RATING: PG-14
SETTING: Doyle goes to Sunnydale to meet the gang and meets a vision...then
he has one. Willow/Doyle
DISCLAIMER: All characters are copyright Joss Whedon. We just like to play
with them.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Can I just say how much I miss Doyle? And this one's for Seren,
to help her with the mourning.
By: Laura
PART 2
Im tellin ya, Angel man, the girl is completely clueless when it comes to her feminine wiles. Theres no way she can pull this off on her own.
The spell is dangerous.
The spell is as harmless as a darker shade of lipstick and a bit shorter skirt.
And where youre concerned, thats dangerous.
Im not the one shes goin after. Shes not goin after anyone, as a matter of fact. Shes just gonna be dancin with Cordelia.
Trying to turn on every man in the place.
Thats why you and I are goin ta be there to escort em home.
Angel looked up from the symbol. No.
Angel, if she doesnt get in their good graces and give them the opportunity to change their minds, shes going to end up short a few things shes gonna be needin to keep livin.
You dont even know if this coven is going to be willing to forgive and forget. Or forgive and brainwash. No.
But
The answer is no.
I want to do it. Willow walked into Angels office. I dont want to be scared, Angel. I want it finished. And you and Doyle can protect me. And I can protect myself too.
Willow
If I dont do this now, theyll keep hunting for me. And when they find me, I might not have anyone like you or Doyle or Buffy around to save me.
Doyle raised an eyebrow at Buffys name. She was bringing out the big guns. Angel sighed. If you get hurt
I know you wont let anyone hurt me. She sat on the edge of his desk. I trust you to take care of me. Youve saved my life before, why shouldnt I put myself in your hands?
Because Ive tried to sink my teeth into your neck?
Jealousy surged through Doyle once more. Angel had threatened to kill her and she trusted him. She was willing to put her life in his hands. She was practically begging him to watch over her. Standing up, Doyle pictured Willow in a short skirt, make-up and a clingy blouse, dancing with Cordelia in a smoky club. He bit back a groan at the image, turning to look at Angel.
Bastard was grinning from ear to ear, and Doyle knew hed heard him. Maybe its not such a good plan, Willow, he started.
That wasnt you, Angel. Stop trying to take credit for it. She turned to Doyle, her green eyes innocent of the knowledge of what hed been thinking. She smiled at him and he knew that he had no choice. So, tell me about your ex-girlfriend and well start planning strategy.
***
No.
Cordelia, dont you want to help? Doyles eyes pleaded with her. I know that it goes against everythin in your personal code of conduct. I know that youre so straight and narrow youd never even think of tryin to deceive someone. But these are the bad guys. Were allowed to lie to them.
You dont want me to lie, she reminded him. You want me to act like a slut.
And hows that different than trying to sell yerself to the man with the biggest wallet? Doyle asked, exasperated. Im asking for you, for one night, to put aside the latest CEO of the month and help out an old friend. Be the good guy or girl as the case may be.
Does Willow know what you want? Because I just cant see her agreeing to this.
Thats the other part where you come in handy.
Oh no. NO. Youre not going to make me do this. You want me to tell her too? Thats not lying to the bad guys, Doyle Francis. Thats thats
What? He asked, ignoring her mention of his first name. Its helping the girl stay alive.
You sure youre not just trying to get your jollies off watching us?
Positive. His voice quivered slightly and Cordelia raised an eyebrow. Okay, so Im a man. I admit that, but thats not why were doin it. I mean, Angels gonna be there.
Not during the rehearsal.
Well, Doyle wracked his brain, trying to think of the right thing to say. You wont either. I mean, except for tomorrow. Tonight, you can do whatever you want and Ill ease her into it.
Into what? Cordelia gave him a knowing look.
The thing the strategy of what were going to do.
Shaking her head, Cordelia grabbed her purse. Well, you do that, Doyle. Ease her into it. But tonight, when I come home, dont expect me to extract the pencil youre liable to have sticking out of your gut should you try anything.
Right, he said to the closed door, as it slammed shut behind her. Ill keep that in mind.
***
Willow sat on the edge of the couch, looking up at Doyle and Angel with wide, unbelieving eyes. This is your strategy?
Well, I mentioned that theyre into power, right?
Power? Since when has that been synonymous with lesbianism?
Im not askin ya to be a lesbian. Doyle looked to Angel for help, sneering at the vampire when he saw his wide grin. Ya just have ta dance with Cordy. For a while.
Dance. As in dance or . Willow wrinkled her brow. Like a sexy dance?
Both? Doyle asked.
I dont dance. I can waltz. Giles taught me that. And I can well, what Xander taught me isnt important. And Oz and I well, I cant do *that* with Cordelia. Wed look stupid.
Were gonna teach ya.
Willow looked to Angel for guidance, just as annoyed as Doyle when she saw his smile. Dont you have someone to rescue or something?
I thought I was here in case you needed rescuing. He tried to suppress his smile and failed miserably. But if you dont
Go away, Doyle and Willow chorused in unison.
Angel shrugged and left the room, throwing a smile back in Doyles direction. The half demon ignored him, turning to Cordelias stereo system.
All Im askin is that ya trust me, he said softly. I know these women and youre going to have to be a little more hardened to get into their good graces. Youre a sweet person and theyll eat you alive literally, if you dont impress them. Will you trust me, Willow?
She stood up, sighing heavily. I dont have much choice, do I?
Your vote of confidence is duly noted, he stated.
I do trust you, Doyle. She smiled weakly. Im just not sure Im up to being the femme fatale.
Dont worry. With a few lessons from me, youll be knockin em dead.
***
Willow watched skeptically as Doyle proceeded to bump and grind his way across the room. After a few seconds of being entertained by him, she couldnt help but laugh. Doyle? Please tell me you dont want me to dance like that? I mean, I never thought Id find anyone who danced *worse* than Xander.
I dance just fine, thank ye very much. He drew himself up to his full height, completely insulted. Besides, youre a fine one to talk, actin like you dont know how to dance at all.
I dont.
Liar. He strode over to her and grabbed her hand, pulling her up onto her feet. His hands rested loosely on her waist as he slowly rocked forward. Willow responded, pulling away from him, as they began to sway slowly. Ye see, its just like making love, only you do the opposite. He blushed, refusing to look at her. The words hadnt been planned; in fact, hed thought them and tried to say something else just to get the thought of her sweaty, rumpled and sated out of his mind.
Willows green eyes widened, slightly surprised. They moved slowly to no music, both of them watching the other without actually sharing a gaze. Suddenly, the CD player started, a sensual tune issuing forth from the speakers.
Damn you, Dennis, Doyle breathed, looking up, unable to stop from catching Willows eye. Hes sort of a romantic ghost.
What does that have to do with us? She asked breathlessly, unconsciously altering her rhythm so that their movements were mimicking the other, their bodies swaying, moving closer, brushing against one another. Willows hand slid off Doyles shoulder, moving down to his arm then his hip.
Absolutely nothin. He stated, matching her movements as well, his hand slipping around her waist. Were as far from romance as you could possibly get.
Exact Willow stopped, unable to speak with the pressure of Doyles lips on hers. Her fingers curled against his hip, holding him closely as they stopped dancing, moving into a much more private embrace. Doyles arms wrapped around her, pulling her to him, feeling the brush of her body against his. His tongue swept across her lips, asking for invitation. Willow surrendered, opening her mouth, sucking on his tongue as it penetrated the warmth of her mouth.
Pulling her even closer, Doyle pressed her body tightly to his. Willow moaned softly, her whole body tingling from the contact as she finally broke the kiss. Her eyes were wide as they met his. Did I do that?
He brought one of his hands up, pressing his fingertips lightly against her swollen lips. Her tongue darted out, brushing against the warm skin. You did somethin, he admitted.
Realizing she was still in his embrace an exceptionally intimate embrace Willow blushed. She could feel exactly what shed done. Oh.
Doyle swallowed hard and stepped back. Well, I uh He cleared his throat. I think youll have no trouble with the the uh, tomorrow. I would well, leave off the last part when youre dancin with the princess, eh?
Willow giggled. You think?
Well, I dont know that Cordy would appreciate any of it. Although every male in the place watchin most likely would. He took her elbow and guided her toward the guestroom. Now, go get some rest. He stopped in the doorway, fighting the temptation to go in. Sweet dreams.
Willow leaned into him, kissing him softly on the cheek. Night Doyle. She ducked into the room, closing the door behind her.
Sighing in relief, Doyle started back to the living room for another night on the couch. Her voice stopped him at the end of the hall.
Doyle?
Yah?
When you said every male in the place? Did you mean you and Angel too?
An image shot through Doyles mind and he knew he had to get her behind a locked door, away from him. Well, I cant speak for the vampire, but for myself I would appreciate just watchin you breathe. Especially if you were struggling to do so, my body over yours and Doyle cut off his thought and smiled in response to Willows embarrassed grin. Night.
Goodnight.
***
Angel looked up at Doyle and barely managed to stifle a laugh. He looked horrible. What happened to you?
The Irishman shook his had and sank down across from his boss. Rough night.
What did she do to you?
Nothin. Well, not exactly nothin, but close enough. I just couldnt sleep.
A small smirk decorated the vampires face. What exactly happened?
Ill tell you, Cordelia burst into the office, glaring daggers at Doyle. I come home at a nice, decent hour
Four AM, Doyle noted.
Cordelia ignored him. And find him, she pointed meaningfully at Doyle. Sitting around in his boxers and T-shirt, playing poker with three other demons and watching a porn film!
Which I was pleased to note you werent in, Doyle added.
Her eyes widened and she took a menacing step forward. Angel got up from his desk and grabbed her shoulders, maneuvering her to the door. Ill talk with him. He shut the door behind her and turned around. Nothing, huh?
Doyle buried his face in his hands. God, Angel. It took every ounce of willpower I had to stay out of her room last night. And I have little enough of that as it is.
Poker?
I needed to keep my mind busy. And theres nothin better for that than losin money.
Porn film?
Just in case she walked out and noticed somethin.
Angels look was skeptical. Boxer shorts?
Ah, the four of us did that just fer Cordelias benefit.
And did Willow see any of this?
Well
Doyle?
When Cordelia started chasing me, I sort of ran into Willows room to hide.
Angel struggled to control his grin. In your boxers?
Yah.
After the porn?
Well, the psychotic Cordelia took care of that particular problem. At least until Dennis tripped me and I landed on top of a certain warm redhead. He paused. Dennis, for a ghost, has fine aim.
Angel started to say something then stopped. Looking at Doyle, he started again. What exactly does that mean?
I landed face down on her chest. Unable to help it, Angel laughed. Doyle glared at him, his cheeks tinged red. At least it kept her from noticin me problem. Which was suddenly back. Full force. He watched as Angel kept laughing at his expense. Keep with the chucklin, boyo.
What Struggling for control, Angel tried to speak. What did Willow do?
She woke up.
And?
And said if I didnt get off, she was going to make sure the coven got me head.
Sensing more, Angel suppressed his grin. And?
Well, I hadnt had any sleep, I was fearin for me life, as ready as a teenage boy and
And?
And shed just told me to get off.
The vampires eyes widened and he sucked in unneeded air. You didnt.
So I told her to do that, she would have to let me do more than kiss her.
Kiss her? Cordelias voice came from the now open door. Incredulity was etched on her face. You kissed her?
It was a mutual thing, Doyle defended.
And what Angel snickered. What happened then?
She kneed me in the groin and ran for the bathroom. Doyle shook his head. Which is where the other three demons hid when the prom queen here went on her rampage. She screamed, tried to turn, slipped and knocked herself out.
Angel lost the battle and leaned against his desk for support as he laughed. Doyle stood up and paced the office.
You know, it really isnt funny. Shes probably lying there, half-conscious, thinking Im the biggest pervert in the world.
You left her there? Unconscious?
Not unconscious. Sleeping. I think. Cordelia shook her head. Anyway Doyle: One She knows Xander Harris, so you have competition. Two you are the worlds biggest pervert, so shes not far off base.
Doyle sighed. Cordelia? Could you just go away?
Fine. The wounded look in her eyes didnt escape the notice of either man, but neither of them went after her. Angel sobered and reached out to catch Doyles arm.
Let me ask you this, Doyle. And be honest?
A all right.
What are your intentions when it comes to Willow? Shes not the kind of girl youre used to.
Shes the kind of girl I married, Angel. He pulled out of Angels grip and headed for the door. Im going to go back and try and get her to talk to me. Hopefully Ill live through the experience.
***
Willow looked at herself in the mirror, frowning at the small bump on her forehead. The note taped to the glass did little to make her feel better. As if Gone to Angels was any explanation for what had happened last night. Sighing softly, she smiled.
Last night.
Doyle had kissed her last night. Danced with her and held her, kissed her softly and tenderly and then a little more.
Shaking her head, she laughed at herself. Youre going crazy, Rosenberg. It didnt mean anything.
Didnt it then?
She looked up, surprised to see Doyles reflection in the mirror. Did it? To you, I mean.
He crossed his arms over his chest, the leather of his jacket crinkling. Im sorry about what happened. In your room. I didnt mean what I said well, I did, but not the way it came out er, happened. I wasnt tryin to take advantage of ya, is what Im tryin ta say.
I know that. Now. Waking up, finding you where you were are you all right? She asked with wide eyes, quickly glancing down to her target area. I mean Im so sorry.
Well, Dennis deserves to be exorcised for putting me through it, but Ill survive. We demons are made of sturdier stuff.
So I saw. Do all demons wear boxer shorts?
Only the green scaly ones, the orange flaming ones and the blue oozy ones. The rest are strictly brief demons.
She smiled, her whole demeanor lightening. It did mean something, right Doyle?
Me real name is is Francis. Er, Allen Francis.
Francis. She nodded. Doyle suits you better.
I thought so.
Ducking her head so that her bangs fell in front of her eyes, Willow blushed. It meant something a lot of something to me. I havent She shrugged. When Oz left, I didnt feel particularly anything, other than hurt. It was nice to feel again.
Im not looking to be someone to take his place, Doyle stated firmly. Ill admit that I like you. Find you incredibly sexy and charming, Id go so far as to say. But Im
Im not looking for someone to replace Oz. Although I wouldnt mind someone to to She stepped closer, closing the short distance between them. Her hand touched his lips as his had done to hers the night before. I dont suppose I could get you to kiss me again? I mean, its been a while and if Im going to make it look convincing with Cordy tonight, Im going to need a lot more practice.
He grinned against her fingertips. Happy to oblige.
Just one question? She tilted her head, her eyes glinting mischievously. What exactly is Galactic Amazon Vixens from Planet Triple X?
Doyles whole face flamed red. Uh
Because it was in the VCR. Was that more of my practice?
Recalling his favorite scene in the movie, Doyle whimpered. You want me to kiss you or take you right here in the bathroom?
Lets start with a kiss, shall we?
Dumbstruck, he couldnt even manage a reply.
***
There was very little distance between them to start with, so it was easy for Willow to just move into Doyles arms. He tilted his head, brushing her forehead with a soft kiss. She smiled, raising her lips to meet his. I havent done this I mean, really and on purpose for a long time.
Dont worry, Ill help you with anything you dont remember. Doyles breath was soft on her upturned face as he touched the tip of her nose with his. Youre sure? Because if youre wantin to say no, now would be the best time.
No nos. Not from me. Willows tongue darted out, moistening her lips. You?
Not in the he reeled back, releasing her quickly. His head slammed into the door and he morphed into his demon face as visions lanced through his mind. Willows eyes widened, with shock or horror he couldnt be sure, as he fell to the floor.
His first thought was to slip back to human. He did so as soon as he could, refusing to look up at her. He fought to get his breath back, trying not to picture her face.
Did you did you want a drink?
No. He sat up, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. He ventured a look in her direction. Shed sunk down to the floor beside him and he expected he wasnt sure what he expected. But it certainly wasnt the sight of her, sitting there, her green eyes filled with concern. Did I hurt you?
Me? No. She shook her head and reached a hand out, touching his cheek. Does it hurt?
He knew she meant his head, but he deliberately misunderstood her. Changing?
Shrugging, Willow moved closer to him. Sure. Her fingers trailed over his face, learning all the contours of it. Youre poky-er than I expected. I dont think Ive ever seen anyone like you.
Its just on the face, he said softly, his breath brushing her hands. Well, and one other place, but thats got nothin to do with bein a demon.
Willow giggled, moving still closer. Im not afraid of you, you know. Not of what you are.
Im beginnin to realize that.
Its about time. She leaned in and brushed his lips with her own. Do we have time for me to kiss you or was it a pressing vision about me getting my organs removed?
You say the most romantic things, Doyle pulled her onto his lap, carefully adjusting her so that she wouldnt feel exactly how much she was affecting him. Pressing vision, he nodded. But theres always time for you to kiss me.
He bent his head; his eyes focused on her parted lips. Licking his own, he moved to press closer to her, capturing the soft, damp pinkness when the bedroom door opened and Cordelia walked in.
Are you guys oh. Ew. Stop it. Not in my house. And not now. Angel wants you both to come to the office. Something big is starting. She slammed the door behind her, not wanting to watch them disentangle themselves from each other.
Something big is starting, Willow whispered, not talking about Angels dire warning at all.
Doyle nodded, an impish grin on his face. That it is.
***
Cordelia rolled her eyes in Angels direction as she led the way into his office. Willow followed her, Doyle close behind. You owe me extra for that trip. Its bad enough when hes being Doyle, but when he thinks hes being charming? She shivered.
Youre just not used to it, Doyle stated. I grow on ya.
Angel cleared his throat. Are you two finished? They both nodded, sitting in chairs opposite his desk. Willow looked from one to the other then sat on the arm of Doyles chair. Cordelia found this outside the office. I think you should have a look at it.
Doyle leaned forward, doing his best to ignore how close she was to him. He took the long, flat, mailing envelope Angel held and opened it. Blood fell from the opening. Willow shivered beside him. Well, they know youre here. They know youre with us.
How? She asked quietly. All the humor that had buoyed her spirits through the thoughts of upcoming doom faded away. How do they know so much?
Theyve been watching you, most likely. Doyle grabbed Angels trashcan and poured the blood into it. He knew the smell was getting to the vampire. And trust me, boss. Its not wasting, here. This is tainted blood, most likely. Generally, the blood sent to announce the debt is laced with poison or some other such thing. Trying to slow down the victims body systems so that she or he is easier to subdue. Its a bit easier to cut into someone when theyre not puttin up a fight.
I dont like these people, Cordelia stated. I think its important that everyone know that.
Good. That will keep you alert tonight at the club. No getting sidetracked by any fancy boy that walks by. Doyle pulled a piece of bloody jewelry from the envelope. I promise theyre not worth your efforts.
What is that? Willow leaned closer, her breath warm on his skin. Is it a necklace?
Yeah. Doyle held it up by its chain; his eyes focused on the gem at the center of the delicate filigree design. Its the summoning stone.
Summoning stone? Cordelia asked before Willow could.
When you owe a blood debt to this particular group, they call you out. Sometimes there are dreams first, but I seem to have gotten those for her. He looked at Willow, smiling affectionately. But then theres the summoning stone, which, if you stare at it long enough, tells you what your debt is. Its surrounded by tainted blood, masking its intention. Theyre pretty powerful stones; they can hold a world of knowledge in them. If they fall into the wrong hands with the wrong information on them, you get in a lot of trouble.
Willow was staring at the gem, noting how there was no blood on it, despite the package it had come in. Tonight. She whispered.
What? Angel looked over at her, surprised shed spoken.
Its tonight. Well, tomorrow morning at 2 AM. Thats when Im to meet with them.
Doyles eyes left the necklace and went to Willow. She looked pale and scared. Does it tell ya what your debt is? She started trembling and Doyle tossed the necklace to Angel, catching her just before she fell. Her whole body shook in his hands and he pulled her close. Its all right, Doll. Its okay. Ive got ya. Tell me what it said.
She shook her head, confused. Her green eyes were scared as they met Doyles blue ones. Nothing. Only that Im going to die.