CHAPTER 15<\/b><\/p>\n
The Restfield cemetery was as silent as a grave; the only sound marring the peace was the rhythmic beat of sneakers on stone, as they drummed against the marker erected to the eternal memory of Betty Hubblemeyer. Perched atop Betty\u2019s final resting place, Buffy heaved a sigh. Patrol may cut into her social life, but at least it gave her some alone time, although alone time meant thinking time, and she had done way too much of that lately. She glanced around hopefully, it was a slow night and she had yet to stake a single vamp.<\/p>\n
Giving up on finding a demonic force to vent her frustration on, Buffy was about to stretch her cramped legs when a likely candidate appeared. Fighting the immediate rush of anger, Buffy pushed temptation aside; pesky common sense warning her that she\u2019d regret it later.<\/p>\n
Even without Cordelia\u2019s warning of Buffy\u2019s fury, the narrowed eyes and pursed lips were a dead giveaway. Offered a choice, explaining a new relationship to his ex-girlfriend would not be on Angel\u2019s to-do list. Accounting for his actions didn\u2019t come easy to a two hundred plus year old vampire, especially when he was accounting to a sixteen-year-old girl. The exception in this situation was that Buffy wasn\u2019t just any girl.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d Buffy slid off the tombstone and stood in front of him, crossing her arms defensively. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d The question was innocent enough, but the fire in her eyes left little doubt that Buffy was not\u00a0<\/i>happy to see him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReally?\u201d Buffy piped back with a sardonic edge.<\/p>\n
She knew what they had to talk about, but had clearly decided to go with the feigned surprise routine. Angel heaved an internal sigh, thoughts drifting once again to the less complicated rats.<\/p>\n
There was a moment of silence as neither party made any move towards progressing a conversation that neither really wanted.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, we do.\u201d Angel crossed his arms, purposefully mirroring Buffy\u2019s stance. He wanted this finished. \u201cCordelia told me what happened.\u201d His voice grated a little more than intended, thoughts of his time with Cordelia stirring emotions and disturbing his inner calm. It didn\u2019t matter that no one had been unfaithful. Only hours before he had wanted to make love with Cordelia, and even if unwarranted, guilt had crept in.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd so naturally she ran to share her pain with you.\u201d Her tone heavy with sarcasm and disgust.<\/p>\n
Buffy was reacting with the immaturity of youth, and determined to make his point, Angel ignored the implied accusation. \u201cNo one went behind your back, Buffy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking into dark chocolate eyes Buffy felt her resolve waver at the conviction in his voice. Then images flashed; Angel and Cordelia laughing together at The Bronze, arriving back late from patrol, swiftly pushing those doubts aside. Her eyes hardened and she turned away, not wanting Angel to see her brief indecision. \u201cHonestly? I don\u2019t know what to think. All I know is that you two got friendly pretty quickly after we broke up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKey words Buffy; after\u00a0<\/i>we broke up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel watched Buffy move agitatedly amongst the gravestones, trying to gauge the likely outcome. She needed time for rationality to sink in and he needed to step back and let it happen.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut you barely said two words to one another before then. Can you blame me for being a little confused by the sudden love-in?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cConfused I get, but Buffy, I think this goes a little deeper.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy studied the dark vampire, hating that he knew her so well; when she obviously didn\u2019t know him at all.<\/p>\n
Gaining undivided attention, Angel snatched the opportunity to drive his point home. \u201cI would never cheat on you Buffy. Cordelia and I were only friends.\u201d Confident that Buffy\u2019s belief of his faithfulness would be hindered if his feelings for Cordelia were announced too soon, Angel hoped that his choice of past tense had been overlooked.<\/p>\n
Realisation began to sink in. \u201cWere?\u201d Is he saying what I think he\u2019s saying?<\/i><\/p>\n
Damn\u2026<\/i>Angel winced at her quick uptake. \u201cCordelia and I\u2026\u201d Angel began slowly, unsure how to describe the almost relationship, \u201cWe\u2019re\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh my God!\u201d Buffy cut in. Her fears were slowly being recognised. \u201cYou two are\u2026\u201d She couldn\u2019t get the remaining words out.<\/p>\n
\u201cIts not what you think.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo? Then tell me Angel; what is it?\u201d Buffy shot back, determined to give the evasive vampire as little manoeuvring space as possible.<\/p>\n
Buffy had jumped to conclusions long before he had arrived tonight. She seemed to make her suspicions true, and Angel had no intention of helping her by trying to explain a relationship that he wasn\u2019t sure about himself. Besides, future plans, especially those that included Cordelia, weren\u2019t any of Buffy\u2019s business. \u201cWhatever it is, Buffy; it won\u2019t be discussed here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy\u2019s heart was telling her that Angel still loved her, which meant her would never want anyone else; but slayer instinct was reminding her how little she actually knew about the ex-love-of-her-life. Their relationship had played out on the battlefield; all the while denying they were natural enemies. She drew in a deep breath, letting calm wash over her. Slowly anger began to fade to acceptance. She decided to give \u2018mature\u2019 another shot.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re right; it\u2019s none of my business.\u201d The admission was painful. \u201cI kinda talked myself into the conspiracy theory thing because it was easier than admitting the truth.\u201d A sly grin tugged at the corners of her mouth. The one that warned wayward demons to beware. \u201cBut in my defence, there were cheating signs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll give you that.\u201d Angel responded to Buffy\u2019s challenge, a small smile playing on his lips. It seemed that friends might not be such a stretch after all. \u201cWe both thought breaking up was right for us. Nothing happened to change that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI get that.\u201d Buffy finally felt at ease. The last thing she needed was to over analyse part two of their break-up. Besides, a normal conversation with her former boyfriend would be a nice change of pace.<\/p>\n
The pair began to stroll through the graveyard, relaxed together for the first time in weeks. They still had a long road to travel before fully-fledged friendship was achieved, but it seemed like they were at least heading in the right direction.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t expect Xander to be too happy about this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know what they say \u2013 every cloud\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia and Angel are what<\/i>?”<\/p>\n
\u201cXander, be quiet! We\u2019re on a stealthy mission, remember?\u201d Buffy frowned at her friend as she quietly stole closer to the warehouse. \u201cNow Willy said\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Glancing behind she saw that Xander hadn\u2019t moved from the spot where he\u2019d uttered his outraged question. Heaving an impatient sigh, Buffy returned to his side.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re dating?\u201d Xander swallowed hard, but the lump in his throat refused to budge making the words come out a hoarse whisper.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t say that, and do we have to talk about this now?\u201d She gestured to the dimly lit area they were standing in.<\/p>\n
Buffy more than understood Xander\u2019s reaction, but she didn\u2019t want to deal with it when she had a demon to track. I knew I shouldn\u2019t have mentioned it.<\/i>She kicked herself for thinking it was something that could be slipped into conversation, but Buffy had needed to share the news with her friends. And knowing that Xander would take it the hardest, she had saved him for last; hoping that telling him while they were \u2018working\u2019 would temper his reaction.So shoulda known better\u2026<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy, you can\u2019t just drop a bombshell like that and expect me to carry on playing hunt the demon. You just told me that Cordelia and Angel are dating.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy quickly glanced around, half expecting a mass of vampires to leap out at them after Xander\u2019s not so stealthy outburst. To her relief all remained still and quiet, and she turned back to her now pacing friend.<\/p>\n
\u201cOk \u2013 first, I didn\u2019t say they were dating<\/i>\u2026I just said that something is going on with them. And second \u2013 will you shut up! My God, are you trying to get us killed?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry, but what did you expect?\u201d He hissed.<\/p>\n
Realising that he was failing in his roles of backup, Xander drew in a deep breath that did little to soothe his anxiety. This wasn\u2019t them playing the \u2018Angel is a lying, cheating vampire\u2019 game. Buffy needed him calm, but his friend confirming that weeks of denial were true made that almost impossible. \u201cSorry, but did you expect me to wish them luck?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? No. I don\u2019t know.\u201d Buffy sighed. What did she expect? Xander was as shocked as she was over Angel\u2019s almost revelation. \u201cI just thought you should know. I mean we have to work with them, so its best that\u2019s its all out in the open; right?\u201d The blonde flung her arms wide to encompass the space around them, her faux cheerful tone grating on raw nerves.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you don\u2019t have a problem with this? Last I heard Angel was the ex from Hell, and Cordelia should be walking around with a scarlet letter.\u201d Eyebrows practically in his hairline, Xander fixed his friend with a probing look.<\/p>\n
Buffy shifted uncomfortably under Xander\u2019s glare, not liking the reminder of her little trip to the land of the paranoid people. But then, Angel was her ex, Buffy rationalised. She had every right to be suspicious. Xander on the other hand hated the vampire and had been happy to go along for the ride.<\/p>\n
\u201cLook, I\u2019m not saying its not weird, \u2018cos it is. Believe me; the thought of Angel and Cordelia together is so not a picture I want in my head, but if I\u2019m dealing with it then you can too.\u201d Arms crossed Buffy fixed him with a look that promised painful retribution if he didn\u2019t back down. Sometimes being a slayer had its perks.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine. Whatever.\u201d Xander threw up his hands in surrender, contradicting his scowl and gruff tone. \u201cWhy Cordelia is dating the bloodsucker who tried to turn her into a Halloween snack will remain a mystery. I always thought she had standards \u2026like breathing, or being on the football team\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
On the surface Xander was accepting, but underneath he was reeling from the news. Once again dead boy gets the girl, <\/i>he silently groused. What was it about Angel that made all the girls forget he was a walking corpse with an unhealthy appetite? Xander wasn\u2019t blinded by the vampire\u2019s charm and planned to keep a close eye on him, even if that meant spending his Saturday nights whittling stakes.<\/p>\n
\u201cListen, Angel didn\u2019t say that anything official<\/i> was going on\u201d Buffy emphasised the key word, hoping it would finally sink into her friend\u2019s thick skull. \u201cIt was more\u2026subtexty.\u201d Buffy wanted to make sure that she wasn\u2019t accused of jumping to unfounded conclusions again. Been there, had that non-fun conversation.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cOk, whatever you say. Just don\u2019t ask me to congratulate the guy, or offer any dating tips.\u201d<\/p>\n
One blonde eyebrow arched as she shot her friend a teasing grin. \u201cDating tips, Xander?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? I could have tips. Its not like you\u2019ve ever bothered to ask.\u201d Arms crossed defensively, Xander presented the perfect picture of a wounded friend.<\/p>\n
Finally Buffy felt a smidgen of relief. If Xander was wisecracking then he was dealing, even if it required effort.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo can we get back to what we came here for?\u201d She moved off towards the warehouse again, Xander tailing in her wake.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure. I\u2019m definitely in the mood to find the demon that may want to kill Angel.\u201d His tone was laced with sarcasm, and unable to let it go, Xander continued to mutter under his breath. \u201cI may shake it by the hand and give it dead boy\u2019s address\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy shook her head, refusing to look back. She\u2019d done her best. Now it was up to Xander.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Footsteps echoed down the long, empty corridor. School was out for the day and the sane among the Sunnydale High student body were long gone; enjoying every bit of freedom they could get.<\/p>\n
Angel glanced down at Cordelia walking beside him, lost in thought. Honestly, he\u2019d been expecting a barrage of questions from her about his meeting with Buffy, but she hadn\u2019t once brought the subject up. Entering unfamiliar territory, Angel decided to raise the topic; the rasp of his throat being cleared joined the echo of their footsteps.<\/p>\n
\u201cI \u2013 uh\u2026I talked to Buffy last night.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh huh.\u201d Cordelia continued to stare resolutely ahead, hoping that if she failed to properly acknowledge the conversation then it would go away. Her hands worked at endlessly twisting the edge of her sweater.<\/p>\n
The tragic love story of Buffy and Angel had become required reading in Sunnydale; and for some reason fate had written her into the latest chapter. Cordelia didn\u2019t like the idea of being the male lead\u2019s temporary distraction, never mentioned again once the page was turned.<\/p>\n
The fact that she was acting as paranoid as Buffy didn\u2019t escape Cordelia\u2019s notice either. Alone in her room, while Angel had a heart to heart with his ex, doubt had crept in. And to Cordelia\u2019s dismay, even her inner bitch was scary enough to send it running.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you want to know how it went?\u201d Normally the first to jump on a get out of jail free card, Angel felt strangely compelled to try and draw Cordelia into conversation. The Buffy situation had been resolved, they were free to move forward and Angel was more than eager to do just that. Although Cordelia\u2019s near silence on the subject did little for his confidence.<\/p>\n
Despite the nagging doubts, it was time to turn the page. Coming to a halt, Cordelia drew in a deep, calming breath of air. \u201cSure.\u201d She smiled brightly up at him. \u201cI guess it would be useful to know if I\u2019m about to face a short blonde with an attitude problem, and a punch that could knock me into the middle of next week. \u201cShe sighed. \u201cI am so not dressed for violence.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere won\u2019t be any violence.\u201d Angel was quick to reassure.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat. So, I\u2019m guessing that since you\u2019re standing here sharing, and not a big pile of dust, that your little chat went well?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel was silent for a moment, puzzled by Cordelia\u2019s blas\u00e9 attitude. She had seemed so worried at his apartment, but now\u2026now it seemed almost unimportant, although the drumming of fingers against her thigh suggested otherwise. What if she regretted their kiss? The tense line of her body gave little away.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy knows we didn\u2019t cheat.\u201d<\/p>\n
When no further information was offered Cordelia felt annoyance begin to set in. Angel had started the conversation; the least he could do was spill all the details.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood. That\u2019s good. And?\u201d She prompted, struggling to keep the edge of desperation out of her voice. The topic had been broached, now she needed to know all the gory details. Cordelia clenched her fists to keep them from reaching out and shaking the information from the irritating vampire.<\/p>\n
Angel blinked, cursing his lack of conversational skills. \u201cAnd everything is fine.\u201d He hoped that was the answer she was looking for.<\/p>\n
\u201cWow, you really don\u2019t like to give too much away do ya?\u201d One slender eyebrow was raised in question. \u201cIf the cheating was covered then I\u2019m gonna go out on a limb and guess that the subject of you and me came up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt did.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd?\u201d If she could just hear what he\u2019d said to Buffy, then Cordelia would know where she stood for sure.<\/p>\n
Angel heard her heart rate increase, the nervous tattoo telling him more about the importance of the question than any words ever could. \u201cAnd I told Buffy it was none of her business.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou did?\u201d That\u2019s good, right? <\/i>If Angel were hoping to get back with the slayer then denial would have been the track to take.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u2026Cordelia, what else was I going to say?\u201d Angel waited for an answer. If oxygen had been an issue he\u2019d be holding his breath.<\/p>\n
They had kissed, and it had been\u2026intense. But then Cordelia had left and euphoria had faded to uncertainty. She had come to him angry and upset, what if it had just been her emotions running high and not real feelings? Angel needed to hear from her own lips what was happening between them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know. Nothing\u2026Angel\u2026\u201d Cordelia turned to face him fully, their eyes met and held. \u201cWhat happened between us was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel braced himself for rejection.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026Amazing.\u201d She slowly raised a hand to brush along his tense jaw line. \u201cBut I don\u2019t want to get stuck in the middle of any vampire-slayer games.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSeems to be a lot of that going around.\u201d A lazy grin swept across his face, tight shoulders relaxed, he knew the kiss had been pretty good. The relief at her words flowed through his body, allowing pent up tensions to be washed away.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah well, don\u2019t get used to it. Cordelia Chase does not do jealousy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no need. Buffy and I are over. Whereas you and me, we\u2019re\u2026\u201d Angel trailed off, his gaze boring into hers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re what?\u201d Cordelia whispered, inching her face closer to his.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re just beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n
Their lips met in a gentle kiss. Cordelia closed her eyes and revelled in simply being close to Angel, drawing in his uniquely male scent. Never had something felt so very right.<\/p>\n
Slowly the pair drew apart, each taking a shaky breath.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe should get to the library.\u201d Cordelia was reluctant to end the moment, but was intensely aware of their surroundings. Now she knew where their relationship stood, she was content to let it develop at a natural pace.<\/p>\n
\u201cShould we?\u201d Angel\u2019s voice was husky with desire.<\/p>\n
Placing a hand in the centre of his chest, Cordelia attempted to force Angel to take a step back. It was like pushing against a really hot brick wall. \u201cYes. Demon in town looking for you, remember? Giles has info to share.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure it\u2019ll still be looking for me tomorrow.\u201d Angel placed a hand on top of hers, trapping it against his chest.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, and do you want to be the one to explain that we missed the meeting \u2018cos we were making out in the hall?\u201d Cordelia\u2019s tone was half serious, half longing. Making out in the hall sounded like a totally great idea right at that moment.<\/p>\n
Heaving a reluctant sigh Angel released her hand and stepped away. \u201cYou\u2019re right. Let\u2019s get this over with.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both slowly turned and headed towards the library. As they walked a large cool hand reached over and took hold of one of Cordelia\u2019s, twining their fingers together.<\/p>\n
Angel felt the beginnings of happiness stir within him. The future was looking bright.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Locked in the tight hold of two exceptionally strong vampires, Angels halted his struggle to break free and instead focused on the real threat in the room. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWant?\u201d Jenoff slowly circled; his calculated move readily understood, even when the skilled hunter had temporarily become the prey. \u201cOnly to free you from your own restraints.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd here I was treating you like one of the bad guys.\u201d Angel mocked, anger rising when his adversary responded with a smug grin.<\/p>\n
Jenoff looked around at the apartment\u2019s disarray. Broken furniture and glass filled the small area. \u201cI was expecting no less. In fact\u2026I was counting on it.\u201d Stepping closer he reached out his hands, a satisfied chuckle sounding out when Angel instinctively wrenched his head away. \u201cResisting only makes it hurt more.\u201d Following the vampire\u2019s movements, his palms eventually came to rest on cool cheeks.<\/p>\n
Panic rose to an almost uncontrollable height as a familiar burn began to radiate through his body. \u201cYou don\u2019t know what you\u2019re doing\u2026the terror you\u2019re about to set loose.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh but I do\u2026Angelus.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even dead blood cells store adrenaline, and pure, undiluted desperation kicked it into action. Strength renewed, Angel threw off the two vampires, assailants to be dealt with later. Escape outweighed revenge, and Angel threw himself through the splintered remains of the door. Time was of the essence and his sole focus was on finding and warning the others.<\/p>\n
A dark blur flashed past puzzled pedestrians as Angel raced towards his destination. Unsure if Jenoff had failed in his objective, Angel didn\u2019t want to take any chances, sure that the demon would try again. He had to warn people before it was too late. Then Buffy could lock him away somewhere, far from those Angelus would hurt.<\/p>\n
Cordelia…<\/i>Angelus had unfinished business with the feisty brunette. A haze of muddled emotions descended, blocking coherent thought. Demon and soul shared their memories and fantasies. They dreamed of loving her, ravishing her, and finally, devouring her. Time was now Angel\u2019s biggest threat against saving Cordelia.<\/p>\n
The Gym…<\/i>Their last conversation flashed through his mind. They had arranged to meet for their first official date after cheerleading practice.<\/p>\n
Panic surging higher, Angel flung open the doors. The crash of metal against brick rang through the large, open space.<\/p>\n
Cordelia jerked around, cursing her bad luck. Ready to leave, she had turned off the lights only seconds before the loud bang. Well-honed survival instincts kicking in, she kept her back pressed against the walls as she waited for her eyes to adjust.<\/p>\n
A familiar silhouette moved through the room. \u201cAngel?\u201d She hesitantly risked, then blew a relieved sigh when he stepped into her narrow line of vision.<\/p>\n
His form barely visible in the faint light, Angel stood stock-still. His clothes were torn and dishevelled, faded bruises and scrapes shadowing his face, his hands clenched fists at his sides.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel what\u2019s wrong?\u201d This was new. Angel nervous, almost afraid. The desire to try and soothe his fears came to the fore. Cordelia reached out a hand to cup his face, her fingers drawn to the dried blood trailing the outline of his cheek.<\/p>\n
Angel jerked away, hating but choosing to ignore the hurt and confusion that flared in normally bright hazel depths. He couldn\u2019t afford distraction, couldn\u2019t risk his emotions failing her.<\/p>\n
The burn was escalation, spreading across his chest in to his limbs. \u201cCordelia, you need to get away from me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d The gruff warning unexpected, Cordelia let her hand fall, but refused to back away. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Every inch of his flesh felt as though it was engulfed in the very flames of hell. Jenoff hadn\u2019t failed, and time was running out. \u201cPlease just go. Go now before it\u2019s too late.\u201d Angel was desperate, he didn\u2019t have to strength to leave, and the sensation was too eerily familiar to be misinterpreted.<\/p>\n
What had been a spark of panic was fast being fanned into a forest fire. This time Cordelia heeded the warning and stepped back, but her need to help Angel was stronger than her instinctive urge to flee.<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn it Cordelia, run.\u201d Even talk shot needles of pain through his body; the effort to stand too much, Angel gave in and sank to his knees. \u201cFind Buffy\u2026she can\u2026protect you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGod Angel, what\u2019s happening?\u201d Cordelia cried, shaking her head in denial and backing further away. Indecision making it impossible for her to move in one direction or the other, Cordelia dug her heels in and clung onto shaky ground. \u201cI won\u2019t leave you. I\u2019ll call Buffy, she can come here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Huddled on all fours with his chin sagging against his chest, Angel drew in a long breath then slowly released it in a painful hiss. It was happening and he was helpless to stop it. With his soul\u2019s last breath Angel prayed that Buffy would find the strength to destroy him.<\/p>\n
He slowly lifted his head, dark eyes disappearing in a swirl of amber as his mouth stretched into an evil grin.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said run, bitch. I like to play with my food a little.\u201d<\/p>\n
CHAPTER 16<\/b><\/p>\n
Come on, come on\u2026<\/i>Cordelia\u2019s mind raced alongside her frantically beating heart, as she waited for the door to safety to open. Knuckles turned white as they resisted the urge to bang again and demand entrance. Quick glances behind confirmed that no menacing shadow was emerging from the darkness, but Cordelia wasn\u2019t sure how long her luck would hold.<\/p>\n
The doorway to sanctuary opened and she pushed her way in; and finally safe, Cordelia slumped against the heavy wood that now separated her from the unthinkable. Panic and adrenaline continued to surge though already overworked veins, causing her breaths to come in short, ragged pants. Realising that her breathing was the only sound in the silence, Cordelia slowly opened eyes that had been closed in an effort to block out the evening\u2019s events, and encountered three startled gazes fixed firmly upon her. Well, <\/i>she mused absently, guess Buffy wasn\u2019t expecting me.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia? Um\u2026not that you\u2019re not welcome, but is there a problem?\u201d Buffy asked while Xander and Willow silently questioned with a high quirk of their brows.<\/p>\n
The question was reasonable given her frantic arrival, but her brain struggled to form a coherent answer. Exhaustion was fast threatening to overtake her, as Cordelia pondered the reply to give. Maybe she had reacted too quickly, run without being sure; but remembering that cruel look in Angel\u2019s eyes that final instant sent shivers down her spine. And his last words, \u201cI said run, bitch. I like to play with my food a little,\u201d <\/i>broke her heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cGeez, it\u2019s not like I\u2019d be here on a social call.\u201d Cordelia winced, regretting the snappish comeback before it was even finished. Survival instincts, she rationalised. Never let them see you cry. \u201cSorry,\u201d she sheepishly mumbled to the girl she\u2019d run to for help.<\/p>\n
\u201cForget it.\u201d Buffy stated with a matter-of-fact air; then shifting from dejected ex to slayer, her tone mellowed, offering a semblance of calm and reassurance. \u201cJust tell me what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s Angel.\u201d His voice flat and emotionless, Xander readily accused, standing firm against the glares aimed at him. It was a statement, not a question. His voice softened at Cordelia\u2019s obvious distress, but his eyes narrowed, daring her to dispute his claim. \u201cI\u2019m right, aren\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dread shuddered through the now deadly quiet room, Cordelia\u2019s grim and disheartened expression confirming more bad news would follow.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about Angel?\u201d Buffy moved forward, clutching Cordelia\u2019s shoulders. Forcing them face-to-face, green eyes met hazel; both filled with fear for the man they loved.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething\u2019s happened to him.\u201d Cordelia admitted, Buffy\u2019s expectant expression making her uncomfortable. \u201cAngel was meeting me for our first\u2026\u201d She trailed off, a sad smile lifting the corners of her mouth as romantic dreams faded into the distance. Then the words fell in a rush. Angel\u2019s desperate warning as he sank to his knees, the cruel twist of his face, his haunting threat as she ran for her life.<\/p>\n
The room constricted, breathing suddenly became hard as Buffy listened to Cordelia’s harrowing tale. Halloween night flashing to the forefront of her mind\u2019s eye, fears old and new blended into a mass of uncertainty and fear.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Willow\u2019s gentle voice broke into her thoughts; and turning to face her friend, Buffy drew in a steadying breath. \u201cI\u2019m ok, Will.\u201d She lied for the sake of her companions, or maybe her own sanity. \u201cWe go to Giles. Try to piece together what happened.\u201d And taking a mental step back, Buffy took control, praying that she would not fail in her responsibilities. \u201cDid you bring your car?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Realizing the question was aimed at her, Cordelia\u2019s head jerked up. \u201cUh, yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood. Then let\u2019s go, and until we figure out what\u2019s going on, we stick together.\u201d Buffy ordered in a tone that discouraged and thoughts of disagreement.<\/p>\n
Although surprised that Buffy\u2019s immediate action had not been to find Angel, arguing with the slayer was the last thing on Cordelia\u2019s mind. Strangely she found comfort in Buffy\u2019s take-charge attitude, and clung to their strained camaraderie.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen we\u2019ll do what we should have done last time.\u201d Xander\u2019s criticism may have been justified, but it was far from timely, and it earned him a swift jab to the ribs from Willow. \u201cOk, ok,\u201d he attempted to amend. \u201cThen you owe me a big fat I told you so.\u201d His attempt at levity falling flat, another sharp poke was directed his way.<\/p>\n
Her eyes a mixture of sadness and hope, Cordelia grasped Buffy\u2019s arm as she turned to leave. \u201cWe\u2019ll help Angel, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will.\u201d Buffy assured, giving Cordelia\u2019s hand a quick squeeze.<\/p>\n
A silent understanding passed between the two. Both loved Angel and both would risk their lives to help him. They would fight for him, but if hope turned bleak only one would have to do the unimaginable. Cordelia\u2019s heart clenched and she reached up, brushing her fingers down Buffy\u2019s arm. Her smile weak but determined, Buffy responded with equal gentleness. A promise had been made; to battle for the man they both loved.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Freedom. The soul was gone and he was free. A satisfied smile tugged at the corners of Angelus\u2019 mouth. He stood in the now deserted gym and slowly stretched out each muscle, revelling in their strength once again being at his disposal. He was back in control and life was good. Whatever mojo that demon worked had been the real deal \u2013 not a costume or soul in sight.<\/p>\n
He glanced round the empty room and grinned. A high school gym. He imagined it brimming with students at a pep rally, what a massacre could be had. Now he was free anything was possible. Pleasant images of bleeding students scattered amidst a sea of pom poms danced through his head.<\/p>\n
Those happy thoughts slowly gave way to consideration of his next move, to give chase or hang back? Options of how to play the game were always fun, they added suspense to the proceedings. Angelus was a vampire who liked choice in how to stalk his victims; variety was, after all, the spice of unlife.<\/p>\n
Cordelia had sprinted out of the gym as though the devil himself was at her heels. Angelus couldn\u2019t help a wry smile at the near accurate description. And the pain in her eyes before she\u2019d turned away had been a thing of beauty. He\u2019d let her go, let her run to the slayer and her band of merry men, and spread the word of his return. Tough call, he\u2019d smelt the sweat from her work-out clinging to her body, highlighting her natural scent. Soul or no soul, it was intoxicating\u2026alluring.<\/p>\n
Angelus was not a vampire who craved instant gratification; those baser impulses were reserved for lesser demons. Angelus was an artist, intricate plots played out amidst a tapestry of pain and fear were his forte. And Cordelia would be his masterpiece. That he would have her wasn\u2019t in question, it was the how and the when. The soul had sent her scampering for cover, and the joy of the hunt lay before him.<\/p>\n
Buffy would try and protect Cordelia, but Angelus was counting on that. He would have such fun with The Chosen One. Her worst nightmare come to life and all because she failed to track down the demon responsible. Weeks of pleasurable emotional torment stretched out before him. Such delight he would take in mocking Buffy\u2019s inability to keep safe those she loved. Soul lost, demon unleashed and Hell to pay. All these things he would lay at the feet of the world-weary slayer and would relish watching her bow and snap under the pressure. Failure and guilt, two of the greatest punishments.<\/p>\n
But that was business, purely practical. The mental torture would be fun, but it would also weaken Buffy. Doubt killed slayers, and Angelus planned to sow many seeds of insecurity.<\/p>\n
Cordelia on the other hand would be wholly for pleasure. Blondes were great to screw with, or just plain screw, but it was the brunettes that really drove him wild. Finally the soul had developed taste and the vampire would take what before he had only dreamed of. He would court her in his own unique way, with threats and roses. Nothing said love like the severed head of a beloved friend.<\/p>\n
First though it was time to drop in on Spike and Dru. He looked forward to Spike\u2019s inevitable confusion at his now soulless state, his grandchilde never had been the sharpest knife in the drawer. Maybe he would pretend to be soulboy for a while first, really wind the blonde up\u2026<\/p>\n
Angelus grinned in anticipation. Free from all restraint he could be the vampire he was destined to be. So many plans, so little time. <\/i>Time for the games to begin.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
An uneasy silence hung in the air. The coffee table littered with unread books and empty cups. A lone slice of pizza sat forlornly in its box, forgotten by the room\u2019s occupants, who had more pressing matters to take their attention.<\/p>\n
Rupert Giles studied his young charges. The shock and disbelief on their so-young faces was easy to read and his heart broke at the thought of the struggle to come.<\/p>\n
That it would be a struggle he didn\u2019t doubt. Two girls pulled into a life of grim fairytales and horror stories, made women before their time. Both were victims of their heart\u2019s desire, and one a reluctant assassin. Cursing the fate that bound him to the role of advisor he returned to his reading, finding brief solace in the familiarity of research.<\/p>\n
Safely closeted inside Giles\u2019 home, the strength of a slayer within arm\u2019s reach, Cordelia settled herself on the far side of the room. Close proximity to the protection she needed, breathing room she needed more. Pretending to read the heavy text propped on her knees, the words soon faded into an illegible blur.<\/p>\n
Living on a hellmouth, Cordelia knew fear; had even survived the threat of death on occasion. But nothing could have prepared her for tonight. Angel\u2026Her stomach wrenched at the memory. Yesterday he was gentle and tender, and loving. And now he could be the cold-blooded killer Giles warned them about; or he could be hurt, confused and alone. She didn\u2019t know, not for sure, because she had run to safety.<\/p>\n
Getting the hell out of the gym had been her only option. Cordelia knew that with all the certainty of a Sunnydale native. Generations of natural selection had made sure that residents of the hellmouth knew when flight was better than fight. But that knowledge did little to assuage the guilt thrumming through her veins.<\/p>\n
Angel had told her to run, begged her to escape before it was too late. Cordelia shook her head, dispelling the duel voices resonating inside her head; one desperate and caring, the other cold and cruel.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, Cordelia? You might want to put the book down before you break it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Startled by Xander\u2019s whisper cutting into her thoughts, Cordelia glanced down at the book tightly clutched in a white-knuckle death-grip. She sent a small smile of apology to Giles and carefully placed the old tome on the coffee table.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d She softly murmured to Xander, not wanting to shatter the hushed peace.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo problem. I\u2019d hate to see you on the receiving end of one of Giles\u2019 proper care of musty, old books lectures. Can we say dull?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia gave a dutiful chuckle at Xander\u2019s comment, knowing that to him a crisis called for humour. Sadly, all the jokes in the world would do nothing to lift the oppressive atmosphere, this crisis too close to two of the hearts in the room.<\/p>\n
Seated silently in the opposite corner Buffy\u2019s gaze was riveted on the stake in her hands, as she slowly worked the tip into a deadly point. Research had never been her thing, and right now she didn\u2019t think her mind could handle any more gruesome details of Angel\u2019s deadly past. Focus on the practical, deal with the emotional later, it was the mantra that would see her though this nightmare. Risking a quick glance up, her eyes were caught in a bright hazel gaze. A sad smile passed between the two girls before both returned to their respective tasks.<\/p>\n
The shadow of Angelus loomed over them, and worse, both had faced his soulless alter ego. But in that moment another silent pledge was made. They would exhaust every possibility to save the vampire that had touched their hearts. Angel\u2019s soul had been restored once, and that gave them hope.<\/p>\n