What happens now{tag Angelina}

[Vita Aurelia Eventide]

The lighter flicked on, flame danced atop the flint and lazily moved to and fro with the soft air filling the room. I did not want to be here; flying in from Sunnydale was bad enough, coming here to tell my story on my ex-Watcher just made things worse. Leaning back in my chair my free hand searched inside my jacket pocket, pulling out a cigarette and raising it to my lips. Lighting the end I took a deep inhale, allowing the nicotine to hit my bloodstream. Had there been beer around I'd been a lot more calmer, as it was I only had myself and my brother who was, somewhere. I told him he could stay in Sunnydale since Faith was there. Out of all the chicks he'd hooked up with, Faith had really dug her claws into him. And I mean that in a good way. "This is a no smoking zone." A voice, stern and rather angered, aimed my way as I looked up, eyes peering through the thick haze of smoke. "Excuse me?" Arching my eyes and putting on my meanest face usually made people back off. Even Halo knew when to back off and when to keep at my built up walls, but that was just him. He was my twin brother so that was normal.

Apparently she was immune to my 'natural' charm. "No smoking." I grinned and leaned back in the hard backed chair, taking another drag and allowing the smoke to exit my lips. "You are not my mother." That seemed to make her go quiet and I closed my eyes somewhat while I waited for the head of the council to arrive. After getting the letter in the mail I knew I had to come sooner or later to meet my fate. Hopefully I could put the blame all on myself and spare Halo any punishment. He was only protecting me, and I spared resentment towards the people that were supposed to help me, train me and all that jazz. They'd let the monster in and they'd let him get away with it for so long. Yet, that wasn't fair. It wasn't entirely their fault even if their screening processes were, flawed. Shit happens and I was just lucky that it was me that got hurt and not someone else that could be worse affected by it. "I don't have all day." I wriggled in my seat, I wasn't known for being patient and my clothing had been rather crinkled by the walk over here. My skirt was typical gothic styles while I wore a tank top over my upper torso and combat boots on my feet. And yes, before anyone asks, I can fight in this attire. Now all I had to do was wait for this Angelina Croft to arrive so we could get this over with.

[Angelina Dailyn Croft]

I'd come up the hall in time to hear Vita commenting that she didn't have all day. Something about her reminded me a bit of Faith. And I was sure it wasn't just the fact she was smoking inside the Council. The corner of my lips rose in a half grin as I approached her. "I didn't mean to keep you waiting, and no worries, this won't take all day, I assure you of that." My smile grew as I extended a hand to her. "Angelina Croft. It's nice to make your acquaintance finally Vita. Thank you for coming in so quickly. Shall we adjourn to my office?" As I gestured back down the hall, inviting Vita to head down toward my office, there was an obvious throat clearing behind me. Janis, one of our researchers and assistants was glaring at Vita, her eyes darting from the Slayer's face to the cigarette burning between her fingers. As Janis' mouth began to open I held up a hand. "That's quite enough, Janis. Leave the young woman alone. Consider that an order." I was equally as stern with Janis, as she wasn't exactly well liked within the Council.

As Vita and I headed down the hall, I told her, "Never mind that bitter old hag. She'd have a right fit if she knew I smoked in my office, though she has no authority here. She quit smoking a couple years ago and has been a buggery twat ever since. My opinion? She should light up a fag now and then to take the edge of." I laughed slightly, pausing by the door to my office. "Do come in and make yourself comfortable."

I walked around my desk, taking a seat in my high backed leather chair and offering her the one before me. I slid an antique silver ashtray toward her, still smiling. "Now, before I get into anything here, I want to hear your side. The Council generally is....biased. Don't misunderstand, things have greatly improved since Giles has reformed it, and the two of us have done much to change the old, outdated ways. However, there are still some glitches we are in the process of working through. So," I said, leaning back. "I'd like to hear your side of things. Given that you already know the nature of this meeting, having received our letter." I figured I might as well have a smoke myself and rose to open the window before reclaiming my seat. I reached into my desk drawer and pulled out a silver container that held my clove cigarettes. Lighting one of the slender black sticks, I inhaled deeply before exhaling a plume of pungent smoke. "I assure you, Vita, I am on your side in this."