \u201cNot after I had a chance to think about what you said. I told you I needed to think.\u201d<\/p>\n
Countering, Angel argued louder, \u201cBut not that you wanted to debate the issue.\u201d<\/p>\n
From Cordelia’s side, Angelus watched in amusement. Soto voce, \u201cLooks like trouble for our lovebirds and it hasn’t even been five minutes. He’d have more luck getting through to her by throwing her down on the table and giving her what she really wants.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whipping around to face him, Cordelia wondered why she was so lucky to be the one the vampire was focusing on. Complaining to him, \u201cGo away, Angelus. I don’t want to share your evil perverted thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cC’mon,\u201d the vampire nudged her with an elbow. \u201cCan’t you see the fun in it? He’s so Slayer-whipped he can hardly see straight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStop sharing.\u201d Just being near the vampire made her spine tingle. Fear, of course. She couldn’t help but react that way and Cordelia knew that he could sense it.<\/p>\n
The rest of the research session went downhill from there. Giles finally declared that the remainder of their course of study would wait until tomorrow. This was for an upcoming event scheduled to take place within a couple of weeks. Nothing apocalyptic, but rather a demon that merited a mention in a prophesy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we should take Angelus out on a test drive,\u201d suggested Xander. \u201cI wanna see him do the Fight-the-Good-Fight thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTest drive? I’m a vampire, not a Volvo.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thinking about it, Buffy reluctantly admitted, \u201cIt’s not a bad idea.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now that Angel had explained to her that Angelus was bound by specific guidelines and expectations, she was grateful that these Powers that Be had effectively leashed the evil vampire. If he wanted to have his own existence separate from the souled vampire, then Angelus would have to fight at her side along with Angel and the Scoobies. Giving him a simple test now might hint at his reaction when a real threat came along.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor once, I have to agree with Xander,\u201d commented Angel feeling a little strange about that fact. \u201cA test is exactly what Angelus needs and I have just the thing. There is a new cadre of vamps holed up in an old warehouse downtown. My\u2014 our\u2014 business with the Moirae hasn’t given me the time to tell Buffy or take them out myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA vamp nest?\u201d Willow gulped. Taking out a vampire or two was one thing, but a whole nest might include up to twenty individuals including their master. Buffy normally kept the numbers of these pared down, but the presence of the Hellmouth kept drawing more and more to Sunnydale.<\/p>\n
Angelus frowned at the idea of staking his fellow vampires. \u201cWe should start with the sewers. Clear out some of those demons down there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is your challenge, Angelus,\u201d his double informed him. \u201cWe don’t always get to choose who we come up against. Sometimes that means fellow vampires. Now that you have agreed to this bargain, it’s time to start living up to it. The Powers that Be are not going to let you sit idly by when they have charged you to help in this fight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKilling my own kind was not part of this agreement,\u201d Angelus countered sharply. Not that he hadn’t done it before. He was just making a point.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you think the Fates meant for you to do, Angelus? Fighting the Good Fight doesn’t mean you get to sit around every time a vampire pops up trying to kill us,\u201d Buffy couldn’t believe that she was having this conversation.<\/p>\n
Angelus didn’t see why not. \u201cMaybe I’ll just borrow Cordelia’s pom poms and be the cheering section.\u201d<\/p>\n
An involuntary snort escaped as Cordelia pictured Angelus on the sidelines of the fight waving her burgundy and gold pom poms in the air. Shouting, \u201cGo Vamps Go!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ignoring Angelus’ sardonic humor, Xander broke it down for him. \u201cVampires are evil. Fighting the Good Fight means doing away with evil which means killing vampires.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the entire group walked outside toward Angel’s classic Plymouth convertible and Cordelia’s Corvette, Angelus realized that by agreeing to the Fate’s terms he had set himself up for group torture sessions with the Scoobies. Glaring silently at the dark-haired teenager, he decided that the verbal and mental torture could probably go both ways. The Moirae had said nothing about prohibiting any verbal bashing of the irritating shmuck. Yeah, he’d keep that in mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you need an example of how it works, I’ll be happy to show you personally. Just stand still for about five seconds,\u201d Xander gripped his stake in his hand.<\/p>\n
Angelus encouraged Xander, \u201cKeep up the snide comments, Harris and you’ll find that I have more tricks up my sleeve than you can possibly imagine. The physical limitations given me by the Fates are just a roadblock and sooner or later I’ll find a way around them to get what I want.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’ll be painful,\u201d Xander reminded him of the conditions the two vampires had told them about.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor you, maybe.\u201d Then Angelus reminded him, \u201cVampires enjoy pain. It might be worth a little to see you suffer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGet in the car,\u201d Angel ordered them.<\/p>\n
\u201cShotgun!\u201d Buffy grabbed the front seat of the convertible so she could sit next to Angel.<\/p>\n