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Disclaimer: We all know they're not mine.

Words in indicate thoughts.

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Part 1: First Glimpse of La-La land


Cordelia shook her head, slightly perturbed. Well, that was weird. Since when do I share my deepest, darkest thoughts with perfect strangers, even Prada-toting ones?

She knew, of course, the reason. Having been so openly rejected by Harmony and the rest of her old group, she had welcomed any friendly glance sent her way. Going out with Xander had already lowered her May Queen status considerably, but being dumped by him...she could not ignore the looks of pity she received in the halls. She had not realized she had sunk so low until that moment she had been turned down by one of her castoff boyfriends.

Cordelia's pride had taken a deep blow after that incident, but there was no way in hell she would run to Willow or Buffy for comfort. So she had turned to Anya, who was appropriately sympathetic.

And speaking of Anya...

Cordelia turned to where the girl had been standing a few moments ago. Had been standing.

Where did she run off to? she thought, annoyed. That's what happens when I vent about old boyfriends. She must have wigged out and snuck off when I wasn't looking.

Shrugging, she looked around the quad for someone else to hang with. Surely she had had not yet earned herself the title of Social Outcast...

In the distance, she saw a flash of blow-dried blondeness. Harmony. And therefore the rest of the sheep. I'll give them one more chance, she decided. I've really got to get over this Xander thing. He's simply not worth the trauma.

Having reassured herself, she made her way over to where the flock was standing. Pasting a grin on her face, she reached Harmony's side and opened her mouth to say hi.

The blonde raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow when she saw Cordy approach. "Excuse me, I think you've got the wrong group. The Losers United are gathering over there," she pointed, amidst titters from the sheep.

She rolled her eyes at the pathetic excuse for an insult. Those brainless morons, thought Cordelia uncharitably.

"Cut the crap, Harmony. You know I was temporarily insane when I went out with Xander Harris. I am so over him."

Harmony laughed even louder. "Please. You? With Xander? In your dreams, Wal-Mart. God knows why he says you're his best friend, but you are totally not girlfriend material! He is like, way out of your league." She wrinkled her nose for emphasis, then paused, eyeing Cordelia's outfit with interest. "Why, Cordy...are you showing signs of taste all of a sudden? Since when do you wear Versace? Or is that merely a cheap rip-off?"

Cordelia blinked. "What? Oh, hey! Quit...!"

Harmony had reached out and was now fingering the material of her dress. Cordelia slapped her hand away, utterly confused at the recent turn of events.

"It's real," pronounced Harmony with an incredulous laugh. Ignoring Cordy completely, she turned back to her friends. "Cordelia Chase in Versace. Wait till Willow hears this...that is, if she's not too busy with her loser boyfriend..." More titters, and then the group turned as one and walked away, leaving a bewildered Cordelia staring after them.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed her arm. "Quick, Cordy," said a heartbreakingly familiar voice, "emergency meeting at the library."

She turned around and faced Xander, fighting to suppress the rush of emotions that hit her at the sight of him. Goofy grin-wise, he looked alarmingly cute as usual, but... His clothes aren't tacky for once.

There was no time to muse upon the observation, for she suddenly remembered what he had done. The nerve of him to come talk to her...and in public, no less! She shook his hand off and said in the nastiest voice she could muster, "As if I'd ever go to another one of those stupid meetings again. Unlike you, Harris, I have a life."

Xander looked at her, startled. Then, inexplicably, he nodded, his face creasing into a sad smile. "I don't want to face them either, Cordy, but Giles needs us."

He took her arm gently and led her off in the direction of the library. Cordelia, still trying to make out what he meant, went along without further protest.

* * *

Well if she was going to be coerced into attending another one of these half-baked meetings she was going to do it on her own terms. Cordelia pushed open the double doors and entered the library before Xander, ready with some ingrating comment. The words died on her lips when she saw the scene before her.

Giles was in the corner, gathering some dusty old books, and Buffy was sitting at a table, sharpening stakes. Nothing new there. But Willow...Willow was sitting on Oz's lap. On Oz's lap! And...there was kissing! Xander noticed where she was looking and squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. He took a seat across from the couple and looked away, his eyes carefully set on Giles' face.

"So, G-Man, what's on the agenda for today? Six-legged demon cow? Vampire bunnies from outer space? Make it quick. It's Pizza Day, and there's a large pepperoni and cheese waiting in the caf with my name on it."

Giles cleared his throat and approached the table, carrying a large pile of books in his arms. "Um, y-yes. Shall we begin?"

He glanced over at the door, where Cordy was still standing agape. "Cordelia, d-do have a seat. This is rather important." He gestured to the books in front of him and addressed the group, his demeanor immediately becoming authoritative. "N-now according to my research, there seems to be a sacrificial gathering that will take place in a few days. The Books of Ra have prophesied the rising of a being they call Homen-tap, or..."

"What the hell is going on around here?" Cordelia, having found her voice at last.

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More soon, and this is a promise. After all, it's not like I'm writing a fic from the beginning, am I?