Part 30<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cIt looks kind of purple,\u201d Fred looked worriedly at the plastic gloves she just tossed on the sink.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d Cordelia refusing to the let the sight upset her. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t look like that on the hair, I hope,\u201d she winced slightly. \u201cMoment of truth,\u201d she shrugged to Fred.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got more, just in case.\u201d Fred smiled encouragingly.<\/p>\n
\u201cOut.\u201d Cordy pushed Fred from the bathroom. \u201cOh, Fred.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her friend turned. \u201cPray and thanks.\u201d Cordelia beamed.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny time, though, you\u2019ll be beautiful. I mean you are, but more.\u201d Fred nodded rocking on her heels smiling back.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Cordelia stared in the mirror the old picture up next to her face. The color wasn\u2019t perfect but it was close enough to do wonders to her confidence levels.<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t that she actually thought she was smarter or never wrong with her natural color it was just that she felt like more like her old self, the one that had confidence galore- the girl that had known what she wanted and how to get it. She had talked big over the last year as an increasingly blonde person, but she had been wrong in almost all of her recent choices; the important ones anyway.<\/p>\n
Cordelia peered in closer to her image. Brunette or blonde, what did Angel see in her that made him trust so. She squinted hoping to see a big heart appear on the glass. She stared at the pretty young woman and her new store bought \u2018French Roast\u2019 hair color that stared back.<\/p>\n
This was stupid. Even if she hadn\u2019t dyed her hair blonde she wouldn\u2019t have said no to \u2018false\u2019 Skip. Why had she done it? Did she really think she deserved to be a higher power; did she even want to be? What did she want?<\/p>\n
Her head jerked towards the sounds coming from down stairs. She beamed back at her reflection. She knew what she wanted and it really wasn\u2019t that different from what she told little evil Polly and she would do whatever she had to keep it, now that she had it. She brushed back her new dark hair and ran downstairs.<\/p>\n
Fred\u2019s head shot towards the running figure. \u201cI love it.\u201d She jumped up and down pointing to Cordy\u2019s new hair color.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt does look good, doesn\u2019t it,\u201d Cordelia patted at her head.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d Fred smugly swung back on her heels. \u201cTold you \u2018French Roast\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, you did.\u201d Cordy smiled running to the door of the basement where Fred was poised teetering on whether to go down or not.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey got her.\u201d Cordy acknowledged the sounds and curses coming from below.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, she sure is loud.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMost bitches are. Come on, the guys may just be stupid enough to think that boys can\u2019t slug a girl.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI did once already,\u201d Fred raised her tiny fist. \u201cI\u2019ll to do it again, I don\u2019t like her, a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred and Cordelia entered into a tense stand off. Angel had Justine pressed against the wall, his strength keeping her still, but the woman was cursing and spewing venom from her lips.<\/p>\n
Gunn was standing by rubbing his swelling jaw and looking a little lost.<\/p>\n
\u201cShut her up.\u201d Cordelia glared to Gunn.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe won\u2019t. Angel keeps hitting her, but\u2026he doesn\u2019t want to kill her or knock her out until we get the answers so she keeps yelling. But, I think the vamp is about to burst.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia studied the struggling woman and the vampire that was fighting his urge not to kill. She stepped up.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d She gently touched his arm, beckoning him away.<\/p>\n
Angel glanced up his vampire visage plain to see, his elbow up against Justine\u2019s throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d Cordelia nodded.<\/p>\n
The vampire growled and threw Justine to the floor moving away.<\/p>\n
Cordelia shot a quick smile then turned with the sword she had picked up before entering the basement. \u201cStay down.\u201d She said the tip of the blade to Justine\u2019s throat.<\/p>\n
Justine glanced at Cordelia and scooted back against the wall, the blade followed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe haven\u2019t been introduced properly. My name is Cordelia, Cordelia Chase; you already know Angel, Gunn and Fred. Fred here would like to go a couple rounds with you and don\u2019t fooled by her delicate appearance, she\u2019s a hell cat when her loved ones are threatened.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred stepped up. She wasn\u2019t sure what Cordelia was up too, but she would play along even if it meant physically fighting Justine. Fred braced her shoulders and remembered that Justine was the one that sliced Wesley\u2019s throat and manipulated Connor to hurt Angel. She could do it.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut,\u201d Cordelia continued on. \u201cShe\u2019s not the real danger.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe vampire, he won\u2019t kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe won\u2019t?\u201d Cordelia stood back her sword pointing to the floor.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, he doesn\u2019t kill humans right. Isn\u2019t that his banner of his so-called redemption -I\u2019ve a soul\u201d she laughed harshly.<\/p>\n
Cordelia narrowed her eyes and leaned in closer to the woman. \u201cIf you believe that- then you may have just signed your death warrant. If you believe that Angel has his soul -won\u2019t kill humans yet you led Connor to believe that he could kill Holtz anyway then I will kill you, don\u2019t worry about the vampire. I wanted to feel sorry for you, think that the Powers had us save you for some reason. But I can\u2019t think of one. Don\u2019t fear the vampire, fear me.\u201d Cordelia reached up her fist in the air, the skin turning gold as the air around glimmered and brightened.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you? What do you want?\u201d Justine tried to scramble even further back against the wall away from Cordy\u2019s glowing fist.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m not really sure, except that I’m a demon, mad and pretty powerful. What I want- other than you dead is the truth.\u201d Cordelia said coldly.<\/p>\n
Angel leaned back against the wall and whispered to no one in particular. \u201cCordy would\u2019ve made a helluva of a vampire. Did she do something to her hair?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh,\u201d Gunn shot a look at Angel then to Fred,\u201d did you hear that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think he meant it has a compliment, you have to admit Cordy\u2019s a bit scary right now and doesn\u2019t she look pretty, new hair color or really close to old, \u2018French Roast\u2019 I picked it out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh,\u201d Gunn said again.<\/p>\n
Angel bent around Gunn to face Fred. \u201cGood choice almost looks like it should.\u201d He nodded. \u201cOh, don\u2019t tell her I didn\u2019t like it blonde, I did, but this is just better.\u201d Angel glanced back at Cordelia hovering over Justine a sword in one hand and a glowing fist poised over the woman.<\/p>\n
Part of Angel wanted to just rip Justine\u2019s throat out, but the other was quite impressed by the picture Cordelia made and he did like her hair better brunette, maybe next she\u2019d grow it back out.<\/p>\n
\u201cI won\u2019t tell.\u201d Fred beamed.<\/p>\n
\u201cShouldn\u2019t we stop Cordy, she seems too be glowing all over now.\u201d Gunn interrupted trying to direct his companions to his original concern.<\/p>\n
Fred and Angel shrugged. \u201cI kind of want to see what she\u2019s planning.\u201d \u201cI\u2019m with Fred, god, Cordy\u2019s amazing. I mean, just look at her. Beautiful.\u201d Angel added in admiration.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou guys.\u201d Gunn urged.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, look too late.\u201d Fred shook her head.<\/p>\n
Cordelia had leaned in grabbing Justine by the throat; the glow of her fist began to encompass both bodies.<\/p>\n
\u201cHoly shit.\u201d Gunn stepped back.<\/p>\n
\u201cWow.\u201d Fred said.<\/p>\n
Angel waited.<\/p>\n
Cordelia released Justine, starting to stagger. Angel was behind her in an instant steadying her body against his. Angel growled, it wasn\u2019t amazing anymore, not if Cordy\u2019s actions brought her pain.<\/p>\n
Justine huddled against the wall crying gasping tears. \u201cI\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia pushed away from Angel, her voice now gentle. \u201cDon\u2019t dwell now, the hatred and anger are gone, don\u2019t dwell on the guilt, just tell us the truth of how Holtz died.\u201d<\/p>\n
Justine blinked up, her eyes full with tears. She pushed herself up against the wall, her stare never leaving Cordelia. “You think that I’ll help you because what -you took away my anger and pain?” Justine continued to shake her head.<\/p>\n
“It was never about anger or hatred. It was about conviction and belief. I kill vampires because they need to be killed they’re evil. And his soul,” Justine cocked her head towards Angel, “I don’t believe it exists, or if does, it doesn’t change what he is or what he did. So, as far as guilt goes, I’ve none.”<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2026I felt it, you were riddled with it that and rage.\u201d Cordelia momentarily cofused. Cordelia knew what she felt when she embraced the woman. The woman was supposed to be purged of all those damaging feelings. Cordelia stared.<\/p>\n
The woman was no longer crying or yelling, the tension gone from her body, but the hate\u2026Cordelia looked again. The determination in her eyes wasn\u2019t hate, what was it? Could it be belief, faith that her actions were right?<\/p>\n
Pity washed through Cordy over a faith that could be so strong so warped do to so much evil and damage.<\/p>\n
Justine crawled up the wall. \u201cYou felt the guilt and rage of not being able to save my sister and for failing Holtz. Angelus should still be at the bottom of the ocean, suffering for all the evil he’s done. I won’t help you, I won’t fail Holtz again. I would rather die.”<\/p>\n
Cordelia had to be sure. She lunged back the glow once again encompassing both women. Cordelia jerked back. \u201cYou\u2019re right.\u201d Cordy said coldly, her pity gone, anger taking its place.<\/p>\n
The woman was truly damaged goods; there was an emptiness in her that was frightening. Justine was like every other fanatic and zealot, so limited by their own sense of righteousness that they committed evil under the absolute surety of doing the right thing.<\/p>\n
Cordy wondered if the woman would ever see the effects of her beliefs in the light of the bigger picture. But Cordy also knew she wasn\u2019t going to be the one to convert Justine. Whatever reasons the Powers had to send her the vision of Justine in danger wasn\u2019t her concern. They had already saved her once and without a big old sign from the Powers Cordelia wasn\u2019t about to waste her time or her family\u2019s on the woman again.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, if you\u2019d rather die, then – Angel, kill her.\u201d Cordelia demanded. \u201cGive her the death she fears most, drain every friggin fanatical blood cell out of her body.”<\/p>\n
Angel moved forward at Cordelia\u2019s order, but hesitated in lunging at the scowling female prisoner. He knew he wanted to kill Justine, but he wasn\u2019t so sure that was what Cordelia really wanted. Then again, she had surprised him before when she had nonchalantly brushed off the possibility of his killing Holtz with a Pfft, wave of her hand and a quick \u2018kill him, he stole Connor\u2019s childhood\u2019.<\/p>\n
He believed then that he could\u2019ve killed the human with no fear from reprisals or recriminations from Cordy. She hadn\u2019t cared about Holtz just Angel and Connor. Angel again was reminded that Cordelia would\u2019ve made a helluva a vampire worthy of Angelus. Angel hid the wince at his thought, Angelus and Cordelia were not something that ever should be recognized in the same breath except as a warning for Angel to remember and heed.<\/p>\n
Angel stilled waiting for another sign from Cordelia. If she told him again to kill Justine, he would and enjoy it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t fear death. I’ve nothing on my conscience, no reason to fear it, no matter the manner.\u201d Justine said echoing Cordelia coldness.<\/p>\n
“Really,” Cordelia narrowed her eyes, placing a hand on Angel\u2019s chest stalling him, even though he hadn\u2019t moved an inch. “You don’t fear death, how about your soul’s damnation then.”<\/p>\n
Justine pressed against the wall moving as far as she could from Cordelia, her eyes widening a little in fear and incomprehension.<\/p>\n
Cordelia smiled silkily, her manner condescending. “Oh, did that trigger a little something. I think it did. Angel, don’t kill her, turn her, take her soul-damn it.”<\/p>\n
Angel didn\u2019t even move a muscle, he knew he didn\u2019t want to do that- with his soul, he\u2019d struggled with various of his demon’s darker instincts but that wasn\u2019t one of them. He already had a family he didn\u2019t need to make one up.<\/p>\n
Hell, even if he had that desire, Justine wouldn\u2019t be a choice- his choice would always be the glorious woman directing him. He just wanted Justine dead. Angel knew that Cordelia wouldn\u2019t want him too turn Justine either.<\/p>\n
He tried to ignore the frustration that had suddenly sprung up. Cordy wasn\u2019t going to let him kill the woman, he hadn\u2019t even realized how much he wanted to until that moment, he swallowed his growl, his Cordy had a plan.<\/p>\n
“NO.” Justine scrambled back along the wall.<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s sword shot out halting any further movements. \u201cWhy not? What’s the problem Justine? Don’t want to become a soulless evil creature, does that wreak havoc to your convictions, your self-righteousness. It won’t, really- once you’re turned – you’ll forget everything except the lust to kill and feed off of humans, too bad your sister’s not alive so you could be the vampire that kills her, but hey, there are plenty of innocents out there, walking talking happy meals.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel will do it- you’d be his childe. You never met Drusilla. I don’t even think Holtz did- not the right time period, you turned her after Holtz?” Cordelia looked to Angel for confirmation.<\/p>\n
Angel nodded, his face still remaining passive accepting that he would just have to wait for whatever part Cordy wanted him to play next, though he was fairly certain he wouldn\u2019t like it. Then again, the fear level in the woman against the wall was finally rising to an enjoyable degree. Cordelia hit on the woman\u2019s weakness.<\/p>\n
God she was good.<\/p>\n
Cordelia tilted her head and studied Justine. “So then you haven’t heard about her. A piece of work, Dru -crazy as a loon and very evil. Loved her sire, though. Would’ve done anything and everything for him, come to think of it, she did and some of the things she did, they did -together- it makes a girl blush to think about it. She was his crazy little pet. Don’t fret- she loved it. So, will you once your undead.”<\/p>\n
“You wouldn’t…”<\/p>\n
“I thought that was covered- I would, Angel would, we’re demons you know how we are- evil, right? Isn\u2019t that your belief.\u201d<\/p>\n
Justine shot a look at Gunn and Fred. Cordelia smirked. “Yeah, they’re humans but they don’t like you. You’ve caused us a lot of problems.” Cordy shrugged. “You would be much less of a problem as a vampire, they know that and I like I said they don’t like you at all.”<\/p>\n
“I would…”<\/p>\n
“Try to kill us.” Cordelia laughed. “You couldn’t. Angel wouldn’t let you and you couldn’t even fight him because he’d be your sire. Now, you could try maybe, but then he’d have to punish you. Then again, from what I heard, you’d like being punished by your sire. Sick, I know but it’s the way of vampires. Holtz didn’t tell you everything about Angelus, like I said it would make you blush. Whatcha think Angel? Want a new evil eternal plaything?\u201d She turned to the vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know, Cordy.\u201d This time Angel did move closer, he didn\u2019t like it but it was the dichotomy of his being that he made him begin to enjoy the situation and it was what Cordelia wanted him to do. Angel’s hand shot out in a flash pinning Justine to the wall by her neck, his other hand traveled lecherously down her body.<\/p>\n
He leaned in a sexy leer transforming his handsome face into a charming dangerous thing. \u201cShe\u2019s not really my type.” He growled lowly. “But then again, it could be fun for a while. Can you be fun, Justine? Even a little? Come on, it\u2019ll be fun.\u201d The hand that wasn\u2019t holding her neck, squeezed at her breast.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Justine screamed, struggling against the vampire.<\/p>\n
Angel quickly released the woman, sensing her break; he stepped back behind Cordelia, wiping the hand that had fondled the woman discreetly but harshly against the material of his pants.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you, didn\u2019t I? The truth and we want you to tell Connor, that\u2019s all. Just the truth.\u201d Cordelia said softly. \u201cBut,\u201d her voice slowly transforming back into cold steel. \u201cIf we can\u2019t have that then we\u2019ll settle for less- revenge. You pissed us off. The truth or eternal evil unlife as Angel\u2019s crazy pet, it\u2019s really just up to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Justine stared at Angel trying to determine if the vampire really would do it. Angelus was evil, all vampires were, but Justine also knew that Angel had claimed to have a soul and he hadn’t killed her before when he had the chance, in fact he had saved her.<\/p>\n
Angel winked, the dangerous leer back on his face.<\/p>\n
Justine blanched, starting to speak quickly. \u201cI\u2026I killed Holtz at his command. He wanted to set Angelus up for his death, make it so Connor never would forgive Angelus- that the son would kill the father. He told me how to use an ice pick to make it look like a vampire bit him. Connor came after it happened, it was even better than we originally planned- Connor seeing the body right after it was done. I told Connor that Angelus had done it, that I saw it all and that’s when Connor devised the plan to make Angelus pay.”<\/p>\n
Justine told everything she knew, she wouldn’t take the risk that she would become one of the evil things that she swore to always destroy and so what if they knew the truth, Connor was the one that couldn’t know not them.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll tell that to Connor.” Cordelia said.<\/p>\n
“I can’t. I don’t know where he is.” Justine said some of her earlier bravado returning.<\/p>\n
Cordelia gave her slow smile in return. “Don’t worry. We do. And until you tell him the truth you\u2019ll stay here, Gunn take her to one of the rooms, watch her.\u201d Cordelia turned and walked up the stairs.<\/p>\n
Gunn shrugged trying to get over his unease at Cordy’s performance and his disgust at the truth Justine told. \u201cCome on.\u201d He dragged Justine up by the elbow.<\/p>\n
Fred let a whoosh of loud air that she had been holding in for the last few minutes. \u201cThat was a little terrifying, but effective.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel just nodded and went after Cordelia.<\/p>\n
Part 31<\/b><\/p>\n
Gunn kept a tight grip on Justine, but Cordy’s show in the basement seemed to wipe the fight out of the woman. Gunn imagined that his arm was the only thing from keeping the woman from falling to the floor.<\/p>\n
Which was fine by Gunn, he just as soon be as far away from the woman as arm reach and the small confines of the elevator would allow.<\/p>\n
Gunn would admit that Cordy and Angel’s tag team questioning bit had unnerved him. Cordy with the glowing, cold voice and matter of fact way she ordered Angel to first kill Justine then turn her made his blood run cold and Angel’s easy obedience and slip into a creature that would and could do what Cordy demanded showed him a glimpse of the vampire that he didn’t particularly ever want to see again.<\/p>\n
It reminded him too much of what Angel really was. He had told Angel before that he would never forget what Angel was, but sometimes you couldn’t help to forget because believe it or not the vampire was a helluva a friend.<\/p>\n
But, whatever nervousness Cordy and Angel encouraged, Justine had effected him more- she sickened him and Gunn wasn’t so un-self aware to realize that his reaction may be akin to an ex-smoker disapproving the hell out of a smoker- his realization though didn\u2019t lessen his feelings towards her.
\nGunn knew that he had been on Justine\u2019s path after his sister was killed.<\/p>\n
Gunn could appreciate her need to kill vampires, he had had the same conviction in spades, and he even could understand her unwillingness to accept that Angel had a soul or to let that matter in her hatred- but Angel did have a soul and understanding it or not, Gunn knew now it did matter. And to take it one step further and kill Holtz in such a manner just to set Angel up was something he couldn’t understand or condone, just like he couldn’t accept Justine\u2019s willingness to kill Wesley at Holtz’s order.<\/p>\n
It was more than seeing things in simple black and white, it was fanaticism and Gunn had learned in his time with Angel Investigation, things weren\u2019t that easy. There was a lot of gray out in the world and to ignore that are not believe it could cause more evil than what one was trying to fight against.<\/p>\n
“Come on, girl.” Gunn tugged the woman out of the elevator pushing her to one of the empty rooms. Gunn moved to the window testing it. He grunted the window was swollen shut. He studied the drop to the ground. He grunted again in satisfaction, she wouldn’t be getting out that way. Gunn faced Justine. “Am I going to have to tie you up?”<\/p>\n
Justine glared. “I know that you hate vampires.” She finally spoke, her voice full of condemnation.<\/p>\n
“Your point.”<\/p>\n
“How can you work with him, them- her- you would’ve stood by a let them turn me, make another vampire. I don’t understand you.”<\/p>\n
“Well, I do understand you- and girl, you ain\u2019t righteous, just damaged.” Gunn shook his head. “If you try to escape, Cordy may just change her mind and decide that you’re too much of a problem, remember that.”<\/p>\n
“You’re not human.”<\/p>\n
Gunn shook his head, shutting the door and locking it. He wanted to get as far away from her and his memories as possible.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
“Okay, Kitten, what did I miss,” Lorne came in the hotel lobby towards Fred. “The tension in here could put the LA smog to shame.”<\/p>\n
“Angel and Charles found Justine. She’s upstairs.” Fred gestured to the steps.<\/p>\n
“Oh, the lethal vindictive miss is in the house. That would explain the lack of clean air to breathe. So, did she regale you with the tales of the not so little munchkins misconceptions about dear old daddykins.”<\/p>\n
“Justine killed Holtz, he wanted her to, used an ice pick to make it look like a vampire- Angel- had bitten him,\u201d the distaste clear in the young woman\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n
“What one will do in the name of love, hatred and revenge. Niiiicce. ” Lorne looked up as Gunn came back down the stairs.<\/p>\n
Fred ran up. “Should’ve you have left her alone. Cordy said to watch her.”<\/p>\n
“Yeah, don’t want to be getting on her bad side.” Gunn grumbled to the floor, then looking up. “Hell, girl, Justine’s fine and locked up, she ain’t going nowhere.”<\/p>\n
Lorne puzzled at Gunn’s mumbled comment. “And how is Daddykins taking this bit of news.” Lorne glanced around the lobby. ” And just where are the dynamic love-duo?\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred again nodded to the stairs. “Angel seemed to be fine. I guess it was all kind of expected, sort of, we knew he hadn’t killed Holtz.\u201d<\/p>\n
“We did?”<\/p>\n
“Charles, he told us that.”<\/p>\n
“Right.” Gunn slumped down on the edge of the desk. The whole thing had sucked the life right out of him. Cordy, Angel, Justine -all of them.<\/p>\n
“Why are you in an emotional gumbo?” Lorne asked Gunn.<\/p>\n
“Charles, what’s wrong?” Fred shot a concerned look to her boyfriend.<\/p>\n
Gunn ignored Lorne and answered Fred. “You don’t have a problem with what happened down there.”<\/p>\n
Fred pushed at her glasses. “No. It worked.”<\/p>\n
“What, what happened down where?” Lorne looked at both of them.<\/p>\n
Fred shrugged. “Nothing, Justine was in the basement. Cordy and Angel questioned her- she answered.”<\/p>\n
“Nothing? Cordy turned into Madam Terror and Angel- her evil vamp sidekick.”<\/p>\n
“Charles, you’re being silly, they were just trying to scare her into talking, it isn\u2019t like hitting her was working. ” Fred pointed to the bruise that had formed on Gunn’s jaw. “Cordy was great and what she did worked.”<\/p>\n
“Okay, darlings kiddies, what did our lovely Cordelia do?”<\/p>\n
Fred shrugged at the big deal everyone was making about it. “Glowed a little, then scared her told her that Angel would turn her if she didn’t start talking, that’s all.”<\/p>\n
“That’s all. We’re we in the same place?”<\/p>\n
“So, she exaggerated a little on the descriptive bit and was slightly scary. But it worked.\u201d Fred repeated again getting frustrated at Gunn’s inability to focus on the important issue.<\/p>\n
“A little…slightly….she told Angel to turn Justine into his eternal evil plaything and he was going to do it, you saw him.”<\/p>\n
“Now, you’re really being silly. Cordy would never let Angel make another woman into his eternal plaything- Cordy’s his girlfriend. I wouldn’t let you have a plaything and Cordy wouldn’t let Angel. Geez.”<\/p>\n
“You’re missing the point.” Gunn shook his head.<\/p>\n
Fred narrowed her eyes. “No, Charles, you are. They did what they had to do, it was a bluff and you know it. They have a lot riding on what the woman had to say. We all do and if it meant beating her up or scaring her into talking so what. It got done. We know the truth and Connor will too.” Fred turned with a glare and went to her desk burying herself back into her computer.<\/p>\n
“What? She doesn’t get it.”<\/p>\n
“Gunn, I think you’re the one that doesn’t get it. That kitten has steel running through her. Five years in my lovely home dimension can do that to the sweetest of the sweet. She knows what her priorities are and Justine’s well-being isn’t on the list.”<\/p>\n
“It ain’t on mine either, man. But, Angel and…”<\/p>\n
“I thought you got over your indecision about Angel’s demoness.”<\/p>\n
“That ain\u2019t something you get over, just accept, until he turns evil. But Cordy’s….” Gunn shook his head.<\/p>\n
Lorne shrugged. “The lovely lady was granted some mighty big powers, but don’t be so sure that what you saw had anything to do with her new founded demoness, that beautiful lady can be very determined when her mind is made up. Both of our beauties are very strong women. And a strong woman can be a very scary thing to us mere males. So, what’s the next step in the plan.”<\/p>\n
Fred looked up over her shoulder. “We get Connor back and Wesley comes home, of course.”<\/p>\n
“Not to mention lacking on the details of things.” Lorne rolled his red eyes to Gunn.<\/p>\n
Part 32<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel stood in the doorway staring at the young woman laid out on his bed, Cordelia\u2019s back and head rested against the backboard.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat wasn\u2019t fun.\u201d She acknowledged his presence with a scowl.<\/p>\n
Angel remained where he was not sure how to respond. If he was to be completely honest with Cordelia and himself he would have to admit that there were definite \u2018fun\u2019 portions of Justine\u2019s break down and confession.<\/p>\n
Justine\u2019s apprehension changing to terror as Cordelia found her fears and exploited them had been exhilarating to the demon in him; much more so than the impact of his swinging fist against the soft flesh. Her pain was only a slight consolation to his demon. The woman had shown no fear at his beatings.<\/p>\n
It had frustrated him, urging him to rip her head off along with her smirk. But, then Cordy came taking over causing Justine\u2019s scent to spike with fear drenching the woman and the air around her. It had been magnificent.<\/p>\n
Angel hadn\u2019t been exaggerating when he said that Cordelia would make a helluva a vampire. The moment Cordelia recognized Justine\u2019s fear and used it with such precision, Angel\u2019s demon recognized Cordelia\u2019s skill. She knew Justine\u2019s buttons and Cordy used Angel to push them and rather than be angry the demon in him reveled in being the instrument of Cordy\u2019s torture of Justine.<\/p>\n
Her actions ignited a desire and want to lay claim to Cordelia as a worthy partner and use her body to extend its pleasure.<\/p>\n
It\u2026Angel had to stop that, if he was to be truly honest. His demon wasn\u2019t an it- it was he. Angel was the one that wanted to bury himself in Cordelia and gloat with their bodies at Justine\u2019s loss of will to fear not some alternate personality of Angel or some separate little demon hidden inside his body. Angel was his demon.<\/p>\n
His soul didn\u2019t change that. It\u2026.his soul wasn\u2019t an it either it was also him. Angel had another epiphany standing watching Cordelia.<\/p>\n
Truthfully, he\u2019d known it all along- his soul made him one fucked up demon. Conscious versus instinct, a constant battle at times more difficult than others but always there and there were times when he had given in to the instincts for various reasons -some merely out of need others for reasons he wasn\u2019t proud of, but it wouldn\u2019t happen now.<\/p>\n
Because while he was a demon, he wasn\u2019t Angelus, his soul did change that. And to do what his instinct craved and embed himself in Cordy\u2019s body would destroy something precious. Unfortunately, that piece of knowledge didn\u2019t curb his desire for the woman any. But then again, did he really think it would, as far as Angel could tell nothing would destroy his desire and love for Cordelia.<\/p>\n
Everyday he experienced her it just grew stronger.<\/p>\n
\u201cYoo-hoo, Angel,\u201d Cordelia waved her hand in the air.<\/p>\n
Angel blinked. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWow, the statue speaks.\u201d Cordelia leaned up from the headboard to sit cross-legged on the bed. \u201cYou do realize that you\u2019ve been standing there staring for like forever. I was beginning to think we\u2019d have to put you in the garden under a shady tree. Can\u2019t have the pigeons setting up house inside.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel came as he close to he ever would to actually sticking his tongue out at the woman and he was grateful. His desire to laugh went a long way to temper is need rip at her clothes. \u201cI was thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, that wasn\u2019t thinking that was brooding. Thinking causes little wheels to turn in your head, you know signs of animation, brooding on the other hand turns you into a gloomy statue that birds will crap on if you don\u2019t at least blink every once in awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel rolled his eyes and moved to sit on the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, you\u2019re not mad are you.\u201d Cordy scooted up beside him. \u201cYou know about me saying all that stuff about you turning Justine. I know you don\u2019t like being reminded about all the icky stuff you did when you were Angelus.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIcky? I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever quite heard it described like that.\u201d Angel smiled pulling Cordy\u2019s hand to his lap.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, if that\u2019s not it why you were brooding?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you I was thinking.\u201d Angel repeated sternly.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, why were you thinking your self into a lawn decoration.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel smiled giving up. \u201cI was thinking. I was thinking, Cordy that you would\u2019ve made a great vampire -got the torture think down just right.\u201d Angel was only half teasing.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, eww.\u201d Cordy jerked back. \u201cYou make it sound like it was fun or something. It wasn’t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, it wasn’t for you was it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, but for you it was?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel shrugged. \u201cMaybe a little.\u201d Again, he was only half teasing but he wasn\u2019t completely comfortable sharing his darker instincts with the young woman he loved.<\/p>\n
Who was he kidding, he may not want to share but he did want to show her. Angel\u2019s dark gaze settled on the young woman, his eye\u2019s taking in the peaceful setting of Cordelia, beautiful and desirable, sitting and waiting for him.<\/p>\n
He wanted to interrupt the quiet with cries of lust, broken furniture and naked flesh coming together in a violent union. He wanted her up against the wall, on the floor and everywhere- he just wanted to be in her. Angel buried his growl. Cordelia already carried the burden of his heart and soul. Angel wouldn\u2019t give her the responsibility of confronting his instincts- that was his responsibility and problem.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat.\u201d Cordelia poked him in the stomach. \u201cThose \u2018grr\u2019 instinct get some jollies down there. Here I thought I upset you, but I should\u2019ve been worrying about you going wildly \u2018grr\u2019 and actually turning Justine.\u201d Clasping her hands dramatically to her chest. Cordelia latched on the half teasing tone of Angel and responded with her own.<\/p>\n
\u201cEww.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy stared dropping her hands in amazement. \u201cAngel, you just ewwed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, turning Justine into a eternal plaything is a lot to eww about.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s right, she\u2019s not your type- not blonde.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel tugged at Cordy\u2019s hair. \u201cYou better hope that\u2019s not the reason- you\u2019re not blonde anymore. By the way I really love it.\u201d He showed her the dark strain.<\/p>\n
Cordelia knocked his hand away reclaiming her hair. \u201cI\u2019m surprised you even noticed I went blonde in the first place. You can be pretty dense about that sort of thing. You do?” She added very pleased at the look of appreciation on Angel’s face.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I do and Cordy I do notice everything about you. I notice when you change perfumes, when you change lotions, when you change shampoos\u2026.\u201d Angel spoke softly tracing his finger from the exposed skin around Cordy\u2019s collarbone back up to her hair. Angel could allow himself this, which was a good thing, because he didn’t think he could stop it.<\/p>\n
Cordy knocked Angel\u2019s hand away again. \u201cYou mean- you smell me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the time, every chance I get,\u201d his finger going immediately back to its previous path.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, that just sounds gross, you smelling me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t help it,\u201d he tapped his nose, \u201cvampire. Anyway, you are definitely one of the more pleasant things in this life to smell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re giving me the squigglies, now I\u2019m going to be self-conscious all the time. I can\u2019t train with you anymore, I\u2019ll be stinky.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t worry about it, Cordy, perspiration gives the flesh flavor, accentuates the scent\u2026,\u201d his lips brushed the nap of her neck.<\/p>\n
Cordy pulled back, wiggling a bit trying to ignore the shivers that were trickling up and down her spine. \u201cAngel, we\u2019re talking about sweat here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m talking about your sweat, your scent, your flesh, your hair, your body- it will never be gross to me, you will always be beautiful.\u201d Angel leaned back into her neck nuzzling against the skin, his body edging Cordy down on the bed.<\/p>\n
Cordy gasped as his lips nipped and his tongue made small patches of moisture along her neck and the skin under her chin. It was harder to ignore the shivers this time, mainly because the tingling had spread through out her body. But Cordy tried anyway, she had a point to make. \u201cWhat about when I\u2019ve been dosed with slime demon goo?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel lifted his head. \u201cYou win, that would be gross. Now, can I get back to what I was doing without any more interruptions?\u201d Angel leaned back in at Cordelia\u2019s smile only to come back up at the sound of a loud cough and a startled \u2018whoops\u2019 from the door.<\/p>\n
Cordelia pushed up and looked at Gunn and Fred standing in the doorway of the bedroom. Gunn was studying his shoes and Fred was waving her fingers and wearing an apologetic smile.<\/p>\n
Cordelia turned to Angel. \u201cThe answer to your question would be no.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can see that.\u201d Angel grunted his growl.<\/p>\n
“Sorry, we just wanted to know when and how we were getting Connor.” Fred\u2019s fingers clutching each other together in front of her in a nervous fashion, the apologetic smile still on her face.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019ll call Wesley tonight. Then tomorrow night.”<\/p>\n
Fred swung around satisfied with Angel’s answer. “Come on,” she nudged at Gunn. “And you were thinking Angel didn’t have a plan.”<\/p>\n
“Still lacking in the details, girl.” Gunn whispered remaining in the doorway.<\/p>\n
“Pooh,” Fred whispered back. “Come on, can’t you tell they want to be alone.”<\/p>\n
“You’re okay with that.” Gunn had moved with Fred a few feet away from the door that Fred closed in his face.<\/p>\n
“That they want to be alone?”<\/p>\n
“That they were making out like they weren\u2019t just downstairs scaring the living life out of someone. Like it turned them on or something.”<\/p>\n
Fred shook her head. “Why are you being so silly? They just want to be alone. They got the answers we needed and it will all be over soon. They’re happy and don’t worry Cordy won’t let Angel get perfectly happy.” She pulled at Gunn’s arm.<\/p>\n
“Uh,” Gunn pivoted back towards the door -that hadn’t been his worry until now. “They shouldn’t be in there- alone.”<\/p>\n
“Charles.” Fred pulled harder. “Trust ’em.”<\/p>\n
“Trust ’em.” Gunn questioned. “Girl, they just reenacted a vampire’s wet dream downstairs and now they’re are up here preparing to do the bump and grind.”<\/p>\n
“Charles, that was crude,” Fred snapped. “We’re leaving them alone. Come on. Don’t you have weapons are something to gather.”<\/p>\n
“Sure, but I’m starting with the tranqs,\u201d Gunn moved his feet, but his eyes went back to the closed bedroom door.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n