A/N: This is post season 1 episode "Hero" and season 5 episode "You're Welcome" of Angel. This is from Doyle's point of view post-Cordy's death. Total one-shot with maybe a second chapter from Cordy's point of view coming. This was written at 3AM, so all mistakes are mine. (And I know I haven't updated any other stories.)
The Afterlife
"You never know your strength until your tested." That's what that vampire-with-a-soul once known as my former boss told me. And look where that pearl o' wisdom got me. The demi-demon afterlife. Course, I did it to save other half-demons from certain oblivion, but it's still been a rough almost-four years.
And then she came. The last love of my pre-oblivion life. Cordelia Chase, former "bitch queen" (her words, not mine) of Sunnydale High. She once told me that I was a nice guy and that someone might want me some day. Of course, I was hoping that that girl who fell for nice guy Doyle was her.
Now, imagine my surprise when, one fine heavenly day, I spot the very image of what I have been watchin' over for the last almost-four years standin' next to this place's self-made tour guide, lookin' so much more at peace than she did in those brief months that I knew her (not counting the time she ascended and was introduced to the PTB and also when she was in a coma and she somehow ended up in the Valhalla for demon hunters and a few days ago was sent to help out Angel & Co. one last time).
Now, I know Barry, the half Kravor demon tour guide of this little bit o' heaven, and I know that he is, without a doubt, the biggest flirt in the place, so I decide to go over and re-introduce myself to the lovely lady. And do you know what she does? She slaps me. Again! And it hurt just as much this time as it did the last time.
"What was that for?"
"That was for going and getting yourself killed!" She hits me in the chest this time. "And that was for giving me those brain melting visions!"
And then she kisses me.
"And that?"
"That was for being a hero."
"You're welcome."