Go TeamC/A
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Part 4 Buffy narrowed her eyes at Cordelia. "What did you do to Spike?"
"What are talking about?"
"One minute he's making fun of Angel being whipped and the next he's jumping at your command. When I asked him to help save the world and I got 'I don't want to see the Poof', 'I hate LA', and 'Send me a postcard'. Is this part of your new demoness? What?"
"Relax Buffy. I haven't bewitched him. We're friends. He's family."
"Woah wait a minute." Gunn had been enjoying the slayer's tirade until Cordy used the word family. "Since when is that vampire a member of this family?"
"Charles calm down. He seems like a perfectly nice vampire. Besides I worked it out on the chart. Technically he is family. I think it's nice as long as he doesn't bite her like Darla did."
Several gasps were heard. "Gunn, please give Spike a chance. I think you'll like him if you get to know him and he won't bite me. I need you guys to trust me."
"It's not you I don't trust. Vampires cannot be trusted. Do you remember Harmony? She lasted all of 5 minutes before she turned on you. And Darla? You stood up to Angel for her and how did she repay you? She tried to drain you. Vampires CANNOT be trusted."
Cordelia wanted to explain about Spike's soul but she wouldn't betray his confidence. "Gunn. I understand your concerns. I really do but like you said, Darla and Harmony turned on me the first chance they got. Spike and I have been alone for almost an hour and he never made a single threatening move against me. Let's not forget that his chip is useless with me."
"You knew that?"
"Yes"
"And you still trust him?"
"Yes. He is different."
Gunn was quietly digesting this. "Alright. I will give him a chance but I don't want him to be alone with Fred."
"Thanks. I know this is hard for you."
"Life was definitely less complicated before I met y'all. I see a vamp. I stake a vamp. It seemed so simple. Now I work for one and you want me to befriend another. I need a vacation."
"Charles, you're a good man."
"Thanks baby."
Buffy was torn. There was a part of her that enjoyed hearing someone defend Spike but mainly she was suspicious of Cordelia's motives. Not jealous though, because she was so not interested in him like that.
"Now that we've settled that. Tell me about the apocalypse."
"Ooh ooh, can I?"
Giles began cleaning his glasses again. "Go ahead Xander."
"Thanks G-man. Apparently a group of Ketchup demons are going to make it so the night never ends."
"Huh?"
"What Xander means is a group of Kaat Suup demons are going to perform the ritual of darkness during the next full moon. The ritual is quite fascinating really. It will plunge the world into a hundred years of darkness. The sun will appear no brighter than the moon."
"So basically we can expect a population explosion of the undead variety. Demons that like to stick to the shadows will roam freely. Plus the ecological ramifications will be great."
"Exactly Willow. Although according to my research, while the sun will look like a full moon, we will still feel its warmth. So we won't freeze to death. It doesn't mention how it will affect vegetation though."
"So basically we need to stop the Ketchup demons before they perform the ritual."
"Kaat Suup demons and yes."
"Hand me a moldy book and I'll help research."
"Actually we appear to be finished."
"What?!"
"I know. I'm havin' a wiggins too." Everyone looked up at Xander's statement. "Normally we're rushing around trying to figure out what's going on at the last minute, but we somehow manage to save the world. This time we know who. We know where. We know when and we know how to kill them! Plus we have three nights to spare. Hence the wiggins. Do you think that it means the world is actually going to end this time?"
"Pfft. It never ends. We will stop it. This is a panic free zone. So the research is done and I missed it. Damn!"
Giles flashed Cordelia a smile. "I'm sure you're terribly disappointed, but you'll survive."
Buffy noticed the warmth of the smile Giles was directing at Cordy. "Stop it! This is how it started with Spike. Soon she'll be ordering you around and you won't be able to stop yourself from obeying!"
"Buff, I think your crackin' up."
"No Xander. Look at her. She is wearing SPIKE's coat. She had to use mind control or something to get him to give it to her."
"Actually all I had to do was get knocked down by Angel and split my pants along the back seam. Spike was nice enough to let me wear his coat so I was exposing my assets."
"Oh"
"Buffy, I have an idea. Since there's no more research to be done, how about we have a girls' night out tomorrow..well technically tonight. What do you say?"
"I'm in."
Buffy turned to her friend like she just stabbed her in the back. "Willow!"
"What? I want to have some fun while we're in LA. What do you have in mind, Cordy?"
"I'm gonna take you guys to a club that will make the Bronze seem like the dump that it is."
"Cool! Come on Buff. It'll be great."
"Fine. I could be fun Buffy for a night. No stick-in-the-mud Buffy for me."
"Hey wait. I wanna go too."
"Sorry Xander. It's a girls' night out. You can bond with the guys."
"No fair Will. I want to go dancing with the girls."
"Well Xander, I have a pair of scissors in my desk. We could snip off your man parts and then you'd practically be one of the girls."
"That's OK Cordy. So bonding with the guys, huh? Sounds like a blast. Deadboy and Deadboy Jr. Now there's a party!"
"I'm sure Gunn will let you play on his new playstation. I think beating Angel has lost its appeal."
"Deadboy plays video games?"
"Yes, ANGEL does. Not well but he tries. You guys can teach Connor to play."
"So while the ladies go dancing, the menfolk get to play games. Yeah us!"
"Xander, we can all do something together tomorrow night. The girls are in need of a bonding session. Fred, are you in?"
"Sure"
"No!"
"Charles, I want to go dancing with Cordy."
"I'll take you dancing. She's not the boss of me." Gunn stood tall even against Cordy's raised eyebrow.
"Well Charles, I AM the boss of me and I'm goin' dancing with Cordy. If you want to be a big meanie and not teach Connor how to play your video games, then that's your decision. I'll just be over here being very disappointed in you."
"Fine" He huffed. "You've been spendin' way too much time with Barbie! You go have fun without me."
"Who's having fun?"
Everyone turned to the two vampires that had suddenly appeared.
"Who's having fun?"
"Barbie has decided the girls need to bond, so they're going dancing. We get to teach Connor to play video games, while they go to a club. You know, the kind men go to pick up women!"
"Melodramtic much. We're gonna bond to blaring music. We aren't going there to get laid!"
"Cor, maybe it's not such a good idea. If you want to go dancing, then we'll all go."
"Connor is too young to go clubbing and there is no way we're leaving him alone on his second night back. Besides I think a girls' night out will do us some good. I want to spend some time with just Willow, Fred and Buffy. It'll give you a chance to bond with Connor."
"What if something happens?"
"You're right. We'll be defenseless. How could a part demon seer, a mega powerful witch, a brilliant physicist and a vampire slayer possibly defend themselves? We'll need men to defend us! Look, the women have decided to go dancing and that's final. If you guys want to plan something yourselves that's fine. It just has to be suitable for Connor. Now it's extremely late or really early depending on how you look at it. I suggest we all turn in."
Buffy, Willow and Fred were giggling at the men's pouting faces as they went up the stairs. Xander, Gunn and Spike followed grumbling to themselves. Giles up too. He was amused by the whole thing. He had no desire to go dancing. Angel went to the kitchen to put the groceries away, while Cordelia went to check on Connor.
Cordy carefully opened Connor's door. She watched him sleep for a minute before moving to fix his covers. She placed a kiss on his brow before she headed off to Angel's room. She knocked on his door and entered without waiting for a response. He was dressed for bed already. "I checked on Connor. He's sleeping peacefully. No weapons in sight."
"Good"
"I just came to get something to wear."
"Where are you going to sleep?"
"I was thinking about Lorne's room. He won't be back for a few more days."
"Why don't you just stay here?"
"Huh?"
"Stay with me." He gulped. "I'd like to talk...about Spike."
"Um...I need a shower."
"You can use mine."
"OK I guess." She grabbed one of his t-shirts and a pair of boxers and headed into the bathroom.***
He was in bed when she came out. He knew if he had a pulse it would be racing right now. *This woman could make a garbage bag look sexy*
She hesitated. She wasn't sure if she could trust herself to share a bed with Angel. *There's no Connor in between us this time. Run! Run now!* She felt her breath quicken when he pulled the covers back in invitation. She quickly jumped in and pulled the covers up to her chin. "Good night, Angel."
"I thought we were gonna talk."
"Oh right. So talk."
"How did you know about Spike's soul?"
"I could see it in his eyes."
"How?"
"I just could. Magical powers, remember?"
"I guess. That's why you're being so nice to him right? You just want to help him, nothing more?"
She giggled and rolled over to see his face. "Angel. I said he is family and I meant it. If you're asking whether I suddenly have the hots for him, the answer is no." She debated how much she should tell him about Spike's situation. "Angel, there's some things I think you should hear. I probably shouldn't say anything but I think it would be best if I'm the only one who hears your intial reaction."
"What is it?"
"Spike is in love with Buffy."
"What?"
"He's been in love with her for a while. It's a long story which really isn't any of our business but if we're gonna help him.."
"Does Buffy know?"
"Oh yeah, but she doesn't really believe a soulless demon is capable of love. Angel, he sought a soul so he could be worthy of her love. Of course now that he has one, he doesn't think he deserves her. He doesn't want her to know."
"He's definitely unlike any vampire that has ever existed. He actually sought a soul."
"There's more. Before he got it, they...they were..lovers."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes. I'm sorry I know this must hurt you to hear."
He rolled over to face her. "Cor, I'm not hurt. I'm surprised and well shocked, but Buffy's love life is none of my business. I just want her to be happy. She'll always be special to me but what we had is in the past. I've accepted that." He thought for a moment. "I'm surprised Spike would give up the possibilty of intimacy for a soul."
"Um..Angel. Spike wasn't cursed with a soul. It was given to him."
"What?"
"He doesn't have a happiness clause. His soul is his to keep."
"Oh!" Angel looked over at the beautiful woman in his bed. He imagined what it would be like to kiss her and roll her underneath him. He wanted to spend the entire night making love to her but he knew it would cost him his soul. "Lucky bastard. I guess we should get some sleep."
Cordelia heard the hint of bitterness is his voice. She wondered if he was jealous that Spike was free to be with the woman he loved or was he jealous that Spike could be with Buffy. She turned her back on him and sighed. *I'm never gonna be able to sleep now*
Angel layed there staring a Cordy's back. *It's not fair. I want my soul for keeps too. I want to be able to be with the woman I love* He knew he had to touch her. He needed to hold her. *Please don't pull away from me* He reached out and gently touched her back. When she didn't flinch, he slid his hand around her waist and pulled her back against his chest. He buried his nose in her hair and inhaled. He whispered in her ear, "Good night, Cor."
She felt her face break into a giant smile. Being in his arms, in his bed, felt so right. She lightly stroked the arm around her waist. "Good night, Angel." She felt herself relax as sleep overtook her.
Angel let her steady heartbeat lull him to sleep.***
The first thing Angel noticed as he awoke was the warm body in his arms. *Cordy* He realized they hadn't moved an inch since falling asleep. He couldn't resist burying his face in the crook of her neck. He inhaled her wonderful scent as her heat seeped into his face. *I'm never gonna let you go*
"Stop smelling me."
He smiled against her neck. "I can't help it. You smell so good." He decided to take a chance. She hadn't pushed him away so far. He began placing small kisses on her neck. "You taste really good too."
"mmmm Angel." She started giggling. "Oh god, you're making me sound like one of your chippies!"
"You're not a chippie." He tightened his grip around her waist. He allowed his hand to slip under her shirt and began stroking her stomach. He whispered, "Good morning" in her ear, when there was a knock on the door.
"Stop growling and answer the door." She heard him grumbling as he got out of bed.
He slipped on his robe and pulled the door open. "What?!"
Connor started at the tone of his voice. "Um..I cannot find Cordelia. She promised she would stay at the hotel."
Cordelia jumped out of bed and hurried to the door. "I'm right here, Connor."
Connor took in her disheveled appearance. He couldn't understand how she could feel safe sleeping near the vampire. "I..um..I was going to go get something to eat. I did not want to leave without telling you."
She glanced at the clock. "I'm sorry honey. I didn't realize how late it was. You must be starving. I had your dad go out and buy some cereal and fruit last night. Give us a few minutes and we'll join you in the kitchen."
"OK"
She closed the door and rushed over to Angel's dresser. She was glad she kept a drawer of clothes here just in case. She pulled out of few things and went into the bathroom to get dressed. She didn't want to keep Connor waiting. She was afraid he might run into the scoobies. She hoped they didn't start peppering him with questions. When she came out, Angel was dressed and waiting. "Let's go make your son breakfast."
They entered the kitchen to find Connor sitting at the table with Fred and Gunn. "Morning."
"Good morning, Cordy, Angel."
"Did you guys eat breakfast yet?"
"Yeah. Charles took me to our favorite diner."
Cordelia went to the cabinet and pulled out the cereal. "Angel, when I said don't buy anything too sugary, I didn't mean no sugar." She held up the box of corn flakes.
"Sorry. Next time send someone who actually eats food."
"Well if someone hadn't.."
"Yeah, yeah. I apologized for that last night."
"Hmmph" She poured the cereal in a bowl and sprinkled a little sugar on it before adding milk. "Here Connor. Eat up."
"Barbie, no frozen waffles?"
"No. There are important vitamins and minerals in cereal and milk does a body good." She put a glass of milk and one of juice in front of him. Then she began peeling and slicing fruit. She filled two bowls, one for Connor and one for herself. Before sitting down she nudged Angel. "Are you hungry?" She knew he was but wasn't sure if he wanted to drink in front of Connor.
"No. I'll eat later." She gave him a small smile and a kiss on the forehead before eating her breakfast.
Connor watched the pair while he ate. He couldn't understand how someone so good and sweet could care for a killer. It made no sense. His father...the vampire seemed almost human when he was with her.
After breakfast, they sat around the lobby. They were soon joined by the entire Sunnydale group. Cordelia introduced Connor to everyone. She told him about Spike's chip. She whispered to him that Spike was family and he was not to be harmed. After introductions were done, Xander, Willow and Buffy announced they were going sightseeing. Angel and Spike disappeared into the basement to work out and talk. Giles decided to do some more reading. Cordelia gave Gunn and Fred the afternoon off. Everyone agreed to meet for dinner before the ladies went out.
Cordelia was relaxing in the lobby with Connor. "How are you?"
"Confused. How do you trust, not one but two vampires?"
"I know this must be hard for you, but things aren't always black and white. There are good demons, just like there are bad humans. You trust me now and I'm part demon."
"But you're so kind and loving."
"So is your father if you give him a chance." She glanced over at the office. Giles sat there reading. "Connor, why don't you join your father and Uncle Spike in the basement. You can train with them but be careful. I don't want any of you to get hurt."
"My uncle?"
"I'll let your father explain that."
"Will you join us?"
"No. Rupert and I are going for a walk. Umm..you don't need to mention that to your father."
"You wish me to lie to him?"
"No. I would never tell you to lie to him. Just avoid the question. OK?"
"OK"
"C'mon." They walked down to the basement. "Connor is going join you. I'll be checking on you later and if I see any blood, heads will roll. Have fun!" With that she went back upstairs and headed to the office. She poked her head in. "Rupert, would you like to go for a walk?"
"That would be lovely." She grabbed her purse as they left.***
Angel and Spike were sparring with swords while Connor watched. He was mesmorized at the speed of their attacks. They were so fast yet completely in control. Neither seemed to have the advantage over the other.
Angel glanced over at Connor. His expression was one of awe. He smiled to himself. He wished Cordelia was here with them. He knew his son would be impressed at how good she was with a sword. "Connor, do you know where Cordy is?"
"I am to avoid that question." Both vampires froze mid swing and turned to Connor.
"You're supposed to avoid that question?"
"Yes"
"And if you can't?"
"I am not to lie."
"The only reason I ask is because I care about Cordy. I don't want anything to happen to her. She is very special. You wouldn't want anything bad to happen to her, would you?"
"No"
"She could need our help and if I don't know where she is I won't be able to. She'll be all alone."
"Do not worry. She is not alone."
"That's good. So umm..who is she with?"
"She is with Rupert Giles."
"You mean upstairs, in the lobby?"
"No. They left together."
"Peaches, don't worry. She's not interested in the watcher."
"That's easy for you to say. You weren't here when they said hello and she keeps calling him Rupert!"
"That's his name."
"She used to call him Giles. They all call him Giles."
"So she calls him Rupert. She's an adult now. So what she gave him a hug hello?"
"Try a hug and a kiss."
"So a peck on the cheek. That's hardly.."
"No. It was on the lips."
"Wow. I'm impressed. Didn't think the old boy had it in him to catch the eye of a sweet young.." He stopped to duck a sweep at his head. "Hey! I'm not the one after your chit. Don't take it out on me."
"Sorry. Connor, why don't you spar with Spike for a while. My sword looks a little dull. I'm just gonna go over there and sharpen it."
"Very well." Connor picked a sword out of the cabinet and squared off against Spike.
Angel sat down on the stairs. He was growling as he sharpened his blade. His ears were listening for Cordy's return. *She's mine. I am NOT giving her up this time. No more Mr. Noble. 'RUPERT' better keep his hands off my seer!*
Part 5Cordelia and Giles were walking in the park. She linked her arm with his and tilted her face to the sky. She could feel the warmth of the sun on her face. *Since when does the sun make me feel lonely?*
"Penny for them."
"Just a penny. This girl has expenses."
"Alright. How about a shiny nickel."
"Now that's more like it." She laughed. "When did life become so complicated?"
"For me it was when my father told me about my destiny."
"I used to blame Buffy for my problems. I actually found the thought comforting."
"And now?"
"I am responsible for my own fate. I am nobody's victim. I've had my chances to walk away from this life. To be normal. The truth is I like myself a lot more now then I did before I knew what went bump in the night. You remember what a superficial bitch I was."
"Ah! How could I forget."
"Hey, where did my tact guy go?"
"He became enchanted by a beautiful tactless young woman and was never the same."
"I've missed you."
"Why haven't you called? It would have been nice to hear that sooner."
"The phones work both ways. You could have called me."
"I know. I'm sorry."
She gave him a small smile. "I thought about calling you, a lot. I came close so many times."
"Why didn't you?"
"Please don't take this the wrong way, but calling you felt like quitting."
Giles pulled away. "How could I possibly take that the wrong way."
"Don't. Let me explain." She pulled him down to sit on a nearby bench. "Calling you would have lead to seeing you again."
"And that would be bad how?"
"My life, our..my mission is in LA. I needed to be strong."
"And I made you feel weak?"
"No. You let me be weak."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Rupert. God, so many things went wrong since I last saw you. Telling myself I was fine..telling Angel and Wesley I was fine kept me going. The truth was I was in so much pain and I was scared. I knew I could keep up my facade with them. They wanted to believe me and I thought if I could convince them then maybe I could convince myself. I knew I wouldn't be able to lie to you. I would break down and tell you everything. I knew I would fall into your arms and ask you to be strong for me."
"It's OK to ask for help. I would have been there for you."
"I know, but Angel and Wesley needed me and the truth is I needed them too. I just couldn't let them see my pain."
"How about now?"
"None of us are the same. I'm a lot stronger now."
"That doesn't really answer my question."
"It's complicated."
He shook his heads. "Don't give me that. You're talking to the master remember. You are strong for all of them, especially Angel but you refuse to let them return the favor. Thrust me I know all about it. I have been doing the exact same thing for a lot longer than you." He quietly added. "I let you really see me."
She smiled to herself. "I wouldn't let you hide from me."
"I needed that."
She clasped his hand. "I know. You've always stood there and took whatever abuse Buffy dished out."
"She has a lot of pressure on her. Her destiny is an enormous responsibility."
"It is but you still have to take care of yourself too."
"But that's my point. We, both of us, take care of those we love and we take care of ourselves. We won't let them take care of us."
"That's not true. Angel has saved my life more times than I can count. He protects me. He'd do just about anything to protect me."
"As has Buffy for me. That isn't what I am talking about and you know it. I have tried to ease her burden over the years. After and during every trauma, I listened and consoled her. To this day we have never discussed what I went through after I was...interrogated by Angelus. We've never discussed how I felt when she ran away. I don't really blame her. She had her own pain to deal with and it's not like I ever tried telling her. I couldn't bear the thought of adding to the pain she already carried."
"I didn't understand that before but I do now. I used to think Buffy was being selfish. That she should have forced you to talk about it, like I did. Now. I know why you won't let her in. It seems instinctual to keep it to yourself. God Rupert! I'm a demon by choice. I joke about it but there have been times when it scared me."
"How did it happen?"
"I was dying. I found a way around it."
"What?!"
"The visions were slowly killing me."
"When did you find out and why the hell didn't you call me?"
"I found out a week before Angel fired us. I wanted to call you then but no quitting for this reformed bitch. I felt the pain of the world and I couldn't walk away from that."
"Last time I checked we were doing some saving ourselves in Sunnydale."
"Yeah but that wasn't where Angel's mission was."
"What about that. He fired you?"
"Yeah. The road to redemption was getting to him. The evil lawyers brought Darla back to drive him insane or evil. They almost succeeded too. He tried to give up, hence Connor."
"Why didn't you tell him?"
"He was too busy being obsessed with Darla. At the time, I wasn't sure if he'd care. It was a difficult time for all of us."
"I wish you would have called me."
"I almost did, but I wasn't alone. A part of me was still hoping Angel would come to his senses. I wasn't the same after my neverending vision ordeal. I had experienced the fear and pain of the hopeless. I needed to help. Sunnydale had all the help it needed. LA was without a champion."
"I can understand that. Why didn't you tell him when he came back?"
"I wasn't ready to let him back in at first. He hurt me more than anyone ever had. I was willing to work with him for the sake of the mission, but my friendship wasn't a part of the deal anymore."
"What happened?"
He watched as a smile bloomed on her face. He felt like he was watching the sunrise. "He bought me a new wardrobe. I know it sounds superficial, but it wasn't about the clothes. Well it wasn't just about the clothes. My brooding vampire, king of the monotone wardrobe, went shopping for me. The clothes were beautiful, a rainbow of color. He already had vision girl back. He didn't need to do it. He wanted his friend back and that made all the difference."
"Why didn't you tell him then?"
"I wanted to be happy for a little while. Then Pylea happened. That changed my outlook on my visions. It stopped being something I didn't ask for. It became my purpose."
"In what way?"
"I had my first chance to get rid of the visions."
"How?"
"Prophesy. What else."
"Why didn't you?"
"The visions are mine. I use them to help people. I need them and so does Angel. I made my decision and I don't regret it. I planned to tell everyone after we returned. I needed to wait until we left Pylea, I didn't want them to try to force me to get rid of them."
"But Willow was waiting for you upon your return."
"Yes. He had lost Buffy. I couldn't tell him he was about to lose me too. He needed to deal with his loss and he needed to know I would be there when he returned."
"And when he returned?"
"I had accepted my fate. Slayers aren't the only ones who die young. I didn't want the rest of my time to be sad. I wanted to go out helping people."
"Slayers fight for their lives."
"That's not fair!"
"No letting yourself die and not telling anyone isn't fair. Why didn't you tell anyone else?"
"They would have told Angel."
"So you decided to deal with it alone."
"It's my life."
"And to hell with those who love you. You should have told me."
"What would you have done?"
"Helped. I could have found a way to save you."
"I saved myself."
"Part demon?"
"Part demon. The Powers gave me my second out and I turned it down. This is my purpose. I don't regret accepting that. Being part demon isn't what frightens me, exactly. Doyle was. It was the not knowing what to expect, what it meant that scared me. I've had time to deal with it. I'm proud of who I've become."
"You should be. I know I am."
"Thanks. Please don't be mad at me. I did what I felt I had to."
"Since you didn't die, you are forgiven. Had you died, I would have been very angry with you."
She laughed. "That seems fair."
"So how are you now?"
"Vision pain is a thing of the past."
"Again, not a an answer."
"I'm trying to put my family back together again."
"Gunn told me about Wesley and Holtz. He also mentionned what happened with Connor."
"I'm glad. I don't think I could rehash all that."
"Have you seen Wesley?"
"No. I want to but it would hurt Angel too much. He has been through so much pain. He would see it as a betrayal and he's had enough of that lately."
"I know you're trying to take care of your family but I'd like to remind you of your advice. You need to take care of yourself too."
"Rupert, I was taking care of myself when I went on vacation with Groo. Connor was taken to a hell dimension by a nutball, Wesley ended up in the hospital with a slit throat, and Angel had to mourn the loss of the only child he'll ever have. I was taking care of myself when I agreed to follow my new destiny to the higher realms. Angel ended up in a metal box at the bottom of the ocean by Connor who was confused and hurting, Wesley continued his downward spiral, and Gunn and Fred were running around trying to figure out where everyone went. I don't think my family could survive any more 'me' time."
"Cordelia, you cannot possibly blame yourself for all that!"
"Can't I?" When he looked like he was going to argue, she continued. "I need to get back. I left Angel, Connor and Spike alone with weapons." She managed a small smile. "Could you do something for me?"
"Anything"
"Visit Wesley. I can't. Not yet anyway. He's all alone."
"Of course. I had planned on it actually."
"Please don't mention it to anyone. He probably won't be happy to see you but don't let him chase you away. Make him talk to you."
"I will." Cordelia gave him a quick hug before hurrying back to the hotel.***
She had barely walked thru the door before Angel advanced on her.
"Where have you been?"
She ignored his gruff tone. "Rupert and I went for a walk in the park."
He stepped back. He was surprised she told him the truth without any cajoling. "Why didn't you tell me before you left?"
"I wasn't aware I needed your permission. I am planning on going to the bathroom now if that's OK with you." She brushed him aside and went into the downstairs bathroom.
He sat down on her desk and waited for her to come out. He started talking as soon as the door opened. "Why did you tell Connor not to tell me?"
"Because I knew you would get all growly and I didn't want you to scare him."
He was trying to regroup. She was making sense and he wanted to be angry with her. "Well you didn't explain avoidance to him very well."
"Huh?"
"When I asked him where you were, he calmly told me he was to avoid that question."
She turned to look at him. She suddenly doubled over in laughter. When she straightened up, she was clutching her sides. As soon as she looked at him she started laughing again.
He was waiting for her to say something in her defense but she showed no signs of stopping. "What is so funny?"
She tried to take a few calming breaths. "Sorry. I was just imagining the expression on your face when he said that. Too funny!" She noticed he didn't share her humor. "Angel, Rupert and I were catching up. It's been a while since we've seen each other. You're getting upset over nothing."
"Who's upset? My best friend asked my son to keep secrets from me which he was only too happy to do. After all, he likes you a lot more than he likes me. Why should I be upset?"
"Hey" She stepped closer to him and placed a hand on his cheek. "I'm sorry. It wasn't some conspiracy against you. It's just that you've been getting so growly when I'm alone with someone and I didn't want you to do it in front of Connor. I know things are tense and you're afraid to get your hopes up."
"He tricked me before. I don't think I could take that hurt again."
"I know but he isn't pretending. He's taking things slow this time. We are going to get through this. Connor will accept you. It's just gonna take time."
"I have plenty of that."
"See. Nothing to worry about."
"Thank you. What would I do without you?"
"I shudder to think. It's a good thing I'm not going anywhere."
"Promise?"
She looked directly into eyes. "I promise." He pulled her into his arms and held her as if she was his lifeline. "OK. I'd like to keep my ribs intact."
He released her. "Sorry. So what did you and Giles talk about?"
"This and that. Has Connor had lunch?"
"Yes. I made him a sandwich. Do you want anything?"
"No thanks."
"So did my name come up?"
"What?"
"With Giles. Am I this or that?"
"A little bit of both. So where is Connor now?"
"He and Spike went back downstairs. They were gonna train some more. I came back up here. Flashbacks."
"He isn't up to anything. He promised me not to hurt Spike."
"I'm happy for Spike."
"He's not gonna hurt you either. C'mon. I could use a workout."
As she dragged him down the stairs, it occured to him. She'd managed to avoid telling him about her conversation with 'Rupert'. *Where is he anyway?* "Cordy.." He stopped when he smelled blood. He was about to react but she was already holding Spike's bleeding face.
"What happened?" She looked over at Connor who seemed to be fascinated by the floor. She looked back at Spike. "What happened? I told you I didn't want to see any blood when I came back."
"Cordelia, I.."
Spike interrupted Connor's confession. "It was my fault, Luv." He glanced at Connor before he continued. "The kid is really good. He had me working so hard I didn't realize I slipped into my gameface. It startled him and I ended up with a mouthful of the sword handle."
"I see." She released Spike's face and turned to Connor. He was still staring at the floor, his sword twisting in his hand. She lifted his chin. "I'm proud of you." She ignored Spike's cry of outrage.
"You are? Why?"
"Look at your hand." He looked down at his sword.
"My sword?"
"Yes. You could have taken off his head. Instead you hit him with the handle. I say that's progress. It takes a strong will to change your nature. You were raised to kill any and all demons. It isn't easy to ignore your instincts. That is why I'm proud of you." She gave him a smile which he returned wholeheartedly after a moments hesitation. She turned back to Spike. "Tell Connor you forgive him."
"Isn't he supposed to apologize first?" She arched her brow at him. "Fine. Connor, it's OK. I'm fine."
"Baby, why don't you take a break. I'd like the chance to see what your Uncle Spike's got." She grabbed Connor's sword.
"Hey! I'm the injured party here. How come he's the one who gets comforted?"
"Pfft. House of Aurelius, house of whiners is more like it. Suck it up and take it like a man."
"Hey" His outrage was shared by his grandsire.
"Oh please! You two are the biggest babies. C'mon." She shared a smile with Connor who was enjoying her taunts. She squared off against Spike.
"I don't want to hurt you, Pet."
"Patronizing much. Let's see what ya got, Fangboy."
Spike kept his attacks slow and held back on his strength. She had him disarmed and on his back with her sword at his throat in minutes.
"Oh come on Spike! If you don't at least try I'll give you a lot more than a bloody lip."
He glanced over at Angel and received a nod from him. He was defending the honor of their order. He dusted himself off and began an earnest attack. The swords were moving so fast they were almost a blur.
Angel and Connor were watching from the safety of the stairs. Connor was in complete awe. She was good.
Angel was in shock. They hadn't trained together since her return from the higher realms. She was amazing. *How the hell did she get this good and why didn't I know?*
The clash of metal on metal could be heard throughout the hotel. It had taken a lot longer but the outcome was the same. Spike found himself disarmed on the floor with her sword at his throat. "Bloody hell Cheerleader. When did you become Xena?"
She started laughing and gave him a wink. "Thanks for the warm up. If you want my secrets, you're going to have to beat me first." She tossed Spike's fallen sword to Angel. "It's been a while since we had a go. You up for it old man?"
He stood there looking like a fish. "Cor, where did..how did..um.who.."
"You're not scared of the challenge, are you? Your ego not up for it? What happened to 'I'm a vampire, you can't hurt me'? I could send Connor and Spike upstairs if that would make you more comfortable."
His questions seemed irrelevant when he heard his son laughing at him. She needed to be taken down a peg and he was just the manpire to do it.
She could see the wheels turning. She almost felt bad for mocking him in front of his son and grandchilde. Almost. She had been secretly waiting for the chance to show him what she had learned in the higher realms. This was gonna be fun.
He immediately went on the offensive. He figured he could overpower her quickly and then they could talk. He was surprised when she had no trouble evading his attacks, although she wasn't launching any counterattacks. He decided to change his tactics. He tried to sweep her legs. Big mistake. She hadn't used her legs until he did. He soon found his sweep evaded and was on the receiving end of a powerful kick to the side of his knee. He grunted in pain but managed to stay on his feet.
After her kick to his knee, she began her attacks. She was getting tired. They seemed to be evenly matched despite their differing styles. It was time to play dirty. When he came in to try another sweep, she twisted her body to afford him a rather generous view down her shirt. She used his momentary distraction to strike his hands with the flat of her sword. She was rewarded with the sound of metal hitting the floor. With a few swings of her sword, she had him pinned against the wall. "Wow, this seems familiar." When he gulped but remained quiet, she added. "You know what I want to hear."
He tried to glare but it was difficult. She forced him up on his toes to avoid her blade. He took an unnecessary breath. "Fine. Go team!"
"That's a good boy." She stepped back. "Well this was fun but I need to run home. I have to pack a few things if I'm gonna stay at the hotel. I have no idea what to wear tonight. It's been too long since I went dancing." She handed Angel her sword and turned to leave.
He knew he should stop her. He had a million unanswered questions but he couldn't seem to find his voice. The three men watched her bound up the steps.
"Peaches, your chit just handed you your ass!"
"Shut up Spike and watch your language."
"I can't believe we just got our as..butts kicked by a twentysomething year old ex-cheerleader."
Angel was about to respond when his son started laughing. He'd never heard him laugh like that. He looked like a normal teenager. *Wait a minute, he looks like Cordelia did. What is it with people I love laughing at me!*
When Connor finally came up for air, he looked at Angel then Spike and then the door Cordelia had walked thru. "I cannot wait to tell Gunn about this!"
Angel and Spike gave each other a panicked look. There was no way they were going to live this down. Xander and Gunn would see to that.
Connor started laughing again at their forlorn expressions. He couldn't wait until dinner tonight.