Title: A Change of Season
Author: cydnestorm
Posted: 5/24/05
Email
Rating: G to R (possible NC17 though not likely) (will indicate if above PG)
Category: angst, humor and everything in between
Content: C/A, C/A/W friendship
Summary: reworking S2 beginning with S1 finale
Spoilers: S1, S2, S3, possibly more
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is
intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: Stranger Things, Go Team, Fire Still Burns, anywhere else let me know
Notes: This is the first fic I ever started. I have been researching, outlining and writing scenes for months & months & months. Today I finally put the first chapter together. Reworking S2 beginning with S1 finale. Darla & Pylea arcs significantly changed. Concentrating instead on natural progression of friendships, family dynamics, C/A relationship and the characters moving forward in their lives while battling personal hardships.
Backdrop: S1 remains as is except for minor changes/additions (some will be recalled in flashbacks)
Story begins with S1 finale & first ep of S2 combined as one chapter. * The episode IWRY happened but it had a more positive influence with Angel deciding to focus on his new life in LA. * The Faith arc happened but ended with Angel & Buffy admitting their time had passed & the best way to honor their past relationship was with respect & acceptance as they moved on with their lives separately; however they failed to share that bit of information with friends & family.
The main occurrences in the S1 finale & first ep of S2 combined as one chapter. Some details omitted & instead using
variances & additions to existing scenes to better promote the camaraderie and growing relationship of the AI team. * The Darla & Pylea arcs, reworked putting a big dent in the wall of denial for Cordelia & Angel. And because the
relationship path is never smooth & clear of pesky debris, the news of Buffy's death will be included. * Cordelia while still maturing & experiencing personal inner growth will not become a compliant companion believing she must
stand by Angel and every moment must to be dedicated to Angel & his mission. * Wesley, though fumbling in his predictable & adorable way will accept the challenge of leader & personal protector to his friend(s) when faced with events beyond his control. * Gunn will remain the street-wise young man introduced in S1 as his acquaintance with Wesley & Cordelia develops into a deep friendship. Gunn & Angel will continue to struggle with their differences trying to find a balance in who/what they are, their joint fight against the evils of LA & their common need to have Wesley and Cordelia in their lives. * Any romance will be a slow & long wait. Even walls of denials with big holes manage to remain intact when strengthened by stubborn determination.
Feedback: Yes Please
Beautiful picfic by Nikkiwawa
PART ONE
In days like these, when the rain won't fall and the sky's so dry that even birds can't call. I can feel your tears disappearing in the air, carried on the breeze in days like these. It's years like these that make a young man old, bend his back against the promises that life should hold. They can make him wise, they can drive him to his knees. Nothing comes for free in days like these. But you can't reap what you don't sew and you can't plant in fallow ground. So let us fill this empty earth with hope until the rains come down. In lives like these every moment counts. Add up all the things that I can live without. When the one thing left is the blessing of my dreams I can make my peace with days like these.
**~**
Prologue
Stars twinkled, imperfect diamonds set into the night sky. From its cloudless hover, the beam of the full moon illuminated his pensive face. Forcing his body to relax against the railing Angel pushed brooding thoughts into the background, for a little while. In reflection so many changes had occurred in the past year; some not to his liking but most gave him hope to
believe. His gaze drifted inside the quiet apartment to the dining room table cluttered with stacks of books, scattered
papers and the scroll of Aberjian. A carefully hidden secret until a few days ago, this sacred text proclaimed a future that
would offer true humanity and a final death. The prospect of either another change in his life and suddenly, time was an
enemy.
His roommates had retired hours ago giving into the need for sleep and rest. The room was dark except for the invasion of the
moon's natural light filtering through the glass doors. Angel could hear the rhythmic breaths and steady heartbeat from the man sleeping on the sofa seemingly content in his makeshift bed except for the occasional winch from an involuntary shift. Wesley Wyndam-Price had quickly become a trusted ally to the vampire, more slowly but just as assuredly, a trusted friend.
Straightening from his slouch Angel set the empty cup on the small table. The silent trek on the balcony was short and through the curtains' narrow gap he could easily view the sleeping girl from his new perch. Her body, stretched out in a relaxed sprawl, took up most of the bed. Just like her he deemed with an easy smile. His fingers brushed a feathery touch across his up turned lips examining one of the good changes in his life.
Tension took his smile as her body curled into a tight fold. In an instant, she was meek and fragile again. The words of Anatole had broken Vocah's evil spell but the fear of its return still lingered. With each hitch of breath, each slight look of discomfort fear rose inside him. The evil could still return taking her away from him. He released a slow sigh allowing his clinched muscles to relax as she settled into a new position before stretching out again.
Angel couldn't choose the moment Cordelia Chase had nestled herself into his life; he only knew she had. The bewitching
beauty queen of Sunnydale High, a spoiled brat on the cusp of womanhood had forced her way into his life daring him to believe he could have one. He had once been asked if an animal such as him had a heart. Now he could answer that question with surprising but absolute certainty. Angel pressed his cheek against the cool, glass pane and listened to the beat of his
heart resting safely within the small frame of the young woman lost in peaceful slumber. A simple and innocent offer of
friendship had invited him back into a world he had abandoned centuries ago.
"It's...it's saying...that you get to live until you die. It's saying... it's saying you become human." Disappointments lead by misplaced faith had pushed the stuttered promise deep into the recesses of his thoughts but there it was again, a quiet echo daring him to believe. How long was the path to this redemption, who would share his humanity? Hard learned lessons had earned the right to challenge his eager but silent heart. Time was now his enemy; the painful reminder forced its way to the front, he couldn't risk forgetting.
Pushing away from the window Angel struggled to squelch the desire to move closer to those too fragile to survive his world.
Need would lead to wanting and wanting would lead to disappointment. A search of the night sky determined he had at least three hours before sunrise. Angel leapt from the balcony to the dark, quiet street below hoping time alone would do him good.
He worked better with distance and proper distance was the best protection for those important to him. The silent warning
continued its vigilant chant and the vampire walked the empty streets alone.
Chapter 1
Angel had returned to the refuge of Cordelia's crowded apartment seconds before the threat of sunrise. Hours
later he reconsidered gulping down a day's supply of nourishment under the blanket of his companions' sleep. Returning his
attention to the book propped on his lap he ignored the hunger pains hoping his stomach wouldn't wake them wake them with growls of empty frustration.
He smelled her, the same instant he felt her warmth. Cordelia had a unique scent often recalling lazy, afternoon strolls in his homeland of long ago. Sifting through his collection of memories Angel questioned if the aromatic recollection was real or if the appeal that in some small way she had always been with him had created the memory.
"Morning big guy."
"Morning," Angel greeted tilting his head for an obscure look. Her pajamas looked soft and the pale blue fabric was definitely too thin. He wondered if her choice of sleepwear was habit from having her home to herself or typical indifference to sharing that home with two male friends.
Most likely, the latter Angel assented wandering over Wesley's long form, his legs curled to fit inside the cramped space of the
sofa. Wesley was the epitome of a true gentleman and Cordelia would never feel the threat of that friend's wandering eye. By
her own admission, Cordelia considered Angel less of a threat than even Wesley. Though his pride chided him to dissent Angel
reluctantly accepted that Cordelia viewed him as a eunuch, a sexless creature and possibly impotent.
Cordelia watched the myriad of emotions span across Angel's face before quickly fading behind his stoic, chiseled features. She wondered what his thoughts were, wondered if she would ever know and wished for even the tiniest invitation into that secret place Angel guarded with such passionate secrecy.
"Have you been brooding in that chair all night?" Cordelia asked rescuing Angel from unproductive thoughts.
"Huh? No, I've kept busy." Angel lifted his book hoping to squelch Cordelia's uncanny gift for seeing below the surface. He
was beginning to understand why Doyle left the visions in Cordelia's care.
The innocent and confused look on his face gained Angel a suspicious glare followed by a disbelieving uhum. "Why don't you
take my bed; it is technically your bedtime and it looks like I'm up for the day."
"I don't think that's a good idea Cordelia." Angel mumbled burying his head inside the book clutched a little too tight.
"Not a good idea; why not? I don't have coodies." Cordelia snapped louder than intended causing a yelp of pain when Wesley
attempted to roll from the disturbance. "Now look what you've done. Mr. Grumpy is awake; well so much for alone time."
Angel now understood Cordelia's offer. She wanted some time to herself and at this moment, Angel could certainly relate to that particular yearning.
"I could use some sleep if you don't mind and some time to myself would be nice too." Angel recanted his earlier dismissal of her offer hoping Cordelia wouldn't stay angry with him.
"Sure big guy go ahead. I'll stay out her and play Florence Nightingale. I just need to grab my nurse's uniform." Teasing the
slow to catch on vampire, Cordelia's lips slid into a sly grin.
"Uniform?" Angel stood from the chair facing Cordelia, his usual blank expression marked with misunderstanding.
"You know the one," using her hands to accent and accentuate, "low cut and really short to show off the white garter belt."
Still clueless as ever. "Oh never mind." Cordelia abandoned her one-woman show of unappreciated wit accepting the thick-headed
vampire would never get it. "Go to bed Angel you're no fun sleepy; you hardly rate fun awake."
"Thanks," Angel grumbled returning the book to its stack on the table. "Goodnight." Another muttered utterance and Angel slipped into the bedroom closing the door behind him.
Cordelia leaned over the back of the sofa staring down at Wesley. He was mumbling, more translation gibberish she couldn't
understand. "If you're a good boy and sleep a while longer I'll make you some of that nasty smelling tea you sneaked into my
kitchen cabinet. Gibbering mumbles fell silent under a contented yawn and his head lobbed to the side as Wesley drifted into a deeper sleep.
"Yay Dennis it's just me and you. You make the coffee and I'll drink it. That's sharing the workload don't you think?" Cordelia plopped into the chair, her mind mulling over her conversation with Angel. Is it even possible to have a conversation with that dork of a vampire Cordelia pondered exasperated with her friend's high maintenance. Their usual dialogue consisted of her talking and Angel grunting.
Waiting for her morning coffee Cordelia mused on the chain of events that had brought her to this point in her life. Her life, she sniggered at the implications of that particular phrase. Her new life in LA consisted of a ghost, a vampire with a soul and his redemption-seeking mission that included skull-cracking visions for her, thank you very much and... She looked over at Wesley contemplating his role in her life... And a Wesley she added, a pleased smile gracing her morning-fresh face.
Like most times her thoughts returned to him. That irritating dork, that soul bearing vampire that drove her crazy and gave her warm fuzzy feelings all at the same time. What is his problem? He's uncomfortable in my home. He's petrified at the thought of sleeping in my bed. Bite me Angel, Cordelia mouthed glaring at the securely closed bedroom door.
What is his problem, she silently asked again fearing she already knew the answer. Angel had been Buffy blinded in Sunnydale and he and Cordelia had barely been casual acquaintances. Since their reunion in LA, they had definitely moved up on the friendship scale but Cordelia believed Angel still wore the Buffy blinders even after all the good and bad they had shared during the past year. He looks at me but he never sees me Cordelia admitt
ed feeling the gaping hole of emptiness trailing that concession.
The smell of fresh coffee dispelling her unhappy deliberations Cordelia pushed the books and papers aside to make space for her cup. "Careful Dennis, if we spill coffee on Wesley's precious scroll there'll be hell to pay and as much as I love you I'm not ready to join the undead just yet."
***
The soft mumbles from the outer room drifted into Angel's subconscious. He resisted the urge to check the time, instinct
telling him it was still light out. Regardless of the clock's display, Angel knew he had not slept enough. It had taken him too long to clear his head and find the much needed escape of sleep. Even as he cursed the lingering aromas of soap and lotion, Angel had snuggled deeper into the bedcovers still warm from her use.Thoughts of the tight fitting nurse's uniform, virginal white and way too short had lingered. Fingers eagerly flicking loose the garter's tabs holding her stockings in place had taunted him as he fought for the peace that sleep might provide.
Finally sleep had won only to abandon him much too soon. Angel threw back the covers looking down at his wrinkled clothes. Too self-conscious to sleep in Cordelia's bed wearing only underwear, Angel had slept fully dressed removing only his shoes after several long minutes of deliberation. Naked feet or dirt on Cordelia's bed, Angel knew which choice he was more likely to survive. He could shower, that would improve his disposition but then what; his clothes were out there.
Remembering that Cordelia had worn a pair of his sweatpants home after a rather messy night of demon killing Angel left the warm, sweet smelling bed to search for the one article of clean clothing available. He pulled the dresser drawer open slamming it shut instantly. Not in there he was certain. Contained there were silky things, frilly silky things and he had no business thinking about much less touching Cordelia's intimate, frilly-silky things.
The closet, he bounded across the room certain it would be a safer place to search. Relief, hanging in plain view not just his sweats but sharing the hanger was his tank. It wasn't his first choice for appropriate attire but better than bare-chested. Elated by his bountiful discovery Angel briefly considered the prospect of basking while in the solitude of his shower.
Hair and body parts freshly washed and dried, he dressed in his clean and rather comfortable clothes. Picking up his socks, he considered placing the dirty items on his clean feet. Choosing to be brave Angel opted for feet bare, shoes in hand. Approaching the door, he stilled taking in the private conversation.
"Angel has been rather quiet these last few days."
"Quiet for regular people or quiet for Angel?"
"Yes, I see your point."
"Gees Wesley, you told Angel the scroll prophesied his death; not really happy dance news. Then it's oops, I may have made a tiny mistake, maybe you're going be human instead."
"I am certainly capable of understanding how two such varying pieces of astounding information would knock a person off center. But that didn't happen with Angel. No I believe my original assumption is correct. Angel is cut off from the world and the people around him and therefore not only isn't bothered by death but doesn't feel hope when offered the possibility of life. It is our desires that make us human and there is nothing in life Angel wants."
"And I told you, Angel's not human...not yet anyway and he's definitely not big on the sharing. Whether he's bothered or wants anything, we'll never know. Besides, I suggested a puppy or a plant. We can force our way in but if Angel doesn't want us there...well he'll probably just tell us to leave."
Admitting that aloud felt worse than keeping it to herself but Cordelia had thought it over. She and Angel weren't likely to
ever have the closeness she wanted. It was best to accept that and concentrate on what they did have. Not even Doyle had trusted
her enough to share his most important secret. Now she would never know if Doyle had really wanted to love her or had only
wanted *other* things from her.
Angel froze at Cordelia's words. So taken aback to realize she felt that way he failed to question why that notion bothered him much more than Wesley's misinterpreted death prophesy. He shared with Cordelia. She and Wesley knew more about his past than anyone did. Regardless of her suggestion, Angel was sure he didn't want a puppy or some big plant crowding his new apartment, wherever that was going to be.
"Still his reaction or lack of one concerns me."
"Well then dig a little deeper; maybe you'll find something that gets a reaction out of the dork. Of course even if you do its not like you can ever tell the Nobel Prize people about your amazing feat."
"Nobel Prize aside, I shall do my best Cordelia."
"Good for you. Who's hungry?"
An opening in the conversation presented itself and Angel jumped at the opportunity jerking the door open. "Hey," the soft
utterance brought attention to his presence as he stooped inside the closet grabbing clean shocks and a more appropriate shirt from his bag.
"Ah Angel, you're up; slept well I hope." Wesley greeted choking down the surprised squeak caught in his throat.
"Uh yea thanks," Angel took a seat at their makeshift research table quickly adding socks and shoes to his skimpy attire. "So
what have you guys been discussing?"
Still a little perplexed by Cordelia's attitude Angel was hoping for a chance to deny her claim. That one he could handle, the other, what would be the point? He had desires, lots of them but he had learned over the last century pursuing his desires always ended badly.
"Zorbo the great is still hung up on that word and your reaction...or lack of one. You know, the one he needs to
retranslate every time the sun comes up." Cordelia gave what she considered a satisfactory answer to Angel before turning to
Wesley. "Why can't you just pick a translation and move on to something else?" You know some of us are aging as you
translate."
"Excuse me for being thorough but I take my research very seriously. Lives may depend on the correct translation of this
text. I'm sorry if that's not as important as your upcoming basement theater play."
Wesley hurt all over from his recent injuries and now he had a headache. The only reason he was stuck sleeping on Cordelia's
lumpy sofa was she wouldn't hear of him returning to his own apartment with no one to look after him. Harsh words regretted,
his agitation mellowed almost instantly. Wesley doubted Cordelia even realized how much her heart was showing lately.
"He sure gets testy when he's translating."
"I told you Cordelia this word is pivotal to what it prophesies about the vampire with a soul."
"Look Wes why don't we put the Shanshu prophesy aside for now; we have more important things to worry about." Wesley stared at Angel his mouth agape. This would be Angel's opportunity to correct his friends' assumptions but as usual, Angel couldn't get his mouth to say the words inside his head. "Just for now Wes; later when things are calm we'll research the rest of the
scroll."
"Yes, quite right; we must set priorities. I'm sorry, I don't know what they raised in that box...I'll keep looking."
Angel nodded giving Wesley the hint of a grin but his thoughts had already followed Cordelia's swift retreat to the kitchen. She was either hungry or searching out a less populated space in her apartment. The thought of food, his kind of food, caused Angel's stomach to clinch again. Pushing the small inconvenience aside, he questioned why Cordelia had no problem sharing her home with a ghost. That's just great, now I'm jealous of a ghost. The inner workings of Angel's sometimes-warped brain shifted into overdrive.
Inner ramblings squelched with a hard shake of his head Angel returned his attention to Wesley and their more important
research, at least for the moment. "I want to help; where should I start?"
"Page one." His head still buried inside his own book Wesley simply mumbled gesturing to the stack of untouched books with an
extended sweep of his arm.
The smell of blood drifted from the kitchen. Cordelia was preparing blood for him, again. Barely conscious of his reaction
Angel's lips parted allowing the taste to coat his tongue.
Cordelia rejoined her fellow researchers with a tray of food and drink spouting orders under its weight and the lack of table
space. "Move your smelly crap; the other tenants are gonna start complaining about the foul odor in here."
Pushing his smelly, old books aside Wesley continued ignoring Cordelia's current rant. He may be onto something and this
translation was by far the most difficult he had ever attempted. If he was finally making headway he wasn't about to interrupt the
positive flow that had finally kicked in.
Oblivious to Wesley's disregard Cordelia rested the tray on the table sliding his sandwich and tea in front of him before
reaching the cup of warmed blood to Angel.
"Don't be embarrassed; we're family." Angel accepted the cup as the replay of her words warmed his cold heart just a
little more. "Thanks Cordy."
"You're welcome big guy. Lets just hope Mr. Grumpy gets his translating butt in gear after he eats then we can find out if
you're gonna get dusted before you're even alive." Glaring at Wesley, she added with a touch of teasing acidity. "So you eat
then back to the translating and let's get it right on the first try this time."
Cordelia returned the two stares aimed at her. "Hey I may be the new and improved version but I'm still Cordelia Chase."
Angel lifted a finger to caress the hand resting on her hip, his voice soft, "you know I like them both, right?" The curled finger dropped to his side before making contact.
"Of course you do."
***
"But why, Johnny? Why?"
Clutching his script Angel stared at Cordelia curious if rehearsing with the struggling part-time actress could be one of
the foretold apocalyptic battles, plagues or unleashed fiends; possibly even the coming darkness.
"Because it's over." Angel nervously read his character's line, his voice so morbidly monotone Cordelia figured it could put wood
to sleep.
"No I love you! I gave you everything. Didn't I?"
"Yea, and now it's time to move on."
"No. You can't. You're everything to me. I'm nothing without you baby. Nothing."
Cordelia slapped Angel in the face probably a little harder than she should have.
"OW! Hey and...OW! You hit me!" Angel quickly scanned his copy of the script. "Where does it say that you hit me?"
"I threw that in myself. Eleanor seems so spineless begging this creep not to dump her."
"Cordelia I don't think the director is gonna like you changing the script; I'm sure Johnny's not."
"Hey this girl Eleanor has never been as bold as I'm doing her. I'm on fire Mr."
"Yea me too," Angel agreed rubbing his hand against the sting of her handprint.
"I'm back," Wesley announced entering the apartment. The load of his two new old books were quickly relieved by Dennis. "Thank you Dennis," Wesley greeted prepared to duck should the ghost have a another quick change of heart concerning his and Angel's intrusion.
"Thank God!" Angel threw his script on the sofa contemplating the repercussions of shouting Hallelujah.
"Hey!" Cordelia countered with a foot stomp before throwing her script on top of Angel's and following him to join Wesley.
"What did you find out Wes?" Angel's tone was close to begging wanting it to be something he should take care of right away.
"It's a Praetorian sacrifice and it's taking place at the North Shore gym at..." Wesley gave his watch a quick glance, "well
right about now actually."
"Demons going to a gym; what's the matter, demon strength not good enough these days?" Cordelia mused with a bit of a
smirk.
"If Wes' informant is right it's a Carnyss demon and they love muscles...and mirrors."
"Who doesn't...well besides you?"
"Right let's go stop a sacrifice." Angel answered shaking his head at Cordelia.
***
Entering the crowded gym the trio marched pass the attendant ignoring his can I help you and spying nothing amiss
continued into the next room.
Cordelia looked around the busy room. Everything looked normal. "Are you sure we're in the right place?"
"Well there is certainly plenty of muscle in here." Wesley answered with a slight gulp.
"Oh yea and a good bit of healthy sweating too," mumbling, her eyes rolled over the male patrons hard at work.
Angel slipped his index finger under Cordelia's chin slowing turning her gaze from the pumped up body builders to the mirrored wall likely hiding the sacrifice already in progress. "And there
are the mirrors."
"Oh right, mirrors."
"I'm sorry this club is for members and their guests only." The attendant tried again moving to stand in front of Angel.
"Yeah, well I'm thinking of joining."
"Excuse me! But you can't come in here without a membership or a guest pass!" The attendant insisted gawking into the mirrored wall when he finally noticed the gap that should be a reflection.
"Huh, no reflection; I'll fix that." Shattering the mirror with a hard kick Angel stepped through surprising the occupants of the small, secluded room.
The Carnyss demon raised his sword over the two bound and gagged human sacrifices while a third human in a red robe chanted at his
side.
"Stop that." The words growled from his vamped out face.
Angel knocked the charging human against the wall heading for the demon. Despite his injuries, Wesley managed to deflect the
punches from the human hitting him with a right cross before kneeing him in the stomach. Their human foe now crumpled on the
floor Cordelia dropped a round metal weight on his head, knocking him unconscious. Within seconds Angel had wrestled the sword away from the demon and with a stab through the heart, their short battle ended.
"That guy has horns." Angel heard the attendant's frightened stutter and donning his human face glanced back as they headed
out the exit. "Steroids, not good for you; remember that people."
***
The apartment was dark and quiet again. His roommates had retired for the night and Angel was alone...again. They had
returned to the apartment hours earlier and free of injury other than bumps and bruises had fallen into the usual routine of
reviewing cases, leads and prophesies.
Wesley and Cordelia had reviewed and discussed, Angel had reflected and quietly interjected ideas that in his opinion were
too readily dismissed. He had thought joining the gym was a good idea, something the three of them could do together. Cordelia had enjoyed her short yet informative tour and Angel figured it would give him the opportunity to show her what real muscles could do. Cordelia had been only mildly irritated with his interruptions. Of course, mild irritation grew after her precious glass figurine crashed to the floor. For Angel the surmisal was simple; it wasn't his fault. Cordelia had experienced her first vision since Vocah's spell. A moment Angel anticipated dreading its possible consequences but eager for the first vision to occur without damage.
The concept of his possible future was slowly beginning to take form. Perhaps a bit distorted but the formation had begun and
lack of readiness didn't seem to be a deterrent. Had he foolishly given up the chance of a human existence granted by the Mohra demon's touch? That couldn't be his reward, could it? He had done nothing to earn it. Would The Powers have allowed him to unwittingly forfeit his prophesied humanity? No, he had made the right choice, for both of them. Time apart had given him proof, the proof they both had consistently denied in their struggle to be together. They may have found each other because of his soul but his vampire nature had torn them apart. Their union had been too weak to withstand the weight of reality.
Was he still weak? Would he fail again if he allowed himself to believe he could be a part of this world without destroying the good around him? The very force that drove him and Buffy apart had brought him and Cordelia together. She had welcomed him into her life with simplicity and grace, had offered her friendship never doubting his ability to accept and return it.
Angel was unaware he was on the other side of the room until his gaze fell on the door separating them. Panic rose and doubts
mounted, the doorknob rattled under the clinch of his shaking fist. Releasing his grip the empty hand grabbed his coat as he
fled. The door closed quietly behind him followed by the almost soundless slide of the bolt. Dennis understood. Perhaps the only one that could understand Angel's doubts and panic. What more could this cursed soul offer than friendship and protection? Protection only proper distance would provide. The engine revved and the car pulled from the curb heading where he didn't know. Angel only knew it was dark and he was alone... again.
Chapter 2
"Morning grumpy."
"Stop calling me that."
"Stop being grumpy in the morning and I will. Gees Wesley sometimes you're even worse than Dennis."
"How can one's morning disposition possibly be worse than a ghost's?"
"I told you not to call him that. "Dennis is very sensitive and he thinks of himself as a person not a g-h-o-s-t."
"Good Lord Cordelia the man is dead not illiterate, he can spell you know."
"Oh, right; but apologize anyway, he can't help he's dead. Speaking of dead, where's Angel?"
"Hummm, I don't believe I know."
"What do you mean you don't know? Weren't you even a little curious? If the sun's up and Angel's not out here just where did
you think he would be? Cordelia asked lifting a questioning brow and pressing her hands against her hips.
"Well... well certainly not in there." Wesley pointed to her closed door with the jerk of an arm indicating he would not
assume Angel's current whereabouts to be in her private sleeping quarters.
"Oh, well good," Cordelia responded spinning on her toes and heading towards the kitchen before twirling back to Wesley, "and
just why not? Is it totally inconceivable that Angel would be in my bed-" The click of the door cut her off. Abruptly spinning about face Cordelia scurried into the kitchen hiding her blushing cheeks and wishing she had finished her sentence. Bedroom would have sounded so much better than bed, but too late now.
"Ah Angel there you are, we were becoming a bit concerned." Though grateful for the interruption, Wesley hoped Angel had not
overhead their odd discussion and that his cheeks were not as rosy as Cordelia's.
"Were you and Cordelia discussing me being in her bed?"
False hope is always such a futile yearning. "We most certainly were not. We were discussing you *not* being in her bed,
uh...bedroom. Now if you will excuse me I'm making Cordelia's breakfast this morning as a thank you her for her
hospitality before I return to my own apartment." Wesley had persevered with what he had to work with and now defensive
maneuver over he followed Cordelia's escape to the kitchen. Bloody hell, now I'm stuck with making breakfast.
The room began to spin under the momentum of Wesley's revelation. Wes couldn't leave, Angel didn't have a place yet and being there
with Cordelia...alone, was not an option. For an intelligent person Wes isn't very bright.
"Cordelia I was just telling Angel I'd like to make your breakfast this morning. Consider it my thank you for taking me
in."
"Thanks Wes but we have plenty of time for that, it's not like you're leaving now and if you are thinking about leaving now
maybe you should rethink that 'cause you wouldn't want to have a relapse or something." Cordelia was rambling, rambling and
ignoring Wesley's threat of departure leaving her and Angel alone. She already had thoughts where the vampire was concerned.
The kind of thoughts that had to be shooed away like, damn Angel looks hot in that tank. Cordelia wanted Angel to stay with her but she wanted Wesley with them while Angel stayed.
"Wes maybe Cordelia's right about you staying a while longer. You don't want to rush things; you were pretty banged up in the
explosion."
Thank God the scarecrow picked now to ask for a brain. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts didn't work. Angel's suggestion
they join a gym flooded her brain's empty space. Like me wearing spandex and sweating while Angel pumps things is a good idea. "Well you two work it out. I'm sure after Angel gulps down his breakfast he's gonna be ready for bed-e-bye. I'll just go shower and dress so I won't be in his way."
***
Angel awoke with a jolt. Sitting up his hand wiped through the slight moisture on his bare chest. "Sweat, since when do I sweat?" It was the dream he slowly accepted lying back. After three hours of tossing and turning and pounding his fist
into the pillow, he had finally slept. Finally succumbing to the escape sleep was suppose to offer, he had dreamed of things long ago. Things better left in the past.
More tired than when he went to bed but wide-awake Angel decided to join the others. Maybe if he spent the afternoon reading he would sleep and more important be too exhausted to dream of evil things.
The hard spray of hot water pulsed against his flesh kneading tense muscles. Angel had learned a trick or two over the years;
if the water was scalding hot, he could temporarily hold the body temperature of a human. At times, he could forget it was only an illusion and enjoy the warmth of his body, for a little while.
***
Cordelia released a long, breathy sigh. Boredom, lately every day was the same; they'd sit at the table in her apartment
pouring over page after page, chapter after chapter, book after book. Where were the carefree days, where were the parties
crammed with happy, shiny people? She looked across the table at her study partner releasing another slow sigh. A girl can be
certain her life sucks when the liveliest person in the room is a ghost.
His upper torso slouched over the table; Wesley's face hovered only a few inches above the text he was reading. "I'm sure your breath is minty fresh but blowing it on the book won't get the text read any faster."
"How did we ever get by without you oh wise one?"
"Perseverance and a little luck I suppose."
"Well Mr. Smarty Pants, have you found out anything useful?" Cordelia lifted from her chair stretching her body across the
table closer to Wesley, "like where was Angel this morning?"
"I have a few conjectures."
Cordelia snapped back to her seat, the impact of her jean covered bottom to wood creating an audible plop. "Well?"
"He returned to the old office to retrieve anything salvageable."
Her eyes crossed at the man still hunched over his book barely acknowledging her presence. "So he told you where he was?"
"No, it didn't come up."
"Then you know this how?" This was worse than her non-conversations with Angel and with an exasperated roll of her
eyes Cordelia gave up returning to her own boring book.
"He probably saw the books and weapons airing on the balcony."
"Arrrrrggg!" The cool breath against the side of her neck warned her of his presence less than an instant before his whisper
jolted her from the chair. "Gees Angel there's two of us in this apartment that still has a heartbeat, let's keep it that way. And what do you mean airing on the balcony? Do you have your big, demon-butcher weapons on my balcony, in plain view...for everyone to see?"
"I didn't think you'd want them smelling up the apartment. The books need to air out and I thought while Wes researched you and I could clean the weapons." Angel studied the 'I don't think so' look on Cordelia's face. "Or I can do it. I just thought you'd rather clean weapons than research all day."
Hands still shaky from the vampire's sneak attack slapped against her hips, "How about I do neither."
"Neither, what are you planning on doing all day?"
"I have a dress rehearsal tonight so I need to get into character and research or nasty weapon cleaning is not what I had in
mind."
"Rehearsal tonight, that won't work. Wes and I are going to that demon bar tonight."
The right brow raised as the left eye squinted; she was ready, "and that affects me how?"
"Cordelia, we've talked about this already. It isn't safe for you to be out alone at night." Angel gave her the look, the one that said I have made my decision end of discussion; but just in case, "so it's settled."
Well so much for the 'who the heck do you think you are' brow lift. "Excuse me?"
The knock on the door offered a reprieve. Angel was saved from the death glare that could reduce him to a pile of dust. Cordelia stood on her toes stretching to the peephole but saw no one. "Who is it?"
"Gunn."
All thoughts abandoning his studies, Wesley's head whipped up at the single word muffled through the barrier of the locked door. "What was that?"
"Something about a gun, what if it's a demon with a gun? Why would a demon need a gun? First the gym and now guns. What are
demons coming to today?"
Wesley quickly made his way to the door standing beside Cordelia. "Listen up, whoever you are, we are well armed and we know how to do battle, so if you know what's good for you-"
"My name is Gunn with two ns; I'm here to see Angel."
Cordelia glared at Angel. "You couldn't shut me up?" Another glare when Angel's answer was a scrunch of his shoulders.
Pushing Wesley out of the way, Cordelia slid the locks back and whipped the door open. "Well, this is a little embarrassing.
Please come in. Wesley, you've heard Angel talk about Gunn. It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Cordelia Chase and this is-"
"I've seen you before."
"Really the Tan-n-Screen commercials," her voice held a squeal of excitement. Gunn being a nobody didn't matter, Cordelia Chase had been recognized. "Did you hear that guys I've been recognized from a commercial."
"I saw you in bed." Her visitor deadpanned or maybe he was an intruder after all.
"What? I don't think so." Cordelia backed away nudging up against Angel.
"Ah, I can see this is none of my business. Angel perhaps you would like to-"
"You, too."
"Now, just a moment," Wesley ordered straightening his back and squaring his shoulders at the brass young man.
"In the hospital...after Angel's building blew? He sent me there to keep an eye on you two."
"Right, you saw us in bed in the hospital. Well then have a seat you're practically family." Cordelia gave Angel an angry shake of her head. "You will be punished."
Ah, Wesley now understood why Angel stood passively silent grinning like a fool. No, actually, he didn't.
"Well Gunn with two n's you just stopped by for a visit?" Cordelia asked joining Gunn on the couch.
"Got the word Angel wanted to see me."
"Took you long enough the word was last night," Angel responded settling on the couch arm next to Cordelia.
"Sorry man had my own demons to fight; got here quick as I could."
"So you fight demons; do you belong to a gym?" Cordelia asked, her face glowing with what Angel had labeled as the flirting
smile.
"Vamps mostly and nawh, my muscles get a hefty workout with the vamp dustin'." Gunn crowed enjoying the girl's playful attention. Angel figured the boy would have to move off the couch if he wanted to strut anymore than he was already strutting.
"It shows," and there was 'that' smile again. Angel's hand circled her arm ignoring the surprised look as he pulled Cordelia
from the couch.
"Uh Cordelia don't you need to be rehearsing or getting into character...or something? I need to discuss the demon you
saw in your vision with Gunn."
"Oh yea you get the visions, that's cool. What's that like, being a psychic?" Gunn asked forgetting Angel's mention of demon
discussions.
"Well I'm not psychic. I'm more like a faulty outlet and when I hit the floor babbling and drooling, it's not of the cool."
"Hey I catch you." Angel defended feeling slighted that Cordelia would overlook his swift reaction skills.
"That you do big guy and don't think I don't appreciate it." Cordelia acknowledged Angel's effort with an approving pat to his
arm.
"Thanks," Angel grumbled feeling he had received the praise of a well trained pet. "Now about Cordy's vision, Wes and I are
meeting an informant at this demon bar tonight and I was thinking you might tag along in case we need extra muscle."
"Demon bar, huh didn't know demon's had their own clubs; makes sense though."
"And while you studs are bar hoping with demons I'll be at rehearsal." Cordelia piped in leaning around Angel's broad form
to look at Gunn.
Angel huffed but refused to look at her. Why couldn't Cordelia just go away and leave them in peace to discuss the case?
Sometimes the girl was more annoying than a gnat that refused to be swatted. "You want to go to rehearsal, fine go to rehearsal. Wes will take you."
"Angel," Wesley whined, "I don't want to go to Cordelia's
rehearsal. Need I remind you of the last play we attended? Good
God man I've been injured. Haven't I suffered enough?"
"Well excuse me Mr. Snooty Butt. Is it my fault you can't enjoy anything unless it was written by the dead and buried?"
"Enough," the scowl that followed more than sufficient evidence Angel's command was not a request.
"OK lets get organized, that's all good strategy is...organization." Gunn announced to the small group, his arms draped across the back of the couch. "Hey Julie Roberts, what time is your rehearsal?"
Angel watched Cordelia answer seven, that annoying flirty smile lighting up on her face.
"And you man, what time you meetin' up with your snitch?"
"Ten o'clock," Angel reluctantly disclosed.
"Then we're good," Gunn declared ending the debate with a slap to his knee. "I'll take doll face to her rehearsal and meet you guys at the demon place at ten."
So they now had a plan; Wesley was relieved, Angel was dumbfounded, Cordelia was excited and Gunn really didn't care. He
had driven across town and all he had to show for his effort was chauffeuring an unknown starlet and a possible date with a
vampire. Gunn figured he had definitely drawn the short stake.
Gunn stood from the couch, his jacket falling into place with a quick body shake before heading for the exit. "What time should I pick you up?"
"Now's good," Cordelia suggested crossing her fingers that Gunn would agree. The world outside her apartment was within reach and getting to it didn't require a vision of something slimy or smelly.
"Now," Angel spouted; "Cordelia it's only four o'clock!"
"Yea now," Cordelia countered absent her flirty smile Angel noticed, "It's either out there with him or in here with you two
and your boring books and weapons that need to be scrubbed. You do the math and you," she added pointing at Gunn, "don't leave without me. I'll just grab my purse."
Angel was stunned, stunned and speechless. What could he say? Why couldn't Cordelia spend the afternoon with Gunn? No reason other than Angel didn't actually know him that well and Cordelia didn't know him at all.
She had bounced to her bedroom for her purse and strap swung over her shoulder Cordelia bounced back to her escort. "Ready when you are."
"Angel man, catch you later and English, nice meetin' you."
"Yes, nice meeting you Mr. ...uh, Gunn."
And it was over; they had left, the door closing behind them. Where was Dennis' attitude when a sun avoiding vampire needed
it?
Thankful he had been rescued from the depths of hell better known as Cordelia's acting Wesley decided to celebrate with a cup of tea. Preparations underway he leaned against the counter looking forward to the quite afternoon, researching with Angel and no one talking.
"I'm going out!" A slam of the door trailed the announcement then silence fell.
Well quiet is quiet Wesley figured as he waited for the kettle to whistle.
Continued |