Title: Please, Don't Leave Me

Rating: PG-13

Author: Michele          

E-mail: WP82787@aol.com

Author's Notes: Xander and Anya are back together. Spike and Buffy, of course are together and Tara is still dead. *sniff*

Summary: Angel's finally reached his Shanshu and rushes back to Buffy. Wesley and Cordelia continue the business when they get a case and Cordelia is deathly injured.

Spoilers: 'Pangs', most of Season 7, so far, of BTVS and most of Season 3 of Angel.

Couples: Cordelia/Angel, Angel/Buffy friendship, Buffy/Spike, Xander/Anya.
Feedback: Yes please! Much needed!
Disclaimer: Angel and crew belong to the magnificent Joss Whedon and company. Nothing is mine, just my imagination. *g*     

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Chapter Two

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"What is he doing? It's not supposed to occur this way. Why is he being so stubborn?" the man said firmly. He was ashamed at the warrior before them.

"He needs time. We must make him see that he is nothing without her."

"What do you propose we do?"

"I would hate to do this but this is the only way he will see that she needs him."

"And that is…?" There was a brief pause, like she was afraid to answer that simple question. With a sigh she answered it.

"Send her a vision."

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Wesley made some tea for him and Cordelia after she had stopped crying and calmed down.  He hated to see her like this. She had explained to him everything. How she felt about him. How she wished he would notice her in many other ways then one. How she could never live up to Buffy's expectations.

She was in love with Angel and he was too blind to see it.

Too blinded by the things of his past to see his future sitting right in front of him. The list went on and on and he could tell Cordelia loved him. She would do anything for him. Hell, she would die for him.

It broke his heart to see her in such a state. He set the tea down, along with some tissue, and sat across from her. She looked like a wreck. Her eyes were red and puffy from her continuous crying. Her make-up was smeared, running freely down her beautiful face.

"How are you feeling Cordelia?" She looked at him and accepted the tea thankfully. She could barely speak. Her voice was cracked and dry from crying.

"Like someone drove a knife through my heart."

That's how she felt, pretty much basic and to the *point*, literally.

"Why didn't you tell him you loved him?"

"He just looked so happy that he could finally return to Buffy. I didn't want to hurt him."

"Yes but you wind up hurting yourself."

"Yeah well, that's the price you pay when you're in love. God…I must look like a raccoon." She wiped the excess mascara off her face. She got up to check herself in a mirror but remembered that she was still at the hotel.

"Dammit! I forgot I was at the hotel and…Angel doesn't…have…mirrors…" She fell to the ground crying again. She couldn't handle this. She was falling apart over a *man*. She didn't even cry this much when she broke up with Xander. God, she felt like a child who had lost her mom.

This had to stop. She was strong. It would take her a while to get over it but she did it before she could do it again. She wouldn't fall apart over something so stupid. She couldn't and she wouldn't.

She then clutched her head as she felt a sudden flash of pain and collapsed to the floor. She was being hit by a vision. But, she thought that she wouldn't get them anymore? She tried to focus on the images as she drifted back and forth in consciousness. This couldn't be happening, not now.

Wesley ran to her side and grasped her until the vision passed. She clung to him fighting the pain and wishing it was Angel that held her. She had stopped her sobbing and Wesley helped her to a chair and brought her some water, a napkin and a pen. She took the objects thankfully and jotted down the required information. Wesley gathered needed weapons from the weapons cabinet.

"I thought you wouldn't get the visions once he reached his shanshu? I knew there was something wrong about this…"

"Yeah well…4623 53rd Ave…I guess the Powers had something else in mind." She clutched her throbbing head.

"I got the information. It at: 4623 53rd Ave. A family is being attacked by some ugly fire demon."

 "Should I call Angel and…"

"No…I mean…I imagine he just got to Sunnydale. Lets not…worry him. I'll go with you…and help you out."

"But Cordy…"

"No buts Wes. I'm coming. You need all the help you can get. And this demon doesn't look like a friend you want to tango with." She gathered some weapons as well. She was glad Angel had helped her with her fighting techniques because it looked like they would come in handy.

Wesley sighed not fully certain that it was such a good idea that she accompanies him in her state. She was weak and her mind wasn't fully focused. But he knew not to question Cordelia. They left the hotel, him not speaking another word on the matter.

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Buffy stood shocked at the person standing before her. She couldn't believe it. Was she dreaming? Why was he here? She shook her head, noticing she was being rude, and stepped aside welcoming him in.

Angel stepped inside and looked around. It hadn't changed much. But then again he was gone for a while. He looked toward the kitchen and saw the Scoobies sitting at the table. Their expressions were filled with bewilderment and shock. He noticed there was a different face among them. Then there was Spike. What was he doing here? He cast aside the thought and waved a 'Hi' to them. He turned back to Buffy and saw the expression on her face.

"Sorry to barge in like this…"

"No, No! It's ok. It's just a surprise. I didn't…expect to see you here with you know or last…encounter. What brings you here?"

 "Well, it's kinda a long story. Can we sit down and I'll explain?" Angel ran a shaky hand through his gelled spiky hair.

"Sure." They sat down on the living room sofa away from everyone else.

"Why is Spike sitting in your kitchen?"

"Um…well ya see…he…it's a long story. Why don't we hear *yours* first." She flashed him a nervous smile and looked down at her hands that were in her lap. She was really skeptical at why he was here all of a sudden. Also he really wouldn't like the fact that she was now with Spike. Boy was he in for a surprise.

He began to explain to Buffy about what had happened. He told her he still had feelings for her and that she was the first thing he wanted when he got back his humanity. He explained to her about the prophecy and what had caused this to happen.

"So…that's pretty much it. And now I'm here."

"So you mean…you can go out in broad daylight? You don't have to drink…blood anymore?" Angel nodded. "This…this is wonderful Angel…"

She was stunned and excited all at the same time. She hugged him tightly which he welcomed happily. He pulled away from her and eyed her suspiciously.

"So…what's this about you having Spike in your home? And who is the new female face?" Buffy again became nervous but not about introducing him to Dawn but how he would react about Spike. She shifted nervously in her seat and spoke hesitantly.

"Um…well he's actually good now, first he was *fixed* by my ex-boyfriend's commando buddies. You remember Riley right?" Angel was silent. If he were still a vampire he would have growled. "Of course you remember him. Yeah and um…now he kinda…has his soul back.

"What?!"

"I'll explain later but now he helps us with the baddies and stuff so…he's kinda…an ally." Angel was still silent. He didn't like the fact that his grandchilde was a welcome 'friend' to the gang. He just let it go and decided if best to change the subject before his inner anger surfaced, Angelus or no Angelus.

"Ok…well, what about the girl?"

"Oh…yeah well, why don't you come in and meet her and I imagine the rest of the gang would be glad to see you…"

'Well, almost all of them.' She was talking about Spike. She knew he wouldn't be to giddy either about Angel being here. She just thought to play it cool and deal with the *other* problems later.

Angel and Buffy walked into the kitchen and all 10 eyes were on him. He felt really uncomfortable about this whole thing. He knew there were some things said and things done that haven't been made up for since he was here. Buffy saw his nervousness and gently placed a hand on his arm. He turned to her and she smiled. She turned back to the gang to introduce their surprise guest.

"Hey guys, look who's here." Angel smiled lightly.

"Hey." A tall girl about 19 years of age came up to him. She had fully grown into a young adult. She had long brown hair and eyes like Buffy's. She eyed him up and down.

"So, this was your first boyfriend, huh Buffy? He's a Hottie!"

"Dawn!"

"It's ok Buffy. So…Dawn…I'm very flattered you find me attractive. I'm Angel and it's very nice to meet you." He held out his hand and she took it happily.

"Same here! I'm Buffy's sister…I know…weird huh? It's kinda a long story." She turned back to Buffy.

"I don't know why you left him for Smmpfh…" Buffy slapped her hand on her mouth. Buffy really hated her sister's timing sometimes.

"Ha ha! Don't listen to her. She can be a little motor mouth some…OW!" Dawn had bit her hand. Dawn went to sit back down next to Spike.

"No I'm not, retard!" Angel chuckled. He looked over the room and saw the others. Willow, Xander, Anya, Dawn and Spike in that order, were sitting around the table. Willow was the first to get up to greet Angel. He had heard about her girlfriend and showed his deepest sympathy.

"Hey Willow. I heard about your girlfriend and I wanted to say I'm deeply sorry for your loss." Willow gave him a sad smile but a smile nonetheless.

"Hey Angel, It's been a while huh? Thanks, I'm really ok. I'm taking it day by day and getting over it." Angel hugged Willow and then the Wicca sat back down. It was nice to see Willow again. She was really a sweet person.

Now it was Anya's turn. The once onetime vengeance demon got up leaving a very irritated Zeppo behind. She spoke in a high squeaky voice much to Angel's dislike.

"Hi Angel! Remember me? It was that time that you came during Thanksgiving but didn't want Buffy to know because you were trying to protect her from those freaky evil Indian spirits and you helped us defeat them and…"

"Anya! I think he gets the point." Buffy groaned. Angel just gave her a slight smile and nodded his head.

"Yeah well, Xander isn't too happy to see you but he'll get over it." Anya went back to sit next to Xander. He angrily beamed at her and she looked back at him with a 'What?' facial expression.

He didn't even bother to look at Spike. He didn't know why all of a sudden he was part of a team that excluded him when he was around much less except Spike. He just ignored him and sat down in a near by chair.

Spike eyed this grandsire with much questioning. There was something very different about him and he was eager to find out what it was. He pulled out a smoke and lit it. Dawn sitting next to him eyed the cigarette with great annoyance and took it away from him.

"What have I told you? Second hand smoke…?" Dawn threw the cigarette away and Spike put his lighter away.

"Yes mummy." Dawn rolled her eyes.

Angel explained why he was there and everyone was astounded. Spike couldn't believe it. He knew there was something different about him…he was human.

Damn you, Angel.

Angel was always one step ahead of him in everything.

Willow hugged him and as did Anya. Dawn stood before him and again looked him up and down.

"So your officially human?" Angel nodded. "Cool can I date you then?"

"Dawn!" Buffy hid her head in her hands and groaned. She was seriously losing it. Between her and Anya…

"What? Geez, it was just a question." Dawn sat down again and Spike patted her on the back. Angel chuckled and continued to explain why he was there.

"So, I came back because I wanted to be…"

"He wanted to help us again." Buffy finished for him. She knew that if that they knew the real purpose he was here all hell would break loose. Angel raised an eyebrow at her wondering why she didn't want everyone to know why he was really there.

They all caught up on everything. The Scoobies explained what happened with Willow and her dark magic mojo and how she got better with the help of Giles. Anya talked about her postponed wedding and how she went back to being a vengeance demon. They talked about Spike getting his soul back, which Angel still couldn't believe. They talked about Buffy being a counselor at the rebuilt Sunnydale High thanks to Xander. And they also talked about what Dawn was and why she is now Buffy's little sis, which then led to Buffy's death.

Angel talked about Angel Investigations and his mission. He talked about the Powers and again about the prophecy. He talked about Darla and his miracle son Connor. He talked about Wesley and his betrayal in dealing with his son. He talked about Fred and Gunn.

But mostly he talked about Cordelia, which was only noticed by Willow. He talked about how she had grown as a person and the things she's achieved. He talked about how she's his, or was, his seer. He talked about how she ascended to a higher realm and came back brighter then ever. He talked about so many things involving her you'd think he was telling her biography.

"She's an amazing woman. If you guys saw her, you wouldn't even recognize her."

"Yeah, she'd probably be even more of a bitch then when she was here." Xander made the cruel remark and laughed at it. Willow jabbed him in his ribs but that wasn't enough. Angel jolted from his seat and grabbed him by the throat. Although he wasn't a vampire anymore he sure as hell wasn't afraid to snap his measly little neck. 

"If I ever hear you talk about Cordy like that again I will permanently make your body the size of your dick. And I *don't* mean big."

"Angel…ok…that's…ENOUGH!" Buffy pulled Angel off of Xander and sat him down. Xander massaged his neck and eyed Angel. "Xander apologize to Angel and Angel to Xander."

"No…"

"Xander?" He sighed.

"Yeah whatever sorry."

"Angel?"

"What?"

"Angel?"

Angel apologized as well but not regretting what he had said about Xander's body and meaning it. No one talks about his Cordy and gets away with it.

Buffy knew it was getting late so she suggested everyone go home. But Spike wasn't about to go without an explanation. He pulled Buffy aside and talked so no one could hear.

"What the hell is going on Slayer? Why is the poof really back?" Buffy sighed. She couldn't tell him just now, she had to wait for the right time.

"I can't tell you now. But believe me when I say I will. Now go home, we have a lot of work to do tomorrow." She brushed a light kiss on his lips that Spike, as always, deepened. His kisses always left her dizzy and wanting more. She had never experienced anything like them, not even with Angel. He left the house and Willow came up to Buffy. She talked so no one could hear them.

"Buffy, this isn't a good idea. Angel thinks he's coming back to where he left off. Things have changed…A LOT…and you need to tell him."

"Also…he may be here in flesh but his heart and mind are still in L.A. He still is attached to his life there and most of all to Cordelia." Buffy's head shot up and she looked at her best friend puzzled.

"What do you mean?"

"Buffy…Angel may not realize it, but he is in love with Cordelia. Did you see the way he talked about her and defended her? He was, I guess, to blinded by the fact that he thought you were his one and only and I hate to break it to you but you aren't. He has developed and holds a strong bond with Cordelia and I think that not even the love you had for him can break it."

Buffy sighed. She knew Willow was right. She couldn't hide anything from him and she had to remember things weren't the way they once were. She was with Spike and had a lot of responsibilities to care for. She looked at him talking to Dawn. What they had was in the past and they both had changed. She knew what she had to do but not tonight. She would tell him tomorrow.

Buffy suggested that Angel stay the night there and take the guestroom. They all said their goodnights and Angel settled down in his room. It was a little too girly for his taking but he would deal.

He looked around and found that it was nice. The walls were white and only did a few paintings cover the bare walls. The paintings must have come from the gallery where Joyce used to work. He got a little emotional at the thought of the wonderful woman. He didn't know her very well but what he did know about her he liked.

He continued to roam around the room. The furniture was a good quality in wood and gave a little color to the room. He put his bags down and sat on the bed. The bed was done in nice cotton white sheets. He laid down head plopping on the pillow. He didn't even bother to remove his trench coat. The one that Cordelia always said made him look sexy and mysterious.

Sexy?

He closed his eyes but for some reason he couldn't get to sleep. He kept thinking of what he had left behind and every time, his mind drifted back to the one person he missed the most. Cordelia.

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Sorry that was so short. It's my first time remember? I gave a brief description of the episode Pangs and talked a little bit Season 5, Season 7 on BTVS, and Season 3 on Angel. Thanks again Corinne to your suggestions! Well, hope you liked it. Don't forget to read and review. Thanks! Love Ya! ~Michele~