Mission Impossible

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Chapter 2: What A World, What A World

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They went to the club where Venus worked and sat in a darkened corner after they ordered their drinks.

“So I guess you want me to explain a few things, huh?” Whistler began, taking a sip of his whiskey. Angel just raised an eyebrow.

“Where do you want me to start?”

“Darla and Lindsey.” Angel said without hesitation.

“Like in your world the Powers called me to guide you to your path. Here your soul has always been permanent but I led you to the good fight, Doyle and I did. You had killed Darla to protect Doyle and Wolfram & Hart resurrected her to help them kill you but she came back human and she couldn’t do it. She and Lindsey fell in love. He quit and they got married last month.”

“You should have told me about Doyle.” Angel said.

“It slipped my mind.” Whistler said with a shrug.

“Is that all, anymore surprises?” Angel asked.

“Actually. . .” The demon started but trailed off.

“What?”

“Spike and Dru, they’re a bit different here.”

“Different?”

“Let’s just say you’re not the only souled vampire here.”

Angel spit out the sip of beer he’d just taken onto the table. “Excuse me?”

“Spike and Drusilla both have souls and Dru is pretty much sane here.” Whistler said looking at Angel. The vampire’s eyes were wide and his jaw hung slack.

“How?” He asked after a moment.

“Venus. You see she met Spike before you and she, well she fell in love with him, she had a thing for bad boys. I guess I should start a little further back than that. Dru had gotten a soul when you did but she went back to the gypsy’s when Darla and Spike turned their backs on you. So a hundred years later Spike shows up at the club where Venus works, she falls for him then learns what he is. Then you and Dru show up. I hooked you two up about 10 years ago. Venus and Dru meet and get chummy, Dru tells Venus about the curse she finds it and does it on Spike then he promptly took up with Drusilla again leaving Venus devastated and room for you and her to get close. Hey pal, you alright?” Whistler asked seeing Angel’s far off look.

“What? Oh yeah. It’s just. . .It’s a little much, you know?”

“Yeah, but don’t sweat it. Just do what you came here to do and then I can ship you home.”

Angel nodded. “So what’s going on with you and Venus, she seems awfully fond of you.”

“What can I say, the kid adores me.” Whistler said with a smirk.

“Why?”

“She had a bad home life, I helped her deal. I guess I became the big brother type. She’s a good kid.”

“So can I expect Spike and Dru to make an appearance?”

“Yeah, they’ll be around especially since Darla’s gonna be here.”

“Great, the whole family back together again.” Angel said sarcastically.

“Remember Angel, these aren’t the people you knew. Darla’s human and Dru is lucid.”

“And Spike?”

“There’s always been a bit of tension there. Spike never knew Venus was in love with him, you did so now you’re always really protective when Captain Peroxide is around your woman. Another thing, you’ve never told Venus you love her, she’s never said it either.”

“Does he, I, whatever. Does he love her?”

“Not yet. But he will, if you can keep him away from Buffy. If you don’t get with her now she’ll leave and she won’t come back until after Venus and the other you are married.”

“What about Venus? Does she love him?”

“That’s for her to know.” Whistler said shrugging.

“You sticking around?”

“Yeah. With Spike coming and all, Venus will need me here.”

“Spike with a soul and Drusilla sane. I wish Buffy, my Buffy, could see this. She’d have a coronary from laughing so hard. Hell, I would if my heart was still beating.” Angel said with a small chuckle. “So tell me about Jay.”

“She’s a bartender here. Not really a lot you need to know except they you and her are good friends. I think that covers everything.”

Angel nodded.

“Come on, let’s get back to the house before Venus tries out another matchmaking scheme with Doyle and Jayme. The last time they stayed with her she locked them in the basement together.”

“She locked them in the basement?” Angel repeated. Whistler nodded. “Interesting girl.”

“That was the understatement of the year.” Whistler said with a snort as he slid out of the booth.

Angel smirked and followed.


~~~~~~


When they arrived back at the house every light was on and music was blaring from within.

“Is it always like this?” Angel asked.

“Most nights. Especially when you get those three together.”

“I’m surprised the neighbors haven’t had us kicked out yet.”

“Neighbors? Oh yeah, all these houses?” Whistler said motioning to the few surrounding buildings. “They’re empty. They’re all vacation spots; the people who own them only use them probably one month out of the year or less. Most of the time the beach is yours and hers.”

Whistler opened the door and ran into Jay, who was dancing in the front hall.

“Hey guys!” She said with a bright smile.

“Hey kid. Where’s the rest of the party?” Whistler asked.

“Doyle is currently getting wasted in the kitchen and Venus is in her room.”

“Great. I’m gonna go wrestle the whiskey off of Doyle before he starts crying or quoting ‘Angela’s Ashes’. That’s the last thing I need tonight.” Whistler said.

“I’m gonna go tell Venus we’re back.” Angel said moving toward the stairs. His head was spinning. When he compared Venus to Buffy or Cordelia the differences were so apparent. Was the other him really so different? He got his answer when he opened the door to the bedroom he shared with Venus.

She was dressed in a light pair of black stain pajama pants and a tank top, curled up against the pillows reading a book. Headphones were placed over her ears and he could make out Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata playing from them. From what he’d seen so far he’d expected trashy lingerie and her dancing around the room like Jay had been in the hall. But there she sat, reading Sylvia Plathe’s ‘The Bell Jar’ and listening to classical music. Her only movement was when she raised an elegant hand to push up the glasses that sat on her nose. She obviously hadn’t seen or heard him come in so he just watched her. After a moment she glanced up and smiled at him.

“Hey.” She said taking off her headphones and closing her book.

“Hi.”

“Have fun with Whistler?” She asked. She stood up and stretched then removed her glasses and set them on the bedside table.

“Yeah. We played catch up.”

“Good. It’s nice to see him again, I’ve missed him.”

“I know. He said he’s sticking around for a little while.”

“He’s worried about me, with Spike coming and all. Well, it doesn’t really matter why he’s here. Just that he’s here.” She said smiling. She moved over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Doyle finish off the booze yet?”

“Whistler’s doing his best to get him to bed.”

“I better go help him or knowing Doyle he’ll get Whistler drinking too.” She said giggling then dropped a kiss on his lips and started toward the door.

Angel followed her down the stairs and into the kitchen to find Whistler clinking glasses with Doyle.

“I knew it.” Venus said crossing her arms underneath her breasts and tapping her foot against the floor like an angry mother.

“He can be very persuasive.” Whistler said with an innocent look.

“Yeah, like you needed a lot of convincing.” Venus said rolling her eyes.

“You know me too well.” Whistler said with a grin.

“You better down that drink and get Doyle upstairs before I slap that grin off your face.” Venus said moving to the table and placing the cap on the practically empty bottle of Irish whiskey.

“Come now, darlin’. Sit and have a round with us.” The Irishman said.

“Not tonight, Doyle.”

“She’s no fun when she’s sober.” Doyle said under his breath.

“I heard that.” Venus said as she replaced the bottle in a cabinet by the fridge.

“Fine, I’ll finish my drink like a good boy then go to bed.” Doyle said taking a small sip.

“Okay.” Venus said. She moved to the table, took his glass and downed the contents. She set the empty cup in front of him. “There, all gone. Bed. Now.”

“Party crasher.” Doyle said, but he obeyed, getting up and staggering toward the stairs.

Once Doyle was out of sight Venus turned her gaze to Whistler who had quickly finished his drink and was now moving around the kitchen cleaning up. “You know better Whistler.” She scolded.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Sorry, kiddo.”

Venus shrugged and took the dirty dishes from his hands and put them in the open dishwasher.

“So when did you say Spike and Dru were getting here?” Whistler asked glancing at Angel.

“Darla will be here on Tuesday and Dru told me to expect her and Spike Monday.”

“Well with Doyle and Jay here at least you have an excuse why she and Spike can’t stay here.” Whistler said.

“Very true.” Venus said.

“I better head out. I’ll see you tomorrow. Around sunset?”

“Yeah. We should be up by then.”


~~~~~~


The weekend went by quickly and as Monday night approached Angel could tell Venus was anxious about seeing Spike. 6 PM on Monday night found Venus pacing nervously back and forth in the living room. Angel and Jay watched from the couch as the DJ moved restlessly.

“Sit down, hon. You’re making me dizzy.” Jayme said.

“I’m sorry.” She said throwing a guilty look at Angel and her best friend. “I’m just on edge, that’s all. I’m gonna go get a drink, you guys want?”

“No thanks.” Jayme said and Angel shook his head. Jay turned to the vampire after Venus disappeared. “I hate to see her like this. I’m gonna head to the club and meet Doyle. Why don’t you calm her down a bit? I know you guys haven’t had a chance to be alone since we’ve been here.”

“Jay, you are one of our best friends. We don’t mind you being here.” Angel said.

“I know but I think you guys need time alone. I’ll be back before Bleach boy gets here.” Jay said patting Angel’s knee and standing.

“Thanks, Jay.”

The girl smiled and walked to the door. Angel got up and went to the kitchen and watched as Venus poured herself a glass of vodka.

“That’s not going to help.” Angel said.

“So?” Venus said downing the clear liquid.

“I think I know something that might.” He said stalking toward her like the predator he truly was.

“Angel. What about Jay?” Venus said spinning away from his grasp.

“Gone. She went to the club and she won’t be back for a few hours.” Angel said.

That stopped the girl in her tracks, her eyes went dark and a sly smirk twisted her lips. “Oh really?”

Angel nodded and moved closer to her. Pinning her body against the table with his own. The vampire lifted a hand and gently traced the contours of her face and grinned as she pushed her cheek into his palm. Her hands went to toy with the buttons of his shirt slowly releasing them one by one then running her hands down his chest and around his waist to rest at the small of his back. Angel dipped his head slightly to kiss her and she cooed softly in the back of her throat. Angel’s hands slid down her back and he lifted her so she sat on the tabletop. Venus pulled the shirt from his shoulders and wrapped her legs around his pulling him closer. She leaned back until she was lying on her back and Angel’s lips found hers again, he only broke the heated kiss when her shirt became an annoyance to his wandering hands. He pulled it over her head then reclaimed her lips.

“Don’t they make beds for that sort of thing?” A cocky voice asked from behind the couple.

Angel didn’t bother answering his grandchilde he just threw Venus an apologetic glance and handed the girl her shirt. He waitntilntil she had it on before he moved and turned to face the blonde.

“You’re early.” Angel said.

“Sorry, Daddy. We got ahead of schedule.” Drusilla said. Gone were the frilly dresses she was so fond of in his world and in their place was a pair of dark blue jeans and a black blouse and her normally loose hair was pulled back into a ponytail.

“It’s not a problem, it’s good to see you Dru.” Venus said moving from behind Angel and going to embrace the vampiress.

“You too, mum. It’s been to long.” Dru said smiling warmly at Venus.

“What? Doesn’t baby boy get a hug too?” Spike pouted.

Angel saw Venus’ face tighten slightly but then she moved to hug Spike.

“How have you been, Spike?” Venus asked retreating behind Angel again.

“Can’t complain. What about you? Da takin’ good care of you?”

“Of course I am.” Angel said wrapping a possessive arm around Venus’ waist. “Have you been taking good care of my Princess?”

Dru snorted and Spike glared at her.

“When’s old old woman gettin’ here?” Spike asked.

“Don’t call her that. Darla and Lindsey will be here tomorrow.” Venus said. “Don’t you do anything to upset her while she’s here. I mean it Spike.”

“Don’t worry, mum. I’ll make sure he’s on his best behavior.” Dru said throwing a look at her rebellious childe that dared him to argue. The blonde remained silent.

“Is Jay here?” Dru asked her nostrils flaring slightly as she sniffed the air.

“Not right now but she and Doyle are staying with us for a few days.” Venus said.

“Guess we’ll have to find somewhere else to stay since our neglectful parents have kicked us to the curb.” Spike said with a smirk.

“Then go before your neglectful parents become abusive parents.” Venus snapped, then started toward the kitchen door. “I have to get to work.”

Spike turned his confused gaze to Angel as Venus slammed the door behind her. “What’s with her?”

“She’s had a rough week.” Angel said but he didn’t miss Dru’s knowing, worried look as she looked at Venus’ retreating form out the window.

“Spike, luv. Why don’t you go find us a hotel room? I’d like time to catch up with daddy.” Dru said in her sweetest voice.

“Sure, kitten. I’ll come and get you later on this evening.” Spike said and Angel couldn’t help but smirk.

Still a sire's boy, he thought.

“Thank you.” Dru said kissing his cheek then moving to sit down at the kitchen table.

After showing Spike out Angel joined her.

“So how is she? Really.” The vampiress asked.

“She’s been tense all week.” Angel told her.

“I tried to leave him at home but he wanted to see you, Venus, and Darla. I couldn’t force him or hstarstart asking questions.”

“He still hasn’t figured it out?” Angel asked. Dru shook her head. Then her expression changed as she ran hers eyes over him.

“You’re not telling me something. You’re different, I can feel it.”

“Can’t fool you, can we Dru?” Whistler asked as he came into the kitchen. The demon quickly explained to the clairvoyant vampire what was going on. Dru had seen a lot in her time so she took it all in stride.

“So where’s my Sire?” She asked.

“Don’t worry, he’s safe. I’ll return him here as soon as Buffy leaves.” Whistler assured her. “And technically this Angel is your Sire too. The same blood that’s in him is the same blood that run’s through the Angel you know.”

“So what am I like where you’re from?” Dru asked.

“Besides sadistic and insane…I’d say your pretty much the same.” Angel said sarcastically.

“Yes, he’s definitely my sire.” Drusilla said rolling her eyes.


~TBC~