Part 43<\/b><\/p>\n
The group leaned around the counter eating their pizza quietly. Cordelia gave up on the small talk. Every time she tried, Fred would have to hit Gunn to stop him from responding.<\/p>\n
Angel nestled his shoulder close to Cordelia\u2019s watching her pop bits of pineapple of her pizza before picking the cheese off, he was totally oblivious to the uncomfortable silence. \u201cWhy do you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo what?\u201d Cordelia glanced at the vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake the pizza apart before eating it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s better that way.\u201d Cordy sucked in a strand of melted cheese.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat doesn\u2019t make any sense.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure it does.\u201d Cordy munched next on the sauce drenched crust.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo it doesn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt does.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s next comment was cut off by a shout of \u2018Eureka\u2019 and Wesley\u2019s appearance in the doorway. \u201cPizza, wonderful, I\u2018m starving.\u201d He went to the boxes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLet him eat.\u201d Cordelia slapped at the vampire\u2019s sudden straightening.<\/p>\n
Angel growled but let the man have a couple of bites for he spoke again. \u201cWesley, we don\u2019t need a spell to let us know when Wolfram & Hart uses the time portal but to stop them from ever using it again,\u201d Angel rushed out.<\/p>\n
Wesley grabbed for a napkin. \u201cWe won\u2019t be able to ensure that they will ever use it again. They have the knowledge obviously.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTake them all out.\u201d Gunn said as he took another slice of pizza.<\/p>\n
Angel nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cKill a lawyer more pop up and we can\u2019t make the knowledge go away. Our only practical option is to make the use of the time spell ineffective. I had considered redoing the spell for 1898 and having Angel and I go back before Angelus sees Cordelia or marks her, thereby preventing Angelus from being willing to cooperate with Wolfram & Hart.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel shook his head. \u201cToo risky and that wouldn\u2019t stop them from just sending her to another time period where Angelus would notice her. The marks were the result of his noticing her the first time, not the reason.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI agree that\u2019s why I continued to do research.\u201d Wesley nodded.<\/p>\n
Cordelia let out the breath she hadn\u2019t even realized she had been holding. She couldn\u2019t explain it but now that Angel had taken over Angelus\u2019 marks, she didn\u2019t want to give them up and under Wesley\u2019s plan, Angel would never consider marking her with a soul and she wouldn\u2019t even know to ask him to.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe I have found a way to create a warning system that would tell us that the time portal has been used and allow us to track Cordelia. For example had we had it prior we wouldn\u2019t have had to waste time figuring out what happened or where Cordelia had been sent. We could\u2019ve had immediately created our own time spell and retrieved her before any harm to her or any change in the time line occurred.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred put down her pizza. \u201cWhat about if the time portal is used to bring Angelus 1 to the future again?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe spell calls for both Cordelia and Angel to be effused with an element that is perfectly harmless to them but will react to the magic necessary to create a time portal\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReact, how?\u201d Cordelia scrunched up her nose. \u201cWe won\u2019t turn blue or glow or something bizarre.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Cordelia,\u201d Wesley shook his head. \u201cThe only things that will be effected are two orbs that will be infused with the same elements. The globes will give off a glow that will indicate that you or Angel, or rather Angelus, are being affected by a portal. If it\u2019s your globe and you are gone, or your soul, we can devise a simple locator spell to find you, if it\u2019s Angelus we will just be prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel looked up. \u201cCan it work for any portal?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d Wesley questioned.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith Cordy, it\u2019s not just time portal\u2019s we have to worry about. Knowing her inability to stay out of danger, she could very well get sucked into another dimensional portal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey,\u201d Cordelia complained. \u201cPlyea was SO not my fault. And what do you mean, \u2018inability\u2019 to stay out of danger. How\u2019s it my fault that I get kidnapped.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you stayed in the hotel you wouldn\u2019t be.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo way am I going to be a prisoner in this stupid place.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought that\u2019s what you wanted, forever you said- catalogs and pizza.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not what I meant and you know it, overprotective dumb ass.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, don\u2019t think that I don\u2019t remember you going out alone to face Jack the Ripper\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was a vision.\u201d Cordelia defended.<\/p>\n
\u201cOr you going out to fight vampires in Sunnydale.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVisions,\u201d she shouted.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou acted recklessly and could\u2019ve been killed. You put yourself in danger from not only Angelus but from The Ripper and vampires. You single handily have caused me to get migraines and ulcers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t you dare blame your namby pamby imaginary IMPOSSIBLE aliments on me, you old woman. I had to save the victims in my visions and I did. Or would\u2019ve except for Angelus 1.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what I mean. You went into that alley and ended up facing Angelus 1 and 2, how stupid was that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSTUPID? Like that was my fault they were lurking around.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWes, be the boss and make them shut up.\u201d Gunn grunted. \u201cI\u2019m catching Angel\u2019s migraine. I can\u2019t believe those are the same two we just saw getting down and dirty on the kitchen table.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey were what? In the kitchen? Oh lord,\u201d Wesley groaned.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, going to have disinfect the whole place,\u201d Gunn whined. \u201cI eat there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, stop complaining.\u201d Fred smacked him. \u201cThey were dressed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, Cordelia, STOP.\u201d The couples continued bickering diverted him from the unsettling picture of them making love on the kitchen table.<\/p>\n
The couple turned and glared at the man. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou aren\u2019t helping. We were in the middle of a discussion.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, you were in the middle of a lecture, so there,\u201d Cordelia stuck out her tongue.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia,\u201d Wesley stood straight. \u201cBe quiet. Angel, you too,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cAnd before we continue with our \u2018discussion\u2019 as the boss of Angel Investigations I beg, no I order you, to keep your amorous activities out of the common areas of this office.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel narrowed his eyes. \u201cOrder? Are you sure about that? This is my hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t try to intimidate me. This is our office. If you must engage in intimacies then have some respect for us and KEEP it out of our sight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd where we eat,\u201d Gunn added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were just kissing,\u201d Cordelia defended.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor how long, uh.\u201d Gunn shot back. \u201cDouble back beast on the table, that\u2019s what you were about to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShut up, everyone.\u201d Fred whistled. \u201cWe have gotten way off the subject, here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, you pervy busy bodies.\u201d Cordelia glared at Gunn and Wesley.<\/p>\n
Fred whistled again as Wesley and Gunn started to shout out in self-righteous indignation.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan we please focus on anything other than Angel and Cordy\u2019s\u2026um\u2026. romantic encounters.\u201d She blushed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that would be wise,\u201d Angel growled at the two men.<\/p>\n
Gunn huffed and jumped on the counter. Wesley took off his glasses and rubbed at them furiously. \u201cWhere were we?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia kicked at the floor. \u201cYou were explaining your mystic sci-fi tracking glowy orbs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight,\u201d Wesley took a deep breath. \u201cI believe it would neutralize any attempt by Wolfram & Hart to utilize the spell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s all well and good, but we need to stop them before that. There is still too much of a risk, no matter how quickly we discover that they have used it again.\u201d Angel grunted.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, we can\u2019t make the knowledge or them disappear. All we can do is be prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia cleared her throat. \u201cWe can warn them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cExcuse me.\u201d Wesley glanced at the young woman.<\/p>\n
Angel perked up. He liked the sound of that.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, they failed three times already. If we tell them that we can now always win on this one maybe they will stop. Even, they have to realize it\u2019s a bad plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust tell them?\u201d Wesley pondered.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe she said warn them,\u201d Angel smiled grabbing for his coat.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, we don\u2019t even know where Lilah is.\u201d Wesley called after the retreating vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll find her and whoever else is responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia bit her lips and ran after the vampire. \u201cAngel,\u201d she called from the steps of the basement.<\/p>\n
Angel turned. \u201cIt was your idea, Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
She hurried down the stairs. \u201cI\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
He cradled her worried expression. \u201cPriorities, Cordelia, not revenge. I know the difference, but don\u2019t stop me from having just a little bit of it, please.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia considered. \u201cHurry back,\u201d she kissed him soundly giving him all the permission he needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia let out a deep breath as Angel faded into the sewer. She shrugged. Oh well. It wasn\u2019t like she didn\u2019t know he was a vampire with issues before she fell in love with him and it wasn’t like she didn’t have her own.<\/p>\n
Part 44<\/b><\/p>\n
Lilah paced around the hotel room. \u201cIt screwed up again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t know that,\u201d Lindsey said from the couch.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, it\u2019s been three days and I still remember the vampire with a soul and the word from the firm is that Angel hasn\u2019t put anymore lawyers in the hospital in the 24 hours, which tells me he\u2019s preoccupied with saving Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe could still fail.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lilah\u2019s response was halted as the door was kicked open and the body of guard in the hall came flying through. \u201cBut, I didn\u2019t.\u201d Angel followed the unconscious body into the room. \u201cAnd I found you. Well, well, Lindsey, welcome back.\u201d He smirked to the male lawyer.<\/p>\n
Lindsey jumped up, “nice to see you too, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lilah scrambled to the other side of the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t say nice,\u201d Angel commented utilizing his inhuman speed grabbing Lilah and the other lawyer by their throats.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou both HAVE to realize that going after Cordelia, is a big no no,\u201d He scolded them as a parent would naughty children. \u201cBut, unfortunately, you just don\u2019t seem to believe that I mean it,\u201d Angel said with exaggerated sadness. \u201cWhat am I supposed to do to get you to understand,\u201d squeezing the fragile flesh in each of his tight fists.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m beginning to believe that killing you is the only way,\u201d he threw them both against the wall, squatting down in between their choking bodies. \u201cIs that what I have to do? But, if I do that, will the slime that takes your place understand my message.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe get it,\u201d Lilah struggled to speak and sit up.<\/p>\n
Angel pushed her harshly down. \u201cI don\u2019t think so. But, listen to me, really listen,\u201d Angel\u2019s voice cold and deadly. \u201cCordelia is off limits, time portals are off limits. We will know if you use it again and the first thing I do after preventing the prophecy is to come back and kill you both regardless if it wasn’t your decision to implement it. So, be convincing when you explain to your bosses that this plan is no longer viable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel leaned back up. \u201cI still don\u2019t know though.\u201d He grabbed the closest knee of each lawyer. \u201cMaybe this will help you in your sincerity.\u201d Angel tightened his fists crushing the bones. He waited until the screams turned into whimpers and stood. \u201cRemember, otherwise walking will be the least of your worries.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lilah brushed at her tears as the vampire exited. \u201cI told you.\u201d Her retort to Lindsey ended with a cry of pain at the movement.<\/p>\n
\u201cShut up,\u201d Lindsey winced crawling to the phone on the table.<\/p>\n
Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n Angel entered into the darkness of the lobby. He searched the hotel for the heartbeat he would always need to hear. Satisfied at the soft thumping that indicated her presence and slumber. He went into the kitchen.<\/p>\n A mug of blood came towards him. Angel studied it suspiciously. \u201cCordy wouldn\u2019t like it if you poisoned me.\u201d He commented in the seemingly empty space.<\/p>\n The air vibrated around the vampire, nudging the blood closer. \u201cOkay, okay.\u201d Angel accepted the mug. \u201cSo, if you aren\u2019t trying to kill me what are you up to?\u201d<\/p>\n The marker on the refrigerator began to write on the message board attached to the surface.<\/p>\n Angel nodded as the ghost wrote out thank you<\/i>. \u201cI will always keep her safe, Dennis.\u201d<\/p>\n The words disappeared, the air vibrated again then stillness descended, leaving the room devoid of the ghostly presence.<\/p>\n Angel put the empty mug in the sink. Finally, maybe the ghost had accepted him as a worthy enough for Cordelia.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Angel got out of the shower, his thoughts about Dennis\u2019 change in attitude was reaffirmed by the bounty of fluffy clean towels in the bathroom.<\/p>\n Angel slipped between the sheets of the bed.<\/p>\n Cordelia turned into his body as soon as he was settled. \u201cYou okay?\u201d she mumbled into his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cPerfect,\u201d he pulled her in close.<\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u201d She nuzzled in further.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Angel leaned up in the bed, watching the young woman going through his sketchpads. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n Cordelia jumped. \u201cYou were sleeping.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow I\u2019m not. What are you looking for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMore of these,\u201d she held up a piece of paper.<\/p>\n Angel got off the bed and went to her taking the drawing. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? Because I\u2019ve never seen it before and it was dated last year.\u201d She narrowed her eyes at the vampire. \u201cWhy did you leave it out?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid I?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t there when I went to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Dennis must have done it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoubtful,\u201d Cordelia rolled her eyes. \u201cWhere did all these come from?\u201d She pulled out two sketchbooks.<\/p>\n \u201cCordy, you\u2019ve been through this drawer before.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but I\u2019ve never seen these.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course you have.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I haven\u2019t. You never had this many of me, not from a year ago.\u201d<\/p>\n Angel took the books from her a bit disappointed that his plan wasn\u2019t working like it was supposed to. He flipped through the books, knowing already what was in them but puzzled why Cordelia didn\u2019t. They were all sketches of her he did before they acknowledged their love. Angel had drawn them during the beige period. He could have sworn that she had gone through all the books. \u201cOh,\u201d he said as the whys became clearer. \u201cI took my advice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBack in Sunnydale, before we came back, I told my past self to keep drawing the dreams. So, I remember drawing them, I must have more, but you never saw them when you ransacked my sketches before because I hadn\u2019t done them then or something like that. Wesley could explain better.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmmph, ransacked my butt and let\u2019s just keep Wesley out of this particular discussion, shall we.\u201d Cordelia looked at the pages again. \u201cAnd why exactly did you tell yourself to draw the dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n Angel shrugged. \u201cIt may have something to do with you liking the fact that there was now more pictures of you than of anything or anyone else and that you get \u2018gooey\u2019 and quite competitive when confronted with my fantasies of you.\u201d<\/p>\n Cordelia narrowed her eyes. \u201cYou big jerk, you do it on purpose.\u201d She exclaimed.<\/p>\n \u201cDo what?\u201d he said innocently.<\/p>\n \u201cLeave the drawings out for me too \u2018find\u2019,\u201d she quoted with her fingers. \u201cJust to get some.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure that wasn\u2019t my reason.\u201d Angel smirked.<\/p>\n She snatched the drawing she had found when she had awoken. It was one of her in only what could be described in the throes of erotic passion surrounded by strewn clothes and mirrors. \u201cSo, you want to go shopping?\u201d she raised her brows.<\/p>\n Angel nuzzled into her neck, \u201ddepends on where.\u201d<\/p>\n Cordelia leaned into his arms. \u201cI take it you have a store in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep,\u201d he leaned up and frowned. \u201cBut, I can never remember the name.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I do.\u201d Cordelia turned pushing Angel to the floor as her lips attacked his.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Wesley, Fred, and Gunn looked up as Angel and Cordelia came down the stairs.<\/p>\n Wesley stood. \u201cAngel, how did it go last night?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine, I found Lilah and Lindsey, convinced them the futility of the time spells. I think they learned this time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood, good. Where are you going?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShopping,\u201d Both Angel and Cordelia said at the same time, heading for the door, a blanket firmly grasped in the vampire\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the middle of the day,\u201d Wesley questioned an empty doorway. \u201cIt\u2019s the middle of the day,\u201d he repeated to his friends.<\/p>\n \u201cSince when has the vamp liked shopping?\u201d<\/p>\n