Go TeamC/A
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3
The bar was on the 50th floor of LA’s glitziest, most glamorous hotel, complete with the breathtaking view and enough beautiful people to fill a hundred glossy magazines. Men and women wined, dined and danced in exquisite attire – dashing tuxedos, long, lavish gowns and glittering diamond jewellery. Champagne was served like it were going out of style and an exclusive and brilliant jazz band played in the corner.
Faith surveyed the large room from her position behind the bar. She glanced in the mirror, quickly adjusting her bowtie and waistcoat. She’d drawn the short straw – being the waitress while Buffy and Cordy dressed up in luxurious ball gowns, but in all honestly she couldn’t be happier. At least she was comfortable.
“Do you think you could stop checking yourself out in the mirror long enough for someone to get a drink around here?”
Faith spun around, grinning at her latest customer. “Evening ma’am. What can I get you?”
Buffy raised an eyebrow from her bar stool, her long blonde hair slickly combed back and tied up in a bun. She wore an elegant strapless red gown and elbow length gloves to match. “Ma’am?”
Faith shrugged. “It’s all part of the costume.”
“Right.” Buffy said. “I’ll have a martini.”
“Coming right up.” Faith turned and grabbed a martini glass from the shelf. She poured the clear liquid into the glass and speared an olive, dropping it in. She placed the glass in front of Buffy.
“Thank you.” Buffy sipped her drink, looking up in surprise. “Nice.”
“Thank *you*.” Faith grinned. She looked over at the elevator from which several people were now pouring out. “Any luck with the Count?”
“Haven’t seen him yet.” Buffy said, without looking up. She spun on her bar stool, her gaze scrutinizing as it travelled over the room. Tuxedos were visible everywhere but clearly, she hadn’t yet recognized the man Wesley had shown them a photograph of earlier that evening.
“Pardon me mademoiselle.” Someone bumped lightly against her shoulder and she turned around, staring at the handsome man in a tailcoat. He smiled politely at her, then turned to Faith. Something about him was familiar. He spoke with an accent and his entire demeanour was suave, sophisticated. “I’d like a whisky on the rocks, s'il vous plaît.”
Faith nodded and set about the task. She piled ice into the small glass, glancing up into the mirror lining the back of the bar. The man was looking elsewhere but Buffy was looking right at her, her eyes wide. Faith raised an eyebrow.
‘That’s him.’ Buffy mouthed, subtly pointing her finger in the direction of the man. ‘That’s the Count.’
Faith’s eyes widened. She quickly poured the whisky into the glass and placed it on the counter top. “There you go, sir.”
The Count reached for his wallet but Faith raised a hand, stopping him. “It’s on the house.”
He seemed surprised, but smiled slowly as he looked her up and down. “Merci. Perhaps I can return the favour a little later during the evening?” Faith smiled and the Count picked his drink off the counter, raising it to her and then turning, stepping away from the bar.
At Buffy’s look, Faith shrugged. “What? Might as well buy the guy the drink if we’re gonna make it his last.”
Buffy rolled her eyes, twisting in her seat so she could follow the Count’s movements as he made his way across the room. He stopped to grab a flute of champagne from a passing waiter, placing it in the hand of a woman on his right. He smiled winningly, striking up a conversation.
“Smooth.” Faith said, impressed.
Buffy pressed her middle finger just inside her ear, activating the communication device there. Faith could just about make out Cordelia’s irritated, “It’s about time.”
“Got him.” Buffy said. “You’re good to go.”
She removed her finger, her eyes never leaving the Count. He was still with the same woman, clearly his next target. They needed to move fast.
Faith released a breath. “Come on, Cordy.”
On cue, the elevator dinged and the doors parted slowly to reveal Cordelia. She stood in the doorway, one arm leaning against the side of the lift. Her shoulder length hair hung in loose curls and she wore an off-shoulder, midnight blue gown with a thigh high slit. Diamond jewellery decorated her ears, neck and wrists.
Harry Winston, eat your heart out.
Several heads turned towards the elevator, observing the newest arrival. A small smirk slid onto Cordelia’s face as she stepped confidently away from the door and into the room, never looking directly at anyone. A waiter offered her a flute of champagne and she took it with a smile, bringing the glass to her lips.
She paused then, her eyes locking with Buffy’s. She raised an eyebrow inquiringly. Buffy’s glanced at the Count, then back at Cordelia, then repeated the movement. Cordelia began moving across the room and towards the Count, her expression cold as ice as she weaved through the crowd.
Within a few moments she stood in front of him, her lips stretching into a beautiful smile. Faith grinned as the Count abandoned the indignant woman he’d been talking to and turned to Cordy with a smirk. He bowed slightly, probably introducing himself. Cordelia extended her hand and he took it between his, pressing a kiss to it.
“Why is it that all the hot guys we see or meet lately are dead?” Faith made a face, glancing at Buffy. “So what do we do now?”
Buffy smirked. “Sit back and watch the show.”***
Cordy successfully managed to hide the grimace as the Count’s lips brushed her hand. She noticed his lack of body temperature at the contact. He straightened, his hold on her still firm as he took a step closer.
“Mademoiselle,” His gaze was piercing as he held her eyes. “Would you do me the honour of a dance?”
Cordelia nodded, allowing her lips to curl into a smile. The Count led her through the crowd and to the dance floor, turning to face her and pulling her close. She stretched out her arms, her right hand curling around his shoulder, elbow bent sharply, her left sitting lightly in his right as he led her in the tango.
“You are,” He murmured, “the most exquisite woman I have ever laid eyes on.”
Cordy barely suppressed the rolling of her eyes. Instead, she smirked. “And *you* are living up to your licentious reputation.”
The Count laughed, apparently delighted with her. They spun around and Cordy wrapped her calf around his leg as he bent her over his elbow. He pulled her up, bridging the gap between them and she found her nose pressed against his shoulder. Her eyes scanned the crowd. Jealous women looked on as she danced with the most wanted man in the room and for a moment, Cordy was tempted to let the vacuous idiots discover the truth for themselves.
She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She used to be one of them not so long ago. And they certainly didn’t deserve to die.
The hand she’d curled around the Count’s elbow tensed in anger. He glanced at her but she didn’t spare him a look as they continued to dance, her body moving rhythmically with his, her chin held high.
Slowly, the dance came to an end and Cordelia loosened her hold on him, expecting him to do the same. The Count however, held her close, his lips moving against her ear in a whisper.
“I would like to show you something.”
Cordelia raised an eyebrow but was careful to keep the sexy half-smile she’d glued on upon arrival. “I’ve heard that before.”
The Count smiled but his grip tightened, conveying the message that he wasn’t giving her a choice. “Please. Come with me.”
Cordelia relented, sighing. “Oh, alright.”
The Count grinned wickedly, pressing another kiss to her hand before he wrapped an arm around her waist, leading her through the crowd and out onto the large, magnificent balcony, away from the party, the music and the people.
Where, Cordelia realized, no one would hear her scream.
She allowed the Count to lead her all the way to the edge of the balcony, her side pressed snugly against his. She had to admire the view from where they stood – it was breathtaking, the lights of Los Angeles glimmering brilliantly beneath them.
“Isn’t it magnificent?” The Count asked her, his arm still around her waist.
“Yes.” Cordelia turned to face him. “Is this what you wanted to show me?”
The Count smiled slowly. “In part. The truth is I just wanted to get you away from that crowd – all to myself.”
He ran his hand over her bare shoulder and cupped the side of her neck, stroking it. Cordy fought the urge to shudder, all her senses on high alert at the way his nostrils flared and his eyes darted to the pulse in her neck.
She smoothed both palms over his chest and up his arms, holding his gaze. “I’m flattered.”
He pressed against her lower back, bringing her flush against him as he tilted her chin up, pressing his lips to hers. He was a good kisser, she’d give him that. Evidently the man had had some practice. This was probably his ‘routine’ with his victims.
She cupped his face, her thumbs pressed cautiously against his jaw line as she guided him. That mouth of his wasn’t going anywhere near her neck.
He cupped the back of her knee, pulling it over and around his thigh. Cordy whimpered for effect, pulling away briefly to breathe. The Count searched her lips out again, sliding his palm up the side of her leg, over smooth, flawless –
“Ow!” The Count ripped himself away from her, staring in shock at his bleeding hand. He looked at Cordelia’s leg, just visible through the thin thigh high slit. Cordy pulled the material back, revealing the stake hidden in her garter, pointy side down.
The Count’s jaw dropped.
Cordy smirked. “Surprise.”
Without a moment’s wait, she punched him square in the jaw, sending him reeling back. His head snapped forward, the face of a vampire, eyes an angry yellow. He lunged for her, shoving her hard against the balcony railing. She stumbled and he grabbed her by the shoulders, curling his fist and throwing it forward. But Cordy was faster. She brought her knee up, slamming it into his groin and stopping him mid – punch. The Count’s face constricted in pain and he growled, bending over.
Cordelia used the momentarily weakness to her advantage, slamming her elbow into his jaw. He fell sideways onto the railing, his hands grabbing it for balance. Cordy whipped the stake out of her garter, flipping it in her hand.
In two steps she curled her hand in the Count’s hair, jerking it back and exposing his chest. She brought her lips close to his ear.
“Considering I’m a woman an’ all? This whole killing us thing you’ve got going on is a real turn – off for me.”
She plunged the stake into his chest, wincing when he screeched in agony. In seconds, there was an explosion of dust and Cordy coughed, waving it away. She pressed a finger against her ear, activating her communication device.
“All clear.”***
Buffy removed the finger from her ear. She downed the last of her martini, turning to Faith. “That’s our cue.”
Faith cleared the empty drinks that had been placed on the counter, putting them away. She straightened and gestured towards the elevator, smirking at Buffy. “Ladies first.”***
Music still blared from the party and Cordy stopped short of making her way back inside, glancing through the balcony doors and observing the dancing couples, waiters and suspicious, jealous women that obstructed her path to the elevator.
More importantly, the woman she’d lured the Count away from had her eyes locked on the door leading to the balcony and was making a beeline this way, along with a couple of men who looked like they could very well be the Count’s minions.
The odds were that the woman had kept a steady watch on the door from the second the Count had left with Cordy on his arm. Which would make it impossible to explain how he’d conveniently disappeared without going into the whole vampire thing. Plus, the woman was a card-carrying member of the unsuspecting public and would most likely prefer to think Cordelia under the influence of drugs or garden-variety insanity if she went with the truth. Then there was the fact that she was outnumbered. And there was no way to get from the balcony back into the bar except the doors in question.
Well, that exit was out.
Hastily, Cordelia snapped the stake in half, throwing it over the railing. She pulled her dress over her left leg, removing the lengthy garter wrapped around her thigh. It was in fact a transportation device, one that would get her off the balcony with no one the wiser.
She ripped the blue material halfway off the top, revealing the several hundred feet of gossamer thin cable inside that Wesley swore on everything holy and his future progeny was as strong as steel. She wrapped one end of the thick, blue material twice around the railing, tying it in a square knot for security. The torn end that was attached to the steel cable went in and around her palm and she held it tight, glancing over the edge of the balcony.
“Fifty stories.” Cordy breathed out. If Wes said it would work, it would work, right? “No biggie.”
With that, she leapt off the edge, the steel cable unwinding speedily and sending her gliding down the side of the building. Her dress flew out and upwards from underneath her as the ground rushed towards her at a rapid pace. The breath rushed out of her lungs and her head spun as the ground approached her, closer and closer and – she squeezed the built in brake device, wincing as the cable jerked and halted. She felt her heels hit the pavement, her hand immediately releasing the material in her palm. It sliced though the air above her, reeling back into place at the top of the building.
Oddly calm, she ran a hand through her hair, massaging her shoulder and inner elbow as she took in her surroundings. Her eyes quickly landed on the car parked right in front of her, as well as the two figures seated inside, both looking a little impatient and a LOT bored.
“What took ya?” Buffy asked, yawning as she reclined in the back seat.
“Quit whining.” Cordy said, getting into the passenger seat and slamming the door shut. “At least your dress is dust free.”
Faith grinned and turned on the ignition. “Job well done, ladies.” She pulled the car out of park and onto the street. The radio clicked on and the girls laughed, nodding their heads rhythmically to the tune that blared out. Triumphant, they drove off, disappearing into the night.**
Wesley pulled out his keys as he performed a balancing act on the stairs, his files precariously placed under his left arm. He locked the office, carefully sliding the key into his pocket, lunging for a folder when it nearly slipped out of his hold.
“Need some help with that?”
Wes froze, his heart suddenly beating a little faster in his chest. Slowly, he turned around.
Kate Lockley watched him with amusement, her eyebrows raised.
“Detective Lockley.”
“I told you to call me Kate.”
“Yes, Kate. Sorry.” Wesley muttered, wondering why he sounded like a teenage boy suffering the early stages of puberty. “I’ll manage, thank you.” He gestured to the stack of folders under his arm, inwardly groaning when the movement caused a couple to slip out. They clattered noisily against the pavement.
Kate chuckled, coming forward and lifting them off the ground. She held them against her chest, smiling smugly at him.
Wesley adjusted his glasses, looking sheepish. “Alright, I suppose that could have been avoided.”
“I bet you don’t ask for directions either.”
“Yes, well I’m only human.”
“You mean only male.”
“That too.” Kate and Wesley grinned at each other in a moment of comfortable silence, neither entirely sure what to say or do next.
Eventually, Kate cleared her throat. “So, I was just in the neighbourhood and I thought I’d stop by and say hi.”
“Oh, well that’s nice…” Wesley said, nodding his head vigorously. “That’s uh, very nice…very thoughtful of you…to stop by - ”
“You wanna buy me a cup of coffee?”
“Would love to.”
Kate grinned at the quick answer, cocking her head. “Great. Lead the way.”
“Well,” Wesley began, “Seeing as you’re carrying my folders, it’s only fair you choose the place.”
“A gentleman!” Kate teased. “I didn’t think they were any left.”
“Yes, well I’m English.” He held out his free arm and she took it, laughing as they walked down the street.
---
The girls had arrived at Buffy’s house a little after their disposal of the Count, hoping to unwind and stay there till morning, when duty would call, and case files about evil law firms and vampires who’d signed away their souls would need to be opened.
“I hate this movie.” Faith grumped, curling the big duvet snugly around her. She wiggled around in her position on the rug, settling once she was comfortable.
“Quit whining.” Cordy stepped over her and took a seat on the sofa, a bowl of popcorn in one hand, the remote control in the other. “Hold on, where’s the – Buffy!”
“Relax, I got it.” Buffy wandered out of the kitchen with a bottle of wine clasped in her hand. She balanced three glasses under her right arm, bending down so Faith could take them from her. “What are we watching?”
“Stepmom.” Faith said, rolling her eyes. Cordy smacked her with a pillow.
“Cordelia!” Buffy pouted. “You know that movie makes me cry.” She jumped off the sofa, heading back towards the kitchen. “We’re gonna need ice-cream…”
“What’s wrong with the movie, Faith?” Cordy asked, crossing her arms.
Faith turned to look at her. “It’s all schmaltzy AND there’s no sex.” She flicked her hair, staring at the television. “Does nothing for me.”
“Yeah right!” Cordy looked disbelieving. “You just don’t like to admit you cry every time you watch it.”
Faith’s eyes narrowed. “I do NOT cry.”
“Course not.” Cordy grinned, winking at Buffy as she returned to the living room with a tub of ice-cream that practically matched the size of her torso. “You’re a cold, heartless bitch.”
“Damn straight.”
“You forgot vicious.” Buffy took a seat. She began pulling down the sleeves of her jumper and restlessly picking at the material. Cordy glanced over at her, poking her in the shin.
“You okay?”
“Yeah.” Buffy smiled. “Just…thinking about work.”
Cordy frowned. “What about work?”
“Aah, I see.” Faith said, resting her arm on Cordy’s leg. “I mentioned sex and the CEO of Wolfram & Hart popped into your head.”
Buffy laughed. “Uh, no. Well…kindof.”
Faith shrugged. “I’d jump him.”
“So, what’s new?”
“Fair point.”
Cordy raised an eyebrow. “Uh, forgetting something? He’ll lose his soul if he ever experiences a moment of perfect happiness.” She contemplated that for a moment. “That’s gotta suck.”
“Hmm,” Buffy shrugged, “About the same as searching vainly for someone to make you perfectly happy.” Her expression seemed to crumble momentarily but then she shook her head, trying to recall her train of thought. “I still find it weird that we’re gonna help Wolfram & Hart.”
“But we’re not.” Cordy reminded her. “Just their CEO.”
“Who wants out.” Faith added.
Buffy shrugged. “Yeah, I guess. I mean, I know. It’s just…what if he doesn’t come easy?”
“Oh, you have no idea how wrong that sounded…” Faith smirked.
Cordelia ignored her. “Maybe he won’t to start with. But that’s why it’s a good thing we’re so persuasive. Look, Angel’s unhappy, the Powers want him back on their side, Wes told us what to say, and the way *I* see it - we have a job to do and we’re gonna get it done, whether he trusts us or not.”
When Buffy shot her a look, she shrugged. “Oh, come on, he’ll warm eventually. How could anyone find us less than lovable?”
Buffy smiled. Cordy patted her thigh and sat back, grabbing the remote control. “Now can we get back to our priorities, please?”
Faith groaned. Buffy chuckled. “Sure.”
The DVD player was switched on and the opening credits began playing across the screen.
“Here.” Buffy addressed Faith with amusement, dropping something into her lap. “Just in case.”
Cordy didn’t see what it was but seconds later the box of tissues came flying through the air and smacked Buffy in the face.
***
He slipped his shirt off his shoulders, throwing it into the laundry basket on his way to the king sized bed. The mattress was soft, the cushions goose feather and the blankets the most luxurious silk. It was like lying on heaven’s finest cloud.
Except that this was hell.
He growled, rubbing a hand over his face, his head pounding and his stomach swirling with nausea. Witnessing twelve dead nuns would do that to a guy. What was it one of his employees had said?
At least it wasn’t thirteen.
He’d barely resisted smashing the guy’s face in but he’d settled for firing his ass instead.
People were dying and being harmed and he could do nothing to stop it. It wasn’t like before. He had money now, yes, but wealth didn’t liberate you from limitations. He was a man who knew a great deal about limitations – knew this one would be impossible. Allowing innocent lives to be destroyed was not as easy as avoiding sunlight or restraining from too much physical contact.
Though God knows those were hard.
But there was nothing he could do – he was bound by contract, restricted by his own foolish decision. And he could do nothing but watch from the wings as everything he’d worked for fell apart around him.
Maybe it was his bad day, maybe it was his foul mood but deep inside he know this chronic melancholy was bigger than that. It was this place and this deal and the reason for it that consistently swam through his mind, never allowing him peace.
He sat on the bed, pulling open the top drawer in the table beside it and retrieving a photograph of a young teenage boy. The boy was smiling, an expression he’d seen on him far too rarely in the time they’d spent together. The boy was happy now, loved and safe, from others and from himself.
He released a heavy sigh, running his fingers over the photograph. Quietly, he slipped it back into the drawer, shutting it. He leaned back on his bed, closing his eyes against the tears that stung behind them.
He was running out of hope.
4The alarm clock beside her woke Faith instantly and she blinked several times, trying to adjust her eyes to the morning light streaming through the window. She flung an arm out in habit, squeaking when it connected with something soft, but solid.
Whatever it was let out an indignant huff and shoved her off the bed.
“Ow!” Faith yelped, rubbing her injured bottom. She took in her surroundings. This was Buffy’s guest room. She quickly got onto her knees and placed both elbows on the bed, staring at the peacefully sleeping woman who she’d been beside less than a minute ago.
Cordelia.
Peaceful, her ass.
“Morning to you too, roomy.” Faith stood, stretching for a few seconds before strolling out of the bedroom. She heard shuffling in the kitchen and turned into the doorway, grinning when she saw Buffy laying the small kitchen table with plates.
“Hey B.”
Buffy glanced up, smiling at her. “Morning. Sleep well?”
“Great.” Faith walked in, taking a look around the kitchen. Bacon was sizzling in the frying pan and there were two cartons of juice lying on the counter. “Up until I got pushed off the bed.”
Buffy snorted, covering her mouth with her palm. “What?”
“Cordelia.” Faith rolled her eyes. “That girl has anger issues. I accidentally whacked her with my arm and even in her sleep she ended up shoving me to the floor.”
Buffy giggled, flipping the bacon. “Where is she?”
“She’s sleeping.” Faith said, yawning widely. “Must’ve been all the exercise I gave her last night.” She winked saucily at Buffy and the blonde laughed, handing her a glass of juice.
“Right. Well, she better get up soon, we owe Satan’s law firm a visit.”
Faith’s eyes lit up. “Can we grab her by the legs and drag her out of bed?”
Buffy shot her a horrified look. “Don’t you value your life?”
“I heard that.” Came a voice from just outside the door. Seconds later Cordy stepped into the kitchen. Despite the fact that her eyes were still blinking with sleep and the jumper she’d slept in was falling off her shoulder, her hair and her entire appearance appeared as perfect as it did the night before.
Faith hated that.
“Morning gorgeous.” Buffy grinned, one hand on her hip. “Breakfast?”
“Sounds good.” Cordy flopped down on the seat next to Faith, glaring at her.
Faith was struggling not to laugh. “Guess I should pay some heed to the expression, let sleeping bitches lie…”
She received a swift, sharp kick in the shin from Cordy.
“Ow!” Faith yelped, grabbing her leg. “Dammit Cordelia, twice in one morning?”
Cordy shot her a cheeky grin, grabbing a slice of toast that Buffy placed on the table.
“Fine. The next time we stay over?” Faith turned to Buffy. “I’m sleeping in your bed.”
Buffy rolled her eyes, sliding a slice of bacon onto her plate and taking a seat. Cordelia glanced at her.
“Ready to face the enemy?”
Buffy smiled widely at her. “As I’ll ever be.”
***
BING.
The elevator doors opened and Cordelia stepped out onto the floor, Buffy and Faith either side of her. Several heads turned their way, mostly open – mouthed men and green – eyed women. Cordy took a moment to observe the interior of the building, noting that it was just as exquisite as the exterior they had seen moments before.
The ceiling was vast and high off the ground. Every piece of furniture was oak - wood and stylishly coated in a dark polish. Deep, velvet carpeting covered the floors and men and women walked over them with authority in their designer shoes and million dollar suits.
Faith shifted uncomfortably. “I hate wearing suits.”
Buffy grinned, walking over to the main counter. She tapped her fingernails restlessly against the surface until the ditzy blonde on the phone behind it shot her an irritated look. Buffy’s grin widened.
The blonde put the phone down. “Can I help you?”
“We’re looking for Mr Angel.”
The blonde looked bored. “Do you have an appointment?”
Buffy frowned. “No.”
The blonde dismissed her with a flick of her hair. “Well I’m sorry, you can’t see him without one.”
“Ooh.” Faith said, stepping close to Cordy. “Showdown of the blondes.”
Cordy smiled. “My money’s on Buff.”
Buffy raised an eyebrow. “Why’s that?”
The blonde looked up, as though surprised she was still standing there. “Mr Angel’s a very busy man.”
“And I’m a very busy woman.” Buffy said briskly. “I need to speak with him now.”
The blonde glared at her. “Well, I’m afraid you - ”
“This isn’t a request Barbie doll, it’s an order.” Buffy snapped.
The blonde apparently had more balls than she let on. “I don’t have to take orders from you.”
“Ouch.” Faith muttered, grinning. Cordelia rolled her eyes.
“I bet you’d rather take orders than a fist.” Buffy said, taking a step closer to the counter. To her delight, the blonde took a step back.
“Security can be here at the press of a button.”
“Maybe.” Buffy shrugged. “But I doubt they could handle me.”
The blonde frowned deeply, glancing at Faith and Cordelia who came to stand behind Buffy. Her eyes narrowed in vague recognition. Her nostrils flared and then suddenly, her eyes widened.
“You…you’re - ”
“Likely to get extremely pissed if there isn’t a little less conversation and a little more action very soon?” Faith suggested, clicking her fingers. “That would be a yes.”
The blonde opened and closed her mouth several times before picking up the phone. Buffy tensed but the blonde gestured to some leather seating behind them. “Take a seat. You may have to wait a while but I’ll see what I can do.”
“We don’t have time to - ” Buffy started, but Cordy rested a hand on her arm, shooting her a look. Buffy huffed, but relented. She turned around and walked over to the sofas, taking a seat.
Cordy smiled at the blonde. “Thanks. We’ll wait.”
***
Fifteen minutes later, even Cordelia was getting restless. Buffy tapped her heel rhythmically against the ground, alternating between fiddling with her fingers and shooting disapproving looks at Faith, who was busy eyeing up anything in a pantsuit.
Cordy glanced over at the receptionist. “Excuse me!” The blonde raised her head. “Is this ‘wait’ going to take very much longer?”
The blonde looked incredibly irritated, but she quickly picked up the phone at Cordelia’s glare. She spoke into the receiver for a few seconds before she replaced it and looked up. “Shouldn’t be much longer, he’s almost free.”
Cordelia rolled her eyes, getting out of her seat. “I need to pee.”
“Thank you for that.” Faith muttered, tapping lightly at the edges of her bun.
“Do you want us to wait if they send us in?” Buffy asked.
“No, I’ll follow.” Cordy spun on her heel and headed towards the toilets. “Though at this rate, I could fall in and still make it out in time.”
***
However, seconds after Cordelia walked off, the blonde receptionist appeared in front of them.
“You can go in now.” Her smile was saccharine sweet, and Buffy had to resist the urge to wipe it from her face. She stood, adjusting her jacket as she and Faith made their way over to the large wooden doors of Angel’s office.
“What about Cor?”
“She said she’d follow.” Buffy said, holding the door for her friend as the blonde led them inside. The office was magnificent, enormous in size and beautifully decorated with expensive pieces of art and designer furniture.
The most beautiful thing in the room however, sat behind a large oak – wood desk opposite them, his stance rigid as he signed several papers in front of him. Buffy noticed the way his brow creased and the frown that curled his lip downwards.
Yep. This guy definitely needed their help.
“Bossy?” The blonde said, gesturing to Buffy and Faith. “These are the women I was telling you about. They refused to leave without - ”
“Thanks Harmony.” Angel said, nodding at her. Her mouth snapped shut then, and she turned on her heel with a huff, walking out and slamming the door behind her. Buffy and Faith winced but Angel barely batted an eyelid. He stood, extending his hand and when he looked up at them with those dark, intense eyes, both momentarily forgot what it was they had come all this way to say.
“Hi, I’m Angel. How can I help you?”
“So many ways…” Faith murmured and Buffy snapped out of it, shooting her an angry look. She came forward quickly, shaking Angel’s hand.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Buffy Summers and this is my colleague Faith.” Buffy released his hand, taking a step back. “It’s um, not so much how you can help us. More like, how we can help you.”
Angel frowned. “I’m not interested in buying anything.”
Faith took a seat without being asked, slouching slightly in the large, silk-cushioned chair. “We ain’t selling.”
Angel glanced at Faith and Buffy detected a hint of humour in his expression. “Why don’t you have a seat?”
Buffy sat down, crossing her legs and sitting up straight. “The thing is, Mr Angel - ”
“Just Angel’s fine.”
Buffy cleared her throat. “The thing is - ” How was she meant to tackle this? This was usually Cordelia’s forte. She decided to go with the direct approach. “Faith and I are two thirds of an elite supernatural crime-fighting unit.”
To her dismay, Angel immediately looked suspicious. She saw his arm tense and he reached under his desk –
Faith’s hand locked onto the weapon at her hip. Angel’s eyes darted to her. Instantly, Buffy was out of her seat, holding her hands up between them in a sign of pacification. Her heart was suddenly pounding but when she spoke, her voice was calm.
“Please, just let us explain. We’re not here to cause any trouble.”
“You let me be the judge of that.” Angel growled.
“Ease up Boss man, you got a lotta pent up aggression.” Faith sounded almost sympathetic as she rose from her seat. “From what I can tell, you *need* our help.”
“I don’t need anybody’s help.” Angel said lowly. He reached for the phone. “I’ll have Harmony escort you out.”
Oh boy, this really wasn’t going well…
“Angel, please…” Buffy pulled out the last card she had left. “We work for the Powers That Be.”
Angel’s hand paused just above the button for the speaker. It hovered there for a second as he stared at the two women in front of him.
“You…work for the Powers?”
“Yep.” Faith nodded.
Angel looked unconvinced. “The Powers That Be?”
Faith made a face. “Yeah. Do you like, need to check I.D?”
“What she means is…” Buffy shot Faith a look and the brunette smirked, “We do. And the Powers want us to help you.”
Angel stared at them, speaking slowly, as though he were having difficulty understanding. “The Powers sent *you* to help *me*?”
“Yes.”
“Bingo.”
Neither of the girls expected Angel to laugh.
“Right.” He chuckled bitterly. “You expect me to believe that?”
Faith raised an eyebrow. “Well, yeah.”
“Why the hell would the Powers want to help me?” Angel snapped, his smile fading. “They didn’t do a damn thing to help last year when everything was falling apart. Why start caring now?”
Buffy sighed. “They just want to get you back on track.”
“Back on track?” He scoffed. “To do what? Work for them? Be their champion?”
“You used to be one.” Buffy said softly.
Angel stopped short of what he was going to say, looking at her. Buffy hoped she looked sincere and she must have succeeded because he seemed to soften, slumping back in his chair. “Yeah, well. People change.”
“People like us don’t change.” Faith said. Angel glanced at her. Then suddenly he looked confused.
“You said two thirds.” He gestured at the both of them. “Where’s the other third - ”
Almost as if on cue, he was interrupted by the door to his office, as it opened swiftly and Cordelia walked through, a folder in her hand, her skirt flowing out behind her. She looked momentarily impressed by the office before her eyes focussed on Faith and Buffy, and finally the figure seated behind the desk.
“Speak of the devil.” Buffy muttered, then wondered if that was the best expression to use in this place. “Uh, Angel, my colleague, Cordelia Chase. The other third, if you will.”
A small smile pulled up Cordelia’s lips and she stepped forward, holding out her hand. Angel however, seemed to be frozen in place. He was staring at Cordelia in amazement, his jaw slack, his body stiff, and he didn’t seem able to move, as though he were completely mesmerized by her sheer presence.
Cordy’s eyed narrowed. Faith smirked.
Buffy frowned. “Angel?”
***
He’d lived, in one form or other, for nearly two and a half centuries. Charmed and seduced scores of women on nearly every continent, admired the abundant feminine form of thousands more. He’d left them blushing, enthralled, and usually sated to the point of exhaustion. No small feat considering he’d also spent most of that time a soulless killer. And certainly not one he accomplished by rendered speechless by the mere entrance of a beautiful woman, much less one so young.
But here he was, looking like a perfect fool simply because he couldn’t pry his jaw from the ground, figuratively at least. Cordelia Chase strolled into his office like a shimmering ray of sunlight in an otherwise dark and grey world and he was mesmerized. The thought no sooner crossed his mind than Angel inwardly cringed. At least his natural resistance to social chit-chat had prevented him from sounding as big of an idiot aloud as he did in his head.
Angel told himself, small comfort that it was, that he’d mastered the art of controlling every emotion that showed on his face longer than the three women gathered in his office had been living.
“Angel?”
By the time Buffy Summers’ voice registered in his brain, her amused tone suggested that his social mask had slipped.
He couldn’t stop staring back at a pair of sparkling hazel or the plump flesh of her lower lip she curved in a slight, self-assured smile. The lure to continue acting the part of thunderstruck, appreciative male was strong—stronger than any he could recall having with any of the million and one beautiful women he’d encountered in his long life. But an instinct older than attraction made him finally snap back to the point at hand. She was stunning and probably a whole world of other things that could lead to places he ultimately couldn’t go.
Angel let his gaze sweep one last time across her face. An incredibly annoyed expression had now replaced her smile and he swallowed before forcing himself to finally speak.
“Away with the fairies…” Faith sang, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers.
Angel cringed. Clearing his throat, he extended his hand. The look on Cordelia’s face made him wish the ground would open up and swallow him whole.
“Sorry.” He coughed, grateful that vampires couldn’t blush. “Angel. Nice to meet you.”
“Cordelia.” She said, shaking his hand firmly, her eyebrow raised high. She took a seat, primly crossing her legs. Her eyes never left Angel’s but when she spoke, she addressed Faith. “Is he alright upstairs?”
Faith snorted. Angel’s jaw dropped.
Cordelia ignored him completely.
“As I was saying,” Buffy intervened quickly. She was looking at him oddly but Angel ignored her, recovering quickly and returning to his previously disinterested manner. “Cordelia’s part of our team. The three of us have worked together under the Powers for the past eight years.”
“Fighting crime, right?” Angel’s voice was thick with sarcasm.
Cordy glared. “In a less lame-ass superhero comic strip kinda term, yeah. And I highly doubt the Powers’ latest project reserves the right to be patronizing.”
Angel blinked, staring at her. Buffy had been nothing but patient and Faith had been a little unorthodox, but reasonable. Cordelia – well, he was clearly dealing with a whole other kettle of fish here. They’d only just been introduced, yet she appeared unafraid to say exactly what she thought, regardless. The insult should have made him angry, yet he felt a smile tug at his lips.
“Sorry.”
She blinked and to his surprise, her lips twitched.
Something inside him jolted and suddenly, he chastised himself for feeling or even thinking that way about her. He’d lived too long, been burned and abandoned and betrayed too many times to allow himself to trust anyone too soon again, least of all three beautiful women. So what if Cordelia gave him that wonderful feeling of butterflies in his stomach? So what if her voice was like honey, and her beauty was unrivalled?
Beautiful women were the worst of the bunch. And he’d always been a sucker for them.
And just like that, as much as it pained him to think he might not see her again, his mind was made up.
***
Faith stifled a yawn. “So – are you gonna let us help?”
Angel glanced at her, then looked down at the papers on his desk. “No.”
“No?” Faith’s jaw dropped. “What?”
“I’ll have Harmony show you out.” He didn’t bother to look at any of them. “It was nice to meet you, all of you,” he glanced up at Cordelia then, quickly looking back down. “But I’m not interested in your case.”
Buffy gaped. “But - ”
“Look, let me spell this out for you.” Angel snapped suddenly, making Buffy jump a little. “I don’t trust the Powers. I don’t trust anyone who works for the Powers. Which means I don’t trust you.”
Buffy opened her mouth.
“And I’m fine.” He growled. “I don’t need your goddamn help.”
Buffy sighed resignedly, her body slumping as she slid into the chair next to Faith, resting her head in her palm.
Cordelia crossed her arms, staring at him coolly. “You know, for a filthy rich law firm, you’d think they’d teach you a few manners.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way.” Angel’s voice was even but Buffy noticed a wince.
“So what, did they like, take your balls along with your soul?” Cordelia said mockingly.
“Cordelia…” Buffy warned, her eyes widening.
“You’re outta line.” Angel growled, his eyes yellow, dangerous. “I’m doing fine here.”
“Don’t give me that ‘everything’s fine here’ company line. I’m not buying it.” Cordelia snapped, and Buffy was surprised to hear the sudden emotion in her voice. Evidently by his expression, so was Angel but his tone remained the same.
“Look, frankly Miss Chase, this is none of your business.” He barked. “And I’ve done some great work - ”
“Oh cut the crap, Angel. None of us have time for this.” Cordy bit, rising from her seat so fast it went skidding back a few inches. Angel seemed to be frozen in place as his eyes snapped to her face, his previously loud mouth now gaping open like a fish. Buffy noted that he looked almost impressed.
Almost.
“You’re a good guy, this place is evil. You’re practically alone. You’re unhappy. You don’t even have possession of your soul anymore! So let *me* spell this out for you - the Powers *know* you want out, which means *we* know you want out.”
“That ain’t the only thing that wants out.” Faith muttered to Buffy, pointing at Angel’s crotch. Buffy stifled a snort.
“So the way I see it is this.” Cordy continued, oblivious. “We have a job to do, you have a job you don’t wanna be doing. We’re gonna help you regardless of whether or not you like it because the Powers want you back on their side.”
Angel seemed to find his tongue then. He gritted his teeth. “The Powers put me through hell last year.”
“Uh, no. The hell you went through last year was as a result of your bad decisions, which are your fault and your fault only. And buddy, you’re lucky enough to be offered help in cleaning up the mess you made. If you refuse it, then you’re dumber than I thought.”
Angel’s eyes narrowed and he walked swiftly around the desk, his nose nearly brushing Cordelia’s as he glared her down. She didn’t even blink.
“DON’T call me that.”
Cordelia rolled her eyes, her tone bewildered. “Would you prefer Satan’s toady?”
A low growl escaped Angel but Cordy stood her ground, both inches away from each other as fire burned in their eyes. Neither relented and Buffy had a strange feeling they were secretly enjoying it. Cordy had done a great job of telling it like it was but now they needed to close the deal before it went the other way.
“Is the tension in here making you horny, too?” Faith asked quietly, interrupting her thoughts. Buffy grimaced and swatted her hand, standing.
“Let us help you, Angel.” She said softly, waiting for him to look at her. “This is what we do. It’s what you used to do, not so long ago. And Cordelia’s right - ”
“Of course I am.”
Buffy couldn’t help but grin at that. “You’re dying to get out of this place.”
“Yeah, cos seriously?” Cordelia drew his gaze back to her, her voice suddenly soft, sympathetic. “This whole CEO of an evil law firm gig? SO not you.”
***
Angel wanted to be angry but he wasn’t—he knew he couldn’t be. And not just because Miss Chase made something dead and forgotten in his chest stir. Everything she’d said was true and she was still standing before him with warm eyes, saying she wanted to help. They all were.
He wanted to decline, he really did, but they were making it hard not to at least give them a chance. And apparently he didn’t have a choice in the matter. He looked at all three girls in turn, observing each one carefully. Truth was, there didn’t appear to be anything menacing about them, but he knew all about evil wearing a pretty face. And yet…
He’d always been a sucker for beautiful women.
“Fine.” Angel said, finally relenting.
“Alleluia.” Faith said, standing and stretching her arms.
“But I want to be in the loop about everything.” Angel said firmly, pointing a finger at the two girls who were actually listening to him. “I mean it. It may be your case but it’s *my* soul.”
“Alright, don’t get possessive.” Cordelia said with a smile.
“I’m serious, Miss Chase.” Angel said, though he had to fight the urge to grin like a little kid on Christmas morning when she smiled at him. “Regular meetings, phone calls, emails, whatever you kids are into these days.”
“Kids?” Faith scrunched up her nose.
“250.” Buffy muttered.
“Right.”
“I want to know any progress and all details.” Angel said, his eyes narrowing. “And if I find out I’m being taken for a ride - ”
Buffy raised her hand, cutting him off, her voice reassuring. “You can trust is.”
“You better pray I can.” Angel said.
“Ooh, scary.” Faith said grinning as she came forward, shaking his hand rather vigorously. “Pleasure doing business with you, Angel.” She licked her lips and winked, pulling the door open and practically skipping through it.
Buffy rolled her eyes. “Like a damn child…” She handed Angel a business card, nodding at him. “Thanks for your time. If you have any queries at all, just contact us. We’ll keep you posted.” She strolled out of the office, leaving Angel alone with Cordelia.
***
There was an uncomfortable silence when the door slammed shut, indicating Buffy’s exit. Angel stood with his hands in his pockets, darting looks at Cordelia from underneath his lashes. She felt her cheeks burn, even as she made a face. Did he really think she couldn’t sense that?
“So,” Cordelia quickly broke the quiet, shaking Angel’s hand. “It was nice meeting you.”
She could swear he seemed nervous. Hell, she felt a little awkward – one minute she was mouthing off to him, the next she was making small talk.
“Yes. You too.” He said.
“Well, I should…” She gestured behind her and turned, heading for the door. She took barely two steps before she stopped short. She felt guilty. “Look, if I was out of line earlier - ”
“No.” His voice made her stop and spin around in surprise. Angel cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. I was rude too.”
Cordy felt a smile tug at her lips. “That’s okay. It’s understandable” She blushed, averting his gaze. “But I’m sorry too. Especially for the…” She winced, “balls comment.”
He chuckled lightly. “You were refreshing.” When she looked up he was staring at her with those deep, dark eyes, and she felt her stomach do a rather odd flip. He looked as though he wanted to say something else but didn’t elaborate.
She was baffled at the pang of disappointment as she took a step back. “Um, we’ll be in touch.”
Angel smirked. “I look forward to it.”
Cordelia nodded, then swivelled on her heel and walked through the door, shutting it behind her.
***
“My God, that man is even better looking in person.” Buffy said dreamily, as they walked out into the main lobby area.
“Mmm hmm.” Faith winked at her. “I could just spread him on a cracker…”
Both girls laughed, turning to observe a slightly distant Cordelia as she helped herself to a drink from the water filter. She didn’t seem to notice them. They crossed their arms, staring at her expectantly.
She turned eventually, regarding them both with a casual, raised eyebrow. “Yes?”
“Well?” Buffy said, eagerly nodding her head towards Angel’s office. “What did you think?”
Cordy looked confused. “About the case?”
“No!” Faith huffed, throwing her hands up in the air. “About Mr. Tall, Dark and Deadly Handsome.”
Cordelia shrugged indifferently. “He’s alright.”
Buffy’s eyes widened. “Just alright?”
Cordelia nodded. “Sure. He seems nice enough.”
Faith couldn’t help but laugh. “Who cares if he’s nice? The man is a walking orgasm.”
Buffy blushed when a few heads turned their way. “Faith…”
Cordy stared at her oddly, misinterpreting her embarrassment. “Well, it’s not very professional, but if you like him that much, go for it.” She reached inside her bag and pulled out a small file, seemingly setting aside the subject as she flipped through it.
For several seconds, Buffy and Faith openly gaped at her. Finally, Cordelia looked up at them, puzzled by the silence. Her brow creased.
“What?”
“Okay, Cordy?” Buffy said slowly, as though speaking to a child, though she sounded a tad disappointed. “I have NEVER been so aware of a guy being less interested in me, and MORE interested in you than *that* one.”
“What?” Cordelia rolled her eyes, waving her hand dispassionately. “Please…”
“Oh, believe me, he could’ve had you right there on the floor.” Faith confirmed, grinning at the repulsed look she received. “What? Judging by his face, and uh, something else - he was *definitely* thinking about it.”
“Stop, okay?” Cordy said firmly, dismissing them with a flick of her hair. “He’s a client. Let’s just work with that for now.”
Faith rolled her eyes, shrugging. “Fine. But know this - the boy wants in your pants BIGTIME.”
***
Angel stood staring at the closed door of his office long after they left, his knees a little weak and a small smile on his face. This wasn’t an entirely new sensation, he’d been attracted to millions of women before, but this woman, this feeling – it was different somehow, more.
There was a sudden knock at the door and Angel jumped, speedily hurrying around the desk and taking a seat. “Come in!”
“Hi Bossy.” Harmony strolled in, her heels clicking annoyingly against the floor. “Just some mail and a time change – can you do four thirty?”
Angel grimaced. “Make it five.”
“Nuh uh, the Klydonians can’t do any later than four thirty. One of the family members is leaving the dimension – they’re having some big ceremony. I was invited but I said - ”
“Fine.” Angel said, cutting her off. “Four thirty it is.”
“Got it.” Harmony nodded, scribbling onto her pad. She looked up and graced him with a smile. “So, what did Sabrina, Jane and Kelly want?”
Huh? “Who?”
“Ya know,” Harmony rolled her eyes. “LA’s Angels?” Angel continued to stare at her blankly. “The three women that were just in your office?”
Angel frowned. “Go back to work, Harmony.”
Harmony pouted. “It was just a question.”
“Sure. One I chose not to answer.”
“Sounds suspicious.”
Angel opened his mouth to tell her to go away, but paused. He didn’t want Harmony to go mouthing off to everyone about his little meeting with Cordelia, Buffy and Faith – he couldn’t risk the senior partners knowing anything about it or his intentions to leave the firm. It was too dangerous.
He cleared his throat. “It was nothing. They just wanted my help with a case they were working and I refused, that’s all.”
Harmony raised an eyebrow. “Why would they want your help? Aren’t they like, LA’s finest?”
Angel glared at her. “I don’t know.”
Harmony huffed haughtily. “If you ask me, they were probably just looking for trouble.”
“Thank you for your ever appreciated opinion, Harmony.” Angel’s tone was laced with sarcasm. “Are we done here?”
Harmony, oblivious, grinned widely. “Sure thing, Bossy.” She twirled and bounced out of his office, closing the door and leaving him in peace.
Angel sighed, letting his head drop to the table.
The sooner he got out of this place, the better.