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Title: Tea and Madeline
Chapter Title: Strength
Author: Zoe Han
Disclaimer: Angel and Buffy the Vampire Slayer are both the property of Joss Whedon and Co.
Spoilers: Rain of Fire (Angel) / Never Leave Me (BtVS)
Notes: AU where Connor and Cordy eye candy fest never take place
Writing Notes: I know this is another sob scene, but I hope it contrasts Wesley's and Giles' actions
Summary: After a slight mishap, Giles becomes acquainted with Cordelia's feelings towards Angel while she discovers why The Watcher is in town


t was amazing to think the world could end at any moment, and here, people like her and Giles were concerned over perosonal toiletries. In a way, it was comforting; it afforded Cordelia a sense of security by remaining preoccupied with the little things: the sound of cold running water as Giles splashed it over his face, the harsh halogen glare slivering through the ajar bathroom door. Vanity was a luxury, and the fact that they were still able to savour it was a good sign.

"How's the gang?" She called out.

"Pardon?"

"The gang... Sunnydale..." she began fidgeting with the straps of Giles' overnight bag.

What she really meant was Is Buffy still moonie-eyed mopey over Angel?"

"They're trying to handle things. Doing rather admirably considering the circumstances."

"Right, First Evil. Still, it must not be too bad considering you're here instead of there."

The faucet stopped and was replaced with brisk toothbrushing.

Cordelia opened a drewsser drawer and began unpacking Giles' bag, smoothing out his clothing as she did so. It was rather bizarre unearthing a pair of jeans beneath a couple sweaters. Cordelia arched an eyebrow and smiled, amazed the Watcher had finally discovered denim.

The bathroom door swung open and Giles reappeared, looking slightly less haggard, toweling off his hands.

"What the bloody-, Cordelia!" Giles panicked and rushed over to her, reaching for the items in her hand.

"Hey, I was just helping," she replied, pulling away from him.

Giles' boxers fluttered to the floor.

He sighed, "I believe I am very much capable of putting away my own undergarments."

"It's not like 'Cordelia's never seen man-things before,'" she paused for a moment, reflecting on her words, "that probably came out sounding pretty bad."

Since he was adamant about folding by himself, Cordelia took a seat on the bed.

"Where's Connor?" Giles asked, once his things were safely placed in the dresser.

"I asked him to leave us for awhile; I wanted to talk to you alone," she explained, trying to appear concerned at plucking lint off the bedding. She was duly remembering the annoyed expression on Connor's face when she had made the request. As much as she cared about him, the constant brooding over her was becoming a bit of a nuisance, one of those less enviable genetic Angel traits no doubt. If only the boy had his father's hair...

"Is there something troubling you?" Giles sat next to her.

They stared at one another and then broke into a fit of laughter.

"It rained creepy-crawlies, balls of fire, the spawn of Satan... well, spawned from an L.A. alley, one of my best friends is now ostrichedized or ostracized or whichever one means he's banished from the group, i got kicked out of a higher dimension - i think, and.. I'm in love with Angel."

Cordelia's face fell. What had begun as laughter ended tearfully on Giles' shoulder. She held fast to him, feeling he was keeping her grounded. He represented Sunnydale, that piece of her life when the only thing she had to worry about was what outfit to wear the next day because there were other people who would do the protecting, people like Giles, Buffy, Willow, Xander... okay, well maybe not Xander. Yet, they had drawn her in, and she loved and hated them for doing it.

She buried herself against Giles' shirt, surprised to find the light musk of cigars, aftershave, and a hint of a worn and weathered pages. It was most likely scent of a renewed life at The Council. Although he held her awkwardly, trying to decide whether to pat her back or smooth her hair, she felt safe with him.

When the tears had subsided, she asked, "Does Buffy knkow about Connor?"

"No, Giles answered gravely, "I thought it best not to mention it. She had it rough last year, and with this..."

Cordelia nodded, "Perhaps it's best she heard it from Angel anyhow." Her voice had lightly stumbled over his name.

"Cordelia," Giles began.

"I'm fine. We just weren't meant to be; I get that. Maybe Buffy and Angel were right. As much as I hate the word, perhaps "champions" aren't meant to belong to one another. I just didn't think I'd have to give him up so soon," she sniffed and wiped delicately at the corner of her eyes with her fingers, careful not to ruin her makeup. She falshed him a reassuring smile.

Giles' face had softened; he stared at her with admiration, surprised at her strength.

"What is it?" she asked.

"It's just..."

"Listen, don't go telling everyone in Sunnydale that I've gotten all user-friendly now. And while we're at it, if Xander asks, I'm juggling male models, musicians, actors, whatever."

The windows shattered from a sudden gust; Cordelia screamed as Angel vaulted into the room in vampire form. He grabbed her from behind, clamping down her wrists behind her, and nuzzling her neck. Angel. No, Angelus.

"Don't I get a hello-kiss?" he whispered in her ear, his fangs trailing against her slender neck.

"Cordelia!" Giles grabbed her by the shoulders as she continued to screaam. She pummeled her fists against his chest. "Cordelia!" he called again, "It's Giles! You're all right; you're safe!"

He guided her to the bed. She gasped, remembering the horrifying sensation of vampire fangs against her throat. Her bewildered eyes scanned the room, only to find everything still intact, no sighn of broken glass or... Angelus. It had been a vision warning what was to come.

Giles rushed to the bathroom and returned with a cup of water. She was sitting on the edge, trying to regain her breath. Giles offered the cup; she looked at him for a moment, puzzled.

"Giles... what are you doing here?"

The Watcher became apprehensive of the question, "I told you, Wesley called me."

"Why? Sunnydale is battling the First Evil and you're vacationing in Los Angeles to fight the Red Bull? Don't give me that 'handling admirably' bit again."

"I'm here to do an illumination spell on the so-called 'false prophecies' Wesley was given. Sajahn didn't say they were completely untrue, only that he had rewritten some of it. The illumination spell will set things back in order," Giles answered.

Her hazel eyes widened in terror as she made the connection between vision and reality. He wasn't being completely truthful with her.

"Giles, I saw Angelus in my vision just now."

He blinked - it was enough.

"Oh my God," she got up, knocking the cup from his hand. At the door, with her back to him, she stopped and asked, "Giles, how can you even think of bringing him back?" She opened the door and walked out, convinced that a talk between Wesley and herself was long overdue.