~I close the door behind us as we enter the room. We walked in silence all the way here. Our hands brushing together, fingers lacing, small caresses before falling back into step. He's moving to the curtains, drawing them shut. The maid has been here. The beds have been turned, there are fresh towels, and two chocolates on the center pillow. I'm still watching him as he turns towards me. I know seeing the picture and the sketch must've been an overload for him. Those are priceless, always keep them on me. If I go. they go with me. He's facing me. His expression is filled with emotion. I know he's struggling to keep a lid on it. I'm having to fight this impulse to go over to him, pull him to me, and devour him. I'll let him lead.~

"So we live in eachother's world now."

"It's what I'm hoping for, Will."

"This is what you want, Angel? Cause this is me. It's all I got."

"I told you, I'm not asking for anything."

"I'm takin' you at your word."

"I'm not lying to you."

"I didn't say you were."

"This is our last night here, Will. After this, it all changes. You go your way, settle your business. I go mine, start preparing for you."

"This isn't the past."

"I'm aware of that."

"That picture. us."

"Threw you for a loop?"

"Yeah."

"You think I'll abandon you again?"

"No."

"I won't."

"I know."

"You think I'll change my mind?"

"Will you?"

~Walk over to him now. Sit down on the bed and pull him between my knees. Look up at him standing over me.~

"Tell me what you need, Will. Whatever it is, it's yours. Anything you ask, I'll give."

"So I can ask you to move back to Sunnydale with me, an' you'll come."

"Yes."

"Leave everythin' you worked for behind. Leave yer friends, an' yer business. your home."

"Without a second thought."

"You'll deal with the fallout from the Slayer, an' her chums?"

"Yes."

~I would. I don't care. Whatever it takes to make this work, I'll do.~

"I won't ask you for that."

"If you did, I'm just saying I would."

"Well, I'm not."

"So what *are* you asking for? What do you need, Will? Just tell me."

"My friend. my lover."

"I'm right here."

"That's all I'm askin' for. Let go of everythin'. and feel it *all* tonight."

~His hand gently slides down my face, and I lean into it.feels so right.~

"It's not the past."

~I whisper as I lean into his stomach, running my hands down his legs. His fingers find my hair, threading softly through to the nape of my neck.~

"No. It's right now, Angel. it's all we have."

~Let my hands travel to the hem of his shirt, slide underneath. feel the softness of his flesh as I drag the tips of my fingers up his back. I've memorized this body. every inch of it. I can feel his innate power beneath my touch. Each muscle like carved stone, wrapped in silk. Close my eyes, and run my face along his clothed stomach, inhale the scent of him. Beneath the whorl of smoke, leather and denim. it's him. Spiced cedar. He lifts his shirt over his head, giving me access to more of his skin. I can feel the sparse hairs on his abdomen prickle my face. My tongue trails out to lightly dip against his navel. I hear a sigh above me.~

"I feel it, Will."

"Me too, love."

~Fingertips ghost along his back, over his shoulders and to his chest. His nipples harden in expectancy, lightly brush the pad of my thumb over one, as my mouth licks and works its' way over each swell of muscle. Rising up now, and using my teeth to nibble a path to his neglected nipple, one arm around his waist, I feel him inhale sharply. softly run my lips over it, tongue flicking at the hardened nub, mouth closing around it. his body going soft in my arms. Pull him closer as I work this sensitive mound of flesh, so reactive, I feel the other pebble up tighter under my thumb. Run my mouth up and over his collarbone now. long pale column of his throat arching for better access. my tongue sliding delicately over each rise and fall of his skin, swathed over bone and muscle. Lapping at the soft saltiness there, fasten my lips to my mark. tenderly suck at the small scarred tissue. Ohh a quiet moan. his hips thrusting gently against mine. Moving to his ear, drawing the lobe between my teeth, suck and tease the wet flesh as I feel his hands moving to my sides.~

"You're breathing."

"Feels unbelievable, Angel."

~Curl my hand behind his neck, my thumb under his chin, tilt his head back, open my mouth and drag it along the yielding flesh there. Suck softly in the middle, let my tongue lave a path to the dip of his throat, and back up to his other ear.~

"Yes. you feel unbelievable, Will."

~Turn his head to reach his lips. Slip my mouth against them, draw them open with flowing probes. Sink into that sweet expanse of wetness there. His body responding to mine. suckling my tongue, elegant fingers creeping up my shirt, unbuttoning and caressing, pulling at the fabric, sliding it down my shoulders. Release my arms to let the shirt drop to the floor, our lips still sealed together, closing around eachother in swells. Reach between us, undo his zipper, pop the top button. free that luscious cock of his, my hands hooking in the belt loops and forcing the denim from his hips. Coax his heavy sac into my fingers, soft tug, and roll them around in my hand. A whimper against my lips. Breathe it in. Pull away slightly, just to see his face. Beautifully colored when he's aroused, a flush stealing its' way from his throat to his cheeks, borrowed blood staining his skin the color of life.~

"Why?"

"I just wanted to see you. this way."

~Close your eyes and drop your head against my shoulder. I know, Will. I know. This power between us. obliterating. Let me do this. let me worship your body. the way it was intended.~

"Help me take these off."

"Need to see my cock, Will?"

"Yeah."

~Unhook my slacks, free my cock for him.~

"See it?"

"God."

~Talented fingers grip my length, as he drops to his knees. Pulling my foreskin up, his sinfully sweet tongue licks at the flesh there, sucking it between his lips and forcing his tongue between the skin and the rim of my cock. Oh.Fuck. It's mind blowing. Torturous little tugs against it draw the skin over my swollen muscle and his tongue. God. his tongue, lapping up the moisture that's leaking profusely from the slit. Back down with his hand, and that cool mouth clamping down around the ridge, tongue gliding back and forth. and he better stop. I need to stop this. Fuck, Will. stop. sending me over the edge, boy. Cup my hand under his jaw, pull his face up to meet my eyes.~

"Take this to the bed?"

"I'm not finished."

"No."

"You don't want this?"

"I want to be inside of you, Will. inside you when I come. Alright?"

~Moaning, his head tilts into my thighs, sucking my sac into his mouth. My boy. skilled. decadent. he knows precisely how to give pleasure. Oh God. it feels incredible.~

"Want me to stop?"

"Will."

"Right. bed."

~Lie down, our lips seeking out contact yet again. Boy. you taste like life. Slip between his thighs, press our chests together, feel his hardness throbbing between us. Position myself against his entrance. let the moisture from my cock smear across the access.~

"Mmm. can't wait, Will. Need to be inside you."

~Feel his hands pushing me up, slathering my cock with oil, looking in his eyes, press forward at his hole again. feel the tightened ridge grip at my shaft, holding the foreskin in place as I rock back and forth in small thrusts. gradually working that perfect bud of his open. steadily stretching him around me. His eyes drift shut, and his head presses back against the pillow.~

"Let me in there. Open for me."

"For you."

~Your body slowly unfolding with each pump of my cock into you. sliding inside. I feel you clench around me, your legs spread further. Oh God, Will. You're so tight, so tight. Your hips rolling up, sink into you. Will. so deep now. Small thrusts, deep inside. barely moving.~

"Is that the place, Will? Is that your spot?"

"Yeahhh."

"Like this? You like it like this?"

"God, Angel."

"I know."

~Our foreheads pressed together, lips brushing one another with each slight movement. Blue eyes. Undoing my head. Oh God, boy. what you do to me. Change the angle of my thrusts, feel the head of my cock drag over that swell inside you, groaning through gritted teeth, your eyes close. that's your place, isn't it? Keep dragging it slowly over the swollen little knob inside. feel your body arch to meet my pumps. Your hands gripping my back. just hold on to me, Will. Let me take you there. Lie back and let your mind go. You wanted me to feel it all. and I do, boy. I feel everything. Everything inside of you, all the pleasure that rests there. let me wake it up. let me make it mine.~

"Angel." ~Inhale.~ "Angel. God. what're ya doin' to me?"

"Just ride it, Will."

~Eyes screwed tightly shut, your fingers digging into my back. So fucking tight.~

"Tell me what yer doin'."

"I'm making love to you."

"Yer not fuckin' me."

"No."

~I breathe out against his face, his lips curl into a silent sob.~

"Don't stop."

"I'm not. I'm right here, hold on to me."

"I am."

"You feel it, Will?"

"Yeah."

"Tell me what you need."

"You."

"You have me. I'm yours."

"This."

"Anytime you want it."

"Always want this."

"Then you'll always have it."

~My lips against the crook of his neck, his against my shoulder. Feel the breath from his moans against my skin. Keep drawing my cock gradually over the hardened nub inside. He's moaning my name. Oh God, Will. Oh God. One hand moving from my back, lift myself slightly, so he can reach himself. Drag my stomach down to stimulate his sack, his fist pumping against his weeping sex. Oh. he's moaning. It's about to make me come.Oh fuck. moan louder, Will. do it for me. Let me hear you. My name. say my name again. I feel his knuckles grazing my abdomen. Moan for me, Will. Come on, lover. let me hear it. pull back further now, let him feel my length slide almost completely out. Oooh press in. In. Deeper. Slow. Oh God. Moan for me. More.~

"Angel.Angel."

"Ahh, yeah. that's it, Will."

~Feel his sack draw up against me, the lacy curls scratching against mine.~

"You'll come for me. tell me you'll come for me."

"Right now, Angel. I'm.now.God.now."

~Bubbling up and spurting over his fist. splashing against me, raise his hips and pump longer strokes into him. Feel his body shudder, shake. tremble in my hands. Kiss him. breathe in his moans. release. oh God.Oh God. White hot flashes of pleasure jolting through me. let myself stream into him, feel the wetness coating my thrusts, so wet. God. more. jetting bursts of my release, spraying inside of him. Fuck, Will. Oh God. it's so good. so good.~

"Will."

~Muffled against his lips.~

"Shh."

~Body stills, my head falling on the pillow beside his, his face pressed against mine. Hold him tight. Settle into him. His hands move to rest on my shoulders.~

"We'll be together."

"Yeah."

"I'll do this every night."

"I'm countin' on it."

"You okay?"

"My head's on holiday at the moment. Aside from that, I'm perfect."

~Raise up to meet his eyes.~

"Night's young."

"What ya getting' at, Angel?"

"What will *you* do every night?"

"Let me show ya."

*****
Part 14: Spike's POV

~Woke up awhile ago, pinned between Angel and the back of the couch. Jes' lookin' over his shoulder at him. my hand rubbin' down his form, one arm folded under his neck, an' me. tucked deep inside o' him. Last night was staggerin'. The way he touched me. Bugger. So bloody right. Don't remember a time we touched that way. He was everywhere around me. An' when it was time for me. I took him. Tongued him until he couldn't see anymore. till he cried out my name with a sob. Slipped inside o' him, an' held him close while I filled his hole, kissed him the entire time. Felt his lips as he came. God. Jes' kept takin' him, moved him to the side o' the bed, let him feel how deep inside I could get. Turned him on all fours, kissed his shoulder, an' whispered my love in his ear, as I pushed him over the edge, my cock buried so far inside, I thought my head would give in. It's somethin' of a blur. the way we landed on the couch. Imagine I fell. Can't be certain. Do remember bein' on my side, feelin' his back press up against me, feelin' his tightness as he slid down me shaft, settled in. Bloody hell. I *do* remember that. Remember holdin' his hand in mine, turnin' his head, so I could reach his lips. Remember pullin' out, an' pushin' in. his head fallin' back against me, an' a long soft moan comin' out. Remember how we brought him off, our fingers wrapped together around his cock, both of us watchin' as it jerked an' twitched in our hands. An' when he came. whispered my name over an' over. That's what finally broke me. Released into him, blubbered like some nonce. professin' my undyin' love for him. An' he jes' kept whisperin' me name. Cor. was so bloody intense. Thought that feelin' would go on forever. those pulses of pleasure that washed through me. they jes' wouldn't end. Kept comin'. an' comin'. an' when he lifted his leg over mine, spread himself wide for me. felt like it was comin' all over again. God. it was so good. Felt his body go heavy against mine as the sleep came. an' I held him. in me arms. an' trembled, an' shook. squeezed him tight, like maybe he could feel it in his dreams. like bugger all if this isn't somethin' new for us. Somethin' we never had.~

"Will."

~His eyes are still closed.~

"Afternoon, pet."

~Givin' a satisfied moan, an' snugglin' back against me. Grabs my hand, an' wraps me arm around his chest.~

"Wore ya out, did I?"

"Mm-hmm."

~Let's out a small laugh, can feel his muscles clench inside. Oohh. Jes' reminded him I'm tucked up nice an' tight in there. Opens his eyes, an' smiles at me. If I had breath, he'd take it away about now.~

"Am I smashing you?"

"Nah. I'm alright, luv."

"Good."

"Ya look beat, Angel. Go on back to sleep. I'll be right here."

"I don't want to."

"S'alright, pet."

"You need a smoke?"

"Could use one, yeah. Don't fancy you movin', tho'."

~Oh, yeah. impish grin.~

"Thought you liked it when I moved."

~Thrust once, for good measure.~

"Mmm, but I do, love."

"Fuck."

"Yeah."

"I think I can reach them. Your jacket's right there."

"Right. see if you can grab it."

~Leans forward. This is too bloody easy. Move me hands to his hips, steady him. pump. an' again. an' again. ohh. this is sweet. tight. Yeah.~

"Takin' a long time reachin' for me coat, Peaches. Ya havin' trouble, then?"

"God."

"Ya like that, do ya?"

"Got it."

~Fuck.~

"Fuck."

"Heh. Here."

~Grin at me, ya great poofter. Was havin' me'self a nice lil party back here.~

"Right."

~Reach in, grab me smokes. What's this? A bag. Pull it out.~

"Slipped something in there."

"Sneaky ponce."

"Open it."

"New Zippo?"

"Turn it around."

"Scorpius."

~Turn his head, kiss him soft.~

"You like it?"

"Love it. Thank you."

"Welcome."

"Should we try it out, then?"

"Yeah. they filled it at the store."

~Light up, inhale. don't wanna leave here. Exhale. Jes' wanna stay.~

"Ya want some?"

"Sure."

~Put it to his lips. Watch the ember glow at the end, lightin' up his face. Long time since I seen this.~

"Need a tin."

"Uh. bottle. here."

~Bugger! Yeah, Angel. go on, move like that.~

"Ta, luv."

~Another drag, an' pass it to him. Kiss his shoulder.~

"It'll be hard to leave here."

"Yeah."

"Guess we should get a move on."

"Reckon we should."

"Yeah."

~Damn. Liftin' off me, sittin' up slightly. What's this? Sort of a gasp, an' he's got his hand on his stomach.~

"You alright, pet?"

"Empty."

~It's jes' a whisper. but I know. damn. Pull him back down to me.~

"Sorry love. sorry. shoulda said. C'mon back down. C'mon, then. settle in."

~He's breathin' a bit, an' closin' his eyes.~

"S'alright. I got ya. Right here with me. We'll bring ya off, love. make it easier on ya."

~Grips my fingers.~

"I got ya. s'alright."

"Will. fuck."

"No gettin' around the ache, ducks. Part o' the game."

"You feel this way?"

"Sometimes. when ya'd stay inside all night. like I jes' did you."

"Why didn't you say something?"

"Hmm. don't reckon I got an answer for that."

"Oh."

"C'mon, then. let's take care o' this for ya."

~Lift his leg over mine, let him lean back into me. God. Fits so right in there.~

"Touch yerself, Angel. Go on. pull on it, love."

"Feels good."

"Looks good, too."

~Moanin' a bit, give him a good thrust, nice an' steady.~

"Need to move against me love? Bring yerself off?"

"Yeah."

"Lift yerself a bit, so I can get underneath."

~Strangled little groan. I'm right here, pet. Jes' settlin' in beneath you.~

"That's it, love. lay yer back onto me."

"Will."

"Yeah, gets in deep this way."

~Feel him pushin' down on me. an' back up. Stopped pullin' on himself, though.~

"Wanna ride it, pet? I'll hold ya up. give yerself a nice seein' to up there."

"Ahh. yeah, Will."

~Put me hands behind his shoulders, hold him steady, hold him up. so he can move down on me. so his hands are free. Yeah, love. go on. ride me. yeah.. Fuck. so good.~

"Wish I could touch yer cock right now, love. Would love to feel ya in me fist. Reach down, an' lift yer sac for ya. pull on it some. squeeze. yeah. do that for me, pet. lift 'em for me. That's my hand, pet. my hand liftin' 'em. Close yer eyes. that's my hand, right?"

"Yeah. your hand. fuck."

"Ahh. yeah. an' this is yer William. yer Williams' cock. settled deep inside you. Your boy, right? His cock yer ridin'.right?"

"My William. my boy."

"Ya wanna sit up, love? Feel it deep as it goes?"

"Yes."

~Push him up. God! Buried inside. God. oh fuck. See his back, watch his hips lift.. Angel. Bloody hell! Down. Oh God.Impalin' himself on me cock. Put both hands on his hips, thrust up, an' hold it constant for him. His free hand grabbin' at mine, pullin' me towards his cock.~

"Can't reach it, love. you do it for me, right? That's my hand there."

~Oh my head. Cor. with his moans. ~

"Angel. come for me. come love. come with me."

"Just. steady."

"I got ya. tell me when yer ready."

"I am. please."

~Grip those hips tight. Feel his fingers pullin' our sacks together. Oh. Bugger. Now Angel. Feel the first drops of his release hittin' my thigh. God. I'm comin' Angel. I am. so good. love you. so deep. fill you.love you.~

"Angel."

~Liftin' himself off me with a sigh, turn around so I can see his face. Gorgeous. Strong arms around me. Deep kiss. Bloody hell. gonna miss him so much.~

"Thank you."

"No need, pet. Enjoyed me'self far more than you can imagine."

"Should we get dressed?"

"Reckon we should wash up a bit first."

"Come on."

~Follow him into the washroom. Step into the shower, jes' scrub eachother down some. Exhausted. Towel off an' get dressed. Movin' about the room, collectin' our things.~

"Ready?"

"Not by a long shot."

"You're welcome to come home with me, Will. We'll drop the car off, and head back to my place."

"We both got things we need to set in order first."

"I had to try."

"Know ya did, love."

"Shall we?"

"Right."

~Shut the door behind us, take the elevator down to the parkin' garage. Where the hell did I park? There it is. Angel walkin' me over. Bugger. it's killin' me. Don't fancy sayin' goodbye.~

"This is me."

"Yeah."

"Gonna miss me, Peaches?"

"Every second."

"Give us a kiss, then."

~Soft. Sweet. Tender. Everythin' it should be. It's not so long. Go back home, fix everyone up tight. Be with Angel then.~

"I love you, Will."

"I love you, too Angel."

~Opens the door for me.~

"Not a woman, love."

"I'm relatively aware of that. but I can't be sure. maybe we should head back to the room, and you can show me. Just for verification purposes, you understand."

~Smile at him. Laugh a bit. Climb in the car. Pull him through the window an' give him a nice long snog.~

"Remember me."

"I'll never forget."

~Back up, an' start drivin' to the exit. Bugger. My insides are breakin' up. Know he's still standin' there. Jes' know, don't even need to turn an' look. I'm a nonce, I turn. There he is. Watchin' after me. Slam this puppy in reverse. back up to him.~

"Forget something?"

"C'mere."

~Kiss him again. Deep and hot.~

"We'll be together, pet."

"How close are we?"

"Any day."

~Drive off now. Don't turn around. Can't look at him. Go an' fix it all, so we can do this.~

*****
Part 15: Angel's POV

~We called eachother twice on the ride home. I miss his voice already. I've unpacked my things. I found this pewter griffin in my bag. He must've slipped it in there when I wasn't looking.~

"Long time no see, Mister big fat disappearing hero-guy."

"You think I'm fat?"

"Gawd, Angel. Whatever. how was your trip?"

"Good. Uh. can we talk?"

"Oh no. Tell me the world's not gonna end! I mean, I didn't get any visions. Thing's have been quiet. or so I thought. Gawd. I just bought this dress."

"Cordelia."

"What?"

"Can we make with the not talking, so big fat disappearing hero guy can talk?"

"Rude much? Nevermind - tell me what you have to say."

"Seriously. you don't think I'm fat, do you?"

~Exasperated sigh. But. she said I was fat!~

"Get over it, Angel. It was just a figure of speech. Just get on with it. I spent the whole day at the mall, and let me tell you. there should be a law against wearing cheap perfume when you're out shopping. I come home with headaches worse than the visions. it's really bad. I mean. Avon, much? It's like."

"Cordelia."

"What?! No you're not fat. Gawd, you're worse than a woman!"

"Cordelia!"

"Okay. Talk. Short enough for you?"

"Alright. listen. I've been trying to think of a way to tell you this." ~Deep cleansing breath. not really working.~ "I went to the powers, they've anchored the soul. I can't lose it again - barring some strange mystical force we haven't met up with yet. You never really know when you're going to. I mean, living out here - you're bound to run into someone hell-bent on."

"Excuse me. Interrupting girl here. Uhm. Rewind. Your soul is perm. Check. So does this mean you've gone off to play the mystery dance with some cheap bottle blonde again?"

~She reminds me of Spike sometimes.~

"Uh.. yea.wel.I mean. sort of?"

"UhyewelImeansortof what?"

"It's not who you think."

"So it's not little Miss Slayer who sent you to hell?"

"No."

"Then who? What other blonde floosies are running around. let's see? Darla. uhm. no. can't see that. Hmm. Lilah?!"

"Ew!"

"Did you just say 'ew'?"

"No. I said. uh."

"Okay. it's not Lilah. thank God! Kate?"

"Stop trying to guess. You won't get it. Not until I explain some. things."

"Well get with the explaining. Patience, not my strong suit. don't know if you've noticed."

"I've noticed."

~Wicked glare. Ouch.~

"So talk."

"How much.do you know about Vampires?"

"Uh. about all I need to. sunlight, of the bad. stakes, make 'em go poof." ~Heh heh.~ "And why are you laughing?"

"Alright. here it is. When a Vampire makes another Vampire."

"Are you telling me about Vampire birds and bees?"

"Cordy. SHHH!"

"Fine! Sheesh!"

"Okay, here we go again. back on track. So. we make a Vampire. and sometimes they're minions - which are really used for doing our bidding. but sometimes, we make a Childe."

"Did you get someone pregnant? I didn't think you guys could do that."

"Cordy! You *have* to let me finish. or you're not going to get this."

"Get what?"

"Can I finish?"

"Just do it already!"

"A Childe is. shit."

"A child is shit. hmm, okay. still not getting it."

~I'll just keep going, eventually, she'll shut up. I have a sinking feeling I know when she'll shut up, too. Ugh~

"A Childe is a companion. in *all* ways. Someone you train, someone you keep by your side. someone you protect. uh. someone you. uh.you know. havesexwith."

"Havesexwith. so, let me get this straight. you. Drusilla. ick. That's a visual I really don't need."

"Uh. yeah. back in the day."

"I knew. I mean. I knew she called you Sire and Daddy. ewwww. Gawd. Gross!"

"Cordy. just."

"But. didn't you Sire 'Apt Pupil Boy'?"

"Yes."

"OhMyGawd."

"Are you understanding yet?"

"Yes. and ew. And. hey. ew. Spike?"

"Yes."

~Wow. she's taking a huge breath. I'm about to get the shit kicked out of me. verbally. I wish she'd just hit me.~

"Ohmygawd. I know who the bottle blonde is. and ANGEL! He's a serial killer! I heard he was leashed. but gawd Angel! What the hell are you thinking? Why him? He's. rude! He's evil! Gawd! What's wrong with you?! He'll kill you, first chance he gets!! He can hurt you. you're not human, you know! That means he can!"

~I think she's about to throw something at me.~

"Cordy. listen. please."

"Oh. What? You're gonna have words to explain why you're. I really a drink."

"You don't drink."

"Uh. turns out I do. today, yeah. turns out."

"Cordy."

"Okay, so I get that you're gay. I always figured as much - what with your fashion sense, and all."

"I'm not gay, and there's nothing wrong with the way I dress."

"Whatever, Mr. Not-gay-guy. You opt for a psychotic killer instead of a nice plaid. All in all, you're still sounding pretty gay to me."

"Cordy!"

"What? Get with the drink making. Oh.my head."

~Rush to her side.~

"Vision?"

"No. YOU!"

"I really wish you'd let me explain. wine?"

"Not strong enough. what's that brown stuff you drink?"

"Whiskey?"

"Yeah. give me a cup of that."

"A glass. and it might be a bit much for you."

"Oh. and confirming the fact that my boss is gay, and he's bumping uglies with the bleached terror of Sunnyhell wasn't much at all. Sheesh, Angel. you're really a dork sometimes."

"One glass of whiskey, got it."

"Make it straight up."

~Blank stare.~

"What? I heard it in a movie. it sounded cool."

"Humor me, Cordy. take a little ice."

"Fine. whatever. Listen, Angel."

~Where the hell did. there it is. two glasses. I'll take mine straight.~

"Cordy. if you'd take a minute to hear me out."

"I heard you. I get it. You're having sex with Spike. I mean, he's hot and everything. great build. unbelievable complexion. I wonder if he moisturizes. do you moisturize?"

"Do I what?"

~I need a bigger glass. Hand hers over. She takes a sip and makes a face.~

"Ew."

"At the risk of sounding like I'm saying 'I told you so.'.. I told you so."

"Shut up. I'm only gonna say this once. if he hurts you."

"He won't."

"You don't *know* that, Angel. This could be some game he's playing."

"He's not playing anything."

"So why him? Why not some nice guy from around here."

"Because I'm not gay."

"What is your deal? You're having sex with men, you're gay. nothing to be ashamed of. gawd. denial's not just a river in Egypt."

"Spike is not a man. He's a Vampire. I'm a Vampire. Are you seeing a trend here?"

"He's a boy Vampire. A Man-Pire."

~I'm laughing too hard to argue. Will would get a kick out of this.~

"Well. he is!"

"Cordy. it's what we do. Us. Vampires. We make a Vampire, a Childe - that's what we call them. And. if you hadn't noticed - we're not terribly hung up on sexuality issues."

"Then why do you keep saying you're not gay?"

"Because I'm. God! You're frustrating!"

"It's part of my charm."

~Jump up on the counter, and pat the space next to me.~

"Come on. sit."

"Help me up."

~Put my arms under her shoulders, and pull her next to me.~

"Look. it's like this. For a long time. we were together. We did everything together. It's what we did. Circumstances beyond our control separated us. All of us. Granted, I'm not out attempting to reunite the family."

"Family?"

"That's what we're called. Family. Clan. Bloodline. It's all very ritualistic, pretty outdated now. You won't run across many of us from the old world."

"So. you guys were like some great big dysfunctional family that had sex with everyone."

"Well, that's a.an.interesting way of seeing things. But yeah. basically."

"Jerry Springer would've made a killing off of you."

"No. we'd have made a killing off of him."

"Oh. Ha ha. very funny, broodboy. I thought you were over your 'wrath of khan' days."

"I am. I just. I'm having a tough time explaining this to you."

"I think I understand."

"You do?"

~Those eyes, big brown gentle eyes, a smile as wide as an ocean. she's stunning.~

"I do."

"So. what's happening now. well, we're really in the same place. Neither of us chose to be this way, but we're making the best of it. We're."

"Star crossed lovers?"

"I've had my fill of that, thanks. it's different with him. I'm having fun. for the first time. in. forever. No guilt for debauching some innocent young thing. None of that. it's just. easy between us."

"So. do you still like girls?"

"Of course I do. Why?"

"Then you're Bi."

"I don't really go for labels. "

~Give her a goofy grin.~

"So give me the dish."

"What dish?"

~She's leaning in and smiling, a secretive little glint in her eyes.~

"Is he a good kisser?"

~Have to laugh.~

"Yeah."

"I always wondered. He's sexy. for a bloodsucking fiend with little to no taste in hair care products."

"I'll be sure to pass on the message."

"So. what do you guys do?"

"Do?"

"You know. who's the pitcher, who's the catcher."

"That's where things get tricky."

"Oh?"

~She looks delighted with herself.~

"Remember when I was telling you about the whole 'old way' thing? We call it the 'lore'. Anyway. a Sire isn't supposed to."

"YOU?!"

"Well."

"Did you? Did you let him?"

~Goofy grin isn't getting me out of this. ~

"We. uh."

"Oh. My. God. You were a virgin, weren't you?"

"Is there writing on my face that I'm not aware of?"

"How sweet!"

"Cordy!"

"How'd it go?"

"Uh."

"Come on! You can't stop now. tell me."

"It was. incredible."

~I can see him now. his body over mine. God. ~

"Angel?"

"What?"

"Look at me."

~Turn my face to hers.~

"What?"

"You're in love. aren't you?"

"Uhm. I think?"

"Let's go."

"Where?"

~She's jumping off the counter and grabbing her purse.~

"Caritas. First - we check with Lorne. If he gives the all clear - you won't hear a peep out of me."

"You really shouldn't promise things you're not able to fulfill."

~Oh. if looks could stake.~

"I'm gonna let that slide, Mister. but watch it."

"I hear you."

~Jump in the car, and head to the bar. I've got my phone on. I hope he calls. It would be rude to call him while we're driving. I don't think she'd notice, though. she's pointing out all the hot shopping spots on the way. ~

"And there's where I got this vintage beaded bag. Not like I'm really in any position to do any elegant nights out on the town. Gawd. what my life has become. anyway, so they had this great Vera Wang knockoff, but I just couldn't bring myself to buy it. because. well c'mon. Cordy. Queen C. right. like I'd be caught dead in a knock off."

~Pull into the parking lot. Listen to Cordy prattle on about whatever. I wish he'd call.~

"Angel. Angel."

"Yeah?"

"Will you?"

"Cordy."

"Come on. pleaaaaaaase."

"You've seen it a million times."

"Gawd! You *have* to. Just do it once. for me. You're dumping all kinds of crap on me tonight. you owe me, buster."

"My face isn't a toy."

"Sure it is. It's fun. c'mon. everyone's doin' it."

"Great. now I'm getting the 'afterschool movie of the week' pressure."

"Let me see."

"Fine."

~Vamp out. she's squealing like a kid and clapping her hands. Jumps into my lap, and I plant a kiss on her nose.~

"It's so cool."

"Do you have any idea how precious you are, Cordelia?"

"Yes. but feel free to tell me."

~Wraps her arms around my neck and kisses my cheek.~

"Tell me why you like this."

"I dunno. it's cool."

"You'd make a great Vamp."

"Ya think?"

"I don't think. I *know*. okay?"

"Hey! That's my line."

"And I like it."

"Let's get inside."

*****