A/N- Well, I get it. Nobody (bar Imzadi, JayBee-Bug, Mrs O-Town and Sabrina
Spellman) wants to read this anymore. Well, I'm still writing it for
them..^_^ And although I only have 3 more chapters planned for this (2 more
after this one) there is definitely a sequel awaiting me to be written.
Imzadi already knows most of the plot of that one (shame on her.. But then,
considering that they're mainly her ideas..lol..) I'm actually all buzzed
about it, so please don't give up on me guys. I swear, I know that you like
A/C. Hell, In some ways I do too. But come on! I've tried making Mr 'I'm a
sexy blue eyed lawyer with the cutest smile' a sweetiepie.. although I like
him as an evil one just as much..sorry getting off track..Where was I?
Right. I've tried to make you guys like him half as much as Angel in
this..and I promise that Angel will not be left out of the fluffy lovey-
doveyness either. Sure, it won't be Cordy or Buffy..or Kate 'cos I know u
don't like her..but u'll see. PLEASE don't give up on me.. Now, with the
shameless grovelling done..on with the show
***************************
Now this is interesting. I was actually *bonding* with lawyer boy. Not forced, 'gotta be nice for Cordy's sake' bonding either. This was actual comradeship. Which then makes me wonder: Since when did I stop despising and start trusting him?
Thinking hard over the events of the past few weeks, I stop and realise that it was an eventual thing. I guess I started trusting him the second he wanted to take responsibility. Sure, I still disliked the guy, but I knew there was something different about him, even then. And he has really proven himself.
God that's frustrating! I mean, how am I supposed to hold a grudge against him when he's trying harder than ever to make Cordelia happy? And for completely selfless reasons too. And, I have to face it, it's been a long time since I've seen Cordelia this happy and worry free.
Yeah, it hurts that I could never be the one to give her that, but I'm learning to accept it. I'm always going love her -nothing's ever going to stop that- but already that love is transforming back into a familial kind of love. I'm basically her big brother, and I'm happy for that. After all, it is better to receive her love as a brother, than not receive it at all. Besides, as Buffy of all people put it, there might still be love and *almost perfect* happiness waiting for me out there. And I'm hopeful that I will find it someday. But, until then, I have the love of my AI family..and my son. These are the most precious things to me, and I'm starting to believe that I wouldn't want to have my unlife any other way.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Angel!" Cordelia chirps, bouncing down the stairs and practically skipping towards me, her fiancé in tow.
I smile at her, taking in the healthy glow of her skin and the contented gleam in her eyes. "Good morning."
"No offence or anything," She starts, making herself a hot-chocolate, "But why are you up so early?" She sips at her mug and sighs. "I miss my coffee." Her eyes drift around the lobby and then land on me again. "So..?"
I chuckle. Only Cordelia can chop and change between topics with such ease. "Connor woke me up.."
She grins at me and nods. "Ah..I see. Baby plus vampire equals lack of sleep."
"Well, I think it's baby in general equals lack of sleep." I smirk at her. "But I wouldn't give it up for the world."
Her mega-watt smile broadens and she looks at Lindsey, her hand drifting towards her stomach. Surprisingly enough, the pang of jealousy I was expecting to take me over never comes and I watch as Cordy's gaze settles on me again. "So," She begins, sipping at her mug again, "What's planned today?"
Shrugging I look around for an answer. "Apparently not too much. Gunn's out tying up a few loose ends-"
"-Meaning he's beating up on some demons for information." She cuts in matter-of-factly for Lindsey's benefit.
"Yeah." I agree. "And Wes is in his office doing some 'light reading'-"
Again she cuts in to explain this to her fiancé. "He's stuck in some demon book and we wont hear from him for a few days."
"And Fred and Lorne still have yet to emerge from their rooms." I finish.
She nods and looks around the lobby. "Connor?" She asks, glancing back at me.
I chuckle. "After waking me up for breakfast he decided to do what I couldn't and go back to sleep again. So he's in his basinet in my room." I pat at my belt buckle where one of those baby-monitor thingies resides. "Got it all under control."
"So, in other words, today's gonna be one of those boring 'don't have anything to do' kinda days?" She asks, her eyes taking on one of her 'I have an idea' looks.
I inch my way backwards, "Yeah.." I respond cautiously. "Why? What are you scheming?"
She tries to look innocent and bats her eyelashes at me. "Who? Me?" Rolling my eyes, I grin at her and wait for her to tell me the truth. She laughs. "Fine. I was thinking-"
"-Which we all know is never good." Lorne says, entering the conversation in his usual manner; an ill fated attempt at humour.
She glares at him playfully and continues. "I was thinking that we go baby shopping seeing as Connor's a growing boy and I'm expanding like you wouldn't believe and-"
"Hold up!" Lindsey calls, looking unimpressed with her. "Cordelia..What have I told you about saying stuff like that?" He scolds, as if talking to a child. She pouts at him and he rolls his eyes, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer until his forehead rests against hers. "You're gorgeous and I don't care if you're fishing for compliments or not but I don't wanna hear you criticising the way you look ever again. Got it?" He states, kissing her nose.
She smiles and looks up at him all doe-eyed. "Okay. Okay." She snipes in jest. "No more complaining about how fat I'm getting around Lindsey. Got it."
He laughs. "And if I hear about it-"
"I know. I know. I'll never hear the end of it." She sighs.
Lorne and I look away from their display. It's sweet and all that, but please, a little consideration for the vamp getting over her might be a good idea.
After a few more seconds of them going ga-ga over each other, Cordelia looks back at me and raises an eyebrow. "So what do you say? You wanna come?"
"WHAT?!" I choke out, knowing that I'm already starting to resemble a deer trapped in headlights. "I thought you meant YOU guys were gonna go baby shopping. Not..not.ME. Hello! Earth to Cordelia. Vampire here. Sun problems for one. And do I LOOK like the kinda guy that enjoys shopping...for baby stuff no less? No. I don't. So therefore-"
"Angel, honey, I know you don't need to.. but take a breath." She says, folding her arms over her chest. I stop and look at her. She stares back determinedly. "Firstly, Connor is *your* son. You've gotta get out and buy him stuff yourself. Secondly, there are plenty of malls and stuff here in LA that do not involve sunlight. And Finally, don't think that I haven't caught you going through all those magazines with the tiny outfits and teddy bears and stuff, 'cos I have. You're a sap Angel and you *are* coming. End of story."
"But-" I begin meekly.
"No buts. You are coming. I'll get the car and you can hop in the back with the top up, ok?" And with that she's stalked out of the hotel.
I look after her hopelessly, while Lindsey and Lorne battle to stay in control of their laughter. I shoot them both 'Shut up' looks and move to call out to Cordelia, having thought up yet another excuse not to go.
She appears at the doorway again, keys in hand and beaming from ear to ear. "And by the way, don't think you can pull the 'I don't wanna wake Connor up 'cos he'll be cranky' thing 'cos look who's got him." She points towards the stairs and I turn to see Fred approaching us, cradling my son in her arms.
The physicist looks up at me and blushes. "I thought we'd surprise you." She states. "See..after you went downstairs he started to fuss, okay, okay, scream the walls down and I figured you'd left the monitor off when you didn't come boundin' back up at a thousand miles per hour so I went in and got him all ready for the day." She explains.
I smile and nod. "Thanks Fred."
"Hey! Fred can come too!" Cordelia exclaims suddenly, catching both Fred and me off guard.
"Huh?" Fred asks, looking at me curiously. "What did I miss?"
Cordy grins somewhat wickedly. "Well, Angel, Connor and I are going shopping for baby stuff and whatever..And I thought it'd be neat if you came along too so that I have a fellow woman to shop with and-"
"Max out my credit card." I finish for her.
She nods eagerly. "What he said." She waits a beat. "So, are you up for it?"
"No. I'm really not."
My ex-seer spins and glares at me. "Angel! I don't CARE whether YOU are up for it." She rolls her eyes and waves her hand at Fred. "I WAS asking Fred if SHE was up for it."
"Fine." I toss back, deliberately going into brood mode.
Cordelia sighs and looks at Fred, who shrugs. "Yeah..sounds like fun."
Oh no! This can't be happening! Not only have they turned on me, but it looks as if they're going to succeed! I fold my arms over my chest and glare into nothingness. "There is no way, no how, that you are going to get me to go with you." I state determinedly. Hah! Famous last words, I know. Not that I'll tell THEM that!
Cordelia arches an eyebrow at me. "Oh..Is that so?"
I nod. "Yep. I am NOT leaving this hotel."
Like I said; famous last words.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"I *really* don't wanna be here." I state for the 10th time, furrowing my brow and folding my arms over my chest.
Cordelia turns around and rolls her eyes at me. "Stop Whining!" She snaps. "Like I said before; You *need* to do this Angel."
My frown darkens. "I wasn't whining." She tilts her head to the side and raises her eyebrows. I mimic her stance. "I wasn't." I insist.
Fred, who's pushing Connor in his stroller, walks up beside me. "I hate to break it to ya Angel, but you kinda were."
What is this? 'Everyone gang up on the vampire with a soul' day? I roll my eyes and move to add another highly mature "Was not" to her sentiments. However, before the words can pass through my lips, I am met with yet another baby outfit thrust in front of my eyes.
Cordy's grinning face pops out from behind it. "Oh Angel!" She coos. "Isn't this the CUTEST thing you've ever seen?"
"Weren't the last five supposed to be the cutest things ever?" I toss back lazily.
Immediately, Cordelia narrows her gaze at me. (Note to self: Don't crack jokes around the hormonal ex-seer) "Well," She huffs, "THIS ONE is just as cute. Don't you agree?"
I look her over, taking note of the tone in her voice telling me that I do. Tongue-in-cheek, I reply, "Oh..Of course."
She brightens, seemingly ignoring the sarcasm in my words, and moves on to another pile of baby stuff. I watch as Fred eagerly joins her, rolling my eyes at their incessant 'ooh'ing and 'ahh'ing.
I sigh and crouch down in front of Connor. He yawns and opens his big, blue eyes, smiling and giggling when he sees me. I grin at him, "Hey big guy.." I gush, trailing my index finger down his nose, causing him to burst into laughter. "Welcome to the world of women." I gesture to where Cordelia and Fred are eyeing different pairs of fuzzy pink booties and chuckle. "Good luck understanding them." Connor giggles and gurgles and I can't resist the urge to pick him up. I'm just about to unbuckle him when a surprised voice calls out behind me.
"Angel?"
I stand and spin, barely masking my own shock at being caught baby shopping. "David..Nabbit.." I stutter. "Mr Nabbit. Hi."
He approaches, smile broadening and eyes scanning the shop excitedly. "What brings you here?" He asks, leaning in conspirationally and lowering his tone to a whisper. "Case? Demons inhabiting malls? Warlocks-"
"No." I cut him off. "Nothing like that." The second the words have left my lips I regret it. Why couldn't I have just lied? It would have made this *that* much easier..not to mention less awkward. Now there'll most likely be more questions and ultimately this situation -considering his obvious crush on Cordelia- is going to get quite uncomfortable.
Even more interested in my current actions and whereabouts, Nabbit tilts his head to the side. "Then why-"
He's cut off by Fred this time as she rushes over, waving a tiny black shirt with the words 'Little Angel' scrawled on the front at me. "Gosh isn't this perfect? I mean, that's what Connor is 'cos, y'know, you're Angel and he-" She stops in her tracks, frozen to the spot when she notices David Nabbit. "Oh, hi. I'm sorry. I didn't see you there. I'm Fred." She extends her hand towards him as she rambles.
"David." He addresses her, shaking hands politely. "David Nabbit."
"It's real nice to meet you."
He grins back, instantly taking a liking to her. Then again, everyone does with Fred. "Pleasure's all mine." He gestures to the shirt in her hand, looks down at Connor who's starting to fuss, and then allows his gaze to settle on her again. "Your son is adorable. Bet he'll look great in that shirt."
"Thankyou." She blushes. "But Connor's not mine."
He looks confused and Fred glances awkwardly towards me, most probably wondering why I haven't jumped in to explain things. In fact, I have no idea why, so I clear my throat and decide to take the spotlight from her. "No..." I agree, bending down to gather the baby in my arms, where he instantly settles. "He's mine."
More confused than ever, Nabbit crinkles his brow. "Okay..I thought you were a vampire..and I thought that vampires...that it was impossible for you to have kids. But, seeing as I've seen stranger things, I'm going to accept it." I heave a sigh of relief. Don't want to have to go into a deep and meaningful about Connor's existence. However, when David makes it clear that he hasn't finished the external monologue, I catch an unneeded breath again and wait for the questions. "So, saying that it is possible...Who's his moth.." He trails off and stares past me, slumping his shoulders. "Oh."
"What?" I ask as I follow his gaze to spy Cordelia eying off another pair of booties. "Oh..No. Cordy's not...Cordelia and I...we're not like that."
Relief seems to flood over his features. "But then," he starts, confusion slowly creeping up on him again, "Who?"
I sigh, "And old flame. Sorta. It's complicated. She, uh, died during childbirth." Okay, not exactly the whole truth, but not a complete lie either.
"Oh." He fidgets, suddenly uncomfortable. "I'm sorry."
I smile and look at Connor, noticing the way his eyes are glued on Cordy and the way he's stretching out a pudgy, little hand in her direction. "Thanks..I just regret the fact that he's not going to have a mother figure around all the time." I smirk, "And I refuse to get into a dress."
Fred giggles and David laughs as well. We stand in silence for a few seconds, before I decide it's time that I start asking the questions. "If you don't mind me asking.." I look around, as if to check our location. "What are YOU doing here?"
"One of my employees' wives is expecting. She's having a shower today, so I thought I'd drop a little something off for her." He replies casually.
Fred beams back at him. "Aawww, that's so sweet."
"Yeah," Cordelia agrees, making her grand entrance into the conversation. "I wish that my boss was that considerate."
I'm halfway towards nodding in agreement before I realise what she actually said. I spin to glare mockingly at her. "Hey!" I protest. "I think I've been more than *considerate* and *sweet* and-"
She laughs. "I was actually referring to Wes 'cos I'm thinking he's the one that's going to organise maternity leave and stuff. But now that you mention it.." She winks.
I roll my eyes. "Funny."
"Always am." She tosses back, reaching for my son. "Come here you.." She coos at him. "Give Daddy back some brooding space."
"And again I say 'HEY!'" I throw at her in playful jest, allowing her take the baby from my arms. "He's not too heavy for you is he?" I ask suddenly, with genuine concern.
She gives me one of her looks. "Angel." She warns.
"Shutting up."
"Uh.." Nabbit starts, looking between Cordelia and myself with caution. "What did I miss there?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Poor, poor Nabbit. The look on his face when Cordelia had explained that she was engaged and expecting twins had been one of sadness. Of course, he'd quickly changes it to surprise and feigned happiness for her, but on the inside I think her news tore him apart. I can't help but sympathise. I mean, I know exactly what he just went through. Okay, maybe not *exactly* but I still understand. He just realised that now there wasn't even a smidgen of a chance to be with her.
Cordelia Chase has been taken. Claimed. Spoken for. No longer available. And there is nothing -not money, power, social status- nothing that can change that. So men like Nabbit and myself that were once under her thrall have to wake up and look elsewhere. I've managed to accept that..I just hope he can as well.
"Well, I've gotta head off." He says, already pulling away from the group. He turns to Cordy and smiles kindly at her, a tiny bit of the pain of his loss shining in his eyes. "Congratulations again. And if there's anything I can do to help you guys," He looks at me, "Anything at all..You have my card."
Grinning Cordelia shakes his hand. "Thanks."
"Anytime." He turns to walk away. "See ya 'round sometime."
And with that, Fred, Cordy and I watch him walk off. Fred turns back to face Cordelia and I. "He was nice." She states happily, before continuing to help Cordy shop.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Ooh." Cordelia says, spying an outfit she likes.
We've moved on from baby merchandise to maternity wear and I'm beginning to regret this. Baby clothes and stuff for Connor I can understand me having to look for, but looking for Cordelia-type maternity wear..well, let's just say it isn't really my thing.
"Angel! What do you think of this?"
I look at the dress in her hands and tilt my head to the side. "It's nice..Not really my style, but it would probably suit you."
She chuckles and rolls her eyes. "Dork." She mutters. As she spins it around I catch a glimpse at the price-tag and, on instinct, gasp. She looks at me, puzzled. "What?"
I try to act nonchalant. "Oh. Nothing. Just saw the price."
She grins. "We've been through this, Angel. The cost of my baby-related stuff is being covered by Lindsey and me."
"Yeah. I know." I brace myself and try to find a way to phrase the rest of my reply. After all, it was just last night that Lindsey spelled out all his fears and worries. One of them being his lack of finances. "It's just..I don't know if that's the kinda price range you should be looking at though."
She narrows her eyes at me. "What are you getting at Angel?"
"Nothing." I grimace. "I mean, Lindsey wasn't really planning on supporting twins and-"
"He told you this?" I nod and she scowls in anger. "He told me there was nothing bothering him! He told me he-"
"I'm guessing he didn't want to worry you." I suggest optimistically, before wondering why it is I am DEFENDING Lindsey all of a sudden.
"Worry me?" She snorts. "WORRY me? Hah! The son of a bitch LIED TO ME! Let's see who's the worried one after I'm done with him!"
And, before I can protest, she's stormed off.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The drive home was pretty uneventful. Cordelia was still fuming and I was keeping my big mouth shut. I didn't want to complicate things even further. Now that's a first. Why am I suddenly looking out for Lindsey? Why am I so afraid of Cordelia and him splitting up? It takes me a while before I work out that not only am I afraid Cordy will be hurt in the process, I've actually started to trust and maybe even like Lindsey. It's a startling revelation, but understandable all the same.
As we walk back in (or rather, as Cordy and Fred walk back in and I rush in underneath a blanket) Wesley looks up at us expectantly. "Well?" He asks. "How did it go?"
Cordelia scowls at him and mumbles something about Lindsey and Wes looks back at me. "That well, huh?"
I nod, and make a mental note to tell him all about the day later, especially our run-in with David Nabbit. I have a few things to discuss with Wesley about that, concerning the latest member of our AI family and a real job..
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A/N- Review now PLEASE...Need feedback. ^_^
Luv ya all
Neata
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Now this is interesting. I was actually *bonding* with lawyer boy. Not forced, 'gotta be nice for Cordy's sake' bonding either. This was actual comradeship. Which then makes me wonder: Since when did I stop despising and start trusting him?
Thinking hard over the events of the past few weeks, I stop and realise that it was an eventual thing. I guess I started trusting him the second he wanted to take responsibility. Sure, I still disliked the guy, but I knew there was something different about him, even then. And he has really proven himself.
God that's frustrating! I mean, how am I supposed to hold a grudge against him when he's trying harder than ever to make Cordelia happy? And for completely selfless reasons too. And, I have to face it, it's been a long time since I've seen Cordelia this happy and worry free.
Yeah, it hurts that I could never be the one to give her that, but I'm learning to accept it. I'm always going love her -nothing's ever going to stop that- but already that love is transforming back into a familial kind of love. I'm basically her big brother, and I'm happy for that. After all, it is better to receive her love as a brother, than not receive it at all. Besides, as Buffy of all people put it, there might still be love and *almost perfect* happiness waiting for me out there. And I'm hopeful that I will find it someday. But, until then, I have the love of my AI family..and my son. These are the most precious things to me, and I'm starting to believe that I wouldn't want to have my unlife any other way.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Angel!" Cordelia chirps, bouncing down the stairs and practically skipping towards me, her fiancé in tow.
I smile at her, taking in the healthy glow of her skin and the contented gleam in her eyes. "Good morning."
"No offence or anything," She starts, making herself a hot-chocolate, "But why are you up so early?" She sips at her mug and sighs. "I miss my coffee." Her eyes drift around the lobby and then land on me again. "So..?"
I chuckle. Only Cordelia can chop and change between topics with such ease. "Connor woke me up.."
She grins at me and nods. "Ah..I see. Baby plus vampire equals lack of sleep."
"Well, I think it's baby in general equals lack of sleep." I smirk at her. "But I wouldn't give it up for the world."
Her mega-watt smile broadens and she looks at Lindsey, her hand drifting towards her stomach. Surprisingly enough, the pang of jealousy I was expecting to take me over never comes and I watch as Cordy's gaze settles on me again. "So," She begins, sipping at her mug again, "What's planned today?"
Shrugging I look around for an answer. "Apparently not too much. Gunn's out tying up a few loose ends-"
"-Meaning he's beating up on some demons for information." She cuts in matter-of-factly for Lindsey's benefit.
"Yeah." I agree. "And Wes is in his office doing some 'light reading'-"
Again she cuts in to explain this to her fiancé. "He's stuck in some demon book and we wont hear from him for a few days."
"And Fred and Lorne still have yet to emerge from their rooms." I finish.
She nods and looks around the lobby. "Connor?" She asks, glancing back at me.
I chuckle. "After waking me up for breakfast he decided to do what I couldn't and go back to sleep again. So he's in his basinet in my room." I pat at my belt buckle where one of those baby-monitor thingies resides. "Got it all under control."
"So, in other words, today's gonna be one of those boring 'don't have anything to do' kinda days?" She asks, her eyes taking on one of her 'I have an idea' looks.
I inch my way backwards, "Yeah.." I respond cautiously. "Why? What are you scheming?"
She tries to look innocent and bats her eyelashes at me. "Who? Me?" Rolling my eyes, I grin at her and wait for her to tell me the truth. She laughs. "Fine. I was thinking-"
"-Which we all know is never good." Lorne says, entering the conversation in his usual manner; an ill fated attempt at humour.
She glares at him playfully and continues. "I was thinking that we go baby shopping seeing as Connor's a growing boy and I'm expanding like you wouldn't believe and-"
"Hold up!" Lindsey calls, looking unimpressed with her. "Cordelia..What have I told you about saying stuff like that?" He scolds, as if talking to a child. She pouts at him and he rolls his eyes, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer until his forehead rests against hers. "You're gorgeous and I don't care if you're fishing for compliments or not but I don't wanna hear you criticising the way you look ever again. Got it?" He states, kissing her nose.
She smiles and looks up at him all doe-eyed. "Okay. Okay." She snipes in jest. "No more complaining about how fat I'm getting around Lindsey. Got it."
He laughs. "And if I hear about it-"
"I know. I know. I'll never hear the end of it." She sighs.
Lorne and I look away from their display. It's sweet and all that, but please, a little consideration for the vamp getting over her might be a good idea.
After a few more seconds of them going ga-ga over each other, Cordelia looks back at me and raises an eyebrow. "So what do you say? You wanna come?"
"WHAT?!" I choke out, knowing that I'm already starting to resemble a deer trapped in headlights. "I thought you meant YOU guys were gonna go baby shopping. Not..not.ME. Hello! Earth to Cordelia. Vampire here. Sun problems for one. And do I LOOK like the kinda guy that enjoys shopping...for baby stuff no less? No. I don't. So therefore-"
"Angel, honey, I know you don't need to.. but take a breath." She says, folding her arms over her chest. I stop and look at her. She stares back determinedly. "Firstly, Connor is *your* son. You've gotta get out and buy him stuff yourself. Secondly, there are plenty of malls and stuff here in LA that do not involve sunlight. And Finally, don't think that I haven't caught you going through all those magazines with the tiny outfits and teddy bears and stuff, 'cos I have. You're a sap Angel and you *are* coming. End of story."
"But-" I begin meekly.
"No buts. You are coming. I'll get the car and you can hop in the back with the top up, ok?" And with that she's stalked out of the hotel.
I look after her hopelessly, while Lindsey and Lorne battle to stay in control of their laughter. I shoot them both 'Shut up' looks and move to call out to Cordelia, having thought up yet another excuse not to go.
She appears at the doorway again, keys in hand and beaming from ear to ear. "And by the way, don't think you can pull the 'I don't wanna wake Connor up 'cos he'll be cranky' thing 'cos look who's got him." She points towards the stairs and I turn to see Fred approaching us, cradling my son in her arms.
The physicist looks up at me and blushes. "I thought we'd surprise you." She states. "See..after you went downstairs he started to fuss, okay, okay, scream the walls down and I figured you'd left the monitor off when you didn't come boundin' back up at a thousand miles per hour so I went in and got him all ready for the day." She explains.
I smile and nod. "Thanks Fred."
"Hey! Fred can come too!" Cordelia exclaims suddenly, catching both Fred and me off guard.
"Huh?" Fred asks, looking at me curiously. "What did I miss?"
Cordy grins somewhat wickedly. "Well, Angel, Connor and I are going shopping for baby stuff and whatever..And I thought it'd be neat if you came along too so that I have a fellow woman to shop with and-"
"Max out my credit card." I finish for her.
She nods eagerly. "What he said." She waits a beat. "So, are you up for it?"
"No. I'm really not."
My ex-seer spins and glares at me. "Angel! I don't CARE whether YOU are up for it." She rolls her eyes and waves her hand at Fred. "I WAS asking Fred if SHE was up for it."
"Fine." I toss back, deliberately going into brood mode.
Cordelia sighs and looks at Fred, who shrugs. "Yeah..sounds like fun."
Oh no! This can't be happening! Not only have they turned on me, but it looks as if they're going to succeed! I fold my arms over my chest and glare into nothingness. "There is no way, no how, that you are going to get me to go with you." I state determinedly. Hah! Famous last words, I know. Not that I'll tell THEM that!
Cordelia arches an eyebrow at me. "Oh..Is that so?"
I nod. "Yep. I am NOT leaving this hotel."
Like I said; famous last words.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"I *really* don't wanna be here." I state for the 10th time, furrowing my brow and folding my arms over my chest.
Cordelia turns around and rolls her eyes at me. "Stop Whining!" She snaps. "Like I said before; You *need* to do this Angel."
My frown darkens. "I wasn't whining." She tilts her head to the side and raises her eyebrows. I mimic her stance. "I wasn't." I insist.
Fred, who's pushing Connor in his stroller, walks up beside me. "I hate to break it to ya Angel, but you kinda were."
What is this? 'Everyone gang up on the vampire with a soul' day? I roll my eyes and move to add another highly mature "Was not" to her sentiments. However, before the words can pass through my lips, I am met with yet another baby outfit thrust in front of my eyes.
Cordy's grinning face pops out from behind it. "Oh Angel!" She coos. "Isn't this the CUTEST thing you've ever seen?"
"Weren't the last five supposed to be the cutest things ever?" I toss back lazily.
Immediately, Cordelia narrows her gaze at me. (Note to self: Don't crack jokes around the hormonal ex-seer) "Well," She huffs, "THIS ONE is just as cute. Don't you agree?"
I look her over, taking note of the tone in her voice telling me that I do. Tongue-in-cheek, I reply, "Oh..Of course."
She brightens, seemingly ignoring the sarcasm in my words, and moves on to another pile of baby stuff. I watch as Fred eagerly joins her, rolling my eyes at their incessant 'ooh'ing and 'ahh'ing.
I sigh and crouch down in front of Connor. He yawns and opens his big, blue eyes, smiling and giggling when he sees me. I grin at him, "Hey big guy.." I gush, trailing my index finger down his nose, causing him to burst into laughter. "Welcome to the world of women." I gesture to where Cordelia and Fred are eyeing different pairs of fuzzy pink booties and chuckle. "Good luck understanding them." Connor giggles and gurgles and I can't resist the urge to pick him up. I'm just about to unbuckle him when a surprised voice calls out behind me.
"Angel?"
I stand and spin, barely masking my own shock at being caught baby shopping. "David..Nabbit.." I stutter. "Mr Nabbit. Hi."
He approaches, smile broadening and eyes scanning the shop excitedly. "What brings you here?" He asks, leaning in conspirationally and lowering his tone to a whisper. "Case? Demons inhabiting malls? Warlocks-"
"No." I cut him off. "Nothing like that." The second the words have left my lips I regret it. Why couldn't I have just lied? It would have made this *that* much easier..not to mention less awkward. Now there'll most likely be more questions and ultimately this situation -considering his obvious crush on Cordelia- is going to get quite uncomfortable.
Even more interested in my current actions and whereabouts, Nabbit tilts his head to the side. "Then why-"
He's cut off by Fred this time as she rushes over, waving a tiny black shirt with the words 'Little Angel' scrawled on the front at me. "Gosh isn't this perfect? I mean, that's what Connor is 'cos, y'know, you're Angel and he-" She stops in her tracks, frozen to the spot when she notices David Nabbit. "Oh, hi. I'm sorry. I didn't see you there. I'm Fred." She extends her hand towards him as she rambles.
"David." He addresses her, shaking hands politely. "David Nabbit."
"It's real nice to meet you."
He grins back, instantly taking a liking to her. Then again, everyone does with Fred. "Pleasure's all mine." He gestures to the shirt in her hand, looks down at Connor who's starting to fuss, and then allows his gaze to settle on her again. "Your son is adorable. Bet he'll look great in that shirt."
"Thankyou." She blushes. "But Connor's not mine."
He looks confused and Fred glances awkwardly towards me, most probably wondering why I haven't jumped in to explain things. In fact, I have no idea why, so I clear my throat and decide to take the spotlight from her. "No..." I agree, bending down to gather the baby in my arms, where he instantly settles. "He's mine."
More confused than ever, Nabbit crinkles his brow. "Okay..I thought you were a vampire..and I thought that vampires...that it was impossible for you to have kids. But, seeing as I've seen stranger things, I'm going to accept it." I heave a sigh of relief. Don't want to have to go into a deep and meaningful about Connor's existence. However, when David makes it clear that he hasn't finished the external monologue, I catch an unneeded breath again and wait for the questions. "So, saying that it is possible...Who's his moth.." He trails off and stares past me, slumping his shoulders. "Oh."
"What?" I ask as I follow his gaze to spy Cordelia eying off another pair of booties. "Oh..No. Cordy's not...Cordelia and I...we're not like that."
Relief seems to flood over his features. "But then," he starts, confusion slowly creeping up on him again, "Who?"
I sigh, "And old flame. Sorta. It's complicated. She, uh, died during childbirth." Okay, not exactly the whole truth, but not a complete lie either.
"Oh." He fidgets, suddenly uncomfortable. "I'm sorry."
I smile and look at Connor, noticing the way his eyes are glued on Cordy and the way he's stretching out a pudgy, little hand in her direction. "Thanks..I just regret the fact that he's not going to have a mother figure around all the time." I smirk, "And I refuse to get into a dress."
Fred giggles and David laughs as well. We stand in silence for a few seconds, before I decide it's time that I start asking the questions. "If you don't mind me asking.." I look around, as if to check our location. "What are YOU doing here?"
"One of my employees' wives is expecting. She's having a shower today, so I thought I'd drop a little something off for her." He replies casually.
Fred beams back at him. "Aawww, that's so sweet."
"Yeah," Cordelia agrees, making her grand entrance into the conversation. "I wish that my boss was that considerate."
I'm halfway towards nodding in agreement before I realise what she actually said. I spin to glare mockingly at her. "Hey!" I protest. "I think I've been more than *considerate* and *sweet* and-"
She laughs. "I was actually referring to Wes 'cos I'm thinking he's the one that's going to organise maternity leave and stuff. But now that you mention it.." She winks.
I roll my eyes. "Funny."
"Always am." She tosses back, reaching for my son. "Come here you.." She coos at him. "Give Daddy back some brooding space."
"And again I say 'HEY!'" I throw at her in playful jest, allowing her take the baby from my arms. "He's not too heavy for you is he?" I ask suddenly, with genuine concern.
She gives me one of her looks. "Angel." She warns.
"Shutting up."
"Uh.." Nabbit starts, looking between Cordelia and myself with caution. "What did I miss there?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Poor, poor Nabbit. The look on his face when Cordelia had explained that she was engaged and expecting twins had been one of sadness. Of course, he'd quickly changes it to surprise and feigned happiness for her, but on the inside I think her news tore him apart. I can't help but sympathise. I mean, I know exactly what he just went through. Okay, maybe not *exactly* but I still understand. He just realised that now there wasn't even a smidgen of a chance to be with her.
Cordelia Chase has been taken. Claimed. Spoken for. No longer available. And there is nothing -not money, power, social status- nothing that can change that. So men like Nabbit and myself that were once under her thrall have to wake up and look elsewhere. I've managed to accept that..I just hope he can as well.
"Well, I've gotta head off." He says, already pulling away from the group. He turns to Cordy and smiles kindly at her, a tiny bit of the pain of his loss shining in his eyes. "Congratulations again. And if there's anything I can do to help you guys," He looks at me, "Anything at all..You have my card."
Grinning Cordelia shakes his hand. "Thanks."
"Anytime." He turns to walk away. "See ya 'round sometime."
And with that, Fred, Cordy and I watch him walk off. Fred turns back to face Cordelia and I. "He was nice." She states happily, before continuing to help Cordy shop.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Ooh." Cordelia says, spying an outfit she likes.
We've moved on from baby merchandise to maternity wear and I'm beginning to regret this. Baby clothes and stuff for Connor I can understand me having to look for, but looking for Cordelia-type maternity wear..well, let's just say it isn't really my thing.
"Angel! What do you think of this?"
I look at the dress in her hands and tilt my head to the side. "It's nice..Not really my style, but it would probably suit you."
She chuckles and rolls her eyes. "Dork." She mutters. As she spins it around I catch a glimpse at the price-tag and, on instinct, gasp. She looks at me, puzzled. "What?"
I try to act nonchalant. "Oh. Nothing. Just saw the price."
She grins. "We've been through this, Angel. The cost of my baby-related stuff is being covered by Lindsey and me."
"Yeah. I know." I brace myself and try to find a way to phrase the rest of my reply. After all, it was just last night that Lindsey spelled out all his fears and worries. One of them being his lack of finances. "It's just..I don't know if that's the kinda price range you should be looking at though."
She narrows her eyes at me. "What are you getting at Angel?"
"Nothing." I grimace. "I mean, Lindsey wasn't really planning on supporting twins and-"
"He told you this?" I nod and she scowls in anger. "He told me there was nothing bothering him! He told me he-"
"I'm guessing he didn't want to worry you." I suggest optimistically, before wondering why it is I am DEFENDING Lindsey all of a sudden.
"Worry me?" She snorts. "WORRY me? Hah! The son of a bitch LIED TO ME! Let's see who's the worried one after I'm done with him!"
And, before I can protest, she's stormed off.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The drive home was pretty uneventful. Cordelia was still fuming and I was keeping my big mouth shut. I didn't want to complicate things even further. Now that's a first. Why am I suddenly looking out for Lindsey? Why am I so afraid of Cordelia and him splitting up? It takes me a while before I work out that not only am I afraid Cordy will be hurt in the process, I've actually started to trust and maybe even like Lindsey. It's a startling revelation, but understandable all the same.
As we walk back in (or rather, as Cordy and Fred walk back in and I rush in underneath a blanket) Wesley looks up at us expectantly. "Well?" He asks. "How did it go?"
Cordelia scowls at him and mumbles something about Lindsey and Wes looks back at me. "That well, huh?"
I nod, and make a mental note to tell him all about the day later, especially our run-in with David Nabbit. I have a few things to discuss with Wesley about that, concerning the latest member of our AI family and a real job..
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A/N- Review now PLEASE...Need feedback. ^_^
Luv ya all
Neata