[Authors Note: I do not own the characters or the tv show, I'm just borrowing them for a short period of time. J ]

Cordelia had just drifted off in front of the t.v. when there was a soft knock at the door. Groaning, she got off the couch and padded over to the door in the slippers Gunn had given her for her birthday. Opening the door as far as the chain would let her she looked out.

"Oh, it's you," she said, smiling, opening the door. Angel was on the other side looking slightly embarrassed.

"Did I wake you up?" he asked, Cordelia shook her head.

"No, I had to get up to answer the door anyway," Angel began to apologize, but she waved him to be quiet. "It's no big deal, I'll sleep later. Come in." She opened the door and he walked into the apartment. He could feel Dennis enter the room at the same time, but then leave when he saw Angel.

"So what brings you here so late?" Cordelia asked, sitting on the couch. Angel hesitated before sitting beside her.

"Well your birthday kind of took an unexpected turn the other day," Cordelia nodded in agreement, "and I just realized that I never gave you your birthday present." He reached into his coat pocket and took out a small black box, "Happy birthday Cordy."

She took the box from his hand, "Angel, you didn't have to get me anything," he looked at her, "oh who am I kidding, I love presents, thank you." She took the wrapping off carefully and opened the box.

"Oh, Angel," she breathed, when she saw what was inside. He stared at his hands.

"I saw it in a store a couple weeks ago and I had to get it for you. You do like it don't you?" He looked back up at Cordelia who was still looking in the box, "if you don't I can always take it back."

"No, Angel, it's perfect," she said, "can you help?" She pulled the silver chain out of the box and held it out to him. He took it from her and she turned so her back was facing him, and moved her hair off her neck. Clumsily, he unclasped the necklace and put it around her neck, fastening it at the back. When she turned around, the diamond pendant caught the fading light in the room and caused Cordelia to almost glow. She moved her hand to her neck, feeling the way it sat between her collarbones.

"I haven't had anything like this since my Pylea days. I feel like a princess again," she said, her smile widening.

"I'm glad you like it," he said, and the two sat in silence for a minute, neither knowing what to say next. Finally, Angel moved to stand up, "I should go." He stood up and Cordelia followed him to the door.

"Thank you," she said, wrapping her arms around him in a hug. He breathed her in, and smiled. When she pulled back, she kissed him on the cheek. Her breath lingered on his face for a minute as he watched her move back. Her hands still rested lightly on his upper arms and he was aware of the fact that he was still holding her waist. Her eyes met his and seemed to search them for words that neither of them could find.

"Angel," she started, but he leaned in and kissed her, stopping her from speaking. Her hands moved up his arms and rested on his neck, pulling him closer and his grip on her waist tightened. After what seemed like eternity, the two pulled apart, their eyes still locked on each other.

"Goodnight Cordelia," Angel said, letting her go, but wishing he could hold her all night. Cordelia nodded, opening the door for him. He walked out of the apartment, but stopped before walking to the elevator. Turning once more, he reached out and touched her face softly, "happy birthday." Without another word, he walked to the elevator, not looking back to see Cordelia watching him leave.