Go TeamC/A
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Chapter Twelve:
"Angel," Cordelia yelled as she ran into the hotel. Angel wasn't there, nor was he in their bedroom. Something was wrong, she could feel it. Cordelia thought for a moment and took the elevator to the roof. She slowly opened the door to the garden on the roof. Angel was standing against the ledge, staring at the city lights.
"Angel?' she whispered.
The vampire remained still as heard Cordelia enter the rooftop garden.
"Angel? I'm okay," she said moving closer to the dark vampire placing her hands on his broad back. "What is wrong?"
"I can't do it," he said matter of fact. He turned and pulled Cordelia into a tight embrace. "I don't care about your rules. I cannot stand by and watch you die." He dropped his head on her shoulder.
"Angel just what exactly did you do? Wesley said that you didn't interfere, Methos agreed...but I am alive... I shouldn't be, I lost."
Angel pulled away from the Cordelia. "I didn't fight him...But I would have. I could not have let his sword touch your neck."
"Oh, Angel," she cried laughing at the same time. She leaned back brushing the tears away from her eyes. "I know that."
"But..."
"Angel, I know that you hate the 'game' and the rules. I also know that you will do whatever you can to respect my...the stupid game. But, if it makes you feel better, remember how I told you that if Angelus returned I would stake him, well I lied."
"Cordy," he said in shock.
"Sorry, I won't kill a part of you. So, sue me." She pulled him closer.
"We just have to make sure I am prepared to fight any immortal that comes for my head. And, well, supposedly the threat of Angelus is gone, but...Angel, Wesley told me..."
"What?"
"I know how Lindsay MacDonald died. It is okay," she kissed Angel's chest.
"Wesley had no right."
"Of course, he did. He thought, I needed to know. And it is a relevant little tidbit to know, that Angelus can come on call. Though, I guess we don't really have to think about it anymore, since the golden duo bound that pesky soul." She paused as she noticed Angel expression. "Okay, what?"
Angel turned back to the city lights.
"Angel, what exactly happened when I died?"
"Which time?"
She sighed. "I am the one with the sense of humour," she chastised. "Now, tell me," she demanded.
"My soul is permanent, but...I am still a vampire and maybe...even with a soul I can be Angelus."
"Explain, please," she smiled. It was amazing, Angel was opening up to her. The talk of Angelus did not scare her. No matter what the old dusty books said or even what she had seen, to her Angelus had just become another depth to Angel. The demon, person, undead guy she loved with all of her being.
"You were killed... tonight," he clarified. "And then he was about to take your head...I think..." He stopped ashamed and a little fearful of Cordelia's reaction.
"You think, but you don't know." She sat down on the lounge chair. "Angel, come here," she beckoned to the brooding vampire. "Now," she added.
Angel hesitantly came and sat on the edge of the chair.
Chapter Thirteen:
"Angel look at me." Cordelia placed her hands around the vampire's face.
"Angel look at me," she demanded again softly. Cordelia released Angel's face as his dark eyes met hers.
"So, you left me lying on the street with a big hole in my chest to come up here and brood, because you think Angelus made an appearance tonight. Why do you think that?"
Angel shamefaced lowered his eyes.
"Angel," she said in exasperation at the silent vampire. "Answer the question."
"When...the immortal...stabbed you and was about to take your head...It was Angelus that warned him quite happily that if he swung, he would be tortured and killed," Angel finally answered in a low tone.
Cordelia scrunched up and thought for a moment. "Angel, again, why do you think that it was Angelus?"
"Of course, it was Angelus...torture, kill...you know his favorite pastime."
"So, you think that Angelus just popped out to issue an evil warning and then poof, just left?" asked the incredulous young immortal.
"Um, yes...," said the suddenly uneasy vampire. When Cordelia said it like that, it didn't make much sense. Angelus never just popped out and willingly popped back.
"Angel, when Angelus supposedly came out to kill Lindsay, did he kill anybody else along the way?"
Angel cautiously shook his head. He wasn't sure he liked where Cordelia's questions were going.
"And Angelus just let Wesley go with him, no threats of bodily harm or even snappy cruel insults."
"Cordelia, it was Angelus!" Angel was sure he didn't like where Cordelia was going.
"How? Your soul may not have been bound when Lindsay died, but the 'happy clause' was still in effect. Or are you saying that my 'death' caused you a moment of true joy?"
Angel's eyes widen in shock and disbelief at her question. "Cordelia, how...?
"Jeez, relax," she interrupted," just joking, but the point is valid. And what about tonight, your soul is bound. Unless...did the oracles tell you about some sort of fine print to their gift?"
Angel shook his head.
Cordelia nodded. "So, how could Angelus appear?" she asked again.
"I..." Angel tried again. "When I thought you were dead the first time, I felt my soul breaking, that's how Angelus emerged. And I do know that if you are...killed my soul will shatter..." Angel said roughly, moving off the chair to the edge of the rooftop.
Cordelia sat stunned at the force of his emotions. She had merely been trying to show Angel that there was not fear of Angelus. She hadn't expected this. If someone had told her to write down what she was feeling at that very moment, she wouldn't have been able to. Mere words couldn't describe the intense feeling of love that was flowing through her body, it was almost frightening. Tears formed in her eyes as she went to Angel. Cordelia grasped the vampire in a tight embrace leaning her body against his back.
"No, Angel, your soul won't shatter, it may suffer but it will never be destroyed, you are too strong, too good for that to happen."
"Not when it comes to you," he said quietly. "I know what I felt," he added harshly.
Cordelia forced Angel to face her. "Angel." She stopped. She had to be careful and choose the right words. "Angel, you can't loose or break your soul, unless you choose to." Cordelia felt the vampire's body tense under her hands. "Angel, there is no more soulless demon residing in here," she said forcibly placing her hands over his chest. "It wasn't Angelus that tortured and killed Lindsay, just like it wasn't Angelus that threatened that immortal, it was you, Angel."
"NO, I have a soul, I couldn't, can't...," he growled trying to deny that he, Angel was capable of torturing someone.
"Yes," Cordelia whispered. "Angel, you said it, you are a vampire. You may have a soul, but you are still a demon. Sometimes, I imagine your vamp instincts override your guilt about, well...,"
"Torturing people," he said with disgust.
"No, your need to protect me," she said softly. Cordelia couldn't help but feel happy about the obvious evidence of his love. She wondered if that made her a sick person. Oh well, she thought, she didn't really care. All she cared about was that she loved Angel and he loved her. "Angel, stop brooding about this and accept who you are, I do."
"How can you?"
Cordelia shrugged. "It's not hard, really. The past that you are so ashamed of has shaped you into the person you are now. I couldn't love you with out accepting Angelus. Just like I accept that we can't walk on a sunlit beach or have children or grow old together. Stop it, Angel," she said as she saw the guilt descend over him. "This is my life, a life that I want. I have never been happier. In fact, the way I see it, you being an 'undead' guy is a good thing."
"What?"
"Sure, 'undead' as in immortal. I want to be with you for a very long, long time and then, well, there is the sex."
Angel looked at the smiling girl, confused.
"Sex with a vampire is a definite plus. Granted you are the only 'grr' guy I have ever had sex with, but it is pretty damn spectacular." She laughed and pulled Angel back to the lounge chair. Cordelia leaned back into the chair and beckoned him to sit in front of her. Once the vampire was settled, she wrapped her legs and arms around him enfolding him in her embrace.
Angel leaned back in amazement at Cordelia's unique ability to accept every part of him. For the thousandth time he thanked the Powers for giving her to him. "Cordelia, about the game and rules..."
"Sh, I don't want to talk about it. Let's just say, I have asked you to respect the rules and you have agreed. We will deal with any other scenario, if and when it comes up, okay?" She kissed the top of his head.
"Okay...But we are going to increase your practice sessions."
"Yuck, we already practice once a day," she complained out of habit.
"Tough."
"Oh, well, okay." She knew Angel was right. She was going to need all the practice she could get if she was going to have to meet that immortal again, nevermind her having to defeat the 'all powerful immortal'." Cordelia tried to control the shiver of fear that shot through her.
"You can do it." Angel brought her arms tighter against his chest.
"Yeah," she sighed. "Well, hopefully, the guys will be back soon with the sword and I can practice with it."
"The sword?"
"Yeah, I saw it in my vision, it's in LA." Cordelia explained what the others were doing.
"Cordelia, when exactly were you going to tell me about your vision."
"I did just tell you. Before that we had some 'issues' to discuss, Jeez. And speaking of 'issues' you have to stop with the jealous bit towards Duncan."
"I am not jealous," he said, failing miserably to contain his growl.
"Ummph, Angel that has got to stop. Duncan is a great swordsman, I need his help."
"He wanted you to leave me," Angel growled. "He still wants you."
"Of course, he does. I am irresistible to all men," she joked.
Angel grabbed her in game face. "You are mine." Angry yellow eyes bore into hers.
Cordelia took a deep breath and said seriously, "Yes, he did ask me to go with him and I said a big fat NO. Duncan knows that I love you and he respects that. He is here only to help US. So, reign in the 'grr' instinct and be nice," she finished forcibly.
Cordelia watched as Angel struggled with his demon.
"Angel, I need all the help and practice I can get, if I am going to defeat the 'all powerful immortal'."
Angel reverted back to his handsome human face and nodded. He was still not sure about the Highlander's intentions towards Cordelia. But she was right. And he would accept help from any source to keep her safe.
"I won't lose you."
Cordelia hugged him; satisfied that Angel would control his stupid jealousy.
Chapter Fourteen:
Methos and Wesley were in the library researching various possible relevant thefts of druid artifacts. Methos cleared his throat. "Cordelia is very beautiful."
Wesley looked up from the computer. "She is much more than that, she is special," the former answered.
"Yes, of course." Methos paused; this was going to be harder that he thought. The hell with it, he thought. "Wesley, you need to do something about the vampire's jealousy."
"Excuse me."
"Angel's jealously over Duncan, it has the potential to get in the way of the mission."
"Then, you," Wesley said pointedly, " tell Duncan to stay away from Cordelia and there won't be a problem."
"Duncan feels responsible for the girl."
"Well, she isn't his responsibility. If she is anyone's responsibility, it's Angel's and...mine...and Dennis'," he added as a book came crashing to the floor.
"Damn, he is lethal," yelled Methos as he dodged the book.
"Listen," the immortal tried again. "Duncan is from the Highlands of Scotland. The Scots are a very passionate, honorable and loyal race. What he feels for Cordelia is loyalty and friendship, only." He silently hoped.
"Sure, whatever. But Angel is a vampire with a soul in love and that makes him a very passionate, honorable, loyal, possessive and potentially dangerous demon to your highlander and his feelings of 'loyalty' towards Cordelia."
"Look, I didn't mean to make you angry. Whatever, Mac's feelings for the girl are, he will not try to interfere in her relationship with Angel. Not unless, the vampire does something to harm her."
Wesley tried to remain calm. "Dennis don't..." Wesley raised his hand towards the floating books in the air. "Angel would never do anything to harm Cordelia. You just need to remind Macleod that he is not Cordelia's protector." Wesley turned angrily back to the computer.
Damn, Methos thought. He really hoped he hadn't just made things worse.
Duncan and Gunn entered the tense atmosphere of the library a short while later carrying several swords.
"Hey, it is like a tomb in here," Gunn said. "Where is Angel and Cordelia?"
"The sword?" Wesley inquired getting up.
"That's just it. Cordelia never bothered to tell us what it looked like and so, we took all of them." Both he and Duncan placed all the swords they took from the gallery on the table.
"We need Cordelia. Where is she," asked the Highlander.
"She is upstairs with Angel...together." Wesley emphasized. Methos grimaced at the obviousness of Wesley's statement. The Highlander ignored the former watcher and headed towards the door.
The library door slammed shut.
"Great Mac, now you have pissed off the ghost," Methos said in a low tone.
"Hey, what is with all the bad vibes?" asked Gunn. "You came to help right?" the former street kid said to Duncan. "Right, well, then you need to lay off whatever thing you have for Cordy. It's not helping. In fact, it is making everyone tense in a big way. And that will just make the Barbie doll mad, and she can be a real bitch."
Wesley's eyes widen at his statement. Gunn was right, Cordelia probably would be angry if she knew that they were acting like a bunch of juvenile schoolboys. And then, there would be hell to pay.
"Um, Dennis please go get Angel and Cordelia. We do need to discuss the next move."
The door opened, a slight breeze swept through the room.
"Yes, well...so, Duncan, did I ever thank you for bringing Methos and the text to us so quickly."
Duncan stared at the former watcher's attempt to ease the tension in the room.
"Mac," whispered Methos.
"Your welcome. All..I mean...All I want is for Cordelia to be safe."
Chapter Fifteen:
"That's what we all want," Angel said from the doorway. Cordelia was standing behind him smiling.
"Hey, did you get it?" she asked Duncan and Gunn.
"Get it, we got a bunch. You didn't tell us what it looked liked," gripped Gunn.
"Whoops, sorry. Let's see them." Cordelia went over to the table. "There it is, I would recognize that ugly head on it anywhere." She pointed to a large heavy looking sword. It had a head with symbols surrounding it carved on the handle.
Wesley examined the sword. "The head makes sense. The head had mystical significance to the Druids. It was considered the seat of the soul. Hence, I guess their belief that beheading was the best way to ensure an enemy's death. And the other symbols represent fire and water. Also, very important in Celtic mysticism in that they are opposing forces which all life is born. In fact.."
"Wesley," whined Cordelia, interrupting the start of what was sure to be a long lecture.
Methos took the sword. "I don't know. It's steel. The Celt's were great ironworkers, ahead of most cultures. But they didn't discover stainless steel until Arthurian times. The sword, Excaliber was one of the first swords forged in steel, but that was centuries after the sword in the prophecy was made."
"Excaliber, was real, cool," exclaimed Gunn.
"Whatever," Cordelia said grabbing the sword. "This is the sword that I saw in my vision. So, the old priests must of had some 'help', from the Powers, no doubt."
"Cordelia, it is too heavy for you," Duncan said with concern.
"Duncan is right, it is too big," agreed Angel.
Wesley looked in surprise at the vampire. Angel hadn't growled or anything at the Highlander's show of concern over Cordelia.
"What?" Angel asked at the former watcher's look.
"Nothing, Nothing."
"Angel, it's not too heavy." She swung the sword in a perfect arch. "It's...perfect," she laughed in amazement as she continued to swing the blade. "It is perfect," she repeated. "Who wants to practice," she said excitedly.
Chapter Sixteen:
"Cordelia, let me see the sword," Duncan asked.
"Why? I told you it is perfect."
"Just for a minute,please."
Cordelia reluctantly gave the immortal the sword. Duncan swung the sword, weighing it in his hands.
"It is too heavy. You shouldn't even be able to lift it."
"Well, I can, Mr. Doubting-Duncan." Cordelia grabbed the sword back and swung it again for proof.
"I think that settles the question of whether that is the sword in the prophecy. Obviously, it was made for Cordelia. Actually, that is not unusual, after all, many legends and prophecies tell of weapons designed for a specific user. For example, Excaliber was forged specifically for Arthur. The Arthurian legend said..."
"Wesley, I think everybody saw the movie. So, let's just concentrate on the relevant prophecy, okay?" Angel interrupted.
"Right, of course. Methos and I have found a few records of thefts of Druid relics over the the past five years. I think we have to assume that St. John has all the necessary items he needs. But that doesn't help us know where he is now and when exactly he will attempt to invoke the spell."
"We might not be able to track St. John, but what about that immortal?"
The men looked at Cordelia questioningly.
"Duh, he is an immortal, therefore wouldn't he have a watcher. His watcher would probably know his whereabouts. I can't imagine, greedy-immortal guy would be that far from St. John and his 'payment'."
"Good idea, Cordelia." The young immortal flashed a big smile at the compliment.
"Though, he may not have a current watcher, since he works for St. John, but it is worth looking into. I'll call Joe." Duncan left the room to make the phone call.
Wesley shot a nervous look at Angel. Angel ignored the former watcher.
"Who is Joe," asked Gunn.
"He is Duncan's watcher and friend," explained Cordelia.
"Oh." Gunn nodded. "Wait, immortal's have watchers? I thought you said that watchers trained those slayer chicks?" Gunn asked Wesley.
"Totally, different type. You see when the Watcher's council first..." Wesley stopped at the groans coming from the room. "I'll explain later." He promised.
"That's okay," Gunn answered wishing he never asked the question. He was not looking forward to being trapped by one of Wesley's lectures.
Duncan returned to the room. "I gave the description of the immortal to Joe. He said he would try to identify him and track down his watcher. He will call back, but it may take awhile."
"There has to be another way to find out where and when. I have a feeling that we might not have the luxury of waiting around for the watcher's call," worried Angel.
"What about a vision, Cordelia?" Gunn asked.
"Gee, okay." Cordelia dramatically clutched at her head and moaned loudly. She suddenly stopped and said sarcastically, "The line was busy. They said to try back later."
"Real funny, Barbie."
Angel interrupted Cordelia's retort. "Wesley are you sure that there is nothing else in the text?"
"I will check again." He pulled the text open.
So, while research boy goes at it, who wants to practice?" Cordelia looked expectantly at the immortals and Angel.
"You kids go play. I will stay and help Wesley," said Methos.
"Angel, Duncan?"
"Hey, don't leave me here with the book guys," Gunn said in alarm.
"Well, come on then." Cordelia headed upstairs swinging her new sword.
"Angel, can I talk to for a minute," Wesley asked. "Alone," he added looking at Methos. The old immortal nodded and went into the kitchen.
The vampire stopped on the stairs and let the others go ahead of him.
"What is it, Wesley?" Angel asked impatiently. "I need to get up there." Angel stared at Duncan's hand on Cordelia's back leading her up the stairs.
"Umm, yes, well..."Wesley stuttered.
"Get on with it."
"Right, Angel you aren't going to fight with Macleod, are you?"
"Wesley, we are going to practice with Cordelia. She needs to get use to the weapon."
"So, you all will be fighting with swords, then?"
"Yes, that would be the plan. Practicing without them just doesn't seem as effective."
"Are you sure that is a good idea? I mean, you and Duncan with swords..."
Angel growled. "Wesley, Macleod and I are going upstairs to prepare Cordelia for the up coming fight, that's all," Angel said angrily.
"It's just that sometimes, you get a little, well, jealous over Duncan's friendship with Cordelia and well..."
"Wesley, I am not some stupid school boy, that challenges the other boys in the playground to fight because they looked at his girl."
"No, you aren't a school boy. You are a vampire, who could very well kill the other boys in the playground for looking at your girl," Wesley said tersely, giving up his attempts to be subtle.
Angel tried to control his anger. Based on some of his past behavior, Angel realized that Wesley did have a right to be concerned.
"I am fine, Wesley," he said calmly. "Macleod is here to help Cordelia. They are friends. I can accept that, satisfied?"
"Of course, I never thought there would be a problem, never," he said unconvincingly. Wesley quickly turned back to his books.
Angel had told Wesley the truth. He had made the decision to accept and deal with Duncan's presence and the immortal's feeling for Cordelia. He would control his vampire instincts and would even try to be polite to the Highlander. After all, Angel promised Cordelia and they did need the other immortal's help. Of course, Angel had also decided, that if Duncan Macleod made any attempt to take Cordelia from him, he would rip the Highlander's head from his shoulders. But Wesley didn't need to know that, he reasoned as he went up the stairs.
Chapter Seventeen:
Methos walked back into the room and looked expectantly at the former watcher.
"I don't want to talk about it. Suffice to say, that Angel is perfectly agreeable to Duncan being here."
Methos just rolled his eyes and changed the subject. "Any luck?" The immortal sat down at the table.
"Maybe," he said passing the book to Methos. "We were so busy concentrating on the physical items needed for the spell, that we missed the importance of the power source."
"The power source? The power comes from the enchanted relics," Methos commented as he started to read the passage.
"No, the relics are just conduits for the power." Wesley got up and began to pace. "The priests were concerned with the 'all powerful immortal', but what if...what if they were also against Fergus' plan because of the power source he would need to utilize to make the spell work. A power that the priests didn't want utilized because if it was not properly contained, it in of itself could disrupt the natural order of things. The spell calls for Fergus to harness that untapped power, the power of all the elements. For, the spell to work, St. John would also need that power." Wesley suddenly stopped. "Methos, you would agree that the Druid's didn't use the labels good or evil." Wesley rushed on, not waiting for a response. "So, even if they were fearful of this untapped power they wouldn't call it evil. They would just consider it a powerful force that had the potential of destroying the natural order of things."
"You are talking in circles."
"No. Just substitute 'evil' for 'powerful force' and..." Wesley trailed off, thinking.
"You would have an evil force if unleashed would have the potential of causing destruction to the natural order of things. So?"
"...substitute 'world' for 'natural order' and you would have..." Wesley's eyes widened in sudden comprehension. "Damn," he exclaimed running for the stairs.
Chapter Eighteen:
The sound of clashing steel rang through out the workout room. Each man was taking turns fighting with Cordelia.
"Shit," exclaimed Gunn as he fell to the floor, again. Cordelia laughed as she placed her sword against his throat. "Not bad for a Barbie doll, uh."
"Yeah, well swords are a stupid weapon. Give me hand to hand or stakes any day, " he grumbled. Gunn limped over to where Angel was watching Duncan take up his sword against Cordelia.
"Wow, the Barbie doll is good," Gunn said watching Cordelia fend off Duncan's thrusts. Angel merely nodded and watched. Cordelia didn't seem to be having any trouble handling the heavy sword. She moved it through the air like it was an extension of her arm. But, she wasn't as good as the Highlander. Cordelia stumbled and fell as Duncan's sword swept past her defenses. She landed with a thump on the mat. She grimaced rubbing her backside as Duncan gently helped her up.
"Yes, she is good, but not good enough," Angel said to Gunn. "Again," he called to the immortals. Cordelia stuck her tongue out at Angel and resumed her fighting stance.
Gunn glanced at the vampire. "Um, Angel you seem to be handling that jealousy thing, better," he commented.
Angel glared at the kid and was about to respond when he sensed Cordelia stumble. Oh shit, Gunn thought, as Angel lunged towards the girl pushing the Highlander across the room. Angel caught Cordelia as she fell. The young immortal clutched her head in pain. It was just a vision, Gunn sighed in relief, for a minute there he thought Angel had finally lost it and was going for the immortal's throat. Gunn and Duncan gathered around the vampire and the girl cradled in his arms.
"Sh, I've got you," Angel whispered into Cordelia's dark hair stroking her back. Finally, Cordelia stopped trembling.
Cordelia took her hands from her head and clutched at Angel's shirt. "Angel, St. John is in..."
"Sunnydale. He needs the power of the Hellmouth," Wesley yelled bursting into the room.
Chapter Nineteen:
"Sunnydale?" repeated Angel, once the group reconvened in the Library.
"Yes. The power source described in the text has to be the hellmouth." Wesley explained his theory to the group. "For the spell to work, St. John must go to Sunnydale."
"Cordelia, what did you see in your vision?" asked Angel.
"An old guy, who must be St. John, wearing a crazy robe and chanting something. The immortal was there, as well as, a bunch of 'grr' guys. They were in a cave. I don't know which cave. But Wesley is right; they were in Sunnydale. I sensed that whatever is suppose to happen will happen soon. We have to go," she said fidgeting.
"I better call Giles and tell them we are coming," said Wesley.
Angel pulled Cordelia to him. "It will be okay, Cordelia." Angel could her heart beat speed up and he could sense the tension in her body.
"No, it won't be. I don't want to go to Sunnydale. I hate Sunnydale," she cried pushing away from the concerned vampire. "I can't go."
"What is wrong with Sunnydale? I mean other than the hellmouth thing."
Cordelia looked at Gunn as if he had grown two heads. "Isn't that enough," she yelled. "It is the hell pit of the world. It is...Sunnydale." It is where Buffy is, she cried to herself. It is where everyone thought of her as a vain, selfish and useless girl. It is where she had been all of those things. She couldn't go back.
"Angel," she cried, silently begging him to fix things so she wouldn't have to go.
"Cordy, I can't," he said quietly.
Cordelia slumped in the chair, her knuckles turning white as she clenched her fists.
Wesley walked back into the room. "I talked to..." He stopped as he noticed Cordelia's agitation. "What is wrong? Did Cordelia have another vision?" He asked Gunn in a low tone.
"No, she is freaking out about going to Sunnydale. All I did was ask what was wrong with the place. I thought it was her home."
"Oh," he said understandingly. "No, Sunnydale is not her home, it never was," he answered ambiguously.
"I told Giles that we would be there before dawn." Wesley had addressed the group, but his attention was on the apprehensive girl before him. "Cordelia?"
The room was silent waiting for her answer. Get a grip, she said to herself. It was just Sunnydale. Just Sunnydale, she thought, and started to panic. Stop it, she yelled to herself. Cordelia opened her eyes and stood up. "I will be ready," she said quietly and headed for the stairs.
Angel felt her fear and insecurity and resolve. At that moment, he wished could rip out the throats of everyone in that stupid town that had ever hurt her.
"Wesley and I are going to Sunnydale with Cordelia. But, none of the rest of you need to."
"I am going." Duncan said softly, but forcibly.
"Methos?"
Methos looked at his friend. "Might as well see this thing to the finish," he shrugged.
"Same for me. Anyway, Cordelia said that she saw a lot of vamps. And killing vamps is what I do," answered Gunn.
Angel nodded. "Wesley, pack up everything that you think we will need from the weapons cabinet. Be ready to leave in an hour," Angel ordered before heading up the stairs to Cordelia.
"So, what's the deal with the Barbie doll and her old hometown?" Gunn asked the former watcher.
"Cordelia will be fine," he said without answering the young kid's question.
Chapter Twenty:
The shower was running when Angel entered the bedroom. He glanced at the duffel bags and clothes thrown over the bed.
Cordelia leaned up against the shower wall willing herself to get a grip. She counted to ten and reminded herself that she was an immortal with a sword that she knew how to use; that she was useful; that she was smart; and that Angel loved her. She could do this.
She opened her eyes as Angel entered the bathroom.
"I'll be ready. I just felt all stinky after the workout," she smiled. A smile that Angel knew was false.
"We have time," he said pulling off his clothes. "Move over, I'm feeling all stinky, too." Angel started to get in the shower behind Cordelia.
"Vampires's don't sweat."
"Still feel stinky, though." Angel squeezed some shower gel on the bath sponge.
"Angel."
"Mmmm," he said rubbing the sponge along Cordelia's tense shoulders.
"I don't want to go. I don't see why LA can't have it's own hellmouth. There is a lot of evil here. I bet big old evil law firm could have hooked St. John up with the power he needed. Shoot, I bet they are just sitting on some nasty pit to hell. I am mean why do we have to go to Sunnydale?"
"Because, we do," he chuckled kneading her back muscles. They were both silent; Cordelia leaned into Angel's touch. His fingers felt wonderful, but she still couldn't relax. "They are not going to believe that I can help."
Angel knew that she was thinking about Buffy and the rest of the Scooby gang. "Yes, they will."
"Who are you kidding. I can hear it now, 'What? Cordelia. How is vain Cordelia, stupid Cordelia, bitchy Cordelia, useless Cordelia suppose to help?'."
Angel forcibly turned Cordelia towards him, gently pushing the wet dark hair from her face. "You are strong, brave and have the most beautiful heart. And they will realize it."
"Right. Tell that to Buffy and Xander. All they see, all they ever will see is Queen C, the bitch of Sunnydale High. And I was."
"No," he growled.
"Angel, you were there, you saw." Tears pooled in her large hazel eyes.
"What I saw was a young beautiful girl trying to find her place in the world. A girl whose insecurities and spoiled upbringing couldn't completely hide her wonderful heart, no matter how hard she tried. I was just too blind to see it at the time."
"Buffy." The tears in her eyes fell mixing with the stream of water hitting her face.
"Yes, Buffy. But now I can see how wonderful you are. I need you more that I ever needed Buffy or anybody. I love you, Queen C and all," he said softly gazing into her eyes.
"Oh god, they don't know. We can't tell them," she cried pulling away from Angel.
"Cordy?"
"Angel, we can't tell them about this...us. They won't accept it. Oh god, they will never accept me, now," she sobbed.
Angel's non-beating heart broke a her cry. But he was also getting angry. Angel would do anything for Cordelia, he would fight the world to keep her safe and happy, but this he would not do. Their love was too hard won. Demons, evil lawyers, immortals, prophecies nor the Slayer and her friends would prevent him from acknowledging his love for Cordelia. Angel stared at the girl standing before him. The water from the shower was hitting her body and running down those wondrous curvers, that were his.
"Cordelia, I will not deny our feelings. If they can't accept it, then so be it."
"Angel," she begged.
"No," he growled. "You are mine." Angel pulled the young immortal to him and leaned forward to claim her as his. He captured her mouth forcing his tongue into her mouth. The kiss was hard and demanding. Cordelia clutched onto to his wet chest as the passion inside her built. She frantically began to return his kiss, rubbing her body against Angel's cool, wet, hard body. Angel broke the kiss and stared into her eyes, his eyes flickering from a deep brown to a piercing yellow. "Would you deny this, can you?" he growled.
"No," she whimpered. "f--- them," she added in a low voice as she pulled the vampire to her.
Chapter Twenty-One:
"We are almost there," Angel said, softly nudging at the sleeping girl curled against his leg. "Cordelia," he tried again, gently brushing the dark hair from her face.
"Ummh," she yawned, blinking her sleepy eyes at Angel.
"We are almost there," he repeated.
"Oh." She looked out the window. "We made good time, there is at least another hour until dawn."
"Yes. Are you going to be okay?" he asked pulling her up against his body.
She smiled softly. "I don't know. But you know, 'grr' guy, I think I am feeling all stinky, again." Cordelia rubbed her hand along Angel's muscular thigh.
The car jerked as Angel reacted to Cordelia's touch. "Stop that." Angel tried to ignore the small flames shooting up towards his groin and concentrate on the road.
"Stop what, Angel?" She whispered evilly. Her fingers expertly teased his groin. "That? Or did you mean this?" Cordelia leaned her head down to Angel's lap and kissed and nipped at the growing bulge in his pants.
"Cordelia," he growled, loosing control of the car.
"Hey what's going on?" cried a sleepy voice from the backseat.
"It's okay, Gunn. Angel just lost control for a minute, I guess he is just tired or something." Cordelia smiled innocently, leaning up against the passenger's door. Angel growled quietly as he quickly regained control of the vehicle. He took a couple of unneeded breaths before he regained control of himself.
"Yeah, right," the former street kid said suspiciously. "Are we there yet?"
"We are now," Angel said passing the 'Welcome to Sunnydale' sign.
"It should say 'Welcome to Sunnyhell'," Cordelia grumbled, her playful mood suddenly evaporating.
Chapter Twenty-Two:
Angel pulled into the curb in front of the Magic Shop. "You ready?"
"Let's go," Cordelia got out of the car grabbing the bag that contained her sword.
Duncan's car pulled up behind Angel's car. Once the others were out of their car, they got behind the young immortal, along with Angel and Gunn.
Cordelia looked at Angel and shrugged, "Welcome to the hellmouth, gentlemen. It's now or never."
She quickly knocked on the door. She knocked once more without an answer. Cordelia looked at the others relieved. "No one is here. I guess we are on our own...Oh, hi Giles," she said as the former watcher/librarian unlocked the door. "Can we come in?"
"Of course," he stood back to let Cordelia, Angel and Wesley in, and then stood back further as Gunn, Duncan and Methos walked in. He gave the last three a puzzled look.
Wesley noticed his look. "They are here to help," he explained introducing the others to Giles.
"Nice store," Cordelia said glancing around. "Do you make any money. Hey, Angel what about a semi-magic gift store in the lobby of the hotel. Ewww, nevermind," she whined looking at the jar of newt eyes she had picked up. "Gross." Cordelia sat down in a chair, pushing her bag under her feet. "So where is the rest of the Scooby gang?"
"They will be here soon. You are early."
She nodded. "So, do you have a bathroom is this emporium of all things magic and icky?"
"Back through there." Giles rolled his eyes and pointed to the rear of the shop.
"Thanks." Cordelia pushed the bag closer to Angel. He nodded and picked the bag up.
"So, Wesley what is this about a Druid prophecy?"
The start of Wesley's explanation was interrupted by a series of rapid knocks. Wesley waited as Giles let in an eager witch. "Am I late? Is that Angel's car? Who does the other cool car belong too? Is Cordy here?"
Giles started to close the door and attempt to answer Willow's rapid questions, when Buffy and Riley raced up.
"Hold on," Buffy yelled. "Is he here yet," she asked, unusually breathless. Riley gave her an odd look.
Before Giles could answer, he saw Xander and Anya stroll up the street. "Hurry up," he yelled to the yawning young couple. "I only want to open the bloody door once," he mumbled to himself.
Giles opened the door wide and all of the Scooby Gang came into the store.
"Yes, they are all here." Giles answered, emphasizing that all of the LA gang were present.