Part 4
Buffy left Ford with Xander and Willow to go get some drinks. They all notcied Angel Angel appear next to Buffy, so Xander, being the good sameritan that he is, explain Angel to Ford. He prefered Angel to Ford. Angel, he could make fun of. There were so many names he could call him if he thought about it. And eventually, he figured, they would break up.
"Angel. Hi."
"Hey. How've you been?"
"All right. Haven't seen you in a while."
"Yeah. I've been staying home."
"Even last night? You didn't do anything?"
"Nothing. Stayed home. Read."
"All night?"
"Yeah." Her eyes darkened and she walked away from him. He followed her, annoyed with the dismissal. He didn't have to be here. As a matter of fact, he had a very important football game to attend.
"Ford. Let's go."
"Hi Angel." Willow said. He glanced her way, a typical greeting of his.
"Hey man. I'm Ford." Angel shook the hand he put out. "Wow. Cold hands."
"You're not wrong." Willow elbowed Xander hard in the ribs, while Angel sent him a look that made his squirm. "Ow." Buffy looked at Angel, who returned to staring at her with an annoyed glance.
"Let's go Ford. It's really crowded in here all of a sudden." She walked out, taking Ford with her.
"I really hate that guy. Just because he's known her longer, he's getting closer than I'll ever get. It ain't fair." Xander complained. Willow noticed the look on Angel's face, his head still in the direction of the door.
"Angel. You want to stay with us? Play some pool?"
"What? No." Willow sent Xander an evil look.
"No. Um, it's cool. I actually have some where I have to be. But, can you do me a favor Will? Check that guy out online for me. There's something I don't trust about him. I'll come by later tonight." With that, he left. The football game had already started. He didn't want to be any later.
***
Angel made his way through the crowd, and up the bleachers. His eyes fell upon the cheerleaders. To his surprise, and dissappointment, Cordelia wasn't there. He made his way to the pay phone, when he realized he had no change. As much as he hated to do it, he picked up the phone and dialed collect.
At her home, Cordelia was laying on her bed, watching a movie on Lifetime when the phone rang. She picked it up, immediately annoyed when she heard the operator's voice. That was, until she heard Angel state his name. With a slight smile, she pressed one, accepting the charges.
"Angel? Hi."
"Hey Cordy. What are you doing home?"
"I didn't want to go to the game."
"Did you even go to school today?"
"No. I um, I couldn't."
"Cordy, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just wasn't feeling well."
"Oh. Well, I'm coming over."
"Wait? Um, no. I have the flu."
"Don't worry. I can't catch anything. I'll be over in about five minutes."
"Angel wait...dammit!" She thought as the phone line went dead. She shrugged. He would probably find out sooner or later. He was here when her father slapped her. He wouldn't even acknowledge it.
Five minutes later, Cordelia heard a soft knock on her window. She fixed her hair so it shadowed the side of her face, making the mark unnoticeable, and opened the window. He made his way through, even though it wasn't that simple. He all but fell inside her room and she smiled. "Angel. You could have used the front door. My parents won't be home until later tonight.
"Oh." He took in her state. "You don't look sick." She froze as he moved closer to her. She turned her head away as he pushed her hair away from her face, uncovering the dark mark. "Oh God. Cordy-"
"It, it's not that bad Angel. It's not even swollen or anything. And by tomorrow, the color won't be that bad. A little bit of make up, and you won't even be able to tell it's there."
"You'll know though."
"Well duh!" Seeing the look he gave her. "Angel, please. Don't get all sentimental on me about this. I'm used to it. My dad's an ass. Plain and simple. But until I'm eighteen, I'm stuck here. That's only one more year. I'll deal."
"But-"
"Can we please change the subject." He didn't want to, but he nodded in agreement.
"So, where's this terribley funny movie I had to see?" There was an understanding between them that they would not discuss this right now. Cordelia sat down on the bed, leaning back and patted the seat next to her. Angel sat next to her, leaning against the headboard as Cordelia pushed play.
About two hours later, the movie ended and Angel's sides were hurting from laughing so hard.
"So, worth the two and a half hours?" He didn't say anything. "Angel? Come on. It was funny, huh?"
"Yes, Cordy. I wasn' laughing my ass off for nothing."
"Ooooh. Sarcastic. You're learning."
"So..." Angel turned to Cordelia quickly. "How long have your parents been home?"
"What? They're not home."
"Well, someone's here. There's someone walking around downstairs." She jumped out of bed and ran out. Angel followed her downstairs, sticking to the shadows so he wouldn't be noticed.
"Mom? Dad? Are you two home?"
"No Miss. It is only me."
"God Martha. How many times have I told you. Please don't call me Miss. It makes me sound old. Just call me Cordelia."
"If you insist." Cordelia was about to walk back upstairs when Martha stopped her. "Miss, I mean, Cordelia. Am I imagining things, or did I hear a voice in your room? A male voice?"
"No! That was...was, the tv! Yeah! The tv!" Angel shook his head as he heard Cordelia's pathetic excuse. Martha raised an eyebrow at Cordelia and Cordelia let out a whine. :Fine. Angel, get out here." Angel emerged from the shadows. Martha looked Angel over.
"Well, he's a cute one. Too bad I never saw him." Cordelia smiled and Martha winked at her. She grabbed Angel's hands and took him back upstairs.
"That made me nervous."
"Why?"
"Same reason it made you nervous."
"This sucks. See, I can't deny it, because you can here my heart beat. That's not fair."
"Quit whining."
"Fine." A silence fell over them, and Cordelia noticed a look of vexation cross over Angel's face.
"You so are not gonna brood right now."
"What? Oh, sorry." Cordelia moved to the edge of the bed so she was closer to him. He ran his hands through his hair, leaning forward in the chair.
"What's wrong Angel?"
"Nothing. I'm fine."
"I know you are. But we're not talking appearance here."
"Are you flirting with me Miss Chase?"
"Possibley. But seriously. What's the problem? You've been less talkative than usual."
"You can tell?"
"Of course I can. now spill it."
"Fine. I was at the Bronze for a while, getting a drink before I headed out to the game. Buffy came up tot he bar to order a soda and I went to talk to her. She got all pissy with me because I won't tell her where I am every second of every night. So, she walked away from me. It annoyed me, so I followed her to the pool table where I said hello to Willow and met the guy she was with." Cordelia's eyes widened. Buffy was with another guy? It can't be enough that she has Angel? Oh no. She wants more. Who could she possibley choose over him? That girl is all blond, and no brains. Cordelia forced herself out of her thoughts and continued to listen to Angel. "So she ended up leaving with him. Telling him 'Let's go Ford. It's suddenly crowded in here.' What kind of bull shit is that?"
"Well, if my girlfriend did that to me, I'd be upset too."
"No. It's weird though. That's not what's on my mind though."
"Then?"
"I should be jealous, angry. But I'm not. In fact, I don't really care."
"So...you feel bad because you don't feel bad?"
"Exactly. That and the fact that this guy seem flakey. I don't trust him."
"Well, then it is jealousy. Or maybe you're still mad at her."
"No. I doubt it. I know I'm not jealous. And I've been mad at her before." Cordelia's voice lowered. Almost like she was afraid to ask the question. Or more like afraid to think she might be right.
"Maybe you don't love her like you think you do."
"Maybe. I don't know. It's hard to say." Angel looked at the alarm clock at the side of her bed. "I have to go."
"What? Why?"
"I have to go meet Willow. She's getting some information for me on this guy. I'll come by tomorrow night?"
"That'd be great."
"Okay. Bye Cordy." He hoped out of the window and Cordelia stayed, staring at the spot where he had just seemed to disappear. She shrugged her shoulders. She was never one for wishful thinking, and she wasn't about to start now.
***
Willow heard a light tapping on the glass of her back door. She looked and saw Angel, smiled and opened the door. She had a nervous look on her face.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I. I just, I'm not supposed to have boys in my room." He smiled.
"I'll behave my self. Vampire's honor."
"Angel. Is a vampire's honor even worth anything?"
"I have no idea. So, you find anything?" Her smile turned to a frown.
"Actually, yes. It's weird. He's not even registered in the school."
"But you said he was attending with you guys."
"Yeah. I know. That's what he said."
"Can you get an address?"
"Yup. Already did."
"Great. I'll check it out tomorrow."
"Yeah. You and me and Xander." Ange grimaced.
"Fine. But keep him away from me, all right?"
"I'll do my best."
"Okay. And don't tell Buffy."
"You want me to lie?"
"No. Don't lie. Just dont' inform her. I'll see you tomorrow night Will."
"O-okay Angel. Good night."
"Good night Willow." As Angel walked he could almost here Willow's worried thoughts as she chewed frantically on her nails. he felt guilty. He really didn't want to put her in this position, but she was the only person he knew with that skill. The feelings of guilt quickly exited as he remembered that after he checked out this address with Willow and Xander tomorrow, he would see Cordelia. The thought caused an almost idiotic grin to appear on his face, but he didn't care. That alone, was a thought that terrified him and excited him at the same time.
Part 5
Angel walked along the sidewalk, hands in his pockets. The sound of his shoes on the concrete was the only sound that could be heard at this time of night. It was early evening and most vampires had yet to even wake up. He stopped occasionly, looking in back of himself to make sure the two teenagers were still behind him. He sighed in frustration as he saw the red head behind him, but there was no sight of the brunette.
"Where's Harris?" As if on cue, Xander appeared. Angel would've known Xander was in the area regardless if he saw him or not. The atmosphere changed, the temperature rose. Life was wasted on so many people who would never truely appreciate it.
"Is it me, or are there not many houses around here?"
"We're following the address I found Xander."
"It's not a house." Both teenagers were startled by Angel's voice.
"Huh?"
"It's not a house. There aren't really any homes in this part of town. Mostly just buildings. Most vacant. Some set up as shops or clubs."
"Wow. And all under our noses. I bet Buffy doesn't even know about these." Angel didn't doubt it.
"How do you know all this Dead Boy?"
"One, don't call me that. Two, none of your damn buisness." Angel continued to walk slowly to be sure they were behind him. They were closer than he expected though, because when he stopped, Willow ran right into him.
"Angel, I'm-"
"Shhhh." Something was not right.
"What's the hold up Dead Boy?"
"Xander! Watch out!" Willow screamed as a vampire dropped from the roof of an old abandoned tire shop and landed on him, knocking him to the ground. The vampire overpowered the teenager, fangs barred. Angel picked him up and threw him off, helping Xander to his feet, only to be knocked down himself. He quickly recovered, face changing to its vampiric form as he charged the bloodsucker like a football player. He picked him up and pulled a stake from his coat pocket.
"Give Spike a message."
"What mess-oh." Was all he could get out before he turned to dust.
"Dammit." Angel hissed, face changing back. "I got dust all over my coat." He walked back to them.
"Angel. Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Just a couple bruises."
"Uh, thanks for, well, you know?"
"Don't worry about it." Angel told Xander." Now, shall we proceed?" They continued on, and Angel didn't even have to enter the place to know what was in there. But Buffy's friends had to be sure. They went in and Angel's suspicions were confirmed. They didn't stay long, there was no need. Besides, the people were annoying Angel and he had already gotten into an arguement with some young woman who claimed her name was Chantarelle. "all right. You guys should tell Buffy about this at school tomorrow."
"Shouldn't you tell her tonight? Now? You are her boyfriend, after all."
"Why would I do that? She won't believe me. And technically, she isn't my girlfriend yet." Both Willow and Xander were taken aback by his statement. "Besides, I have somewhere I need to be." He walked away, leaving the two alone to think what they would.
"You think he's a little mad at Buffy?"
"I think so Will. Come on. I'll walk you home. I don't want to stick around here and get attacked again."
***
Angel made his way to Sunnydale High after reading a note Cordelia taped to her window. He was happy he would finally see her cheer, but dissappointed he wouldn't have any alone time with her. He decided not to even attempt getting up the bleaches with the mass of people and stayed on the sidelines. He saw Cordelia in her cheer uniform leadingthe other girls in their routine. Her hair was up in a pony tail that bounced around with every move she took. Along with other things... He thought. He couldn't help it. There was somethign about that girl. The little uniform and the perfect application of lip gloss making her mouth look so inviting didn't help. He glanced at the scoreboard, suddenly praying for the end of the game. Heartbeats thundered in his ears, making him extremely nervous. He walked under the bleachers, keeping to the shadows. The cheerleaders took a small break and all saw Angel. They started to flirt with him, until they all realized that he was there for Cordy and looked away. She cocked her head and looked at him.
"What's wrong Angel? You look...nervous. Very nervous."
"I'm not used to being around so many people. I can hear them. The life all over this place. It's hard." She gave him an odd look and he felt like an idiot who probably disgusted her.
"So, that mean you can hear me breathing right now?"
"Yes." He took a slight gulp.
"You can hear my heart beat?"
"Uh-huh." Cordelia could swear Angel had started to sweat.
"Hear the blood flowing through my veins?" He stepped back and Cordelia approached until his back was to the wall and Cordelia was but an inch away.
"Cordelia...this isn't helping."
"Does it make your mouth water Angel? Make you want to bear your fangs?" Angel shook his head, trying to keep the demon at bay, but it was no use as in the dark, his true face came over him, Cordelia the only one who could see. Her hand moved to her collar as she rolled it down past her neck.
"Don't."
"What's wrong Angel? Want a sip?" Angel growled and grabbed her, pushing her against the wall where he had just been. Her chest was rising and falling at a rapid pace, her blood pumping in Angel's ears. Her eyes locked with his and he crashed his lips with hers forcefully, leaving Cordelia utterly stunned for a moment. She hesitantly wrapped her arms around his neck. His hands gripped her hips, and she could feel them bruise. This would keep her out of some of her favorite tops for a few days, but at the moment, she really didn't care. Cordelia could feel Angel's chest vibrate as he growled in her mouth. She nipped at his lips and Angel took the advantage, his tounge plunging in her mouth. Cordelia's hands threaded through Angel's hair, all but yanking it out of his head when she nicked her tounge on his fang. The blood was like the finest of wine on his tounge, electricuting every taste bud on his tounge. God, he wanted her so bad. But Angel pulled away, shocked and embarrassed at what he had just done. He was violating this young woman with nothing but false pretenses and showing a side of himself to her that she should have never seen.
"Cordelia..I, I'm sorry." Her hands cupped Angel's face, fingers tracing the ridges of his face. She placed her lips to his softly, tenderly and for a second, he responded. But once again, his damned senses took over and he pulled away, his brown eyes meeting hers.
"Cordelia. Where are you?" Another cheerleader came around, looking for her in the dark.
"You um, you should get back to the group." Her eyes met the ground then came back up and met his. But they were different now. They were cold and dull. Every spark that he had adored were gone and it cut through him like a dagger.
"Yeah. You're right. There are people who deserve my company." She rolled her eyes and walked up to the other cheerleader and walked out to the field. Angel touched his fingers to his lips and stared at the digits stained with crimson. He could still taste her on his lips, still feel his hands squeezing her hips to the point where movement was impossible.
"Dumb ass." He hissed at himself and walke dout of the darkness. He saw Cordelia with a fake smile plastered on her face and it crushed him. He wated to take her into his arm and kiss all the hurt away. Even though it was the pain he had caused. He shoved his hands in his pockets, head bowed down, eyes on the ground and walked away. Cordelia glanced at him one more time and frowned as he walked away looking like he had just lost his heart. She wiped a stray tear from her eye. He didn't want her. Not the other way around.
***
"I'll hand deliver her to you myself." Spike was debating with himself. He hated this guy, but Dru smiled and nodded and he caved.
"Fine. But don't muck it up. It's her life, or yours." He nodded, a stupid grin on his face.
"This is so cool. It's just like the movies." As Ford walked off, Spike snarled and turned to Dru, face twisted in anger and frustration.
"I can not picture him living forever. Especially not around me!" Dru just smiled wickedly and moved her lips to Spike's ear, nibbling roughly. "Fine. But after we get the Slayer, I'm eating him Love." She didn't argue.
"Mmm. What about Angel?" Spike pushed Dru away at the mention of his Sire's name. But she was right. If given the chance, Angel could mess everything up for them. Then he would really be screwed, but not in the good way.
"Don't worry Love. Daddy will take care of him."
***
The sound of the phone ringing echoed through the Summer's house. Buffy's eyes widened, hoping it wasn't for her. She was already grounded and would surely get a lecture if it was. Joyce Summers walked in, an uneasy look on her face.
"It's Willow. She says it's an emergency, ohterwise she would've waited until tomorrow." Buffy rolled to the side of her bed, picking up the phone from her nightstand. As soon as she was positive her mom had hung up, she answered.
"Willow? What's up?" Willow, being extremely nervous, rambled through the explanation of what her, Xander and Angel had done that night and where they had been. Buffy was hurt that she wasn't informed, but didn't see the major issue besides the fact that her friend was a freak and a fake. "It's all right Willow. I'll deal with this."
"There's more Buffy."
"What?"
"It, i don't know how to tell you..."
"Just tell me. You're my best friend Will. You can tell me anything."
"It's about Angel."
Part 6
Cordelia was pouting in her room, staring at the television, neither eyes nor mind registering the picture. She missed Angel. His company, his smile, his laugh...his kiss. This brought up another stream of tears, which she wiped furiously at. She heard a soft tapping sound and sprang up off her bed. She pushed aside her curtains, face falling when he wasn't there. Again, she heard the soft tapping and heard the large door downstairs opening.
"Thanks Martha." She muttered to herself. She didn't feel like seeing anyone right now. Which was why she was going to need to make up one hell of an excuse as to why she wasn't at the Bronze right now. The annoyance she was feeling only rose when she heard the rapping on her door. "I'm asleep, go away." The door squeaked quietly as it was opened. I really need to start locking that damn door! She thought to herself, turning to the person, ready to scream at whomever it my be. "I said go-" Her eyes widened "Angel. What are you doing here?"
"Um, can we go for a walk or go out to eat or something?" Her mind told her no and of course, her heart argued.
"I'm kind of tired Angel."
"Please Cordy. I really need to talk to you."
"Why? So you can tell me what we did was wrong? I don't think so."
"Please Cordy. I need to talk to you. I have so much I need to tell you. Just, please baby?" She melted at his words.
"Fine." She put on her sneakers and followed him downstairs. Martha was smirking happily and Cordelia chose to ignore it. They walked silently for about twenty minutes, Angel keeping a slow enough pace to stay right next to her. They reached the park which was almost vacant and sat down on a bench. Cordelia immediately tried to sit as far from him as possible. Angel knew he wasn't great with words, but he was going to have to say something soon.
"Cordy, I know you're pissed off at me because of last night, but you have to understand something. I'm no casanova Cor. I am not a good with relationships or with women."
"Pfft. Right. That's why every girl who sees you trips over their own fit just to cop a feel."
"I'm serious Cordelia. I was never one of the sensitive sweet types. In my prime, I was the definition of a womanizer. I never even felt love until Buffy." Cordelia stood up, an annoyed tick escaping her mouth.
"You know what? I get it Angel. You love Buffy, you want Buffy, so why don't you go bone Buffy, all right? Because I really don't want to hear about how much you worship Buffy." She went to walk away and Angel stopped her.
"That's not why I brought you here Cor. So don't go yet." She sat down on the bench, arms crossed like the defiant teenager she was. Angel paced back in forth in front of her. "I tell you about Buffy so you can understand that I am really new at this. That, yes, she was my first love. But first loves can change Cordy. And since I met you, I knew there was something that drew me to you. I didn't know what, but there is something so incredible about you that draws me, sucks me in and it feels like I lose apart of myself whenever I leave your presence. I find myself waking up and the first thing on my mind it that I am going to see you that night. I can't help what I feel for you Cordelia. And what happened last night, I know you feel the same Cordy." Cordelia couldn't argue, especially when he was out here, working up enough guts to actually tell her the truth. A shiver ran through Cordelia. And not just from Angel's words. He noticed, slipped off his jacket and wrapped it around her. She held it to her body tightly and he couldn't help but smile. "That jacket's never looked so good." Her face lowered and she blushed slightly.
"Angel. Are you trying to tell me that you're falling for me?" His thumb lifted her chin so she was looking into his chocolate orbs. He placed a soft kiss to her lips.
"I already have Cordy." She smiled again and let their lips brush, this time, neither of them had any intention of pulling away.
***
Pounding on the door awoke Angel from his deep sleep. With a moan of frustration he crawled out of bed. As his senses slowly returned to him, he realized it was about three in the afternoon. Quite early for a vampire. He pulled on a muscle shirt and a pair of black sweat pants and went to answer the door. Not surprised, but he was a bit dissappointed when he saw Buffy there.
"Hey." He said nonchalantley.
"Hey. Little late to be sleeping, isn't it?"
"Not when you're a vampire." She didn't respond, just grimaced and started to change the subject. But Angel didn't want to drop the conversation yet. "Why do you get that look every time I mention the fact that I'm a vmapire? It's not like you don't know."
"Well, I'm sorry. I just don't see why you say it in a bragging way."
"I don't."
"It sounds like it."
"Why are you here Buffy?" Her lips twisted into a frown at his tone, hurt apparent on her face.
"What? A girl can't just stop by at her boyfriend's house just to spend some time with him and to see him?" For the first time in a while, Angel actually felt like he was in the wrong here. He really didn't want to hurt Buffy, but it was clear that they didn't belong together. Maybe that's what hurt so bad. That and he really didn't want to go through with this relationship to find out it wouldn't work.
"Evidently not." He answered.
"You're right. I do have a reason for being here." The expectant look on her face told her to continue. "Angel, I think we need to take a break. With our relationship. Um, there's a lot going on right now. Things you don't tell me. It really doesn't help me trust you Angel. You haven't even seen me in a while either."
"Yeah, well the last time I saw you you left with your little boy toy."
"His name is Ford and nothing happened between us and you know it."
"How would I know that Buffy?"
"Whatever. And it didn't help when you went behind my back and spied on him. You couldn't even tell me what happened yourself. I just think we need some serious time away from each other." Inside, she was smiling at his surprised expression. That is, until he said something she really didn't expect.
"You're right. And I'm glad you told me you felt this way Buffy because I couldn't agree more. I've been meaning to tell you the same thing for quite some time now but I couldn't find the right time, you know? How do you find the right time for a conversation like this?" Angel felt all the guilt falling off his shoulders. She wanted to break up too. It was almost too perfect.
it was her turn to look shocked. He wasn't mad, he wasn't hurt, he wasn't upset at all! He was happy, okay with it, he wanted this. It made it that much harder for Buffy to fake her thin lipped smile and walk out the door, and out of Angel's heart.
She made her way to her house at a slow pace, broken. She was too upset to yell, or do an all night sweep like she usually did when she was pissed off. She couldn't even cry. She climbed through her window and picked up the phone, dialing Willow's number.
"Hello?"
"Willow?"
"Buffy? What happened?"
"I broke up with Angel."
"What did he say?"
"He wanted to break up with me for a while. He just couldn't find the right moment. It didn't even bother him Will."
"There has to be something up Buffy. Angel loves you."
"Or at least he used to. What do you think's going on Will? Tell me you think he's an asshole and that he's just crazy." There was no response from the red head on the other line. "Willow?"
"Honestly Buffy, I don't think it helped when you left the Bronze with Ford that one night. I think it really hurt him and, you know, made him pretty sore at you."
"So this is my fault? Thanks a lot Will."
"No, no. I'm just saying you didn't make things better. Angel was already on the edge Buffy with all the times you stood him up. You told us that yourself. Put yourself in his shoes. You've been stood up quite a few times, then you see the person who stood you up with another guy? It couldn't make him feel good Buffy."
"I repeat, thanks a lot Willow. You're a real hel. You could've told me all this a little earlier, you know? That might've helped too." Buffy slammed the phone on the receiver and Willow sighed, hanging up her own phone. She hoped tomorrow would be a little better. Buffy hugged her knees to her chest, rocking back and forth slowly, finally letting the tears out, knowing it was just going to get harder.
***
One Week Later
Angel walked along the street and past a flower shop. He stopped, walked inside and up to the counter. A slender woman with burgundy hair and a milky complection stood behind the desk. She flashed him a friendly, sweet smile.
"Hiya handsome. What can I do for you tonight?" She asked in a perky voice, leaning slightly forward.
"Uhhh...I, hold on. I have a date with my girlfriend," The girl stood up straight, getting out of her flirty stance. "so, I guess I'll take a dozen roses."
"What color?"
"Red. Her favorite color is red." The girl's smile widened as she got the flowers for him. He paid and she handed the bouquet to him.
"Is it her birthday or something?"
"No."
"She's a lucky girl."
"You'd be surprised." He said, and left. He passed another shop and walked in. This time there was a man behind the counter, which eliminated the awkwardness. He picked out a box of chocolates, completely unaware that Xander was in there buying himself something to much on. He walked up and slapped Angel on the back after he paid.
"Hey Dead Boy. What's up?" Angel leered at Xander, who wasn't moving and walked out next to him. "You got a date tonight huh?" There was an interigating and jealous sound in his voice when he spoke. Surely, he knew by now that Buffy and him had broken up. It had been a week, after all.
"Yup."
"You and Buffy huh?" Angel gave him a curious look and continued walking without Xander, who called after him. "Buffy's house is this way Angel." He didn't respond, just kept walking, leaving the teenager with intense curiosity. Maybe Xander didn't know after all.
Angel knew Cordelia's parents were, once again, out of town so he knocked on the front door. It opened and he smiled.
"Hi Martha. Is Cordy here?" She smiled and let him in, closing the door behind him and nodding upstairs. He made his way through the halls and knocked slightly on her door.
"Come in." She called from inside and he entered. She turned to him and gave him her 100 watt smile. "Awwww. You brought me candy and roses. What's the special occassion?" He shrugged.
"Just cause it's Wednesday." She put them on her dresser and wrapped her arms around him, placing a chaste kiss to him lips. Then another and another.
"Ahem." Cordelia turned and blushed when she saw Martha standing in the doorway. "I'm taking off for the night Miss."
"Cordelia." She reminded her.
"Yes. I won't get used to that. And I can't imagine what your parents would say if they heard me."
"Well, they're not here as usual. I'll see you Monday."
"But tomorrow is-"
"Thursday. I know. Just be back before Mommy and Daddy get home." She nodded and left.
"Trying to get rid of her, were you?"
"I don't want to be watched while I have you here all to myself. What's the gorgeous, but odd smile for?"
"No reason. I just kind of find myself smiling more when I'm around you."
"Awww. You are too sweet, you know that?"
"You're right, you know?"
"You getting conceded?"
"No. What you said earlier. You do have me all to yourself." There was a moment of silence, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was sweet and comforting.
"Let's go for a swim Angel." It wasn't what he expected, but why not? "Get out." He stared at her with confusion.
"What?"
"Get out. I have to change."
"So I can't help?" He asked mischeviously.
"Sorry. You get to wait downstairs in the pool room. You'll find it. You have super smelling, see you'll smell the Chlorine. Bye." She gave him a peck on the cheek and closed the door in his face. He could only smile and walk downstairs and into the room. The room smelled of Chlorine, filtered water and fresh towels. The scent of vanilla and chamomille floated through the room. He knew she was behind him. He turned and saw her wrapped in her robe. She moved her hand through the water then stood up. She turned to him and removed the robe, exposing her string bikini that covered NOTHING. Angel's mouth dropped.
"The only person who can ever see you in that is me."
"Jeez. We've only officially been dating for a week and you're already possessive."
"You know it. I have every reason to be."
"Lose the clothes Angel."
"What?"
"Strip down to those boxers of yours and jump in." She dove in the pool and he started to undress. Cordelia emerged from the water, leaned against the edge of the pool and watched his every move.
"Enjoying the show?"
"Mmmm-hmm. I like my own private Angel strip show." He walked clsoe to the pool and she grabbed his hand, yanking him in the water. He emerged, a questioning look on his face. "What?"
"How'd you know I was wearing boxers?" She just smiled wickedly and went to swim over to him. Only he dived back beneath the surface. He was under for what seemed like hours. She felt his arms on her as he picked her up and and threw her across the pool, swimming back to her before she could get away. He pushed her against the wall of the pool, trapping her. Angel stared at her for a couple seconds, bringing his lips down to hers slowly and softly. It was slow and long and sweet and just perfect. Everything a kiss should be. Cordelia parted her lips, allowing Angel's tounge to enter and explore the cavern of her mouth. It was more than a shock to Angel when he felt her legs wrap tightly around his waist, her hands moving down his body to explore new places with mounting passion. He wasn't sure if she even knew what she was doing to him, if she realized that this in itself was taking them beyond the lines. But whatever it was, he wasn't about to let it happen in her swimming pool. He picked her up, never letting their lips part. He carried her through the living room and up the stairs, shutting the door behind them.
***
Soft moans and harsh breaths echoed through the room. Angel looked down at Cordelia's beautiful face. Her cheeks were red and her head was on the pillow, tossing from side to side in ecstacy. He layed his head above her left breast where he could hear her heart beat like a drum. That and the cries coming from her mouth were like incredible music in his ears. his body moved with hers, hips grinding together, his thrusts slow but hard. With each up stroke he hit that spot that made her moan a little louder and writh a little more each time. Her legs were wrapped firmly around his waits, one hand gripping his shoulders, her other running through his hair and pulling it softly. Angel knew she was almost there when her breathing becames heavier.
"Oh God Angel." He placed open mouthed kisses on her skin, nibbling and sucking occasionally. "I love you." Her hold on both his shoulders and hair grew harder as her breath hitched in her throat. Angel's speed grew harder and faster, sending Cordelia flying and exploding into millions of pieces with a cry of his name. He shortly followed, burying his head in her breats as he came, growling hers. She had never loved the sound of her name as much as she did at that time. Angel looked at Cordelia who was the perfect picture of beauty. He placed an adoring kiss on her lips.
"I love you." She smiled as he held her to him. She quickly fell asleep, exhausted. Her breath was evening out and it was very comforting to Angel. He heard her heart and breath, could feel her warmth and the blood rushing beneath her skin. This girl was every ounce of alive, as he was every ounce of death. But she made him feel more human than he ever had, even when he was alive. There was so much to discuss, to fiigure out. Not now though. This moment was too perfect...pure bliss. So extraordinarily rare. Nothing had ever felt so right as he wrapped his arms tighter around her, afraid that he would wake up the following morning alone in a cold bar. With nervous thoughts, he drifted off into an uneasy sleep.