Completely Different

Title: Completely Different (3/?)



Author: QueenC



Rating: NC-17



Pairings: Spike/Cordelia, Angelus/Cordelia. Mentions Spike/Dru, Angelus/Dru, and Cordelia/Xander



Disclaimer: I assure you I'm not Joss Whedon in disguise.



Distribution: Anywhere I send it. Anyone else wants it, just ask!



Spoilers: Anything and everything is possible.



Summary: What if Buffy had staked Angel the moment she learned he was a vampire?



Author's Notes: This fic takes place in Season Two of BtVS. It's my first *ever* Spike/Cordelia fic, so please be kind. As in all my fics, Angel is Spike's sire simply because I refuse to believe differently. Words in *'s are emphasized, words in 's are thoughts, words in ~'s are dreams, and words in ^'s are flashbacks. This story also deals with two different realities. One of them is the Buffyverse that we all know. The second is similar to the Wishverse...just not. For purposes of this story, I'm going to refer to it as the What-If-Verse. *g*



WARNING: THIS FIC CONTAINS CHARACTER DEATHS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF TORTURE. (FROM BOTH THE BUFFYVERSE AND THE WHAT-IF-VERSE.) IF THIS SORT OF THING BOTHERS YOU, THEN READ NO FURTHER!!!





******



Sunnydale: Buffyverse



Angelus stood in the shadows of the Bronze, watching the bodies writhing together on the dance floor. He'd had his eye on a certain blonde for most of the evening, watching and waiting for the perfect opportunity to make his move. Smirking, he thought about the similarities the teenager had with a certain Slayer. They had a similar build, height, and weight. Even their features were close enough that they could easily pass as sisters.



He knew that the obsession he had over Buffy was potentially self-destructive. However, he couldn't help it. When he thought about how she had made him feel, made him love, he was filled with such a blind rage that he couldn't see or think about anything else.



Growling, he forced his mind off his counterpart's soul mate and focused back on the task at hand. Namely, wooing, torturing, and killing some unsuspecting girl before the sun came up. Finally, the moronic boy that had been thrashing about in an attempt to dance left the girl's side. Seeing an opening, Angelus stepped out of the shadows, preparing to make his way across the crowded club. However, before he had taken two steps, he became aware of a hush settling over the masses. Curious, the vampire turned his head in the direction everyone was staring, his eyes widening at the scene before him.



Walking through the entrance was Cordelia Chase. However, there was something decidedly different about her. From her dramatic make-up to her skin-tight leather, the young woman just exuded power and confidence. Moreover, instead of basking in the attention as she normally did, she merely walked up to the bar, seemingly unaware of the gawking audience.



Raising an eyebrow, Angelus couldn't quite figure out what had changed. She still *looked* the same, albeit she was wearing clothes that, even for her, were a bit risqué. Yet, she was obviously *not* the 'Queen C' that, as Angel, he had avoided at all costs. No, this was someone that his demon wanted to press against the nearest wall and ravage.



Blinking his eyes, the former Scourge of Europe tried to shake himself out of the trance she seemed to have placed on him. However, before he even realized what he was doing, he was pushing through the surrounding humans on his way to the bar, his prey all but forgotten.



Cordelia smiled her thanks at the bartender as he placed her drink in front of her. Sipping it, the vampiress glanced around, her eyes widening eve-so-slightly. Walking her way, his dark eyes locked directly on her, was someone she hadn't seen in almost two years.



Rising to her feet, she began moving towards him, smiling slightly as the crowd seemed to part for her. She stopped a few feet away, looking him up and down, her lips parting in a demure smile. Raising an eyebrow, she stated, "Well, *this* is certainly a surprise."



Angelus stared at the brunette standing in front of him, shock filling his features. "You're dead," he said slowly, raking his eyes over her. Suddenly, anger flashed in his brown eyes. Grabbing her roughly, he pulled her flush against him, glaring into her face. "Who did this?" he demanded.



Cordelia rolled her eyes, easily breaking his grasp. Stepping back, she smirked at him. "That's funny. I was just wondering who brought *you* back from Hell," she replied. Seeing his astonishment, she laughed softly, "I tell you what. Let me go grab a bite to eat, then we'll talk. I think you're going to be *very* interested in what I have to say." Not waiting for an answer, she turned on her heel and made her way out of the Bronze.



Angelus watched her go, his brow furrowed in confusion. Finally, he shook his head, a soft growl beginning in his chest. < I don’t like this one bit. > Clenching his fists, he pushed through the crowd, eventually emerging outside just in time to see the brunette leading a young man down the nearby alley.



Sighing, he realized that he, too, needed to feed. Looking around, his gaze landed on a young woman who was leaning against the building. Putting on his sexiest smile, he approached her. To his amusement, it only took a few seconds of sweet-talking her before she was willingly following him down the same alley that Cordelia had entered just moments before.



Pushing the woman against the wall, he quickly sank his fangs into her neck, draining her. Stepping away, he watched despondently as her dead body slumped to the ground, part of him wishing that he had taken the time to properly woo her. < I always get so much more satisfaction from the chase than just a simple kill. > However, he decided that he would have plenty of time to play later.



"It's been such a long time since I've tasted that. I almost miss it," Cordelia suddenly stated, walking up to him.



Angelus raised an eyebrow, glowering at her. "What?" he questioned evenly, ignoring the attraction he was feeling towards her.



She smiled brightly, licking her lips. "Surprise mixed with terror," she answered simply. "Where I come from, most everyone knows about vampires. And, while it makes the chase that much more exhilarating, the shock value is pretty much non-existent."



"Where you come from?" he repeated. Seeing her nod, he asked, "And, just where would *that* be?"



Cordelia shrugged, looking around. "Here, only not," she replied. Then, she turned around and wandered out of the alley, heading down the street.



Frowning, Angelus followed her. "What exactly does *that* mean?" he demanded, falling into step beside her. He stared at her as they walked, unable to shake the feeling that there was something familiar about her. He kept telling himself that it was because she looked identical to one of the damned Scoobies. However, he knew that wasn't it. There was something else.



The vampiress sighed, rolling her eyes. Glancing sideways at him, she spoke slowly, as if talking to a two year old. "I'm from Sunnydale. Just, not *this* Sunnydale. Where *I'm* from, you're dead. In fact, a *lot* of things are different there." Suddenly, a small pout crossed her face. "I don't like it here. It's bright and full of life. My world is dark and reeks of death and destruction. I want to go home."



The former Scourge of Europe nodded slowly, his mind trying to comprehend what she was saying. After a moment, he asked, "How did I die?"



Cordelia grinned, her hazel eyes shining. "Slutty killed you. After she found out you were a vampire, in fact," she answered. Tilting her head to the side, she peered up at him. "That didn't happen here, obviously. Tell me, how did you lose that sickening soul?"



Angelus growled in memory of his alter ego. "That doesn't concern you. The point is, I'm back. And the Slayer *isn't* going to kill me here," he responded.



The former cheerleader shrugged. "If you say so. I could care less either way," she said.



Suddenly, Angelus became aware of their surroundings. They were walking down Crawford Street, the mansion looming before them. Narrowing his eyes, he stared at her. "What are we doing here? How did you know where I lived?"



Cordelia raised an eyebrow. "I didn't. I'm just following the bond I have with my sire. Hopefully, he can help me find a way back home," she answered simply. As an after thought, she added, "Although, I must say, I’m not all that surprised this is where you live. My sire and I live here in my world. It makes sense that he would live here in this world, too. Of course, *my* house isn't *nearly* this run down."



Angelus swallowed, an eerie feeling washing over him as he asked the next question. "Who is your sire?"



The brunette smiled mischievously. "You already know the answer to that, Angelus. After all, you feel the pull of our shared blood," she teased.



The elder vampire growled, his eyes flashing amber. "*Who* is your sire?" he demanded again.



"Spike."



******



Sunnydale: What-If-Verse



Cordelia stood in front of the Crawford Street mansion, her mouth open in shock. "You live *here*?!" she gasped, her hazel eyes taking in the dominating presence of the house. "This place is just...wow! I mean...*wow*!"



Spike smiled, her response reminding him of his mate's attitude when she had first laid eyes on the monstrosity. He had to admit that it *did* look rather intimidating. Perched high on the hill, he'd had some of his human servants fix the outside of the house, cutting back the overgrown foliage and planting some of the more exotic flowers and trees. He had also had the house painted, giving it more of the feeling of home than an abandoned building.



Staring at the beautiful young woman who stood beside him, he leaned closer, whispering in her ear, "Pet, why don't we go inside?"



Cordelia blinked, blushing slightly. "Huh? Oh, of course! I *so* cannot wait to see what the other me did in there," she replied, practically skipping up the walkway. However, the closer she got to the front door, the more apprehensive she became.



Stopping in her tracks, she stared at the ground, trying to collect her jumbled thoughts. Smiling, she was pleased with her logic, pointedly ignoring the part of her that was screaming how wrong it was.



Spike watched the emotions crossing the young woman's face. Finally, she turned to face him, an uncertain look in her eyes.



"I'm not going to help you hurt anyone. I may not be able to stop you. But, if you bring somebody around me, I'm going to let them go. In fact, I'm going to do everything I can to keep any human I meet safe. And, I'm *not* going to be all touchy-feely with you. That may be evil vampire me's thing, but *not* mine. Got it?" she said.



The bleached blonde nodded, hiding the amusement he felt. Aloud, he replied, "Sure thing, pet. No massacre's, no big, bloody parties and no hanky panky. Just figuring out how you got here and how to get you back. Now, can we get inside already? I'm really not wanting one of Wilkins' lackeys coming by and seeing you alive and whatnot."



Satisfied that she had found the only solution that was possible given her situation, the May Queen nodded, smiling. "Sounds good to me!" she exclaimed.



Rolling his eyes, the Big Bad gently grasped her by the upper arm, leading her up the walkway to the front door. Nodding at the few minions that were standing guard, he ignored their confused expressions, ushering her quickly inside.



Once they were safely inside the mansion, Cordelia froze, her eyes wide. "Woah..." she breathed, taking in the massive living room. Leather couches adorned the floor, as well as two recliners, which were facing the fireplace. To her left was a large, spiral staircase, red velvet carpet covering the polished wood. Large black and red drapes hung from the windows, moonlight shining through the clear glass.



"What about during the day? Doesn't the sun make you all dusty?" she asked, looking at Spike.



He grinned, shaking his head. "We've got servants who close the drapes before the sun comes up," he answered. However, given the catch in her breath at the site behind him, he wasn't certain she even heard his answer.



Sure enough, the moment Cordelia had turned her attention to the vampire, her gaze had immediately fallen on the large French doors behind him. It showed a glimpse of one of the most gorgeous collection of flowers and plants that she had ever seen.



Normally, the brunette wasn't one for the entire gardening scene. In her opinion, you spent all your time kneeling on the ground and digging in the dirt, ruining good clothing for no reason. However, she wasn't so self-absorbed that, when faced with a breath taking collection of foliage she couldn't take the time to appreciate it.



Spike watched as Cordelia slowly made her way to the doors. As if moving in slow motion, she pushed them open, stepping outside. Silently, he followed her, standing to the side as she took in the view.



After a moment, he finally spoke, his voice hoarse with emotion. "This was one of Delia's favorite places. She wanted it to be perfect. Said it was in memory of Dru," he whispered the last name, trying to swallow the lump in his throat.



The cheerleader nodded, smelling one of the thorn-less roses growing on a nearby bush. Looking at him, she smiled. "Not to sound callous or anything, but eternity must be *really* boring if I've resorted to gardening to pass the time," she teased.



The bleached blonde chuckled, pushing his heartache aside. "Never said she *did* the work, pet," he replied. Shaking his head, he added, "No, Delia just did the shopping, then told others what to do with it."



Cordelia laughed. "That sounds more like it. Why do the work yourself when you can find someone else to do it?" she exclaimed.



Spike nodded. "She said the same bloody thing." Suddenly, he paused, turning his head towards the main house. Looking back at her, he held out his arm. "Come along, pet. We have some company," he stated.



For some reason that she chose not to evaluate, Cordelia willingly linked her arm through his, walking along side him back through the French doors. She remained silent as he led her across the living room to a pair of large oak doors, two vampires standing in front of them.



Spike nodded at the minions, who quickly pulled the doors open, revealing an enormous library. Ushering the human version of his mate inside, he felt her tense slightly as the doors closed behind them. Gazing around the room, his eyes finally landed on the small man seated at one of the large table; books open in front of him.



"Where is he, Dalton?" Spike demanded, glancing around the room. "I know you're here, mate. I can sense you, y'know. Now come on out and stop your bloody games."



Cordelia looked around with wide eyes, tightening her grip on the blonde's arm. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she saw movement. Turning her head, her breath caught in her throat as a young man stepped from the shadows, a smirk on his face.



Spike growled at the visitor, his eyes flashing amber. He watched as the vampire raised his arms, his smile widening.



"What? No hug? But I've missed you so, dear brother!"



The Big Bad stiffened, fighting back the snarl that threatened to erupt from within him. Looking the visitor up and down, Spike finally spat, "What are you doing here, Penn?"



******