Post by JRK Archiver on Mar 15, 2008 15:00:02 GMT -5
Chapter Ten
Looking around the room, Angel was highly annoyed with the way things were turning out. It would figure they wouldnt be cut a break. Just once hed like things to go a little more smoothly.
Take for example this very moment. Hed give just about anything, to be able to just sit down and talk with Tess. Hed gnaw off his own arm to have her back home where she could take the time to cope. Instead they were faced with stupid people.
Taking a step, he almost laughed when the two monkeys in suites turned their guns on him. What was it with men and designer suits? Did they put them on in the morning and feel as though they ruled the world? Perhaps the fabric had some sort of chemical that seeped into their bloodstream, effected their ability to think.
"Id suggest you point those things somewhere else." Instead of dropping their guns, they both moved their aim toward his head.
"Are you guys okay?" Turning his attention to where his friends stood, looking relieved, Angel didnt wait for their response.
"Heres how this is going to work. Were going to say sorry for trespassing. Get our stuff and leave. You are going to call off your guard dogs before someone gets hurt."
Clearly not one to take orders, Sonnys mouth pinched in disapproval. "Thats not how things work around here. Im the one who makes the orders."
Scratching the side of his head, clearly amused by the much smaller man, Angel let out a dry laugh. "Yeah, that doesnt really work for me." Swinging his attention to where Jason stood, Angel said. "How much do you get paid to be his slave?"
"I suggest you shut your mouth." Past rational thinking, Jason ignored the signal Sonny sent him to remain silent. "I want to know where Elizabeth is. Now."
"Look, I feel for you." Angel replied honestly. "Really I do. I can see she means something to you. And I know personally how it feels to lose someone you really care about.
Thats the difference between you and me Buddy. Jason nearly growled. I havent lost @#%$.
Impermanent little thing, Angel thought. How can I put this so it doesnt sound so schoolyard? Looking as though he were in deep thought, Angel shrugged his wide shoulders. I got her, you dont. Neener. Neener. Neener.
Apparently not in the mood for sarcasm, Jason reached into his jacket and whipped out his gun. Pointing it in the direction of Angels heart, he took a step closer. Enough. Tell me where she is before I -.
A sharp pain lashed through his shoulder, and Jason saw something out of the corner of his eye before dropping to the ground. A small booted foot kicked his dropped gun out of reach. Were you going to talk them to death?
The voice was all too familiar. Looking up from his position, Jason let his jaw drop when he spotted Elizabeth frowning at the dark haired man. Arm arms crossed over her chest as she tapped her foot in annoyance.
I thought I told you to stay outside. Grumbling under his breath, Angel looked over at the two men who had swung their firearms at Tess. You have about one second to rethink your current methods.
The men looked over to where Sonny stood. Looking for some kind of direction. Instead, he was stalking over to where Tess stood with her back to him. Before he could reach out and grab her, she spun on her heel and had her foot an inch away from his throat.
Their eyes locked and neither looked away. For a few tense moments no one moved. Until Sonny raised his hands in a sign of surrender.
See, she doesnt need to practice that move. Buffy dropped down from one of the beams next to Giles. A foolish grin across her face. I couldnt have done it better myself.
Knowing when to admit to defeat, Angel sighed. Wheres everyone else?
Outside. Buffy smirked. See. We sort of listened.
Tess watched the mans body language and didnt lower her leg until she was sure he wasnt going to be any kind of threat. You know better then to tell us to wait. We get bored easily.
Apparently Ive forgotten a few things. Promising to not let that happen again, Angel took a step forward until he was between the strangers and his friends. Giles. Fred. Wes. Why dont you get our stuff together so we cant let these fine gentlemen have there warehouse back.
No one is leaving here until I get some answers. Sonny yelled. His voice bouncing off the walls in his fit of anger. I want to know what the hell is going on!
Standing up and wiping the dirt off his clothes, Jason kept his eyes on the woman who stood just a few feet away. Elizabeth?
Hearing the mans voice from behind her. Tess looked over and felt her breath get sucked from her body. The man was definitely a hottie. But it was his eyes that caught most of her attention. Anger. Confusion. Pain. Stared back at her. It was too much.
Im not Elizabeth. She answered, almost feeling sorry for the man. Elizabeth is gone.
Dont you mean you were never Elizabeth. Sonny snapped, looking almost pleased to have been right. That youve been jerking us around for years?
Who in the hell are you? Instantly not liking the man, Tess curled her lip at him. You know what, it doesnt matter. I know an ass when I see one.
You cant talk to me like that. Nodding his head toward his men, Sonny sneered back. You know I wont tolerate liars.
Before the other men could move, Buffy rushed forward to intercept the smaller one. While Tess kicked out and caught the larger one, who was ready to grab her, right in the stomach. Both guns were quickly disarmed, and before anyone could blink, Johnny and Francis were on their backs like defeated turtles.
We dont tolerate stupid people. Angel smirked.
Everything under control? Gunn yelled out from the doorway, taking in the scene and letting his defensive stance down. Lindsey stood slightly behind him. Both men looked dead serious as they took in their surroundings.
Just a little understanding. Angel called back. But were clearing the air. Right guys?
Hey Angel. Lindsey walked past Gunn as he called Angel over. Waiting until the vampire neared he lowered his voice. That one. Nodding to where Jason stood, Lindsey went on. He was with Lansing this morning.
Studying Jason like he would a particularly nasty bug, Angel let his eyes flicker over to Tess. Do me a favor. Dont say anything yet. Tess needs time to adjust and we need time to figure out this mess.
Shrugging his shoulders, Lindsey looked over the strangers with little interest. I see youve made friends with them.
I have that special ability. Smirking back at Lindsey, Angel went to stand between Buffy and Tess. The bottom of their boots kept the two men pinned to their backs. Told you not to point those things. People get hurt.
Im not going to let this rest. Youve made a dangerous enemy tonight. Knowing when to call the troops back and admit a tentative defeat, Sonny pulled him self together and back into the man who looked in control.
Boo-hoo. The entertainment factor was quickly fading, and Angel watched as Giles, Wesley and Fred headed toward the doors with their belongings. Like I havent heard that before.
Tess looked back at the younger man who was still staring at her. There was little doubt in her mind that he had been close to Elizabeth Webber. Real close. It made her wonder. How close had they been? Friends? Maybe more? Hed been the one from the docks. Crouching next to her when shed come back. The worry in his eyes haunted her for a moment.
She knew what it was like to lose someone. To be forced to look at their face day after day, knowing that the thing living inside was anything but the person she knew. When Angel had lost his soul, itd torn her heart out. Almost worse than knowing how hed lost it. Consummating his love with Buffy on her Birthday.
At least this man wouldnt have to live day after day with her terrorizing him. Breaking into his house and threatening the ones he loved. Hed be able to move on. To heal. It was all she could offer.
Wanting to break their gaze, Tess found it almost impossible. Something inside her felt as though it was clawing at her chest. Soon her temples started to pound and she found herself stumbling. Voices filled her head. It physically hurt to fight against the growing force, but it wasnt in her to just step back and give up. Whatever was happening wasnt normal.
Tess. Angel sounded a thousand miles away. Other voices broke through the fog when someone gripped onto her arm painfully. The pressure was soon gone, but the pain inside her head intensified. Feeling herself being lowered to the ground, helpless to do anything but obey, her vision started to blur.
Elizabeth? She knew that voice. God, why was she in so much pain? It felt as though someone was poking her brain with a red hot poker.
Jason. Whats happening? Though she couldnt make much sense of what was being said, she could sense the chaos swarming around her. Inside, she started to feel like she was being pulled in two different directions. Two forces fighting against one another.
Angel and Jason knelled on either side of the small woman. Both men had a screaming need to do something. Horrified by the blood that seeped from her mouth and nose, they both fought to stop it. Their hands smeared with red, they didnt notice when Willow stepped up from behind.
Angel, you need to move. Speaking softly at first, Willow looked at both the men and muttered something under her breath. Like a flash, their bodies flew back, giving Willow the room she needed.
Working quickly, Willow whispered to herself, the words unheard by the people surrounding her. A soft glow came from her hands that were held on either side of her friends head. What seemed like forever, but was actually just a few minutes, the young woman on the ground soon quieted.
Is she okay? Taking a step forward, Angel looked down at Willow, then to Tess.
Yeah. Their was a footnote saying this could happen. She isnt ready to merge yet. Standing up and wiping the dirt off her knees, Willow looked guilty. Sorry about that. Hope I didnt hurt you.
Sonny looked over to Jason, then back at Francis and Johnny. Feeling as though hed had some kind of psychotic episode, he didnt know what to make of what hed just seen. The other men looked slightly green as well and no one seemed to eager to make a move. Jason looked torn. Like he wanted to be by her side, but couldnt make himself move forward.
Were going now. Glaring at the other men, Angel dared them to argue. Seeing that they still hadnt gotten their ability to speak back, he took advantage of the moment. Leaning down to scoop Tesss tiny body up in his arms, he walked to the door without looking back.
Looking around the room, Angel was highly annoyed with the way things were turning out. It would figure they wouldnt be cut a break. Just once hed like things to go a little more smoothly.
Take for example this very moment. Hed give just about anything, to be able to just sit down and talk with Tess. Hed gnaw off his own arm to have her back home where she could take the time to cope. Instead they were faced with stupid people.
Taking a step, he almost laughed when the two monkeys in suites turned their guns on him. What was it with men and designer suits? Did they put them on in the morning and feel as though they ruled the world? Perhaps the fabric had some sort of chemical that seeped into their bloodstream, effected their ability to think.
"Id suggest you point those things somewhere else." Instead of dropping their guns, they both moved their aim toward his head.
"Are you guys okay?" Turning his attention to where his friends stood, looking relieved, Angel didnt wait for their response.
"Heres how this is going to work. Were going to say sorry for trespassing. Get our stuff and leave. You are going to call off your guard dogs before someone gets hurt."
Clearly not one to take orders, Sonnys mouth pinched in disapproval. "Thats not how things work around here. Im the one who makes the orders."
Scratching the side of his head, clearly amused by the much smaller man, Angel let out a dry laugh. "Yeah, that doesnt really work for me." Swinging his attention to where Jason stood, Angel said. "How much do you get paid to be his slave?"
"I suggest you shut your mouth." Past rational thinking, Jason ignored the signal Sonny sent him to remain silent. "I want to know where Elizabeth is. Now."
"Look, I feel for you." Angel replied honestly. "Really I do. I can see she means something to you. And I know personally how it feels to lose someone you really care about.
Thats the difference between you and me Buddy. Jason nearly growled. I havent lost @#%$.
Impermanent little thing, Angel thought. How can I put this so it doesnt sound so schoolyard? Looking as though he were in deep thought, Angel shrugged his wide shoulders. I got her, you dont. Neener. Neener. Neener.
Apparently not in the mood for sarcasm, Jason reached into his jacket and whipped out his gun. Pointing it in the direction of Angels heart, he took a step closer. Enough. Tell me where she is before I -.
A sharp pain lashed through his shoulder, and Jason saw something out of the corner of his eye before dropping to the ground. A small booted foot kicked his dropped gun out of reach. Were you going to talk them to death?
The voice was all too familiar. Looking up from his position, Jason let his jaw drop when he spotted Elizabeth frowning at the dark haired man. Arm arms crossed over her chest as she tapped her foot in annoyance.
I thought I told you to stay outside. Grumbling under his breath, Angel looked over at the two men who had swung their firearms at Tess. You have about one second to rethink your current methods.
The men looked over to where Sonny stood. Looking for some kind of direction. Instead, he was stalking over to where Tess stood with her back to him. Before he could reach out and grab her, she spun on her heel and had her foot an inch away from his throat.
Their eyes locked and neither looked away. For a few tense moments no one moved. Until Sonny raised his hands in a sign of surrender.
See, she doesnt need to practice that move. Buffy dropped down from one of the beams next to Giles. A foolish grin across her face. I couldnt have done it better myself.
Knowing when to admit to defeat, Angel sighed. Wheres everyone else?
Outside. Buffy smirked. See. We sort of listened.
Tess watched the mans body language and didnt lower her leg until she was sure he wasnt going to be any kind of threat. You know better then to tell us to wait. We get bored easily.
Apparently Ive forgotten a few things. Promising to not let that happen again, Angel took a step forward until he was between the strangers and his friends. Giles. Fred. Wes. Why dont you get our stuff together so we cant let these fine gentlemen have there warehouse back.
No one is leaving here until I get some answers. Sonny yelled. His voice bouncing off the walls in his fit of anger. I want to know what the hell is going on!
Standing up and wiping the dirt off his clothes, Jason kept his eyes on the woman who stood just a few feet away. Elizabeth?
Hearing the mans voice from behind her. Tess looked over and felt her breath get sucked from her body. The man was definitely a hottie. But it was his eyes that caught most of her attention. Anger. Confusion. Pain. Stared back at her. It was too much.
Im not Elizabeth. She answered, almost feeling sorry for the man. Elizabeth is gone.
Dont you mean you were never Elizabeth. Sonny snapped, looking almost pleased to have been right. That youve been jerking us around for years?
Who in the hell are you? Instantly not liking the man, Tess curled her lip at him. You know what, it doesnt matter. I know an ass when I see one.
You cant talk to me like that. Nodding his head toward his men, Sonny sneered back. You know I wont tolerate liars.
Before the other men could move, Buffy rushed forward to intercept the smaller one. While Tess kicked out and caught the larger one, who was ready to grab her, right in the stomach. Both guns were quickly disarmed, and before anyone could blink, Johnny and Francis were on their backs like defeated turtles.
We dont tolerate stupid people. Angel smirked.
Everything under control? Gunn yelled out from the doorway, taking in the scene and letting his defensive stance down. Lindsey stood slightly behind him. Both men looked dead serious as they took in their surroundings.
Just a little understanding. Angel called back. But were clearing the air. Right guys?
Hey Angel. Lindsey walked past Gunn as he called Angel over. Waiting until the vampire neared he lowered his voice. That one. Nodding to where Jason stood, Lindsey went on. He was with Lansing this morning.
Studying Jason like he would a particularly nasty bug, Angel let his eyes flicker over to Tess. Do me a favor. Dont say anything yet. Tess needs time to adjust and we need time to figure out this mess.
Shrugging his shoulders, Lindsey looked over the strangers with little interest. I see youve made friends with them.
I have that special ability. Smirking back at Lindsey, Angel went to stand between Buffy and Tess. The bottom of their boots kept the two men pinned to their backs. Told you not to point those things. People get hurt.
Im not going to let this rest. Youve made a dangerous enemy tonight. Knowing when to call the troops back and admit a tentative defeat, Sonny pulled him self together and back into the man who looked in control.
Boo-hoo. The entertainment factor was quickly fading, and Angel watched as Giles, Wesley and Fred headed toward the doors with their belongings. Like I havent heard that before.
Tess looked back at the younger man who was still staring at her. There was little doubt in her mind that he had been close to Elizabeth Webber. Real close. It made her wonder. How close had they been? Friends? Maybe more? Hed been the one from the docks. Crouching next to her when shed come back. The worry in his eyes haunted her for a moment.
She knew what it was like to lose someone. To be forced to look at their face day after day, knowing that the thing living inside was anything but the person she knew. When Angel had lost his soul, itd torn her heart out. Almost worse than knowing how hed lost it. Consummating his love with Buffy on her Birthday.
At least this man wouldnt have to live day after day with her terrorizing him. Breaking into his house and threatening the ones he loved. Hed be able to move on. To heal. It was all she could offer.
Wanting to break their gaze, Tess found it almost impossible. Something inside her felt as though it was clawing at her chest. Soon her temples started to pound and she found herself stumbling. Voices filled her head. It physically hurt to fight against the growing force, but it wasnt in her to just step back and give up. Whatever was happening wasnt normal.
Tess. Angel sounded a thousand miles away. Other voices broke through the fog when someone gripped onto her arm painfully. The pressure was soon gone, but the pain inside her head intensified. Feeling herself being lowered to the ground, helpless to do anything but obey, her vision started to blur.
Elizabeth? She knew that voice. God, why was she in so much pain? It felt as though someone was poking her brain with a red hot poker.
Jason. Whats happening? Though she couldnt make much sense of what was being said, she could sense the chaos swarming around her. Inside, she started to feel like she was being pulled in two different directions. Two forces fighting against one another.
Angel and Jason knelled on either side of the small woman. Both men had a screaming need to do something. Horrified by the blood that seeped from her mouth and nose, they both fought to stop it. Their hands smeared with red, they didnt notice when Willow stepped up from behind.
Angel, you need to move. Speaking softly at first, Willow looked at both the men and muttered something under her breath. Like a flash, their bodies flew back, giving Willow the room she needed.
Working quickly, Willow whispered to herself, the words unheard by the people surrounding her. A soft glow came from her hands that were held on either side of her friends head. What seemed like forever, but was actually just a few minutes, the young woman on the ground soon quieted.
Is she okay? Taking a step forward, Angel looked down at Willow, then to Tess.
Yeah. Their was a footnote saying this could happen. She isnt ready to merge yet. Standing up and wiping the dirt off her knees, Willow looked guilty. Sorry about that. Hope I didnt hurt you.
Sonny looked over to Jason, then back at Francis and Johnny. Feeling as though hed had some kind of psychotic episode, he didnt know what to make of what hed just seen. The other men looked slightly green as well and no one seemed to eager to make a move. Jason looked torn. Like he wanted to be by her side, but couldnt make himself move forward.
Were going now. Glaring at the other men, Angel dared them to argue. Seeing that they still hadnt gotten their ability to speak back, he took advantage of the moment. Leaning down to scoop Tesss tiny body up in his arms, he walked to the door without looking back.