Chapter Seven: Sunnydale Mornings. Sunnydale, Ca
Tara and Willow walked into Buffy's home with Dawn. Tara saw the people on the couch and smiled, not knowing who they were.
"That is adorable. What a cute couple." Angel's head was still on her lap. Cordelia was leaning to her right, her head resting on his lower, bare abdomen. They both looked content and comfortable. Like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Have you ever seen anything so cute?"
"Yes." Buffy bit back. She didn't like the comfortable state her ex and Cordelia were in.
"I don't know. It's pretty cute." Dawn piped in, receiving an evil glare from Buffy.
"Don't glare at your sister." Joyce said from her place at the kitchen table. Riley smiled as he looked at the people on the couch. This just took Angel down another notch on Buffy's love meter.
"Buffy. Don't look at it as your ex, look at it as a couple laying on a couch. It's sweet."
"I don't see anything cute about that tramp laying all over Angel."
"Buffy!" Willow screeched and she looked up at her friend shocked.
"What?"
"Buffy, that's Cordelia. She's not a tramp. You know that. She's our friend." Buffy lowered her head, ashamed. She shouldn't have called Cordelia names, that was true. This wasn't Junior High.
"She's not my friend."
"Buffy, now you're just acting childish." All the outside conversations tugged at Angel, stirring him form his sleep. He opened his eyes, seeing the people around him, arguing with each other. His mind was still fuzzy and he couldn't make out what they were arguing about.
He felt hot breath on his body and looked down to see Cordy. Without anyone seeing, he placed a soft kiss to her knee, thanking her for helping him get through the night. He shook her leg slightly and she woke up. He moved out from under her, placing the pillow under her head.
She fell back asleep and he went upstairs to take a shower, unnoticed by the arguing group down stairs. When he got out of the shower, a towel around his hips, Cordy was in the room. He was frozen to the floor, afraid he might drop the towel. She smiled and walked past him, in all her sleepy glory.
"Morning."
"Morning." He said back. Then she closed the door and he heard the water start. While he got dressed, the image of Cordelia's naked form, drenched with spraying hot water entered his mind. He let out a low groan, pants starting to feel tight. He tried to shake the thoughts away, but a part of him, a big part, didn't want to lose the image. Minutes passed and the water stopped, knocking him back into reality.
"Angel?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you toss me my bag please?" He picked it up, tempted to go through it and see what tiny outfit she might taunt his instincts with today.
"Here you go." He gave the bag to the hand sticking through the opening in the door.
"Thanks." She said, shutting the door again. Angel sat on the bed, staring at his folded hands. She came out and looked at him. "You better not be brooding."
"No. Hiding from our fan club downstairs."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know. They were arguing about something. I think it was about us, so I came up here."
"Oh." She smiled at him. "Now was it me, or did you kiss my knee this morning?" Angel had a look of shock on his face. "Angel?" She was amused.
"Okay. I'm caught. Yeah, I did."
"Not that I'm complaining, but why?"
"It was a thank you kiss."
"For what?"
"For staying with me last night."
"You asked me to."
"Yeah. But you didn't have to. Thank you." She looked at him through her eye lashes and smiled.
"It's like I told you Angel. I'm always here when you need me." He nodded and smiled at her. The intensity of his gaze had her dazed momentarily. She came back to reality and grinned sheepishly. "Now, let's go downstairs and you can make me something to eat."
"Yeah, okay." He followed her downstairs and they were greeted by six pairs of eyes.
"You guys were up there for quite a while." Buffy said, uncomfortable with the amount of time they spent together and the fact that they were sleeping together. Plus, she was still a little rattled from his spontaneous kiss the previous night.
"Didn't know you were timing." Cordelia sat down. The three Scoobies who knew her the best were surprised at her appearance. She was dressed in a pair of black velour track pants, a yellow scoopneck tank and a pair of white sneakers. Her face was pale from blood loss, but even so, she was still stunning.
"So, what's going on today?" Angel asked, getting between the energy less, but still venom spitting brunette and the obviously annoyed slayer.
"Giles is at the Magic Box. Anya and Xander are going to join him. Willow and I are going shopping to get some stuff for the party."
"Who's that?" Cordy asked, noticing the blonde who was all but hiding behind Willow.
"Oh." The red head said. "That's Tara. My…girlfriend." Cordelia's jaw hit the floor.
"What?" Willow cringed. But the expected reaction wasn't what they received. "God Will! I talk to you online all the time, I talked to you the other day! You couldn't tell me?" She rolled her eyes and huffed. "Really feeling the love Will." She turned a smile to Tara. "I'm Cordelia. Friends call me Cordy. That's why you'll never hear Xander call me that. And the tall, dark and handsome, yet non-talking figure blending in with the shadows, is Angel. He thinks the stalker thing is sexy."
"I do not."
"You do too. Don't lie." She walked over to Tara. "It's nice to meet you. Maybe you can teach your girlfriend some manners. I mean, I've known her since kindergarten and she couldn't tell me this stuff? Jeez. What's this world coming to?"
"It's not that surprising." They all looked at Angel.
"Huh?"
"Remember Vampire Willow? Well, Buffy told our Willow that a vampire's personality had nothing to do with the person it was. That's not true. And Vampire Willow swung both ways." They stared at him.
"Come on guys. I think he would know. I mean, he was the definition of a male whore in his human days, then look at Angelus. Total perv. So the human personality must affect the vampire one."
"See? Still getting more neck than me." Xander whined.
"Xander, I was getting more neck than you when I was twelve." Angel said with a smirk and Xander glared at him. Buffy stared at Angel, unable to imagine him as a womanizer. "Can we please move the conversation on now?"
"Aw, Mr. Sensitive. Oh. Angel? Want me to stop by Willlie's later?"
"No. Are you crazy?"
"Why not?"
" It's too dangerous."
"I can handle myself."
"Like you did last night?" She leered at him, lowering her voice to a whisper.
"Angel. If you don't eat, you can't fight. Xander will be able to kick your ass. Then you'll be dead, dusty, chunky vamp dust. A lot of good that'll do us!"
"Fine. Can we just get this day started already?" He asked the group.
"Can I stay here with you, Angel? My mom wanted me to go with her to the Gallery, but I really don't want to."
"If it's all right with your mother, it's fine with me." Joyce looked at them. Dawn sat next to Angel, wrapping her arms around his neck, sticking her bottom lip out and facing Mrs. Summers.
"Please mom?" Angel put on a pout as well.
"Please Joyce? I could use some company." Buffy had seen that look on Angel's face twice. And, adorable as it was, it was weird. But what was even weirder was the fact that her mother gave in. Her mother never gave in.
"Oh, all right. Angel?" He looked at Joyce. "Behave. Watch after her and make sure she stays out of trouble."
"We'll be on our best behavior. Cordy's going to be back in like ten minutes. And Far-, I mean Riley is her too. We'll behave.
"Okay. I'll see everyone later. Bye. Be careful. All of you." With that, Joyce left. Everyone followed behind her, leaving for whatever errands they had to do.
"O pos?" Cordy asked before leaving.
"You know it." She went to the door. "Cordy?"
"Yeah?" Angel handed Cordy her cell phone.
"If anything happens, call me."
"Angel, it's daylight."
"There are other monsters in the world. Not just demons and vampires."
"Yeah, yeah. I know, mother-hen." He rolled his eyes.
"Cordelia…"
"Angel. I have a stake and a crossbow in my purse. Plus, phone now. Plus, I got a really powerful witch going with me. She could like, freeze them or something."
"Just…both of you be careful? Please?" He pleaded with her, eyes winning the argument.
"Extra careful."
"Promise." He said, using her previous statement against her. She nodded her head.
"I promise."
Cordelia and Tara walked into the run-down place. Tara seemed nervous, but Cordy went right up to the bartender.
"You Willie?" She looked the greasy looking man over with dismay. Her face twisted in disgust when she saw a flash of desire in his eyes. "Not on your best day, buddy." He looked shocked.
"I know you?"
"No. I'm Cordelia. I'm here for my friend. Tall vampire guy with spikey brown hair. Maybe you know him? Goes by the name of Angel?" His expression changed.
"Oh! My buddy Angel? How's he doin'?"
"Good. You got something for him?"
"I can get something. He hasn't been here in years. Thought someone dusted him or something." He said, while getting Cordelia the blood and putting it in a brown paper bag. She frowned at the flippant tone in his voice.
"No. We live in Los Angeles now."
"We? You and him together? Last time I saw him he had a thing for the blond chick. Slayer, right?"
"Yeah. Buffy. They're not together anymore."
"So…you and him?"
"Work together. We're friends. Best friends."
"That's good. When he was over here, total loner. Even when his girl was around. The guy needs friends. Tell him I said hello and to take care of himself."
"All right. Bye." They left. But during the conversation, Tara noticed the sadness in Cordelia's voice when she said her and Angel were just friends. It was slight, but it was there.
Chapter Eight: Old Rivalries Awaken. Sunnydale, Ca
Cordelia sat in the living room eating her spaghetti and chatting with Willow when she realized Angel wasn't in the room. She took her food with her and walked into the semi-lit kitchen, not surprised to see him in the darkest corner, drinking his blood.
"Hey. Whatcha doing in here all alone?"
"Eating." His tone was flat. She grabbed his arm, bringing him to the table with her.
"Why aren't you out in the living room with the rest of us?"
"I don't feel comfortable around everyone."
"Why not?"
"I don't know. I just don't." There was a silence. "You can go back out there. You don't need to stay in here with me. I don't want to take you away from everyone Cor. You were having a good time. "
"Yeah. But I have a better time with you."
"You do? Why?" She laughed.
"Yeah, I do. I like our comfortable silences Angel."
"Me too." A few more moments passed.
"Angel, you know what?"
"Hmmm?"
"We're so having a moment." He snorted in amusement and looked at her. "Yup. There is definite bonding going on here."
"Oh yeah. The lack of talking brings us so close together."
"We so don't need talking. We got a silent bond."
"Hello drama queen."
"You wanna see drama queen? Baby, you ain't seen drama queen until you've seen my drama queen." She stood up, ready to show him her dramatics, but didn't. She just stood there, silent for a second. "Angel. Hold me."
"Cordy-"
"No! Angel! Hold me!" She cried as the vision wracked through her body. Cordelia screamed in pain and the whole Sunnydale crew ran in, horrified looks on their faces when they saw the brunette's body twisting every which was and Angel trying desperately to calm her.
"She's having a seizure, call the paramedics!" Giles called and Buffy went to get the phone, shaking with fear at the image of Cordelia's state.
"Don't!" They all turned to the front door as Wesley ran in with a young man none of them knew. At least they thought it was Weslwy, but he didn't look a thing like they remembered. They had heard her scream from outside. Quickly, the two ran to their friend's side. One held a bottle of Extra-strength Motrin, the other held a water bottle. Cordelia's body stopped shaking from the vision, but still was from her hysterical crying.
"Angel! Angel, no! Don't! No!" She screamed and he held her closer. "Watch out! No! Don't go, please! Don't leave me!"
"Cordy! Cordy, I'm right here!"
"No, Angel, he's too strong. Don't fight, please. I can't lose you."
"Cordelia! Come on baby, snap out of it!"
"Angel-"
"I'm right here Cordelia! I'm right here!" He held her face between his palms and she finally opened her eyes.
"You're here?" He ran her hand along the side of his face and pressed his forehead against hers, there noses touching.
"Right here. I'm not leaving you." She latched on to him, crying into his shoulder. He held her to him, whispering calming words, stroking her hair and back with his hand, other arm wrapped around her.
"I thought I lost you Angel."
"It was just the vision Cordelia." She turned when she heard the familiar voice.
"Yeah Barbie. Don't trip."
"Wes. Gunn. You're here."
"Yes." Wesley said and handed her the water and two pills from the Motrin bottle. "Now take these." She did, never letting Angel go. Her tears dried on her cheeks, her body still shaking from the dry sobs that wouldn't cease. She tried to smile, still leaning into Angel, his arms around her.
"All my guys," she said, "all here and concerned. I'm sorry I can't help you." Cordy looked at Angel, eyes red and puffy. "I can't tell you what I saw Angel. I'm sorry."
"But I can't take the pain away unless you tell me." She chuckled sadly.
"Angel, you know the pain never goes away. And if I tell you, it won't go away." She stood up and walked half way up the stairs. "It'll just get worse. It always gets worse." They heard the door close.
"Another apocalypse. Yay." Buffy said, surprised when she received a glare from Wesley and the young man Cordelia had called Gunn.
"Angel."
"I'm already on it Wes." He said, heading up to the room. He knocked on the door and entered. She was huddled under the covers, trying desperately not to cry. "Cordy." He said, voice soft. He ran a hand over her cheek. "You have to tell me or I can't fix it."
"Angel. I can't let you die."
"Cordy."
"I can't."
"Cor-
"No Angel. I had a vision of the Master tearing you to shreds, okay? I am not letting that happen. I lost Doyle. I can't lose you."
"You won't."
"That's right. Because I'm not going to tell you. Because if I do tell you, you'll die." She tried to hold back the tears, but couldn't. He hugged her, holding her tight.
"You won't lose me baby." He was shocked by how easily that word slipped out and she was shocked he had said it. But he meant it and neither of them said anything to ruin the moment. "I promise you." He whispered, so much emotion in his voice she had to believe him.
"Okay Angel." She agreed, but wouldn't let him leave her. She dozed off eventually, giving him no extra information. He laid her down, covered her and went down stairs after he was positive she was asleep. Hands shoved in his pocket, mind deep in thought, he walked to the couch and sat down.
"Angel?" Wesley asked softly, seeing his state. "How is she?"
"She's asleep right now. She's scared Wes."
"Of what? Since when does Barbie get scared enough to not tell you about a vision?" Wesley looked Angel over with an interrigating glance.
"She's trying to protect him Gunn. That vision she had, it wasn't just any innocent in danger, was it Angel? It was you."
"She had a vision about me fighting and losing. She won't tell me where or when. She thinks I'm going to die."
"It's happened before." Dawn said, glaring at Buffy for a second.
"Who were you fighting?" Angel looked directly at Buffy, staring at her for almost a minute. Riley glared, jealousy feeling him at the intense stare the two ex-lovers shared.
"The Master." She went stiff, eyes wide with fear.
"But, but I killed him."
"I know."
"Twice."
"I know."
"I smashed his bones into dust with a sledge hammer! We dumped the ashes in the water! There's no way! No way!"
"I know hon, I was there, remember?" Buffy didn't know if the tone Angel used was affectionate or rude , but it made her blood boil. He never talked to her like that.
"Well, how does she know? I mean, we're relying on Cordelia Chase here. How can we be sure it's the Master?"
"Cordelia's visions are never wrong."
"But Angel, he's dead!"
"I know Buffy! And I'm sorry you have to go through this again, but he's back."
"Angel?"
"What!" He snapped at Wesley, then frowned. "I'm sorry Wes, I'm just on edge. I mean, first Darla, now the Master-"
"Darla!"
"Oops." Angel muttered to himself after the Scoobies all screamed at him in unison.
"Darla! Evil vampire bitch you killed like four years ago, Darla!"
"Yup. That's her." Wes said.
"Angel!" He didn't look at her. "Angel!"
"Buffy…I really can't talk about this right now."
"Oh God." She said, reality hitting her. "It's her? She's the mystery woman! The one you had to kill! That broke your heart and sent you into a brooding fit! I-I can't believe this!"
"This isn't about me!" Of Wesley and Gunn's look. "Well, it is, but it isn't about Darla and I, okay?"
"Actually Angel, I believe it may be." Wesley said.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, The Master did make Darla."
"Wes, don't."
"Angel, I know this is a difficult subject."
"No, Wesley, you don't. None of you do and I don't really want to talk about this."
"Too damn bad, Angel! There's a connection here and just because you don't want to see it, doesn't mean it's not there!" Wesley snapped, frustration getting the better of him. The Scoobies stared at him. Since when did Wesley stand up to Angel? And since when did Angel take it and stare at the ground like he was afraid of Wesley.
"English is right Angel. Life's a bitch and it took your girl. I'm sorry. But it's over with now man." The little light bulb went off in Angel's head.
"No. I really don't think it is. Not yet anyway." He said, catching on to what Wes was thinking. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard muffled crying. He sprinted up the stairs, Wes and Gunn behind him, even though they heard nothing. The Scoobies all looked at each other. These people were so strange.
Upstairs, Angel woke Cordelia up from the dream that was causing her tears.
"Cordy, wake up. You're having a bad dream." She woke and saw Angel on the bed with her, holding her hand. Wes and Gunn were on the other side, standing over her. She wiped at her eyes. The group from downstairs made their way into the room to see what all the commotion was about. Angel held Cordelia, her head on his shoulder. Buffy cast a jealous glance, but neither one of them noticed. "Cordy, you have to tell me where I'm going."
"No. Because you're not going."
"I have to. That's why you had the vision."
"Angel, you'll die!" She said angrily, tears still falling from her eyes. "Get it? Die. D-I-E. And we have no guarantee you're coming back this time."
"Cordy, I have to."
"I can't lose you. I won't."
"You're right, you won't."
"Damn it Angel! You don't get it. You will die, okay?" She said, pushing her way out of his embrace.
"Cordy, calm down."
"Do not tell me to calm down!"
"Cordy, chill." Gunn joined in.
"You're getting yourself worked up over nothing."
"You think Angel dying is nothing, Wesley? 'Cause I sure don't!"
"I won't die. I've nearly been killed a million times Cordy. The only time that really did me in was the whole closing the mouth of hell thing. But, kind of deserved that one, don't ya think?" He saw a faint smile. But as soon as it appeared, it was gone. "If it's a fight he wants Cordelia, I saw we give it to him."
"Can't someone else?" He smiled.
"I think it's a redemption thing." He gave her a look and her resolve broke.
"All right." She knew his stubbornness would win her over eventually, but it was worth a shot. "You fight, I'll keep score. And that score so better be Angel-1, Master-0. Got it? 'Cause if it isn't, I'm bringing you back to kill you myself."
"How 'bout you just be my cheerleader, hmm?"
"Cordy in a rah-rah outfit? Shit, I'm for it."
"It would definitely be inspirational."
"I'm telling Virginia, English! Girl's gonna go crazy on your ass."
"Nonsense. She trusts me completely. Especially around Cordelia. She knows that ended years ago." Angel rolled his eyes at the two, then turned to Cordelia.
"So, you going to tell me where I'm going?" She shook her head. "Cordy-"
"Angel, I can't…I don't know." He ran a hand through his hair and looked around the room, finally noticing the other group's presence. "We have work to do. Gunn, you and Riley check out this bar I know. Tell him it's for me, Willie and I go way back."
"Yeah, so far back he thought you were dead." He cast Cordelia a look.
"I think I can help them with that Angel. I've been working the streets-" Wes started, but was cut off by Cordelia.
"You're a prostitute!" Gunn snorted and Angel smirked. "I knew it! It's always the quiet British ones. Giles? Are you one too? Tell me you guys aren't working together 'cause, ewww, mental image."
"Cordelia…" Wesley warned, giving her an annoyed look.
"What?" She turned to Angel. "See what happens when I try to cheer people up and lighten the mood? I get that look!"
"Anyways," Angel continued. "Wes, I need you to get into Wolfram & Hart's files. I've got a feeling they're in on this. And I doubt it's a recent project. Buffy? You, Xander, and Willow hit the cemetery. Be careful. The Master may not be trying to come after you, but he's still dangerous. Anya and Tara? Look for any spells to some how find his location in case we can't find anything. He likes the underground. Rupert? Can you assist them in that?"
"Of course."
"Cordy, you too."
"I'm going with you."
"No you're not."
"Yes, I am."
"It's too dangerous."
"Is that like your new favorite line or something?"
"You know I'm right."
"I'll be worried."
"I'll be fine. In fact, I want you to work with Wesley too, okay? Figure out how long they've been planning to raise him for me."
"Yeah, sure." She said, pouting. She's rather go with him.
"Thank you." He turned to Spike. "'Spike, I..." He looked at him. "Never mind. I can't do that to myself." The other vampire smiled.
"Aww. I feel the love."
"I need to keep up appearances. A human'll be killed on the spot. I need back up."
"You really do care, don't you Peaches?"
"Spike…" Angel growled.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm going."
Chapter Nine: Sunnydale Ca.
Part one: Cemetery Conversations.
Buffy, Xander and Willow were on their way out of the house when a reluctant Dawn was told to go with them. Their mother came home and insisted that Buffy and Dawn needed to spend some time together. They left with scowls on their faces, choosing to ignore each other while Buffy ranted to Willow.
"I just think they're too close. I mean, did you see her laying all over him?"
"They were asleep Buffy. And he was laying on her too. He didn't seem umcomfoortable."
"I'm just saying, it's not a good idea for them to be that close. What with the curse."
"Is this about the curse or you not liking your ex being close to another woman?" Xander asked.
"Both." She said quietly. "But this is bad guys. First he was getting back with Darla, no Cordelia!"
"Buffy, you sound like a jealous ex-girlfriend."
"Because she is."
"Shut up Dawn." Buffy said, then turned back to her friends. "Why would he choose Cordelia over me?"
"Maybe because you're with Riley?" Willow offered.
"So you really think they're together?" She asked, voice in a panic. "Oh my God. My Angel is with Cordelia freakin' Chase!"
"I don't think he's with her Buffy. But if he was, it wouldn't matter, he's not yours anymore." Buffy sent Willow a death glare that made her become very interested in the ground.
"She's right Buff. You and Angel have been broken up for almost two years now. You moved on, why can't he?"
"Since when are you on his side Xander?"
"Buffy, it's not their fault Angel isn't with you anymore." Dawn said. "It's yours."
"How is it my fault?"
"Like you don't know." They all looked at her. "Oh, yeah. I guess you don't. But still! How could you forget something like that? I mean, really? No wonder he don't want you."
"Dawn, what the hell are you talking about?" Buffy asked, making her younger sister sigh.
"Remember when you went to see Angel after Thanksgiving?" She nodded. "Well, it didn't happen that way. Angel turned human."
"That makes no sense."
"Just listen! I heard him talking to Cordelia about it. He turned human and you two slept together. He found out you would die, so he turned back time so it never happened. You said you would never forget, but you did and he remembered. I don't know how or why, but he's been stuck with that memory ever since. And then you kiss him and pull away? No wonder he don't like to be around us."
"Dawn, you're talking crazy."
"It's true. If you don't believe me, ask him yourself. But after all that, I would definitely pick Cordelia over you. She doesn't have a boyfriend either. Plus, she is prettier than you." Dawn threw in, just to piss the slayer off.
"Shut up. She is not."
"I'm just saying, I would understand why he would choose her."
"Well, he didn't. Willow agrees. And if he was with her, he wouldn't have kissed me last night."
"Buffy, you shouldn't be worrying about Angel." Xander said. "You have Riley." Willow watched Buffy intently.
"But she still loves Angel, don't you Buffy?" Buffy was praying for an attack at this point. She couldn't think about this. Couldn't think about Angel, about being with him and his hands on her. Why would he give that away? She was granted with a group of vampires attacking to take her mind off things.
Part two: Research party.
Tara and Giles were working hard in trying to find a spell and perfect it, while Anya went and got the necessary ingredients to perform it. Wesley and Cordelia were busy hacking into Wolfram & Hart's files for anything on the Master. Wesley left Cordelia to it and looked through the books for Vampire Reserection.
"Wes!" He turned to Cordelia. "We have lawyer-bitch's evil plan!" The group dropped what they were doing and made their way to the computer. "Okay, so Lilah and Lindsay's plan was pretty much to scramble Angel's head with Darla and have the Master as a back up incase things got too personal between the two. They figured they couldn't trust Darla with Angel since, even when he had his soul, he was still her weakness. So, they had the Master as back up since he hates Angel anyway."
"Why?" Buffy asked, coming in. Willow, Xander and Dawn followed.
"Angel was pissing the Master off. Told him he was ugly, he couldn't keep Darla around, she didn't belong underground. A real instigator Angelus was. Darla left the Master for him. Then Angel got his soul, the Master was over here and she came back to him. But then she wanted Angel again and tried to get him. He ended up killing her for you, pissing the Master off even more. It's like a supernatural soap opera."
"So, what brought him back?"
"Wolfram & Hart." Wesley said. "The evil law firm that's bent on screwing Angel over."
"Only Lilah literally. No wonder she keeps messing with him. It's only obvious. She's definately tried the touchy feely to get him on her side." Cordelia mused to herself with an annoyed look. Buffy noticed and interrupted their inside conversation.
"So what's the plan?"
"Don't know yet. Depends on what Angel finds. We should keep the spell on hand anyway." Cordelia said. "Maybe Gunn and Riley found something."
"Nope." Riley said, coming in.
"Not a damn thing. I thought you said this town was exciting and dangerous. I've stayed in motels scarier than this." Gunn complained.
"Well, when compared to LA, it's nothing."
"Yeah, and that's what we found. Nothing. Just a stuttering bartender who was afraid before I said one word to him." Cordelia sighed, sinking into a chair.
"I hope Angel and Spike are okay."
"I'm sure they're fine."
"I don't know Wes. I got a really bad feeling." On cue, the vision struck. Wes and Gunn held her until it stopped. But when she opened her eyes, she wasn't comforted by Angel's face. She grabbed her cell phone and hit the button that had his number on speed dial. It rang continuously before a voice picked up.
"It's Angel. Leave a message." She slammed it shut.
"We have to find him."
"Cordelia, he could be anywhere."
"Wes, he's going to die!"
"Spikes with him."
"So?"
"So, you saw how fast he listened to him. It's a family bond. He wont' let him die."
"Yeah. Right. What if the Master kills them both?"
"Cordelia. They'll be fine."
"Wes, Doyle didn't know he was going to die until right before it happened."
"Yes, but he chose his death to keep Angel from giving up his own life."
"Who's to say Angel won't do the same thing?"
"Cordy. He has a lot to live for." Gunn said and they were finally granted with silence, but Cordelia's mind still raced with worry. Buffy thought about what Gunn said. What could Angel and Cordelia have that was so special? She needed to find out.
When Cordelia went into the kitchen for a glass of water, Buffy followed.
"Hey Cordy." Even to her own ears it sounded fake. But she continued anyway.
"Hey Buffy. What's up?"
"Nothing. Just came in here for a diet coke."
"Oh."
"Yeah. So…um, how are you feeling? That vision looked pretty painful."
"It was." A couple uncomfortable seconds passed. "Buffy, cut the crap. You have something on your mind, say it."
"Fine. Cordelia-" She didn't know why, but she suddenly felt intimidated by the brunette. She had never had to compete with anyone for Angel's affection before. And Cordelia, even without the covering of her perfectly applied make-up, was beautiful.
"What?"
"I was, are you…"
"Am I what?"
"Are you and Angel…you know?"
"Buffy! Are we what!"
"Are you and Angel sleeping together?" Cordy let the shock of that question pass before speaking.
"Ex-excuse me?"
"Are you guys sleeping together?"
"Explain to me how that's your business."
"It isn't-"
"Damn right it isn't!"
"I just need to know."
"Buffy, if you're stressing this much over whether or not I'm with Angel, I think you need to ask why you care so much."
"I don't."
"I'm thinking you do. You may be able to fool Angel, even your friends, but you can't fool me. I know you still love Angel, Buffy."
"I do not."
"Uh, yeah, you do." There was a long silence.
"So what if I do? What's it matter?"
"It doesn't. But I don't think you should be telling this stuff to me."
"So, you are?" Cordelia sighed and gave Buffy a pathetic look. Buffy cringed at it. She was being pathetic and she knew it. But she couldn't help it. Angel made her that way.
"No. Angel and I aren't sleeping together. We're friends Buffy."
"But you guys are so close!"
"Maybe if you ever had Angel as a friend, if you tried to, you would know that he can get very close to people if he trusts them."
"You saying he doesn't trust me?"
"Could you blame him? The way you screw with his head."
"You're right. I, I should just tell him-"
"You do it and I swear to God I'll kill you."
"What?"
"Do you have any idea how long it's taken him to be able to have a life? To not think about you every second of every day and night? The only thing that allowed him to move on was knowing that you did and that you were happy. And I'll be damned is I'm going to let you ruin everything we've all worked so hard for just because you realized you still love him. I won't let you make him miserable again Buffy." With that, Cordelia walked back into the living room to wait for Angel. But she was stunned by what she saw. "Oh God."