[B]FOUR[/B]
Angel laid there, mind wandering about nothing, basking in the clarity he felt. His eyes were closed, but he remained awake. The door opened and he tracked her movements by the sound of her heart beat approaching him. Her scent met his nose, along with something salty...tears. She was crying. He opened his eyes and tried to sit up, only to have a sharp stab of pain jolt through his body. He let out a cry of pain and Cordelia was at his side in an instant, preventing any further movement.
"Stay still." He looked up at her, concerned.
"Why are you crying?"
"I'm not."
"Fine. Why were you crying?"
"I was talking to Wes-"
"Wes made you cry? What'd he do?" Angel asked in a protective tone.
"We were talking about you."
"You were crying because of me?"
"The gang was doing research all night. We found some information on the demon. What it did to you. It's like the flesh eating disease or something. That's why it keeps spreading."
"The holy water?" It was a suggestion he didn't want, but if forced, would take.
"It's only a temporary fix. It'll still spread. Not as quick, but still. We need to find a cure. Soon."
"How soon?"
"Before the end of next week."
"And today is..."
"Friday."
"Friday?"
"Yeah. Including today, we have ten days."
"How?" It was a vague question, but she understood.
"Find the demon. Like the whole telepathy demon thing in Sunnydale."
"I have to drink demon? Ew?" He asked, jokingly.
"Angel this isn't funny." She said seriously. "We need to find this thing or this will eventually kill you. You'll be dead...really dead. Not this undead thing you've been enjoying for the past two hundred plus years. You can't die. I won't let you." Her tone was supposed to hold a command, but it didn't come out as assertive as she'd hoped.
"Cordelia. I would never leave you. Unless you, like, made me or something." He reached his hand up to her cheek, lovingly brushing her tears away with the pad of his thumb. She saw his own tears begin to form, hers only increasing.
"Never leave me Angel." He was shocked by the desperate plea in her voice. It broke his heart and he didn't know what to do. He brought her to him and held her as she tried to hold back her tears, despite the pain it caused to his side.
"Okay." He wanted to make her stop crying, to reassure her that everything would work out. But he couldn't. He pulled her on top of him and held her face between his palms. He stared into her eyes for several seconds, seeing her heart in her hazel orbs. He slowly, tentatively, brought his lips up to hers. She relaxed, allowing him to attempt to kiss her troubles away.
"Angel...we-" she muttered against his lips.
"Shh." He whispered, lips silencing hers completely, succeeding in briefly relieving her of her fears. The two exchanged soft, tender kisses. Tongues sought out the others, sensually moving against the other's. His hands moved down to her hips, holding her close to him, drawing soothing circles on the small of her back; her hands trapped against his bare chest.
"Cordelia?" The two broke apart as they heard Wesley's voice just outside the door. "Cordelia, I need to speak with you." Angel and Cordelia looked at each other, both smiling slightly embarrassed smiles as they realized what just happened.
"Be right there Wes." Cordelia called out. Cordelia let out a nervous chuckle. The noise made Angel laugh. The deep, rich sound comforted her, making her embarrassment dissolve. "I'm...gonna go see what's up, kay?" She retreated from the room and went downstairs. Angel smirked smugly, fingers touching his lips, trying to savor the taste of Cordelia Chase.
Cordelia met up with Wesley and the rest of the research party. "What's up Wes?"
"We located the demon's origin."
"Oh thank God. Where?"
"Michoacan."
"Where?"
"Michoacan. Mexico."
"Then what the hell was it doing in LA?"
"Not sure. But that's their origin according to every book I've read thus far."
"So, we go to Mexico and bring a demon back?"
"It's not that simple. It's an eight hour flight. But, since you can't bring a demon back via plane, you'll have to drive."
"How long-"
"About a day and a half."
"That's a long time Wes."
"I know."
"So, what? We all just pack up and go?"
"Go where?" Angel asked, sneaking up
"Jesus Angel. Skulk much?" She turned and looked at him. "What are you doing out of bed any way?" Her tone turning concerned. "You're supposed to be in bed."
"I got bored. I don't like being up there, all by myself." He sent Cordelia an evil grin. She gulped. This was bad. Quiet, reserved Angel was what she was used to. Mischievous Angel who snuck make out sessions in his bedroom...he petrified her.
"Well, if you're going to be down here, at least go sit down."
"I've been sitting and laying down since you all found out I was hurt." Angel complained, though he made his way to the couch.
"Quit whining."
"I don't whine." He whined. Cordelia raised her eyebrow.
"Well, quit doing whatever you're doing and maybe I'll let you stay down here." Before he could respond, she continued. "You hungry? I'll get you something." Then she was out of the room.
"That chit's like a fuckin whirlwind Peaches." Spike said, seated next to Angel.
"Preaching to the guy who ate the choir Spike." Buffy scrunched up her nose at the disturbing analogy, then at the image of Angel eating the choir. Cordelia brought Angel the mug of blood, along with one for Spike, and a cup of tea for the researching Wesley. Spike was stunned still, and just stared at the red liquid, then at Buffy's horrified stare as she watched Angel drink, then back at Cordelia who was now talking to Willow.
"What a woman." He muttered. Angel finished, then wiped his mouth on his black sleeve.
"I know. Every vampire should get one."
"Damn right. Where can I pick me up one?" Angel snorted as Spike took a drink. "She's got the temperature down."
"I know."
"You're a lucky bastard Peaches."
"Don't I know it." Riley raised an eyebrow. This Angel, he could tolerate. The one that wasn't trying to re-kindle something with his girl.
Cordelia came back into the room and everyone moved closer to Angel.
"So, what were you guys talking about?" Angel asked Cordelia and Wesley. "Pack up and go where?"
"A few of us are going to need to go find the demon."
"Where?"
"Michoacan."
"Mexico?"
"Yup."
"Well, it'll be a shitty trip, but let's go."
"You aren't goin anywhere Mister." Cordelia interrupted. "You're staying in bed and I'm...Wes? What am I supposed to do with you guys gone?"
"You're going Cordelia. Not me. Outside of Angel, you did get the best look at the demon. Who better to go than you?"
"I'm staying with Angel. Gunn saw it. He can go."
"Yes, he did. But that was after it was dead. And I doubt it resembled what it originally looked like. Plus, Gunn's going to need to help hold down the fort."
"Buffy can-"
"She's going with you."
"No. She's not. Cuz I'm not going. Gunn can go and someone else can too and Buffy can 'hold down the fort.'"
"Cordelia. This demon nearly tore Angel to shreds. Buffy is the only one who's strength compares to Angel's."
"What about me?" Spike asked.
"Spike. Sit back down." Angel said. Spike frowned, but did as told. Wes continued.
"Gunn...and Spike of course, will help along with all of us since Angel is too injured to fight."
"Wes..."
"Cordelia. You're going." Wes said sternly, leaving no room for argument.
"Pfft. Fine." Cordelia said, crossing her arms and putting a pout on her face. Angel side-glanced at her and smirked. Cordelia looked at him and smiled.
"Now, this is the plan." Wesley went on to inform the group who was going and what they were going to do.
Wesley had explained that Cordelia, Buffy and Riley were to go to Mexico. Cordelia argued that more people should go and that she shouldn't be one of them. Arguing proved pointless and she continued to pout next to Angel. Spike, Gunn and Wesley would serve as body guards in case word of Angel's state had reached the streets. Willow, Tara, Fred, Giles and Anya would continue researching and perfecting the treatment Wesley wanted no slip ups. Xander would go pick up everything they needed for it, along with Dawn. Wesley would assist them if they needed it, as well as keep in touch with Cordelia, Buffy and Riley while they were in Mexico. Everything was set, and everyone knew their place. No one argued with the young ex-watcher.
"And we're supposed to bring the damn thing back into the country how?"
"You really think the border patrol is going to stop you when they can't see it because it's in your trunk?"
"No. I think when they check the trunk they'll see the damn demon!"
"Cordelia. You honestly thing they'll be crazy enough to stop someone with a dead demon in their trunk?"
"I-"
"Cordelia-"
"So, when do we leave?" Cordelia asked, tone bitter.
"The sooner, the better. I suggest pack yourselves some things for a few days and head out in a few hours." Cordelia wanted to argue, but knew it'd be pointless.
"I guess I'm gonna go to my place and get some things." Cordelia left. The first time she'd left the hotel since finding out Angel was sick. Angel watched her go and sighed. Things felt different without Cordelia at his side. All of a sudden, he was afraid. Without her by his side, the possibility that next week he might not be here, that he might not see her smile again, it seemed so much more possible.
Angel took in a deep breath, then winced as he felt a sharp pain he was growing too used to. It only increased his fear. He pursed his lips, then ran his tongue over them, trying to find Cordelia's taste from earlier. He had kissed his best friend, and in that moment, everything had seemed so much clearer. With her gone, ever for a few moments, things were murky again. He didn't know how he'd survive her being gone when they went to find the demon.
"So...what's up Deadboy?" Angel turned and glared at Riley. "Xander told me the name. It suits."
"Riley."
"So, how's things with you and the very hot Cordelia?" Angel growled. "You know, you're not so much the alpha male now that you're all weak and hurt, you know?"
"Maybe not. But I'll still kick your pansy ass."
"Why? It's not like you want Buffy anymore. You got you're new-"
"Maybe not. But I still don't like you much."
"Feelings mutual."
"Then get the hell away from me." Angel said, pushing Riley off the couch, then growling as pain shot through his body.
"Angel!" Buffy said in a scolding tone, going to Riley's side. Riley smiled victoriously, none the wiser of why Buffy was being so hostile toward Angel.
"Buffy, you're not gonna yell at me in my own home, got it?" Angel's voice was too strained to hold a threat, but it was implied and Buffy understood.
"We should go start repacking for the trip." Buffy said, grabbing Riley's hand and leading him upstairs.
When Cordelia returned, Angel wasn't on the couch anymore. After talking briefly with Wesley, then with Buffy and Riley to see if they were ready to go, she moved up the stairs to talk with Angel before leaving.
He was laying down when she entered the room. She smiled down at him.
"You throw a tantrum about being stuck up here just so you can end up back up here, laying down?"
"Guess so."
"What's up?"
"I don't know. All of a sudden I was in a lot of pain and was really tired. So, I came back up here to get some rest."
"I should let you rest then."
"No. You should stay with me for a while."
"Okay." She looked him over. He was obviously in a tremendous amount of pain. She would give anything for a miracle cure this instant, but she'd have to settle with medicating him so he wouldn't have to suffer through the pain. "Want me to give you something?"
"What did you have in mind, baby?" Angel asked in a seductive tone, his eyebrows raised.
"Not like that." Cordelia went over to the kitchen and poured the blood into a mug, then popped it in the microwave. She grabbed some cough syrup she had left here when she had the flu, and the pain killers she had been giving him. She handed him the drug-spiked drink. He accepted it and drank, despite the taste.
"Yuck?" She smiled at the face he made, then made her way next to him. He pulled her down so she was laying down, facing him. He gave her a crooked smile and brought her closer, holding her tight.
"You know, when you wake up, I'll probably be in Mexico."
"Be careful."
"I will."
"I'm gonna miss holding you for those nights you're gone."
"We've only spent two nights together."
"And a few days." She smiled.
"True. I like waking up in your arms Angel."
"Maybe when you get back we can arrange something."
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"Why?"
"Angel..."
"Because the curse? I know about what Wes found."
"How do you know?"
"Buffy told me."
"What? Why?"
"She wanted to get back together. I told her it wasn't happening. She tried to play the 'anchored soul' card and was extremely pissed when it didn't fly." Cordelia nodded as she listened. She didn't know what emotion was stronger, her anger at Buffy for telling Angel something he shouldn't know yet, or happiness that it didn't work and he wouldn't get back with her.
"Angel. That possible anchored soul thing...it's not for sure."
"I know."
"Then maybe you shouldn't jump ahead. Especially when you don't know if you'll make it through next week."
"I know."
"Then we shouldn't talk about an 'us' that isn't there."
"It could be."
"I don't know."
"Cordelia. I kissed you. You didn't pull away. You kissed me back. You wanted me just as bad as I want you."
"I know." Her eyes lowered and he brought them back up to his. His hand moved her hair behind her ears and he smiled at her softly, and somewhat sleepily.
"Cordelia. I don't know where this, you and I, is going. I don't know if it's going anywhere. I don't know how strongly I feel for you or what I feel for you." She looked stunned. "But I do know I feel something. I know it goes beyond you being my best friend, beyond being my employee. It's something new. And I also know that after I'm cured, anchored soul or not, I'm willing to give it a shot. How about you?" She smiled sheepishly.
"What if I say no?"
"You won't."
"You're extremely confidant."
"I have every right to be."
"Maybe. Maybe not. Prove it." He smiled and leaned forward, kissing her. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back. They pulled away. "This is insane Angel."
"Cordy. Everything about our lives is insane. Why wouldn't our relationships be?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Since when do you make sense?"
"Since you really, really want to believe me."
"Get some sleep Angel." He smirked and held her in a looser grip, allowing her to turn her back to him, then he brought her close against him again.
"Night Cor."
"Night Angel."
Cordelia laid awake in Angel's arms. She really was going to miss this for the next few days. She once again, untangled herself from his hold, then walked downstairs where Buffy and Riley were waiting to leave.
"Took you long enough." Buffy quipped. Cordelia glared.
"Are you deficient?"
"What?"
"You told Angel about us trying to find something to anchor his soul."
"Well, yeah."
"After we told you not to."
"I wanted-"
"Buffy. The chances of that happening aren't good."
"I just thought-"
"What? That you could get Angel back by telling him his soul was permanent? That was one of the most selfish things you've every done Buffy. Which is saying a lot for you."
"I-" She turned to Riley who was sending her an angry, hurt look. Then she turned back to Cordelia. "I just wanted to see..."
"Buffy. I don't want to know your reasons, nor do I care because they didn't work. Now, let's go to Mexico and do what we have to do. I don't want to be around you any more than I have to."
"Cordelia, don't get your Queen C bitch attitude with me."
"Then don't try to mess with my friend's head. I know what your intentions were Buffy. Now let's go do what we have to do. Angel doesn't have much time as it is." Cordelia turned away from the blonde. "Wes. I'll call you when we get there. Don't tell Angel I'm taking his car. He'll flip."
"All right. And I'll call you if I find anything useful for your search."
"Okay." Cordelia said her goodbyes, as did Buffy and Riley. She made the two sit in the back, not wanting to be anywhere near the blonde. She was so angry with the stupid slayer. But she couldn't focus on that. She needed Buffy and Riley's help to catch the demon to save Angel. That was all that mattered right now.