~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Part: 11~
Cordelia was awakened from the most interesting dream that she'd had in a long while by all fifty-two cards in Dennis's deck raining down over her supine form. "Dennis!" she cried, thoroughly annoyed, "I was sleeping! What is your *problem*?" She watched, irritated, as the door to her bedroom slowly opened of its own accord. "Oh... Willow." she said to the empty air. She rose and went into the living room, throwing on a robe, just in case Spike was still awake, and froze at the sounds that her sleeping friend was making on the couch. (Geez... and I thought *I* had hot dreams!... Must be dreaming of Angel...) She walked over, intending to wake the girl, when she stopped dead in her tracks. (No!... she didn't just say... she *couldn't* have said... *Spike*?...) Cordelia shook her head in dismay. (Oh, god... this is *so* not happening!)
* * * * * * * *
Angel groaned and opened his eyes as he began to regain consciousness, swiftly wishing that he'd stayed out of it for a little while longer. (God... my *head*... what hit me?) he wondered for a moment before remembering. (Oh, yeah... Spike.)
Just at that moment, the object of his vampicidal thoughts walked in from the kitchen. "Hope you don't mind, Peaches," Spike said seeringly, gesturing with the mug in his hand, "helped myself to a bit of a meal."
Angel growled and tried to jump up to throttle the bastard, only then realizing that his wrists and ankles were very securely tied with what looked like pieces of his own shirt. "Spike. What do you want?" he asked menacingly.
"Why, to punish you, you bloody poof... going and hurting Red like that, you... wanker!" Spike looked as angry as Angel had ever seen him... even including the bad old days when they'd cut a bloody swath through all of western europe.
It took him a moment to register exactly what the blond had just accused him of. "*Hurting* her... I never *touched* her!" Angel said, defending his actions.
"Yeah, nancy- boy... that's the bloody problem... you show up, looking all sensitive and broody, and then you tell the girl that not only do *you* not want her, but that nobody else should either! And now you want to sit there and act surprised that she's *hurt*... bloody hell! Just let me find a stake, and I'll do for you right now!" Spike started looking around for anything made of wood. (I swear, if it wouldn't hurt Red even more, I'd do it...) He sighed, looking again at Angel as he put the now empty mug down on the coffee table. (My bloody sire's a bloody idiot,) he thought, as he watched the pain and confusion chase each other around Angel's countenance.
Angel couldn't believe what Spike had just said. (So she *does* want me... but why would she think...) "Spike," he said, sounding bewildered, "I never *said* that I didn't want her... *or* that no one else should..." he hesitated, not sure of exactly how much to tell his childe. (Then again, if I *don't* tell him the whole story, he probably *will* stake me.) "What I said was that I didn't lke all those guys panting after her like she was a bitch in heat. The next thing I knew, she was yelling at me to go away."
Spike turned back, locking eyes with his captive. "And?..." Getting no response, he exhaled sharply. "And what did you do?" he asked dangerously. Angel hung his head sheepishly, unable to meet Spike's eyes as he mumbled something, too low for even Spike's hearing to catch. "What was that, Peaches?" He looked up sheepishly at the blond.
"I said, I went away." His expession qickly became one of anger as Spike burst out laughing, with no sign of stopping any time soon. "What?" he growled at the chortling blond.
"Peaches...," Spike gasped, still unable to control his mirth. "You never learn, do you?" he said, between bouts of laughter. At Angel's questioning look, Spike finally managed to stop justlong enough to enlighten him. "You're in love with the girl." he got out, before his chuckles began anew.
Angel thought about that for a moment before replying. "And I suppose you're going to tell me that you're not," he stated, smiling wickedly as Spike all of a sudden stopped laughing. (Oh, *bloody* hell!)
* * * * * * * *
Cordelia had been sitting at the kitchen table for almost fifteen minutes when she heard the sounds of someone moving around. She looked to the door, seeing her friend standing there. "Willow... are you OK?" she asked quietly, not knowing how to bring up the subject of Spike, or even if she wanted to. (Although, he *is* a major league hottie, except for that whole vampire thing... but, hey, no soul to lose... that can't be bad... well, except for not having a soul *to* lose...)
"Yeah, Cordela, I'm fine..." Willow said hesitantly. "Whatcha doing up?"
"Dream." she told Willow. "Remember I told you about Doyle? Well, it was a dream about him."
"Uhh, Cordelia... I don't think that I really need the details on this..." Willow said, blushing furiously. (Not if it was anything like the dreams *I've* been having, anyway!)
Cordelia looked at her friend for a long moment before understanding set in. "Oh, god, *no*! *Nothing* like that!" she said quickly, blushing just as much as the redhead. "We were just talking! But the thing is, Will, he told me all sorts of things that I didn't know before... and I remember every word..."
Willow looked at her friend. "What are you saying, Cordy? You think that Doyle..."
"Yeah... I think that Doyle came to me... in a dream... to give me information that he thought I needed." She looked at Willow, the pleading visible in her eyes. "It could happen, couldn't it? I mean, if he... if he... loved me... enough..."
Willow couldn't kill the hope in her friend's eyes... she just couldn't. "Sure, Cordy. I mean, I don't see why not..." She could see that Cordelia wasn't convinced, and hastily summoned to mind everything that her friend had ever told her abou the Irishman. "After all, he was half Demon, so. who knows? Maybe that's something his people do... come back after death to guide their loved ones..."
Cordelia thought about that for a moment, and finally smiled sadly. "You think?"
Willow leaned over and put an arm around her friend's shoulders. "I don't see why not," she said stoutly, "but let's find out for sure. What did he say?"
Cordelia smiled broadly as an idea suddenly occurred to her. (Maybe I can find out if that really *was* Doyle *and* help Wllow with the whole Angel thing, all at the same time!) she thought excitedly. "Well, we'd have to go into the tunnels," she said lightly, "under the post office."
Willow just rolled her eyes at her friend's sudden enthusiasm. (Well, at least *one* of us has a guy who loves her... even if he *is* dead... I mean, permanently...) She laughed as an excited Cordlia pulled her up from her chair and began nagging at her to get dressed. (I guess that this can't wait for morning...) she thought, amused, (I'd better leave a note for Spike... where *is* Spike, anyway?) she wondered, until Cordelia's voice reminded her to hurry.
~Part: 12~
Lucinda woke at the sound of Matthias's tiptoeing footsteps. She rolled over in the bed, looking at him. "What are you doing, love?" "Sorry, Luce... I left my shoes in here last night." He looked at her apologetically. "I was trying not to wake you." "Don't lie to me, Matthias," she said sternly. "You know as well as I do that the one thing that's *guaranteed* to wake me up is someone being stealthy... and you're not that good at stealth to begin with." Matthias hung his head. "Well,I keep hoping I'll get better at it." "So, I'm your guinea pig?" Lucinda sounded amused. "If you haven't gotten better at it by *now*, love, I don't think you're ever going to." "Yeah, I guess you're right," he said sadly. "Must be that mixed blood of mine." Lucinda rose from the bed, laughing at how unrepentant Matthias was. "OK, love... I'm awake," she said, still chuckling. "What's the plan for today?" "Well," he said, as she began to get dressed, "I thought that we might... get some breakfast?" Lucinda smiled, fastening the button of her blue leather pants. "You aways *were* a *wildman*!" The two looked at each other for a moment before leaving their rooms, arm in arm, in search of the elusive Egg McMuffin.
* * * * * * * *
Cordelia was in a crappy mood. She had so wanted to head right out to see if Doyle had been real, but what with first needing to dress, and Willow insisting that they leave a note for Spike, it had taken them a good hour to even get out of the apartment. Then, when they were *finally* on their way to the tunnels, she realized that they didn't have all of the components for the beseachment. It had taken almost another whole hour for them to find a magic store that was open at that hour *and* had the supplies they needed, so by the time they had actually reached their destination, it was well after dawn.
Willow wasn't terribly pleased, herself. She wasn't really sure of how happy she was, being stuck down here in this dark tunnel, all so that Cordelia could check out a dream. (Plus,) she thought, (under post office... that's got to be a bad sign right there.) She shivered, visions of homocidal civil servants dancing through her head.
"OK," Cordela said, rounding the last turning to their destination, "we're here." She glanced around quickly, suddenly displaying a huge smile. "Oh, god... it's just like he described it to me... it was really *him*!"
Willow couldn't help but smile at her friend's happiness. "I'm glad, Cordelia... but... what now?"
Cordelia looked at her friend. "Now, you do what's on that paper I gave you, and we see what happens!" she said happily.
(Oh, gods... I have a bad feeling about this...) Willow thought as she put the various spell supplies into the stone bowl rising up from the floor. She lit a match, and applied it to the bowl's contents. "We beseach access to the knowing ones..." she said, proud that her voice was only trembling a little.
Both girls gasped as a bright white doorway appeared, seemingly from nowhere, directly in front of Cordelia.
"Um, Cordelia, I'm not sure..."
"Don't worry, Willow... you're not going in..." Willow sighed in relief, only to find herself shocked by her friend's next words. "But *I am*." With that, Cordelia turned and quickly flung herself into the light.
* * * * * * * *
Spike had been talking to him for what seemed like hours, giving him an unvarnished account of what had been going on in Willow's life since Angel had left Sunnydale a year earlier. (No wonder she's changed,) Angel thought. (First the damned wolf cheats on her, then he *leaves* her, then her girlfriend...) he wasn't really sure about *what* he thought of that, ( then *she* goes and dumps her, too... well, that explains why she thought that *I* was rejecting her... everyone she loves *leaves* her...)
He took a sudden breath at the realization. (Then, wouldn't that mean that she... loves me?... How could she?... After all that I've done?) He wasn't sure of exactly what to say to the blnd vampire.
Spike had been waiting, for what felt to *him* like forever, for Angel to say something, *anything*. "Well?" he finally exploded, losing his patience, "What do you have to say for yourself, you bastard?"
"It certainly explains a lot," Angel said, warily, "But what I don't understand is why you're telling me this... if you love her, and I *know* you do, you should be doing everything in your power to keep her away from me, not be sitting here telling me what I did wrong, *and* how to fix it." He sounded almost as puzzled as he actually was.
"It's for Red, you moron, not for *you*." Spike said, slowly and clearly, the anger showing in his voice. "I want her to be happy, and *she* seems to think that you're the one to make her that way... although why she'd want a great, bloody poof when she could have the Big Bad... well, let's just say that the poor girl is delussional, and leave it at that..." he trailed off, unhappily.
(My god,) Angel thought, thoroughly surprised, (He really *loves* her... never thought I'd live to see the day... oh... I guess I didn't... live, that is... *stop it*, Angel, you're babbling... not as cute on me as it is on my witch... *stop it*!) He looked over at his unhappy childe. "OK, Spike... what now?"
Spike sighed, rubbing a hand over his eyes. "Well, now I guess I untie you, and we figure out how you can make last night up to Red." He looked deeply into his sire's eyes, and said seriously, "If you hurt her again, I *will* stake you, Peaches... believe it!"
"I do, Spike... I do."
~Part: 13~
Cordelia stumbled slightly as she stepped into what was apparently an endless, marble- lined space. Glancing around her, she noticed that the farher she tried to see, the more hazy things appeared. (Huh,) she thought, (well, at least now I know that it *was* Doyle in my dream. Although this seems a little... pointless? I mean, why tell me about this if there's no one here?) She turned around once again, looking for anything, any feature that might help her. Finally, after a few minutes, she called out. "Hello?... oracles?... anybody there?" (Great. Nothing. I have to suffer from there stupid visions, but when *I* need help?... Nothing.) She turned back towards the portal that she had entered by, wondering why she wasn't surprised that it was gone.
She spun at the sound of a voice from behind her, and found herself looking at two very transparent figures. "Oh, there you are!" she said brightly.
"Come before us, lower being." said the male figure.
"Lower being?" Codelia snapped, insensed. "Who are you calling a lower being? If I'm so low, then why'd you give *me* the stupid visions? 'Cause, believe me, I'll be *happy* to give them back!" She looked more closely at the two standing before her. "Oh, and by the way? Body paint went *out* in the 80's... it is so *not* the look of today."
The female oracle smiled slightly at Cordelia's response. "Seer..." Cordelia nodded almost imperceptiby. "That's *better*."
"Seer," the oracle said again, "What have you brought me?" Cordelia sighed. (Damn that Doyle... always forgetting something!) She reached up, and slowly removed the gold hoops from her ears, watching interestedly as they flew across the room to the other woman's hand.
The female held one earring up in front of her eyes. "A circle... no beginning, no ending... a perpetual cycle... Yes," she said, looking at Cordelia, "I like it."
"Why have you come here, lowe... Seer?" asked the male.
"It's about Angel," Cordelia replied.
"Ah, yes... the Warrior... what is your concern?"
"I think he's in love... and the last time he was in love, he lost his soul, and I sure don't want *that* to happen again, but... he's been fighting the good fight for a while now, and I really think that he deserves to be happy... so I wanted to know if there's anything you can do?... some kind of spell, maybe..." she trailed off, not knowing what else to say. She watched, confused, as the oracles pulled away a bit and held a hurried conversation of their own.
After a moment, the two turned back to the waiting girl. "The redhead," said the female. "She poses no danger to the Warrior's soul. He may love her, in all ways, with no repurcussions."
"You mean," Cordelia began, only to be cut off by the male.
"Enough!" he said. "You have our answer. Now go!" He gestured wildly at her, and she suddenly felt herself flying through the air. He turned to his sister. "And so the debt is repaid?" he asked hopefully.
"No, brother, we are still owing," the female sighed, "but our cousin will be happy to have him again... she has missed him all these years."
"And what of his memory?"
"The demon controls that, brother... perhaps they shall make some new ones.." The two smiled at each other as they faded out completely.
Willow looked up just in time to see her friend thrown from the portal and impact with the tunnel wall across from it.
She rushed over to her friend. "What happened?... It didn't work, did it?"
Cordelia groaned, accepting Willow's help getting up. "Yes, it worked... I spoke with the oracles, and let me tell you, *not* something I want to experience again any time soon... the girl's not bad, but the *guy*... Hmmph... *typical* male..." She cut herself off at the look that her friend was giving her. "*What*?"
"Cordy, I don't know how to tell you this, but... you weren't even gone for five seconds..."
"What?... I swear to you, Willow, I was in there for a good ten minutes, at *least*."
Willow thought about that for a minute before responding. "Well, it *was* a portal... so maybe time runs differently in their dimension..."
"That's got to be it!" Cordelia said, relieved that her friend believed her.
"So, what did they say?" Willow asked, sounding concerned.
"Will, you are *so* not gonna believe *this*!" Cordelia said excitedly as the two girls headed for home.
* * * * * * * *
"Spike... are you *sure* that this is going to work? I mean, it's just not *me*." Angel said plaintively.
Spike rolled his eyes behind his sire's back and said, "Of *course* it's not you, Peaches... that's *why* it's gonna work. Two hundred and forty, plus, years, and you don't know how to apologize to someone you love for making them miserable?... You're *hopeless*!"
"It's just... flowers... and candy... somehow it just seems so contrived... not to mention trite." Angel muttered to the blond standing beside him.
"Oh, lighten up, you great poof... she's a girl, she'll love it... they all love it... well, except for Dru, of course... but she *did* always like the delivery boys..." he rambled. "Yeah, so that means that Dru liked it too. After all, if I hadn't sent her those gifts, she wouldn't have had those juicy, tasty treats... so yeah, they *all* like it." he concluded happily.
(I wonder if he realizes that he just mentioned Dru... twice... without getting all depressed?) Angel thought. (If I didn't already *know* that he was in love with Willow, *that* would have clued me right there.) "OK," he said, "so we've got flowers going every hour on the hour, and candy on the half hour... so what next?"
"We wait." Spike said. "And tomorrow, you ring her up and ask her to forgive you. Then you take her out.. somewhere *nice*, and you make her feel like she's the only bloody woman, in the entire bloody world, that could ever matter to you."
"Spike?" Angel said quietly, "Are you sure that you're OK with this?"
Spike turned away, saying sadly, "You're the one she wants, mate... not me... I just want her to be happy." He grabbed his duster from the backof the couch and walked out of the entrance to the tunnels, leaving Angel to pretend that he hadn't heard the tears in his favorite childe's voice.
(Ah, Spike,... and how do I apologize to you?) he thought.
* * * * * * * *
< meanwhile, back in Sunnydale>
"But, Giles! I made a date for her with a guy I met at the grocery store. I told him all about how hurt and desperate she is! He's *really* anxious to meet her!" the slayer whined.
(Oh, *lord*!) Giles thought, (I should have kept Faith... at least *she* had some common sense... did I *really* just think that?) He looked over at the blonde girl as the content of what she'd just said registered on his horrified mind. "Wait. Did I just hear you say that you met a complete stranger at the grocer's, told him *all* of the details of Willow's life, and then arranged a... a... a veritable shag- fest between your *best friend* and that same complete stranger?... Buffy," he said, letting his disappointment color his voice, "What ever were you thinking?"
"Don't use that tone with me, Giles, I just want her to be happy... as happy as I am with Riley." She smiled over at her boyfriend.
(Oh, yes, by all means, *try* to find another farm- raised imbecile... god knows that *one* couldn't *possibly* be enough.) "Buffy," Giles said slowly, trying to think of the simplest possible way to explain things to his dim- witted charge, "did you ever stop to think that maybe Willow doesn't *want* your help? Maybe she'd prefer to find her *own* dates, based upon her *own* criteria?"
"Oh, yeah, sure, Giles, because she's done so well at it up until now... I mean, *really*... a werwolf, and a lezzie witch... yeah, *great* choices... not at *all* Hellmouthy." Buffy smiled, knowing that she'd brought her watcher around to *her* way of thinking. "So, if you see her..."
(I'll be sure to tell her that you're offering her favors up to every stranger you meet on the street, you moron.) Giles looked at his slayer as she waited for his answer. "What?... oh, yes, I'll tell her that you're looking for her..."
"Great! Bye Giles!" she said over her shoulder as she left his home on Riley's arm.
(Thank the lord that Willow has more sense than to listen to that brainless little... *teenager*.) He sighed, (I *really* should have kept Faith.)
~Part: 14~
Spke had been roaming the tunnels for hours, trying to reconcile himself to giving up his never stated claim on the red haired witch. (It's no use,) he thought, (Even if I were to fight him for her, *he's* the one she wants... not me... Damn it! Why do the girls always go for that whole tormented 'I'm broody, I have a soul' number... ) Spike frowned. (I could be broody... OK, not likely to be getting a soul any time soon, but still... broody, I could do...) He kicked violently at a brick lying in the passageway, smiling widely as it shattered aganst the wall. (That's what I'd like to do to *him*... break him into a thousand pieces for even daring to *think* about my Red... oh, bloody hell, I never told Red where I was going... she must be worried sick...) Spike laughed humorlessly, (Yeah, she probably couldn't care less... you call the poof a bloody wanker... at least *he's* obsessed with someone who *wants* him...) He continued muttering to himself as he began to make his way back to the former cheerleader's apartment to see how 'Operation: Forgive Me' was working out. (Yeah, and if she only knew that it was all *my* idea... ) He shook his head ruefully. (She'd *still* want the bloody poof.)
* * * * * * * *
Willow sighed as she shut the apartment door, holding yet another large white box.
"What? Again?" Cordelia said, amused. "What is it this time?"
Willow exhaled sharply. "More flowers." she said flatly. "What in the hell is he trying to do, Cordy? He's making me crazy..."
Cordelia looked slyly at her friend. ell,*I'd* say that he's trying to apologize... and he's doing a damn fine job of it, too." (Didn't know he had it in him.) She frowned suddenly, looking at Willow. "Haven't you ever had a guy apologize to you before?"
"Well, yeah, but not like this... Oz would usually just pick me a daisy or something..."
"Hmmph.. *Oz*... well, no *wonder* this is making you crazy... you don't know what to expect..." Cordelia said, suddenly understanding why her friend wasn't ecstatic about all the deliveries in the last few hours.
"Expect?..." Willow said, the uncertainty clearin her voice. "What am I supposed to expect?"
Cordelia sighed, pitying her friend. "Look, Will, this is just Angel's way of saying that he knows he screwed up, and he wants to make it all better... I'll be really surprisedif he doesn't call you here, or even show up in person..."
"Umm... Cord... why would he do that?... I mean, I'm just Willow... it's not like he cares about me or anything... he couldn't get *away* from me fast enough at that bar..."
(How could she not *know*, it was *so* obvious!) Cordelia thought. "Will... I know that you don't want to believe this, but... Angel wants you... I'd be surprised if he didn't *love* you." Cordelia cut off her friend's attempted protest. "No. You didn't see his eyes.. when you said that you didn't want to see him... he looked like somebody had just killed his puppy..." She sighed again. "No, Will, I'm pretty sure that he loves you, even the oracles knew *that*... the question is... how do we make him admit it."
"We?' Willow asked, starting to feel a little less unbalanced. (If *anyone* can help me here, it's got to be Cordelia... she *is* the slayer... when it comes to dating anyway.) She took a deep, steadying breath, and replied, "OK, what do we do?"
Cordelia smiled, glad to see her friend exuding at least a *little* bit of confidence. "Well, first,.. I go see Angel." (And,*boy*, do I have some news for *him*!)
* * * * * * * *
< 2 hours later >
Angel sat on the couch in his apartment, trying to wrap his mind around what Cordelia had just told him. (My god, could it be true?... I can love her, without endangering my soul?... but, how?) "and you're sure that these... oracles... speak for the Powers? I mean, you're *positive*." He made it a statement.
Cordelia rolled her eyes at her boss. "Yes, Angel... a thousand times, *yes*! They're on the side of the good... Doyle would have never sent me to them if they weren't... or do you think *he's* evil now, too?," she said exasperatedly. "They're the *oracles*, they speak for the PTBs. And they said that you can love Willow, in every way possible, without any danger... no going Grrr!"
"Yeah, Cordy, I heard you." he said tiredly.
"So what's your problem? You love her, she loves you, get with the togetherness, already!" she demanded.
(She makes it seem so simple...) Angel thought. (Maybe, for once, it is...) "You're right, Cordelia... you're right. I've spent so long knowing that I could never have her, that now that I can, I don't... know how," he admitted reluctantly.
"Well, *duh*, brood boy. *Call* her!"
Angel smiled at Cordelia's comment. (Well, she's right... again.) "All right, Cordelia, I'll call her."
Cordelia settled back in her chair, a satisfied smile paying at the corners of her mouth. (I finally got through o him... it only *took* an hour, but... I finally got through.) She looked at her boss. (Willow's gonnabe sooo happy!)
Angel watched his assistant watching him, knwing that she was pleased. "Um, Cordelia?" he said curiously, "Are you planning on listening? Beacause think that this is a call I'd like to make in private?"
"Oh sorry, Angel," she said, blushing. "I guess I'll just be leaving now..." She rushed over to him, surprising him wih a quick peck on the cheek and a muttered "Good luck," before flying out the door in much the same fashion as she had entered it.
Angel smiled. (Got to get her to switch to de-caf,) he thought, as he reached for the phone.
* * * * * * * *
"How much longer, Luce?" Matthias asked warily, hoping against hope that he'd get an answer that he'd like.
Lucinda sighed, turning away from the mirror to meet his eyes. "Three weeks, love... give or take a few days." She was saddened by the look of disappintment in his lovely brown eyes. "What's wrong, love?... I thought you liked it here."
Matthias crossed the room, dropping to his knees and putting his head in her lap. He sighed contentedly at the feel of her fingers stroking his hair. "I do, Luce, I'm just afraid of what it's dong to you... what it's *going* to do to you." He lifted his head, looking into her eyes from mere inches away. "I just dn't want to see you get hurt, not any more than you already are," he said softly. "You love him... and he's not yours... "
"Hush, love... I *loved* him. He's not who he used to be. And I *do* know it... it's been written on his face... in his actions... ever since the other night... when I found him again." She smiled, and began running her hand through his hair once again, feeling gently grateful when he relaxed against her once more. "But I have to see it through, Matthias... see him happy with the witch... if only for a little while. I have to see... that life goes on... *his* life... and by seeing *that*, well, maybe then mine can, too."
He tilted his eyes up to catch hers in a searching gaze. "Do you mean it, Luce? You'd really give up on him?," he asked, astonished.
Lucinda laughed softly. "Oh, no, love... never that... but I think that I can let it go for a while... I'm *sure* that I can... I think that if I can see him happy, then maybe I won't feel guilty for finding some happiness of my own."
Metthias dropped his gaze, smiling against her leather clad leg. "That would be *wonderful*, Luce... just... *wonderful*." He sighed happily as her fingers continued to play in his hair.
~Part: 15~
Cordelia was smiing as he opened the door to her apartment. (Well, *that* went well!,) she thought, quite satisfied with herself. (With any luck, Angel's already called, and Willow's going *out* tonight! Maybe I can help her pick an outfit...) "Willow! I'm home," she called out, closing the door behind her. She listened for a moment, hearing no response. (If that damned vampire screwed up *again*, I'm gonna *have* to kill him.) She was reaching for the phone when she heard laughter coming from (My bedroom?... oh, god... Spike!) She moved quickly down the hall, throwing the bedroom door open. "Spike!" she said hotly, "What are you doing in here?"
The blond vampire looked up at her from his spot on the bed, surprised. "I'mhelping Red pick out clothes... she's got a hot date wth the poof."
"Spike!" Willow's stern voice came from the closet, "I thought I asked you not to call him that!"
"Yeah," Spike mumbled, completely forgetting the cheerleader's presense, "Well, I'm not gonna start calling him 'the lucky bastard'... at least not out loud."
"What was that, Spike?" Willow said.
"Nothing, pet... nothing..."
Cordelia cold feel her eyes going round at Spike's muttered comment. (Spike?... Spike wants Willow too?... oh, this is *so* much more complicated than I thought.) She sighed softly, (then again, they *are* both gorgeous... well, hey... *go-o-o* Willow!) "So did you pick an outfit yet, Will?" She looked up as the redhead emerged from the closet wearing a dark, sapphire blue, velvet dress. Cordelia siled as she realized just how much the deep v- neck would appeal to Angel. (It certainly shows off her neck to advantage...) she looed her friend up and down. (And her legs,) she thought, noticing that the skirt flared slightly from the waist, before ending just about three inches above her friend's knees. "Wow, Will, this must be *some* date you're going on! You look great!... So where's he taking you?"
Willow smiled excitedly at her friend. "I don't know, Cor... he wouldn't say. He just said 'somewhere *nice*," she imitated Angel's deep voice.
"Spike," said Cordelia, looking over at the blond, "You haven't said anything... don't you think Willow looks nice?"
Spike was hauled back from the visions dancing in his head, visions of Willow, in *and* out of that dress, doing all sorts of delightful things with and *to* him. He glared at the cheerleader. "Yeah," he said shortly, "she looks nice... Much too nice for Peaches." He shifted his gaze to Willow. "What d'you say, pet? Cancel with the poo... wanker, and *I'll* show you a *really* good time." He raised an eyebrow suggestively.
Willow laughed nervously. (Oh, come on, Willow... he doesn't mean it... he's just being *Spike*,) she thought. "Oh, yeah, because I really *want* to drink beer, smoke cigarettes, and shoot *pool* all night! Thanks so much for the offer, Spike, but... no." She looked over at Cordelia as they started giggling.
"Yeah, well, enjoy your night at the opera, or whatever the hell kind of *fun* evening the bloody *poof*'s got planned for you," he said, storming out of the room. "I'll be in the kitchen."
The two girls watched him leave, laughing even harder.
* * * * * * * *
Lucinda hung up the phone with a smile on her face, and began puttering around the room, humming to herself, completely unaware of what a charming picture she presented.
Matthias watched from his position, lounging in the doorway. "So what's got you all bright and cheery, Luce?" he asked, sounding amused. (I so very rarely see her lke this... something must have happened.)
She stopped humming, glancing at him with the smile on her face matching the one in her eyes. "He's coming tonight, love. He's binging the witch... Willow... and he's coming *here*." She was almost glowing with pleasure.
"And you're sure that you can handle it? Seeing him with someone else?... Loving someone else?"
Lucinda let out a peal of laughter, running lightly across the room, and throwing her arms around him. "Of course, I can handle it," she said more calmly. "This is *their* time... I'll be fine, as long as *he's* happy, and I think that he will be."
"With her... not you..." he sounded puzzled.
Lucinda saw the look in his eyes and sighed. Drawing him over to the bed, she gently pushed him down onto it, and sat beside him. "Really, love, it'll be OK... I *told* you... I just need to know that he's happy..."
Matthias looked at her, doubt in his eyes. "Yeah, Luce... I know what you *told* me, but..."
"Hush, love, it'll all work out for the best..."
He felt her arms go around him and leaned deeply into her embrace. He sighed. (I just wish that I could believe you...,) he thought, as he closed his eyes and breathed in the smell of her hair.
* * * * * * * *
(Damn!) Angel thought, changing his shirt for the ninth time. (Why is it that when I really *need* a reflection, I don't have one... how am I supposed t know which one of these looks the best?) He glared at the messy pile of shirts on the bed. (Oh, hell, just pick* one... if she really wants you, she won't care *what* you're wearing!... but I want to look good for her...) Angel started pacing, his mind whirling. (I can't believe she said 'yes'... what if she doesn't have a good time?... she might *hate* the restaurant... what if she decides that she hates *me*?... or that she'd rather be with Spike?) The dark haired vampire growled at the thought of his witch and his childe together. (No. Cordela said that she loves me,) he thought, relaxing a little. (And if that's true, then she'll have a good time, just by virtue of being with me...) He grinned wickedly. (Besides, if she's *not* having fun, I can always offer to show her my new apartment...) His grin broadened as he looked around him. (Definitely better than the *old* one... OK... Now which damned shirt do I wear?) He groaned, looking at the clock. (Six more hours... and then, she's mine...) He groaned again, (If I weren't already dead, the suspense would be killing me!)
~Part: 16~
Cordelia smiled as she heard the knock on the door. "Willow," she called out, "I think your *date's* here!" She opened the door, grinning hugely at the sight of a sheepish Angel waiting on the other side. "Willow!," she called again, in a teasing voice, "Didn't you hear me? I said *Angel*'s here!"
"OK, Cordelia," came the girl's voice from down the hall. "I'm *coming*, already!" she said as she stepped into the living room. (Oh, gods,) she thought, looking at the beautiful man standing there, (he looks good enough to eat... Bad Willow... Bad!!!,) she continued to herself. (Oh, no... he doesn't like my dress... he hasn't said a word... he's probably changed his mind about this whole thing... I mean, he is *so* out of my league...,) she thought, her eyes reflecting her disappointment at the very thought.
Angel stood there, stunned, gazing in rapt attention at this lovely vision before him. (My god... where dd she get that dress?... she looks *amazing*!... not that she doesn't *always* look amazing, but...) His face fell as he recognized the look in her eyes. (She doesn't want to do this... *damn* Cordelia!... and Spike... what was I thinking, listening to *those* two?) he thought, a touch of anger beginning to shade his despair. He looked down at his dark red shirt. (I *knew* that I should have worn the black!)
Spike knew exactly what was going on in his sire's mind. (Good,) he thought, watching from the kitchen doorway as the tension spread, (Maybe the bloody nancy- boy'll give up, and then *I* can take Red out... after all, I may want her to be happy, but if he leaves, I'm not gonna let him have another chance at it.) He smirked happily, waiting or the fireworks.
Cordelia knew exactly what was going on, too. (Oh, no, I am *not* going to allow all of my hard work to be in vain!) "Angel," she said forcefully, "Willow's almost ready to go, she just needs to put on a little lipstick, and then you two are out the door."
"No," he said, gazing rapturously at the redhead, "She doesn't *need* any lipstick." "Willow," he said, sounding dazed, "You're perfect... I never expected... that's a beautiful dress." He could hear the huskiness of his own voice as he addressd her. (Oh, god... please don't let that have scared her.) he thought pleadingly, only to feel imensely relieved as he saw her smile.
"OK, kids," Cordelia broke in to the moment, earning herself a slight growl from Angel, and a slightly louder one from Spike, "Go... have fun... and, Angel?... *try* to have her back by one."
"Yes, Mom," Willow said teasingly. "'Night, Cordy... Spike." she said, taking the arm that Angel offered her, letting him lead her out into the warm, sultry night.
Cordela closed the door behind them and turned to look at Spike, still standing in the kitchen doorway. "So... does she know?"
"Does she know *what*?" he replied carefully.
"That you're in love with her, too," she said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"How did you.." he said wonderingly.
"Oh, please. Spike, I'd know that look anywhere. I'm curious, though..."
Spike sighed, wondering what she could possibly be curious about, since she'd obvously read him like a book. "What?"
"Well, if you love her too, then why did you help *him* get her?... The flowers, the candy, that was *your* idea, wasn't it?"
"Yeah," he replied, all the while wondering how it was that he'd always thought of Cordelia as the stupid one. (If I wasn't in love with Red,) he thought speculatively, looking closely at the pretty brunette, (but I am, more's the pity.)
Cordelia followed him into the kitchen, making a fresh pot of coffee for what she just *knew* was going to be a loonnng conversation.
* * * * * * * *
"Giles..." He winced, feeling the grating voice assault his ears.
"What *is* it, Buffy?" he said, hoping that he didn't sound as irritated as he actually was. The slayer had been hounding him for two days now, and he was getting very close to losing his temper and telling her exactly what he thought of her. (And the idiot farm- boy, too!)
"Giles," Buffy whined again, "where could she be? I haven't seen her for almost three days... she missed her date with Ben... she just stood him *up*."
(Does she *know* how self- centered she is?) the watcher wondered. (Wait...) "Ben?... who's Ben?"
"Giles, don't you listen to me?" she said petulantly.
(Not if I can bloody well help it...) "I'm sorry, Buffy," he said aloud, "I've just got a lot on my mind... who is Ben?"
"A lot on your mind?... I'm the slayer, you shouldn't be thinking about anything else..."
Giles tuned her out for a moment, counting slowly to ten. (Silly chit... someone ought to box her ears... *oh*, I *do* miss Faith... she'd put the brat in her place...) "Yes, Buffy, you're absolutely right, but as I really *don't* recall, will you kindly tell me-- *who* is *Ben*?"
Buffy sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes at the watcher. "The *guy,*" she said plaintively, "the guy I found for Willow... you know... at the grocery store... you know, the one she stood *up* last night!"
Giles was completely astonished. "Well, really, Buffy, I dont think it counts as 'standing him up', not if she never knew about it." he said, trying to placate the increasingly annoying girl. (Good lord! She's like a spoiled child!... No, she *is* a spoiled child.)
"That's exactly my *point*, Giles... she should have known... she should have been here. And where is she, anyway? It's not like she has a life... or any friends... other than me, I mean... she should be here, just in case I need her... how can she be so selfish?..."
Giles tuned her out again as she continued to rant about how selfish and self- absorbed the redheaded witch truly was. (Oh, please, Lord... just make her *shut up*!)
* * * * * * * *
It was only two hours until showtime, and while Lucinda wasn't nervous, she *did* want to be sure that everything had been arranged to her satisfaction. She heard Matthias enter the dressing room and met his eyes in the mirror in front of her. "Well?"
He nodded slightly. "It's all arranged, Luce... the table, the champagne, everything."
"And you spoke with Waiter Bob? He understands his role in all of this?"
Matthias nodded once more. "He doesn't know just what you're playing at, but he knows what he is to do."
"Good. You're sure?... Because he didn't do too well the last time."
"Well, the *last* time, your boy left in a great big hurry," Matthias said with a slght smile.
"That was the witch's... Willow's fault... it won't happen again." She smiled back at him, pleased that things seemed to be finally working out.
Matthias slowly walked to her, watching her eyes in the mirror. He took the brush from her hand, and slowly began running it through her hair. "You like her, don't you?" he asked, knowing she'd tell him the truth.
She thought about it for a moment, closing her eyes at the sensations his brushing were causing. "Yes, love... I do. I think that she'll be good for him. Besides, she *is* one of ours... how could I begrudge her his love?"
Matthias smiled as he continued brushing the long red hair. (Maybe it *will* be OK,) he acknowledged to himself, (Maybe it will...)
~Part: 17~
Willow smiled at the tall, handsome man holding her hand. (Gods, I never knew that touching dead flesh could feel so *good*!) She grimaced as she realized just how that had sounded. (OK, not something to repeat, Will. Especially not out loud!) She giggled suddenly, (Most especially not to the owner of said flesh...)
"And what's so funny?" Angel asked, loving the feel of her hand in his. (She's got the softest little hands,) he thought, fighting the urge to bring one of them to his mouth. (I could hold her hand forever... yeah, Angel, sure... it's not her *hand* that you're thinking about... or at least... *stop it*!) He would have blushed, if he could have, at the pictures his mind was creating. (Her hands... her lips... No!... *stop it*!) He looked back on the small redhead, realizing that he had completely missed what she had just said. "I.. I'm sorry... what?"
"Angel, are you OK? You're not bored, are you? 'Cause I know I'm not the most fascinating conversationalist, and you, well, you've probably heard it all, and I'm just not at my best, 'cause I'm with you, and you're touching me, and so I'm feeling kind of nervous, and I really just wish you would kiss me and get it over with, I mean, oh, gods, I'm rambling, and did I really just ask you to kiss me? Because I didn't mean it, well, OK, I meant it, but I didn't want to..." Willow's words were cut off as Angel decided that it was really in both of their best interests to accede to her request. (Oh...) she thought, as she felt, for the first time, his soft, cool lips pressed gently against the warmth of her mouth. (Ohhh.... If I died right now, at least I'd die happy...)
Angel couldn' believe what he was feeling, and all from just kissing this slip of a girl. (God... she feels so good... I wonder...) He pulled her closer, needing to feel her body pressed firmly against him, as he gently began to deepen their kiss, lightly outlining her lips with the tip of his tongue. His eyes flew open in surprise when he felt her tongue slip out to meet his, and closed again as he gave into the sensations coursing through his body. (I'm dead,) he thought wonderingly. (How can she make me feel so alive?)
Willow had been stunned for just a moment when she had first felt his cool tongue caressing her hot mouth. The shock had lasted for almost an entire second. (Oh, my... yes... I *want* this,) she thought, as she met his advances with her own. She lost herself in the undeniable pleasure of his leisurely explorative kisses, only remembering that they were on a public street when she heard the sounds of a chattering group of high school kids approaching. She pulled herself away, breathing erratically. "Angel?" He looked at her, eyes still completely passion glazed. "Angel?" she said again, breathless at seeing that look on his face... for *her*.
"I... I'm sorry, Willow," he said, not quite meeting her eyes. "I didn't mean to take advantage... I moved too fast... I can't expect you to..."
Willow had had enough. She saw him shutting himself off, becoming more remote. "Oh, no, you don't, mister," she said sternly, stretching up to him, and capturing his lips in a kiss of her own.
After a few minutes of showing him that he *hadn't* been takng advantage, she slowly pulled back. "Don't do that again," she said quietly.
"Do what?... Kiss you?" he said, sounding bemused.
"No, Angel. Don't try to close me out like that... it scares me... makes me feel like you're hiding something... and I've had enough of secrets, OK?"
(I would promise her anything, just to keep that look out of her eyes...) "OK, Willow... no hiding... no secrets," he aid, letting her hear the sincerity in his voice.
"OK, then." She looked at him curiously. "What now?"
He pulled her into his arms and laughed. "Now, we enjoy the rest of our date!"
"Dinner wasn't it?" she asked, returning his gentle embrace. (I could just stay in his arms for *hours*,) she thought contentedly, somewhat disappointed when he stepped back from her, taking her hand again.
"Oh, no, my dear Willow... dinner was just the beginning," he said, as he lead her down the street towards a softly glowing sign that read 'The C-note Lounge'.
* * * * * * * *
Buffy was totally pissed. (God! I am, like, so totally pissed!) She had looked everywhere for the red haired hacker, and hadn't turned up even one bit of information on her whereabouts. (How come I can find just about every creepy, slimey, night-... night-... night- living!) she thought triumphantly, (thing in Sunnydale, but I can't find one selfish, full of herself little witch? Its not fair! I'm the *slayer*... I should be able to find anyone!) She mumbled gracelessly to herself as she tried to finish that night's patrol. "Even Gies won't help me. I mean, you'd think he could at least *try*, I *am* the chosen one after all... what could ever be more important than keeping me happy? It's not like anybody even cares about her, she's just the net- girl, research- girl. No, something must have happened to her... Yeah! That's it... why ele wouldn't she have called me? Yup, she must be dead!" She was so happy to have figured out the mystery of the missing Willow, that she never even noticed the black- clad figure creeping up behind her. When she finally did notice the slight whisper of a shoe on the grass behind her, it was already too late; even *her* reflexes couldn't help her, although she did try. She spun around, stake in hand, only to be greeted by the flat of a shovel slamming viciously into he forehead. "Uhhh..." she moaned, as she fell to the grass, unconscious.
Her black- clad assailant looked down at the slowly breathing blonde before reaching up and pulling off his ski- mask. "Thank goodness," Giles sighed, "I thought she was *never* going to shut up!" He walked quickly to his car, on the street by the park. Throwing the shovel into the back seat with all of his other belongings, he drove off into the night, with a shouted "Farewel, Sunnyhell!" as he passed the town limits.
~Part: 18~
Matthias was standing behind her, kneading her shoulders with his strong but gentle hands, trying to loosen her up for the show, when they both heard the gentle tapping at the dressing room door. He pulled his hands back, chuckling at the disapponted moan coming from the woman in front of him. "I'll get it, Luce," he said, crossing over to the door.
"Well, you'd have to," Lucinda said, sounding amused, "I haven't done my face yet."
She heard the low tones of an almost whispered conversation, then the sound of the door closing once more. She felt Matthias' wonderful hands resume their motions on her shoulders. "Mmmm..." she moaned, then, "So what was that about, love?," she asked, meeting his eyes in the mirror.
"Waiter Bob... he says that they're here." Matthias said quietly.
"And?" Lucinda said, "Did he do as I asked?"
"Yes, Luce... he's shown them to their table, and he's bringing them the champagne right about..." his eyes lost their focus as he stared off into space for a moment, "Now."
Lucinda sighed. "You always make that look so easy," she said, sounding slightly envious.
He laughed softly. "Oh, but you can do so much more than I can..."
"Perhaps, but what skills you *do* have, you've mastered... and they're so much stronger than us pure-bloods..."
"Yeah," he said sourly, "The best of both worlds... right." He made a determined effort to shake off his suddenly foul mood, surprising himself by succeeding. He glanced at the clock, saying, "Luce... it's almost time."
"I know love... Hey, did you talk to the guys?" She was glad to see that he hadn't let their talk of powers get him down. (He is so much more than even he knows... I'll have to tell him one day...) She felt, more than heard, his laugh. "Oh, wait," she said, determined to keep the mood light, "let me guess... Archer and Van Wey just olled their eyes, Rikk stared off into space, and Mykl... I'm betting that Mykl put on that cheesy announcer's voice that he loves *so* much, and said something to the effect of 'Love songs... nothing but love songs...'" She felt his hands shaking with suppressed mirth. "So, how did I do?... Was I right?"
Matthias couldn't restrain himself any longer, and burst into great gales of laughter. He was laughing *so* hard, that he actually thought that his knees would give out. "Oh, Luce... you know them so well..."
Lucinda smiled to see him so happy. (He should always be like this,) she thought wistfully, (not worried about his blood- lines... ah, well...) "And?... Are they going to do as I asked?"
Matthias looked at her, wiping the tears from his eyes. "Of course they're going to do it... when's the last time that h any of them told you 'No'?"
She thought about it for a moment. "Eighty years ago... and it wasn't pleasant... for either of us."
"Exactly my point," he stated flatly. "Um, Luce?... You now have precisely two and a half minutes to do your face."
"OK, OK," she said, sounding amused, "I'm doing it right now."
Matthias watched raptly as she closed her eyes and concentrated for a few seconds. He gazed at her in awe as her wached her delicate features slightly coarsen, bit by bit, until he was looking at the still lovely, but definitely human, face of Lucinda Darke. (Damn,) he thought, as he followed her out of the dressing room, and onto the stage, (I wish *I* could do that!)
* * * * * * * * * *
Rocko knew that it was dangerous to go out hunting alone in Sunnydale, what with that damned slayer making life... or un- life... so difficult. But he had to eat sometime.. Let those other fools hide theselves away in the dark, waiting for whatever happened to stumble across their paths. They only ever got the dregs, the used up hopeless ones who were barely even food. They couldn't evenwork up a decent amount of fear, and that was just no fun. And besides, without the fear, the blood didn't even taste right. No, Rocko was out to get something fresh... something young... maybe even a cheerleader, if he could find one. And as for the slayer, well... he'd deal with that if he had to. After all, she couldn't be everywhere at once...
He was crossing the small park near one of Sunnydale'sbetter kept graveyards when he heard it. He wasn't sure at first whether it was actully what he thought it was. (A heartbeat? One? Oh, this is too good to be true.) He glanced aroundthe small grassy area, his eyes finally resting upon the source of the sound. He crept closer, keeping to the shadows, until he as crouched down beside the crumpled form. Slowly reaching out his hand, he rolled the body towards him, wanting to see the face of his next meal. His eyes widened and his mind went blank as he saw just who it was that he'd stumbled across. (The Slayer!...) he thought, as the girl's eyes snapped open.
"Owww!" she said, sitting up and rubbing at her head, "What hit me?" She looked over into the brown eyes that had been but inches away when she woke. "What happened? Are you here to help me? Are you my boyfriend?," she asked, sounding confused.
(Oh, this is too *good*! Maybe I *won't* kill her.) "Of course I'm here to help you, Sunshine! Why else would I be roaming around at *this* time of night?," he said, trying to keep his glee at her condition from coloring his voice.
"Sunshine?... Is that my name?... I don't remember it... I don't remember *anything*... What happened to me?"
"Well, we had a little fight,and you ran off. I've been looking for you for *hours*; I'm so glad that I finally found you!" he said, knowing that she couldn't see the evil smile on his lips out there in the dark.
The blond girl smiled up at her savior. "So, you *are* my boyfriend!" she said happily.
(Damn... how could she be this stupid, and still be alive?) "No, Sunshine... you don't *have* a boyfriend," he said, smiling even more broadly as she began to pout.
"Well, why not?" she damanded, and then, in a smaller voice, asked "Aren't I pretty?" (I was so *sure* that I was...)
Rocko couldn't help it, he almost felt sorry for the dim- witted blonde. "No, Sunshine, you're *very* pretty... it's just that... well," he paused as a truly wicked idea occurred to him. (Oh, this is just gonna be *too* much fun!) "My friends and I all met you at the same time, see, and we all wanted you. But you wouldn't let us fight over you... you said that you liked us all... so you see, Sunshine, you don't have *a* boyfriend, you have all of us."
"I don't remember," Sunshine pouted. "Why don't I remember,... what's your name again?"
"It's Rocko, baby... I think that you must have slipped and hit your head... maybe that's why you don't remember me... or the guys... you know, they're gonna be really upset that you've completely forgotten that first night, the way we all took turns at you...," he tried his best to sound regretful, afraid that anything else might tip his hand.
Sunshine reached up and laid the palm of her small, warm hand against the curve of his cool cheek. "Maybe they'll be willing to remind me?" she said, hopefully.
Rocko stood, pulling the small blonde girl up with him. "I'm sure they will, baby, I'm sure they will," he said, laughing wildly on the inside. "Come on, let's go home!"
Sunshine smiled up at him, placing her hand in his as he lead her down the street. She was so *glad* that he'd found her, and she couldn't *wait* to see her other 'friends'. (I hope they're not too mad at me,) she thought, looking forward to their reunion.
~Part: 19~
Willow was having a wonderful time. She and Angel had only been in the club for a few minutes when one of the employees had appeared at Angel's side and led them to a table right by the stage. The waiter, for that's who he turned out to be, had removed a small 'Reserved' sign from the table's surface before nodding to them to have a seat. He had walked away, only to return, moments later, with a just opened bottle of champagne and two glasses. (Wow,) Willow thought, (Angel's really going all out! I guess I shouldn't be surprised, though, what with all the flowers and candy...) She looked over at the dark vampire. (Gods, he's good looking...) she thought, her breath catching in her throat as their eyes met. (Eeep! Hes got that *hungry* look again... I hope he remembered to eat...) She smiled as she recognized the look in his eyes for what it actually was. (Oh... that's not a hungry for *blood* look...)
Angel couldn't believe that things were going so well. Willow had loved the restaurant he'd picked out. She hadn't minded the wait for a table there, using the time as an excuse to snuggle up against him as they waited. He'd seen the pleasure on her face as they drove through the night with the top down on his car. (Any other woman would have been worried about her hair, but not my Willow,) he thought, thoroughly satisfied with the evening thus far. (And that *kiss*... I never really thought that she'd kiss me like that... like she needed me... the way she needs air...) he groaned softly, the memory alone causing an all too familiar tightening in his groin. (No, this is *not* the time to be thinking about *that*...) He turned his mind away from that blissful moment, thinking instead about how she'd begun to glow when Waiter Bob had shown them to this table. (I've *got* to remember to thank Cordelia for setting all this up,) he thought, as he poured champagne into both of their glasses. He raised his glass to the lovely redhead, watching as she did the same. "To... us?," he said, his tone making it a question. He felt his demon rejoicing as he heard her reply.
"To us." Willow stated definitively. (He has the most soulful eyes...,) she thought, almost completely lost. (Well, OK, Willow... *soul*... of course his eyes are soulful!) She giggled a little at her own thoughts, smiling into his beautiful brown eyes as she took the first of what would become many sips from her glass.
(Oh, god,) Angel thought. (I'm going to have to be *very* sure to keep her *happy* if I want to keep seeing *that* look on her face! But, I can do that,) he thought contentedly, smiling back at her as he drank as well.
* * * * * * * * *
Cordelia and Spike had been talking for hours. He'd been telling her the most interesting story, all about how he had first come to love the witch. How it wasn't because of the chip in his head, or because she'd been nice to him, or even because she'd helped himout on occassion. It was, purely and simply, because she was Willow. Cordelia couldn't quite understand it, but apparently, at some point, the witch and the vampire had become friends... they had met late at night, and sat and talked for hours, never telling the slayer, or anyone else, for that matter, that they had developed an affinity for each other. The way Spike told it, they had a lot in common... they had both been betrayed, in every possible way, by the ones they'd thought that they loved best. The two of them had managed somehow to help each other through some very hard emotional times, and had come out of it with a very sincere appreciation for each other... in Spike's case, he had fallen in love. Cordelia had no doubt that Willow loved Spike, too, but she also knew that Willow would never admit it... she was in love with Angel. She'd never admit that she could be in love with *two* men. (Poor Spike,) Cordelia thought, amazed at her own sympathy for the vampire. (First he loved Dru, but *she* only wanted her Angel back, and now... he falls for Willow... and she wants Angel, *too*...) She sighed. (Sometimes life just isn't fair...) Spike stopped talking as they both heard a rather tentative knock at the door. They stood up, Spike staying in the kitche doorway as Cordelia crossed the living room.
"Who's there? I have a gun and I'm not afraid to use it!" Cordelia said loudly. She was stunned for a moment when she heard the voice responding to her empty threat; then she flung the door wide open, grinning wildly as she enfolded her unexpected visitor in a big hug. "Giles!," she cried, delighted, "What are you *doing* here?"
Giles extricated himself fromCordelia's arms, hanging his head, and saying, shamefully, "Hello, Cordelia... umm... I'm afraid I've done a very bad thing..."
Cordelia gently put an arm around Giles' shoulder, leading himinto the apartment and settling him on the couch. "It's OK, Giles... let me get you some tea, and you can tell us all about it."
Giles felt himself relaxing. (If anybody should understand what I've done, it's got to be Cordelia,) he thought, (Not that I regret it, mind...)
* * * * * * * * *
Willow was feeling slightly tipsy, but ot from the champagne, although she and Angel had, between them, just about polished off two whole bottles. No, she was feeling light- headed and dizzy from the sensation of being in his arms. She loved this feeling... Angel's strong arms around her, his firm, cool body pressed against her, the cinnamon and cloves smell of him, as they moved as one to the music. "I love dancing with you," she murmured against his hard chest.
"Good," he said softly, bending to speak into her ear, "because I intend to dance with you every chance I get."
"Hmm... just *dance*?," she said, knowing that she was being a bit wicked, but not caring in the slightest. She smiled against him as she heard him groan, and tried to pull him even closer.
"Willow," he ground out warningly,"You're not making this any easier on me..."
She smiled a little more broadly. "Oh. Well I wasn't trying to make it harder..." She cut herself off, as she heard him growl, and realized what she had just said. "Oh, gods, Angel... I'm so sorry, that didn't come out the way I meant it to...," she babbled, as she tried to pull away, knowing that her face must be bright red from sheer embarrasment.
Angel pulled her even closer, allowing her to feel just how hard she *had* made it. "Don't be sorry, Will... just..."
"What, Angel? Just *what*?"
He sighed heavily against her hair. "Just kiss me, Willow... my own dear Will... kiss me...," he pleaded.
"Oh..." Willow said, reaching a hand around the back of his head. "I can do that..." She looked deeply into his aching eyes as she drew his lips to hers, warming them with the heat of her own passion, completely eradicating the fact, from both of their minds, that they were still in the middle of the dance floor, in the middle of a club, on their first ever date.
(Oh, gods, I could do this *forever*...) Willow thought, completely unaware that her partner was thinkng the exact same thing...
~Part: 20~
Giles watched nervously as Cordelia and Spike thought about what he'd just told them. He knew, on some level, that he had finally crossed the line; had given in to long denied impulses regarding the slayer. He found himself to be rather concerned that he couldn't seem to care. He didn't feel badly for what he had done, and he hoped that the brunette girl and the vampire weren't about to chastise him for it. (If they do, I'll just leave,) he thought, (but then again, it's not like I have anywhere else to go...) He watched, apprehensively as the two looked at each other, and then back to him, relaxing completely at their response.
Cordelia couldn't believe what Giles had just told her. (Then again, I remember the whole 'Candy Incident', so... ) She could just picture it in her mind. (Bitch, whine, moan, me, me, me, and then... *wham*, right between the eyes!) The mental image was so very clear that she did the only thing she *could* have done. (Oh, *god*, I *wish* that I could have seen it!,) she thought, as she burst out laughing, unable to stop even as the tears began rolling down her face. "Giles, " she said shakily, trying to force down another bout of laughter, "Oh, god, Giles... that's priceless!"
Spike had been trying not to laugh. He could see, from the time that Giles had first begun telling the story, that the watcher was somewhat disturbed by his own actions. He actually kind of liked the former librarian, having aquired a certain respect for the man during his time on the hellmouth. (Don't want him t think that I'm laughing at *him*, but... *shovel*!) Every time he thought about it, and the look that must have been on Slutty's face... He could feel the laughter bubblng up inside him, but managed, somehow, to restrain it... at least until Cordelia lost her own battle with the god of mirth. That was just more than he could take. His great guffaws joined the former cheerleader's more lady-like laughs.
Giles was slightly taken aback by their laughter for a moment or two. (Good lord,) he thought, (they actually *understand*!) He watched them, amazed, before it became too much, and his own hearty chuckles joined with theirs. (If anybody had told me, a year ago, that I'd be in LA... with Cordelia and Spike, of all people... *laughing* about assaulting Buffy with yard equipment...) He looked over at his two companions, feeling the joy rise even more. (Funny... I never thought of them as *friends*...)
* * * * * * * * * *
Lucinda looked up and smiled as Matthias entered the dressing room. "So, what's happening out there, love? Is it going well?" She hadn't been able to see through the spotlight shining down on her, and was *very* curious as to whether her plan was working.
He smiled slightly as he crossed the room, and sat down behind her, placing one leg to either side of her leather clad body. "It's going *perfectly*," he told her honestly, "They were dancing through both sets, I don't think that thay let go of each other for more than a minute..." His voice petered out. (Do I tell her the rest? She seems to be handling it rather well, but...)
Lucinda looked up, sternly. "And? What aren't you telling me, Matthias?"
"Nothing, Luce..."
She cut him off. "I have known you for far too long for you to think that you can lie to me and get away with it. And you know it." Her expression softened at his sheepish nod. "So what is it that you're not telling me, love?"
Matthias felt himself relaxing at the change in her tone. He smiled gently as he wrapped his arm around her, the smile widening slightly as she placed her hands over his, giving them a light squeeze. "Well," he said, hesitantly, "they were... kissing... a lot..." He felt his aprehension disappear as he heard her gentle laugh.
"*That's* what you were afraid to tell me?," Lucinda said, incredulously. "That they were *kissing*?... Oh, love," she leaned back into his warm body, still chuckling. "I was *hoping* that they'd be kissing... at the very *least*!"
"So, you're really *OK* with this." Matthias stated. "You really don't mind.." He could hear the surprise in his own breathless voice, and knew that Lucinda could hear it, too.
"When was the last time that I changed my mind about something, once I had made it up?," she asked softy, pulling out of his embrace to catch his eyes over her shoulder.
Matthias sighed, conceding the point. "Sorry, Luce... it's just..."
"I know, love... you worry about me."
Any response that he would have made was interupted by the knock on the dressing room door, and the voice calling out that it was five minutes until the next, and last, set of the night.
"Well, love... duty calls..." she began.
"And we answer." Matthias finished, with a smile for the tall redhead.
* * * * * * * * * *
By the time the second set was over, Willow was glad to return to the table. Not that she didn't *enjoy* dancing with Angel... she *did*... but what with being constantly in his arms, swaying to the music, feeling his long, hard body pressed so tightly against her own smaller one, and the kissing, (Oh, yeah... the *kissing*... Gods!), she really needed a break. (Before I throw him down on the floor, right *here*, and have my way with him, spectators be damned!) She felt herself blushing at the extremely un- Willow- y thoughts, and shivered as she felt his breath at her ear.
"And what is it that you've got going on in your head, to make you turn so red, my Willow?," he whispered to her, unhappily surprised when she pulled away and giggled at him. (Damn... I was trying to be *sexy*, not *funny*.)
"I'm sorry, Angel," she said, giggling even more at his crestfallen expression, "it's just that... that sounded so very... Doctor Seuss-ian..."
He played his comment back in his head, and found himself chuckling along with her. "Well, that'll teach me not to try for sexy... I guess my mind just doesn't work that way..." he said, still amused.
"No," Willow said seriously, "Angel, never think that... you're *good* at sexy... it was just the whole rhyming thing, and the fact that I'm not used to guys like you *trying* to be sexy around me, and...I'm sorry, it's not your fault, it's me... I mean,"
(God, I love it when she does this,) Angel thought, smiling. (But still... I can think of better things to do with her mouth...) He leaned over, silencing her with a kiss.
(Oh, gods... his *mouth*...) Willow was lost, competely and utterly lost in the sensations he aroused in her. (I know that he wants to take this slowly, but... gods help me, if he keeps kissing me like this, *slowly* is *not* going to be an option...) She gasped as she felt his fingers caressing her neck, while his other hand crept up into the hair on the back of her head. She couldn't think, couldn't even *begin* to think... all that she could do was enjoy the feel of him, of his tongue twining with hers, his hardness pressing strongly against her. (Oh, no, *slowly* is definitely going right out the window...) She wasn't sure whether to be glad or not when, a timeless moment later, the house lights dimmed, and the band came back out onto the stage.