Title: By Night Fall
Author: Misha
Posted: 08-09-2003
Email:
Rating: R
Category: angst
Content: A/B (Sorry! But it's needed! Don't hate me!), A/C friendship
Summary: A deep friendship between Angel and Cordelia develops and Angel is forced to choose between the woman he thinks he's in love with and the woman he cares about deeply in more than one way.
Spoilers:
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution:
Notes: Saw the episode "Halloween" and decided to rewrite it. Takes place before that episode and after. I hope you all enjoy this. I'm pretty sure I might have messed up the time line a tad but I'm not sure. I think that's about it.
Feedback: Please? Good or bad! Just some!
Thanks/Dedication:
Part 1
Angel sat alone at the table in the dim light of the Bronze. His elbows were rested on it, his back hunched in an unhealthy habit. His mind wondered, completely focused on his thoughts. So focused, her didn't even sense her coming.
"Hi Angel." Angel looked at the brunette, startled by her approach.
"Cordelia. Hey." He waited for her to leave, and shifted uncomfortabley when she didn't. "Um, I'm waiting for someone."
"Buffy. Right, I know. My date hasn't shown up yet either. But," she said, taking the seat acros from him before he could protest, "his loss is your incredible gain. So, how've you been Angel?" He noticed her question had no actual curiosity.
"All right. You?"
"I'm great." Angel could swear he saw a flash of deep sorrow in her bright eyes. It quickly disappeared as she flashed him a smile. "Any way, Mom and Dad left for the weekend in their Bentley. For all i know, they could be on the coast of Flordia by now."
"You stayed here?" She frowned.
"No. They just kind of left." When she raised her head, Angel had a look of pity on his face. "It's fine. Really. I've got out maid, Martha. She's amazing." Her tone suddenly changed, it dripped with anger and sarcasm. "Besides, Mommy and Daddy leave me their card and I'm great! As you've already hear, I'm the spoiled rich bitch. I know you have. You hang out with Buffy all the time. Thus, Xander."
"I try not to listen to anything that comes out of Xander's mouth." She snorted, and he raised an eyebrow at her, which caused a laugh to erupt. It was the only genuine laugh he had ever heard from her mouth. Her mouth with perfect lips decorated with crimson. If this girl's looking to attrack a vampire's eye, she's definately doing it. He was frozen by his thoughts. Maybe he wasn't a man, but he had desires and he was far from blind. She was gorgeous. A man would have to be insane not to think so. And the way she walks around in those clothes that fit like a second skin and shows her perfect figure.
"Angel! Hello!" He was snapped out of his own mind to find a pair of annoyed hazel eyes.
"Oh. Yeah, sorry."
"Well, I have been stood up." He gave her an odd look. "You don't understand. Cordelia Chase does not get stood up. I guess I'm going to head home. Walk me to my car?" Angel got up, leaving his cappachino there. He walked out next to her, completely oblivious to the fact that Buffy was watching them leave the Bronze together. Tears ready to fall from her eyes, she ran out of the club, still working on removing the grass and twigs from her hair. Angel walked up next to the car, opening the door for her and leaning against it. "It was really nice talking to you Angel."
"Yeah. It was nice talking to you too Cordelia. Sorry you were stood up."
"Right back at ya. See you." He closed the door for her.
"Bye." He leaned back and she drove off. He looked to the doors he had just exited, not wanting to go back in there when he knew she wasn't going to show up. Angel walked home, concerned that Cordelia, rather than Buffy, was the one invading his thoughts.
***
Buffy unfolded the piece of paper her best friend had slid her way.
What's wrong?
Buffy had no idea how to respond. The teacher was making her way toward them so she quickly jotted down a,
I'll tell you at lunch.
Willow hid the paper under her folder.
"Ms. Summers, Ms. Rosenburg. The letter." The two exchanged worried glances. "NOW." They handed her the paper and she glanced over it. "Was that conversation worth an hour after school?" Willow's eyes widened, her pencil snapping in half, gaining a shocked look from Buffy.
"Detention?" She cried out.
"We don't call it that in high school Ms. Rosenburg. We call it discipline. To keep adolescents like you and Ms. Summers here in line. Now, can I finish my lesson plan without anymore interruptions from you two?" They were cut off before they could utter a single syllable. "Good." Minutes later the bell to end class finally counded. "Class dismissed. I'll see you two after school today." A whimper escaped Willow's lips as she exchanged another look with Buffy nd walked out.
"Detention! I've never gotten detention in my life! This is going to go on my record! I'm not going to get into Harvard! I'm going to have to work on the street, shining people's shoes and begging for money and other stuff just to get into a community college!"
"Willow! Air is good."
"How are my Xandettes?" Xander asked, jogging up to them.
"Xandettes?" The girls asked in unison.
"Well, I figured since we hang out together, you guys could be my groupies. Like the Cordettes, your the Xandettes." Neither of them said a word. "Okay. What's wrong with my Xandettes?" Buffy covered Willow'a mouth before she could speak.
"Willow and I have to stay an hour after school and she's flipping out."
"Oh. That's why you two are so down?"
"No. Buffy's down because...I don't know. She didn't get to tell me."
"So what's up Buff?"
"I don't know. I could be overreacting. It could be nothing. Then again, it could be everything." Seeing their blank expressions... "I should up late to my date with Angel last night. Really, really late. I had grass and twigs all in my hair. And he didn't even notice me. Why you ask? He was too busy chatting with Cordelia. And for a long time too."
"You think Angel and the Ice Queen have a thing?"
"No! God, I hope not. He's my boyfriend, dammit!"
"Technically, he's not you boyfriend yet Buffy. You guys haven;t even had a date yet." Buffy shot Willow a death glare and she stopped talking. Cordelia walked past them with her group of friends.
"Excuse my guys. I have to go talk to Cordelia real quick." Buffy made her way towards them.
"Oh my God, and did you see her outfit Cordelia? I nearly died."
"Yes! Major fashion disaster. I mean I was embarrassed for her."
"Seriously!" Harmony noticed the other blonde walking up to them. "Freak alert!" A couple students turned around and laughed. Buffy stared at the ground and continued to walk. "Oh my God, Cordelia. She's still coming over here. By us!"
"Oh, I know. I swear, she's like obsessed with me or something." They glared at her as she made her way to them.
"What do you want?" Buffy ignored Harmony.
"Cordelia, I need to talk to you." The brunette's eyes narrowed. She exchanged a glance with Harmony, dismissing her and returning her glare back to Buffy.
"Talk. And make it fast." She nodded, not really sure why Cordelia was so intimidating. She wasn't strong, but there was something about her icey glare and sarcastic tone that could possess a sense of fear in you. Buffy knew, because she was standing before her, fidgeting like the freak she had just been called.
"Um, last night I went to the Bronze to meet up with Angel, Well, I was a little late."
"An hour and a half late Buffy."
"Yeah. And when I got there, I saw you and Angel leaving together. I'm not saying anything happened but...did it?" The corners of Cordelia's mouth twitched up and she let out a mocking laugh that made Buffy blush and bow her head in embarrassment.
"God Buffy! Paranoid much? I was just talking to Angel. TALKING. We had some coffee while waiting for our dates to show up and when I realized mine wasn't coming, I asked him to walk me to my car. That's it!" Buffy couldn't help but smile out of relief. A couple seconds passed and Cordelia was losing what little patiance she had. "Are you through? I really should be talking to people who actually matter."
"Yeah. Um, I guess-"
"Great." She started to walk off. "Hey Harmony! You will never guess what she just said to me! I have never heard anything so pathetic!" Buffy walked back in search of Willow and Xander. Her pride was hurting, but at least her heart wasn't.
***
Angel yawned, practically falling out of bed and walking to the door. He opened it, not being able to swallow the oter yawn that crept it's way out of his throat as he opened the door. His eyes widened in his initial shock.
"Buffy. What are you doing here?" She sent him a small smile, taking in his appearance. He was dressed in a pair of black sweat pants, and a white muscle shirt. His hair was all messed up, going every which way. She walked in and placed a kiss to his cheek.
"I wanted to see you."
"Oh. Shouldn't you be in school?"
"School's out." He only nodded, taking a seat on his couch. She took the seat next to him. "Did I wake you up?" He smiled sleepily.
"Yeah, actually. It's all right though."
"Are you mad at me? Because of last night?"
"I was."
"But..." He smiled.
"I don't know. You came here and...suddenly I'm not mad at you any more. What's up with that?" She felt a blush creep up her neck and color her cheeks. She moved her hand to his cheek, bringing her lips to his. His hand cupped her face, pulling away. "You should really head home. I don't want you to get into trouble."
"Okay. Can we meet up tonight?"
"Yeah. Nine?"
"I'll see you then. Bye."
"Bye." He closed the door behind her, making his way back to bed.
Part 2
Annoyance rose inside of Angel as he sat at the table, waiting for his date. Something made him turn his head, and his eyes fell upon Cordelia. She was dressed in a black halter dress that made Angel wonder if those legs ever ended. He wouldn't mind finding out. Come on! She's what, seventeen years old? She's a kid! But kids never looked like that. He shook his head, watching her talk to her friends and flirt with her date. While he was here, waiting for his.
"Date waiting again?" He turned and saw her take a seat across from him.
"What? Oh, yeah."
"Awww. Poor Angel. Why do you sit here, fawning over her?"
"Honestly, I'm don't know."
"I do. You're obsessed."
"Am not. Trust me, you don't know what obsessed is."
"I think I do. Your girlfriend came up to me in school today. Asking me why I was leaving with you last night. I told her you were just walking me to my car."
"She believed you?"
"I'm famous for being painfully honest Angel. I don't believe in tact." Glancing around at all the people. "And obviously your girlfriend doesn't believe in showing up to her dates."
"No shit." He muttered angrily.
"Do I sense hostility?"
"Hell yes. I'm not one for getting stood up either."
"I bet." She whispered.
"But I guess you know that. I believe the term you used was Salty Goodness?"
"Oh my God! You heard that?"
"Loud and clear." A smile twisted his lips.
"You should do that more often." She said, her tone suddenly serious.
"What?"
"Smile. You have a gorgeous smile Angel." He was surprised at her sincerity.
"So do you Cordelia." He saw her blush, and saw her date glaring at them. "You better go back to your boyfriend."
"Him? Yeah, right. He's only on my arm for tonight. Never let it be said that Cordelia Chase doesn't have a date."
"Yeah. Never let it be said that mine shows up." She smiled a sad smile.
"You want to dance Angel?"
"Nah. I'm not a dancer. I'm going to head home. I'll see you around."
"Night Angel."
"Good night." She watched him leave, pissed off at Buffy for leaving him dateless for a second night. Not that she liked her, but Angel didn't deserve this. You do not stand a guy like him up. It pissed Cordelia off and not just because he, for some odd reason, was not interested in her. She went up to Harmony and the gang.
"I'll see you all later."
"Where are you going? You're leaving? Why?"
"God Harmony, are you my mother or something? I've got somewhere else to be. Later."
"What about our date?" He asked her.
"Well, I guess it's over, isn't it?" She grabbed her purse and walked out to her car. She knew where Angel lived, after having dropped him off at his place before. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Angel groaned, figuring it was probably Buffy. He didn't really feel like speaking with her at the moment, but he still answered the door.
"Cordelia."
"You know, you always have this shocked look when ever you see me. Why is that?"
"I'm always surprised to see you. Come in." She walked past him and looked over the room as he closed the door. "You have a nice place Angel."
"Thanks." He noticed her standing up and just glancing around. There really wasn't much to see. He was sure it didn't compare to her place. Her room alone was probably twice the size of the entire apartment. "Take a seat." She sat down, leaning slightly forward. Angel took the seat next to her, still a little confused as to why she was even here. "So...what brings you here?"
"Nothing really. Just thought I'd stop by, say hi. Hi." He smirked at her.
"What ever happened to blunt honesty?"
"Okay, okay. I wanted to see if you're all right."
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well, I know that no man takes rejection lightly. And even thought you haven't been rejected, you have been stood up two times that I know of. Not too good on the male ego."
"And you know all this how?"
"Hello! Cordelia Chase here. I know all."
"I'll take your word for it." Silence fell between them and Cordelia soon got tired of it.
"Angel, why are you so into Buffy and let her do this to you? I mean, she ain't that great looking. Unless you have a serious thing for blondes or something. And she's kind of known as the freak around school. She's always..." She trailed off when she heard him chuckle. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing. It's just... did you call her a freak?"
"Yeah. So? She is."
"No she isn't. She's a little odd, yeah. But she's not a freak. You don't know what a freak is Cordelia."
"I think I do." He stared at her for a couple seconds.
"When you look at me, what do you see?" She sent him a confused look. "Would I look like someone you would call a freak?"
"No."
"You can't tell what someone's like by glancing at them and seeing what they do wrong Cordelia. You have to get to know them."
"No I don't. What kind of person spends their whole day and lunch break in the library, talking to her freaky friends and a librarian? She should be out with normal people. Talking about normal things."
"Like what?"
"Like, like hair, and cars, and guys. And shopping and cheerleading, and shoes and movies, and money and how to spend it and-"
"You're very naive Cordelia. Is that what rich life does to people?" She glared at him and stood up.
"You know what? I so do not want to be part of this conversation anymore."
"What? You can dish it out but you can't take it?"
"Damn straight." She opened the door and stood in front of it, her tone dripping with venom. "Good night Angel." She slammed the door and started home. Angel smiled. He didn't know why, but there was something very intriguing about that girl. As Cordelia drove home, she tried to scowl the entire way. But her heart felt like there were a million butterflies fluttering around. No one had ever been able to stand up to her like that. Male or female. Angel could take everything she would give, and that only made her blush a little more. She felt like a sixth grader with a stupid crush. Except, she actually liked the feeling.
***
Cordelia heard a loud knock on her door. And since she was the only one in the house, she would have to answer it. She glanced at her alarm clock and groaned.
"It's one in the morning!" She covered her head with her pillow, hoping the noise that woke her would soon cease. When it didn't, she got up, put on her robe and walked down stairs. "Angel? Wh-what are you doing here?"
"I needed to talk to you."
"Oh. All right. Come on in." Angel hesitanly walked in, sitting on the love seat next to Cordelia. He looked over her house. He always wanted a big place, but didn't want to draw too much attention to himself.
"I love your home."
"You like big houses?"
"Yeah."
"So..." All she got was silence. " What'd you wanna talk about?" Angel's eyes glanced over her. She had on a pair of shorts that rode up, exposing her never ending legs. A low-cut top that fell off her slender shoulders, exposed by the robe that was all but falling off of her. "Angel?"
"Sorry."
"You zone out a lot, you know that?"
"I know. Listen, I just wanted to thank you."
"For what?"
"What you said to Buffy about me being a nice vampire. I didn't think you understood."
"Wait. What?"
"I didn't think you actually got it."
"Angel. You lost me."
"You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?"
"Not a clue."
"Cordelia, you know I'm a vampire right?" The fact that she was just staring at him, then let out a manic laugh told him no.
"That's funny Angel. You actually had me going."
"I'm serious."
"A vampire. Riiiight. Like a Care Bear with fangs?"
"No, yeah, what the hell's a care bear?"
"It's a cartoon that was really popular. They were so cute. They were pastal colors with little symbols on their stomachs."
"So I'm one of them?"
"Yeah. I mean, you're not trying to eat me or anything. Wait. Let me guess. Buffy put you up to this, didn't she?"
"No. Of course not."
"Oh, right. Like you're going to tell me and rat out your girlfriend. Even though, technically, she isn't even your girlfriend yet. But let's face it, she sooo can not handle the competition."
"Cordelia. You're confusing the hell out of me. I just came over here to thank you." A couple seconds went by.
"You're serious, aren't you?" He nodded, raising his eyebrows slightly. "Oh my God! You're a vampire! How are you of all people a vampire? I mean, you're hot! Your face isn't all creepy like a vampire's."
"You're not scared?"
"Pfft! No! Like I said before, Care Bear with fangs." It figures. She thought with annoyance, the only guy who I'm actually intereseted in isn't even human! "Seriously though. the face thing."
"Vampires have...two face. Their human face and their vampiric face."
"So, your face changes?"
"Yeah."
"Freaky. Can I see?"
"What? No."
"Awwww. Why not? I want to see your grrrrr face." He smiled at how she referred to the less appealing side of him.
"No. I don't like my friends to see me like Cordy." She stared at him for a while, and he became a bit worried at the look in her eyes. "What?"
"Nothing. It's just, you called me your friend. And then you called me Cordy."
"Oh. I just figured..."
"No. I liked the way it sounded. Both things." She stared at her hands for a second, before continuing their conversation. "Now let me see your other face."
"I really don't think you should." She crossed her arms and let her lips twist into a pout. Angel rolled his eyes in defeat. "Fine." He let his natural face come over him, keeping his eyes closed. He didn't really want to see the look of disgust on her face. When he felt the touch of hesitant fingers on his skin his eyes snapped open, exposing the amber.
"Your eyes changed."
"I don't-" His eyes fluttered open and closed as her fingers traced the ridges of his face.
"It's all bumpy." There was a tint of amusement in her voice as she gathered her courage. "Angel, open your mouth."
"Why?"
"Duh! I want to see the fangs."
"This really isn't a good idea Cord-"
"Come on. I'm your friend, remember? You can trust me." She went to touch him again, and he grabbed her hand.
"It's not you I don't trust."
"Well, I trust you. And I don't even know you that well. Now come on. I just want to see the teeth."
"Why are you so in to this?"
"I've never been friends with a vampire. I'm curious."
"Curiosity killed the cat."
"One, that is so old. Two, I like to believe I'm smarter than a cat. Now quit stalling." Angel opened his mouth, teeth staying gritted. "Now that's even freakier." She moved closer to them and pinched him.
"Ow! Why'd you-" He was cut off as she her hand grabbed the his face, keeping his mouth open. "What are you doing?"
"Well, I knew you wouldn't let me see the fangs, so I tricked you."
"You are a very odd person, you know that?"
"Riiight. This coming from a guy who's dead." She pressed her finger to one of his teeth. She pulled back at the slight sting and Angel growled, pulling away from her, letting his human face return. "Ow." She looked at the bleeding digit and stuck it in her mouth as Angel regained his senses. "You okay? You looked like you were zoning out again."
"You shouldn't have done that. Are you all right?"
"Yeah. It's just a little cut. Okay Angel, now you've really gotten my attention. I want to know your story."
"It's a long one."
"Well, considering you woke me up in the middle of the night and I can not go back to sleep right now, I'd say I have the time."
"I guess I should start by telling you that I'm over two hundred forty years old."
"Oh my God. You look like you're...I'd say twenty-four."
"No aging. But I wouldn't no, since I can't see myself in the mirror." Angel began to explain his history to Cordelia, who was actually very interested. He was more than surprised that she wasn't mortified by the fact. They spent the night talking, all until Angel had to head home because of the sun. As he layed down in his bed, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling, he thought about what an incredible person Cordelia Chase really was if you took the time to notice. She didn't seem as superficial as Buffy and her friends made her out to be. And he wouldn't mind getting to know the person that she truely was, hidden behind the fancy clothes, expensive car and credit cards.
Part 3
Willow and Xander walked on either side of Buffy, who was sounding more like Willow with all her rambling.
"I know he's not going to want to see me again. Why would he? I stood him up. Not just once either. Nope. Twice. You do not stand a gorgeous guy like Angel up. Why would I do that? Oh my God Will, he's got the most adorable smile. His eyes squint up at the corners. And that tatoo he has, it make him so mysterious."
"Enough! Do we always have to talk about Angel? Angel this, Angel that! Believe it or not, I don't always want to hear about Dead Boy!"
"Well I do. And don't call him that Xander, it make him mad." Willow said, directing her attention back to Buffy.
"He's right Will. I shouldn't complain when I'm the one who did this."
"Why don't you just talk to him?"
"Because. What if he doesn't want to talk to me?"
"It's either that, or be upset because you think he wouldn't talk to you. It's Angel, Buffy. He's understanding and sweet."
"You're right. I'll talk to him tonight. Thanks Will. I'll see you guys tomorrow."
***
On top of a building with a roof hidden in the night's sky and the shadows casted, the slayer took out her frustration on a vampire who threatened the lives of people she didn't even know. The sight of figures moving down below sttracted her attention. She saw the familiar shadow that belonged to Angel shining in the moon light. The woman he was standing next to seemed to be quite friendly with him. From the angle she was in, she could have sworn their lips met. But as she moved toward the building's edge in a stealthy manor, she realized she was mistaken. It did nothing to ease her suspicion though. Not hearing what they were saying wasn't a help either.
"Just go home Dru. I'll pretend I never saw you." She walked to him, running a hand over his face. He turned his head, backing away from her touch. She put on a pout, whimpering.
"Daddy doesn't want his little girl anymore?"
"Dru, go back home, get Spike, and leave town or..."
"You going to punish me? No. You don't like to play anymore."
"Dru. Go." Angel turned his back to Drusilla and walked away. Once he got out of sight, he turned to make sure she was leaving. He continued on and walked into his apartment, grabbing the paper that was taped to his door. He closed his door behind him and unfolded the paper.
Dear Angel, Love By the way, not tomorrow. There's a football game. What
I came by, but you obviously weren't home. Rude much?
It's all because you fear comedy. Laughing isn't bad Angel.
And I promise you will love this movie. Call me and we'll
get together another time. You have my number.
*Cordy*
would a cheerleading team be without it's captain?
Angel refolded the paper. He felt bad for standing her up. But he couldn't help but think that even her writing was adorable. He picked up the phone and hung up when a male voice answered. Angel shrugged, grabbed his coat and walked out. He made his way to her house, sneaking past the gate. Cordelia's room was on the second floor at the far end. He grabbed on to two branches and climbed up the tree. he felt like a high schooler sneaking into his girlfriend's room. The curtains were drawn, but the light from her room shined through, casting a glow around her window. he knocked lightly on the glass.
Inside, Cordelia was brushing her hair whe she heard the soft rapping on her window. She cautiously approached.
"Cordy. It's me." With a smile, she pulled her curtains back and opened the window.
"Angel. You scared me." He climbed in and took a seat on a chair by her bed. "What are you doing here?"
"I got your note."
"Oh. What's up?"
"Nothing. What time is the game tomorrow?"
"Why?"
"Because...maybe I want to go."
"Really?" The excitement she felt left quickly. "What about Buffy?"
"Don't know. Haven't seen her in a while. I think she's avoiding."
"Or are you avoiding?"
"A little bit. You know I have my reasons. But that's her problem, right? Not mine?"
"Exactly. You just have to-"
"Cordelia! What's all that noise? Open the door."
"Oh shit. It's my dad. Quick, um...under the bed."
"Why no the closet?"
"First place he'll look. Hurry!" The door flew open just as Angel ducked under. "Jeez Dad! Ever hear of privacy?"
"Do not take that tone with me young lady. I am not one of your little bitch friends."
"My friends aren't like that and you know it."
"They're all little whores and you're turning into one of them."
"This coming from the male whore himself." Cordelia was silenced as her father's hand met her face. Angel heard the sound and was about to get up when he felt Cordelia's foot push him back under. She glared at her father, not allowing herself to cry.
"Now wipe that look off your face before you get another one." He slammed her door and she went to lock it. All the energy seemed to drain out of her body as she let herself lean against the door. She began to shake, the tears ready to fall. Cool arms wrapped around her. She twisted, burying her head in his chest, sobbing hysterically. Angel held her tightly, hands stroking her back and hair. She stopped crying and pulled away. He saw her cheek, which was already swelling. his thumb traced over the area, her eyes closing at the feel. She could't help the electricity that surged through her body, even from the lightest touch.
"You want to stay with me tonight?" Did she ever.
"No. I have to stay here."
"You sure? You can have the bed of course."
"I'd love to, but I really can't. Thank you though Angel." She placed a kiss on his cheek.
"All right. I'll see you tomorrow night."
"Okay." He climbed out the window and she shut it. It wouldn't be the first night she dreamt of Angel. Falling asleep in his bed...his arms. It made her ache inside. But it took her mind off the throbbing of her cheek.