Resurrecting an old habit, Angel followed along from the shadows as Buffy made her way down from her house in the direction of the high school. She walked at a brisk pace aware of everything around her except him. That was easy enough to change. That is, if he had a clue what to say to her.<\/p>\n
The opportunity to speak to Buffy without the ever-present entourage of Scoobies was a rarity. Each day seemed to widen the gap between them. Angel now cursed himself for a fool, grinding up the bitter pill of guilt and longing that seemed to be eternally lodged in his throat. Still, he followed.<\/p>\n
Only the times when he caught her staring gave him any hope of reconciliation. It was impossible to turn back the clock and start over again. No words could ever make up for Angelus\u2019 actions. Even if they could, he did not know how to ask for forgiveness and was certain that he did not deserve it.<\/p>\n
No profound solution presented itself before Buffy rounded the last corner leading up to the school. Angel caught sight of Willow\u2019s red hair shining under the street light ahead just before Buffy called out her name, waved, and ran to catch up. The boy was there, too. Even now, Xander and Willow remained joined at the hip.<\/p>\n
Too much history had passed between them to let their indiscretion ruin their friendship. Angel figured there might be a lesson in that if he sat down to think about it for a while. Plenty of time for contemplation back at the mansion where it was dark and quiet, and without distractions, he figured.<\/p>\n
Faith was lounging on the top step, energetically bounding up from her seat when the others appeared. They all moved indoors with Angel trailing behind unseen at a short distance. When he opened the library doors, he saw Rupert Giles unlocking the weapon\u2019s cabinet in preparation for tonight\u2019s patrol.<\/p>\n
The hinge on the library door squeaked as it swung shut, instantly alerting the slayers to his presence. Angel had eyes only for Buffy. She stared back like a doe trapped by a predator. He crossed the room without a word, tilted her chin and bent down to press his lips to hers.<\/p>\n
He tried not to look smug at her reaction caught somewhere between stirring passion and anger. Sometimes words just got in the way of making your point.<\/p>\n
Sputtering for control as Angel casually strolled over, leaning against the balustrade, Buffy recovered enough to say, \u201cGood, everyone\u2019s here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s attention turned to the empty steps at his side; his gaze flicking around the room just to confirm the fact that one member of their team was still missing. Though chronically late, Cordelia always managed to show up. It sounded like Buffy was already counting her out.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about Cordelia?\u201d A twinge irritation on her behalf was a curious surprise.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot my problem,\u201d Buffy turned away to rummage through a duffel bag full of supplies. \u201cIf she really wanted to patrol with us, she would be here instead of breaking in a new boyfriend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking gut-punched by the news, Xander muttered, \u201c A new what?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy gasped in horror at having blurted it out like that. \u201cGod, I\u2019m sorry, Xan. I shouldn\u2019t have said anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter,\u201d he muttered, but his eyes told a different story. Even Angel felt a little sorry for the kid.<\/p>\n
Just then, Cordelia breezed through the door dressed in a slinky top, very short skirt and heeled sandals, her long hair wind-blown and curling around her face. \u201cWhat a craptastic day! But I\u2019m here now. Ooh, pointy weapons. Which one is mine?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy could not believe it. Exactly what was it about Cordelia that shifted the world axis to revolve around her? Xander\u2019s heart was crumbling into little pieces and she had the nerve to waltz in, late as usual, looking like she had come straight from a date with her mystery man.<\/p>\n
Grabbing the nearest stake, Buffy shoved it into her hand. \u201cTake this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trying to get them focused on the mission at hand, Giles stepped forward to discuss options for patrol. \u201cAs you all are aware, we are not dealing with a simple warning of mal intent. The scroll found by the Watchers Council is but one piece of a much more intricate prophecy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Quieting down they turned their attention his way eyes following as he circled the room. \u201cIts origins are so old that some of what is written into the scroll appears as familiar as folktales. Other parts translate as an ancient riddle.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo demons walk into a bar\u2026,\u201d quipped Xander nudging Willow with an elbow. He knew from their recent research that this situation was not to be taken lightly, but he could not resist the chance to ease the tension tightening his shoulders. He zipped his mouth upon receiving the watcher\u2019s disapproving stare and tossed the proverbial key over his shoulder.<\/p>\n
Taking up a cross bow and a small quiver of bolts, Giles swung them onto his shoulder. \u201cWe are to expect several precursor events. Natural phenomena. Human sacrifice. Signs intended to harbinger the last days of freedom on Earth.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA new Big Bad is coming to town,\u201d nodded Buffy matter-of-factly as she shifted focus to the task at hand. \u201cHere we go again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Giles pursed his lips for a moment as he realized the situation was worse that any Buffy had faced thus far. \u201cBuffy, to use your words, the demon threatening our world is one those other \u2018Big Bads\u2019 worship as a god. If we fail to note or intercept the signs laid out in the prophecy, it will be impossible to determine the exact time and location of the final event. We must prevent it at all costs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re up against a god and all I get is this crummy stake?\u201d Cordelia complained with a loud, \u201cPfft!\u201d and moved over to look at the other options.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, considering her role as Bait Girl, it was hard to hide anything other than a stake on her person. She reached for a small dagger with a bronze sheath and considered having to use it. Vampires conveniently turned into clouds of dust when you killed them, but other things had the nasty habit of bleeding.<\/p>\n
She was about to put it down when Angel reached in to pull it out of her hand. He stood just behind her, leaning close enough that his cheek brushed her hair as he took the dagger away. \u201cStick with what you know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, grabby hands, that was mine.\u201d Cordelia\u2019s irritated gaze trailed after him as he stepped back over to his spot in Buffy\u2019s shadow only to connect with the slayer herself.<\/p>\n
Buffy really did not want to have to put up with Cordelia tonight. Or any night, for that matter, but for some strange reason she was determined to be here. Pushy ex-cheerleaders had no business taking part in nightly patrol if it was not taken seriously. She idly wondered what it would take to convince her not to bother.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have only the clues in the prophecy to guide us,\u201d Giles cut in on Buffy\u2019s thoughts. \u201cEach sign is unique. Some will be nothing more than a visual key, others substantive. Starting tonight over the next few weeks, during the hours immediately before and after the transition of the moon, we must be vigilant in our observations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Willow gulped, \u201cSounds like sleep is a no-go anytime soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander squeezed her shoulder, \u201cIt\u2019ll be okay, Will. We can nap during first period. Mrs. Tolliver usually nods off in the middle of her lecture anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEasy for you to say,\u201d Cordelia huffed, trying to ignore the friendly hug, \u201cI\u2019ve got Eagle-eyed Everson in my drama class. It\u2019s all about focus, concentration and emoting\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo tell her you were emoting with your eyes closed,\u201d Xander shrugged.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis may be difficult,\u201d Giles agreed, \u201cbut it is necessary to cover as much ground as possible. We cannot afford to miss any of the signs. They may provide further clues.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy understood what he was getting at. \u201cTeams?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTeams,\u201d he confirmed with a nod.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll take GQ,\u201d Faith volunteered all too quickly, her cheeks dimpling in amusement as she grabbed another opportunity to vex Buffy about her questionably ex-boyfriend, \u201cif you really don\u2019t want him anymore, B.\u201d<\/p>\n
Only the fact that Angel made no visible reaction kept Buffy from blowing her top. Just how Faith had gotten wind of her decision to break up with Angel took only a short leap of the imagination. Cordelia. Those two were hardly friendly, and rarely spoke a word to each other, yet somehow Cor managed to pass on the news.<\/p>\n
While Xander was busily making a wisecrack, Willow sent Buffy a look of hurt and confusion when she realized that Buffy had kept something so important from her. Sucking in a deep breath, Buffy promised details, \u201cLater.\u201d<\/p>\n
Giles did not bother trying to figure out what they were talking about. He was still trying to make his point. \u201cActually, Faith, I\u2019d like you to accompany me. We can work on some of those drills we discussed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever you say, boss,\u201d Faith grabbed her jeans jacket from the banister and put it on. \u201cI\u2019m ready to kick some ass whenever you are.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEr, yes, but I think the ass kicking will come a bit later,\u201d he pursed his lips with a wry smile. \u201cCordelia and Xander can also join our group.\u201d<\/p>\n
That left Angel and Willow, Buffy realized. That meant that Willow would be the only one there to distract her from Angel. It would also be impossible to talk to her best friend about breaking up with him if he was right there.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe should try something a little different,\u201d Buffy tried to sound casual about it. \u201cAfter all, you said we should cover more ground. Why not split into three teams instead of two.\u201d<\/p>\n
Giles did not take long to agree. \u201cWe have three strong fighters here. One per group. Excellent idea, Buffy.\u201d<\/p>\n
She beamed a wide grin at her success. It faded a little when she caught the nearly imperceptible change in Angel\u2019s expression, but she was resolved to avoid any situation that threw them together. It was the only way to avoid temptation.<\/p>\n
Besides, if she was right about this, Cordelia would whirl herself into a tizzy and quit before the night was over. \u201cAngel and Cordelia can team up. I\u2019ll take Willow and Xander.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Clearly thinking about her encounter with Angelus, she gasped in horror. \u201cMe and him? He\u2019s safe enough here in the library, but the two of us out there\u2026 in the dark?\u201d<\/p>\n
A glance at Angel suggested he was not too thrilled with the idea himself, but he said nothing. Buffy could tell that he was less mad at Cordelia\u2019s comment than he was at her for suggesting they split up their patrol in the first place.<\/p>\n
\u201cBetter than Angel and Xander,\u201d shrugged Buffy, drawing immediate scowls from both of them. \u201cSee what I mean? Unless you really want to be teamed up with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh.\u201d Cordelia obviously had not thought about that one.<\/p>\n
Angel suddenly grasped Buffy\u2019s elbow leading her toward a far corner of the library where the others could not easily overhear.<\/p>\n
Demanding softly, \u201cWhat is this?\u201d he dropped his hold after whirling her to face him.<\/p>\n
Buffy stared at the floor, the ceiling, her fingernails, gaze darting from place to place in order to avoid his eyes. They read her too easily, so she admitted the truth, or at least part of it. \u201cI don\u2019t want to patrol with Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re the only one who suggested it,\u201d he pointed out.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what\u2019ll happen if you don\u2019t agree to team up with her,\u201d she said. \u201cI don\u2019t think Cor and Xander should patrol together right now. It\u2019s just asking for trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen let her go with Giles and Faith. I\u2019ll be more effective on my own.\u201d<\/p>\n
Well, that would not get the job done, Buffy realized, as a plan started forming. Faith and Cordelia might not be buddies, but they obviously got along enough to share a secret\u2014hers. Cor might say anything if she really had the time to gossip.<\/p>\n
Shaking her head, \u201cNot a good idea,\u201d she explained. \u201cGiles has a hard enough time controlling Faith without the added pressure of Cordelia tagging along.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that Cordelia has her moments, but is she really so difficult?\u201d Angel asked. He obviously had not had enough firsthand experience to understand what the real Cordelia Chase was like. \u201cSurely a slayer should be able to able to handle her.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThink it\u2019s so easy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel glanced back at Cordelia who stood cross-armed, tapping her toe, waiting for them to make a decision. \u201cEasy enough.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHuh. You haven\u2019t got a clue. All you\u2019ve seen is Cordelia-Lite, the version that used to fawn over you.\u201d Buffy suddenly realized that her words were hardly convincing him to take her along. \u201cLook, Angel, the truth is that I don\u2019t think she can handle it. Not to mention the fact that she is not really one of us. She should never have come back after dumping Xander.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel rubbed a hand across his face as understanding hit. \u201cYou knew Cordelia would have a problem patrolling with me. You\u2019re setting her up to quit.”<\/p>\n
\u201cSo what if I am?\u201d Not denying it, she shrugged one shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019s for her own good.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat if you\u2019re underestimating her?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy pressed her lips together, trying not to look smug. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/p>\n
If things worked out, Cordelia would call it quits. If it didn\u2019t, the match would keep Angel from shadowing her every move. It hurt to be apart, but every time they were in the same room, Buffy wanted to do wild things with that gorgeous body.<\/p>\n
That could not happen. It wasn\u2019t fair.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re certain this is what you want?\u201d Angel offered her one more out only to get a brief nod before she walked back to the main group.<\/p>\n
Yes, teaming them together was ingenious, Buffy decided, giving herself kudos for the plan. Cordelia would learn to stick with her own crowd. As for Angel, there was a lesson in it for him, too. She laughed inside at the thought of those two on patrol together. If he thought he had a handle on Cordelia Chase, he was in for a surprise.<\/p>\n
The idea of letting him suffer just a little bit actually brightened her mood. Buffy barely registered the thought, but it was there.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re with me,\u201d Angel said as he approached Cordelia. He reached out to lead her back toward the area where he had left his jacket.<\/p>\n
Cordelia jerked her elbow out of his grasp. \u201cHey. I don\u2019t need guide dog.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dropping his hand to his side, Angel slowly curled his fingers inward until his nails pressed sharply against his palm. Opening up, his fingers flared out again to gesture toward the stairs. \u201cLadies first.\u201d<\/p>\n
She quirked an eyebrow upward and then grinned. \u201cThat\u2019s better.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you want to go home and change clothes before we get started?\u201d Angel eyed the unsuitably breezy top and the expanse of those long legs showing beneath her skirt. Similar to her usual style, it was more suited to the library steps than patrol.<\/p>\n
Glancing down, Cordelia saw nothing wrong. \u201cI\u2019m ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t exactly blend in with the shadows.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBait\u2019s not supposed to blend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel had heard Cordelia talk about her role as Bait Girl, but it never occurred to him that she would actually want to do such a thing. \u201cYou aren\u2019t bait when you\u2019re with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPfft! I\u2019m not with you. We\u2019re a team. Don\u2019t expect me to do nothing,\u201d Cordelia argued back. \u201cI didn\u2019t sign up for this just to play cheerleader on the sidelines.\u201d<\/p>\n
He moved closer reacting automatically to her obstinate stance. Angel\u2019s smooth voice lowered to a low growl. \u201cWe have a job to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFine.\u201d Cordelia tucked her hair behind her ear exposing the line of her throat to Angel\u2019s view.<\/p>\n
In an instant, his demonic instincts flared to life. His eyes darted to the pulse there, fury stirring in his veins, and for a flicker of a moment it was all he could do to tamp down on the urge to grab her by the neck and bury his fangs in that buttery soft flesh.<\/p>\n
The thought came and went so fast that he barely had time to acknowledge it was there. Angel was not sure how she had managed to get a rise out of him so quickly.<\/p>\n
He was doing this for Buffy\u2019s sake even if a part of him knew that she arranged it to keep them apart. That was a mistake. Patience was a game he knew very well. He could handle anything Buffy threw his way, including Cordelia Chase.<\/p>\n