Title: Sensible Sin
Author: Misha
Posted: 11-25-2003
Email:
Rating: NC-17
Category: Smut
Content: Cordy/Other Romance, Angel/Cordy friendship, romance, angst. AI friendship, G/F, W/Fa.
Summary: Cordelia's dating an actor and it's quite serious. He's in a show and she's guest staring. She has everything she wants. But she's not happy and Angel knows it. One night of shoulder crying turns into a steamy affair.
Spoilers:
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution:
Notes: Let me start of by saying I got this idea while watching Unfaithful. Richard Gere is incredible! Any way, Wesley is once again in with the group and, surprise, surprise, he's with Faith(Cuz hello sexual tension!) The Angel drama never happened. Conner caught Justine killing Holtz and was explained why, so Angel and him are extremely close. Cordelia went to higher plane, but came back during the summer. Her and Angel just put everything behind them.
Feedback: Please? Good or bad! Just some! Let me know how I'm doing people!
Thanks/Dedication:
Part 1
"I gave you two children, Bill, and you leave me for a man? No, don't speak, don't say anything-what is there to say? You said it all...WITH HIM!" Her big eyes are full of tears, almost ready to fall from her face. "I gave you two children, Bill...two children, I gave you two children." Cordelia looks at Angel, who's sitting on the couch in the lobby watching her intently, along with Gunn and Wes. "Then Bill has his lines, blah blah blah blah, and then it's me again!" She goes back into her acting mode. "You DARE say that to me? Oh!" She smacks the coatrack that is "Bill", knocking a coat to the ground. "Oops." She picks it up and looks at them. "What do you think?"
"Definately made it your own part." Wesley commented.
"Great job Barbie. But what are you freakin out about? I mean, your honey's the main character. He wants you there, you're there."
"I don't want the part because my boyfriend's in the show. Although, hello! I have a boyfriend in show buisness! But that's not the point. I want the part because I deserve it." Turning to the silent vampire. "Angel?" She walked over to his stoic figure, sitting next to him. "What did you think?"
"Oh, what?" Her eyes widened, mouth dropping slightly and she smacked him hard on the arm. "Ow!"
"I did all that work and you weren't even paying attention? Last time I ever ask you for your opinion!" She pouted and smacked him again, making him laugh.
"Cordy, I'm playing. I watched every second."
"What'd you think?" He looked at her, face stern, and she frowned.
"If they don't give you the part, they're insane." With a screech of happiness that made Angel's ears ache, she wrapped her arms tightly around him.
"You mean it Angel? Am I really that good?"
"I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it Cor."
"And you actually said it this time." Her smile seemed to illuminate the entire room. A room that turned dark very quickly when Cordelia's actor of a boyfriend, Jason Marlaney came in. He was about five foot eleven and Angel noticed that quickly, taking every opportunity to show he was taller than him. He had a light brown, almost blonde hair, green eyes and a smile that was too straight and too white. It annoyed Angel to no extent.
"Jason!" Cordelia hopped off the couch, running to him and wrapping her arms around him the way she had around Angel. Except, Jason was granted with a sweet kiss that Angel was deprived off.
"You ready babe?"
"Yeah. Just a sec." She grabbed her purse and went to the guys, giving each one a hug and a peck on the cheek. She walked next to him, letting his arm wrap around her as they walked out into the bright Los Angeles day. Angel hid his jealousy. Six months. They had been dating for six months. You'd think she would break up with him after a while, but no! Here they were, closer than ever and it tore him up inside. His jealousy was quickly thrown out the window though when Conner walked in. It was really amazing how clsoe they were when you considered everything that happened. He had to put away those emotions, because Conner could sense them. And that would lead to questions he didn't want to answer at the moment.
"Hey Dad." He threw the backpack on the counter and came and sat on one of the chairs.
"Hey Conner." He studies his father.
"Moping over Cordelia?" Angel looked around, not seeing Gunn or Wes. They must've left when he was in his thoughts. Although he didn't know he was out of it for that long. Maybe Faith anf Fred had returned from the mall and they had taken off.
"What? Pfft, no. Why would I be moping over Cordelia?"
"Because I just saw her leave with her boyfriend."
"Oh."
"Saw Wes and Faith too. Said they were heading to his place. Enough said there, right?" Angel smiled and nodded.
"Yeah. Don't need to go into detail." Both their faces straightened. "Just got home from school and you're alreadey eager to get your ass beat?"
"I so almost had you last time."
"Right. I went easy on you. You are my son, after all." They argued as they walked down into the basement.
"Okay. But that's what you said before when I broke your nose too."
"No no no no no. That was because I wasn't ready. You caught me off guard."
"I thought you're always supposed to be on guard Dad." Angel smiled at his son as they picked up the swords in the basement.
"You're learning fast. You get that from me, you know?"
"Anyways..." They drew their swords, meeting in the center. With a smile from each, Angel showed Conner one of the many reasons he had survived for over two hundred years.
Part 2
Cordelia paced back and forth in her apartment nervous, anxious, excited and afraid. So many emotions ran through her. She had done good, she knew she had. But did they know that? Would they see it?
"Honey? Can you sit down? You're making me dizzy." She turned and looked at Jason.
"I know, I'm sorry. But I can't sit down! Because if I sit down, that gives me time to think and I really don't want to think that much right now!"
"You've got the part Babe. Trust me." Her eyes narrowed on him.
"How do you know?"
"Because you're incredible." He said, slightly stumbling ove rhis words.
"Jason, I appreciate your connections and getting me the interview, I really do. But I want to be know as Cordelia Chase, Actress! Not, Cordelia Chase, girlfriend of an actor. Or, Cordelia Chase, got part because boyfriend's the main character. I want my own name for myself, do you understand that?"
"Of course I do. I just, I want to help you a long a bit." She turned away from him and frowned.
"You don't think I can get there on my own?"
"Yes I do. I know you can."
"Then let me do it. Don't use your position to get me in. I want to do it myself."
"Okay." He gave her a smile and she returned a small one. It quickly disappeared as she clutched her hands to her head, letting out a scream of pain and falling to the floor. A startled Jason ran to her, trying to calm her down. He had never seen her actually have a vision though she had told him about them. She squeezed her eyes closed as the vision subsided.
"Angel?" Jason frowned and she realized she had called for Angel. She made up for it quickly though. "Can you hand me the phone honey? I have to call Angel and tell him about the vision." He nodded and got up, not seeing the phone where it was supposed to be.
"Where is it?"
"Dennis!" She called out and the phone came floating to her, hitting Jason's head slightly in the process. "Dennis. Behave. And thank you. Press one on the speed dial for me?" It was done and Jason frowned. Why wasn't his number the first on speed dial?
"I'm never going to get used to that ghost."
"Shh! Don't call him that. He prefers phantom." The phone rang four times and she was about to hang up when he answered.
"Hello?"
"Why'd it take you so long to answer your phone?"
"Cordy?"
"Yeah! Why'd it take you so long to answer your cell phone? I know you can work it now. This is an emergency."
"I was in the shower." The mental picture of a naked Angel, watter flowing over his body and dripping from different areas made Cordelia twitch slightly, face crimson. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"Yeah. I'm fine. Are you decent?"
"What?"
"Are you decent? Do you have clothes on?" Angel looked down at the towel around his waist. A part of Cordelia hoped he would say no.
"Yeah. Why, you need me to come over? Are you sure you're okay?"
"Angel, I'm fine. You do need to go now though. That park on Olympic."
"Not the best park to be at on a Friday night."
"Exactly. Um, a couple. They're at the part, taking a walk or something. Vampire. Pretty big. Looks strong too."
"I need back up? Because Conner's been bugging me. He's ancey. Needs to hit something."
"You can take him. But be careful."
"All right. Just sit down and relax. I'm sending Fred and Gunn over."
"Angel, you don't-" He already disconnected the line. She turned to her boyfriend who was giving her a curious look. He was not good at hiding his jealousy. She didn't want to deal with that right now though. Her head felt like it would explode. A cup of water and a bottle of asprin floated to her. "Thanks Dennis." She patted the seat next to her and Jason sat there. She leaned her head against him, dozing off slightly. She wondered why she was picturing Angel there instead of him though.
The knock on her door startled her to reality. She opened her eyes and moved off Jason so he could open the door. His face was stiff when he saw Fred and Gunn there. They barged in past him and went to Cordelia.
"Cordy! Are you okay? Angel told us to come over because he said you sounded like you were in pain and he wanted us to make sure you weere okay. Are you? You're not al boil-y again are ya? Cuz he wanted to come, but said u wouldn't let him and-"
"Breathe Fred." Gunn looked over Cordy. "You sure you're all right?"
"Besides a rug burn and vision pain, I'm good."
"Word." They looked at Fred and Gunn just shook his head. Then Cordelia eyed Gunn.
"Baby. I've told you before. You can't say those words." She frowned then sat next to Cordelia with a pout on her lips. "You sure you're cool Cordy?"
"Yup. Positive. I'm taken care of here guys, don't worry."
"Well, we know that. But you know damn well Angel's gonna be here right after he gets back. Along with Junior over there."
"Conner went with him after all?"
"You kidding? A chance to beat something up? He was out before Angel had his coat on." Cordy laughed.
"I'm just glad they're finally getting along. You know, not trying to kill each other." The television flipped on and Denis found them a movie to watch. They sat around the living room, Jason included and watched a movie. Except he wasn't sitting next to Cordy anymore, he was on a couch. It seemed like everytime she got around her friends, he was pushed aside. Especially if it involved a certain brown eyed vampire. He shook his head. He was worrying too much.
Part 3
Unlike Fred and Gunn, Angel didn't knock. He turned the knob slowly and pushed the door open. Dennis shut it behind him and Angel smiled when he saw Cordelia asleep on the couch, the credits of some movie playing on the television set.
"Angel?" He froze, stunned. She looked at him, eyes wide and shining.
"Hey." He walked over and sat next to her. She immediately rested her head agaisnt him and he tensed at the contact, relaxing as she snuggled closer. It felt so perfect. "I thought you were asleep."
"Nah. Just watching this movie."
"Cor, it's over."
"Oh. Ha! I must've dozed off after all." He stared at her, seeing her slightly puffy eyes. His frown was deep, his brow furrowing. "What's wrong?" He let out a sigh.
"You tell me." She looked up at him, then back at the tv.
"Angel, I'm fine. Really."
"You're a horrible liar Cordy." She glared at him. He knew he was pushing it, but what the hell? She didn't want him any way. And he was worried about her, after all.
"I am not." She pouted and he tried to hide his smile. But damn, she was so cute. "I just...I took some pills for the pain and I'm a little drowzy. The vision shook me up, that's all."
"I asked you if you were okay. If you wanted me to come over-"
"Angel. Someone was going to die. You kind of had other obligations. I had Jason here and Dennis of course." His body went tense again at the mention of the other man's name. Except, he didn't relax this time. "Besides, you sent Gunn and Fred over so...I was kept company."
"Where are they any way?"
"I told them to go home. I was feeling fine."
"Well, maybe you are getting better at the lying thing."
"It wasn't lying. It was acting. Acting like I was feeling better."
"Cordy-"
"I know, I know." There was a moment of silence and they both stared at the tv, another movie starting. "Angel?"
"Mmmm hmmm?"
"Um, do you think that maybe you could, you know? Kind of stay with me tonight?" He looked at her, concerned. "I just, I don't feel very well. I'm still kind of shaken up. That vision just kind of freaked me out. It was so vivid, so real, like it was me. I felt more than just their pain...it was horrible. I felt the pleasure the demon was feeling when he killed them. I just don't want to be alone right now." His body relaxed again finally, and he wrapped an arm around her tightly.
"Let me just call the guys and tell them to go home, all right?" She nodded as the phone came to Angel and he dialed the number.
"Angel Investigations...um, what do you want?"
"Conner."
"Dad! Oh, um. I, I didn't know it was you."
"Obviously. That'll definately bring in the clients. Don't answer the phone no more." He said, jokingly.
"Okay. Where are you?"
"I'm at Cordy's."
"Oh, reeeeally?"
"Mind out of the gutter please? Tell Wes and Faith they can head home."
"How'd you know they were back?"
"Instinct I guess. I'll be back tomorrow."
"Staying the night, huh? Someone's gonna get-"
"You say it and you're dead. Cordy isn't feeling well. I'm going to keep her company."
"All right. See ya tomorrow. Night Dad."
"Night Son." He turned back to Cordy who was smiling sweetly at him and who took him as her pillow once again. This time, he didn't wait to wrap his arm around her again. Even though she just wanted him there for comfort, he was happy to be the one to make her feel better.
Part 4
Angel startled awake at the sound of Cordelia screaming. His body was alert, even in sleep and he hopped to his feet. A look of confusion came upon him as he stared at the woman before him, still in a pair of pajama pants and a tank top, a bright smile on her face. She was talking to someone on the phone.
"No, no, I'm here. It's just, this is so amazing! I knew I should have the part, but I never thought I would get it! Oh my God! Thank you! Thank you so much! Yes, yes! Of course! Tomorrow? Seven o'clock? Morning? Good, because I am not a morning person! You neither? All right. Thanks again, really! Bye." She hung up and turned to Angel. He winced with a smirk, one eye closing as she screamed again and ran to him. "Angel! I got the part! I got it! Me! Cordelia Chase! I'm going to be on a tv show!" His smile grew as large as hers as she wrapped her arms around him, bouncing up and down. He joined with a couple hops of his own.
"Congratulations Cordy."
"Thank you Angel. I just, I can't believe it."
"I told you you'd get the part."
"I know. Who knew you would've been right."
"Hey!" She smiled, still hugging him. Then she pulled away, eyes wide.
"I still gotta tell Fred and Conner and Gunn and Wes and Lorne and Faith! Oh my God! Wait 'til the Sunnydale crew sees me. They doubted me Angel. Said I couldn't do it. Now I can rub their noses in it. I think I'm going to call Willow tonight." Angel raised an eyebrow at her and her smile only got bigger, if that was even possible. "We need to celebrate! Go out, all of us. Have a good time. Yeah?"
"Anything you want Cordy. It's your day."
"Really?"
"Yup. Hell, I'll even pay."
"You're so sweet Angel. It'll be perfect. We'll all have such a great time." Realization dawned on Cordelia. "I have to call Jason! He needs to hear this!" Angel felt his heart split in two. God, for a two hundred and some year old vampire, he was pretty damn naive. Or, stupid actually. Stupid was definately the word. And he felt it too. Cordy didn't even notice the hurt that passed through his eyes. It quickly faded though. He walked into her room, taking out some clothes he had left there before. She had clothes at his place and he had clothes here. He walked into the bathroom, shut the door and turned on the water. He adjusted the knobs until it was steaming hot, stripped, and stepped into the scalding spray. "Baby!" Cordelia screeched into the phone. "Baby! I got the part! Yeah, I know you told me I would. But still. Isn't this amazing? We're going out tonight! Everyone! You, me, Conner, Angel- Yes, Angel. He's my best friend, of course he's coming with us. Damn right it's my celebration. Look, I don't want to fight with you. It's my thing...yes. Yes." She let out a soft laugh. "I know. You have nothing to worry about. It's just...it's a friendship. Yeah. That, that's it." She sounded dissappointed, but he told himself he was imagining it. "Yeah. I love you too." There wasn't much emotion behind, not much sincerity. But he let it go. They hung up and Cordelia heard the shower spraying in her bathroom. She didn't know why she was doing it, but she inched the door open slowly. Steam flew out, heat hitting her in the face and nearly making her cough. She let her eyes focus, body turning to jelly, heat rising inside her. He wasn't completely clear, but enough to make her heart skip a beat when she saw his naked form through the blurry shower wall. She knew she was staring, she needed to leave but she couldn't move her feet. They seemed to be stuck to the tile. She saw him stop moving and her breath caught. She moved as fast as she could, careful not to slam the door.
Angel opened the shower door and stepped out. He could've sworn Cordelia was in there. He could feel her prescense. But the fact that she wasn't standing there proved otherwise. He shook his head. If only she felt the same. If only it was even possible, he would tell her. Could tell her how much he cared about her. How much he loved her, wanted her. He frowned, looking into the mirror. When it came to Cordelia, she could really make him feel invisble. Like he really wasn't there. At the same time she could make him feel like he was only man on earth. Stop dreaming. She's your friend. That's all. That's all you two can ever be. He was suddenly happy he had no reflexion, because he figured he would look pretty old, Lord knew he felt it. At least you have that. Right?
Cordelia paced back in forth in the small area in front of her coffee table. God, he had looked good. Really good. Lickabley good. She stopped. What am I saying? Er, thinking? This is Angel. Eunuch boy. No bone. She wondered...If he was boneable, would you? Hell yeah! I mean, hello! Hottness! No! No, no, no! Bad thoughts! If only that stupid steam hadn't been there... The phone rang and she jumped, letting out a startled scream.
"Hello? Oh, Jason. Yeah, I'm fine. The phone just, it scared me. I was, uh, dozing." Angel walked out of the bathroom, steam flowing out like a train of smoke. He say Cordelia still on the phone, making him realize that it couldn't have been her in the bathroom. She was still on the phone with Jason. He turned on the tv, really paying attention to the conversation. "You did? You are beyond sweet, you know that?" Angel made a fake gagging noise wihtout Cordelia's knowledge, knowing Dennis couldn't really respond. "that's perfect timing too. Of course. I'll tell the gang. Yeah. I know, I love you too." Angel frowned at her words, heart shattering. The look of pain on his face impossible to hide. She got off the phone and sat next to him, the emotion on his face hidden, but still there. She noticed something in his eyes, but couldn't make it out. "Guess what!" He didn't respond, just looked at her. "I'm having a party here tomorrow. Jason's taking care of all the charges, so I don't have to worry about taking anything out of my own pocket. I have to tell everyone. You'll be there, right Angel?" She was doing it again. Making him feel like he was actually important. Like he wasn't invisible.
"I don't know Cordy."
"Angel..." She whined.
"I just, I'm not good with people. You know I'm not a social person."
"Sure you are. You're talking to me. See? Social."
"But that's different. I know you. You're my best friend."
"Yup! Best friend's go to their friend's parties." He raised an eyebrow at her. She leaned over, hand on his knee. "Please Angel? What's the point of having a party if the most important people aren't there?"
"I don't know."
"You can, you can sit in the kitchen the whole time and drink beer with Dennis. But, of course, you have to save me one dance." Before he could protest. "A slow one. Deal?" He smiled at her.
"Deal. I'll be here." She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him and placed a kiss on his lower cheek. It was a little too close to his lips though and they both just sat there. She moved closer to him, hand moving to his thigh, other tracing his bottomw lip. Angel couldn't move. "Cordy."
"Shh. Angel. Don't say...anything." She pressed her lips to his, hand clutching his shirt. He kissed her, reveling. His hand went to the small of her back, pressing her to him. That was when reality struck and she tore her lips from his, eyes wide. Standing up, her body was shaking. "Angel, I. I'm sorry." She ran into her room, locking the door. Angel sighed shakily, sinking into the couch. He closed his eyes, too many emotions running through him. He knew it was too damn good to be ture. He sat there brooding, waiting impatiently for sunset.
Part 5
As soon as the sun set, Angel was gone, making his way to the hotel. Cordelia stayed in her room, working the guts up to go out there. To be able to face him. She gathered her courage and walked out.
"Ang...el?" It turned to a question when she didn't see him. She looked around the apartment, not seeing him anywhere. She sat on her couch, his scent still lingering there. Inhaling, she sunk into it like he had done. She had really screwed up, and she knew it. After a few minutes of sulking, she got up and headed out to work. She was, after all, a little late. She got there and noticed how quiet the place was. She looked around, saw the solumn looks on everyone's faces. "Where's Angel?" She asked anyone who would answer. Conner looked at her, eyes confused. "Oh my God. Is he okay?"
"You tell me." Conner said. She was startled by his voice.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I don't know what's wrong with him." He snipped, polishing his favorite ax. "Came in, told us all good morning, then went up to his room. No other words. Looked kind of down. He didn't lose a fight did he? That's never good." Cordelia shook her head.
"No. He's just tired. I had a rough night. Oooh! But guess what guys!" They all looked at her. "We're all going out tonight to celebrate because Miss Chase," se said pointing to herself, "is officially, an actress!" Fred screamed, jumping up and down and hugging Cordelia, who bounced up and down with her.
"That's so wonderful Cordy!"
"Way to go Cor." Faith said.
"It was in the bag Barbie, I told you."
"You were exceptional the other day, we knew you had it."
"Yeah. Great job Cordy." Conner added after Gunn and Wesley.
"I'm so happy you guys. We're all going out tonight and then I'm having a party at my place tomorrow and you all gotta be there because what's a party without my best friends, huh?"
"And we're gonna party, party." Faith said, looking at Wesley. "I just got to teach him to dance." They laughed, and started talking about the party tomorrow. She swallowed and walked upstairs, standing in front of Angel's door for what seemed like ages. She turned the knob and entered, mouth wide as she stared at Angel who was dressed only in his boxers.
"Angel?" He turned to her, surprised and pulled a pair of pants on in what seemed like a second. He gave her a sheepish smile and she returned it with a chuckle. "What are you doing?" The memories of the kiss seemed to evaporate for the time being.
"I don't know what to wear to our pre-celebration thing tonight. Where are we going?" He asked, going through his closet.
"I don't know."
"Well, it's your thing Cor. You pick, I pay."
"You don't have to-"
"Of course. Remember? Inevitable fame?" She laughed.
"Yes. I also remember a certain promise I made to you." She laughed. "And look. Here we are." He sat down on his bed and she sat next to him. That's when the awkwardness came floating back.
"You better go home and get dressed. We have a nice little restaraunt waiting for us."
"I thought you didn't know where we were going."
"Well, I had a guess. Now go on. I have to finish getting ready and, knowing how long it takes you, if you're here anymore we'll miss our reservations."
"Shut up." She smacked his bare arm playfully, noticing the muscles. His arms could make anyone feel safe. She was about to leave when he spoke.
"Cordy?"
"Yeah?" He looked at her, face suddenly seeming different. His mood wasn't loose anymore. He seemed worried, concerned and something else she couldn't quite put her finger on.
"Are you happy?" She looked startled as she stared at him. She put on a fake smile.
"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
"I don't know. Are you sure though?" She bit her lip and nodded. "All right. I'm sorry, I just. I'm looking out for you, you know?"
"I know." Another silence.
"Then why did you kiss me?"
"What?"
"It just kind of seemed like you were looking for a way out or something."
"No. It's just, well, you have really temtping lips Angel." She said, nodding after her statement. He raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
"Yeah. I was caught up in the moment. And you have totally kissable lips Angel. It's hard to resist." She said jokingly with a smile. He shook his head and returned it. "You're just so irresistable like that, you know?"
"Oh yeah. I'm just so hot, huh?"
"You know it. I got to go. Getting ready, plus me, you know how that works."
"I do."
"Bye Angel." She went to place a kiss on his cheek, but stopped and just gave him a hug. "Thanks for being concerned though."
"That's my job. We're partners, remember?" She nodded and got up, walking out, moving down to the lobby. "Get ready guys. We're going to a nice place for dinner and Angel's picking up the check." They all stared at her. "No, really. He is."
"I didn't know hell froze over." Conner said with a smirk. She smiled at him.
"Get ready. No jeans Conner. I have to go. I'll see you guys soon." With that, she left. Her home seamed quiet and wrong without him there. She walked in to her room, letting Dennis switch the light on. She gave a shout when she was grabbed from behind. With an elbow to the offender's ribs, and a twist of his arm she was facing him. Her eyes widened. "Honey! I'm sorry!" Jason let out a cough, gasping at air. She smiled slightly, the situation becoming kind of funny.
"What was that about?" He choked.
"Oh my God. I didn't know it was you. I'm kind of jumpy, that's all."
"Okay. And I'm kind of in pain."
"I'm so, so sorry." She said, trying to hide the smile on her face. He looked up at her and returned it.
"Right. That's why you're laughing on me. I tell you though, I feel sorry for any one who comes up against that." He said, flopping on the couch. She sat next to him, giving him a small kiss. The only thing in her mind though was the steamy kiss she had shared with Angel there only hours ago. How good his lips had felt. She let out a soft laugh when she realized what she had said to him. You're lips are just so tempting? Talk about grasping for an excuse. That could've just made things worse. But his lips really are tempting. She shook those thoughts away. Her boyriend was here and she had just nearly kicked his ass.
"I'm really sorry. I have to get ready. We're going out, remember?"
"Oh, yeah. Listen, baby." She frowned, knowing what was coming. "Can we just stay in? I'm kind of beat."
"No way! I'm going out to celebrate. And Angel's paying. You have any idea how rare that is?"
"Not really." Nor did he care.
"His catch phrase is 'I'm not cheap, I'm just old,' okay? This will never happen again. I want to go have a good time with my friends."
"You can do that tomorrow at the party. Maybe you and I could stay in and have a good time together?" He asked with a smirk, finger playing with the hem of her shirt. She pulled away.
"We have so had this conversation before."
"You're right. I'm sorry. I just really don't want to go out with the 'gang' tonight." She looked at him angrily, not liking the way he was refering to her friends.
"Fine. You can stay home then. I'm going with my friends. That's all there is to it."
"Cordelia-"
"No. You're not going to ruin this night. I want you to come with me. But whether you do or not, I'm going. We're all meeting at the hotel in an hour. I really want you to be there. But if you''re not, you're not." She went into her room and shut the door. He sighed and stood up, walking over to the door. He could get ready in an hour. Besides, he wasn't the one paying this time.
Part 6
The Next Night
Angel sorted through his closet frantically. He wasn't sure why he was getting so worked up. It was just a party, right? He took a the dark gray sweater he was going to wear, shook his head and put it back in the closet. He didn't know how people dressed to go to parties these days. Back in the day, everyone came dressed to impress. Ties, slacks, the whole nine. These days, that was beyond over dressed. He groaned, scowling at the clothes in his closet. He had on a pair of black pants, as always, but what shirt was he going to wear?
"Please Angel. Try some color tonight." Cordelia's words had floated through his mind.
"Fine." He said to himself and pulled out a pair of khakis that she had bought him, changing. He continued to stare at the closet. "A little black won't hurt, right?" He asked.
"I don't think so." Conner said as he entered. Angel looked at him and shook his head. "What?"
"She said no jeans."
"She also said no black."
"Good point." He looked his son over. "Can you at least wear the ones without holes in them?"
"Fine." He whined and went back into his room to change, draging his feet as he went. Angel pulled out the black velvet shirt he hadn't worn it what seemed like a century, slipped it on, and put on a pair of his black shoes. A reflection could do a lot of good right now. "Better?" Conner asked with a frown. Angel chuckled.
"Yes. You know, that's why I buy you new clothes. So you can wear them."
"Yeah. I know."
"So, what do you think?"
"You look sharp. You know? For an old guy."
"Watch it." Conner laughed and Angel ran his hand through his son's hair, messing it up intentionally.
"Hey! Now I have to fix it. I don't want it sticking up like yours."
"You should be so lucky." Conner left and Angel looked himself over as best he could. He looked good. Now he just needed his coat. The two of them walked outside and into the car.
"Can I drive?"
"Not a chance." Angel said with a laugh as they jumped in the convertible.
"Fine." Angel reved up the engine and they took off. "Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"You know we're running like an three hours late, right? You take way too long to get ready."
"It's only..." He looked at his watch. Damn. They were running really late. "It's not just 'running late.' We're what you call, fashinoabley late."
"Oh. Okay. People fashionabley late are usually three hours late?"
"Uh, yes. Always. I'll explain later." He said, pulling up to the apartment. Why walk when you can drive? Conner got out and was half way to the door when he stopped and noticed Angel wasn't behind him.
"What's wrong? Or are we still not late enough?"
"No. We are."
"Then?" He looked up at Conner who frowned and got back in. "She'd kill you if she knew you were out here brooding when her party was going on, you know that right?" Angel glared at his son and shook his head with a smirk.
"You're right."
"Well duh. Now come on. I'm missing a date for this." Conner said, getting out, Angel following.
"You had a date."
"Please. Like I can look like this and not get a date."
"You are so my son, you know that?"
"Yup." They walked in and Conner immediately scanned around, noticing some very intriguing young women. "Now, if you'll excuse me Dad. There are some young ladies there in need of my company."
"Always the player. Enjoy your youth son, trust me." Conner smiled sinisterly, walking towards the girls.
"Don't worry. I will." Angel shook his head, laughing. Like father like son. he noticed Fred and Gunn on the dance floor, along with Weslesy and Faith. It only made him laugh harder. The way Wesley danced combined with how Faith danced. But someone was missing. He looked around. Where was Cordy? He was almost afraid to think of where she might be. The party was after all, in her apartment. he hoped there wasn't a reason behind that. His mood shifted and he walked into the kitchen, depressed, bent on drinking a couple beers with Dennis and was surprised at what he saw.
"Cordy?" She sat at the table, almost empty bottle of wine next to her, glass in her hand. "Oh God, Cor." He went to her, noting the mascara tracks down her cheeks. He took the bottle away, dumping it down the sink. He grabbed her glass and, after a few moments of her protest, it joined the bottle in the sink. He pulled up a chair and sat next to her. "What's wrong Cordy?"
"How can I answer what's wrong, when nothing's right?" He frowned and moved closer to her. "I should be so happy, you know? I have everything I've ever wanted. My career starting, I have great friends, I have a boyfriend who's rich, successful and who actually cares about me...even though he threw me a party at my own house and didn't even show up! He left me dateless on my own party Angel!" She finally looked at him, this time the tears in her eyes were real. "I'm not happy Angel." She started to cry and he held her to him.
"Shhhh. It's okay Cordy."
"No it's not. What's wrong with me? Girls whould kill to be where I am."
"You're not as shallow as other people Cor. You want more than just a flashy lifestyle." She started to cry harder and his embrace tightened, hand stroking her hair. "Just because you like Jason, doens't mean you love him Cor." He said, trying his luck. Her body tensed in his arms.
"Why wouldn't I love him? He's perfect. Everything I always thought I wanted."
"But?" She looked into his eyes, a small smile on her face. It was refreshing.
"He's not you." Angel's eyes widened. This was going into dangerous territory. He wouldn't have cared otherwise, but she wasn't in her right state of mine. She went to kiss him and he stood up, taking her with him.
"Cordy, you're drunk. You don't know what you're saying."
"The hell I don't! You think just because I had a little to drink I, I can't think straight?" He frowned. He should've just kissed her.
"No. Just calm down. Come on. You still owe me that dance and I hear a slow song coming on." He knew it was coming, she played this cd so much he knew every song by heart. She smiled at him.
"Yeah. You do still owe me a dance, don't you?"
"Yup." She grabbed his arm, looking at him.
"I look like hell, don't I?" He shook his, using his thumb to wipe the black makeup from below her eyes.
"No. I've been to hell Cordy and it didn't look as good as you." She beamed at him, draggin him out of the kitchen. She moved them to the center of the living room. People were clearing out by now. Soon, everyone would be gone. Angel scanned the room while holding her, moving slowly to the music. Fred, Gunn, Wes, Faith, they were gone. He noticed Conner leaving with a girl on his arm and snorted. Cordy looked up and in the direction he was looking. Conner turned and sent Angel a mischevious smile, before walking out.
"Like father like son."
"You know it." She looked at him, hands on either side of his face. She brought his lips down to her and he didn't stop her. It was soft and slow, Angel's lips moving over hers. She moved away and smiled at him. Her head rested on his shoulder, eyes watching as everyone left, waving or saying a good-bye. Once everyone was gone, she kissed him again, passion radiating through out her body. Her hands traveled to the buttons of his shirt, undoing them. Angel was in shock, her hands caressing his chest in the sweetes way. His eyes fluttered open and closed as her nails scraped his flesh softly, staring at the ceiling. "Cor..." The next moments were nothing but a blur of clothes falling to the floor and a rush to the bedroom. Angel's lips wouldn't leave Cordelia's, his body moving above hers, positioning between her legs. "Are you sure?" She smiled, kissing him again using her calf muscles to urge him on.
"I'm sure."