Chapter Sixteen<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia practically skipped out of the Inn. Even, Gerty\u2019s bawdy wink and lewd assumption that Cordelia had finally given into Angelus didn\u2019t dampen her happiness.<\/p>\n
Though, the innkeeper\u2019s not so subtle suggestion that she deserved some sort of finders fee from Angel, did make Cordelia little annoyed. But who cared, Angel was there and she was going home.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I still don\u2019t get was why Lila, the bitch esquire, sent me back to this hell hole- I mean how could that benefit Wolfram & Hart? Sure, they messed with me before, but that was just to get to Angel. This little scenario was even a bit farfetched even for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey found out about the Prophecy\u2026.\u201d Wesley said, glancing at Angel. The vampire should really be the one to tell Cordelia that she was Angel\u2019s soul mate.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe prophecy- wow, I had forgotten. Gee, that is probably the only good thing about this whole mess. I imagine that Angel has been too busy to sneak off to Sunnydale or stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t sneak.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHmmph. Well, we will just have to worry about that when we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cActually, then\u2019s when we can stop worrying.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLater, at home. Wes, how much longer?\u201d Angel would tell Cordelia, eventually. He didn\u2019t want to though; he was scared of her reaction. But he would have to tell her or Cordelia would just keep nagging him about Buffy and Sunnydale.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot that much longer.\u201d Wesley stared at his watch, willing the hands to speed up. He didn\u2019t much care for waiting around in the dark alley.<\/p>\n
\u201cGee, never thought I would be glad to see this alley again. Eww.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will be home soon.\u201d Angel smiled and grabbed Cordelia\u2019s hand. She clutched gratefully. Suddenly, Angel stilled, and then pushed Cordelia behind him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think I like this, no, I know I don\u2019t like this at all.\u201d Angelus\u2019 eyes shot from Cordelia to Angel. His eyes narrowed as he stared at the other vampire. He looked familiar.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoa, Angelus that vampire looks like you, but with bad hair, really bad hair. It\u2019s growing straight up. How do you do that? Why would you do that?\u201d Spike said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh dear.\u201d Wesley pulled out his crossbow.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t look like that,\u201d Angelus glared.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, what ever you say, but when was the last time you took a look in a mirror. I tell you that vamp stole your ugly mug.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Angel and Angelus growled at the blonde vampire.<\/p>\n
Angel moved closer further blocking Angelus and Spike from Cordelia.<\/p>\n
Angelus growled. Any discussion or curiosity about the strange vampire\u2019s looks became irrelevant at Angel\u2019s protective move and Cordy\u2019s comfortable compliance to the other vampire\u2019s touch and direction.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNever.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia pulled at Angel. \u201cRemember.\u201d She whispered. \u201cWesley, please tell me the portal will be opening any second now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wish I could, but we still have several minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope. You didn\u2019t happen to bring another one of those, did you?\u201d Cordelia pointed to Wesley\u2019s crossbow. She nodded gratefully as she grabbed Wesley\u2019s second weapon.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, Cordy\u2026\u2026\u201d Angelus chided. \u201cHave you been cheating on me, playing with my affections? I find that annoying. If I find that you have been allowing another to sample your taste, I will be truly angry. Spike you can have the one over there, but the girl and the vampire are mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngelus not to be a downer on your little obsession, but the chap is holding a crossbow. And while he looks like a wuss, even wuss\u2019s have been known to aim straight. You want the tasty bit. You dodge the flying arrows. I\u2019ll give Dru and Darla your regards.\u201d Spike slipped away into the darkness. \u201cI\u2019ve got me a deadman\u2019s party to go to.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI would advise you to leave, also.\u201d Wesley cocked an arrow.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot without what is mine. \u201c Angelus growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou won\u2019t touch her, you will never touch her.\u201d Angel said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI already have, she\u2019s been marked. Where are your manners? It\u2019s not polite to take another\u2019s belongings. Didn\u2019t your sire teach you that? It looks like I will just have to teach you.\u201d Angelus growled, game face on.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo away Angelus, leave now.\u201d Cordelia held up her crossbow.<\/p>\n
\u201cDarling, you know you can\u2019t kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh get over yourself, you arrogant bastard.\u201d Cordelia said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I can.\u201d Angel growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cNO.\u201d Cordelia yelled, pulling at Angel\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you she was mine.\u201d Angelus laughed and lunged. Angel met Angelus in mid- air.<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley, do something.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you have any suggestions?” Wesley looked for a shot, but the vampires were too close to each other and too quick. One bad shot and either one of them could end up dust.<\/p>\n
Cordelia shot an evil glare at her friend, and then returned to the bizarre, deadly scene before her. Angel fighting Angelus. The vampires were pummeling each other, the force of their blows throwing them back. Cordelia swore she could hear bones breaking, she did see their borrowed blood sweeping into the alleyway.<\/p>\n
Cordelia yelled as Angel went flying into the wall, his body cracking the bricks. \u201cAngelus no,\u201d Cordelia ran in front of Angel\u2019s slumped body, blocking the limping other vampire. \u201cWhatever you want, don\u2019t do this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s my Cordy. Come here.\u201d Angelus grinned, the blood dripping down his face; his swollen eyes didn\u2019t detract from the evil triumph in his smile. His arms, one broken, were held out.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow much longer Wesley?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, don\u2019t\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow much longer,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cThree minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I run, take Angel, and get to portal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou want me, you will have to catch me.\u201d Cordelia started to dash from the alley.<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley.\u201d Angel pushed his back up along the wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight.\u201d Wesley ran grabbing Cordelia and throwing her to the ground, just as Angel leapt towards Angelus\u2019 opened arms.<\/p>\n
Cordelia struggled kicking and hitting, pushing Wesley off her. Cordelia glared. \u201cWhat the\u2026.Wesley?\u201d Her tone lowered as the air vibrated around her.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Portal, Angel.\u201d Wesley ran to the fighting vampires. Cordelia was quickly beside him.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is mine. You will never touch her again. NEVER.\u201d Angel had Angelus by the head, slamming it repeatedly against the hard ground, his eyes glowing a fierce gold. His tensed bulk leaning over the prone body of his former self. Angel reached for Angelus head, twisting it back.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d Cordelia whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, come on.\u201d Wesley tugged at Angel\u2019s arm. \u201cHe won\u2019t, never again, not if we go now. Angel, you can\u2019t kill him. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease.\u201d Cordelia whispered. \u201cI can\u2019t lose you. I love you, Please Angel.\u201d Her word\u2019s barely audible, unknowingly said, never intended to be heard. But Angel heard. With a loud growl, he dropped Angelus and got up.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s body was bruised and bleeding but the rage within in him still gave him the strength to move. Angel lunged, grabbing at Cordelia cradling her in his arms. Angel jumped through the now complete whirling black hole. Wesley quickly followed.<\/p>\n
Chapter Seventeen<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cPut me down.\u201d Cordelia said. \u201cYou could have killed him, he might be dead.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia that is doubtful, since Angel is here and alive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlive? He looks pretty much on death\u2019s door, for a vamp.\u201d Gunn said, moving towards the trio. \u201cWhat ran over him?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngelus.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou should see the other guy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh. Cool.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot cool. Angel could have killed him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot cool? What, we can\u2019t even kill Angelus? Is there a vampire out there that we can kill? What\u2019s up? By the way, welcome back. Glad everyone is in one piece.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Cordy, I\u2019m so glad you are back and that Angelus didn\u2019t kill you.\u201d Fred ran up.<\/p>\n
Angel growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, stop that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel growled again.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t get mad at me, I\u2019m not the one that risked everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel growled again louder. He turned to go upstairs and faltered.<\/p>\n
\u201cSit down,\u201d Cordelia ordered going for the first aid kit.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t touch me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFINE.\u201d Cordelia stomped and flopped on the couch. \u201cSee if I care.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, let\u2019s get you to your room.\u201d Wesley picked up the first aid kit and led the vampire to the stairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, Cordy why is Angel so mad at you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, what\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know. I didn\u2019t do anything. I was the victim. Geez.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, you look okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, okay? I have spent the last two weeks in a cesspool, fed Jack the Ripper to Angelus, cut up the only descent person in that hell hole, been stalked and threatened by the psychotic dead guy, had to live in a brothel, no bath, no lotion, no shampoo, and NO SOAP. OKAY? I THINK NOT.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn and Fred jumped back.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan you go over that cutting up bit and the Jack the Ripper part again?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngelus stalked you. Boy, it\u2019s a good thing he didn\u2019t kill you.\u201d Fred said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuh. Of course, it\u2019s a good thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I mean sure, but if he had killed you then the prophecy would have happened and that would have been really bad, not that you just being dead wouldn\u2019t have been bad, because that would have been bad too, of course. But, you dead, Angel damned that would have\u2026\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you babbling about? God, you sound like Willow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn, what is she talking about?\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Prophecy, why Wolfram & Hart sent you back. You met Jack the Ripper. So, Angelus ate him, no wonder that\u2019s not in the history books. Didn\u2019t they tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, no, Lila wasn\u2019t much on explaining\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I mean Angel and Wesley.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn, that\u2019s enough.\u201d Wesley said as he came down the stairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow\u2019s Mr. Growly butt?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, Angel has every right to be in a unpleasant mood. I myself am not to happy with you right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t do anything.\u201d Cordelia whined.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, trying to lead Angelus away from the alley was not at all very smart. In fact it was down right stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt could\u2019ve worked.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReally, do you think, that Angel or I would\u2019ve just gone and left you to Angelus. Did you think that Angelus would not kill you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred and Gunn watched in fascination at the various emotions that played over Cordelia\u2019s face. Anger finally winning over the doubt and guilt. \u201cMaybe but Angelus wouldn\u2019t have killed Angel and Angel wouldn\u2019t have killed Angelus. History would have been protected.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHistory?\u201d Gunn said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGeez. What? Was I the only one that you made watch Star Trek?\u201d Cordelia snorted to Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, sacrificing yourself, would definitely not have prevented Angel from trying to kill Angelus. Your death would have\u2026..Cordelia go talk to Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to. Anyway, Gunn was just going to explain about why Wolfram & Hart sent me back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, well, I\u2019m sure that Angel doesn\u2019t want to talk to you now either, but you need to talk to Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia glared. \u201cI said I don\u2019t want to, not when he is being mean.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn and Fred watched again in fascination as Wesley lectured Cordelia as if she was a two old and Cordelia took it.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine,\u201d she huffed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat in the hell happened back in time warp?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley shook his head. \u201cCordelia was pursued by Angelus. It seems Angel was right, his former unsouled self took quite an interest in her. That and his meeting Angelus has made Angel upset.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, did you meet Jack the Ripper, too?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cToo?\u201d Wesley eyes shot up the stairs. \u201cCordelia met Jack the Ripper?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, said she fed him to Angelus.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh my, no, we didn\u2019t know that. I hope she doesn\u2019t tell him right now, he\u2019s a bit fragile.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFragile? We\u2019re talking about Angel right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a trying experience for us all.\u201d Wesley slumped on the couch.<\/p>\n