A few things: 1. Sorry smiley people this has taken so long but I have been revising for
Higher prelims and I failed one today, Physics. I hope it reads OK, but I have been
preoccupied recently. 2. Sorry someone dies in this! 3. Feedback please would be greatly
received by me to cheer me up.
Disclaimer: None of the characters belong to except Abbie and Doyle Jr. Chase, Meghan, James and Clarissa Wynham-Price. They belong to me and are copyrighted as is the plot. The rest belong to Joss and David as well as all those rich people at WB, Fox and Mutant (Grr, Arr) Enemy.
Previously on 'And Baby Makes Four'; Cordelia has had a baby girl called Abbie and Wesley and Angel vow to stand by her. No Angel is not the father!!!! But then the Scooby Gang show up and don't take it very well especially. Buffy but then Angel tells Buffy to leave in the nicest possible way! After saving the world again! Angel and Cordelia finally get together and someone kidnaps Abbie. Angel finally gets his Shansu after saving Abbie.
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Set 10 years after 'And Baby Makes Four - Part 5'
Angel smiled slightly as he heard Cordelia shouting from the other room. Abbie sat in
front of him combing her hair and listen the poppy noise that passed for music these days.
He smiled again as he looked around the room at the pictures that adorned the now-full
walls. There were the photos taken many years before of Cordelia and Abbie, next to them were photos of him and Abbie playing in the sand the first day they went to the beach. There were photos of Willow, Xander and Buffy together. Buffy, she had never married Riley but they had a baby girl together and seemed happy enough now she was retired. He chuckled again as he remembered the faces of the trio when he told them he was human again.
He had walked down from the hill after watching the sunset to find Buffy standing in disbelief and confusion.
"What happened? Your not a walking fireball and you seem to smiling." Buffy asked staring at him as if he would disappear if she dared look away.
"Buffy I think I might be, can't be sure now, but I might just be human! I have all signs, I'm hungry, I feel warm, I can taste the air. Yep I think I'm human." He said slipping his arm around Cordelia, "And I think I would like to go home. My baby needs her rest, and so does Abbie. So I'm sorry Buffy but I'm going to love you and leave you." He looked and saw the understand in her eyes. The forgiveness and the love was there and that was all he needed. He turned and walked through the cemetery gates, never looking back.
An angry shout brought Angel out of his memories. He stood up and walked towards the
bedroom where the Cordelias high pitched voice resonated from. Angel stumbled on his
feet before catching the little boy who knocked him over by the waist. Cordelia came
running after him still shouting.
"Angel grab Doyle, ah good right now you play daddy and try and get his shoes on. I have been trying for the last 10 minutes and he just struggles. I have to get them to school."
"Doyle you haven't been trying to make mummy mad have you." The five year old looked down at him with deep brown eyes. "I think you better say sorry to her yeah?"
The brown-haired looked over at Cordelia who was combing Abbies hair, "Sorry mummy, I didn't mean to make you mad. Can I have an ice-cream now daddy." Angel smiled and
popped Doyle to his feet.
Mornings was always a nightmare in the house, what with Doyle having just started school
and already deciding that he didn't like it. It was a constant battle to get him on his way.
He'd inherited both Angels and Cordelias stubbornness there. Then there was Abbie, she
went to school on the opposite side of the city from Doyle so it was always a rush to get
both of them to school on time. Abbies school understood when she was late but they
weren't to happy about it. Luckily Angel and Cordelia both worked in the same studio, but
both very busy. Angel had an exhibition on. When Cordelia had still been following the
dream of being an actress, she had invited a producer over for dinner and he had seen
Angels drawings on the wall, he got in contact with a friend of his and the rest was
history. Angels first exhibition had given him the money open up his own business and
Cordelias as well. She had her own casting agency since she couldn't make it as an actress. They loved having there own business as well as being able to go out to lunch everyday together. They sat at the table holding hands like new romantics, while looking into each other eyes.
"What you thinking about? You seem a million miles away." Cordelia asked Angel as she absent mindedly stirred her coffee.
"Nothing major, just all the stuff we've been through. I don't regret any of it for a minute. I know you think that I should have went back to Buffy but I couldn't. I loved you and she had Riley, a normal relationship. The world passes us by so quickly and I feel it, not like before. Speaking of which Wesley and Clarissa get back from England this week. Maybe we should go and see them?"
"I can't wait to see the new babies. I still can't believe Wesley's a dad. I can see him now, up to his arms in dirty nappies and sterilising stuff." She laughed
"They aren't that 'new' anymore Cordy, they'll be about four months old now. I must admit, I can't see Wesley changing nappies. I think finding out that Clarissa was
pregnant was a shock but twins, that one needed smelling salts. I'll never get over how
beautiful the sun is. I've been human for 10 years and I never get bored of it. I can't wait for Christmas, it should be good. I take it Clarissa and Wesley are coming round for
dinner? Cordelia are you listening to me? Cordelia what is it?" Angel shouted shaking
Cordelias hand.
"Turn around, does that look like Buffy to you?"
Angel whipped his head round to see a petite blonde with a baby strapped to her chest.
Cordelia watched his face for a reaction but seeing none. She still felt threatened by
Buffy because she had been Angels first love and she still held a place in his heart. She
saw none.
"I'll go over to see." Before Cordelia could utter a word Angel was walking across the street towards her. She watched closely as he approached Buffy.
"Hey, is that you Buffy." Angel watched as the small blonde woman turned around to face him. "It is, me and Cordelia thought it was you. What are you doing here?"
"Oh hiya Angel, I didn't expect to bump into you. I'm here on a shopping trip and to see my dad of course. So what you been up to since we last heard from Cordelia? That was about 7 years ago. Oh god it's so good to see you." She went to hug him but a giggle emanating from Buffys chest startled Angel and he jumped back. "Oh sorry, this is Jasmine. We're here to buy daddy a Christmas present, I couldn't find anything in Sunnydale and dad wanted to meet his granddaughter."
"Oh I see, leaving it a bit late aren't you? I mean it's only a week till Christmas."
"I know but hey you know me, leave everything to the last minute. Nah Riley has been on training for the last month and a half so I haven't got a clue what he wants. I sort of needed to get out of Sunnydale for a while. Mum's cooking Christmas dinner for
everyone except, well the obvious." Angel noticed a pained expression as she thought about Xander. He had been killed 3 years before when the second master had risen.
He died trying to save Buffys life, and Angel knew how much he had meant to her. They also felt the brunt of his death in LA. Cordelia had cried for days when she heard and it hurt him inside. He had know she had loved Xander at one point and understood the pain he had caused her when she found him with Willow. He knew what the pain was like. He noticed Cordelia sitting in the shade of the afternoon sun. He watched her glow even in the low temperatures.
"Why don't you come and sit down for a while, I'm sure Cordelia would like to catch up with you. I have to go though. I have an exhibition to set up and then we have to collect Abbie and Doyle from school."
They walked over to Cordelia and Angel watched as she fidgeted uncomfortably in her
seat. Angel placed his hand on the small of Buffys back and lightly guided her across the
road, he was surprised by how little he felt. 15 years ago he would have felt a surge of
electricity flow through his hand and turn in brain to mush but there was nothing. They
both sat down as Cordelia called across a waiter to order more coffee.
"Oh none for me Cordy, I have to get going back to the studio. I have a lot to do. OK, I'll see you later. Buffy it was nice seeing you again, next time don't leave it to long." He planted a delicate kiss on Cordelias lips and turned to walk away.
"OK honey, I'll be there in about 30 minutes and I'll come by and see you."
He sighed as he got into the car, the one person he loved more in the world was sitting
talking to his first love who had sent him to hell. This couldn't be good.
"So Buffy what do we owe the pleasure of you company in LA? More Vampires to slay or is the end of the world coming again. Or has Riley left you?"
"Oh Cordelia ever the friend aren't you? I'm here Christmas shopping plus Riley is flying back home today so I said I would pick him up at the airport." She double blinked as Cordelias gold wedding ring caught in the sunlight. "So you and Angel got married then?"
Cordelia pulled her hand in defensively and started to play with her ring. "Yeah about 3
years after Angel got his Shansu, which means he turned human. It was really small, didn't want a fuss or Wolfram and Hart getting drift of it. So where had Riley been?"
"He's been training in the jungle and he gets to come home for Christmas. Mums going to cook the gang a home-made Christmas dinner."
Cordelia looked away as she blinked back the tears that had long stopped falling. The only
person that wouldn't be there was Xander. He hadn't been at any Christmas dinner for 3
years now. She turned back at the sound of Buffys voice.
"Listen Cordelia I know we have never been friends and I know that you blamed me for what happened to Xander but I tried my best."
"You were the great protector, he depended on you to defend him. You let him down. I'll never forgive you for that."
"Don't you think I tried to save him? Don't you think I live everyday with his face in my head? I can't turn back the past. It wasn't just me that let him down, you did as well." She watched Cordelias face drop. "He still loved you, even just before he died. He would still speak about you. You know Xander came to see the night you left at my dorm to see how I was. He was a state. He couldn't believe that you had moved on to Angel of all people, I couldn't understand it either. But you can't be angry at me for the rest of your life. You said I had every man you ever loved, was Angel just pay back for that?"
Cordelia sat there in shock unable to process what Buffy was saying. Xander had loved her even when he knew that she was with Angel. Why didn't he tell her? "How dare you, I love Angel with all of my heart. I never intended anyone to get hurt, especially you and Xander. I loved Xander once, You moved on with Riley and you expected Angel just to brood. We love each other, we have a little boy, Doyle, and Abbie thinks that Angel is her dad. You have Jasmine so you know what it's like to need that support structure there and Angel was there."
"So Angel was convenient then?"
"No, don't twist my words. I turned to Angel when I needed him and he was there, all the way. Then I realised what was really going on, the feelings I had been having were love. You can't stop someone from falling in love. I'm really am sorry that we hurt you but it's time to let go, just like I need to get over Xanders death. I'm sorry but I've got to go. Business calls and it's a big day at the Gallery. Say hi to everyone back in Sunnydale for me and maybe we might see you again."
Cordelia slowly walked away and turned around to see Buffy playing with Jasmine. They
both had to move on and let go or else it would eat away at them. She headed straight for
Doyles school to pick him up from his half day. She didn't feel like going back to the office
so she took Doyle to the park. Cordelia sat on the bench as Doyle played in the on slides,
his hat and scarf protecting him from the bitter biting cold. Cordelia closed her eyes for a
second as she drifted into her favourite day dream, the night Angel became human. Her
eyes sprung open at the piercing scream that filled the still air. Cordelia looked around to
see Doyle lying on the ground, still. She ran towards him as fast as her heels would carry
her, and found him not moving on the bark that had broken his fall.
"Doyle, speak to me. Mum's here, it's alright. Honey can you hear me?" She reached for her cell phone and dialled 911. The ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital. Cordelia raced behind while trying to reach Angel, she shouted and growled at the phone till he picked up.
"Angel it's me, Doyle has been in an accident we're at the hospital now. God Angel I only looked away for a second and there he was...Angel just get the hospital now."
The emergency room was packed solid with people sneezing and coughing, the effects of
the Christmas weather. People sitting with blood socked towels, clutching an even worse
injury below. She looked around, lost in the great sea of sick people. She searched for a
coffee machine, a plant, anything she could focus on till she felt Angels presence enter the
room. Cordelias head rocked from side to side as she tried to make a connection with him.
Angel stood there looking as lost as Cordelia till he saw he standing, hugging herself. He
strolled over to her and put his arms around her. As he did so her body shivered as she
cried uncontrollably into his jacket.
"Cordelia what happened." He rationalised pushing her gently into view.
"I just closed me eyes for a minute while he was playing in the park and the next thing I knew he was lying at the bottom of the climbing tower, not moving. Oh it's all my fault, I should have been watching but I didn't think." She began crying again and Angel pulled her close.
"It's not your fault. He's a kid, these things happen."
A doctor walked out of the ER and walked over towards them.
"Mr and Mrs Chase, I'm doctor Weir. Your son's fine, he just had a slight bump to the head. Nothing is broken just a few stitches where he hit his head. I am willing to let him go home since it is so near Christmas but if he fells dizzy or sick you must bring him back here immediately. You have to go and sign some papers Mrs Chase. Mr Chase you can come and pick up your son now."
Angel kissed Cordelias forehead before following the doctor, where Doyle sat up right
sucking a lolly. "Daddy, I'm sorry. Is mummy alright, she was crying? Is she mad at me?"
"No baby mummy isn't mad at you. You just gave us both a fright. How's the head?"
"It's sore. Can I go home now? I wanted to watch cartoons when I get home please. Oh and can we have nuggets for tea?"
Angel picked up his son and carried him out to the car Cordelia had pulled up front. He
tenderly put him in the back seat as he drifted off to sleep. He joined Cordelia in the
front as they began the journey home.
"So what did you and Buffy talk about?"
"Stuff...You. She said that you were my payback because Xander always preferred her to me. I can't believe she said that. Buffy also dropped the little bombshell that Xander had loved me right up until he died. Angel he still loved me. He didn't tell me, it wouldn't have changed anything though. I would still be here with you and we would still
have Doyle and Abbie. He hurt me too much for me to ever feel the same towards him
again."
"So did you talk about anything else?"
"No, except that her mum is cooking Christmas dinner for them all in grand olde Sunnydale. Speaking of which, who is going to do all the cooking on Christmas dinner? You haven't let me anywhere near the kitchen since that whole exploding bean experience. I'll get the shopping and play the gracious host but I ain't cooking." She looked at Angel to see a smothered smile on his face.
"Cordelia, a whole can of beans exploded in the microwave. It took days to scrape them off the sides. You should have put a lid on them! Don't worry I'll cook dinner as long as I don't have to make small talk with Wesley or look at his photos from England."
"Deal, but I draw the line at photos!"
A Few Hours Later:
Angel sat n the couch as he watched sway to the music as she dusted around the house
with a feather duster. He reached out for her waist and pulled her down onto his lap.
"I've got some news for you. I sold the mansion today. I thought it was about time I let go of Sunnydale and the memories that go along with it. Buffy showing up this afternoon it kinda sealed my mind. This guy had seen it and wondered if I would think
about selling it so I said yes." He studied her face for a reaction. "Well what do you
think?"
Cordelia sat and stared at a piece of lint that had suddenly become the centre of her
universe. "You didn't tell me you were thinking about it." She said in a quite voice. "You
should have told me."
" I didn't want to cause any fuss, anyway what is done is done and shall remain so. Doesn't that sound familiar. A toast I think, to time past, present and future."
The wine glasses clinked and Angel drew Cordelia to him. He took a deep breath as her
scent filled his head making him feel drunk. He turned to face Cordelia, cupping her face in his large, masculine hands. She stared back with eyes so full of love and laughter they
glowed. Angel pulled her face to his and gazed into her eyes before pulling her in to kiss
him. She gladly obliged and kissed him back first gently and caring but changing to a
passionate and needy kiss. They kissed, lost in their world where only they existed.
Cordelia pulled away and silently stood up. She pulled Angel up by his hands and led in the direction of the bedroom. He quietly put his glass on the table and followed Cordelia
through the low-lit apartment, closing Abbies door on the way passed.
Christmas came too fast to the Chase household and before they knew it they were being
invaded by Wesley, Clarissa and the twins, Meghan and James, as well as Spike joining
them late in the evening just as Cordelia was putting Doyle to bed. He showed up using theexcuse that his new house was too big for him to spend Christmas on his own and his
thought he would say Merry Christmas to his sire and his step-mum.
"Spike I hate to remind you but Angel is human now so he technically isn't your sire anymore since he isn't a Vampire and don't you ever call me Step-mum again or I'll stake you. Believe me, my wrist is still and quick as it always was." She paused a moment as a smile slowly appeared on Spikes face. "No I didn't mean it in that manor. So where is the new house then? Some butt-end of Sunnydale?"
"No you know it well actually." Spike said in his smug English accent. "You remember the old mansion you had in Sunnydale, well it was me that bought it!" He watched as Angels smile dropped and a scowl appeared in it's place. "Don't worry peaches I'll keep it looking nice and all. Don't even ask how I got the money. Lets just say that someone gave me a lot of money when I finally did blow up the Initiative. Now why doesn't wifey here run along and keep the bed warm while we talk men talk."
Cordelia lifted he hand to slap Spike but thought better of it when she realised that he
didn't have the chip anymore and didn't want to take the chance. She looked to Angel for
support and he just looked at her.
"Spike don't call my wife, wifey please. But we can talk. Cordelia honey you look tired. Why don't you go to bed, it should only take Spike half an hour till he passes out
drunk and then I'll join you."
Cordelia got up from Angels lap and kissed him goodnight on the cheek and simply glared at Spike. She walked across the living room till she reached their bedroom door. She turned to watch Spike and Angel laughing at some story Spike was telling of times before she was born. Cordelia watched Angel with great depth, he was truly hers and after everything they had been through and no matter how many times they told themselves they wanted a normal life, they couldn't have one. The proof sat in front of her drinking her bottle of scotch that she had been saving for a celebration. This was as normal as life would get, a Vampire in her living room drinking her best scotch while telling stories to her husband who had lived for 265 years and only looked 40 years old, yet he was all human. 'Yep this is normal!' she sighed before turning into the bedroom and closing the door
Higher prelims and I failed one today, Physics. I hope it reads OK, but I have been
preoccupied recently. 2. Sorry someone dies in this! 3. Feedback please would be greatly
received by me to cheer me up.
Disclaimer: None of the characters belong to except Abbie and Doyle Jr. Chase, Meghan, James and Clarissa Wynham-Price. They belong to me and are copyrighted as is the plot. The rest belong to Joss and David as well as all those rich people at WB, Fox and Mutant (Grr, Arr) Enemy.
Previously on 'And Baby Makes Four'; Cordelia has had a baby girl called Abbie and Wesley and Angel vow to stand by her. No Angel is not the father!!!! But then the Scooby Gang show up and don't take it very well especially. Buffy but then Angel tells Buffy to leave in the nicest possible way! After saving the world again! Angel and Cordelia finally get together and someone kidnaps Abbie. Angel finally gets his Shansu after saving Abbie.
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Set 10 years after 'And Baby Makes Four - Part 5'
Angel smiled slightly as he heard Cordelia shouting from the other room. Abbie sat in
front of him combing her hair and listen the poppy noise that passed for music these days.
He smiled again as he looked around the room at the pictures that adorned the now-full
walls. There were the photos taken many years before of Cordelia and Abbie, next to them were photos of him and Abbie playing in the sand the first day they went to the beach. There were photos of Willow, Xander and Buffy together. Buffy, she had never married Riley but they had a baby girl together and seemed happy enough now she was retired. He chuckled again as he remembered the faces of the trio when he told them he was human again.
He had walked down from the hill after watching the sunset to find Buffy standing in disbelief and confusion.
"What happened? Your not a walking fireball and you seem to smiling." Buffy asked staring at him as if he would disappear if she dared look away.
"Buffy I think I might be, can't be sure now, but I might just be human! I have all signs, I'm hungry, I feel warm, I can taste the air. Yep I think I'm human." He said slipping his arm around Cordelia, "And I think I would like to go home. My baby needs her rest, and so does Abbie. So I'm sorry Buffy but I'm going to love you and leave you." He looked and saw the understand in her eyes. The forgiveness and the love was there and that was all he needed. He turned and walked through the cemetery gates, never looking back.
An angry shout brought Angel out of his memories. He stood up and walked towards the
bedroom where the Cordelias high pitched voice resonated from. Angel stumbled on his
feet before catching the little boy who knocked him over by the waist. Cordelia came
running after him still shouting.
"Angel grab Doyle, ah good right now you play daddy and try and get his shoes on. I have been trying for the last 10 minutes and he just struggles. I have to get them to school."
"Doyle you haven't been trying to make mummy mad have you." The five year old looked down at him with deep brown eyes. "I think you better say sorry to her yeah?"
The brown-haired looked over at Cordelia who was combing Abbies hair, "Sorry mummy, I didn't mean to make you mad. Can I have an ice-cream now daddy." Angel smiled and
popped Doyle to his feet.
Mornings was always a nightmare in the house, what with Doyle having just started school
and already deciding that he didn't like it. It was a constant battle to get him on his way.
He'd inherited both Angels and Cordelias stubbornness there. Then there was Abbie, she
went to school on the opposite side of the city from Doyle so it was always a rush to get
both of them to school on time. Abbies school understood when she was late but they
weren't to happy about it. Luckily Angel and Cordelia both worked in the same studio, but
both very busy. Angel had an exhibition on. When Cordelia had still been following the
dream of being an actress, she had invited a producer over for dinner and he had seen
Angels drawings on the wall, he got in contact with a friend of his and the rest was
history. Angels first exhibition had given him the money open up his own business and
Cordelias as well. She had her own casting agency since she couldn't make it as an actress. They loved having there own business as well as being able to go out to lunch everyday together. They sat at the table holding hands like new romantics, while looking into each other eyes.
"What you thinking about? You seem a million miles away." Cordelia asked Angel as she absent mindedly stirred her coffee.
"Nothing major, just all the stuff we've been through. I don't regret any of it for a minute. I know you think that I should have went back to Buffy but I couldn't. I loved you and she had Riley, a normal relationship. The world passes us by so quickly and I feel it, not like before. Speaking of which Wesley and Clarissa get back from England this week. Maybe we should go and see them?"
"I can't wait to see the new babies. I still can't believe Wesley's a dad. I can see him now, up to his arms in dirty nappies and sterilising stuff." She laughed
"They aren't that 'new' anymore Cordy, they'll be about four months old now. I must admit, I can't see Wesley changing nappies. I think finding out that Clarissa was
pregnant was a shock but twins, that one needed smelling salts. I'll never get over how
beautiful the sun is. I've been human for 10 years and I never get bored of it. I can't wait for Christmas, it should be good. I take it Clarissa and Wesley are coming round for
dinner? Cordelia are you listening to me? Cordelia what is it?" Angel shouted shaking
Cordelias hand.
"Turn around, does that look like Buffy to you?"
Angel whipped his head round to see a petite blonde with a baby strapped to her chest.
Cordelia watched his face for a reaction but seeing none. She still felt threatened by
Buffy because she had been Angels first love and she still held a place in his heart. She
saw none.
"I'll go over to see." Before Cordelia could utter a word Angel was walking across the street towards her. She watched closely as he approached Buffy.
"Hey, is that you Buffy." Angel watched as the small blonde woman turned around to face him. "It is, me and Cordelia thought it was you. What are you doing here?"
"Oh hiya Angel, I didn't expect to bump into you. I'm here on a shopping trip and to see my dad of course. So what you been up to since we last heard from Cordelia? That was about 7 years ago. Oh god it's so good to see you." She went to hug him but a giggle emanating from Buffys chest startled Angel and he jumped back. "Oh sorry, this is Jasmine. We're here to buy daddy a Christmas present, I couldn't find anything in Sunnydale and dad wanted to meet his granddaughter."
"Oh I see, leaving it a bit late aren't you? I mean it's only a week till Christmas."
"I know but hey you know me, leave everything to the last minute. Nah Riley has been on training for the last month and a half so I haven't got a clue what he wants. I sort of needed to get out of Sunnydale for a while. Mum's cooking Christmas dinner for
everyone except, well the obvious." Angel noticed a pained expression as she thought about Xander. He had been killed 3 years before when the second master had risen.
He died trying to save Buffys life, and Angel knew how much he had meant to her. They also felt the brunt of his death in LA. Cordelia had cried for days when she heard and it hurt him inside. He had know she had loved Xander at one point and understood the pain he had caused her when she found him with Willow. He knew what the pain was like. He noticed Cordelia sitting in the shade of the afternoon sun. He watched her glow even in the low temperatures.
"Why don't you come and sit down for a while, I'm sure Cordelia would like to catch up with you. I have to go though. I have an exhibition to set up and then we have to collect Abbie and Doyle from school."
They walked over to Cordelia and Angel watched as she fidgeted uncomfortably in her
seat. Angel placed his hand on the small of Buffys back and lightly guided her across the
road, he was surprised by how little he felt. 15 years ago he would have felt a surge of
electricity flow through his hand and turn in brain to mush but there was nothing. They
both sat down as Cordelia called across a waiter to order more coffee.
"Oh none for me Cordy, I have to get going back to the studio. I have a lot to do. OK, I'll see you later. Buffy it was nice seeing you again, next time don't leave it to long." He planted a delicate kiss on Cordelias lips and turned to walk away.
"OK honey, I'll be there in about 30 minutes and I'll come by and see you."
He sighed as he got into the car, the one person he loved more in the world was sitting
talking to his first love who had sent him to hell. This couldn't be good.
"So Buffy what do we owe the pleasure of you company in LA? More Vampires to slay or is the end of the world coming again. Or has Riley left you?"
"Oh Cordelia ever the friend aren't you? I'm here Christmas shopping plus Riley is flying back home today so I said I would pick him up at the airport." She double blinked as Cordelias gold wedding ring caught in the sunlight. "So you and Angel got married then?"
Cordelia pulled her hand in defensively and started to play with her ring. "Yeah about 3
years after Angel got his Shansu, which means he turned human. It was really small, didn't want a fuss or Wolfram and Hart getting drift of it. So where had Riley been?"
"He's been training in the jungle and he gets to come home for Christmas. Mums going to cook the gang a home-made Christmas dinner."
Cordelia looked away as she blinked back the tears that had long stopped falling. The only
person that wouldn't be there was Xander. He hadn't been at any Christmas dinner for 3
years now. She turned back at the sound of Buffys voice.
"Listen Cordelia I know we have never been friends and I know that you blamed me for what happened to Xander but I tried my best."
"You were the great protector, he depended on you to defend him. You let him down. I'll never forgive you for that."
"Don't you think I tried to save him? Don't you think I live everyday with his face in my head? I can't turn back the past. It wasn't just me that let him down, you did as well." She watched Cordelias face drop. "He still loved you, even just before he died. He would still speak about you. You know Xander came to see the night you left at my dorm to see how I was. He was a state. He couldn't believe that you had moved on to Angel of all people, I couldn't understand it either. But you can't be angry at me for the rest of your life. You said I had every man you ever loved, was Angel just pay back for that?"
Cordelia sat there in shock unable to process what Buffy was saying. Xander had loved her even when he knew that she was with Angel. Why didn't he tell her? "How dare you, I love Angel with all of my heart. I never intended anyone to get hurt, especially you and Xander. I loved Xander once, You moved on with Riley and you expected Angel just to brood. We love each other, we have a little boy, Doyle, and Abbie thinks that Angel is her dad. You have Jasmine so you know what it's like to need that support structure there and Angel was there."
"So Angel was convenient then?"
"No, don't twist my words. I turned to Angel when I needed him and he was there, all the way. Then I realised what was really going on, the feelings I had been having were love. You can't stop someone from falling in love. I'm really am sorry that we hurt you but it's time to let go, just like I need to get over Xanders death. I'm sorry but I've got to go. Business calls and it's a big day at the Gallery. Say hi to everyone back in Sunnydale for me and maybe we might see you again."
Cordelia slowly walked away and turned around to see Buffy playing with Jasmine. They
both had to move on and let go or else it would eat away at them. She headed straight for
Doyles school to pick him up from his half day. She didn't feel like going back to the office
so she took Doyle to the park. Cordelia sat on the bench as Doyle played in the on slides,
his hat and scarf protecting him from the bitter biting cold. Cordelia closed her eyes for a
second as she drifted into her favourite day dream, the night Angel became human. Her
eyes sprung open at the piercing scream that filled the still air. Cordelia looked around to
see Doyle lying on the ground, still. She ran towards him as fast as her heels would carry
her, and found him not moving on the bark that had broken his fall.
"Doyle, speak to me. Mum's here, it's alright. Honey can you hear me?" She reached for her cell phone and dialled 911. The ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital. Cordelia raced behind while trying to reach Angel, she shouted and growled at the phone till he picked up.
"Angel it's me, Doyle has been in an accident we're at the hospital now. God Angel I only looked away for a second and there he was...Angel just get the hospital now."
The emergency room was packed solid with people sneezing and coughing, the effects of
the Christmas weather. People sitting with blood socked towels, clutching an even worse
injury below. She looked around, lost in the great sea of sick people. She searched for a
coffee machine, a plant, anything she could focus on till she felt Angels presence enter the
room. Cordelias head rocked from side to side as she tried to make a connection with him.
Angel stood there looking as lost as Cordelia till he saw he standing, hugging herself. He
strolled over to her and put his arms around her. As he did so her body shivered as she
cried uncontrollably into his jacket.
"Cordelia what happened." He rationalised pushing her gently into view.
"I just closed me eyes for a minute while he was playing in the park and the next thing I knew he was lying at the bottom of the climbing tower, not moving. Oh it's all my fault, I should have been watching but I didn't think." She began crying again and Angel pulled her close.
"It's not your fault. He's a kid, these things happen."
A doctor walked out of the ER and walked over towards them.
"Mr and Mrs Chase, I'm doctor Weir. Your son's fine, he just had a slight bump to the head. Nothing is broken just a few stitches where he hit his head. I am willing to let him go home since it is so near Christmas but if he fells dizzy or sick you must bring him back here immediately. You have to go and sign some papers Mrs Chase. Mr Chase you can come and pick up your son now."
Angel kissed Cordelias forehead before following the doctor, where Doyle sat up right
sucking a lolly. "Daddy, I'm sorry. Is mummy alright, she was crying? Is she mad at me?"
"No baby mummy isn't mad at you. You just gave us both a fright. How's the head?"
"It's sore. Can I go home now? I wanted to watch cartoons when I get home please. Oh and can we have nuggets for tea?"
Angel picked up his son and carried him out to the car Cordelia had pulled up front. He
tenderly put him in the back seat as he drifted off to sleep. He joined Cordelia in the
front as they began the journey home.
"So what did you and Buffy talk about?"
"Stuff...You. She said that you were my payback because Xander always preferred her to me. I can't believe she said that. Buffy also dropped the little bombshell that Xander had loved me right up until he died. Angel he still loved me. He didn't tell me, it wouldn't have changed anything though. I would still be here with you and we would still
have Doyle and Abbie. He hurt me too much for me to ever feel the same towards him
again."
"So did you talk about anything else?"
"No, except that her mum is cooking Christmas dinner for them all in grand olde Sunnydale. Speaking of which, who is going to do all the cooking on Christmas dinner? You haven't let me anywhere near the kitchen since that whole exploding bean experience. I'll get the shopping and play the gracious host but I ain't cooking." She looked at Angel to see a smothered smile on his face.
"Cordelia, a whole can of beans exploded in the microwave. It took days to scrape them off the sides. You should have put a lid on them! Don't worry I'll cook dinner as long as I don't have to make small talk with Wesley or look at his photos from England."
"Deal, but I draw the line at photos!"
A Few Hours Later:
Angel sat n the couch as he watched sway to the music as she dusted around the house
with a feather duster. He reached out for her waist and pulled her down onto his lap.
"I've got some news for you. I sold the mansion today. I thought it was about time I let go of Sunnydale and the memories that go along with it. Buffy showing up this afternoon it kinda sealed my mind. This guy had seen it and wondered if I would think
about selling it so I said yes." He studied her face for a reaction. "Well what do you
think?"
Cordelia sat and stared at a piece of lint that had suddenly become the centre of her
universe. "You didn't tell me you were thinking about it." She said in a quite voice. "You
should have told me."
" I didn't want to cause any fuss, anyway what is done is done and shall remain so. Doesn't that sound familiar. A toast I think, to time past, present and future."
The wine glasses clinked and Angel drew Cordelia to him. He took a deep breath as her
scent filled his head making him feel drunk. He turned to face Cordelia, cupping her face in his large, masculine hands. She stared back with eyes so full of love and laughter they
glowed. Angel pulled her face to his and gazed into her eyes before pulling her in to kiss
him. She gladly obliged and kissed him back first gently and caring but changing to a
passionate and needy kiss. They kissed, lost in their world where only they existed.
Cordelia pulled away and silently stood up. She pulled Angel up by his hands and led in the direction of the bedroom. He quietly put his glass on the table and followed Cordelia
through the low-lit apartment, closing Abbies door on the way passed.
Christmas came too fast to the Chase household and before they knew it they were being
invaded by Wesley, Clarissa and the twins, Meghan and James, as well as Spike joining
them late in the evening just as Cordelia was putting Doyle to bed. He showed up using theexcuse that his new house was too big for him to spend Christmas on his own and his
thought he would say Merry Christmas to his sire and his step-mum.
"Spike I hate to remind you but Angel is human now so he technically isn't your sire anymore since he isn't a Vampire and don't you ever call me Step-mum again or I'll stake you. Believe me, my wrist is still and quick as it always was." She paused a moment as a smile slowly appeared on Spikes face. "No I didn't mean it in that manor. So where is the new house then? Some butt-end of Sunnydale?"
"No you know it well actually." Spike said in his smug English accent. "You remember the old mansion you had in Sunnydale, well it was me that bought it!" He watched as Angels smile dropped and a scowl appeared in it's place. "Don't worry peaches I'll keep it looking nice and all. Don't even ask how I got the money. Lets just say that someone gave me a lot of money when I finally did blow up the Initiative. Now why doesn't wifey here run along and keep the bed warm while we talk men talk."
Cordelia lifted he hand to slap Spike but thought better of it when she realised that he
didn't have the chip anymore and didn't want to take the chance. She looked to Angel for
support and he just looked at her.
"Spike don't call my wife, wifey please. But we can talk. Cordelia honey you look tired. Why don't you go to bed, it should only take Spike half an hour till he passes out
drunk and then I'll join you."
Cordelia got up from Angels lap and kissed him goodnight on the cheek and simply glared at Spike. She walked across the living room till she reached their bedroom door. She turned to watch Spike and Angel laughing at some story Spike was telling of times before she was born. Cordelia watched Angel with great depth, he was truly hers and after everything they had been through and no matter how many times they told themselves they wanted a normal life, they couldn't have one. The proof sat in front of her drinking her bottle of scotch that she had been saving for a celebration. This was as normal as life would get, a Vampire in her living room drinking her best scotch while telling stories to her husband who had lived for 265 years and only looked 40 years old, yet he was all human. 'Yep this is normal!' she sighed before turning into the bedroom and closing the door