OK this is part Three in the 'No STrings Attached' series. I'm sorry it took so long to get here but i have been moving house and trying to resit exams and stuff. I hope you like it. R rated for language.
Disclaimer: The only thing that belong to me are Nina (in pt1). They instead belong to Joss and David and all those rich people at WB, Fox, and Mutant (Grr, Arr) Enemy.
This was inspired by the song; 'Sleeping Beauty' by Sherena Dugani. It helps if you listen to it when reading.
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Cordelia pushed herself off Angels chest, Buffy and Xander watched, their mouths open wide.
"I think the fun is over Angel."
Cordelia stood up, dusted her wrinkled skirt and retied her halter neck top. She felt a sharp crack across her cheek as Buffy slapped her hand against Cordelias face. Angel leaped off the couch to Cordelias defence as Xander pulled Buffy away, knowing the damage she could do.
"You bitch, how could you?"
"Buffy calm down, please. I don't know what to say." Angel said his voice full of sympathy
"I know what to say." Everyone turn around and looked at her. "Buffy, nice to see you as always." Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Xander, you too. Have you got a life yet? Me and Angel were just em... Angel I can't."
Buffy turned heel and ran towards the stairs. Angel ran after her but she ran right out into the sunshine where he couldn't get her. He went back downstairs to find Cordelia and Xander slinging insults at each other.He reconsidered separating the pair.
"Don't stand there on your moral high horse Xander. Please, don't stand there and remind me of happy clauses. I'm not special enough to break Angels soul, so change the record. Do you think I have forgotten about you and Willow? You kissed her, two-timed me. I might of had more boyfriend than you can shake a stick at but at least I never cheated on them."
"Cordelia I said I was sorry for that. I tried to explain. It was an accident. I didn't realise how much that hurt you." Xander said the smirk wiped off his face.
"You never knew because I didn't let you. I never let you see. I can hide things as well you know. It isn't just Buffy who can hide who she really is. You hurt me so much because I loved you. "
Xander reeled from the shock and sat down. Cordelia had loved him. Angel smiled inwardly. Cordelia had finally admitted to Xander and herself that she had loved him at one point. His smile was short lived as he watched Cordelia fall to the couch, fitting. Xander stood, unable to move. Angel bolted from his hiding place in the alcove and was by Cordelias side before she hit the floor.
"What's happening?" Xander finally said finally finding his words.
"A Vision! Got get some water and aspirin. I'll get the pen and paper."
"What the hell is a vision? What have you done to her? Firstly she tries to give you happies and now she fits on the floor. I always knew you were evil." Xander said backing away.
"Xander will you shut up. Firstly Cordelia won't give me happies, I won't let her. Secondly I didn't do this to her, Doyle did before he died." Angel looked at Cordelia still fitting in his arms. It had been over a minute now and he felt his unbeating heart fill with the dread over the never-ending vision day. "Come on Cordelia, snap out of it. Please. I can't lose you a second time."
Angel shook Cordelia gently as she came out of her vision with tears in her eyes.
"You had me going there. What happened, you were gone a while?"
"I don't know. I wanted to stay longer to get more information and I did. It hurts twice as much. You always complain about how I never remember enough. Where's the aspirin?" She reached for the aspirin bottle Xander had in his hand. "Are you still here?" Cordelia retored.
"What did you see?" Angel said offering her the pen and paper.
"It was night down at the docks. Why is it always at the stinky docks?" She looked at Angels impatient face. "OK, sorry. There were 12 little kids were all lined up and two horny demons were guarding them while three others chanted around a hole. The kids are a sacrifice. See how easy it is when I stay for info." Cordelia said hoping to erase the earlier comment. "Now give me a second to get off the floor and then we'll go kick some demon ass."
Cordelia went to stand up before dizziness forced her back down
"Your going nowhere, your going to rest. It's day time anyway so I'll have to wait until the sun sets before I can do anything, right."
Angel gently scooped Cordelia into his arms and carried her to his bedroom. He lay on the newly-made bed.
"Oh this seems familiar." She noticed the clothes lying on top of Angels jumpers. Angel lower her down and she gasped as her cheek hit the pillow.
"What's wrong? Did I hurt you?" Angel said, his voice full of concern.
"Nothing, it's just where Buffy hit me. Did it bruise?
Angel turned her cheek towards him and brushed his fingertips across the round bruise on her neck.
"No I think you will be fine, but the make-up has worn off on the love bite though. Sorry." He said looking away from her gaze.
"I wish you would stop saying sorry." Cordelia pouted
"OK, don't stake me. Now get some rest, your looking pale.
Cordelia sniggered. "Ever looked in the mirror lately?" She pretended to think. "I guess not!"
Angel laughed and kissed her forehead and walked towards the door. As he did he heard Xander scarper toward the couch.
"Xander if your gonna eavesdrop, do it quietly."
"I don't know what your talking about. Anyway what happened to Cordelia?" Xander asked changing the subject.
"They're visions. She got them just after Doyle died, he was my first seer. He passed them on when he kissed her." Angel delighted as he saw Xanders eyes popped out of his head. "Yeah I now, Cordy kissing a demon. She really has changed you know, she just gets defensive sometimes."
Xander fumed as Angel called Cordelia by his nickname.
Angel breathed in the ambrosia scent of the setting sun. He had been itching to get out of the apartment for the hour he and Xander had been talking. Xanders drone caught Angels ears again as he heard Buffys name being brought up.
"Yeah well Buffy is really happy now. I mean she's found someone who doesn't mind her being the Slayer, in fact I think it turns him on." Xander shivered slightly at the thought. "He doesn't mind the odd patrol either. We didn't like him, understatement, we hated him but he's like a neutered puppy really."
"Oh I thought you all loved Riley. I mean he's normalise, which I wasn't. He can go out into the daylight which I can't. In fact he's everything I'm not so why did you hate him?"
"I wasn't talking about Riley. He's long gone. I'm talking about..."
Xander halted in his revaluation as he watched Cordelia yawn like a cat. Cordelia slowly rubbed her eyes clearing the sleep and padded over to the couch.
"So what are you talking about Xander?" Xander went to open his mouth before Cordelia cut him off. "Never mind. Come on Brood-Boy we've got demon butt to kick and 12 little kids who need to be in bed by 10."
"Hold on Cordy, Xander was just telling me about Buffys new love interest. Go on Xander."
Before Xander went to speak Cordelia cut him off again. "Never mind Angel, we can play catch up when Buffy finishes huffing! Now grab your axe and some arrows for me and lets go. I'm only rescuing the kids right 'Cos I still haven't got the demon goo out of my little black number yet. I never thought I would say this but I'll be glad when Wesley gets back. I can go back to being Vision Girl. Now come on." Cordelia roughly pulled Angel to his feet before he started barking out orders to Xander.
"Xander stay here. Tell Buffy, when she gets back, where we've gone. I'll be back soon. There is food in the refrigerator but don't touch the strawberries or the ice cream. OK."
"You have strawberries? Oh they could have been fun, much last night." Cordelia stopped as she saw Angel throw her a cautionary look. "Or I'll just shut up."
Xander went to ask more but instead heard whispers as the couple retreated up the stairs.
"Cordelia you have to be more careful what you say around Buffy and Xander, even Wesley when he gets back."
"Oh Angel admit it, strawberries would have made it more fun last night." Cordelia slid a sly smile on her face.
"I think we had enough fun for one night last night don't you?"
Angel never got his answer instead her heard Cordelias giggles echo down the stair well.
At The Docks:
"Right remember what I said, get the kids and stay out of the way."
"Yes oh fighty-one. Right lefts go."
Angel and Cordelia entered the dock building she had seen in her vision, to find 3 Yattun demons chanting around an open Hellmouth while 2 other stood guard. Cordelia took one out with an arrow to the heart while Angel beheaded the second with one clean swipe. Cordelia lead the children past Angel who was battling the three head demons and away from the building. Once the children were safe Cordelia headed back inside, with her reloaded crossbow, to help Angel. She fired it at the nearest demon and caught him in the knee. Cordelia hastily tried to reload but when it fired it jammed and left her at the mercy of the demon.
"Angel help me!"
Angel looked up and removed the broadsword from his belt. "Here use this." He shouted as he slid it across the floor to Cordelia.
"Oh great what am I meant to do with this?" Cordelia shouted back, struggling to pick up the heavy sword.
"Swing it at the demon and try to hit him with it."
Cordelia picked up the sword and swung it blindly at the advancing demon. She struck it's stomach and as it buckled to the ground, doubled over in agony, she plunged the sword through it's back.
"Angel one down."
Cordelia watched as Angel swung his axe at the last demons stomach and watched in disgust as he sliced him in half.
"All done here. Call Kate and get her to pick up the kids for us." He threw Cordelia his mobile and listened intensely as Cordelia tried to explain how the kids got there in the first place and what would make a good cover story to the rest on the LAPD.
"She's on her way. We'd better get back to the apartment. Can we have eggs?" Cordelia swung her crossbow over he shoulder and headed towards the convertible. She stopped dead in her tracks as she saw a blonde headed woman peel out of the darkness. "Too late Buffy, fun's over and we're going home. Are you coming or do you want to huff a little more before finally facing it?"
Angel walked straight past Buffy and started the car. Buffy climbed in to the back and Cordelia rode Shotgun. The journey was made in an uncomfortable silence.
Back At The Apartment:
Angel and Cordelia sat across from each other eating eggs as Xander and Buffy sat, food untouched, glaring at both of them not saying a word. Cordelia was the first to break the silence.
"I I better be going. It's late and Dennis will be missing me. Plus I stink of demon."
"It's too late to go home now, stay here tonight. You can use the shower here if you promise not to use all the hot water again. You can have one of my shirts in the closet and before you go near the 'I'll have no clothes for tomorrow' speech. There are the clothes you were wearing last night all washed and sitting on my chair." Cordelia rose and headed for the bathroom. After 15 minutes Angel spoke up. "Buffy, Xander you can
stay too. I'll get some sheets for the couch. I think it would be better if you stayed and we'll talk in the morning. Angel said looking in Buffys direction. He walked off to the bathroom as Cordelia emerged from the bathroom dressed in one of Angels shirts.
"Angel, can I call Dennis?"
"Yeah sure." Angel shouted from the airing cupboard.
"Who is Dennis Cordelia?" Buffy said, speaking to Cordelia for the first time since she had slapped her.
"Oh he's my flatmate. He's really great."
Xander choked slightly, surprised. "You have a male flatmate!"
"Yeah he came with the apartment. He's a ghost. His mum bricked him into the wall and left him to die. So he kinda haunts the place."
"Go figure, a sadistic killer for a boss, a useless watcher for a workmate, why didn't I think you had a ghostly flatmate to boot?" Xander retorted.
Cordelia dialled her number and got the answering machine.
"Hiya Dennis. Cordelia here obviously. I hope you aren't playing the music too loud or playing with the lights again. I'm calling so you can hear my voice and to let you know that I am staying at Angels again tonight so don't wait up or call Kate out. If you're really bored tonight you can start on my ironing or do the dishes in the sink, since you like to clean and all. If you get really really bored you could always look at your
reflection like Angel does. Ha ha only kidding. Hear ya tomorrow."
Cordelia put down the phone to find Xanders staring at her.
"You have a ghostly flatmate that likes to clean and iron for you. Wow you have really moved up since Sunnydale except your staff aren't human here."
"Xander shut up. I'm going to bed." Cordelia swaned off in the direction of Angels bedroom just as Angel was leaving it wearing his leather duster.
"Where are you going?
"I'm going to see Kate to try and explain about the trouble tonight, a little better than the way you put it. A gas explosion!?! Are you sleeping in here."
"Yeah sorry, is that OK?" Angel nodded his head. "Well I'll see you tomorrow. Look out of Kate 3" by 2" she has hidden behind her desk.
Cordelia settled down into Angels silk sheets but got up again when she heard Buffy and Xander talking.
"I can't believe she's sleeping in his bed. That should be me." Buffy fumed.
"Buffy, don't let her get to you. I think she has been sleeping in his bed quite a lot recently. I heard them whispering about strawberries and ice cream earlier.. It had something to do with last night."
"I really don't want to know all the details thanks. Anyway Angel doesn't eat ice cream or food for that matter." Buffy looked to a picture on the wall. "What is that grey blob thing on the wall? I think it must be Cordelia taste in art."
"I think it's a drawing of some kind, don't know. I never told him about you and Spike so don't worry. I told him you weren't with Riley though." He looked at Buffy. "Sorry he was just bugging me calling Cordelia, Cordy. He said she couldn't give Angel happies whatever that means."
Buffys eyes sparkled as something in her brain clicked. "He has control over his soul, that means he has a permanent soul. Of course Cordelia couldn't give him happies! He has a soul and he never came back to me, instead he went to her. How could he?"
Cordelia sank to the floor. 'Angel has a permanent soul and he never told me or Wesley, why? We're family!' She thought to herself. She couldn't listen anymore and went back to bed. They had agreed No strings but they were best friends and she didn't deserve to be kept in the dark. Cordelia lay in a sleepless daze until she heard Angel come back in upstairs.
Angel moved silently through the apartment, looking at the sleeping Slayer as he passed through the living room. He slowly pushed his bedroom door open and was overwhelmed by Cordelias scent. He listened in the still room and realised from Cordelias breathing she wasn't asleep.
"Cordelia are you still awake?"
Cordelia sat up her eyes adjusting to the dark. "Yeah I couldn't sleep. I wanted to talk to you about Happies."
"What about them?" Angel asked shrugging off his duster and placing it over the chair.
"You can't have them anymore can you." She watched Angels face turn to surprise. "Your soul, it's anchored isn't it?"
Angel struggled to find his words over his surprise. "How did you know?"
"You don't brood as much anymore and you told Xander I couldn't give you happies, so I kinda put two and two together." She lied.
"When I saved the world for the thousandth time I was called to the Oracles via one of your visions. They told me that my reward was a permanent soul. I had saved one of their VIP prophets and one of his messengers. I couldn't believe it 'till I felt Angelus sink futher into his pit."
"Why didn't you tell me and Wesley? We have to celebrate this. I know go get the strawberries and ice cream, we'll pig out. I mean it isn't as if your gonna put on any weight is it?"
Angel went to get the ice cream from the freezer, passing by a muttering Xander, who was dreaming about being a soldier again. Angel returned to his bedroom to find Cordelia sitting upright in the sheets. He sat down and Cordelia reached for a strawberry.
"I have one question, why didn't you go back to Buffy when you found out about your soul? I mean she IS your destiny."
"She WAS my destiny. I couldn't go back to her, I left so she could have a normal life. Me, a vampire, with a anchored soul doesn't qualify me as normal. Cordelia stop eating all the strawberries.
Next Morning:
Angel stirred form his sleep to find Cordelia sleeping on his chest, fully clothed. He gently peeled her from his form before stepping out of bed onto an empty ice cream tub. Angel silently glided through the living room into the kitchen and poured himself a large mug of blood then nuked it. He tried to reach the door before it binged but failed. He heard someone stir in the living room then get up. Buffys blonde head appeared around the entrance to the kitchen.
"Oh sorry I didn't mean to wake you. How are you?" Angel asked sipping at the blood.
"You didn't wake me, I heard the microwave beep. I'm used to hearing it when S...Never mind. You wanna talk now?"
"Yeah sure. I guess I should explain a few things. Life in LA is so different, I have friends, a network. I even have a family now as well. I feel some belonging I didn't have in Sunnydale or anywhere else. You should know how I feel. You have friends, Willow, Xander and Anya. You have your mum and Giles, they'reyour family. I have Cordelia and Wesley and I used to have Dolye. You have to be able to understand this.
"Of course I do, now more than ever. But you and Cordeila I never expected you to..." Buffy trailed off, turning away.
"To what? Move on? Buffy," He took her hand in his. "you moved on, I dealt with the pain, now you have to as well. Me and Cordelia, it isn't serious, not that I don't love her, but I have more respect for her than to take it futher. So Xander tells me that you and Riley broke up. I'm sorry, even though it thought he was a prat, he made you happy. So who is the newest interest? From what Xander told me it sounds serious."
Buffy hesitated. "If I tell you, you can't get angry at me or vamp out and don't over react."
Angel looked concerned as ideas flew through his head. "Oh God, it's not Xander is it?"
"God no, it's Spike."
Angel choke on his blood as Buffy mentioned Spikes name. "You aren't dating Spike! Are you insane? He'll kill you at the first chance he gets. Buffy your kidding right?"
"No he wouldn't. He wouldn't, can't hurt me. He has a chip in his head that stops him from hurting anything that lives and breathes i.e. ME! He's been good as gold while he's been living with me and Willow. He
loves me and I love him I think, I'm not sure if it's love yet. Angel I don't care if you don't like I'm just asking you to be happy for me 'Cos I AM happy at last.
Angel let go of her hand and continued to drink his blood. "OK I have one question for you now. Why did you slap Cordelia?"
"I seen the hickey on her neck and guessed you gave it to her. I seen red. I didn't mean to hit her so hard but she deserved it. I can't believe you gave her a hickey, I mean Vampires bite then suck, not just suck."
Angel laughed slightly. "What and Spike never sucks on your neck then." He watched as Buffys face turned pink. "I rest my case."
A silence descended between the two as the they contemplated the revelations each had made. The silence was disturbed by Xander and Cordelia waking up and life at AI beganagain with the guests helping out where ever they could. Buffy and Cordelia continued to glare at each other while Xander tried to size up Angel with little success. Finally Xander and Cordelia left going to lunch leaving Angel and Buffy to talk.
"Angel, would you come back to me if you found a way to break the curse over your soul?"
"No!" Angel said looking Buffy straight in the eyes. Buffy took a double take at him. "I didn't mean that the way that it came out. I care enough about you to want a normal, happy life. We just caused each other misery and I complicate things for you. I'm happier here, I couldn't even think about leaving LA. I have my Shansu to find and what would Cordelia do with her visions? The PTB would give her another warrior and I
don't think that anybody would understand her ways the way me and Wesley do. Cordelia is my best friend, I couldn't do that to her."
"I want you to come back to Sunnydale, be with me. I know about your soul and how it can't be broken. I will never have a normal life. I'm a Slayer for Godsake, I live till I'm 25 max. and do you think I want to live out that time with out you? I don't think." Buffy said getting to her feet.
Xander and Cordelia noisily burst into the office to find Buffy standing up in a fighting stance and Angel sitting behind his desk. Buffy threw Cordelia a nasty look while Angel looked at her with a guarded warming in his eyes. Buffy felt the anger build up inside her till she finally exploded at Cordelia.
"Well Cordelia I hope your happy. He won't come back to Sunnydale with me because of you." Buffy watched Cordelia look to Angel for support. "He said another warrior would freak out if they got you as their seer." Buffy shouted.
Cordelia shot another look at Angel. "Well is it true?" The tears began to flow down Cordelias cheeks. "Angel fucking answer me will you." She shouted.
"She twisted my words. I said I wouldn't leave because they would give you another warrior and he wouldn't understand you that way I do." Angel said looking Cordelia straight in the eye.
Buffy watched the interaction between the two in horror. 'He actually cares about what would happen to her. He never used to like her.' She thought to herself. "OK I'll play it your way." Buffy shouted in rage. "You either leave with me and come back to Sunnydale or stay here with her and your Shansu, whatever that is, and you'll never see me again."
Buffy looked at Angel who stood up and turned to Cordelia then looked back at Cordelia. The tears came in floods down Cordelias face as she slumped to the ground and covered her ears with her hands. Xander left the room, fleeing to the day lit street. Angel stood between the two women he loved most in his un-life. His ears pricked as her heard Cordelia mutter, `Don't leave me, don't leave me please.' Buffy turned and walked out of the door and down the corridor. Angel looked at the sobbing woman in the corner before running out of the door. He chased Buffy down the sun-lit corridor avoiding the windows of direct sunlight. He caught up with her in the entrance to the building.
"Buffy, where are you going?" He grabbed her arm and pulled her round to face him.
Buffy turned around and kick Angel in the chest, he flew across the room and hit the wall with a crack of his bones.
"I told you, you chose her. Now leave me and Sunnydale alone or I'll hunt you down and stake you myself."
Angel watched hopelessly as Buffy climbed into Xanders waiting car and sped down the busy LA street. Angel raced upstairs to find Cordelia off the floor and on the phone.
"Dennis, it's Cordelia. Grab my cases from the closet and pack me some clothes, the good ones. I'll need enough for a week or so and grab my stuff from the bathroom. I'll be home in 30 minutes. Also could you get the number of the flight company out of the directory as well, I would be so grateful. Bye."
Angel stared in disbelief at Cordelia. "What are you doing?"
"Let me see, I'm quitting my job then I'm going to New York to stay with my mother. I need to leave LA. Too many demons and all that, you understand. I'm sorry that I couldn't give you my months notice but my life took an unexpected turn this afternoon. Now if that is all. The filing is all done, the paper-clips are in my EX-drawer and the pens or in my EX-cupboard. Well this is goodbye EX-boss."
Cordelia dramatically exited through the office door leaving Angel stunned and brooding in her wake.
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Next part all ready started and on the way soon. Please Review it. Tell me what you thnk and maybe where you would like it to go.
Disclaimer: The only thing that belong to me are Nina (in pt1). They instead belong to Joss and David and all those rich people at WB, Fox, and Mutant (Grr, Arr) Enemy.
This was inspired by the song; 'Sleeping Beauty' by Sherena Dugani. It helps if you listen to it when reading.
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Cordelia pushed herself off Angels chest, Buffy and Xander watched, their mouths open wide.
"I think the fun is over Angel."
Cordelia stood up, dusted her wrinkled skirt and retied her halter neck top. She felt a sharp crack across her cheek as Buffy slapped her hand against Cordelias face. Angel leaped off the couch to Cordelias defence as Xander pulled Buffy away, knowing the damage she could do.
"You bitch, how could you?"
"Buffy calm down, please. I don't know what to say." Angel said his voice full of sympathy
"I know what to say." Everyone turn around and looked at her. "Buffy, nice to see you as always." Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Xander, you too. Have you got a life yet? Me and Angel were just em... Angel I can't."
Buffy turned heel and ran towards the stairs. Angel ran after her but she ran right out into the sunshine where he couldn't get her. He went back downstairs to find Cordelia and Xander slinging insults at each other.He reconsidered separating the pair.
"Don't stand there on your moral high horse Xander. Please, don't stand there and remind me of happy clauses. I'm not special enough to break Angels soul, so change the record. Do you think I have forgotten about you and Willow? You kissed her, two-timed me. I might of had more boyfriend than you can shake a stick at but at least I never cheated on them."
"Cordelia I said I was sorry for that. I tried to explain. It was an accident. I didn't realise how much that hurt you." Xander said the smirk wiped off his face.
"You never knew because I didn't let you. I never let you see. I can hide things as well you know. It isn't just Buffy who can hide who she really is. You hurt me so much because I loved you. "
Xander reeled from the shock and sat down. Cordelia had loved him. Angel smiled inwardly. Cordelia had finally admitted to Xander and herself that she had loved him at one point. His smile was short lived as he watched Cordelia fall to the couch, fitting. Xander stood, unable to move. Angel bolted from his hiding place in the alcove and was by Cordelias side before she hit the floor.
"What's happening?" Xander finally said finally finding his words.
"A Vision! Got get some water and aspirin. I'll get the pen and paper."
"What the hell is a vision? What have you done to her? Firstly she tries to give you happies and now she fits on the floor. I always knew you were evil." Xander said backing away.
"Xander will you shut up. Firstly Cordelia won't give me happies, I won't let her. Secondly I didn't do this to her, Doyle did before he died." Angel looked at Cordelia still fitting in his arms. It had been over a minute now and he felt his unbeating heart fill with the dread over the never-ending vision day. "Come on Cordelia, snap out of it. Please. I can't lose you a second time."
Angel shook Cordelia gently as she came out of her vision with tears in her eyes.
"You had me going there. What happened, you were gone a while?"
"I don't know. I wanted to stay longer to get more information and I did. It hurts twice as much. You always complain about how I never remember enough. Where's the aspirin?" She reached for the aspirin bottle Xander had in his hand. "Are you still here?" Cordelia retored.
"What did you see?" Angel said offering her the pen and paper.
"It was night down at the docks. Why is it always at the stinky docks?" She looked at Angels impatient face. "OK, sorry. There were 12 little kids were all lined up and two horny demons were guarding them while three others chanted around a hole. The kids are a sacrifice. See how easy it is when I stay for info." Cordelia said hoping to erase the earlier comment. "Now give me a second to get off the floor and then we'll go kick some demon ass."
Cordelia went to stand up before dizziness forced her back down
"Your going nowhere, your going to rest. It's day time anyway so I'll have to wait until the sun sets before I can do anything, right."
Angel gently scooped Cordelia into his arms and carried her to his bedroom. He lay on the newly-made bed.
"Oh this seems familiar." She noticed the clothes lying on top of Angels jumpers. Angel lower her down and she gasped as her cheek hit the pillow.
"What's wrong? Did I hurt you?" Angel said, his voice full of concern.
"Nothing, it's just where Buffy hit me. Did it bruise?
Angel turned her cheek towards him and brushed his fingertips across the round bruise on her neck.
"No I think you will be fine, but the make-up has worn off on the love bite though. Sorry." He said looking away from her gaze.
"I wish you would stop saying sorry." Cordelia pouted
"OK, don't stake me. Now get some rest, your looking pale.
Cordelia sniggered. "Ever looked in the mirror lately?" She pretended to think. "I guess not!"
Angel laughed and kissed her forehead and walked towards the door. As he did he heard Xander scarper toward the couch.
"Xander if your gonna eavesdrop, do it quietly."
"I don't know what your talking about. Anyway what happened to Cordelia?" Xander asked changing the subject.
"They're visions. She got them just after Doyle died, he was my first seer. He passed them on when he kissed her." Angel delighted as he saw Xanders eyes popped out of his head. "Yeah I now, Cordy kissing a demon. She really has changed you know, she just gets defensive sometimes."
Xander fumed as Angel called Cordelia by his nickname.
Angel breathed in the ambrosia scent of the setting sun. He had been itching to get out of the apartment for the hour he and Xander had been talking. Xanders drone caught Angels ears again as he heard Buffys name being brought up.
"Yeah well Buffy is really happy now. I mean she's found someone who doesn't mind her being the Slayer, in fact I think it turns him on." Xander shivered slightly at the thought. "He doesn't mind the odd patrol either. We didn't like him, understatement, we hated him but he's like a neutered puppy really."
"Oh I thought you all loved Riley. I mean he's normalise, which I wasn't. He can go out into the daylight which I can't. In fact he's everything I'm not so why did you hate him?"
"I wasn't talking about Riley. He's long gone. I'm talking about..."
Xander halted in his revaluation as he watched Cordelia yawn like a cat. Cordelia slowly rubbed her eyes clearing the sleep and padded over to the couch.
"So what are you talking about Xander?" Xander went to open his mouth before Cordelia cut him off. "Never mind. Come on Brood-Boy we've got demon butt to kick and 12 little kids who need to be in bed by 10."
"Hold on Cordy, Xander was just telling me about Buffys new love interest. Go on Xander."
Before Xander went to speak Cordelia cut him off again. "Never mind Angel, we can play catch up when Buffy finishes huffing! Now grab your axe and some arrows for me and lets go. I'm only rescuing the kids right 'Cos I still haven't got the demon goo out of my little black number yet. I never thought I would say this but I'll be glad when Wesley gets back. I can go back to being Vision Girl. Now come on." Cordelia roughly pulled Angel to his feet before he started barking out orders to Xander.
"Xander stay here. Tell Buffy, when she gets back, where we've gone. I'll be back soon. There is food in the refrigerator but don't touch the strawberries or the ice cream. OK."
"You have strawberries? Oh they could have been fun, much last night." Cordelia stopped as she saw Angel throw her a cautionary look. "Or I'll just shut up."
Xander went to ask more but instead heard whispers as the couple retreated up the stairs.
"Cordelia you have to be more careful what you say around Buffy and Xander, even Wesley when he gets back."
"Oh Angel admit it, strawberries would have made it more fun last night." Cordelia slid a sly smile on her face.
"I think we had enough fun for one night last night don't you?"
Angel never got his answer instead her heard Cordelias giggles echo down the stair well.
At The Docks:
"Right remember what I said, get the kids and stay out of the way."
"Yes oh fighty-one. Right lefts go."
Angel and Cordelia entered the dock building she had seen in her vision, to find 3 Yattun demons chanting around an open Hellmouth while 2 other stood guard. Cordelia took one out with an arrow to the heart while Angel beheaded the second with one clean swipe. Cordelia lead the children past Angel who was battling the three head demons and away from the building. Once the children were safe Cordelia headed back inside, with her reloaded crossbow, to help Angel. She fired it at the nearest demon and caught him in the knee. Cordelia hastily tried to reload but when it fired it jammed and left her at the mercy of the demon.
"Angel help me!"
Angel looked up and removed the broadsword from his belt. "Here use this." He shouted as he slid it across the floor to Cordelia.
"Oh great what am I meant to do with this?" Cordelia shouted back, struggling to pick up the heavy sword.
"Swing it at the demon and try to hit him with it."
Cordelia picked up the sword and swung it blindly at the advancing demon. She struck it's stomach and as it buckled to the ground, doubled over in agony, she plunged the sword through it's back.
"Angel one down."
Cordelia watched as Angel swung his axe at the last demons stomach and watched in disgust as he sliced him in half.
"All done here. Call Kate and get her to pick up the kids for us." He threw Cordelia his mobile and listened intensely as Cordelia tried to explain how the kids got there in the first place and what would make a good cover story to the rest on the LAPD.
"She's on her way. We'd better get back to the apartment. Can we have eggs?" Cordelia swung her crossbow over he shoulder and headed towards the convertible. She stopped dead in her tracks as she saw a blonde headed woman peel out of the darkness. "Too late Buffy, fun's over and we're going home. Are you coming or do you want to huff a little more before finally facing it?"
Angel walked straight past Buffy and started the car. Buffy climbed in to the back and Cordelia rode Shotgun. The journey was made in an uncomfortable silence.
Back At The Apartment:
Angel and Cordelia sat across from each other eating eggs as Xander and Buffy sat, food untouched, glaring at both of them not saying a word. Cordelia was the first to break the silence.
"I I better be going. It's late and Dennis will be missing me. Plus I stink of demon."
"It's too late to go home now, stay here tonight. You can use the shower here if you promise not to use all the hot water again. You can have one of my shirts in the closet and before you go near the 'I'll have no clothes for tomorrow' speech. There are the clothes you were wearing last night all washed and sitting on my chair." Cordelia rose and headed for the bathroom. After 15 minutes Angel spoke up. "Buffy, Xander you can
stay too. I'll get some sheets for the couch. I think it would be better if you stayed and we'll talk in the morning. Angel said looking in Buffys direction. He walked off to the bathroom as Cordelia emerged from the bathroom dressed in one of Angels shirts.
"Angel, can I call Dennis?"
"Yeah sure." Angel shouted from the airing cupboard.
"Who is Dennis Cordelia?" Buffy said, speaking to Cordelia for the first time since she had slapped her.
"Oh he's my flatmate. He's really great."
Xander choked slightly, surprised. "You have a male flatmate!"
"Yeah he came with the apartment. He's a ghost. His mum bricked him into the wall and left him to die. So he kinda haunts the place."
"Go figure, a sadistic killer for a boss, a useless watcher for a workmate, why didn't I think you had a ghostly flatmate to boot?" Xander retorted.
Cordelia dialled her number and got the answering machine.
"Hiya Dennis. Cordelia here obviously. I hope you aren't playing the music too loud or playing with the lights again. I'm calling so you can hear my voice and to let you know that I am staying at Angels again tonight so don't wait up or call Kate out. If you're really bored tonight you can start on my ironing or do the dishes in the sink, since you like to clean and all. If you get really really bored you could always look at your
reflection like Angel does. Ha ha only kidding. Hear ya tomorrow."
Cordelia put down the phone to find Xanders staring at her.
"You have a ghostly flatmate that likes to clean and iron for you. Wow you have really moved up since Sunnydale except your staff aren't human here."
"Xander shut up. I'm going to bed." Cordelia swaned off in the direction of Angels bedroom just as Angel was leaving it wearing his leather duster.
"Where are you going?
"I'm going to see Kate to try and explain about the trouble tonight, a little better than the way you put it. A gas explosion!?! Are you sleeping in here."
"Yeah sorry, is that OK?" Angel nodded his head. "Well I'll see you tomorrow. Look out of Kate 3" by 2" she has hidden behind her desk.
Cordelia settled down into Angels silk sheets but got up again when she heard Buffy and Xander talking.
"I can't believe she's sleeping in his bed. That should be me." Buffy fumed.
"Buffy, don't let her get to you. I think she has been sleeping in his bed quite a lot recently. I heard them whispering about strawberries and ice cream earlier.. It had something to do with last night."
"I really don't want to know all the details thanks. Anyway Angel doesn't eat ice cream or food for that matter." Buffy looked to a picture on the wall. "What is that grey blob thing on the wall? I think it must be Cordelia taste in art."
"I think it's a drawing of some kind, don't know. I never told him about you and Spike so don't worry. I told him you weren't with Riley though." He looked at Buffy. "Sorry he was just bugging me calling Cordelia, Cordy. He said she couldn't give Angel happies whatever that means."
Buffys eyes sparkled as something in her brain clicked. "He has control over his soul, that means he has a permanent soul. Of course Cordelia couldn't give him happies! He has a soul and he never came back to me, instead he went to her. How could he?"
Cordelia sank to the floor. 'Angel has a permanent soul and he never told me or Wesley, why? We're family!' She thought to herself. She couldn't listen anymore and went back to bed. They had agreed No strings but they were best friends and she didn't deserve to be kept in the dark. Cordelia lay in a sleepless daze until she heard Angel come back in upstairs.
Angel moved silently through the apartment, looking at the sleeping Slayer as he passed through the living room. He slowly pushed his bedroom door open and was overwhelmed by Cordelias scent. He listened in the still room and realised from Cordelias breathing she wasn't asleep.
"Cordelia are you still awake?"
Cordelia sat up her eyes adjusting to the dark. "Yeah I couldn't sleep. I wanted to talk to you about Happies."
"What about them?" Angel asked shrugging off his duster and placing it over the chair.
"You can't have them anymore can you." She watched Angels face turn to surprise. "Your soul, it's anchored isn't it?"
Angel struggled to find his words over his surprise. "How did you know?"
"You don't brood as much anymore and you told Xander I couldn't give you happies, so I kinda put two and two together." She lied.
"When I saved the world for the thousandth time I was called to the Oracles via one of your visions. They told me that my reward was a permanent soul. I had saved one of their VIP prophets and one of his messengers. I couldn't believe it 'till I felt Angelus sink futher into his pit."
"Why didn't you tell me and Wesley? We have to celebrate this. I know go get the strawberries and ice cream, we'll pig out. I mean it isn't as if your gonna put on any weight is it?"
Angel went to get the ice cream from the freezer, passing by a muttering Xander, who was dreaming about being a soldier again. Angel returned to his bedroom to find Cordelia sitting upright in the sheets. He sat down and Cordelia reached for a strawberry.
"I have one question, why didn't you go back to Buffy when you found out about your soul? I mean she IS your destiny."
"She WAS my destiny. I couldn't go back to her, I left so she could have a normal life. Me, a vampire, with a anchored soul doesn't qualify me as normal. Cordelia stop eating all the strawberries.
Next Morning:
Angel stirred form his sleep to find Cordelia sleeping on his chest, fully clothed. He gently peeled her from his form before stepping out of bed onto an empty ice cream tub. Angel silently glided through the living room into the kitchen and poured himself a large mug of blood then nuked it. He tried to reach the door before it binged but failed. He heard someone stir in the living room then get up. Buffys blonde head appeared around the entrance to the kitchen.
"Oh sorry I didn't mean to wake you. How are you?" Angel asked sipping at the blood.
"You didn't wake me, I heard the microwave beep. I'm used to hearing it when S...Never mind. You wanna talk now?"
"Yeah sure. I guess I should explain a few things. Life in LA is so different, I have friends, a network. I even have a family now as well. I feel some belonging I didn't have in Sunnydale or anywhere else. You should know how I feel. You have friends, Willow, Xander and Anya. You have your mum and Giles, they'reyour family. I have Cordelia and Wesley and I used to have Dolye. You have to be able to understand this.
"Of course I do, now more than ever. But you and Cordeila I never expected you to..." Buffy trailed off, turning away.
"To what? Move on? Buffy," He took her hand in his. "you moved on, I dealt with the pain, now you have to as well. Me and Cordelia, it isn't serious, not that I don't love her, but I have more respect for her than to take it futher. So Xander tells me that you and Riley broke up. I'm sorry, even though it thought he was a prat, he made you happy. So who is the newest interest? From what Xander told me it sounds serious."
Buffy hesitated. "If I tell you, you can't get angry at me or vamp out and don't over react."
Angel looked concerned as ideas flew through his head. "Oh God, it's not Xander is it?"
"God no, it's Spike."
Angel choke on his blood as Buffy mentioned Spikes name. "You aren't dating Spike! Are you insane? He'll kill you at the first chance he gets. Buffy your kidding right?"
"No he wouldn't. He wouldn't, can't hurt me. He has a chip in his head that stops him from hurting anything that lives and breathes i.e. ME! He's been good as gold while he's been living with me and Willow. He
loves me and I love him I think, I'm not sure if it's love yet. Angel I don't care if you don't like I'm just asking you to be happy for me 'Cos I AM happy at last.
Angel let go of her hand and continued to drink his blood. "OK I have one question for you now. Why did you slap Cordelia?"
"I seen the hickey on her neck and guessed you gave it to her. I seen red. I didn't mean to hit her so hard but she deserved it. I can't believe you gave her a hickey, I mean Vampires bite then suck, not just suck."
Angel laughed slightly. "What and Spike never sucks on your neck then." He watched as Buffys face turned pink. "I rest my case."
A silence descended between the two as the they contemplated the revelations each had made. The silence was disturbed by Xander and Cordelia waking up and life at AI beganagain with the guests helping out where ever they could. Buffy and Cordelia continued to glare at each other while Xander tried to size up Angel with little success. Finally Xander and Cordelia left going to lunch leaving Angel and Buffy to talk.
"Angel, would you come back to me if you found a way to break the curse over your soul?"
"No!" Angel said looking Buffy straight in the eyes. Buffy took a double take at him. "I didn't mean that the way that it came out. I care enough about you to want a normal, happy life. We just caused each other misery and I complicate things for you. I'm happier here, I couldn't even think about leaving LA. I have my Shansu to find and what would Cordelia do with her visions? The PTB would give her another warrior and I
don't think that anybody would understand her ways the way me and Wesley do. Cordelia is my best friend, I couldn't do that to her."
"I want you to come back to Sunnydale, be with me. I know about your soul and how it can't be broken. I will never have a normal life. I'm a Slayer for Godsake, I live till I'm 25 max. and do you think I want to live out that time with out you? I don't think." Buffy said getting to her feet.
Xander and Cordelia noisily burst into the office to find Buffy standing up in a fighting stance and Angel sitting behind his desk. Buffy threw Cordelia a nasty look while Angel looked at her with a guarded warming in his eyes. Buffy felt the anger build up inside her till she finally exploded at Cordelia.
"Well Cordelia I hope your happy. He won't come back to Sunnydale with me because of you." Buffy watched Cordelia look to Angel for support. "He said another warrior would freak out if they got you as their seer." Buffy shouted.
Cordelia shot another look at Angel. "Well is it true?" The tears began to flow down Cordelias cheeks. "Angel fucking answer me will you." She shouted.
"She twisted my words. I said I wouldn't leave because they would give you another warrior and he wouldn't understand you that way I do." Angel said looking Cordelia straight in the eye.
Buffy watched the interaction between the two in horror. 'He actually cares about what would happen to her. He never used to like her.' She thought to herself. "OK I'll play it your way." Buffy shouted in rage. "You either leave with me and come back to Sunnydale or stay here with her and your Shansu, whatever that is, and you'll never see me again."
Buffy looked at Angel who stood up and turned to Cordelia then looked back at Cordelia. The tears came in floods down Cordelias face as she slumped to the ground and covered her ears with her hands. Xander left the room, fleeing to the day lit street. Angel stood between the two women he loved most in his un-life. His ears pricked as her heard Cordelia mutter, `Don't leave me, don't leave me please.' Buffy turned and walked out of the door and down the corridor. Angel looked at the sobbing woman in the corner before running out of the door. He chased Buffy down the sun-lit corridor avoiding the windows of direct sunlight. He caught up with her in the entrance to the building.
"Buffy, where are you going?" He grabbed her arm and pulled her round to face him.
Buffy turned around and kick Angel in the chest, he flew across the room and hit the wall with a crack of his bones.
"I told you, you chose her. Now leave me and Sunnydale alone or I'll hunt you down and stake you myself."
Angel watched hopelessly as Buffy climbed into Xanders waiting car and sped down the busy LA street. Angel raced upstairs to find Cordelia off the floor and on the phone.
"Dennis, it's Cordelia. Grab my cases from the closet and pack me some clothes, the good ones. I'll need enough for a week or so and grab my stuff from the bathroom. I'll be home in 30 minutes. Also could you get the number of the flight company out of the directory as well, I would be so grateful. Bye."
Angel stared in disbelief at Cordelia. "What are you doing?"
"Let me see, I'm quitting my job then I'm going to New York to stay with my mother. I need to leave LA. Too many demons and all that, you understand. I'm sorry that I couldn't give you my months notice but my life took an unexpected turn this afternoon. Now if that is all. The filing is all done, the paper-clips are in my EX-drawer and the pens or in my EX-cupboard. Well this is goodbye EX-boss."
Cordelia dramatically exited through the office door leaving Angel stunned and brooding in her wake.
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Next part all ready started and on the way soon. Please Review it. Tell me what you thnk and maybe where you would like it to go.