Author's Note: Took forever, I know, but it's hard to juggle 5 stories and real life, but I love this story so I made time to work on it! Hope you all enjoy this chapter. You get to see a new side to Cordelia. Enjoy!
So, you know how when people have a lot of things on their mind and they try to sleep, but end up caught in that weird daze state? That's exactly what happened to me. True, I was tired, but I was also worried. It's hard to relax when you're panicking about the safety of the people you care most about. I must've finally dozed off though, because I opened my eyes and Cordelia was standing above me. Her eyes were full of silent anger, but she was very good at hiding it in her body language.
"Where's Angel?" I asked, sitting up. He promised he wouldn't leave. "Did something happen to him?"
"Relax." She replied, noticing the panic in my eyes. "He's fine, but he had to go get something to eat." I nodded. That did make sense. How long had I been in bed anyway?
"What day is it?"
"Tuesday." She answered, placing a damp cloth on my forehead. Tuesday. I had been in bed one day.
"Do you know what's wrong with me?" Cordelia nodded and stood up. She grabbed a bulky book on the table. "By the way, isn't school in session?" Surprisingly, Cordelia laughed.
"You're sick and you're worried about the students?" She suppressed a grin "They think that the school is infested with bugs and can't be cleaned for a week."
"I must've made some students pretty happy." I replied, lying back down.
"So, about the spells that are on you—,"
"Spells?" I asked.
"Yes, as in more than one." I nodded. I knew what spells meant. I just didn't think I would have more than one on me.
"So?"
"They're very complicated and woven into each other. Deactivating one would just make the others worsen." She flipped the pages in her book until she came to a page called 'Chain Spells'. "You see, the fever depends on the weakness which depends on the pain that your body is experiencing and so forth. If I deactivate the fever, the pain will increase ten-fold."
"Isn't there a way to deactivate all of them?" I asked.
"Yes, but it will take some time."
"How long?" How long would I be weak and unable to protect my friends? I felt so pathetic just lying here in bed while my friends dealt with everything!
"Maybe a few more hours . . . maybe a week. I don't know."
"A week?" I sighed. I rubbed my temples. Could I really stay out of the game for a week? Could I really let others handle my job?
"I'm sorry, Buffy." Cordelia said quietly. "I'll work fast, but I want to make sure to cure you completely." I smiled. It was nice to see something other than anger come from her.
"Don't worry about it, Cordelia!" I grinned. She pushed her hair to side. She seemed embarrassed by the attention.
"Y-yeah, ok. Well, I'm going to go get some work done." She quickly filed out of the room, bumping Willow on her way out. Willow turned to see where Cordelia went then turned back to me.
"What's up with her?" Willow asked, taking a seat by my bed.
"Nothing." I replied. "But, I think she and I might be able to be friends by the time this is over."
"Really?" Willow asked, her interest piqued. "I thought she didn't like you because you were the Slayer."
"No," I answered. "She doesn't like me because she's in love with Angel."
"No way!" She replied, shocked. I nodded.
"It's true. I see it in her eyes." I felt wistful. "She's in love with him and when she sees him with me . . . well, you get the picture." Willow patted my hand and placed the damp cloth in the water then back on my head.
"That's sad."
"Yeah," I agreed. "Remind me after this whole mess is over to set her up with someone nice."
"Who?" Came a voice from the door. I turned and saw Angel standing in the doorway.
"No one." I answered. Willow got up and let Angel take her place.
"Well, I'll go check in with Giles. Angel, he would like to talk to you soon."
"Tell him I'll be there in a little while."
"You can go now." I told him.
"No, I'd rather stay here while you're awake and go see Giles when you're asleep." He bent down and kissed my forehead. I couldn't help, but smile. Willow grinned wistfully. I would have to set her up too. She waved and left.
"Hey, Angel?" I asked.
"Hmm?"
"How'd you and Cordelia meet?" It had been nagging me for awhile.
"You really want to know?" He asked.
"Yes, please." There was a knock on the door. I saw Giles standing in the doorway. Cordelia behind him. Her eyes were fuming and she was obviously not happy with me,
"I'm sorry to interrupt Angel, but I really must speak to you." Angel looked at me.
"Go on." I urged.
"Yes, Angel." Cordelia agreed, "I have to give Buffy her medicine." Angel got up and went with Giles as Cordelia came over.
"You found something already?" I asked, surprised. Didn't she say it would take awhile? Or had I imagined that?
"Yes." She answered icily. She had a vile with a neon green liquid in it. It looked gross and was probably not going to taste good. "Drink." She ordered, shoving the vile into my hands. I felt a little reluctant, but did as I was told. It tasted terrible and I suddenly felt really sleepy. "It's a side effect." Cordelia answered, before I asked the question.
"Hey, Cordelia?" I yawned.
"Yes?" She asked, her tone impatient.
"I know you're in love with Angel." Her face flushed.
"W-what?" I chuckled.
"It's ok; I just want you to know that we shouldn't be rivals, but friends. I know you think I'm not good enough for him, but maybe, when we beat the Evolver, we could start over and try to be friends." I shut my eyes, but I sworn I could've heard her say,
"Ok."
Author's Note: So . . .? Did you like it? Reviews do make me write with super speed!
