Disclaimer: Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy & 20th Century Fox own Angel the show not me.

Summary: Angel is trying to figure out what is bothering him about Cordelia.

Spoilers: This is basically out of cannon and is more alternate universe.

Rating: R for now will go up to NC 17.

Pairing: A/C not sure who else.

Distribution: It stays here

Author's note: Feedback if you so desire.

Email:[email protected]

Part 1.

There is was again that odd feeling he got around Cordelia sometimes. Angel frowned as he watched her rehearsing her lines for a play she was in. These odd feelings started up right after he got back from hell and ran into her for the first time. He knew they hadn't been there before that before Angelus so he wondered what had happened during that time.

Angel shook his head. "Maybe it was his imagination working over time. But he still couldn't shake the feeling that there was something to this oddness it was gut instinct. Angel stared at Cordelia as she finished her lines he smiled at her as she turned his way.

"So Angel how was that have I improved?"

Angel stood up and went over to her, "Yes you have just don't scream your lines."

Cordelia sighed, "I was doing that again my coach has said the same thing it's just that I start to lose my breath and then I can't concentrate on what I am doing."

Angel smiled at her, "You are doing fine just practice."

Cordelia nodded as she sat down, "Practice will become my middle name this play could be my launching pad to stardom."

Angel nodded and turned away he knew how much she wanted to be famous but deep down inside he felt fear at the thought of her becoming famous. He feared she'd leave him and he didn't want to think about not having her around.

Cordelia groaned then let out a loud scream. Angel was at her side before the first scream was finished. Cordelia sighed as the vision came to an end. She leaned against Angel trembling from the pain.

Angel gently stroked her forehead, "What did you see?"

Cordelia groaned, "Vampires three males two females attacking a school bus with football players and cheerleaders over near Dodger Stadium at that park near by."

Angel stood up, "Can you call Gunn and let him know?"

Cordelia nodded, "Sure get going I'll be fine."

Angel grabbed the bag of weapons he kept packed and headed out the door. He knew it would take a good 20 minutes or more to get to the stadium.

A couple hours later Angel limped into the hotel. Gunn had never shown up but he got lucky the vamps were fairly new and stupid. The football players and cheerleaders were all safe now unsure though of what had happened. Angel frowned Cordelia was no where to be seen he could tell she was not anywhere in the hotel.

Angel spotted a note laying on the desk, he picked it up, "Angel, couldn't find Gunn. Had to leave will call you later." ~Cordelia~

Angel frowned it wasn't like her to up and leave when he was off on a mission. He was worried and decided to try and reach her at home. After 4 rings the answering machine picked up, Angel listened to her speech then left a quick message.

Angel groaned as he headed up to his rooms he'd been kicked several times in his right thigh and now it hurt. In his rooms Angel undressed and crawled into bed he sighed and hoped Cordelia was ok.

Part 2

Opening night of Cordelia's play. Angel, Wesley and Gunn were in attendance dressed in suits looking quite handsome. Angel wore a dark charcoal grey suit with a white shirt and a tie with small red dots. Wesley wore a medium blue suit, white shirt and a tie the color of his suit it brought out the blue of his eyes. Gunn after much fussing and complaining wore a suit of dark chocolate brown with a very light beige shirt and a darker beige tie with dark brown swirls.

Cordelia looked them over and smiled, "You guys look so handsome tonight I am so glad you were able to make it."

Angel and Wesley smiled at her both hoping that they were not about to see a repeat of the last performance she did. Gunn nodded and smiled at her. He was remembering what Wesley had told him about the last play.

Cordelia glanced around, "Well look you have your tickets I have to go inside and get ready so see you after the play....oh and please be totally honest with me this time ok."

Angel gave a slight smile, "I promise now go get ready we'll be watching your every move."

Cordelia laughed nervously as she turned and headed for the dressing room area of the theater.

Angel glanced over at Wesley and Gunn, "Let's go inside and find our seats."

The lights went low and the stage came to life. The first actors to take the stage entered and the play began. As plays go it was decent an original about the fall of three friends into the depths of despair. Cordelia played the girlfriend of one of the male leads a shallow beautiful girl with loose morals.

If Angel had to breathe when Cordelia stepped on stage, he would have been unable to breathe. She was resplendent it a black velvet gown that clung to her body, gloves of purple satin ran up her arms to just past her elbows and she wore a bit of black lace to cover her eyes.

Cordelia opened her mouth which was the reddest red he'd ever seen like blood had been spilled. Then it hit him what had been bothering him about Cordelia why at times he had the oddest feelings around her. Angel wanted to run to put distance between him and Cordelia. To find a place where he could think about what he'd just discovered. Angel felt trapped sitting between Gunn and Wesley as Cordelia said her lines. He could only sit there and stare at her his mind racing.

The play wasn't over soon enough for the vampire and it had nothing to do with the play itself. No it was watching Cordelia as she played the vixen in the play wearing black velvet and purple satin with blood red lips.

Angel followed Gunn and Wesley outside. He kept looking around trying to find a reason to leave but he couldn't. It would hurt Cordelia if he left suddenly. Cordelia finally joined them she walked up to them beaming a bounce in her step.

Gunn grinned, "Hello there gorgeous, man you out did yourself tonight."

Cordelia's smile got even bigger if that was possible, "Really....I was so nervous but I kept telling myself breathe. So Wesley...Angel what did the two of you think?"

Wesley smiled, "Well I dare say it was a vast improvement over the last play, you did marvelous and was very beautiful."

Angel smiled, "You did great you didn't scream your lines the play was good and I think you were the best performer in it."

Cordelia with tears of happiness threatening to spill over, "Thanks that means so much to me coming from you guys."

Thankfully for Angel other members of the play walked up. The blonde male lead, "Hey Cordy want to go party with us...bring your friends the more the merrier."

Cordelia turned to Angel, Wesley and Gunn, "What do you say care to party?"

Angel leaned over and whispered, "Cordelia would you be terribly upset if I went home instead?"

Cordelia looked into Angel's eyes, "No go ahead I know how uncomfortable you are in crowds."

Wesley and Gunn both grinned, "Party I can handle that how about you Wes?" Gunn asked.

Wesley shrugged and smiled, "Why not might be fun."

Cordelia linked arms with Wesley and Gunn she smiled at Angel, "Take care see you tomorrow."

Angel nodded and turned away. He wanted to run again but made himself stroll slowly down the pavement. Cordelia watched briefly before turning and following her fellow actors to the promised party with Wes and Gunn at her side.

Part 3

For several days Angel avoided Cordelia as best he could. Luckily she had no visions and he was able to sort out what was going on in his head. Cordelia took notice of Angel's actions and wondered what it was that she did to make him act this way towards her.

Finally Cordelia got tired of the cold shoulder treatment from Angel and stormed into his rooms one afternoon, "Ok Angel out with it what's wrong you're acting like I am some new anti-vampire thing like crosses and holy water."

Angel stared at Cordelia before turning from her and pacing the floor, "Cordelia does the name Babette mean anything to you?"

Cordelia frowned, "No why?"

Angel frowned, "Babette is the name of someone Angelus knew...a human that he did not kill someone he engaged in rather erotic sex with."

Cordelia raised her eyebrows, "And you're telling me this because......?"

Angel stared at her thinking of how to phrase what he had to say, "Angelus knew Babette in Sunnydale he never saw her face she always wore a black lace full face mask when they met. She never spoke except it whispers and always wore black velvet."

Cordelia shook her head, "Angel I don't know who or what you are talking about the only Babette I can recall is one I read about in a book years ago."

Angel folded his arms and frowned, "Sorry maybe it's just my mind working over time or else I am not remembering things right I do get some of Angelus' memories mixed up. Forget I said anything...but if you do recall anything let me know."

Cordelia smiled slightly, "Sure....so we good now you're not going to run every time I come near?"

Angel smiled, "Yeah we're good."

Cordelia walked over to Angel and gave him a hug, "Besides this Babette sounds kinky and dangerous."

Angel hugged her back, "Yeah she was, she was something else."

Cordelia stepped back, "Well I got work to do and I have to leave early got a play to do."

Angel smiled at her as she turned and left his room. He still was not satisfied about Babette he still felt that there was a connection between her and Cordelia. Angel shook his head and decided to lay down and get some rest. He decided he was going to go see the play again that night.

Part 4

Angel walked out of the theater after seeing Cordelia's play again. He'd experienced the same feelings as before. There was a connection between Cordelia and Babette. Angel looked around before deciding that he'd go back to the hotel to sort things out.

Angel lay on his bed staring up at the ceiling thinking he'd better do something about the crack that ran the length of the room. He was starting to drift off to sleep when he heard his bedroom door open. Soft footsteps crossed the room to his bed.

Angel looked up and gasped it was Babette standing in front of him, "Babette."

A throaty voice answered, "Why of course you've been asking about me so here I am."

Angel looked the woman over she was dressed in a black velvet gown and had her face covered with the lace mask. She had a black velvet wrap with a purple silk lining draped around her shoulders. He'd know her anywhere even though it was Angelus she'd spent time with back in Sunnydale.

Angel quickly stood up, "I'm not Angelus I am not interested in having what the two of you had."

Babette shrugged her shoulders, "No you are not interested in me it is her, Cordelia that you you are attracted to."

Angel nodded, "Cordelia is my friend and what is your connection to her?"

Babette turned away, "You really don't want to know it would be too hard for you to accept I must go now....I will be back....maybe."

Angel watched as she left his room. He wanted to run after her to rip the mask from her face but something held him back. Angel sat back on his bed and rubbed his eyes. He wanted answers but after what Babette had told him he wondered if he really did.

Part 5

Angel laid back down and closed his eyes images of Angelus and Babette flashed through his mind.

Angelus had been free for about two weeks when he found the small smoky jazz bar in a nearby town. He loved it on sight. He'd go there when he wanted to get away from Dru's insanity and Spike's whining. It was a place to forget about the Slayer and her little group of do-gooders. It reminded him of some of his favorite haunts from days past.

He felt confused at times. Things had changed so much since he'd been in control of this body, but he was learning to cope. Then he met Babette and things changed. She was human but so very mysterious he was intrigued by her the moment he laid eyes on her. At first she had been hesitant to speak to him but he persisted and she soon was joining him when he came to the bar.

It was three weeks after he'd first met her that she took him to a hotel nearby. One of those seedy forgotten ones. She insisted that they keep the lights off. She only turned on the one in the bathroom and cracked the door.

Angelus didn't mind he could see in the dark and he liked what he saw. A firm tight body with full firm beasts, long tanned legs and a nice round ass just the way he liked it.

The sex between them was fantastic. She gave herself to him without holding back. The one time he touched her mask she turned her face and asked him to leave it in place. He for once did as asked. Sex was what they had between them. They would meet at the bar then go to the hotel and spend several hours just fucking each other.

Angelus found that she got off on pain. That she liked her ass to be spanked and hard. That she loved it when he bit and pinched her nipples and she would come hard as he pounded into her showing no mercy for her human body. There were a few things about her that did bother Angelus. She rarely spoke she never made much noise as they fucked just low moans and groans and that mask always in place.

The last time Angelus saw her was two weeks before Acathila was found. They had met as usual and then went to the hotel. They had sex rough and painful but Angelus could tell something was wrong. He tried to talk to her about it but she only shrugged and got out of bed. She soon dressed and left the night for them had ended.

Angel rolled over in bed as he recalled Angelus' memories of sex filled nights with Babette. He knew that until Acathila had been discovered that Angelus was thinking of turning Babette and leaving Sunnydale behind. Angel sighed these memories were not helping him figure out what the connection was between the two women.

Angel closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep determined to solve this mystery.

Part 6

For several days after Babette's nocturnal visit Angel couldn't help but stare at Cordelia. Where as before he ran from her now he couldn't keep away. Cordelia noticed Angel's stares and the way he kept following her around. It was as bad if not worse than when he was avoiding her. Wesley too took in the odd behavior of Angel's and wondered what was going on with the vampire.

Cordelia turned and glared at Angel as he stood in the door of the small office, "Angel is this about that Babette thing you asked me about?"

Angel nodded, "Yes...she came to my room the other night."

Cordelia sighed, "Angel I'm sorry but I honestly don't know anyone named Babette I mean that is an odd name."

Angel sighed and walked away. He was no closer to figuring this out. He knew he was getting obsessive about it. Wesley watched Angel as he retreated up the stairs. He frowned he'd over heard the conversation between Angel and Cordelia and was curious about this Babette they mentioned.

That evening Angel left the hotel as soon as the sun set. He got in his car and headed towards Sunnydale. He wasn't going there just to the small town where Angelus had met Babette.

Angel parked his car near the old bar. It was still there and as he entered he saw that it had not changed. Some old man playing the guitar with a slow bluesy beat was on the small stage. Smoke lingered in the air despite the no smoking law and he swore that the same tired people were still sitting at the same tables scattered around the room. Angel went to the back booth that Angelus always took and sat down. The waitress came by and put a glass of whiskey on the table in front of him he paid and watched as she walked away.

Angel shook his head they remembered him and what he always ordered when he came here or rather Angelus. Angel sipped the drink and looked around the room wondering if he was going to find any answers tonight. After three hours and four drinks he stood and left the bar. He'd managed to get the waitress to finally talk to him and she'd informed him that the lady he use to meet hadn't been in for some time.

Angel drove past the old hotel they'd gone to. It was now closed and boarded up he really didn't expect to find answers there. Angel headed back to L.A. feeling dispirited over not being able to find Babette or any information as to who she is or her whereabouts. Angel parked his car and slowly entered the hotel he called home and went upstairs to his rooms shrugging off his coat as he went.

Part 7

Smoothing the hair from her brow Angel asked her, "What did you see?"

Cordelia groaned, "Demons three of them medium sized, rather human looking except for long yellow teeth and huge hands with only four fingers. They were taking some girls into a old building on Olympic Blvd I saw an altar and candles."

Angel stood up, "Come on let's get going grab your weapons of choice."

Cordelia stood, "I'm going also those girls will need me they were fairly young early teens maybe even younger."

Angel sighed and nodded, "Fine just try and stay away from the fighting."

They arrived at the old building and found the demons just as they were tying the girls to the altar. Angel went for the largest of the demons while Gunn and Wes took on the others. Cordelia went right to the altar and began untying the girls. A fourth demon that she didn't see in her vision attacked her from behind. The scream of one of the girls alerted her enough that she took the blow to her shoulder instead of the head. She fell to the ground the demon loomed over her ready to strike again she managed to kick out driving it back.

Angel having dispensed of his own demon grabbed the demon attacking Cordelia and pulled him away. Angel quickly took care of the demon just as Wesley and Gunn finished off the ones they were fighting. Angel helped Cordelia up as Wesley and Gunn finished untying the girls and helping them get off the altar.

Angel made sure that Cordelia got home and took care of her. Angel looked the cut on her temple, "Maybe you should go the hospital...you know make sure you're really ok."

Cordelia shook her head, "No I'll be fine just go home if I need anything I'll call."

Angel stared at Cordelia for a few seconds, "You call if you need anything I'll be there I promise."

Cordelia gave him a faint smile, "I promise now go."

Angel gave he a quick hug before leaving. He gave her one last glance before closing the door. He went straight back to the hotel and gave Wesley a quick call to make sure the that the girls were fine. After Wesley reassured him all was fine he went upstairs to his rooms to rest.

Part 8

Angel was restless he lay in bed tossing and turning worried about Cordelia plus he was thinking of Babette again. Angel pounded on his pillow hoping to dispel his mood. He growled and flopped over on his back and stared at the crack in the ceiling.

The door to Angel's room slowly opened. He was instantly alert sitting up he swung his legs over to the side of the bed and waited. The figure came into view hesitating just at the entrance to the his bedroom area before stepping further into the room. Angel gasped it was Babette standing there in her black velvet dress with her black lace mask in place.

Babette stopped in front of where Angel was sitting, "Are you really surprised to see me I told you I might be back?"

Angel stood reaching for his robe and pulling it on, "I don't really know if I am surprised or not."

Babette gave her throaty laugh, "You are amusing but I really do prefer Angelus so much more fun and free."

Angel chuckled, "Sorry he's left the building sort of he's deep inside me and that's where he is staying."

Babette sighed, "That is such a shame...well if that is the case I am leaving and this time I won't be back."

Babette turned to leave Angel decided to end the mystery and grabbed her arm turning her towards him. Babette struggled slightly realizing that Angel was intending to unmask her.

Angel reached up and swiftly pulled the mask from Babette's face. As her face came into view he gasped and stared he was looking into the face of his seer and friend Cordelia.

Part 9

Angel blinked several times before speaking, "Cordelia...Babette....I'm confused."

Babette laughed, "Cordelia is that who you see standing before you, do I smell like her sound like her...you tell me?"

Angel shook his head and frowned, "The face I am looking at is Cordelia's right down to the small cut on her temple from the fall tonight...but you are right she smells of jasmine and cinnamon...you are more musky with a hint of lemon."

Babette laughed and strolled around the room, "Cordelia everyone in Sunnydale saw the confident spoiled rich brat that she was but deep down inside she was just like all the others a scared teenager but with advantages or should I say money. No there were times it was me going to school and being a bitch cause she was too weak I ruled her and she never knew still has no clue to my existence."

Angel stared at her, "What a split personality I find that hard to believe from what I've read she doesn't fit the profile."

Babette laughed, "Split personality no my dear vampire, Cordelia grew up in Sunnydale the home of the paranormal."

Angel stepped forward and stared into her eyes and saw a flash of fire, "Possession when did you take over?"

Babette shrugged, "When she was 14 she was at a party...sleep over with friends they used a Ouija board it was so simple I just slipped into her body she never knew."

Angel shook his head, "You haven't shown up here in L.A. very much have you I'd known if you had...so what happened why make a appearance now?"

Babette turned to him, "Boredom....plus the little girl is shall we say having doubts about her feelings and wants....I can't let her stop driving for fame and fortune we deserve it."

Angel stared at her, "No that's not quite right she deserves it...you on the other need to go back to the hell you came from."

Babette stared coldly, "Do you think you can do that....without harming your dear sweet Cordelia?"

Angel narrowed his eyes, "Yes I may not know much about you or where you came from but I do know a few things about possession."

Babette sat down, "My story is simple I am a murder victim killed when I was but 21 by my married lover it was in 1924. He'd set me up in a nice small house not too far from his own home when I became pregnant he killed me and buried my body in his wife's rose garden. The girl that was throwing the party is his granddaughter I thought seriously of taking over her body...but she is so plain not very interesting."

Angel stood over her, "No instead you took over Cordelia and I think you've done enough damage to this body I remember the things you did with Angelus I wonder how many other men you let use you or should I say this body."

Babette laughed, "You don't want to know where I've been and what I've done especially since coming to L.A. Couldn't let the little girl starve now could I?"

Angel almost growled, "She was starving when I came into the picture makes me wonder how much of what you say is truth?"

Babette turned away, "Most of it is my story is true don't believe me go dig up my bones you'll find them in Sunnydale near a weeping willow in the back of a old rose garden on Spruce that big Spanish style house at the end of the block."

Angel nodded, "I want you gone from my friend's body she deserves to live her own life."

Babette smiled, "Find a way to make me leave, but remember I've been here for close to ten years a lot of what makes Cordelia who she is has come from me."

Angel gave her a half smile, "She may be stronger than you give her credit."

Babette stood, "I am leaving this conversation is over as far as I am concerned and I will not leave you will have to force me out of this body."

Angel grabbed her arm, "Go straight back home I'll know if you don't I have my ways remember I am much older than you and have seen things that you can't even imagine."

Babette stared at Angel she jerked her arm away, "I was planning to this body is tired and in pain."

Angel followed her until she left the hotel already planning on how to get rid of her to free Cordelia from this spirit's control.

Part 10

Angel paced his room thinking of Babette's story. He looked at the clock and knew he didn't have time to make it to Sunnydale before sunrise. He paused and picked up the phone and quickly punched in the number for Giles.

Giles groggily picked the phone up on the fourth ring, "Hello this bloody well better be an emergency."

Angel sat down on the edge of his bed, "Giles...it's Angel...I need your help on something."

Giles immediately came awake if Angel was calling it had to be important, "Go on what's wrong?"

Angel quickly filled Giles in on the situation about Babette and Cordelia leaving out nothing not even Angelus' connection.

Giles took a deep breath, "Good lord..Angel yes I can help you right off the top of my head I can think of two ways to get a spirit out of a host body and both require the bones of the deceased. Hmm as soon as the sun sets bring Cordelia here I'll look into this some more and hopefully will be able to get rid of this spirit."

Angel rubbed his eyes, "Thanks I kind of figured you'd be able to help we'll be there as soon as we can."

Giles grabbed his glasses, "Yes well til tonight and Angel I wouldn't let on about what we are up to...she might figure it out tho so be careful."

Angel sighed, "I know I'm calling Wesley and fill him in he can keep an eye on her during the day."

Giles looked around his room, "Yes good til later bye."

Angel uttered, "Bye" and hung up the phone he next called Wesley and told him what was going on and to keep an eye on Cordelia. Wesley was shocked but agreed that what Giles suggested was what would be needed.

Angel finished his conversation with Wesley he laid back and willed himself to sleep he was worried about Cordelia and found it hard to relax.

Part 11

Wesley watched Cordelia as she went about her daily chores. He still found it hard to believe what Angel had told him. Cordelia sighed she had noticed how Wesley kept watching her and when Angel came downstairs he too kept an eye on her.

Angel sighed as the afternoon was finally coming to a close he had to admit he'd been nervous all day. Angel stood up and turned to Wesley and Cordelia, "We're needed in Sunnydale the sun is setting so let's get going."

Wesley frowned as he picked up his coat, "Sunnydale....hmm should be interesting."

Cordelia stared at Angel and shook her head she closed her eyes briefly, "So Angel you are keeping your promise to rid Cordelia of my presence....this should be fun I will not go without a fight."

Angel growled softly, "Babette....you know I won't hurt Cordelia....but you are coming with us either willingly or else."

Cordelia fell to the floor in a heap Angel was at her side instantly, "Cordelia...sweetheart."

Cordelia opened her eyes and stared at Angel, "What happened...I must of had one of my blackouts."

Angel frowned, "Blackouts....you have never mentioned them to me before."

Cordelia sighed, "Since coming to L.A I have not had very many of them six or seven I've had two recently and now this one....god I was hoping they were gone."

Angel helped her stand, "I have a feeling they might be gone for good soon but first we need to get to Sunnydale."

Cordelia nodded, "Yeah...Sunnydale what fun wonder what we'll encounter this time?"

Wesley coughed, "Well let's go maybe we can stop for a bite on the way I am hungry and I bet so is Cordelia."

Wesley turned and walked away still shocked by what he'd seen it was true everything that Angel had told him. He sighed Angel must be torn up inside knowing what Angelus and Babette did with and to each other.

Part 12

Angel pulled into a parking space in front of Giles' shop. He was glad to finally be here. Babette had made one more appearance when they stopped long enough to get dinner for Wes and Cordelia. Luckily Angel realized it before she could slip away.

Angel turned to Cordelia, "Well we're here come on let's get inside."

Wesley got out of the backseat keeping an eye on Cordelia as she and Angel got out of the car. His two encounters with Babette had left him shaken. He sighed and wondered what was going to happen to Cordelia once the spirit was gone. How much of the dead woman's personality had Cordelia taken on.

Angel with a firm grip on Cordelia's arm led her inside the shop with Wesley right behind ready for anything to happen. Cordelia was very confused about the way Angel was treating her she'd asked what was wrong but only got not now later out of him.

They entered the shop and found Giles standing at the counter. Xander near the door and Buffy, Willow and her friend Tara were sitting around the table. As soon as they walked in Xander shut the door and locked it Cordelia stared at everyone as they stared at her.

Cordelia looked up at Angel, "What the hell is going on?"

Giles coughed, "You haven't told her?...she needs to know if this is to work."

Angel nodded, "I was afraid of that come on Cordelia I have a few things to tell you."

Angel led Cordelia to a quite corner of the shop where Giles had set up a small sofa they sat down facing each other. Hesitantly Angel began telling Cordelia about Babette and what he knew about her and the connection with her and Angelus. Cordelia listened to Angel watching his eyes the more he told her the sicker she felt. She felt tears begin to silently slip down her cheeks she felt dirty and used by the time he was finished.

Angel wrapped his arms around her, "Shh shh it'll be ok I know it's hard to take in but we are here to help you."

Cordelia sobbed in Angel's arms, "I feel so dirty and ashamed....god what you must think of me....how can you stand to touch me?"

Angel held her even closer, "I feel no repulsion towards you....it wasn't you it was her that did these things....hey you're always saying it wasn't you Angel it was Angelus the same is true with you."

Angel's soft voice and soothing words helped calm Cordelia down a little, "Angel can you really help me?"

Angel gave her a soft smile, "That's why we're here Giles knows ways to get rid of Babette."

Cordelia dried her eyes and looked around the room, "So I guess you are all going to help, Giles what do we need to do?"

Giles picked up a book, "We have the back room all set up all we need to do is put a few finishing details on everything."

Giles turned and walked towards the backroom with everyone right behind. Angel looked the room over in the center was a almost complete circle with a human skelton in the center bits of clothing clung to it.

Cordelia stopped and stared she tried to pull away from Angel, "That's my bones why is my bones here?"

Angel turned to her, "Babette your day of reckoning is here."

The others gasped at the change in Cordelia, her voice even her stance was different now they knew what they were up against.

Part 13

Angel stared into her eyes, "Give it up Babette you are going to lose."

Babette laughed, "You and your friends will have to force me to leave and I will still be a winner for you don't know what will be left behind when I leave."

Angel smirked, "What will be left behind is Cordelia a wonderful, beautiful young woman."

Angel watched as Cordelia began to collapse he grabbed her before she could hit the ground. Cordelia looked around at everyone she clutched at Angel, "Please let's do this."

Giles nodded, "Cordelia get inside the circle and sit next to the bones."

Cordelia scrunched up her nose and sat next to the bones she looked them over she almost felt sorry for Babette."

Giles handed Wesley a charm, "Here we are all wearing one of these to keep Babette from invading one of us."

Wesley took the charm and slipped it around his neck, "Wise move Rupert...what about Angel?"

Giles shook his head, "Between his soul and demon Babette should be unable to invade him."

They watched as Willow and Tara closed the circle both were softly chanting. Buffy stood near the door with Xander next to her both amazed by what they'd seen. Buffy had noticed the closeness between Angel and Cordelia and wondered just how far their friendship went.

Willow and Tara turned to Giles, "We're ready if you are."

Giles nodded, "Light the candles and turn off the lights..now remember no matter what happens don't break the circle til I say so."

Angel stepped back into the shadows watching every move that Giles, Willow and Tara made worry etched on his handsome face. This had to work no matter what Babette needed to be vanquished he knew that Cordelia would be fine without her influence.

Giles stood in front of Cordelia and began chanting in Latin, Willow and Tara repeated his words but in English.

"Oh spirit that doesn't not belong leave this body. Oh spirit of these bones return to them. May the goodness of the one that is possessed remain. Spirit heed my words leave and forevermore be bound to the world of spirits."

Giles, Willow and Tara sprinkled some powder around the circle as they repeated the chant a flash of light lifted from Cordelia's body and entered the bones and faded away. Cordelia jerked slightly and tensed up before relaxing into a slump.

Angel stepped forward he glanced at Giles asking for permission to go to Cordelia, "Go on Angel the spell is over."

Angel knelt down next to Cordelia and gathered her into his arms and picked her up he took out to the front room and laid her down gently on the sofa. Gently stroking her face he whispered her name coaxing her to wake up.

Part 14

Angel watched as Cordelia slowly opened her eyes she blinked several times then gave a faint smile, "Angel she's gone I can tell I feel different."

Angel smiled, "Are you sure? Different how?"

Cordelia struggled to sit up, "Well right now I am dizzy but I feel lighter and this little nagging I guess voice I use to have is gone."

Angel sat next to Cordelia and held her close, "You'll be fine besides you have me to take care of you."

Cordelia curled up next to Angel, "Good I need some major TLC right now I feel shivery and.... scared."

Buffy watched them from across the room she turned to Wesley, "How long have they been in love?"

Wesley blinked and chuckled, "It's that obvious to you... actually it has been for some time they just haven't openly admitted it to themselves or each other...does it bother you?"

Buffy frowned, "It should but it don't... they have a lot of issues to get through though because of Babette and Angelus."

Wesley nodded in agreement as he watched his two best friends comfort one another.

Giles, Willow and Tara came out of the back room Giles looked around, "We will take care of the bones a priest who I trust is going to help us give her a proper burial."

Cordelia sighed, "Did you find anything out about her?"

Willow picked up some papers, "She came to Sunnydale when she was 10 to live with an Aunt after her folks died her full name was Babette Louise Du Mont. Her aunt reported her missing right before she was to turn 22 a Peter Abernathy was questioned but that was it. Her aunt was Julia Carson she ran a dry goods store here in Sunnydale."

Cordelia shook her head, "Not much about her makes one wonder why she got involved with this jerk?"

Tara nodded, "Oh here is the only picture we could find of her she is with her aunt and some other ladies she looks about 16 in it."

Angel took the picture he stared at the young girl, "She was rather pretty but very sad looking."

Cordelia glanced at the picture, "Yeah you're right."

Tara took the picture back when Angel handed it to her, "We can try and find out more if you want."

Cordelia shook her head no and leaned against Angel, "That won't be necessary."

Angel wrapped an arm around Cordelia he looked over at Giles, "Her bones have any trouble getting them?"

Giles glanced over at Xander, "No it seems the house is empty at the moment for renovation and the construction company that Xander works for is the one doing the job. So Xander here dug around and found the bones...with a little help from Buffy and myself."

Angel looked at Buffy and Xander, "Thanks for finding them for us."

Buffy shrugged, "No big deal it was weird she was wrapped in a black velvet cape with a purple satin lining must have been very beautiful when new."

Angel nodded, "She always wore black velvet and purple satin when she met with Angelus."

Cordelia yawned slightly, "Angel I would like to go home...please if it isn't too much trouble."

Angel kissed the top of her head, "Sure I'll take you home."

Buffy cleared her throat, "Angel can I have a moment with you alone?"

Angel stood, "Sure Buffy."

Buffy turned and walked out of the shop Angel glanced at Cordelia, "I'll be right back."

Angel stepped outside and walked over to where Buffy stood, "What is it you want?"

Buffy turned with a faint smile and tears in her eyes, "Angel it's obvious that you and Cordelia are in love...don't deny it even Xander noticed. Angel go be with her with my blessings I'll be ok."

Angel stared at Buffy then smiled slightly, "Buffy you are special to me and always will be...but you're right I am in love with her...thanks."

Buffy nodded, "I'll go tell them you're ready to go."

Buffy went back into the shop Angel sighed he knew her well enough that she was hurting but would be fine. Wesley and Cordelia came out of the store Angel went over to them and took Cordelia into his arms and hugged her.

Glancing around he smiled, "Let's go home, Wesley could you drive?"

Wesley smiled, "Sure I don't mind."

Angel helped Cordelia get into the back seat then joined her he pulled her into his arms and held her close. Wesley sighed and got in the driver's seat and soon had the car heading back to L.A. and home.