Angel finished collecting the dishes from breakfast, put them back on the tray and set it outside the room. Walking back in, he poured two cups of coffee and headed out to the back, covered balcony where Faith was lighting a fresh cigarette. He offered her one of the mugs.
"Thank you," She breathed, exhaling as she accepted it. "So, what do you want to do while we wait?"
"Hopscotch?" He arched a brow. She had to smile. The quirky sense of humor that stepped forward every now and then was really rather endearing.
She sat down in one of the soft chairs, and gestured for him to do the same. "So, what's new in L.A.? How's your division of the Scoobies?"
"We're doing rather well. Ever since Wolfram and Hart was sucked back into their original dimension, life's been a lot easier." He sank down into the chair beside her. "And how have you been?"
"Five-by-five." She took another hit off her cigarette and looked at him. "It feels good to be around people I can trust, y'know? In prison, you gotta keep your guard up. But around here, it's different. I've found someone I can really open up to. Be myself around, without feeling judged or guilty." Angel's eyes lit up, glowing at the thought of her impending praise. "I've really enjoyed being around Spike. I feel like I've known him forever."
Angel nearly choked on his coffee. "S-spike? You've enjoyed being around Spike?" He tried not to sound jealous.
"Yeah. I think we have a lot in common. I live in the here and now, so does he. He doesn't have any money, neither do I. He's real straight forward. Says exactly what he's thinking. Doesn't mess around with trying to be polite." She put out her cigarette.
"Yeah, manners was never his strong suit." Angel muttered.
"Well, you're his sire. Partially your fault."
"Too bad I can't still take him out back and beat him." He grinned.
"Angel!" She laughed. She sipped her coffee. "I suppose you could."
"It would upset Dawn. She's fond of his pretty face for some unfathomable reason." He shook his head in despair. "If she had any taste all, she'd want to date me."
"You can't expect her to take after B in every way."
"Yeah, but I figured that particular trait was dominant on both sides." He gave her a meaningful look.
"What are you talking about?" She set her mug down, looking uncomfortable. "We never exactly dated."
"No, not exactly." He looked her over, she was still wearing her robe. "But I do remember 'exactly' what we did do. Don't you?"
Faith's hands started to shake. She could picture it like it was yesterday. She had assumed he was Angelus. They had kissed, fought and then kissed again. She could picture them sprawled on the floor. "As long as you're there, I'd mostly like you to wriggle." She wondered how good of an actor he really was. "Sure. It's no big deal."
"No?" He stood up and stepped in front of her.
"No." She consciously unfolded her arms, trying to look relaxed. He leaned down, resting his hands on the armrests of her chair, boxing her in.
"You never think about that time? Never think about the two of us, kissing on the floor?" He leaned his face in a breath away from hers. "You never wonder how much of that was acting? If I meant any of it?"
"I, uh, guess it may have crossed my mind a time or two . . ."
"Maybe you should just ask then." He got impossibly closer.
"Ask what?" She tilted her face up.
"If I meant it." He said evenly, his gaze settled on her mouth.
"Did you mean–"
"Oh, Peaches! We're ba-ack!"
Angel straightened up and smiled. He offered a hand to Faith, and helped her up and they walked back into the room. He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "See what happens when you wait too long?" Then, he walked over to Dawn and wrapped his arms around her waist and looked down over her shoulder at the bag she held. "What'd you bring me?"
"A swimsuit, like you asked." She picked up the small black square of nothing and handed it to him.
"That's not a bathing suit, that's a handkerchief." Angel said gravely, staring at the offending garment. He took it between his thumb and forefinger gingerly, holding it out and away from his body.
Faith's face grew red as she tried to control her mirth. "At least it isn't a thong."
Spike grinned at her. "I don't think they make 'em that big."
"We used to call those floss for your ass." She smiled at the blond and he burst out laughing. Angel looked like he was going to be sick and Dawn looked confused. "What did you pick out?" Faith asked Spike.
