Just outside the library doors, both Angelus and Angel decided it was time to make their presence known. They had arrived not long after Cordelia entered the library and started to defend Angelus from the accusations of her friends. At first, Angelus wanted to storm into the room and demand to know why the hell it was anyone’s business if Cordelia was his, but Angel stopped him.<\/p>\n
Suggesting that they listen in, Angel wanted to hear more and felt it important that Angelus know where\u2014 to his mind\u2014 the legitimate concerns of the Scooby Gang were settled.<\/p>\n
Angelus was actually feeling proud of the fact that Cordelia would declare her feelings to her friends and defend him so vehemently. He didn’t care what the others thought about him as long as Cordelia wasn’t going to remain upset by their lack of understanding. He silently cheered on his girlfriend as she responded to their every dig.<\/p>\n
Reacting quite differently, Angel felt his fury well from deep within. Things were fine when Cordy was just answering her friends’ concerns about her affair with Angelus, but the cheerleader had gone too damn far when she brought up his relationship to Buffy. First she’d nosed her way into his bedroom and was now negatively comparing him to Angelus.<\/p>\n
Both vampires reached for the doors at the same time and pushed them open, startling the group gathered within the library. Buffy’s head turned sensing waves of dark vampiric energy flowing from one of the vamps. Angelus, obviously. With a smirk, Buffy decided that she would show Cordelia that the passion she shared with Angel did not only come after a demon brawl.<\/p>\n
She stalked up to the vampire who wasn’t causing her Slayer senses to tingle and thrust herself into his arms. His hands automatically came around her waist and Buffy wrapped her arms around his shoulders pulling his head down into an energetic and enthusiastic kiss. It lasted only seconds as Buffy felt herself hurled to the floor.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the hell was that?\u201d Angelus demanded as he towered over her with a look of pure disgust on his face. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, the vampire queried with a harsh tone, \u201cCan’t you tell us apart, Slayer?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOmigod!\u201d Buffy’s voice was barely a whisper as she turned her gaze from the angry vampire she had kissed over to the other one. \u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n
This was Cordelia’s fault, Angel decided. Her words had forced Buffy into acting out some silly show of proof. He glanced down at the pink cheeks of his lover and felt her embarrassment. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Angel was asking himself why it was Buffy couldn’t tell them apart when Cordelia found it so easy.<\/p>\n
Before he could offer Buffy his hand to help her to her feet, the blonde scrambled to a standing position. There were tears glistening in her eyes as she met Angel’s gaze. \u201cI-I need to be alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Buffy darted out the door, Angel stalked over to Cordelia, who stood shocked at the Slayer’s major faux pax. They were inches apart as Angel seared her with a look that left her trembling in its wake. Cordy realized he was more furious now than about his bed. Realizing that the vampire must have overheard what she said to Buffy, she felt trapped by his captivating stare.<\/p>\n
Feeling the sudden need to apologize, Cordelia opened her mouth to speak. Only Angelus came up and twirled her into his arms, giving her a smile that made her heart leap by looking at it. \u201cYou are amazing, Cordelia Chase. There is something too damn sexy about a lady defending her dark knight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Forgetting all about the gasping audience, Cordelia met his mouth with her own in a kiss that left no doubt in anyone’s mind that they had passion. Angelus’ lips captured hers in a soft, but urgent caress. Moaning against his mouth, Cordelia opened up to the cool dart of his tongue against her warmth. A countering heat flamed up inside her as Cordelia wound her fingers into his hair and gave back to the kiss just as much energy and need, their mouths meshing together and growing urgent.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh dear.\u201d Giles almost felt dizzy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI may have to call out the fire department,\u201d muttered Xander unable to tear his eyes away from the scene.<\/p>\n
\u201cWow!\u201d Willow glanced over at Oz with a tiny smile lifting the corners of her mouth.<\/p>\n
Clearing his throat, Giles finally caught Angelus’ attention. \u201cWe came here for a meeting, not to argue with each other and dilly-dally around.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sighing as their lips parted, Cordelia murmured to her vampire, \u201cYou can dilly with my dally anytime for a kiss like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angelus let out a laugh as he released her only to react with an instinctive growl as he saw Angel’s hand curl around Cordelia’s wrist with inhuman speed. Not caring that he had just crossed the no-touching line, Angel pulled Cordelia toward him so that she had to grab his other arm just to keep her balance. \u201cOuch! Watch the vamp-strength.\u201d<\/p>\n
Glaring angrily at his double, Angelus issued a warning, \u201cYou’d better be damned careful about what you’re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Giving the soulless vamp a look that would rival his inner darkness, Angel wasn’t going to respond to threats just now. Already angry, the sight of Angelus and Cordy kissing caused a swift flare of jealousy. The fact that he recognized it as such was enough to floor him. He would have to get used to the sight of those two kissing. If that was all he was going to be subjected to at the mansion, Angel figured he’d be lucky.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou’re coming with me,\u201d Angel informed Cordelia determinedly, glaring down at her with dark pools that held her rapt attention and caused her to quake in sudden fear. This was not a request, she realized breathlessly. Then he lifted that gaze back to Angelus and told him simply, \u201cYou too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTry and stop me!\u201d Angelus was about two seconds away from forcing his twin to release Cordelia when Angel started moving to the door taking her with him.<\/p>\n
Xander started to follow along, but stopped abruptly at the sound of the growl emanating from Angel’s throat. Without turning around, Angel ordered, \u201cThe rest of you stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood idea. It’s comfy here in the library,\u201d Xander rubbed a hand along the surface of one chair. \u201cAnd look\u2014 research! Just what I wanted to do tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t suppose anyone brought jelly donuts,\u201d Giles muttered as he took a seat at the table. He had no choice but to resign himself to this situation.<\/p>\n
Oz opened the box and offered him the donuts.<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
Following Buffy’s scent, Angel tracked her to the school lounge. They found the Slayer with her knees curled up to her chest and streaks of drying tears on her cheeks. Seeing her that way made Angel react more forcefully than intended. Swinging Cordelia into a wide arc, Angel flung her onto the couch next to Buffy so that she literally bounced against the cushions. Her yelp of surprise elicited another sound of discontent from Angelus.<\/p>\n
Angel glared down at the two young women. \u201cWhat the hell just happened back there?\u201d<\/p>\n
Rubbing her sore wrist, Cordelia fired back, \u201cYou went psycho and grabbed me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore that,\u201d Angel gritted his teeth exasperatedly, \u201cwith you and Buffy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia glanced toward Buffy who had her head turned in the other direction refusing to look at her. The action sparked irritation causing Cordelia to forget about the fact that she shouldn’t have to explain herself. \u201cBuffy told everyone about Angelus and me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat’s a bad thing?\u201d Angelus frowned a bit wondering if she had planned to keep their relationship a secret.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo! I wanted to do it when you were with me. The right way,\u201d Cordelia clarified. \u201cNot blurt it out like she did.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angelus nodded. His grin returned as he told her, \u201cI heard what you told them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The intimate look they shared made Angel’s stomach clench into knots. Ticked off at himself and Cordy, he declared, \u201cSo did I.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia decided that she wasn’t going to feel guilty. She’d attempted to apologize, but why should she feel sorry because she told Buffy the truth? \u201cI meant what I said, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Piping up, the Slayer turned her steely gaze upon the brunette. \u201cAngel and I are none of your business, Cor. What you said was harsh. You don’t know what goes on between us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI’ve seen it with my own eyes,\u201d Cordelia tried to get off the couch only to sink back into the cushions as Angel stepped up to block her move.<\/p>\n
Their knees brushed together as the vampire demanded information. \u201cMeaning what?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy smirked defiantly as she held up her hand like a stop sign. \u201cSorry, but I don’t do details.\u201d<\/p>\n
Growling low, Angel spoke her name as a warning, \u201cCordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust following orders.\u201d Completely unintimidated by his vampiric growl, Cordelia told him, \u201cNo details of anyone’s sex life. Not my business, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy snapped, \u201cYou should have thought of that before.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo should you.\u201d Cordelia returned just as quickly.<\/p>\n
Angelus had to agree. \u201cSlayer, you should keep your nose out of my affairs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon’t threaten Buffy,\u201d Angel gave his double a dark stare.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou’re one to talk,\u201d Angelus countered furiously. \u201cKeep your hands off Cordelia. I’ll be seriously pissed if you’ve marked her flesh with a bruise.\u201d<\/p>\n
Agreeing, Cordelia rubbed her wrist again, \u201cSo will I.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid I hurt you?\u201d Angel’s angry mask instantly fell away leaving only a concerned look.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, dumbass! That is what ‘ouch’ normally implies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reaching out for her hand, Angel circled his thumb over the soft skin on her inner wrist. \u201cI’m sorry, sweetheart.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy, who had been watching the apologetic move, suddenly reeled at the way Angel spoke to Cordelia. Sweetheart!<\/i> What the heck was that? Angel never even called her<\/i> sweetheart and she was his girlfriend. Here she was embarrassed, tear-stained and Cordelia-battered and it seemed all Angel could do was fondle the cheerleader’s bruised wrist.<\/p>\n
The Slayer suddenly wondered if Cordelia wasn’t right. Maybe she didn’t know Angel as well as she thought she did.<\/p>\n
\u201cS’okay,\u201d Cordelia shrugged as she felt the shiver run from her wrist all the way down her spine.<\/p>\n
Angel released her wrist telling himself that he needed to fight these impulses that compelled him to touch her. Especially now that he had no right to do so. Seeing Buffy’s confused and hurt expression, he moved over to tuck a finger under her chin. \u201cYou okay? I know you wanted to be alone, but the four of us have a few things to hash out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cM’okay,\u201d she gave him a convincing look despite the drying tears.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood,\u201d Angel stepped away in order to bring all three of them into his view. \u201cThe fact is that we’re going to be existing together in a close sphere. The insults and injuries need to stop here. What happened tonight needs to be put behind us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angelus wanted to protest that he wasn’t done with what happened tonight, not after the other vamp had his hands on Cordelia. Seeing reason behind Angel’s words, he chose to keep silent. Facing Buffy, he told her, \u201cI know you’re worried about my past. That I’ll do something to hurt Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou won’t!\u201d Cordy interjected.<\/p>\n
The vampire flashed a grin before turning back to the Slayer who regarded him with the intense eyes of a hunter. \u201cThe Moirae fixed it so I can’t kill humans. Even if I wanted to turn Cordelia, I couldn’t do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy suggested he’d try underhanded tactics, \u201cYou could get someone else to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNever!\u201d Angelus denied with a roar causing both Buffy and Cordelia to jerk in surprise.<\/p>\n
Angel calmly explained, \u201cThat would place Cordy under the power of the one who made her. Buffy, I can guarantee that Angelus would never do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn straight!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell that’s a relief,\u201d Cordelia joked with mock concern. \u201cI would hate to have to answer to Spike.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even Buffy found herself giggling at the idea. \u201cMaybe he would have asked Drusilla.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLeave them out of this,\u201d Angelus narrowed his gaze at the Slayer. \u201cSuffice it to say that I have no intentions of hurting Cordelia in any way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDoesn’t mean I won’t be watching,\u201d Buffy warned the vampire.<\/p>\n
Glowering, Angelus laughed darkly, \u201cWatch all you like, Slayer. You might learn a thing or two.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo watching! Eew!\u201d Cordy rolled her eyes. \u201cI hope we won’t be seeing that<\/i> much of each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy grumbled, \u201cYou already know what Angel looks like, so what does it matter?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy!\u201d Cordelia flushed a bright shade of red, not daring to look in the direction of the souled vampire. \u201cRemember that thing I told you about keeping quiet?\u201d<\/p>\n
Clamping her mouth shut, Buffy realized that Cordelia was probably right about that one. Then she locked gazes with the brunette and once again they were giggling together over the idea of their vampire twins.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat’s so funny?\u201d Angel asked them.<\/p>\n
Angelus frowned at the sound of their laughter. It sounded almost conspiratorial.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing!\u201d Buffy and Cordelia chimed simultaneously.<\/p>\n
\u201cHighly doubtful,\u201d Angel shared a knowing look with his double, \u201cbut I’m not going to question it further. I’m glad you two are in agreement over something\u2014 whatever it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Cordelia’s laughter finally faded, she asked Angel, \u201cCan I get up now?\u201d<\/p>\n
The vampire realized he was still blocking her in. Holding out a hand, he helped Cordelia to her feet and then released her in the direction of Angelus who quickly moved to put an arm around her shoulder. Taking a look at her wrist, Angelus kissed her pulse point and held her wrist against his cheek for an instant.<\/p>\n
Buffy uncurled herself from the couch and rose to her feet to stand next to Angel. She had to admit to herself that the way Angelus held Cordelia was certainly tender. Almost loving in his own possessive vampire way. The idea of those two simply gave her the wiggins and her entire body seemed to stir in unrest, protesting the fact that Angelus had Cordelia in his arms.<\/p>\n
Then Angel’s voice yanked her out of her private musings. \u201cBetween the four of us, we need to come to an understanding. All of the suspicion and griping needs to stop here. I have to trust that Angelus will keep Cordy safe as he’s promised.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI will,\u201d vowed Angelus with firm resolve. How many times did he have to say it before they believed him?<\/p>\n
Angel continued on despite the interruption, \u201cAnd that Cordy will come to me should he ever break that promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWon’t,\u201d the vamp stressed.<\/p>\n
Cordelia rolled her eyes. \u201cAngel, I already told you not to worry about that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWill you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPfft! Okay, I will.\u201d The souled vampire who regarded her with a serious gleam in those dark eyes. His gaze didn’t stray until she repeated her promise with a more serious tone. \u201cI’ll come to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy turned to Angel, \u201cSo they promise to behave. Can we go back to the library now?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy not?\u201d Buffy heard the tone in his voice that suggested he was going to extract some kind of pledge from her as well.<\/p>\n
Angel lifted a hand to her face and his voice gentled as he said, \u201cI know that you were concerned for Cordy when you told your friends about Angelus. You cared enough to share your fears with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shifting in Angelus’ arms, Cordelia felt a little guilty for her harsh response earlier. Angel’s words made her realize that Buffy wasn’t just being a tattletale busybody. She had actually been trying to be her friend and letting the others know she had reason to be worried. Still, that didn’t give her the right to let everyone cut down Angelus after he’d been laying it on the line for them.<\/p>\n
Somehow, Buffy sensed that Angel wasn’t finished. She darted a glance toward Cordelia, but quickly turned her gaze back to Angel who proceeded to tell her, \u201cFrom this moment, Buffy, no more sharing family secrets until the rest of us give the go ahead. That goes for all of us. This is going to be difficult enough without having to deal with the fallout of causing each other pain and anguish.\u201d<\/p>\n
Family secrets? <\/i>Surely that was a strange way to put it. Buffy glanced over at Cordelia and Angelus to gauge their reactions. Neither one seemed overly surprised by the phrase.<\/p>\n
Buffy couldn’t ignore the strange twinge that had her balking at the idea. \u201cSorry I jumped the gun, Cor. Next time you start an affair with a potentially deadly vampire, I’ll talk it over with him before<\/i> I tell my Watcher.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou’d stake Angelus if you could,\u201d Cordelia’s eyes flared hotly.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou bet I would!\u201d The Slayer snapped back instantly without even thinking about it.<\/p>\n
Angelus tucked Cordelia behind him and stood before the Slayer. \u201cYou wanna have a go at me, Buffy? Anytime, anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo!\u201d Cordelia tugged at his shirtsleeve.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere’ll be no fighting,\u201d Angel stepped up to them. \u201cYou both know why. Maybe you two don’t like each other, but dammit, you’ll learn a little toleration.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cToleration?\u201d Buffy would rather tolerate a slime demon living in her bathroom than put up with Angelus. \u201cI have no choice, do I? He’s part of the soul binding deal with the Fates, which I remind you was not<\/i> my choice either.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy\u2026,\u201d Angel thought they had dropped that argument weeks ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngelus not only has your support<\/i> about Cordelia, but you’re setting all this up to include me in your version of some happy little vampire family!<\/i>\u201c<\/p>\n
Cordy muttered, \u201cFamily Feud is more like it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Continuing her rant, Buffy commented, \u201cThe next thing I know you’ll be calling Angelus your brother<\/i> and we’ll be double dating.\u201d<\/p>\n
A burst of laughter erupted from Cordelia’s throat. Buffy ranting was just too funny to ignore. \u201cHey! I like that idea. We should talk.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo way!\u201d Buffy returned with a look of horror.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you think, Bro?\u201d Angelus asked his double, amusement etching his features.<\/p>\n
Drolly, Angel answered, \u201cI think I have a burning desire to do demon research.\u201d<\/p>\n
Without another word, Buffy zipped out of the school lounge and headed in the direction of the library leaving the others to follow.<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
\u201cAngelus!\u201d A throaty cry sounded from Cordelia as the vampire nibbled at a sensitive spot along her neck.<\/p>\n
Alone downstairs, Angelus had pulled her across his lap on one of the kitchen chairs so that she straddled him. Her long sun-kissed legs were bare and exposed as her silk robe flowed behind her. \u201cMmm. Move your hips a little, baby. You feel so good on me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia moaned at the sensation of his body beneath her. All she could do was comply with his request, her body moving rhythmically against him despite the barrier between them. She held onto his shoulders as Angelus kissed his way down to the hollow of her throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, yessss,\u201d she hissed in delight as Angelus’ large hands curved around from her back to cup her silk-covered breasts.<\/p>\n
\u201cAhem!\u201d The sound of a clearing throat from the doorway caused Cordelia to leap off of Angelus’ lap. With her loose hair flying in all directions, she frantically straightened her robe. Turning her attention to Angel, she noted he looked like he was trying not to laugh at her efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood morning,\u201d she plastered an overly bright smile on her face. \u201cOr is it already afternoon? Hello, whatever time it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEarly afternoon,\u201d Angel clarified as he strolled into the kitchen. He was wearing sweats and a white tank that showed off his strong arms.<\/p>\n
Conversationally, she asked, \u201cYou’ve been working out?\u201d<\/p>\n
The vampire nodded. \u201cDown in the basement training room.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have a training room?\u201d Cordy was surprised. \u201cIt wasn’t on the tour.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angelus grabbed for the front page of the Sunday paper and opened it up. From behind it, he explained, \u201cBasement was in the wrong direction.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess it was,\u201d Cordelia’s mouth curled into a smile as she thought of the details of their house tour. Then she remembered what she was planning to do before Angelus distracted her with kisses and caresses. \u201cSit down, Angel. I hope you’re hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pausing as he pulled out the kitchen chair directly across from Angelus, he asked warily, \u201cWhy do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia is experimenting today,\u201d warned Angelus.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith her own food?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Cordelia clarified cheerfully. \u201cWith yours.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel looked scared. \u201cIt’s pig’s blood, Cordy, not a base for soup. You shouldn’t mess with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to. It’s gross. I mean\u2014 eew!\u2014 how can you drink this stuff?\u201d Cordelia made a face that left Angel laughing. \u201cAngelus was saying how it didn’t taste like the real thing, so I thought I’d try to spice it up a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia pulled down two mugs, grabbed a bag of blood from the fridge and proceeded to spin the spice rack around until her eye caught on something that looked good. \u201cYum!\u201d<\/p>\n
Angelus dropped the newspaper on the table and leaned forward conspiratorially. \u201cIf we both run at the same time maybe there’s a chance one of us will escape.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe sun’s still shining.\u201d Angel gestured toward the light peeking through the kitchen windows. \u201cCordy would track us down, trust me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can hear you!\u201d Cordelia pressed the buttons on the microwave and then turned around to face the vampires.<\/p>\n
Crossing her arms on the kitchen island, she leaned toward them as they gazed back at her with their identical faces.<\/p>\n
It brought a wide smile to her face as she thought, I could get used to seeing double everyday.<\/i><\/p>\n