Go TeamC/A
-
Part 5 "Cordelia's rather late today." Wes remarked, glancing up from yet another dusty old tome.
Fred nodded. “She’s probably a mite tired, blood loss and all."
"She's ill?" Wes half rose from his seat, the book temporarily forgotten."
"Nah, she's doin' her bit for the A & E-donating a bag; does it every fortnight." Gunn offered casually.
"Well, I think she does enough already, Charles. But you can't argue with Cordy!" Fred sighed, smiling in resignation.
Angel's fingers slowly released the balcony rail; a hairline crack slightly visible- if you happened to look close enough. When he'd first heard the conversation opening out below him, panic had hit him hard. The relief he felt at Gunn's explanation was indescribable. He eventually resumed walking- halting once more as he heard the familiar clicking of heels heading towards the hotel.
Cordy walked in, fanning herself on the way. Wearing a flowery sundress, sunglasses perched on her head, she looked like summer personified. The whole outfit was finished off with strappy white heels, barely clinging to her pretty feet.
Angel stood back, melting into the shadows, needing time to retrieve his equilibrium; soaking in the delicious vision she made. He hadn't slept well that night. The taste of her on his tongue… and although he'd gulped down three mugs of blood, the hunger only seemed to intensify until having to fight the urge to return and finish what he'd started.
"Hey, broody!" he jerked in surprise, as Cordy's voice drifted up to him. "You gonna become a permanent fixture on that landing or come join the living?" His lips twitched wryly at that.
Living!
Although the way Angel had been feeling lately it sometime seemed only the silent heart in his chest reminded that he was far from life. Making his way down the stairs, he slid his hands into his pockets, absently listening to their conversation. a feeling; her body language -in a blur of movement and her thrashing body was in his arms and held close. The feeling the helplessness and the frustration of not being able to do more ate at his very soul even after Cordy gradually settled. Wes stood by, pen in hand, waiting for the right moment.
He hated that part too. "Big brown stinky horny demon, under the pier. About to snack on a couple of lovebirds."
"Horny? As in…!"
"EWWW! Gunn! Trust you to pick up on that! No…horns all down his shoulders and arms-and big teeth! You have enough time to get there; it's not happening for a few hours." Her attempt at humour even whilst her body shuddered drew the admiration of the rest of the fang gang every time.
"We'll have plenty of time to look it up, then." Wesley murmured as he made his way back to his office, ignoring the chorus of groans floating round the lobby. Angel glanced outside. Still light. Good! It would be dark by then. Absently he sat on one of the couches in the lobby, drawing her onto his lap without thinking.
The shaking gradually eased and as Cordy took in her surroundings, she couldn't help but stiffen in surprise. Angel had never done this before! Usually, he'd guide her into a chair or couch and hover anxiously. The sensation of his well-developed thigh muscles beneath her ass sent shivers of response that sent off alarm bells in her head. "Angel? What's-" Before she could finish, Angel; shifted, sliding from under her and settling her onto the cushion next to him.
The seer glanced warily at him beneath half-shuttered lids, but his expression showed nothing but the usual friendly concern. Shrugging it off, she looked away, smiling faintly in gratitude as she took the pills and water Fred offered her.
"They're getting worse." Angel's voice was pitched low, biting back the fear that instinctively clawed at his gut.
Cordy shrugged, wincing at the movement but smiling reassuringly, pushing off his concern. "Nothing I can't handle! Angel, they're the same; still a bitch to my brain, but... I'm just a little tired, that's all." She patted his knee, withdrawing her hand quickly when he unexpectedly tensed, "you just worry too much". He forced a smile.
"YOU give me a lot to worry about!" they both smiled, and Cordy finally relaxed as the atmosphere shifted.
Now that was so much better. She’d been thinking lately that they'd; lost that easy friendship that had existed between them - less the beige period of course- but *that* had been put behind them. Her thoughts were disturbed when Angel abruptly rose to his feet, grabbing her ankles and swinging them onto the couch.
"Eeep!" she squeaked in surprise and Angel's lip twitched.
"Stay here, and rest! NO arguments!" He added when her mouth opened to protest.
"Yes, dad!" she grumbled, missing the tightening of his mouth as she settled herself more comfortably against the soft cushions. Straightening up he made his way to the kitchen.
Opening the fridge, Angel realized with mild irritation that he'd need to make yet another trip to his supplier pretty soon. Lately, his thirst for much more than normal had grown with every mouthful. It reminded him of his past hunger for the flow of rich, human blood, which had always never been enough. That had lessened markedly when pig's blood had become his nourishment.
The immediate relief as he drank the warm liquid didn't last as long as it used to. Angel didn't give it much thought as his mind wandered to his Seer. It had felt so *right* to draw her into his lap. The searing heat of her body nestled against his groin had caused an immediate reaction; his body hardened at the memory of the all-too brief contact. A low, frustrated growl rumbled in his chest...
The mug cracked in his hand. Looking down at the crushed crockery, he shook his head groggily, trying to clear it. Cursing softly, he threw it in the trash on his way out.***
"So it's going smoothly?"
Lilah shrugged, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "He's picking up a lot more than we hoped from his supplier; luckily for us, his Seer is donating regular as clockwork, otherwise we'd have a problem. I can't honestly say there's a marked difference, though." The frustration dripped from her tongue. Linwood folded his arms and leaned back against the soft leather of his seat.
Talking to Lilah was never a pleasure, but he did feel a little enjoyment at her obvious bitterness towards the Vampire with a soul. Linwood knew it went deeper than hatred- lust even? Hatred akin to love... project such as this, seeing her rattled was icing on the cake for him and he lapped it up greedily.
"Has the surveillance equipment picked up anything…interesting?" She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
"Nothing severe. The vampire broods in his room mostly through the day; something that became less after Vocah...but that is probably due to his going crazy for a while." memories of that time still brought shudders of fear along her spine. "That and frequent bouts of self-gratification," her cheeks flooded briefly with color, as she recalled those moments.
Bastard! "Miss Humanity never graces her presence in his rooms lately- and at night he's hardly at the hotel -what exactly is the point to all this, besides watching him get a taste for human blood again; which doesn't seem such a good idea?" her tone sharpened unthinkingly rude.
"Lilah, Lilah, patience!" he deliberately ignored her slip, leaning forward with an unpleasant smile on his face. "There's no time limit to things like this! You forgot to mention his frequent 'arguments' with his alter ego; and as to his nightly absences from home...he's also been spotted skulking around Miss chase's apartment - on occasion visiting her bedroom- after the lights were out." The smile widened, reminding her of a documentary she'd once watched 'The Great White's Feeding Habits'. She again shifted in her seat; inwardly praying this meeting would soon reach its conclusion.
"It will happen just the way we envision,” his thin mouth curled up in dark humor at his unintentional pun; "and when it does…we'll be there to pick up the pieces!" Almost rubbing his hands together in glee.
"I hope you meant that literally!" Lilah finally smiled in anticipation
Part 6Fred sat gingerly next to Cordy on the couch, watching her gently rub her temples. "How are ya feelin'now? - Geeze! Trust me and my stupid questions; It's obvious how you're feelin'!" Fred stemmed the flow of diatribe as Cordy turned to face her, wincing slightly at the movement before smiling gently at the Texan.
"Fred, I'll be fine, once they've killed the big ugly- darnit! Why couldn't it have been sooner rather than later! Four frickin' hours!" She sighed, resting her head against the back of the couch carefully. Fred, for once was at a loss for words, instead silently patting her friend's knee. They waited.***
"Now that looks like a man with a plan!" Gunn watched in horrific, although grudging admiration as Angel systematically tore the demon to pieces.
He rested on his unused axed, flicking a look at Wes, who leaned against the wall, crossbow dangling from shaking fingers.
"That's gotta hurt!" Gunn cringed as a severed arm flew across the wet sand.
Wes tried desperately to hold on to his lunch as he saw the arc of black goo that spurted from the demon's shoulder, as the creature screamed in pain. The neck finally cracked, and the men released simultaneous sighs of relief as Angel let the demon drop to the sand. Angel casually leaned down to rinse himself in the oncoming tide, before turning to join his friends.
"I think It's pretty much dead Angel…drop the face" Wes gestured, as the vampire frowned in confusion, then rubbed a hand across his features, mildly surprised to find ridges and teeth; he hadn't realized he'd changed. Morphing back, he grinned crookedly.
Picking up his unused sword, he followed them up the beach. He absently wondered how Cordy was; and thought of the inevitable gentle ministrations that awaited him- and quickened his stride…***
The girls looked up from their ice cream as the men walked in. Cordy dropped her spoon, standing up to approach them.
She shook her head in amazement: Gunn and Wes looked like they'd been out for an evening stroll; but Angel…
"What have you been doing?" she tutted, as she stepped closer, wary of the goo that clung to his clothes! "Showering at the demon baths? - And why are you two so…spring-like?"
"Spring-like?" Gunn frowned, scratching his bald head. Fred nodded.
"Yeah; all spring-cleaney-like! Did you let Angel do all the killin'? Cos that's just not fair!" she started to look as annoyed as Cordy, tapping her spoon on her chin, leaving melted dabs of Cherry Surprise on her skin.
Both men defensively folded their arms, glaring at Angel. Wes snorted with disgust. "HE wouldn't let us near the bloody thing; too busy being Mr Macho Man…pire, I might add!"
"Yeah, Like him; but in a more …Bro way!" Added Gunn, nodding. The glaring intensified, as both girls now hovered around the smirking vampire; until Cordy slapped him up the head.
"OWW! What was that for?" Angel rubbed his head pathetically, as Cordy lifted his sopping shirt gingerly, searching for injuries.
"Drop the grin, 'Mr Macho Manpire'! You're supposed to be a team! Trying to get yourself killed?" Cordy harrumphed. After searching him over thoroughly, she stood back in amazement! "Was my vision mistaken? Was it a little puppy demon? There's not a scratch on him!" she finished in disgust, turning to join Fred.
Angel watched in disbelief as she calmly picked up her spoon, and renewed her attempts to find the bottom of the Rocky Road tub. Damn it! He should have made sure to let the demon get at least one clawed paw on him. So much for tender aftercare!
"No! It was…really huge, and drippy with the teeth- nasty pointy horns- claws three inches long; isn't that right, guys?" he turned to Gunn and Wes, who offered him their backs indifferently, casually shrugging and smirking to themselves at his whining tone. Taking the girls attention all for himself-let the bastard suffer!
"Guys! I'll remember this you slimy little back stabbers…" muttering under his breath, Angel reluctantly trudged to the stairs. Casting one last glance over to Cordy, the muttering intensified as she ignored him and concentrated on her ice cream.
As he slipped out of view, Cordy let the grin she'd been hiding, out. What a dork!***
Angel stood in the hot shower, glad to feel the goo slide out of his hair. All he could think of earlier was the sooner the demon was dead, the sooner his Cordy would feel better.
His Cordy…
That was the plan, anyway, but when he'd looked at the gross demon Cordy had to endure in her head, Angelus shot to the surface, giving a feral cheer at the temporarily release. The pleasure the demon felt at ripping the beast to pieces almost felt as good as the way he knew he'd feel getting his hands on his Seer, without the interference of the Soul.
This demon had managed something the Soul hadn't; got inside the hot bitch! Fair enough, not exactly where he personally wanted to be-but still…it got something! When it was finally over, he'd cursed that it'd ended so quickly snarling in frustration as the Soul strongly reasserted itself.
The look on the faces of his friends still haunted him. He'd seen the badly disguised disgust and shock at his feral behavior- albeit the hint of admiration. He didn't want that scenario to happen again. The last thing he wanted was for his friends to become wary.... even afraid of him. He sighed heavily, as he leaned against the cool tiles of the shower.
It had seemed so... easy, the way his demon had reasserted itself. The control he held lately was becoming more difficult as time went on, but he'd always managed to rein it in. but now...Angel was beginning to feel a little afraid himself.
It was the thought of that creature tainting his Cordy…That's how he thought of her; had for a long time…his Cordy- But she wasn't really, not the way he wanted her … not yet, anyway. Angel found it so simple right now to remember why thinking like that was a bad idea. Lust was overcoming common sense.
Standing in the shower stall and relishing the steaming hot water as it flowed directly onto his head poured down his body... closing amber-ringed eyes, he imagined the heated pressure wasn't the water; but Cordy’s silky hands firmly stroking his skin, curling her body around him…the heavy drumming of the water her moans of pleasure. His hand unconsciously slid from his chest to firm quivering belly, not stopping it's path until slick fingers were firmly wrapped around his throbbing cock; completely lost to everything but his fantasy. Tempering his grip, he pumped the engorged flesh sensually; in his swirling head a smaller, hotter hand gripped him confidently, sliding over his skin, running silky fingertips over the weeping head, gradually building up a rhythm until he cried out, his other hand slapping against the warmed tiles; his upper body hunching over.
Oh god! Her touch seared him, taking him to heights he so desperately needed. With a shout, he ejaculated, his cool seed spurting in short bursts...only shaking out of his fantasy when the shower water cooled noticeably. He moaned as if in physical agony-; the relief, although intense, didn't last...and within minutes Angel again felt the stark lack of satisfaction.
He couldn't go on like this. He had to have her...under, over, in front. The moan grew into a growl of frustration.
"Then do something about it, Soul Prick! Sick of you doin' all the work. Jeez!" Angel rinsed himself off slowly as he thought about his options…
Part 7Cordy opened the fridge, looking over her shoulder nervously, before reaching in to grab a carton.
"Just getting the milk; NOT checking his supply, no, nope, not me. Not Supply-Checking Girl!" she muttered as she closed the door, turning round quickly -she smacked straight into Angel's cool hard chest.
"Eep!" she pushed back, shaking off his steadying hands. “Look; MILK - M.I.L.K!" waving the carton in his face wildly.
"I was just getting the milk; and I'm rambling aren't I." She rambled-and continued to ramble, even though she knew she was doing it. Her face reddened in embarrassment, as she couldn't stop rambling. Angel finally lifted a cool finger, placing it on her mouth. She stood there, looking mutely at him, totally surprised. He dropped his forehead against hers, sighing deeply.
"I'm sorry, Cordy." He murmured sadly. Seeing the wretched look on his face, her heart melted, and without thinking, she wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. He tensed for a moment, before sliding his arms around her, squeezing her soft body gently.
Nudging her face aside with his chin, he dropped his head into the crook of her shoulder, and breathed her in deeply. As Cordy finally loosened her hold to draw back, he convulsively tightened his arms, pulling her closer in an almost painful grip. She stiffened in surprise. Angel felt the silk of her skin pressed against his mouth, and mindlessly parted his lips.
My god! Is Angel coming on to me? Cordy instantly rejected the thought. He wouldn't-couldn't. She gasped when she felt his tongue slide across the side of her neck; now she pulled back in earnest, almost stumbling when Angel suddenly released her.
He turned his back to her, rubbing his hands roughly across the back of his head. Cordy gripped the slightly crushed carton in an even tighter hold.
What the hell was that? She thought shakily. Needing to get to the people infested lobby cordy attempted to slide past Angel's still form discreetly, and froze when a hand shot out to grab her arm in a vice. Tentatively she lifted her eyes to his face, finding it averted.
"Angel?" she asked nervously. At the sound of her voice, his shoulders slumped, his grip gentling as her turned to face her.
"Cordy, please know that I'd never hurt you; you do know that, don't you." His eyes were soft, and slightly damp. Her face relaxed and softened, as she instinctively reached out with her free hand to squeeze the one on her arm.
"I know you wouldn't Angel! I-I know you're tired…and a little stressed-but, hey! Everyone's entitled to an off day!" He returned her smile with a tentative one of his own. Dropping his hand.
"More like an off week!" he chuckled lightly.
"How about we join the others for a cup of black evil?" she grinned, relieved as the atmosphere lightened to an almost buoyant degree. Angel shoo-ed her to the door, shaking his head with a slight smile.
"I'll just grab a cup of my own 'evil' first; then I'll be right out…promise!" as she hovered uncertainly. Finally she left.
He listened to the clack of her heels, waiting until they faded in the distance before wrapping his arms around his belly; his face crumpling as the knowledge of what he'd nearly done sucker-punched him.
"I was so close to taking her here on the floor! What the Hell am I doing?" He wondered helplessly. Slowly straightening, he turned to the fridge. Opening the door, he vaguely realized that he'd be making yet another trip to his suppliers tonight.
"But this time, there'll be no detours!" he promised himself; albeit weakly.
Part 8"So he's been back? Good!" Lilah's lips curled into a satisfied smile, widening as she listened.
"She did! Go Seer! – I hope you followed my instructions?" Clenching the cell phone to her ear, her eyes hardened. "I don't pay you to ask questions! Did you double the amount?" Lilah's hand relaxed, leaning back against her chair, she ended the call. Shrugging the fleeting fear at the thought of Linwood finding out, she folded her arms behind her head, grinning maliciously.
Things were definitely going to get interesting…***
Cordy flicked through the channels, glaring in annoyance at the lack of decent content.; "Yeah, Way to go Cable! See nothing ya like, just use it to lynch yourself with!" she grumbled.
After the seriously 'wacky' episode with Angel in the Kitchen, everything went back to as close to normal as was 'normal’ for them. The evening dragged on quietly, visionless and relaxed. Except for the occasional moments of finding Angel's dark gaze on her, he seemed more like his relaxed, somewhat dorky self.
He finally disappeared into the basement half an hour before she decided to call it a night, leaving Fred chatting nonsensically whilst surfing the net, and Gunn playing his game boy, whilst Wes read dry dusty tomes; both looking up occasionally to snark at each other light-heartedly. She opened the door to the basement briefly, shouting "goodnight" to Angel before exiting the building for home. She didn't bother going down like she usually did; still feeling a little freaked by their 'milk' moment earlier.
After a long bath, ran by Dennis, Cordy sprawled on the couch in a tatty T-Shirt and silk boxers 'borrowed' off Angel.
She'd hesitated briefly before putting them on, feeling uncomfortable for the first time since she'd hooked up with her friend. Shrugging it off as being silly, she pulled them up, rolling over the waistband. It trickled through her mind on and off through the evening. Dissecting every moment, she couldn't help feel a little shiver as she starkly recalled the cool sensation of his tongue against her skin. Was that 'shiver' a pleasurable one? She was surprised to hear her inner voice agree; or was she…
An hour later, Dennis gently draped a blanket over her sleeping form, switching off the TV and lights before going into his wall…***
Angel found himself outside her front door again.
He'd stood there motionless for over an hour, listening to her slow, muted heartbeat. Resting his forehead against her door, he fought an inner battle. The saner side of him knew he should go home.
But that side was gradually slipping away. He couldn't for the life of him, get his feet to work. Clenched hands unfurled to rest palms next to his head on the wood.
She was so close! He could feel her just behind the door, obviously not making it to her bedroom tonight.
"Get a grip, man!" The Vampire berated himself silently. He'd lost track of the times he himself had fallen asleep on that couch with Cordy tucked against him. There had been no urge- well! Maybe the urge had been there…but he wouldn't have dreamed of taking advantage- then!
What was so different now?
All he knew was that lately, he couldn't think of anything else! The need to be close…to touch-taste Cordy was overwhelming. Angel purred deeply at the very thought. Then his face prickled.
Dennis. The ghost hovered behind the door, static coming off him in waves, making his worry and fear palpable.
Angel drew back from the door abruptly: no invite tonight. He should have been glad Dennis had made the decision not to open the door- but exorcism crept through his fevered mind, as he again leaned against the door.
"Let me in Dennis. I swear I won't hurt her!" he murmured softly, closing his now-amber eyes, rearing back with a snarl as Dennis made his feelings clear by sending a painful surge of static through the door. Angel swore furiously, kicking out at the door- his body stilled instantly; sagging in relief when he realized that only a slight crack was visible.
The vampire's relief turned to anticipation laced with dread when he heard Cordy's slurred query.
"Dennis? Wha's up?" Cordy slurred tiredly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, as she sat up at the heavy thump. A post it sticker flew in the air and stuck to her cheek. "Hey! Watch what you're doing with those things!" she griped. Peeling it off, she read the large scrawl.
"Angel?" her brow furrowed, head jerking up at the gentle tap on her door. Standing up, she approached the door. "Angel? Is that you?" Angel heard the sleepy query; picking up the slight tinge of nervousness in her tone.
"Yes, Cordy! Open up." Keeping his voice coolly neutral. Cordy halted a foot from the door as Dennis prickled around her and another post-it note slapped on her forehead.
"Damn it, Dennis What's up with you?" she snarked, peeling off the offending paper.
"DANGER!!! HE'S NOT WELL!!!" her head shot up, rushing to the door, she opened the locks before Dennis had a chance to stop her. Angel pushed forward quickly, not giving the ghost a chance to shoot the bolts, causing Cordy to jump back in surprise.
He closed the door tight behind him, leaning against it, hands in pockets. Concerned, Cordy stepped forward, reaching for his shirt, lifting it quickly to check the pale expanse of skin. Angel grabbed her arms, stilling the movement. Eyes questioning.
"Dennis said you were hurt; look!" she shoved the note let into his face. "Oops!" Cordy grinned in apology as he peeled it off his nose. His smiling response faded, as he read Dennis's warning.
"Oh…I tripped, and kicked the door accidentally!" looking suitably dorky. It worked. Cordy giggled deliciously as she shook her head.
"You been on the firewater?" walking away to crawl back on the couch. She tucked her bare legs under her, settling herself before patting the cushion beside her. "Or have you been 'assisting' Lorne in his quest to find that 'perfect' Sea Breeze?" she added, as Angel draped his jacket over a chair and joined her, throwing an arm along the back.
It rested behind her, stirring her tousled hair gently. She started a little as his fingers slipped through the silky strands at the nape of her neck.
"Personal bubble!" her mind shrieked. After the earlier shock, for some reason, Cordy instantly felt on edge. “Angel? Are you…okay?" she asked carefully. The fingers paused for a moment, brushing her skin lightly before withdrawing. Pulling his arm away, he rubbed his face. What was he supposed to say?
"No, I'm not, Cordy! I want to bury myself deep inside you, then slide my teeth into your breast as I pound you into the cushions!" Yeah, right! "Just a little tired; that's all." He answered lightly.
"Jeez, you make me fucking sick, you soul-prick!" His demon snarled. "Just give me ONE hour! I'll have her screaming for us, I swear!" It's tone changing, cajoling. Angel shook his head roughly.
"God! Why did I come here? He wondered, wildly.
"You KNOW why!" Angelus replied, the sensual slide of words crawled into his belly... Cordy casually patted his knee as she rose to her feet.
"I picked up some 'Al A Vamp' today-you look like you could do with a shot!" she grinned. Angel watched her disappear into the kitchen. He had stifled the burning urge to pull her back down, deciding to use the reprieve to clear his head.
He jumped when a post-it note slammed into his hair. He peeled it of, growling softly at the hair clinging to it.
"LEAVE. NOW!!" The vampire felt Dennis's animosity hovering around him helplessly. Another note attached to his hand. "PLEASE ANGEL!" the tone more placatory. Angel slumped, staring hard at his feet. The ghost's presence bore down on him like a prickly blanket.
"Stop worrying Dennis!" He made an effort to hide the venom stirring in him at the phantoms' interference; even though a part of him knew Dennis was right to be worried.
"Worry about what, Broody?" Angel jumped again. He hadn't heard her entrance; too intent on his internal struggle. Looking up, he took in her stance; hand on hip-other hand proffering a steaming mug of blood. And the trademark single brow lift.
He discreetly slid the crushed note lets into his pants pocket as he took the drink, sipping it absently whilst he searched his mind for an answer- stunned as the blood slithered down his throat. Angel's eyes widened in shock; Cordy's very essence surrounded him-inside and out. He gulped down the rest in one convulsive swallow. His body immediately hummed, as his senses were overloaded.
"Angel?" Cordy stiffened instinctively as she watched the Vampire's reaction. He looked completely devastated. Taking a step back unthinkingly as he finally looked up. He frowned slightly at her gesture, before covering his flip out.
"Sorry! I just realized…I'm gonna have to change my Supplier. The stuff I have is definitely watered down- or something." he muttered the last two words under his breath. It tasted the same, but…it was…richer-fuller. He couldn't put his finger on it - but it blew his mind. Cordy, relaxing by degrees, curled back onto the couch, shaking her head in confusion.
"But that" pointing at the empty mug, "-is from your Supplier." She took the empty mug from his nerveless fingers, reaching forward to deposit it on the coffee table. The action separated her clothing, partially baring the golden Sun on her spine. Angel clenched his hands reflexively, fighting with himself not to expose more to his hungry gaze.
He dropped his eyes, shielding them from her gaze as she straightened, but Cordy caught it. She blinked hard. "
Did I see what I thought I just saw?" The feeling of unease slid back, sending a chill down her spine. Swallowing hard, she looked away. Why the Hell was he here - and what was going on with Dennis? Her skin prickled, Goosebumps rose on her arms. He was hovering so close, almost hysterical. That feeling was starting to crawl under her skin. She rubbed her arms roughly.
"So-what's the sitch with Dennis?" he seems a little…zippy tonight." Angel tilted his head in a show of confusion, and for a second, Cordy could have sworn she saw something cold and calculating in his dark eyes. Then she shrugged it off, blaming the tension of the last couple of weeks. Angel would never hurt her; she knew that instinctively.
His face only reflected friendly concern, and that eased her mind somewhat, and pushed aside that tiny voice that asked her if she really knew the vampire as well as she thought she did, and she again looked hard at his familiar face. Angel smiled, striving to look suitably abashed. He touched her arm lightly, lingering.
"I- huh- cracked the door when I… tripped earlier. Dennis wanted to make certain I'd get it fixed." He lied. His eyes flickered slightly. And Cordy instinctively knew.. but why? Would he lie to her? Sheesh, it was only a door- which he'd obviously replace... although why he kicked it was beyond her.
Noticing Angel's fingers were still on her arm smoothing small circles into her skin with increasing pressure, she drew back abruptly, causing his hand to drop between them. Angel growled without thought at her retreat, causing Cordy's hazel eyes to widen in surprise and growing alarm even as she kept moving until her back pressed against the arm of the couch and a decent gap opened up between them.
"Did you just growl at me?" the shocked exclamation shot from her mouth. For the second time in as many days, she felt a tinge of surprising fear. Angel reached out again without bothering to reply, his pale face scowling. The silence and the almost unhinged expression had Cordy instinctively shooting off the couch and then hovering, poised to…run? She wasn't sure anymore. all she knew was that something was seriously wrong with him.
"Why do you always do that?" he growled again, ignoring her question as if she hadn't even spoke. He wanted to touch her! Why the hell was she always teasing him? One minute all warm and flirty - the next, acting like an Ice queen. She was nothing but a cock tease, Angel decided irrationally. He'd had enough
Standing just as abruptly, he towered over her smaller frame, eyes blatantly daring her to move. Although Cordy was inwardly freaking with goose bumps visible and tightening her flesh, she stubbornly held her ground. This wasn't the manpire she'd grown to love, and confusion washed over her along with the anger. Angel's face was drawn into dark, frightening lines of rage; chocolate brown eyes flickering on and off with amber; and so, so wild… she was petrified!
But NO WAY on Earth was she going to let him see her growing panic and fear; even though knowing there was no way he could miss the scent oozing from her pores and the racing of her heart.
"What the hell is your damage, Mister Touchy -Feely?" She asked, attempting a firm, forceful tone, lifting her chin in defiant challenge. The vampire silently took one step nearer, deliberately climbing into her space, but cordy still refused to retreat. "Spill it, big guy, cos no way is this-this scary-freaky act you. You have a problem and you really need to stop and think about what you're doing here, Angel." her voice softened a touch when his name slipped out, but his face didn't change.
"If anyone has a problem, it's you - one minute hot; fluttering those long lashes, and then backing off like a fucking tease!" He snarled. Cordy's mouth dropped open as his venomous words hit her like a physical blow.
"I think you should take that nasty mouth of yours and leave. Now!" With extreme difficulty, she forced her face to display icy disdain, swallowing down the shock and fear that boiled beneath the surface. An arm raised, trembling hand pointing towards the door.
Angel only heard the arrogance and disdain in her voice, and the tightly held leash snapped like cheap dental floss.
"And I think you should close your pretty little mouth and shut the Fuck up!" Angel snarled, as he reached out to lift her off the floor…