The Library is open (11/21/2005)

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

Parker is very slightly hungover. Plus, she just heard the Dean's announcement.

This would not be a good time to mess with the library aide. She is wondering if Rory and Logan are awake, hoping they're not, and wishing she had her holy water handgun right now as she checks the card catalog for books on magical protection from vampires.

Comments

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"His urges are inside of me," Angel confirmed. "His thoughts, desires, everything - it's all there. But he's not me."

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

Leaning closer, tension pulling her tight, she whispers, "Got you, you sonuvabitch."

Taking a step back, she says. "So. I have a vested interest in keeping you here-- whoever you are-- and him gone. How do we keep you as miserable as possible? I was thinking: fire ants."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

Angel shook his head. "Doesn't work like that. It's not about keeping the day to day miserable - soul does that just fine on its own. It's about avoiding the unusual. That means keeping me away from any magic that can steal the soul from me, and it means avoiding perfect happiness."

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

Parker snorts. "How often does anyone get perfect happiness? Much less someone like you?" Then she shakes her head. "I have an idea about the mojo, though. If you're sincere, Liam." She frowns. "Or should I call you Angel? I'm not sure I can do that with a straight face."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"Angel," he said. "I'm not Liam. Liam died over two hundred years ago. As for perfect happiness - " he gave a wry smile " - try falling in love with a Slayer."

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

She gives him a cynical look. "Riiight. Twu Wuv. Are you *kidding* me? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"True love," Angel said. "Disbelieve it all you like, but it's true. The night I was with Buffy was the night I lost my soul. Apparently that's a gypsy's idea of humor."

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"I heard it, but I wasn't sure I believed it." She shakes her head. "Mostly because from what little I've seen of her, Summers is a twink. But, whatever works for you." She shrugs. "Fine. You avoid your ex. Anything else? Should we make sure you don't watch The Sound of Music? I know that always makes me warm and glowy."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"I'm not really that into puppets."

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"Why not, you were into everything else. Was it felt burn?" Parker smirks.

"There's a club in town. Caritas. The owner knows you, or knew you, or will, I don't get it, I don't want to. He said he'd know if you were *really* Angel if you sang Manilow." She folds her arms. "I'm hoping he'll also be able to give us an idea of the Superglue we need to keep your soul in place. Sing there, and I will somehow face Rory Gilmore and tell her what's going on. Skip it, and you can kiss any atom of sweet reason from me good-bye. I'll start by hitting you with my Porsche, and move on to feeding you to Special Collections."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

Angel frowned. "Couldn't I just say that I liked Manilow? What's singing got to do with it?"

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"You like Manilow?" Parker said, incredulous. "Oh my god. We gave you a soul, and stripped out all of your good taste. What kind of trade-off is that?"

She shook her head. "He reads souls and the future when people sing. That's it. That's the deal. Take it or leave it."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"Does it have to be singing? Couldn't I do..." Angel waved a hand in the air, looking for a better alternative. "... anything? Besides that?"

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"What? Mime? Interpretative dance? Creative application of hair gel? I don't think I could handle that." Parker looks impatient. "Suck. It. Up. You've been evil, now you have to pay. Look at is as penance. Tonight would be a good time to get it out of the way, wouldn't it?"

She sets her jaw. "Anything else I should know about vampires and protecting myself from them that I don't already? I'm going back to the research as soon as you've left the room, you know. So don't bother to lie."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

Angel sighed. "Fine. But not tonight. I don't know if I'm allowed off campus yet. As for protecting yourself - stake first, ask questions later."

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

Rolling her eyes, Parker said, "Not a problem." She took a step forward. "Don't go *near* Rory Gilmore. Not until someone's told her what's going on. And not after that, if you're smart. She's got a stake now, and even more reason to use it." Parker stepped away from him. "Are we through? I have work to do."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"Guess so," Angel said. He took a step back. "Parker? I know you probably won't believe me when I say this but... thank you."

[mparkerceo.livejournal.com]

"You're right. I don't believe you." Her face stayed stony. "Because if I did? You wouldn't be suffering enough. And I'm not allowed to kill you on school grounds now. Please. Leave."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

Angel nodded, accepting that. He put his hands into his coat pockets and walked out.

[swerval_zero]

*Narrows her eyes. So this is all Buffy's fault, hmm? All this sounds all-too-familiar to Zero.*

[swerval_zero]

*likes the way Parker thinks*