Title: Always Here
Disclaimer: All props to Joss and Co.
Rating: K
Chapters: one
Characters: Cordelia and Wesley (non-'ship)
Summary: It makes a person warm inside knowing there's always going to be somebody there for them.
Feedback: Yes, please.
Dedication: To loyal friends
A knock came on Wesley's front door. He had not been expecting anyone, so it was a shock when he fond Cordelia in his doorway. "Cordelia," surprised, but pleased to see a friendly face…if she was still going to be friendly towards him.
"Hey, Wes." She said. "Can I come in?"
"Of course," said Wesley, stepping aside. "Sorry it's such a mess. I haven't had much company lately. How was your trip? I haven't had a chance to talk to you since you come back."
"It was nice," said Cordelia, sitting on the couch. "Groo's gone, though. It's a long story. How have you been?"
"Do you want me to be honest?" Wesley asked sitting on the couch across from her. "Horrible. I feel terrible for what I did, even though I thought it was best solution at the time. I had hoped Angel would be more understanding of that."
"You took his son, Wes." Said Cordelia. "That's hard for someone to understand."
"I know," said Wesley, lowering his head. "I know."
"Hey," said Cordelia. Reaching over and touching Wesley's hand. "It's okay, Angel will get over it in time…it maybe a few years, but he will. And I'm not angry."
"You aren't?" asked Wesley.
"I was at first," Cordelia admitted. "Not really angry, more shocked. Fred told me you did it, and when I thought about it, put myself in your-" she looked at Wesley's feet. "Really ugly shoes." She looked back up at him. "I realized I would have done the same thing."
"Thank you." Said Wesley. "That means a great deal to me."
"You're a good man, Wes," said Cordelia. "And you did what you thought was right. I don't hold that against you."
"How are things at the hotel?" Wesley asked.
"Weird," said Cordelia. "Teenage Connor has some major father issues; that's stressful. And research isn't the same without you." Cordelia looked at her watch. "I have to go. I'm on a blood – run for Angel."
They both stood, staring at each other awkwardly, before Cordelia took a deep breathe and through her arms around Wesley's neck, hugging him. "I love ya, Wes," she said. She stepped back, smiling. "Well, ya know… in a friendly sort of way."
"I know," said Wesley. "Dito."
Cordelia turned and headed toward the door. As she reached for the door, Wesley caught her. "Cordy?"
Cordelia turned back to him. "Yeah?"
"You need any help…or just a friend, I'm always here for you," said Wesley. "I promise, that."
Cordelia smiled. "Thanks," she said. "Same here." She pulled open the door and walked out, leaving her closet friend behind, knowing he would always be here, in this apartment, when he needed him.