Title: Floodgates
Author: Califi
Posted: um... 2003-ish?
Email
Rating: R/N-18
Category: Angst- VERY dark Rape scene.
Content:
Summary: What if it had been Cordy's blood that had been used to spike Angel's supply?
Spoilers: This is an AU on Sleeptight.No Connor/Groo return/Demonizing
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: just ask
Notes: My first ever completed Serial- YAY! This fic has been reworked in parts- couldn't keep my hands to myself when I put it up here, lol.
Thanks/Dedication: ficpic by the lovely DamnSkippy. Thanks Debs. NMwah!
Feedback:
Part 1
"God! Don't you ever stop with the whining?"
After the abrupt outburst, Angel turned and stormed into the kitchen, leaving three very shocked people standing in the lobby staring after him.
"What the hell was that?" Cordy Asked, unable to keep the hurt felt from coloring her of her voice.
For the few weeks, Angel had been acting very in oddly around her. Either crowding her more than usual, or just being generally irritated by everything she said or did. She'd picked up the irritation in the way he would cut her off mid-sentence pretty early on, but he'd never actually came right out and .... verbally attack her. Until now, anyway.
Wes rubbed his face tiredly after watching Cordelia despondently turn away and head towards her desk. He'd noticed the almost constant fraught atmosphere that had developed between them, too, but had put it down to the overload of cases they'd had recently. Although admitting wryly, that more often than not Cordelia had a way of getting under your skin, not always in a positive way; constant chattering interspersed with sharp tactless comments. But after spending time getting to know her, it was patently clear that spite or malice was never part of the equation.
Considering the length of time Cordelia had been with Angel- their almost familial closeness Wes had rapidly picked up on when bumping into them again a while back, the vampire's over-reaction surprised and concerned him. Belatedly, he followed after Angel at a slower pace then paused in the doorway.
He watched in silence as Angel slammed the mug he'd jerkily retried from the drainer, into the microwave; the small door shutting so hard that the appliance shuddered on the worktop.
Letting out a sigh, Wes straightened up from the doorjambe and took a step forward."That was uncalled for, Angel." Although quietly spoken, censure was havily marked in his tone.
"I'm sorry, okay? I just…" Angel roughly rubbed the back of his neck before turning round to lean back against the counter. Long fingers drummed restlessly on the laminate top, his features taut and darkened eyes reflecting the tension that could be seen in every line of his powerful frame. He glanced up, then quickly away from the concerned blue gaze.
Wes fully enteredthe kitchen, another sigh, but this time expressing weariness left him before he repsponded. "We are all extremely tired, I know. But…you've really hurt Cordelia's feelings." The microwave beeped abruptly in the ensuing silence, and Angel took advantage of the slight reprieve by busying himself with thask of opening the door and grabbing the steaming mug. He sipped it once, as if testing the temperature before titling the mug higher and swallowing the rest in one go.
Instantly, his body started to relax, and when he turned fully to face Wesley, a faint, repentant smile graced his lips. "I know, Wes- and I am sorry I took my bad mood out on Cordy. Placing the drained mug on the worktop, he closed the gap between them."I'll go and apologize right now. And You're right. I'm letting the mind-numbing exhaustion get to me," he added ruefully, patting Wesley's shoulder briefly as he passed.
***
Standing less than a foot away from Cordelia;s desk, Angel at first patiently waited for her to acknowledge him. But going by the the way she held her shoulders tensely and the deliberately averted face, he knew it wasn't going to happen anytime soon. He let out a harsh breath and close the gap, leaning in and resting on a hand flat on her desk.
"Cordy…" As soon as her name left his lips, her full mouth tightened as hurt feelings intensified. then she swallowed them down before finally lifting her face to his.
"What do you want?" She paused and leaned back a little before continuing. "No, Don't tell me. I can guess: Wes made you come and make with the sorries, right?" Fine brows arched high above unforgiving hazel eyes.
Folding her arms tightly, she stared up at him and caught his gaze, watching as they narrowed at her sharp response. NO WAY was she making it easy for the big, fat grr guy! He'd been grunting monosyllabes at her for hours before getting all-out mean, and in her book, he deserved a little payback.
His fingers, which had absently lifted a pencil a moment earlier, tightened around it until the wood cracked. A tiny splinter pricked his palm, but he didn't ease up the pressure, keeping tight hold of the pieces.
"I would have apologized anyway, Cordelia!" Her spine instantly stiffened at his tone. Plus he'd used THE name. No way was he anywhere near sorry for what he'd said, she thought angrily. It was simply a front designed to keep the peace in the workplace.
Pulling her gaze from his, she peered around surriptitiously, taking mental notes of the badly disguised hopeful anticipation on the faces of the others. Fred literally buzzed with anxiety, and a shimmer of guilt built in her bell. Shoulders slumping a little, she turned her gaze back towards Angel; then started in surprise. Dark brown eyes stared back, strangely intense. He seemed distracted, yet…the creepy feeling that he was sizing her up in a not too comfortable way. What could he be thinking? she wondered, then immediately decided that whatever it was, she didn't really want to know.
"Angel?" Her hesitant voice broke the haze that had formed as he'd felt her response to his words; watched as she discretely surveyed the others. All the time her scent crept up until it and engulfed him, twirling seductively into his nostrils and leaving her taste on his tongue.
He'd had no difficulty separating the blend of aromas that oozed from her so deliciously. Rose bath oil, Spring flower shampoo; a subtle layer of cinnamon that was distinct no matter what bath products she used. And blood. rich, intoxicating blood. the taste of her life-essense coated is tongue and clung to the back of his throat like a lover's caress.
His body tightened with building lust. The urge to pull her up, throw her across the desk and take her, taste her, was so strong that he had to force himself to straighten up and slide clenching hands behind his back. Backing away completely was an impossibility; nothing could have moved him right at that moment. the repeated sound of his name pierced through the haze, and he shook his head almost imperceptively, attempting to clear his thoughts of things fobidden.
Consciously relaxing his stance, Angel caught her-now confused gaze. "It's been a really bad week." He began hesitantly, managing to soften his features into the patented puppy dog expression and being grateful of his ability to hide behind his 'people' façade pretty easily. "I am truly sorry I took it out on you." He paused and chewed his bottom lip, his eyes shoing nothing but repentance. "Will you forgive an old guy for getting grumpy?"
Cordy stared up at him for a long moment, searching his softened gaze and features. Finding no hint of what had unnerved her seconds earlier, she relaxed a little. It was true. Although the money acrued was more than welcome, things had been hell on earth the past few weeks. It wasn't that surprising that tempers were frayed. As he stood there, seemingly anxious waiting for a response, aanger and hurt bled away and a hestiant smile curved her mouth. Although tempted to pat the hand nearest to her to show no hard feelings, she couldn't quite bring herself to do it.
Not with the small voice in the back of her mind yelling dangerous, with a capital DANGER.
"Okay, 'grumpy'. I'll let you off." she finally replied, relenting a little more by adding: "I'll try to keep a lid on my big mouth too." When Angel returned her smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling cutely, the voice dropped to a gentle whisper. With another, warmer smile she turned back to the files she'd pulled out after sitting down. When Angel still hovered, she glanced back up with a slight frown of query. After a moment, she glanced up. "Did you want to talk about anything else?"
"No, no…that's it! I'll just…" Angel pointed to a spot behind him then backed away before turning to head towards the stairs. As soon as he reached his room, he relaxed his tight grip on the pencil and abruptly tossed the broken pieces into the wastebin …
#Authors Note: I'm working on this fic whenever I get a chance, so don't be too freaked by the changes in the style as you go from one scene to the next. Hopefully, it won't take too long to finish finetuning#
Part 2
"You at the juice again?" Angel tensed at the voice. He didn't turn around, but continued drinking.
"I was hungry." He shrugged.
Cordy shoved passed him, opening the door of the fridge, tutting in annoyance as she surveyed the contents.
"God, Angel, you've drunk the entire week's supply!" She turned to face him. Reaching out a tentative hand, dropping it in surprise as he flinched, moving back. "Are…you okay? You've never-"
"Since when do YOU decide how much I can drink!" he literally snarled, his eyes flashing amber. Cordy retreated a few steps, shock opening her mouth.
What the hell was going on? Angel fought to relax his features. The expression of fear on Cordy's face stirred something in him. A thrill of pleasure- and, dismay. The dismay won out. He went to move forward; stopping at her involuntary step back.
"I'm sorr- God! How many times can I say that?" he forced a grin, relaxing in time with her slowing heartbeat.
She still couldn't think of a thing to say. She stood there uncertainly. This was the Angel she knew; but somehow, it didn't make her feel any better. He rubbed his face, eyes dropping to the linoleum for a second.
"The supply was mostly bad." He lied smoothly. "I had to throw most of the bags away." He pointed towards the trash bin. Glancing in, Cordy saw numerous empty bags filling it. She raised her brow, mouth opening as she turned her gaze to him.
"-Poured them down the sink; didn't want the stench to fill the place!" he grimaced.
"Yeah, that would have been pretty gross!" she agreed, finally calming down. Her face became anxious. "You haven't any left! I could pick you some up before I make tracks?" He weighed the pros and cons of that offer.
A part of him couldn't wait for her to leave the place. She wound him up so much lately, that he was surprised he hadn't physically harmed her yet. On the other hand, he also didn't want her to leave. The urge to be close-too close; not –good-for-the-soul close, was unbearably tempting. Everyone would have gone home by the time she got back- and Fred had told him she'd be staying with Gunn tonight.
And a very small, minute part, feared for her life, where he was concerned.
"No, it's okay. I have a few things to do, so I'll pick it up on the way back." He smiled casually. She returned the smile, shrugging before turning away.
"Okeydokie; well, I'm off now. I'll take Gunn up on that lift he offered. See you tomorrow." With a slight wave of her hand, she disappeared from sight.
Angel released the un-needed breath he was holding; his body unclenched slowly.
"Stupid Bastard! Where the fuck are your balls!" He ignored Angelus' rage and insults, as he walked out of the kitchen silently.
Part 3
"You okay?" Gunn's voice broke through her thoughts and she turned from the window she'd been staring sightlessly out of.
"Have to admit; you ain't your usual chattery self, Cordy" Fred gazed at her, concern coloring her light tone.
"The 'chattery' seems to have gone on vacation lately." she smiled back, before her expression became serious. "Have you guys noticed how…weird Angel's been acting? Or is it just me, being Paranoia Girl?" she chewed her lip absently.
"He has been kinda jumpy-Fred; you noticed anything? I mean, what with you having the pulse on these things-no pun intended, I swear!" he raised his hands quickly, before dropping them back onto the steering wheel.; Cordy dug him in the ribs, turning to Fred.
"We..ll… he goes out a lot, when you guys hit the road! But to be honest I don't see him that much, after hours I mean." the Texan smiled faintly apologetic.
"Probably patrolling." Cordy murmured. "He used to do that a lot in Good old SunnyHell; with the Miss 'Likes-To-Kill." The last bit thrown out with distaste. Fred and Gunn glanced at each other silently.
Both were aware of their history. Cordy rarely spoke about it, but Fred had read up on what she could about it in Wesley's notes when she'd first got back from Pylea, and had shared her findings with Gunn.
"He seems to like to chow down an YOUR ass." He protected his side from Cordy's elbow jokingly.
"Yeah, he does seem a bit…"
"Touchy? Nasty?" Cordy cut Fred off sourly."
"He's okay with the rest of us; which, if he's just tired, seems strange, doncha think, Charles?" Gunn nodded thoughtfully, before smiling snarkily.
"Gettin' his own back, I reckon; two whole, scary years with the uberchick here, remember? -Oww! Watch where you putting' that sharp pieca bone, girl!" Cordy folded her arms, ignoring Gunn rubbing his side pitifully.
"Pfft! Should be used to me by now. What's changed?" her tone became pensive.
"Why doncha ask him? You know he…cares about you! It's probably easier for him to let go on someone he's known for so long." Fred patted her shoulder gently.
"Here's your stop. Don't forget the tip…" Gunn cringed jokingly, as Cordy glared at him before cracking a grin. Climbing out of the truck, she shut the door, leaning in briefly.
"Maybe you're right. Thanks for the lift and chat, guys. See ya tomorrow." with a small smile, she turned away from the truck.
"Charles?" Gunn paused before looking over at Fred. He patted her leg gently.
"Maybe it's the old 'dog-not-gotta-bone'. That's gotta kill!" Fred frowned, perplexed.
"Dog not…? -Oh! Right. You mean frustration?" Fred finally smiled with understanding, a tinge of a blush touching her cheeks.
"Damn straight!" Gunn nodded enthusiastically. "I know it'd kill me," the hand on her leg squeezed suggestively.
"Oh, Charles!" she grinned, the blush deepening. Glancing out of the window, Fred caught sight of Cordy just before; she disappeared into the hospital…
Part 4
He stood in the shadows. Where the Hell was she? He paced up and down the dark path, his mind suggesting and rejecting places she could be. He stopped abruptly- a date! He hadn't even considered it! Feeling the rage rise, he swallowed heavily, dampening it down.
"Ya see, Ass Wipe, she doesn't want YOU-she'll NEVER want you! Too spineless for a start! Should have taken her a looong time ago! But NO! You knew better! Now the bitch is dishing out the honey to some prick out there - instead of to us!"
"Shut the fuck up!" his pacing resumed.
Anyone seeing the dark brooding man pacing back and forth, would have marveled at the dangerous grace, the panther-like sinuousness of his body; that is, if they hadn't run like fuck at the oozing menace pouring from him like a slow oozing wound. Then the vampire stilled; his prey finally in sight.
Cordy flopped out of the cab, sighing with relief at that at last she was home. Paying the driver, she slowly made her way towards her shadowed door. A prickling sensation edged its way up her spine. Simultaneously quickening her pace and glancing behind her, she let out her breath to find no one in sight; but didn't relax until behind her securely locked door.
Dennis hovered around her, catching her jacket as it slid off her shoulders. She thanked him, softly adding: "It's okay Dennis, I got a little spooked out there tonight. –Don't worry! Just my over-active imagination," she soothed him. The breeze ruffled her hair in reply.
Hearing the bathroom door open, Cordy glanced over and instantly shook her head "No bath tonight; just bed for now," yawning widely and making straight for her bedroom. Not bothering with the lights,
She dropped her clothes into a pile on the floor, and fell into bed, too tired to notice her ghost quietly picking them up and draping them over a chair.. Within minutes she was sound asleep. The shadow outside her window paused for a long moment before shifting away.
Angel stood outside her door for endless minutes before finally knocking gently on the panel. It unlocked, and swung silently open. "Thanks Dennis" his voice pitched low so not to disturb the sleeping woman in the other room.
Luckily for him, Dennis was used to Angel's sporadic visits, and wasn't concerned; as he watched him approach her bedroom door. Angel eased the door open, shutting it quietly behind him. For a long moment, he stood with his back against the wood, listening to her gentle breathing. Assured she was indeed deeply asleep, he approached the bed.
Cordy lay sprawled on her back, her arms flung out in subconscious abandonment with only a sheet covering her due to the close warmth of the night. Without thought, Angel drew back the sheet, sitting carefully on the bed next to her hip. She lay before him like a Goddess of sensuality, clad only in soft lilac underwear. Everything Cordy wore matched- even something that was rarely seen by others.
He hoped.
If she'd have been upright, her breasts would probably have spilled slightly over the soft silk of her delicate bra. Her panties rode low on her belly, slightly gathered and concealing. Looming over, Angel breathed her scent deeply. After a long moment he sat back a little, satisfied. No one had been near his Cordy. Thank God! He didn't know if he could control himself if his fears had been true. As it was, he held a thin rein on his desire.
The rein tugged slightly as his hand moved to gently rest low on her stomach. His calloused fingers ran over her golden skin, pausing for a split second before sliding below the lace until the elastic hit his knuckles. The pads brushed her soft curls and it took everything he had not to push lower and delve into the heat he could feel literally feel emanating from her core.
While he fought his demon, Cordy shifted restlessly and released a heavy sighed, moving her head on the pillow until she faced him. He instantly froze. Her eyes remained closed thankfully as sleep still claimed her.
For the first time, Angel noted that the usual wash of soft color was absent from the golden skin of her cheeks; instead looking oddly pale. Concern momentarily took over from lust. He knew the visions were taking their toll- just hadn't realized how much. A flash of guilt hit, causing him to draw his hand from beneath her panties. Reaching for the sheet he brought it up, gently tucking it around her body before dipping his dark head and running a cool, velvet tongue over her lower lip, lingering before pulling back abruptly as her taste exploded in his mouth..
Then he was gone…
Dennis was more than relieved. He'd watched the vampire the last fifteen minutes with growing concern, palpably feeling the struggle within. Being stuck in the ether had benefits of picking up subtle changes humans and demons alike missed, and had always been nervously aware of the fine line Angel walked. When the locks where drawn behind the retreating vampire, Dennis had already decided that the next time…
The next time, he wouldn't open the door.
Part 5 |