Title: Invasion Of The Ex
Author: Misha
Posted: 06-17-2003
Rating: NC-17
Email:
Content: A/C friendship, family and romance. A/B slight romance
Category: angst
Summary: Buffy comes to town to see Angel, bringing up a stir of C/A related events.
Spoilers: S3 After Billy
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: Nf
Notes: I know, I haven't posted in ages. But I finally had an idea pop into my head, so here's the beginning. I kind of messed with the time line a tad. so this is what's up. Takes place after the thing with Billy. Thus the serious closeness between Cordelia and Angel. Buffy comes to town just to see how Angel is doing and all that. I don't remember the name of the episode, but it's where Darla comes to tell Angel she's pregnant. Except, no Darla. Just can't fit her into this right now.
Feedback: Please? Good or bad! Just some!
Part 1
The two, three hour drive had been terrible. But the search for the street was exhausting.
"Where the hell is Wilshire any way?"
"It's off of Norton."
"We're on Norton!" She yelled at her friend, making her jump. "I'm sorry Will. I'm just kind of nervous. I haven't seen Angel since I came back from the dead."
"Please. It's only Dead Boy." Willow smacked Xander on the arm.
"Behave Xander. He doesn't have to put up with you."
"Why did I come again? I should've stayed home with Anya."
"Because you want to see Cordelia."
"I do not!"
"Do too!" Buffy's mind drifted off as she pulled up to the hotel, her heart racing a million miles per second. She took what was supposed to be a calming breath. It did nothing to help her.
"We ready to go in?" She asked them, getting out of the car. /I wonder how he is. He's always the same. Dark, mysterious, sexy as hell. Never much with the talking or laughing though./ She frowned. She really wished she could make him laugh. Make him smile. /Well, thanks to Willow, maybe we'll be able to./ She walked into the hotel, looked around and saw two people that she didn't recognize. The man behind the counter looked at her and raised an eyebrow.
"Hey. Welcome to Angel Investigations. We help the...is it helpless or hopeless?" He turned to the petite woman sitting on the counter, who looked at Willow.
"I remember you. You came here when your friend with the weird name died. I heard she's back alive again. That's great! But wouldn't that be weird? I mean, you were dead. Then you're just back. Not that I understand how that's even possible. But then again, no body understood any of Nueton's theories and now-"
"Breathe Fred." A manic laugh escaped her lips.
"Sorry. I ramble."
"It's okay. I do too." Willow replied.
"So, did your friend die again?"
"Actually, I'm right here." Buffy said, annoyed with the young woman. Fred's eyes grew and her cheeks flushed.
"Oh! I'm sorry! I, I didn't know, um...I'm Fred! This is Gunn! So, you're Muffy? No, wait, that ain't it. Is it Bunny? Or-"
"It's Buffy." Gunn looked her over and whispered to Fred.
"She ain't all that great. But then again, Angel and blondes."
"I heard my name!" Buffy smiled as she heard Angel's voice. Even though it seemed different.
"Yo Angel! Get out here!"
"No! Wait! Hold on a second. I almost...Argh!" Buffy exchanged glances with her friends and the two people at the counter, who shrugged. A familiar face came into the room.
"Cordy. What's Angel doing?"
"Dammit!" Everyone turned toward where the heard the vampire's voice. "No! That isn't...dammit!"
"He's playing your video game Gunn."
"Why am I ALWAYS the dead one!"
"You're a vampire dumb ass!"
"I'm talking about the game smart ass!" She glared at no one in particular before turning around and looking right at Buffy. She smiled.
"Hey Buffy. Nice to see you...alive. Angel! Get in here!"
"I'm busy!"
"You're not getting any better so just get in here!"
"Fine!" Angel turned off the game and stood up. "What do you want Cor?" Buffy didn't like the familiar tone in Angel's voice.
"Someone's here to see you." He let out a dramatic sigh. "Just get in here." Angel stretched and walked into the main lobby, haulting when he saw her.
"Buffy."
"Angel."
"Xan-"
"Don't even say it Xander." Angel warned, before turning his attention back to Buffy.
"I didn't know you knew how to play video games."
"I do. Just not well." A nervous chuckle escaped his lips. "Oh, um. Sit down." She smiled at him. Same old Angel. Except for the video games, and the laughing, and the nervousness. Who was this guy? "So, what are you guys doing here?"
"Why? You not happy to see us? You want us to leave?" Cordelia rolled her eyes.
"No! I mean yes! I mean, yes I'm happy to see you. And no, I don't want you to leave. Easy questions please?" Willow smirked at him. He glanced at her. "You okay Will?"
"Yeah. I just, you are all nervous and you're rambling and freaking out and it's really cute. And you're calling me Will. Where's Angel and what did you do with him?"
"Check the dust buster." They gawked at him. "I thought it was funny."
"Did you just try to make a joke?" Buffy asked, confused.
"Try being the key word." Angel glared at Cordelia, who flashed him a bright smile. He shook his head, returning all thoughts back to Buffy, who was sending him another confused look. Cordelia looked at her friends, hiding pain and jealousy behind an annoyed glare. She grabbed her purse and jacket.
"Call me when he returns from Buffy-land. If he ever does."
"You're not staying?" Fred asked, surprised.
"Nope. Date." She left the hotel, not surprised that everyone but Angel noticed.
"So, why are you here again?" Buffy grined at Angel, making Xander's stomach not. I thought I wouldn't have to deal with this anymore! I should've stayed home with Anya. But Cordelia looks really good. As always. Buffy took Angel's hands in her's, making him figit. She frowned.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I'm just...nothing. So, what's up?" Gunn and Wesley rolled their eyes as Buffy sent Angel a loving smile, her hands never leaving his.
"Angel. Willow and Tara found a spell. It'll, it'll make your soul permanent." The Fang Gang stared at each other, astonished. Angel looked from Buffy to Willow before a smile appeared on his face as well. He turned to Willow, his hands leaving Buffy's.
"Are you sure? I mean, there's no chance that- as in forever?"
"Yeah. And if I do it right, it'll be fine." Angel grabbed Buffy and hugged her, then Willow, surprising both of them. He went to Fred and spun her around happily. Fred broke out into a hysteria of giggles as Angel hugged her. He put her down, looking over the hotel.
"Where's Cordy?"
"She took off man. She has a date."
"Date? Like with a guy?"
"That usually is the case Angel." Angel frowned at Wesley as Buffy's angerl rose. /Hello! I'm right here! You're supposed to be celebrating with me. And what is with the almost jealous look?/
"I know but, I should call her. I mean, she's going to want to know, you know?"
"Angel. She's out us, she has a life."
"I don't know. Social lives are overrated." They all looked at Fred. "Or not."
"Fine. I guess I'll just have to wait until she comes in tomorrow."
"Angel, hello." He turned to Buffy.
"Oh. I'm sorry Buffy. What were you saying?" She sighed and patted the seat next to her. He went and sat next to her. Even though he was by her side, she felt like he was miles away. She shook off her paranoid thoughts. It would take some time, but she would get Angel back.
"Angel, listen. After all this happens, Willow giving you your soul and all, maybe you and I could..." She trailed off, unsure of how to really put it.
"What? We could what?"
"Maybe you could come back. You know? To Sunnydale." Seeing his blank expression, "with me. We can be together again."
"Buffy. I can't."
"What? Why?"
"Buffy. I have a life here. I can't just up and leave."
"Angel. What about me?" She knew she sounded selfish but come on!
"This is bigger than you Buffy." He stood up, walking towards the stair case. "I'll see you all tomorrw. We can discuss this then." And with that, he went into his room.
Part 2
Angel woke up the next morning, feeling very empty. (A date? With a guy? My Seer? My Cordy? Okay, now you're just being a possesive idiot.) He shook away his thoughts, his mind not wanting to register what his heart had been screaming for years. He took a shower, got dressed, and went down stairs where every body already was. Buffy was staring at him, still a little hurt that he had dismissed their discussion so quickly. He ran a hand through his hair and went to get a glass of coffee, when a glass of a different liquid was handed to him.
"It lives." She sent him a bright smile. He looked down at the red liquid in his cup. "Drink up."
"What did you do to it?"
"Nothing. Jeez, can't a friend just serve her boss/friend breakfast?" She asked innocently.
"I guess so." He eyed her suspiciously. He walked to the counter and leaned over, drinking his blood. Buffy stared at him in disgust and surprise. /Is Angel drinking blood in front of everyone? Why would he do that?/ The Gang seemed to not care. /How could they not? It's really gross./ Cordelia stood next to Angel and hoped up onto the counter next to him. He finished drinking his blood and put the cup in the sink, returning to Cordelia's side as they continued to discuss their latest case. Buffy walked up to Angel, a possesive feeling rising up inside of her at the easy chatter between him and Cordelia. Or Cordy as he continued to call her.
"Angel? Can we talk about last night?" Cordelia's eyebrows shot up.
"Last night? Angel...you didn't-"
"No! Do you think I would do something that stupid and risk everything?" She smirked at him. It was infectious as he returned it. "I didn't Cordy. Buffy and I just had an interesting conversation. Speaking of, I-" Angel was cut off as Cordelia fell forward. He caught her as she let out a scream of pain, her eyes slamming shut. She grabbed onto Angel, hands fisting in his shirt, the material bunching up. He held her to him, hands on her form arms. "Shhhh. It's okay baby." /Did Angel just call Cordelia baby?/ She wanted to scream. /But I think Cordelia's doing enough of that./ She looked at her and realized she was actually in pain. Willow and Xander came up to them, everyone watching Cordy intently. When the vision ceased, she opened her eyes to find Angel staring at her. A warm expression on his face. He pushed back a strand of hair from her face.
"Oh my God Angel." She leaned forward and started to cry. Angel held her, sending confused looks to his friends.
"It's okay Cordy. What did you see?" She pulled away from him, breathless sobs escaping her mouth as she tried to calm herself.
"It was horrible Angel. There were so many people. So much pain and the screaming. The screaming was so loud Angel. Everyone died."
"Where? Where Cordy? I can stop it. It won't happen. Just tell me where, okay?" She just stared at him, a saddness none of them had ever seen in her eyes.
"You can't stop the past Angel."
"What?" She moved away from him.
"It already happened" He looked at her with confused eyes. "Angel. It happened earlier this week." She held her head as it throbbed in tune with her heart beat. "Why don't you call Kate. Ask the crazy blonde cop bitch..." He cocked his head and looked at her, a slight smirk on his face. "I mean chick if something happened." Wesley brought her a glass of water and some motrin to ease her head ache. It wouldn't do much, but it would help the pain a bit.
"I will do that. Why don't you lay down, alright?" She got up and went back to where she was sitting. "You alright?"
"Sure. The room is spinning, but I'm just peachy." He sent her a sympathetic smile.
"Someone help her to the coach?"
"No. I'll be fine. Just let the meds sink in, and I'll be right as rain." She covered her mouth after she said it, regreting the words.
"Right as rain? I still don't understand it. How is rain right?"
"Fred. Not now. Please?"
"Oh. Sorry Cordy." Cordelia made her way to the couch and sat down.
"It's fine Fred." Angel came into the room and took a seat next to Cor, absentmindedly wrapping an arm around her. She leaned into the embrace, loving being so close to him. And loving the look on Buffy's face. Green really wasn't her color. "What's up?" She turned to face him, only centimeters from his face. His lips...she shook away the thoughts she really shouldn't be having.
"Well, I talked to Kate. There have been a lot of killings. This is LA after all. Can you be a little more specific? I told her it wasn't just one person."
"There were hundreds of them Angel. Well, not hundreds, but so many. It was..." She squinted her eyes up, trying to refresh the memories that she wanted to be rid of. "It was at a club. Um, oh my-"
"What? What's wrong?"
"I was going to be at that club that night Angel. I know some of those people. That could've been me." Angel thought.
"She mentioned an abnormal, as she put it, homicide. Dozens were killed. She's going to come by with some stuff on a few different cases."
"How does she get all this if she doesn't work there anymore?" Angel tunred him attention to Gunn's question.
"Because I have a man inside." Kate gained everyone's attention as she walked in, carrying a few case files. She looked at Angel. "I don't like doing this. I could get in a whole hell of a lot of trouble and you know it."
"Then why do you?" Willow asked, gaining an odd look from the previous cop.
"Because she owes me." Angel muttered, going over to the case files and sorting through them.
"If you want to call it that..."
"I saved you from commiting suicide and spending an eternity burning in hell. And trust me, that isn't fun."
"Fine. You owe me." She muttered.
"Hey Cor. Come here a sec." She groaned and walked over to him. "This it?" Cordelia cringed as she sorted through the images.
"Yeah. This is it." She leaned her head against Angel's shoulder, yawning as the effects of the vision came over her.
"Come on. I think you should stay here tonight." He wrapped an arm around her and lead her upstairs and into his room. Fred sighed.
"Ah. Kyerumption."
"Ky- what?" Fred turned to Xander.
"It's the-"
"Those visions are really starting to take a toll on her, aren't they?" Lorne asked his friends.
"Yeah. I don't know how long she can take it. I mean, she's popping how many pills a day?"
"Oh please. She just wants Angel's attention." Buffy muttered.
"Buffy. I don't care what your opinion of Cordelia is. But here, you will not speak of her like that. I don't appreciate it and neither do Fred, Gunn or Lorne. And Iguarantee that Angel will not put up with it." Buffy raised an eyebrow at Wesley.
"You're kidding me, right? Angel would never defend Cordelia over me."
"Yeah. that's why he's going to stay here in LA and why he wanted to call her so badly, right? Like the little lady said, Kyerumption. You can't fight it. Same thing with Moira."
"I don't know what the hell you people are talking about!"
"Keep your voice down Buffy. You echo through the whole hotel." Willow said gently to her friend, sensing the annoyance the people in the room were starting to have with her. Worrying about what these words they kept repeating meant. She was sure she could get it out of Fred. She waited until the rest of them went over to discuss the case and Cordelia's vision, getting only that out of the young woman. Upstairs, Cordelia layed in Angel's bed.
"It's been too long since you've been in my bed Cordy. I've missed you."
"Well, look who's back from Buffy Land."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing. I shouldn't be surprised. I mean, this is Buffy! Your soulmate. The woman you obsessed over for, what? Five years!"
"But that was before I found my Cordy." She fought the smile that was trying to form. He sat next to her, grabbed her hand and started to kiss the inside. Letting his tounge dart out and taste her.
"And what if you were to lose me?" He stopped his motions to look at her.
"I couldn't stand it."
"Not even for Buffy?"
"Not even for Buffy." Cordelia put on a smile, even though she knew if he could have Buffy, he would.
"Right answer." She muttered, pulling him on top of her for a steamy kiss. One they both knew had to end, but it felt too good. Too right to be wrong. She pushed him away from her lips, even as her body argued for her to pull him back. She ran her finger over the pout of his lips. *Even frowning, he's gorgeous.*
"I'm sorry." He whispered to her.
"For what?"
"Getting you all...worked up like that."
"I know. I hate that we can't be together Angel."
"Yeah. Talk about frustrating. You really should find someone else to be with Cordy. Someone normal." She pulled him next to her, wrapping her arms around him.
"Pfft! Who wants normal when they can have a big, bad, incredibly sexy vampire with a soul. Normal's over rated Angel. Really."
"You think?"
"Member? Don't think, know. So, what did you want to tell me before I got my vision?" Angel smiled at her and she returned it. She loved the way it lit up his face.
"Okay. Willow found a spell that will make my soul permanent." She stared at him blankly, then held him tighter to her.
"That's amazing Angel."
"Well, you don't sound too happy."
"I don't want you to leave me for Buffy."
"Cordy. I'm not. This is what we've been waiting for. We'll be able to be together." She ran a hand over his face.
"You sure you want to be with me instead of Buffy?" His embrace tightened around her as well.
"I'm sure Cordy. I just gotta find a way to tell her that." She chuckled.
"Without getting yourself staked?" He returned the light laugh.
"Exactly."
Part 3
Angel woke up, comforted by the heat spreaed through out and over his body, the arms wrapped around him, and the continuous rhythm of a steady heart beat. He looked down at the beauty in his arms, who stirred and looked back up at him through sleepy eyes, burying her head in his chest.
"I missed waking up with you Cor." He felt her smile.
"I missed it too Angel." She mumbled, lips caressing his chest in the process. A soft purr escaped his lips. "Oooh. You like that, do you?" Her tone was seductive and she ran her lips over his ribs, tounge teasing his nipples until they hardened.
"Cordy..." She could feel his groan make his body rumble. "You really...um, you need to, to stop now." He stilled her movements by pulling her up to his lips for a deep kiss.
"We need to get your soul permanent Angel. I'm serious. Because I'm going to go nuts."
"I know." He whispered to her, voice rough with desire. He shook it off. "I'm going to go take a shower. A cold one." He got up and left her. Cordelia heard the water running. She could picture Angel's naked form, drenched in water that would slip down his body. Drops she wanted to lick off and it was all unbearable torture. She could feel heat surge through her body.
* * *
Cordelia stepped into the bathroom, steam misted over the mirror and near the ceiling. Shutting the door behind her, she stripped of her clothes and walked toward the shower. The curtain door slid open before she even touched it. She could feel her cheeks turn crimson as she looked over his wet form. She stepped inside, lips meeting his softly. She wrapped an arm around his neck, pulling him closer to she pulled away from his mouth, he was staring at her with a dark gaze that sent heat coursing through her thighs.
"Cordy. You should really get out of here before-"
"Before what?" She asked, blunt teeth scraping over his next.
"Before we do something we really shouldn't."
"Angel? Can we just damn the rule book for once? Please? Just touch me." Her plead was quickly met as she felt her vack against the cool tile. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he began his assault on her lips, neck, shoulder, wherever his lips landed. She felt his tip against the apex of her thighs, teasing her. "Angel. Please."
"Cordy?"
"What?"
"Cordy? Cordelia."
"What Angel?" Angel's voice drifted away from her.
* * *
"Cordelia. Wake up." Angel shook her slightly and she finally awoke, starring at him wide eyed.
"A dream. Just a dream. Just a freakin dream."
"What are you talking about?"
"Nothing. I need to go take a shower." She ran into the room, slammed the door, and turned on the water. She stepped under it, running her hand over where she had flet Angel's lips. It had felt so real. She knew he was hovering by the door when she heard him going through his drawers. "Angel! Go talk to Willow about her spell now." Angel
"Can I get dressed first?"
"Fine. But hurry up." A smirk came over Angel's face. He had smelled her arousal while he tried to wake her up. He was more than tempted to fufill her desires, but he knew if he did, it would lead to other things that could get them both...well, she would be dead and he would probably end up dead too. Something invaded Angel's mind as Cordelia stepped into the room. And it wasn't the thought he expected.
"Who did you have a date with?" She sent him a questioning look. "Who did you have a date with?"
"Angel. You sound like a woman."
"I'm serious Cordelia. Gunn said you had a date. That's why you left before I could talk to you."
"I did have a date Angel."
"What?"
"Yeah. We had a real blast too. Ate dinner, watched a movie, Had dessert. He was a real gentleman about it too. Especially when we were in my room." Angel stared at her, his face expressionless. She had to supress her smile.
"I'll kill him."
"You can't kill him Angel."
"Watch me."
"You can't kill someone who's already dead Angel."
"Come again?" She rolled her eyes, letting the smile come over her.
"Angel. I did have a date...with Dennis. I ate a t.v. dinner, watched a movie, ate some ice cream, went to bed, and Dennis tucked me in." His lips twisted into a smile.
"Okay. I'm an idiot."
"Yeah. But you're an adorable idiot. Now go. Talk to Willow. Now." He nodded and walked downstairs, clad in a pair of black slacks and a blue sweater. He haulted at the bottom step as he heard Buffy mention his name.
"I'm just saying. Doesn't anyone else find it strange that Cordelia spent the whole night in Angel's room? Alone? With Angel?"
"Buffy, we appreciate your concern, but Angel and Cordelia are intelligent people." Wesley mentioned before returning to his office. Buffy turned her attention back to Willow and Xander, seemingly oblivious to the fact that Gunn, Lorne and Fred were in the same room as her.
"I know Angel's isn't stupid enough to touch Cordelia, but I don't trust her, you know? She could be doing things while he's asleep."
"Yeah. I'm sure he'd hate that." Gunn muttered to Fred, who giggled.
"I know. Like I said, Kyerumption. And Moria. Right Lorne?" Lorne caught the firey glare that Buffy was sending the small brunette. He was thankful as he saw Angel in the shadows.
"Angelcakes! We were just talking about you. Drink?" He asked.
"No. Willow? Can I talk to you?" He asked, nodding his head toward his old office. He opened the door. "Wes. I need to use my...um, your office." Wesley looked at Willow before stepping out of the office. "How soon can you do the spell?"
"As soon as you want me to. I just need the materials and-"
"Good. Get them. I want the spell done as soon as possible." With that he left the room and headed over to his friends. "What we got guys?"
"Well, it definately wasn't a human who killed all those people Cordy saw in her vision."
"Gunn's right. And there have been a lot more related cases, but a bit more on the abnormal side." Angel looked at Wesley.
"Demon killing demons?"
"Exactly. There have been numbers of traces of him and where he might staying, but he's gone by the time anyone gets there."
"So, we need a way to get a hold of them?" Wesley nodded. "Gunn? Think your crew can get me some info? And tell them not to try to take it, or them on. This thing is lethal. Your crew is bad, but it's worse."
"We're on it Angel."
"Wesley. Go over everything you've found on this thing or things. Killing techniques anything you can find. Fred. Help him. Willow, start working on that spell." Angel felt himself being elbowed in the ribs and looked to find Cordelia glaring at him.
"You're not the boss anymore, remember?"
"Oh. yeah. Wes, look, I'm sorry...I get ahead of myself sometimes and-"
"Quite all right Angel. You're right anyway. I think Cordelia should stay and help with the research, considering it was her vision. She can give me some details on the demon...or demons. Is it one or two Cordelia?" She held up her fingers indicating there were four. "Four. Dear Lord. You think we could ever catch a break here?" Wesley yelled, addressing the PTB.
"Good idea. Cordy, help them. I'm going to go over the murder sights. See if I can find anything that the cops might've missed."
"I should go with you Angel. Two pairs of eyes are better than one."
"Two pairs of eyes are better than one." Cordelia mocked Buffy's tone and Angel sent her a warning glare.
"There's no point Buffy. I'm talking about vampire senses. Only things I could pick up."
"But if something's there I can help you." He sent her a warm smile.
"I'm a big boy Buffy. I can handle this one all by myself." He grabbed his coat and headed out the door. He knew it was cruel, but he knew Buffy. She would believe he was still in love with her. When he wasn't anymore. There were enough false pretenses already. Any more would make things extremely complicated. Which was why he rushed out of there and to his car like a bat out of hell. (Bat out of hell? I don't remember any bats being in hell.) He shook his thoughts away and drove to the crime scene, not surprised when Kate was there.
"I knew you'd show up eventually."