Part 20<\/b><\/p>\n
Gunn picked up his axe and bag as Angel came in. \u201cAnything?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley\u2019s got a lead. Hot spots.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat sounds down right nasty.\u201d Gunn swung the axe on his shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere\u2019s Cordelia.\u201d Angel scanned the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cRan upstairs in a huff, slamming doors. Hasn\u2019t been down since.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat geeky assistant of her showed up, shoving magazine, newspapers, and letters in her hand. She read, she freaked, and she ran. I kicked him out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll call.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn nodded leaving Cordelia\u2019s house.<\/p>\n
Angel looked at the bag in his hand. Cordelia warming his blood just might have to wait. He tucked the bag in the furthest corner of the refrigerator and went upstairs.<\/p>\n
Angel flinched at the shouted \u2018go away\u2019 that cascaded through the door. \u201cCordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes that mean I can come in?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Trying not to look too obvious as he attempted to peer through the soapy bubbles to reach the young woman\u2019s skin.<\/p>\n
Cordelia sunk down in the bathtub, her hand dangling over the edge motioning to a stack of newspapers and magazines thrown on the floor.<\/p>\n
Angel sighed. The little bit of flesh he could glimpse had disappeared further under the foamy water. Angel turned to look at the items that Cordelia had pointed to. The pictures of Cordelia were wonderful, sexy. Angel growled. How many people read these magazines.<\/p>\n
He shook his head and looked at the articles. Hey, he was mentioned. Angel\u2019s brow rose. He was \u2018Cordy\u2019s handsome mysterious lover. So far, he couldn\u2019t see what the problem was.<\/p>\n
Angel picked up another magazine. His eyes narrowed. \u2018Cordelia Chase has run the gamut of cute…sweet\u2026She\u2019s used stunning looks, gorgeous hair, svelte body to hide the fact that she has no talent. As the years go on, is has come apparent, especially once the hair and body were gone, what was left was \u2018no talent.\u2019 America\u2019s sweetheart as become its biggest embarrassment, especially as she\u2019s seemed to have taken with cavorting with hoodlums, did anyone else see the guy on her arm at the premiere of A Season Is More Than A Time Of Year<\/i> (Yawn by the way) he looked like he\u2019d kill a convent full of nuns for fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d Angel looked at the young woman.<\/p>\n
\u201cShut up.\u201d She glared pulling herself out of the tub running to her bedroom.<\/p>\n
Angel stood. She let him in, now she was running. Fuck the visions; this woman would drive him crazier faster. He looked back at the paper. How\u2019d the reporter know that he had killed more than anybody\u2019s share of nuns? Lucky guess or did the report know something. Angel shrugged off the thought after committing the flaming reporter’s name to memory.<\/p>\n
Angel walked into the bedroom. Cordelia was throwing tapes on the floor, finally finding the one she wanted. He watched as Cordelia slammed against the bed, she yanked at his hand before he could say a word. Angel fell beside her. \u201cWatch,\u201d she ordered.<\/p>\n
Angel looked questioningly at the young woman than back to the TV. It was the premier of the Cordy Show<\/i>. Angel couldn\u2019t help but smile at the lovely picture Cordelia made. Her warmth seemed to radiate from the screen. His lips twitched at the same jokes he acknowledged the first time he saw it.<\/p>\n
Angel blinked as Cordelia almost growled, lurching up ejecting the tape and shoving another in its place.<\/p>\n
Angel watched and the smile on his face got bigger. This was one of his favorites. Angel remembered feeling a pang at the loss of Cordy\u2019s trademark long dark hair. But, he had been over it before the credits aired. Cordelia had been at her most charming and comedic. She was really beautiful. Angel sat back, his hand creeping around the even more beautiful live version sitting next to him.<\/p>\n
Cordelia shoved him and got up again. Ejecting the tape and putting in another. She stayed by the TV.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy?\u201d Angel asked, she was too far away and he still didn\u2019t know what she wanted.<\/p>\n
\u201cWatch.\u201d She glared.<\/p>\n
Angel shrugged and watched. He squirmed and closed an eye. He hated this episode. So out of character- Cordy would never just sleep with that two-bit loser, the fact that it all turned out to be dream hadn’t helped the distaste in Angel’s mouth as he watched the episode. It was a sitcom- who wanted to see so much skin. Angel leaned back, so much of Cordy\u2019s skin on that jerk. He shook his head and growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cShh,\u201d Cordelia glared and changed tapes again. Angel gave a half smile. This episode was so sad, still funny but\u2026Cordy\u2019s character had shown real feeling at her father\u2019s death.<\/p>\n
Angel lifted his head. \u201cYou won the Emmy for this one and the other.\u201d Referring to the second tape she put in. \u201cYou\u2019re very good.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEek,\u201d she yelled throwing the tapes at the vampire and tossing herself on the bed.<\/p>\n
Angel sat amongst a shower of VHS tapes. Something was definitely not right. Angel flinched as his hand pressed down on the corner of a plastic tape crushing it. He hoped it was the dream episode.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGo away.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan\u2019t, Won\u2019t.\u201d Angel sat on the bed. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia told him to shut up. \u201cWhat happened? Didn\u2019t you see it? I\u2019ve no talent. Just a body and hair- which seems to be fading fast from all the articles rushing to print.\u201d Cordelia jumped off the bed, her robe falling to the floor, her gaze scrutinizing her body in the full length of the mirror. \u201cI look, really I do. I weigh myself twice a day. It\u2019s not different. Well,\u201d she scrunched up her nose.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have gained some but my doctor said I was too skinny before. Give me a break on my hair.\u201d She swirled around to Angel. \u201cDo you have any idea how hard it is to keep my hair the way it was. They sprayed, yanked, pulled, it wasn\u2019t fun.\u201d Cordelia shoulder\u2019s slumped. \u201cI know I\u2019m not a \u2018great\u2019 actor, but, Geez, do they have to compare me to Dana Plato, good grief, she was a has-been child star that robbed stores.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel wasn\u2019t sure what to do. Everything Cordelia ranted about was nonsense, but she didn\u2019t believe it too be. Angel truly wished he could kill every single one of any of the critics that reduced the beautiful amazing woman in front of him into a frantic mass of insecurities.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
She glared.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, I\u2026I can only tell you what I know. Your show was one of the bright spots during my vision-induced craziness. I smiled. You\u2019re body- I could get lost in every minute of the day, though, honestly, I think maybe you could actually gain a few more pound. Makes for better fondling. Hair, dark is the best, I will admit to that, but it doesn\u2019t matter, short long blonde\u2026.It\u2019s an accessory a nice one, but it doesn\u2019t compare to the eyes that know all, that can brighten with laughter and darken with desire and hold the secrets to your heart. Your lips\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStop.\u201d Cordelia cleared her choking her throat, her hand brushing her eyes of the tears that appeared as soon as Angel started speaking.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know and that\u2019s really kind of scary and nice\u2026Um Angel,\u201d she pouted, shifting her feet.<\/p>\n
Angel blinked. It took his mind a little bit longer to recognize the meaning behind the pout than his loins. He hadn\u2019t ever seen pouty Cordy whining to be held. He moved quickly taking advantage. Angel was fairly sure that it wouldn\u2019t last long. She\u2019d be getting assertive and demanding soon enough.<\/p>\n
Which was fine. But he was the man and the vampire; maybe he could at least pretend to have some control over the beautiful woman for the time being.<\/p>\n
Part 21<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d Angel rested his chin on the young woman\u2019s shoulder, his hands gently cupping the underside of each of her breast, delighting in the fullness that filled his hands, his thumbs brushing hardening nipples.<\/p>\n
\u201cHmm.\u201d Cordelia leaned back into his chest.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know those articles aren\u2019t true, so why do you let them bother you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia cocked her head to peer up at Angel. \u201cThey identified you as my dark mysterious lover that killed nuns.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel pushed her slightly forward, his lips tracing along her shoulder blades. \u201cLucky guess.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia arched her back, mumbling as his kisses descended further along her spine. \u201cMr.\u2018Grr\u2019 guy does have sense of humor.\u201d She chuckled, leaning in resting her arms on the bed, opening her back further for Angel\u2019s ministrations.<\/p>\n
\u201cMmm. It affects my career. Bad timing\u2026right around the Emmy\u2019s. You sure you\u2019re not bad luck. Bad press right when you become my \u2018dark mysterious\u2019 lover.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel leaned up. \u201cCordy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGeez, where’d the sense of humor go. Knew it was an aberration.\u201d Cordelia smiled, turning and lying down on the bed, reaching to up to gently wipe the guilty look off the vampire\u2019s face. \u201cJoking, Angel. How can you be bad luck you\u2019re keeping me safe from crazy Krumpy- guy? And you say really nice things and do some amazing ones,\u201d giggling, pulling the vampire down over her.<\/p>\n
\u201dI will keep you safe, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m counting on it, now do the amazing stuff.\u201d Cordelia murmured as Angel\u2019s lips descended.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmazing, uh.\u201d Angel slowly smirked, his tongue sweeping along Cordelia\u2019s jaw trailing down her neck as his hands moved upward, caressing at the softness and curve of Cordelia\u2019s side.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh uh,\u201d Cordelia gasped, her nails piercing into Angel\u2019s shoulders urging the vampire to move faster, opening her thighs for the vampire.<\/p>\n
The growl game uninhibited, building power from deep in Angel\u2019s chest. He moved his hands and lips, relishing every feeling that he could draw out of the body under him. Angel sank into her warmth, choking on the sensations created. Angel\u2019s mind was in overload as his body rocked in the confines of the tight heat. Tears threatened as he growls got louder; every thrust was a moment of living as Cordelia enthusiastically accepted him. In two days, this young woman from his past had become his reason to feel.<\/p>\n
The tension that gripped his balls, threatened to explode, he moved his fingers touching at their joining, plucking at Cordelia\u2019s clit. He clenched as Cordy gasped a scream catching it with a devouring kiss.<\/p>\n
Cordelia held Angel tight as he shuddered into her body.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel was hesitant to leave but his internal warning flared the beginning of a new day as effectively as the songs of the morning birds. He slowly disentangled Cordelia\u2019s arms from his chest.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere you going?\u201d Cordelia sleepily whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cDawn soon,\u201d Angel said as he kissed.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat detective you are- curtains,\u201d she snuggled deeper into the pillow.<\/p>\n
Angel gazed into the darkness, looking around the room. Thick dark drapes covered every window in the room. Angel stared at the barriers to the sun then back at the woman tangled in the sheet. He didn\u2019t know what to think much less to say. In less than a day, Cordelia had protected the room for him. \u201cCordy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan\u2019t have you going up in dust.\u201d She flung out an arm for the vampire trying to tug him down. \u201cDon\u2019t have to go,\u201d Cordelia turned and lifted her head. \u201cUnless you want to\u2026or \u2013 aren\u2019t they heavy enough. I told Nev to get the ones with the most thread count that matched.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel studied the drapes, fingering the heavy brocade material. \u201cNevin, did well very well.\u201d Angel curled down spooning around Cordelia\u2019s body. \u201cBut this could mean I\u2019m trapped your bed all day.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, damn. I shouldn\u2019t have told him to outfit the whole place. You aren\u2019t really observant are you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Again Angel was struck speechless. He gulped. \u201cI\u2019ve been distracted by a TV star.\u201d He smiled cupping Cordelia closer, kissing and nuzzling at her neck.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew my fame was good for something.\u201d Pulling Angel\u2019s arms tighter around her.<\/p>\n
Part 22<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel woke alone in the safety of the darkened room. Cordelia\u2019s scent was all around him, but the woman was gone.<\/p>\n
Angel jumped out of the bed grabbing his pants. He searched for his sweater; finally giving up, when he sensed the heartbeat downstairs.<\/p>\n
Angel stopped in the doorway of the kitchen, completely stunned by what he saw. \u201cCordelia?\u201d<\/p>\n
The lovely young woman turned trying to juggle a carton of blood while pushing up the sleeve of Angel\u2019s dark sweater that had inched down to cover her hand. \u201cDarn, you\u2019re supposed to be asleep. I wanted to surprise you.\u201d she gave a bright smile.<\/p>\n
Angel stared at the carton and then at the spices and condiments on the counter. Tabasco, Worchester sauce, onion salt, old bay. Angel blinked at the celery. \u201cSurprise? I think you have. What are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe never ate dinner last night. I was going to bring you breakfast.\u201d She held up the carton. \u201cBut\u2026how long do you heat it for? You like it warm right?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel took the blood from her quickly. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to.\u201d Angel really wished that he hadn\u2019t listened to Wesley. Angel did not want to feed in front of the young woman.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s a nice thing to do, silly.\u201d Cordelia went to take back the blood.<\/p>\n
Angel swung the blood behind his back out of her grasp. \u201cThose?\u201d he pointed with his other hand.<\/p>\n
Cordelia turned diverted. \u201cBloody Mary, you can\u2019t just like plain blood can you? Booorrring.\u201d Cordelia nodded in conviction. \u201cI didn\u2019t put vodka in it though, do you want some?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou didn\u2019t put\u2026\u201d Angel brought the blood back around to his face taking a whiff. \u201cYou spiced the blood.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, don\u2019t you? You use all those spices when you cook, so why not when you eat?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel took a deep breath, gazing open mouthed at the beautiful young woman clad in nothing but his sweater. Her face bright and questioning, he blinked. Cordelia was serious. She made him a non-alcoholic real BLOODY Mary and she expected him to drink it.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, how long do I warm it for?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stood stunned. First the drapes to keep him safe and now this- the young woman was beginning to scare him definitely amaze him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t like it, you haven\u2019t even tasted it.\u201d Cordelia pouted.<\/p>\n
Angel gulped. \u201cMicrowave it for 2 minutes,\u201d he said slowly.<\/p>\n
He blinked again at the bright grin that overwhelmed Cordelia\u2019s expression. She happily took the carton and placed it in the microwave.<\/p>\n
Angel tried to get a grip on his thoughts as the appliance started its count down. \u201cI can\u2026do you want omelets or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia shook her head. \u201cHad some toast.\u201d She swirled at the ding. \u201cHere you go\u2026Wait\u2026\u201d Cordelia reached for a coffee mug, transferring the blood and placing a stick of celery in it before handing the mug to Angel.<\/p>\n
Angel tentatively raised the concoction to his lips, shoving the wilted greenery aside. He hid his grimace as the spiced blood ran down his throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell.\u201d Cordelia asked expectantly.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot too\u2026okay.\u201d Angel smiled and took another sip.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s good,\u201d Angel quickly said trying to stop the frown that was appearing on her face.<\/p>\n
\u201cHmmph.\u201d Cordelia settled on the stool.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo really.\u201d Angel gulped swallowing the last bit of blood.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure. Oh well, I\u2019ll try something else for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReally, that\u2019s okay, Cordelia. Plain blood is fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHmmph.” Cordelia waved his statement away. “I\u2019ve been thinking about it, I think the bad press is just Rebecca spouting off again. She wasn\u2019t really happy at the Premiere. Bitter old woman. It\u2019s not fair, all I ever wanted to be was an actress.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel looked over his shoulder as he washed the bloody mug out. \u201cAlways?\u201d Angel was puzzled. Acting seemed to be more superficial than even the teenager Cordy had been and definitely didn\u2019t seem fitting with the young woman before him and he didn\u2019t like the way those articles had made her doubt herself. If that was what acting was about- he didn\u2019t think it at all appropriate for Cordelia. She was more important than that.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure,\u201d Cordelia bit her lip, scrunching up her forehead. \u201cActually, no. Only since I had to earn a living. It was supposed to go, home, hotel, hotel, husband. Oh well, or at least college.\u201d Cordelia smiled. \u201cYou\u2019re right the whole celebrity business doesn\u2019t seem to have much purpose\u2026.but it pays well.\u201d She shrugged. \u201cUntil I get cancelled, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat doesn\u2019t bother you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTo no longer be adored by thousands?\u201d Cordelia rested her chin on her fist. \u201cSure. But,\u201d Cordelia scrunched up her face. \u201cIt hadn\u2019t been feeling right for awhile. Either has the home, hotel, hotel, husband course.\u201d She straightened. \u201cYou\u2019ve a higher purpose- visions of all the baddies- is it rewarding? Do you feel like you\u2019re actually a part of something- doing something- helping some how? How does that feel?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel moved to sit next the young woman. \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow can you not know?\u201d Cordelia faced the vampire.<\/p>\n
Angel shrugged. \u201cThis visions are important, I know that conceptually. When Doyle had them, I knew exactly what I was supposed to do and could do it. And saving the victim in his visions did mean something. But\u2026afterwards\u2026now, I\u2019m just glad when they\u2019re over and I can think again. Though, sometimes I just wish I would go completely crazy it\u2019s the knowing a bit of sanity then being thrown back into the abyss of memories and delusions that are difficult. I babble to Wesley, but I\u2019m no use to him or Gunn.\u201d Angel gazed drifted to the far wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou do help and are of use,\u201d Cordelia grabbed at his arm. \u201cWesley and Gunn save people because of your visions. You\u2019re good. You\u2019re helping me. You aren\u2019t crazy. Unless you think being with me is crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel cupped Cordelia\u2019s chin. \u201cBeing with you is crazy, but a very surprising good crazy.\u201d Angel sighed dropping his hand. \u201cBut, I feel wasted like I should be doing more.\u201d He shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay,\u201d Cordelia reached and drew his face to hers. \u201cI think I know what you mean. Weird.\u201d Cordelia blew out a breath. \u201cIt\u2019s like something\u2019s missing or not right. But what can you do about it? We are what we are. Me- just an actress that may or may not maintain my status as \u2018the girl with the million dollar smile\u2019 and you- a vampire with a soul that helps people the best way you can.\u201d Cordelia shrugged.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got to go to the studio, they want to put weaves in my hair. I so tired of it all.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust? Cordy, you aren\u2019t just anything, you are a loving special woman, don\u2019t ever doubt that and tell the studio to screw themselves- I can rip some heads off if you want. I can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia laughed. \u201cHow come I believe that you would scare those weenies at the studio if I asked.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause I would.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia shook her head, dropping her eyes to the counter. \u201cHow come I know you? I shouldn\u2019t, I didn\u2019t know you in Sunnydale, not really, not \u2026obviously not like this, but still\u2026I know you, I feel like have for a long time. I trust you. It\u2019s weird.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel nodded feeling the same sentiments. He did know Cordelia and he trusted her\u2026and he wanted her again.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, I\u2019m going to go take a shower, you want to join me and explore more of this weird and crazy stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, just you.\u201d Angel smiled scooping up the young woman in his arms heading for the stairs. \u201cNo, to the weaves. It wouldn\u2019t feel right.\u201d He determined as he ran his fingers through Cordelia\u2019s silky hair.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, but you might just have to beat up the network honcho.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDone.\u201d Angel ran up the steps.<\/p>\n
Part 23<\/b><\/p>\n
Wesley studied the map. \u201cThat was interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn leaned back. \u201cIt was damn sight more than interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley was a bit surprised at his colleague\u2019s enthusiasm. Gunn rarely if at all, showed any awareness or curiosity towards any aspect of their missions except the fighting, never in the research.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, it is interesting that the small portions of \u2018hot spot\u2019 sensed have occurred in and around Cordelia\u2019s studio and residence. It suggests that somehow the stalker is using small portals to deliver his notes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh?\u201d Gunn looked up. \u201cI was talking about Aggie, she is one HOT woman.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, that was interesting also.\u201d Wesley shook his head. He should\u2019ve realized. \u201cCome on, I think we should go by Cordelia\u2019s studio.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou did get her number right, just in case?\u201d Gunn looked over his hopeful look not quite disguised by his normal nonchalant manner.<\/p>\n
Wesley clenched his jaw. \u201cI did get her number, just in case there were any more signs of \u2018hot spots\u2019 – attempts at dating you\u2019ll just have to do on your own time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? Back up, man, I aint\u2019 tryin to date nobody\u2026\u201d Gunn patted his axe reverting firmly back into his normal mode.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, my apologizes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn straight. So, the vamp actually went to the studio with Cordy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt seems so.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTell ya, the life version sure calms the vamp even more than the TV show. I\u2019ve never seen him so\u2026together.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m just worried about the consequences when he does have a vision.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, you do know that I was kidding about the \u2018beating up\u2019 bit?\u201d Cordelia cocked her head at the vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure.\u201d Angel gave a little smile in agreement. Damn. He\u2019d hoped Cordy had been serious. Angel wasn\u2019t at all sure that he could stand on the sidelines if anyone at the studio caused Cordy to become insecure again. Shoot, he didn\u2019t even see why Cordy had to go into work today. He wanted to stay at Cordelia\u2019s.<\/p>\n
She put up curtains for him, he should\u2019ve been able to stay and enjoy their benefits. Good lord, he was whining. That was new- self-flagellation and guilt- old hat, but whining? What in the world was the beautiful young woman doing to him?<\/p>\n
Cordelia gave a bright smile, leaning up to kiss the vampire\u2019s cheek. \u201cYou\u2019re SO obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Cordelia and Angel flinched as a light bulb flashed in front of them.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the\u2026\u201d Cordelia glared.<\/p>\n
Angel growled as the camera kept clicking and the light flashing. He took a step forward as the man accompanying the photographer thrust himself at Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, Cordy, still going out with the man in black- no last name, but, does he have a record? Has America\u2019s sweetheart lost her sweetness? So, what do think about Jennifer Aniston pulling ahead in the popularity polls as well as in the Emmy race?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow\u2019d you get in? Tabloid press isn\u2019t allowed in the studio.\u201d Cordelia\u2019s glared deepened.<\/p>\n
The reporter smirked. \u201cCome on, Cordy, the public has the right to know who you\u2019re spending time with- if your whole persona of the good little girl is false. Judging by the company you keep, it is. Heard he was a hoodlum. Inquiring minds want to know the deal with your \u2018mysterious lover\u2019. Mysterious- is that another word for criminal?\u201d He nodded towards Angel.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m calling security, and you don\u2019t know anything about Angel. He\u2019s a private investigator a good guy- if you want to trash me- fine, comes with the territory but leave him alone.\u201d Cordelia glared.<\/p>\n
Angel tugged at Cordelia\u2019s arm, placing her behind him. \u201cLeave now, or you will see exactly what kind of company I am.\u201d Angel moved closer to the reporter, his voice low and dangerous. \u201cPrint any of this and you will feel excruciatingly what kind of company I am.\u201d Angel smiled with malevolent pleasure as he yanked and crushed the camera.<\/p>\n
The reporter jumped back. \u201cYou\u2019ll be hearing from my lawyers.\u201d He stuttered.<\/p>\n
Cordelia shot out a hand. \u201cLawyers? Wolfram & Hart perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, and they\u2019re going to sue both of your asses,\u201d yelling over his shoulder as the reporter ran.<\/p>\n
Cordelia blew out a breath. \u201cWell, that explains that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel turned. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia shrugged. \u201cObviously, they don\u2019t take being fired well. Hmmph. Evil toadies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stood. \u201cYou think Wolfram & Hart is behind this?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMakes sense, I haven\u2019t done anything to piss anybody off lately, except hire you\u2026and fire them. Stands to reason they\u2019re behind the splurge of nastiness. And public opinion wouldn\u2019t be swayed that quickly without a push, especially not just because of you. Sure, maybe if they knew you were a vampire, but they don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is because of me.\u201d Angel shifted on his feet, shoving his hands in his pockets.<\/p>\n
Cordelia considered the vampire. \u201cWow. I always knew you were capable of the deep brood sessions, but had no idea how willing you were to accept guilt for any little thing. Do you blame yourself for world hunger, too? How about the Middle East problems?<\/p>\n
How about my bad haircut last month? Personally, I blame world hunger on over-population and a misallocation of the world\u2019s resources and the Middle East- land and religion- being way way over simplistic on both- hell, treatises, articles, books have tried to figure those out, but no where does anyone blame a vampire.<\/p>\n
So it\u2019s all your fault? Hmmph. Didn’t know that. But, the bad haircut- sorry, that blame has to go squarely at the feet of a stoned-out hair stylist going through a nervous breakdown- unfortunately, I didn\u2019t realize the extent of the breakdown until it was too late to save my hair.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s head shot up at Cordelia\u2019s light but pointed teasing. He couldn\u2019t decide whether to laugh, glower or repeat his earlier assertion. He observed Cordelia\u2019s bemused expression at his indecision. God, he was obvious. Angel settled on a half smile.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Gunn leaned back in the passenger seat as Wesley continued to argue with the studio security guard<\/p>\n
He rolled his eyes and leaned over pushing Wesley back as he stuck his head out the driver\u2019s window. \u201cHey, Man, Marvin, it\u2019s me again. We\u2019re here to see Ms. Chase.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Gunn.\u201d The heavy-set black guard peered in.<\/p>\n
\u201cMarv, man, I told you just Gunn.\u201d<\/p>\n
The guard nodded, smiling. \u201cRight, two ‘N’s. He\u2019s with you?\u201d Marvin jerked his head towards Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marvin nodded again. \u201cKind of takes himself way too seriously, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s white and English.\u201d Gunn explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cGotcha. Ms. Chase, didn\u2019t say anything about you coming in said she had the other PI with her. Didn\u2019t see him, though, stuck behind those tinted windows. Weird, Miss Chase doesn\u2019t usually take her limo in. Hey, he was legit, right? He didn\u2019t have a gun to her or anything?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d Gunn shoved a business card at Marvin.<\/p>\n
\u201cYep, that\u2019s what she said his name was. So, he\u2019s the head honcho. Expecting trouble for Miss Chase? It\u2019s that why you\u2019re all here? Should I call the cops? I don\u2019t want anything to happen to Miss Chase. Only last month a crazy came in a tried to shoot that kid from the children’s show taped down the lot. A kid- would you believe it, some people are just sick.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cExcuse me, can we please go.\u201d Wesley said smartly, pushing at Gunn.<\/p>\n
Marvin rolled his eyes. \u201cUptight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d Gunn agreed. \u201c No danger that we know of right now,\u201d Gunn reassured the guard. \u201cJust need to pow- wow with the head honcho and Miss Chase.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marvin nodded. \u201cCall me if you need me to baton the hatches or call the cops.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure thing,\u201d Gunn yelled as Marvin raised the barrier to the studio lot.<\/p>\n
\u201cUptight, white, English,\u201d Wesley griped as he manipulated the gear and steering wheel with his one hand.<\/p>\n
\u2018What? What truth didn\u2019t I speak?\u201d Gunn defended. \u201cYour uptight white ass was getting us kicked out.\u201d<\/p>\n