*Insane1* A/N- Wow…Mrs O-Town, did you see the number of reviews we got?
And they're all so nice! I sooo want to break into Cordy's famous award
speech from Birthday. Lol. Honestly, I wanna thank everyone for reading
*and* reviewing. You're all awesome. Now…onto business…Yes…this is very
AU…and I'll be the first to admit that parts of it are kinda
corny…especially the parts from my own trail of thought…(and I said I hated
clichés…lol)…But it's a light-hearted fic and not meant to be taken very
seriously. Just here to make all C/Aers feel happy. ^_^ For the purpose of
making myself feel better for the last chapter, lets just pretend that
Buffy wasn't a SunnyD chicky. She stayed at Hemery High in LA and never met
the people we call the Scoobies. ^_^ (Not that she's mentioned much in this
chapter…but I thought I'd just make that clear in case she and Cordy meet
up or something…and in case people got confused…I know I would have.)
Now…onto the fabulous Mrs O-Town, The brains of the operation….
*Mrs O-Town* A/N- (Still speechless from amount of AMAZING reviews we got) T..t…t…thank…you? I really can't believe how many of you out there loved it! I mean, WOW! I really wasn't expecting that feedback! I think I'm going to cry, so I'll make this quick…
I'm sure Insane1 told you it was very AU (of course, its written up there!) but we want to make it revolve around as much of Atvs as we can omitting the supernatural side! We both are serious C/A shippers but we need the part in about Buffy (because we wanted to set Angel on the path of redemption) and I think the part about Darla and Angel's plight was brilliant (you have Insane1 to thank for that! ^_^).
I hope you enjoy this next chapter! Luv Ya!
~*~*~Three Days Later~*~*~
*~*~*Cordy*~*~*
Cordelia pulled the zip harder but it still wouldn't budge. She grunted, tucked her hair behind her ears and tried again. Mel entered her sister's room and her jaw dropped.
She looked around at the clothes strewn all over the place. "What happened here?" The young brunette asked, carefully stepping over the clothes. Cordelia snapped her eyes at her sibling.
"I'm…trying…to…pack…my…things," she rationed carefully. Mel mouthed a sarcastic 'Oh-Kay' and looked at the bursting suitcases.
"The stupid thing won't shut!" Cordelia shouted at the currently problematic suitcase in exasperation, hitting it as if the one desperate action could solve all her problems.
Mel sat on the edge of the bed where there weren't any clothes. "I don't think that'll work," The teen informed her sister. Cordelia smiled sardonically and went back to work on her luggage. Mel rolled her eyes. "Cordy, you're only going for a fortnight. There's no need for all this," She motioned at the four suitcases that were scattered around the room, "What happened to just 'packing the basics'?"
Cordy stood up again to survey the scene and sighed, looking at her sister as if she had lost her marbles. "Mel, honey," She informed her baby sister. "These *are* the basics." Cordelia rubbed her hands together and pointed to the remaining case. 'The *evil* remaining case.' Cordy thought. "So, are you gonna help me close this thing, or what?"
Reluctantly, the youngest Chase got up and moved to help. Once completely satisfied, Cordelia put her hands over her delicate hips.
"Now, all we have to do is get these downstairs and I'm set," she said grabbing her passport, her ticket, wallet and car keys from the nightstand and putting them in her handbag.
Mel looked at Cordelia, and then the bags and back to Cordelia. Her eyes widened in horror as realisation dawned on her.
"Oh, no *way* am I going to carry one of *those* down the stairs. It's a death wish!" She protested. Cordelia raised her eyebrows and shot her one of those 'you'd-better-do-as-I-say-or-I'll-tell-mom-how-you-*really*-got- that-'bruise'-on-your-neck' looks.
Defeated, Mel stalked over to the luggage and started with the smallest case. She made a point of dragging it down the hall rather than carrying it, all the while muttering obscenities under her breath.
*~*~*Angel*~*~*
"Man, it's empty in here," Angel said to himself. Gunn, his roommate, had left a couple of days ago with Wes and Lorne and Angel was all alone. Without his friends, Angel found that going out to the clubs was as fun as watching paint dry and even his favourite TV sitcom was dreary.
At least the job interview had been a success. He had been employed as one of the private detectives at Gregory Enterprises, a highly respected law firm. Although Liam wasn't really the law-school yuppie type, this job was perfect for him. All he had to do is chase up dirt for the lawyers. Easy.
Plus, there wasn't really that much Lawyer-Private Eye interaction, so that was a bonus. It wasn't that he had anything against lawyers; he had just never met one that he liked. Although…there *had* been that one at the interview…
Angel smiled to himself. She'd been quite the vixen…Yeah…he could get used to interacting with her…What was her name again? Lily? Lilac? Lilah? Yeah! That's the one. Lilah Morgan. Maybe she might ask him for some…er…research sometime.
Angel shook his head to clear his thoughts. Looked like there were some things he couldn't change about himself after all. Talk about a one-track mind…
The job started in 2 weeks, which was great. Angel could enjoy this vacation and come back to a definite paying job all refreshed. The thought of leaving AI to Gunn and Wes fluttered through his mind and he smiled woefully. It was a bitter-sweet thing, this new job. It promised to pay well and provide him with endless opportunities… but he wouldn't get to do the casework with his best buddies and enjoy chugging down a beer after work while laughing about cases. Okay…so maybe he could still do the chugging and laughing thing…but it wouldn't be the same.
It wasn't definite though. He wasn't leaving AI yet. The best part about this new job was the fact he could still work from his office at AI if he chose to. He'd be on call 24/7 for the damn corporate moguls…but he could still run his little detective agency if he wanted. So long as the 2 jobs never collided, everything would work out fine for him. Angel had made the choice to stay with AI…but a tiny little voice in his head told him that it wouldn't stay like that forever and sooner or later he'd wind up in a tiny little cubicle pushing papers like all the other mindless drones.
"No." Angel voiced aloud. "I'm going on vacation now. I'll deal with all the work related decisions when I get back. The only decision I want to make right now is whether I want the chicken or the fish." He looked around, suddenly realising what he was doing. "I *really* need this trip. I'm going insane here…talking to myself and everything."
'At least you haven't answered yourself yet.' The voice in his head chided. Angel wisely ignored it and made his way to the door, luggage in hand. He was going to have a good time and *nothing* was going to get in his way.
Checking he had the tickets, passport, keys and his credit card, Angel left his luggage at the front door of his apartment to give the place the once- over. He checked to make sure all the windows were shut, that the back door was locked and that his answering machine was on. As Angel saw the glint of the yellow cab pull up on the curb, the phone rang.
'The machine'll get that' He thought as he carried his suitcases into the hall of the apartment complex and locked the door.
Inside the phone clicked into answer mode.
"Liam and Charles aren't in right now so leave a message and we'll get back to you." Angel's voice said, followed by Gunn's "God Man! Could you be anymore boring?" Angel's voice became exasperated. "Gunn…can't you see I'm recording the message here? Oh…right…still recording…Umm…Where was I? Oh well, you know the drill. There'll be a beep. You talk."
Angel hadn't really liked the end result, but Gunn had insisted that they leave it saying that it was comical and impromptu…It portrayed them for who they really were, not just a voice on a machine. He'd gone on and on like that about it so much that Angel had just shrugged and given up. He knew it was a lost cause when Gunn was arguing with him.
A confused and slightly amused voice started after the shrill 'beep'.
"Liam O'Malley? This is Roger Gregory of Gregory Enterprises. I want to talk to you about your new job. Call me back when you can. You've got the number. Bye."
*~*~*~*~*The Airport*~*~*~*~*
"Last call for flight 169, destination Tenerife, now leaving Gate 54," The voice hailed over the loudspeaker.
She rushed from the Baggage Inspection. There was *no* way she was missing this flight. She'd worked too hard to get her suitcases closed and she'd just bought the perfect little gold bikini…She *needed* this vacation.
He rushed from the Passport Inspection. There was *no* way he was missing this flight. He'd paid for the ticket and there were no refunds. Plus, if he didn't get out of this damn city he was going to go insane…He *needed* this vacation.
They ran full speed, neither paying attention to where they were going…and the inevitable happened. They collided. Tickets, passports and luggage went flying.
"Watch where you're going!" The young woman screeched.
The good-looking man held up his hands. "Look lady, it wasn't completely my fault…"
"That's gotta be embarrassing." Angel chuckled from his position in the queue. He'd seen the entire scene play out. In fact, all the people waiting to board the plane had. There were quite a few people heading for Tenerife, he noted. The young lady in front of him turned around and smiled. 'Wow…' Angel thought to himself. He'd *never* seen a smile like that before. It was intoxicating and beautiful. 'This one's a keeper.'
"Yeah…" She agreed. "I'm glad it's not me."
'Huh?' Angel thought, before realising she was referring to his statement. He smiled back at her. "Me too." He stuck out his hand. "Liam…But everyone calls me Angel. Kinda a long story."
She took his hand and shook it. "Its nice to meet you. I'm Cordelia, by the way." She couldn't help noticing this man's good looks. And his biceps… And that smile… 'Stop it Cordy.' Her head scolded. 'You're *engaged*…Remember? To a guy that's not him.' She remembered to release the stranger's hand and tried to maintain conversation, her heart fluttering around like a thousand butterflies. Apparently it hadn't heard her head's order. "So…*Angel*…ever been to Tenerife before?"
*~*~*~*~*The Plane*~*~*~*~*
As luck would have it, Angel and Cordy found themselves seated next to each other. Angel had been booked at the window seat but, being the gentleman …okay…okay…*womaniser* that he was, he gladly swapped seats with the beauty that was Cordelia, accepting the isle. It didn't bother him in the least. As far as he could tell the view he was getting was much better than the one from the window. This one had a smile that could light up a darkened mansion in a second, leaving no crevice in shadow. It had eyes that sparkled with life and beauty. And…wow…when did he get all poetic?
Cordelia couldn't believe it. Not only was this guy completely gorgeous with a totally cute sense of humour…he was also a complete gentleman. He'd given up his window seat for her. Groo hadn't even done that when they'd gone vacationing together. 'No. Groo loves you. You're *engaged* to Groo.' Her head kept arguing. 'For all you know, this guy's just trying to get into your pants. And, NO…you're not even gonna go there.' Cordy cleared her thoughts and turned to beam at Liam…er…Angel.
"So…you're a Private Investigator, huh?" He nodded, his big brown eyes glistening. She smiled and continued, careful not to sound desperate to have a conversation, yet interesting enough to keep *some* chatter going. And, No, Cordelia Chase was *not* on the prowl. She was just…making friends with the hunky guy. "What sort of cases do you get?"
Angel let a half smile drift across his features. This woman was quite intriguing. She had the whole 'Barbie' thing going for her…but at the same time she was…more in-depth. She was extremely charismatic with an air about her that told Angel that she was intelligent as well. And then there was that smile… Angel cleared his throat. He still had to answer her question. "Oh…well, my agency gets a variety of cases. Some are the usual 'track down my cheating ex' thing and others are more like 'I have a stalker, please help me'…There's more than that…but those two seem to be the most popular in LA." He chuckled. "Only in LA." Suddenly, he felt compelled to know more about her. "So…What is it you do exactly?"
"Aww…come on…" She prodded playfully. "You're the detective. You *detect* it. Show me your nasty little detective tricks and work it out like detectives do. I wanna see what you got. Search me for clues and everything." She paused and grimaced at her choice of phrasing. "That was really supposed to be a lot cleaner than it sounded."
Angel couldn't help laughing. "Awww…Now, see…I was getting all excited." Now it was his turn to grimace. "That's *not* what I meant."
"Sure it wasn't." The brunette responded sarcastically.
A huge grin made its way onto Angel's face. "Okay…okay…It *is* what I meant. I'm only human after all."
The two chuckled for a while and Angel set about working out the mystery that was Cordelia. "Okay…you're rich, have stunning good looks, a figure that most women would die for and enjoy flying to paradise islands. You're also really charismatic and have a certain way with people." He said aloud, not really to her, but more just so she could catch onto his train of thought.
Cordelia found herself nodding and smiling. "Very good. You know that much about me. You know the obvious." She had a playful edge to her voice, making sure he *knew* she wasn't completely vain. "But," She grinned wickedly and reached for her glass of complimentary champagne (So they were flying First Class. Let's just say Angel's friends helped pay for his ticket. ^_^) "You still haven't worked out what I do for a living."
Angel had to hold his tongue. He had *sooo* many snarky remarks for that…but he let them go…hesitantly, yes…but he let them go all the same. He nodded smugly in response, her wicked grin becoming infectious. "Hmmm? You're also quite confident and have a good choice in champagne." He raised his glass in a mock toast and clinked it into hers. "Cheers" He brought it to his lips and took a sip. Then it dawned on him. "AH-HA!" he exclaimed. "I got it!"
"Oh really?" She asked, her tone suggesting her disbelief. "Go on then."
"You're an actress." Angel informed her, proud of his deduction.
"Alright. You got me." She chuckled. "How'd you finally work it out?"
He smiled triumphantly. "Ah…Well…That's a secret. A good Private detective never reveals his source…or techniques. But I will tell you that I am very good at what I do. That and my good friend, the TV over there, just informed me."
She rolled her eyes and then caught a glimpse of the TV. Sure enough, there was the ad she had filmed last month. The one with the incredibly skanky bikini top. The one that she felt so degraded in. Suddenly, Cordelia didn't feel so good. "Oh no." She said, her voice suddenly serious.
Angel immediately lost his sense of humour. "What's wrong?" He asked.
"That ad…it was awful. I look soo…slutty in it. I mean…I don't look like a respectable actress…I look like a god-damn porn star. I can't believe that thing's still being aired." Her head fell into her hands and her shoulder length brown hair fell forward as she hid in shame, sobbing silently into her hands.
Angel didn't know what to do. He'd never really been that good around crying women. He was usually what caused the crying anyhow…Not what tried to stop it. Slowly, very cautiously, he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Cordelia? Please…you don't look slutty…you look…" His mind raced for the right word. Slip up now and he'd have the wrath of an emotional woman bearing down on him. "…alluring."
She raised her head slightly and cocked it to one side. "That, in male terminology, is just another word for slutty." She informed him.
Angel couldn't help but laugh, Cordelia playfully jabbed him in the ribs, which made him laugh even harder. Cordelia noted that there were several people now looking at them, some looked quite annoyed. Cordelia tried her hardest to calm him down, but one look at him got her wrapped up in laughs too.
It wasn't long before a stewardess came up to them, threatening to have them removed. (Insane1: How does one get *removed* from an airplane in flight?…lol…^_^ Sorry…now I have images of Cordy being thrown out of the plane halfway across the ocean…lol…its funny really…oh look…now Angel's joining her…lol ^_^. Mrs O-Town: I don't know! Although it is a funny thought! ^_^ Look out below! ^_^ ) Cordelia and Angel, who had tears of laughter streaming down their faces, calmed down a little bit. Cordelia cleared her throat and stifled another giggle. Angel took deep breaths to calm himself down and get his breath back.
"Oh my god!" Cordelia could only manage a whisper. Angel looked around.
"What was so funny anyway?" she asked. Angel shrugged before remembering and chuckling.
"Don't answer that question!" Cordelia quickly said before Angel could start laughing again. She sighed and then recoiled, holding onto her stomach.
"Are you okay?" Angel asked, his tone turning urgent. Cordelia winced and nodded.
"I've got a stitch," she explained. It was a historical fact that whenever Cordelia laughed too much, she got pains in her stomach. Angel reached his hand out to touch her abdomen…he wanted to try to make the pain go away. Cordelia looked at him, surprised at his action
"What are you doing?" she asked, Angel looked up and immediately pulled his hand away. He hastily apologised, going a nice shade of scarlet.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean…"
"It's fine," Cordelia interrupted as she got up and tried to move out falling over Angel's outstretched legs as she did so. Angel, who had surprisingly quick reflexes, managed to catch her before she ungracefully fell. However, he couldn't prevent her from jabbing her elbow into his thigh.
"Ow!" he exclaimed receiving an apology from an embarrassed Cordelia. "Any further up my leg and I think I might have been neutered."
Cordelia pulled herself up, visibly reddened, and giggled. She clamped her perfectly manicured hand to her mouth to prevent a repeat. "Sorry," she snickered and tried to *climb* over Angel this time.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
Cordelia motioned to the bathroom, "I need to freshen up," she explained.
Angel gave her one of his smiles. "Well, don't be too long," he said as she flashed him a grin and disappeared.
Cordelia closed the lock and silently giggled, remembering the events that had occurred. Angel was no doubt a funny guy. She hadn't had this much fun since…well; she hadn't had this much fun in a *long* time. Cordelia opened the tap and cold, soft water gushed out. She washed her face and dried it, looking at herself in the mirror. She gasped a little as she caught the glint of her ring in the reflection.
'What the hell are you doing?" she scolded her herself. 'You've just got engaged to the man who you've been in a loving relationship with for over a year and you're the happiest you've ever been in your whole life, but you haven't even been apart for a *day* and you are in a flirting match with a guy you've only just met! Okay, so Angel is a gorgeous guy with the most captivating brown eyes in the universe, and *maybe* he can get you all hot and bothered…especially when he gives you one of those sexy smiles… And maybe you *have* talked to him more in the last few hours than you have spoken to Groo in the last *week!*…but you're not exactly being fair here.'
'Groo…' she mused as she watched the lights glimmer off the ring, which seemed to be weighing her down 'Keep thinking of Groo. Not Angel!' she mentally pleaded with herself before a frown crossed her face.
"Screw it!" she said aloud, pulling the ring from her finger and almost throwing it down on the edge of the sink. "I took this vacation to *stop* thinking about Groo and the wedding…" Her finger seemed to be relieved of the weight and Cordelia started to feel better. "For the year I've remained totally faithful. I used to have guys falling over each other just to be *seen* with me. I may have always wanted to settle down and start a family, but I miss the single life. It's about time I had some fun!" Cordelia smiled at her reflection. "Go on…Enjoy yourself." She instructed it.
"For the next two weeks, I am single and I'm free and I'm going to enjoy myself…starting with Angel. I may not even see him again after the flight so I may as well have some fun now…" she said, convincing herself that flirting with this guy couldn't do any harm.
Her head had the grace to add, 'Anyway, what Groo doesn't know, can't hurt him, right?'
She finished her thoughts and checked her make-up, her hair and straightened out her outfit before putting the ring in her purse.
'Watch out boys, here I come!' Cordelia thought as she exited the bathroom and went back to her seat. Angel saw her approaching and dutifully got up, allowing her to get in. She thanked him by smiling her especially reserved 1000-watt smile and gently touching his forearm. 'Queen C's still got it.' She grinned at the look on his face.
Angel observed the gesture, which sent shock waves throughout his body. No girl had ever done that to him before, not even Buffy or Darla. This was too good to be true. *She* was too good to be true! What the hell was he missing here? There had to be something…
And he called himself a detective.
"So, Angel," Cordelia smirked as she sat back down, "We've talked about almost everything, except why you're going to Tenerife," she said. Angel sat down and shifted a bit to get comfortable.
"Well, I just felt like a vacation. Things at home got a bit stressful and I needed to get out of the house."
Cordelia nodded. "I know what you mean. Things just became…too much for me."
Angel smiled. "I probably wouldn't be here if my friends hadn't persuaded me to come." He watched Cordelia look around, as if she had missed something. He shook his head and explained. "They got an earlier flight out."
She looked at him quizzically. "How come?"
"I had a job interview I couldn't miss and…plus… if I had flown out with them, I wouldn't have met you." Cordelia blushed and took a sip of her champagne to try and calm herself down. She felt Angel's eyes on her, and it pierced through her heart. 'Wow, could this guy *be* any hotter?' she asked herself.
Angel couldn't believe what had just come out of his mouth. He was turning into the smooth-talking, womanising creature that lived beneath his skin…and he couldn't control it. But the difference this time was that she was a rich actress who probably drove a red convertible while he was the owner of a small detective agency who could only just make ends meet. He had no chance. Looks could only get you so far with a woman that had everything. He knew that. Didn't stop him from trying though. He was almost disgusted with himself. *Almost*.
"Thanks," Cordelia said, Angel smiled at her again, which made her blush even more.
"How about you? Meeting anyone out there? Family, friends?" Angel dreaded the response 'Fiancé…boyfriend…husband…significant other.' He deliberately failed to touch on the subject.
Cordelia shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "I…er…I'm on my own. I just needed to get away from everything…everyone," she explained.
He felt his heart do a summersault and almost whooped for joy. So far, this girl was fair game. Keeping his excitement hidden, he coolly replied, "I'm the same… except I have to share a hotel room with the three stooges who I spend far too much time with anyway!" He'd already said that…hadn't he? He inwardly rolled his eyes at himself. No woman had ever made him feel soo clumsy in flirting. Come to think of it…no woman had ever made his heart summersault before…What was going on with him?
Cordelia nudged him and shook him out of his thoughts. "I'm sure they're not *that* bad!"
"You wanna make a bet? I bet the minute they see me, they'll be dragging me off to the first club they see." He paused "…Not that that's a bad thing…" He smiled and shook his head. "I just find it gets a little repetitive sometimes."
Cordelia nodded. "Uh-huh. I used to love the socialising…but when I-" She cut herself short. She couldn't believe she was about to say 'When I met Groo…' She had to think quickly. Hey, she was an actress. Improv came naturally. "-When I became an actress…I started going to the more sophisticated parties and functions."
"That's understandable." Angel replied. "I've actually been undercover at social functions and stuff…totally different atmosphere."
He wanted to hit himself upside the head. 'Smooth one Angel…Remind her once again of the difference in calibre between the two of you. While she gets *invited* as a *guest* you *sneak* in as a…well…as a sneaky thing.'
He decided to change the conversation. "So…Which part of Tenerife are you going to?" Angel asked.
"Playa de la Americas." She seemed oblivious to the immediate change of subject.
'Good.' His mind heaved a sigh of relief. 'Hang on…did she just say what I think she just said? She did…she did.' Angel took the final sip of his champagne and smiled confidently. "Really? Me too. The guys booked it. Apparently it's the best place to go to for clubbing."
"Well…I've been looking at-" Again she found herself slipping. This time she almost said 'Honeymoon destinations'. "- I've been looking at different holiday locations and it just stood out. Once again…I might refrain from the clubbing scene…I think I'll spend most of my time sunbathing, getting massages and in the sauna."
Angel grinned. "Sounds like a plan."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Okay, hope you enjoyed that! If you did, if you didn't then there is a little purplely blue button down there: I
I
V
Hope that worked! See ya! ^_^!
*Mrs O-Town* A/N- (Still speechless from amount of AMAZING reviews we got) T..t…t…thank…you? I really can't believe how many of you out there loved it! I mean, WOW! I really wasn't expecting that feedback! I think I'm going to cry, so I'll make this quick…
I'm sure Insane1 told you it was very AU (of course, its written up there!) but we want to make it revolve around as much of Atvs as we can omitting the supernatural side! We both are serious C/A shippers but we need the part in about Buffy (because we wanted to set Angel on the path of redemption) and I think the part about Darla and Angel's plight was brilliant (you have Insane1 to thank for that! ^_^).
I hope you enjoy this next chapter! Luv Ya!
~*~*~Three Days Later~*~*~
*~*~*Cordy*~*~*
Cordelia pulled the zip harder but it still wouldn't budge. She grunted, tucked her hair behind her ears and tried again. Mel entered her sister's room and her jaw dropped.
She looked around at the clothes strewn all over the place. "What happened here?" The young brunette asked, carefully stepping over the clothes. Cordelia snapped her eyes at her sibling.
"I'm…trying…to…pack…my…things," she rationed carefully. Mel mouthed a sarcastic 'Oh-Kay' and looked at the bursting suitcases.
"The stupid thing won't shut!" Cordelia shouted at the currently problematic suitcase in exasperation, hitting it as if the one desperate action could solve all her problems.
Mel sat on the edge of the bed where there weren't any clothes. "I don't think that'll work," The teen informed her sister. Cordelia smiled sardonically and went back to work on her luggage. Mel rolled her eyes. "Cordy, you're only going for a fortnight. There's no need for all this," She motioned at the four suitcases that were scattered around the room, "What happened to just 'packing the basics'?"
Cordy stood up again to survey the scene and sighed, looking at her sister as if she had lost her marbles. "Mel, honey," She informed her baby sister. "These *are* the basics." Cordelia rubbed her hands together and pointed to the remaining case. 'The *evil* remaining case.' Cordy thought. "So, are you gonna help me close this thing, or what?"
Reluctantly, the youngest Chase got up and moved to help. Once completely satisfied, Cordelia put her hands over her delicate hips.
"Now, all we have to do is get these downstairs and I'm set," she said grabbing her passport, her ticket, wallet and car keys from the nightstand and putting them in her handbag.
Mel looked at Cordelia, and then the bags and back to Cordelia. Her eyes widened in horror as realisation dawned on her.
"Oh, no *way* am I going to carry one of *those* down the stairs. It's a death wish!" She protested. Cordelia raised her eyebrows and shot her one of those 'you'd-better-do-as-I-say-or-I'll-tell-mom-how-you-*really*-got- that-'bruise'-on-your-neck' looks.
Defeated, Mel stalked over to the luggage and started with the smallest case. She made a point of dragging it down the hall rather than carrying it, all the while muttering obscenities under her breath.
*~*~*Angel*~*~*
"Man, it's empty in here," Angel said to himself. Gunn, his roommate, had left a couple of days ago with Wes and Lorne and Angel was all alone. Without his friends, Angel found that going out to the clubs was as fun as watching paint dry and even his favourite TV sitcom was dreary.
At least the job interview had been a success. He had been employed as one of the private detectives at Gregory Enterprises, a highly respected law firm. Although Liam wasn't really the law-school yuppie type, this job was perfect for him. All he had to do is chase up dirt for the lawyers. Easy.
Plus, there wasn't really that much Lawyer-Private Eye interaction, so that was a bonus. It wasn't that he had anything against lawyers; he had just never met one that he liked. Although…there *had* been that one at the interview…
Angel smiled to himself. She'd been quite the vixen…Yeah…he could get used to interacting with her…What was her name again? Lily? Lilac? Lilah? Yeah! That's the one. Lilah Morgan. Maybe she might ask him for some…er…research sometime.
Angel shook his head to clear his thoughts. Looked like there were some things he couldn't change about himself after all. Talk about a one-track mind…
The job started in 2 weeks, which was great. Angel could enjoy this vacation and come back to a definite paying job all refreshed. The thought of leaving AI to Gunn and Wes fluttered through his mind and he smiled woefully. It was a bitter-sweet thing, this new job. It promised to pay well and provide him with endless opportunities… but he wouldn't get to do the casework with his best buddies and enjoy chugging down a beer after work while laughing about cases. Okay…so maybe he could still do the chugging and laughing thing…but it wouldn't be the same.
It wasn't definite though. He wasn't leaving AI yet. The best part about this new job was the fact he could still work from his office at AI if he chose to. He'd be on call 24/7 for the damn corporate moguls…but he could still run his little detective agency if he wanted. So long as the 2 jobs never collided, everything would work out fine for him. Angel had made the choice to stay with AI…but a tiny little voice in his head told him that it wouldn't stay like that forever and sooner or later he'd wind up in a tiny little cubicle pushing papers like all the other mindless drones.
"No." Angel voiced aloud. "I'm going on vacation now. I'll deal with all the work related decisions when I get back. The only decision I want to make right now is whether I want the chicken or the fish." He looked around, suddenly realising what he was doing. "I *really* need this trip. I'm going insane here…talking to myself and everything."
'At least you haven't answered yourself yet.' The voice in his head chided. Angel wisely ignored it and made his way to the door, luggage in hand. He was going to have a good time and *nothing* was going to get in his way.
Checking he had the tickets, passport, keys and his credit card, Angel left his luggage at the front door of his apartment to give the place the once- over. He checked to make sure all the windows were shut, that the back door was locked and that his answering machine was on. As Angel saw the glint of the yellow cab pull up on the curb, the phone rang.
'The machine'll get that' He thought as he carried his suitcases into the hall of the apartment complex and locked the door.
Inside the phone clicked into answer mode.
"Liam and Charles aren't in right now so leave a message and we'll get back to you." Angel's voice said, followed by Gunn's "God Man! Could you be anymore boring?" Angel's voice became exasperated. "Gunn…can't you see I'm recording the message here? Oh…right…still recording…Umm…Where was I? Oh well, you know the drill. There'll be a beep. You talk."
Angel hadn't really liked the end result, but Gunn had insisted that they leave it saying that it was comical and impromptu…It portrayed them for who they really were, not just a voice on a machine. He'd gone on and on like that about it so much that Angel had just shrugged and given up. He knew it was a lost cause when Gunn was arguing with him.
A confused and slightly amused voice started after the shrill 'beep'.
"Liam O'Malley? This is Roger Gregory of Gregory Enterprises. I want to talk to you about your new job. Call me back when you can. You've got the number. Bye."
*~*~*~*~*The Airport*~*~*~*~*
"Last call for flight 169, destination Tenerife, now leaving Gate 54," The voice hailed over the loudspeaker.
She rushed from the Baggage Inspection. There was *no* way she was missing this flight. She'd worked too hard to get her suitcases closed and she'd just bought the perfect little gold bikini…She *needed* this vacation.
He rushed from the Passport Inspection. There was *no* way he was missing this flight. He'd paid for the ticket and there were no refunds. Plus, if he didn't get out of this damn city he was going to go insane…He *needed* this vacation.
They ran full speed, neither paying attention to where they were going…and the inevitable happened. They collided. Tickets, passports and luggage went flying.
"Watch where you're going!" The young woman screeched.
The good-looking man held up his hands. "Look lady, it wasn't completely my fault…"
"That's gotta be embarrassing." Angel chuckled from his position in the queue. He'd seen the entire scene play out. In fact, all the people waiting to board the plane had. There were quite a few people heading for Tenerife, he noted. The young lady in front of him turned around and smiled. 'Wow…' Angel thought to himself. He'd *never* seen a smile like that before. It was intoxicating and beautiful. 'This one's a keeper.'
"Yeah…" She agreed. "I'm glad it's not me."
'Huh?' Angel thought, before realising she was referring to his statement. He smiled back at her. "Me too." He stuck out his hand. "Liam…But everyone calls me Angel. Kinda a long story."
She took his hand and shook it. "Its nice to meet you. I'm Cordelia, by the way." She couldn't help noticing this man's good looks. And his biceps… And that smile… 'Stop it Cordy.' Her head scolded. 'You're *engaged*…Remember? To a guy that's not him.' She remembered to release the stranger's hand and tried to maintain conversation, her heart fluttering around like a thousand butterflies. Apparently it hadn't heard her head's order. "So…*Angel*…ever been to Tenerife before?"
*~*~*~*~*The Plane*~*~*~*~*
As luck would have it, Angel and Cordy found themselves seated next to each other. Angel had been booked at the window seat but, being the gentleman …okay…okay…*womaniser* that he was, he gladly swapped seats with the beauty that was Cordelia, accepting the isle. It didn't bother him in the least. As far as he could tell the view he was getting was much better than the one from the window. This one had a smile that could light up a darkened mansion in a second, leaving no crevice in shadow. It had eyes that sparkled with life and beauty. And…wow…when did he get all poetic?
Cordelia couldn't believe it. Not only was this guy completely gorgeous with a totally cute sense of humour…he was also a complete gentleman. He'd given up his window seat for her. Groo hadn't even done that when they'd gone vacationing together. 'No. Groo loves you. You're *engaged* to Groo.' Her head kept arguing. 'For all you know, this guy's just trying to get into your pants. And, NO…you're not even gonna go there.' Cordy cleared her thoughts and turned to beam at Liam…er…Angel.
"So…you're a Private Investigator, huh?" He nodded, his big brown eyes glistening. She smiled and continued, careful not to sound desperate to have a conversation, yet interesting enough to keep *some* chatter going. And, No, Cordelia Chase was *not* on the prowl. She was just…making friends with the hunky guy. "What sort of cases do you get?"
Angel let a half smile drift across his features. This woman was quite intriguing. She had the whole 'Barbie' thing going for her…but at the same time she was…more in-depth. She was extremely charismatic with an air about her that told Angel that she was intelligent as well. And then there was that smile… Angel cleared his throat. He still had to answer her question. "Oh…well, my agency gets a variety of cases. Some are the usual 'track down my cheating ex' thing and others are more like 'I have a stalker, please help me'…There's more than that…but those two seem to be the most popular in LA." He chuckled. "Only in LA." Suddenly, he felt compelled to know more about her. "So…What is it you do exactly?"
"Aww…come on…" She prodded playfully. "You're the detective. You *detect* it. Show me your nasty little detective tricks and work it out like detectives do. I wanna see what you got. Search me for clues and everything." She paused and grimaced at her choice of phrasing. "That was really supposed to be a lot cleaner than it sounded."
Angel couldn't help laughing. "Awww…Now, see…I was getting all excited." Now it was his turn to grimace. "That's *not* what I meant."
"Sure it wasn't." The brunette responded sarcastically.
A huge grin made its way onto Angel's face. "Okay…okay…It *is* what I meant. I'm only human after all."
The two chuckled for a while and Angel set about working out the mystery that was Cordelia. "Okay…you're rich, have stunning good looks, a figure that most women would die for and enjoy flying to paradise islands. You're also really charismatic and have a certain way with people." He said aloud, not really to her, but more just so she could catch onto his train of thought.
Cordelia found herself nodding and smiling. "Very good. You know that much about me. You know the obvious." She had a playful edge to her voice, making sure he *knew* she wasn't completely vain. "But," She grinned wickedly and reached for her glass of complimentary champagne (So they were flying First Class. Let's just say Angel's friends helped pay for his ticket. ^_^) "You still haven't worked out what I do for a living."
Angel had to hold his tongue. He had *sooo* many snarky remarks for that…but he let them go…hesitantly, yes…but he let them go all the same. He nodded smugly in response, her wicked grin becoming infectious. "Hmmm? You're also quite confident and have a good choice in champagne." He raised his glass in a mock toast and clinked it into hers. "Cheers" He brought it to his lips and took a sip. Then it dawned on him. "AH-HA!" he exclaimed. "I got it!"
"Oh really?" She asked, her tone suggesting her disbelief. "Go on then."
"You're an actress." Angel informed her, proud of his deduction.
"Alright. You got me." She chuckled. "How'd you finally work it out?"
He smiled triumphantly. "Ah…Well…That's a secret. A good Private detective never reveals his source…or techniques. But I will tell you that I am very good at what I do. That and my good friend, the TV over there, just informed me."
She rolled her eyes and then caught a glimpse of the TV. Sure enough, there was the ad she had filmed last month. The one with the incredibly skanky bikini top. The one that she felt so degraded in. Suddenly, Cordelia didn't feel so good. "Oh no." She said, her voice suddenly serious.
Angel immediately lost his sense of humour. "What's wrong?" He asked.
"That ad…it was awful. I look soo…slutty in it. I mean…I don't look like a respectable actress…I look like a god-damn porn star. I can't believe that thing's still being aired." Her head fell into her hands and her shoulder length brown hair fell forward as she hid in shame, sobbing silently into her hands.
Angel didn't know what to do. He'd never really been that good around crying women. He was usually what caused the crying anyhow…Not what tried to stop it. Slowly, very cautiously, he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Cordelia? Please…you don't look slutty…you look…" His mind raced for the right word. Slip up now and he'd have the wrath of an emotional woman bearing down on him. "…alluring."
She raised her head slightly and cocked it to one side. "That, in male terminology, is just another word for slutty." She informed him.
Angel couldn't help but laugh, Cordelia playfully jabbed him in the ribs, which made him laugh even harder. Cordelia noted that there were several people now looking at them, some looked quite annoyed. Cordelia tried her hardest to calm him down, but one look at him got her wrapped up in laughs too.
It wasn't long before a stewardess came up to them, threatening to have them removed. (Insane1: How does one get *removed* from an airplane in flight?…lol…^_^ Sorry…now I have images of Cordy being thrown out of the plane halfway across the ocean…lol…its funny really…oh look…now Angel's joining her…lol ^_^. Mrs O-Town: I don't know! Although it is a funny thought! ^_^ Look out below! ^_^ ) Cordelia and Angel, who had tears of laughter streaming down their faces, calmed down a little bit. Cordelia cleared her throat and stifled another giggle. Angel took deep breaths to calm himself down and get his breath back.
"Oh my god!" Cordelia could only manage a whisper. Angel looked around.
"What was so funny anyway?" she asked. Angel shrugged before remembering and chuckling.
"Don't answer that question!" Cordelia quickly said before Angel could start laughing again. She sighed and then recoiled, holding onto her stomach.
"Are you okay?" Angel asked, his tone turning urgent. Cordelia winced and nodded.
"I've got a stitch," she explained. It was a historical fact that whenever Cordelia laughed too much, she got pains in her stomach. Angel reached his hand out to touch her abdomen…he wanted to try to make the pain go away. Cordelia looked at him, surprised at his action
"What are you doing?" she asked, Angel looked up and immediately pulled his hand away. He hastily apologised, going a nice shade of scarlet.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean…"
"It's fine," Cordelia interrupted as she got up and tried to move out falling over Angel's outstretched legs as she did so. Angel, who had surprisingly quick reflexes, managed to catch her before she ungracefully fell. However, he couldn't prevent her from jabbing her elbow into his thigh.
"Ow!" he exclaimed receiving an apology from an embarrassed Cordelia. "Any further up my leg and I think I might have been neutered."
Cordelia pulled herself up, visibly reddened, and giggled. She clamped her perfectly manicured hand to her mouth to prevent a repeat. "Sorry," she snickered and tried to *climb* over Angel this time.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
Cordelia motioned to the bathroom, "I need to freshen up," she explained.
Angel gave her one of his smiles. "Well, don't be too long," he said as she flashed him a grin and disappeared.
Cordelia closed the lock and silently giggled, remembering the events that had occurred. Angel was no doubt a funny guy. She hadn't had this much fun since…well; she hadn't had this much fun in a *long* time. Cordelia opened the tap and cold, soft water gushed out. She washed her face and dried it, looking at herself in the mirror. She gasped a little as she caught the glint of her ring in the reflection.
'What the hell are you doing?" she scolded her herself. 'You've just got engaged to the man who you've been in a loving relationship with for over a year and you're the happiest you've ever been in your whole life, but you haven't even been apart for a *day* and you are in a flirting match with a guy you've only just met! Okay, so Angel is a gorgeous guy with the most captivating brown eyes in the universe, and *maybe* he can get you all hot and bothered…especially when he gives you one of those sexy smiles… And maybe you *have* talked to him more in the last few hours than you have spoken to Groo in the last *week!*…but you're not exactly being fair here.'
'Groo…' she mused as she watched the lights glimmer off the ring, which seemed to be weighing her down 'Keep thinking of Groo. Not Angel!' she mentally pleaded with herself before a frown crossed her face.
"Screw it!" she said aloud, pulling the ring from her finger and almost throwing it down on the edge of the sink. "I took this vacation to *stop* thinking about Groo and the wedding…" Her finger seemed to be relieved of the weight and Cordelia started to feel better. "For the year I've remained totally faithful. I used to have guys falling over each other just to be *seen* with me. I may have always wanted to settle down and start a family, but I miss the single life. It's about time I had some fun!" Cordelia smiled at her reflection. "Go on…Enjoy yourself." She instructed it.
"For the next two weeks, I am single and I'm free and I'm going to enjoy myself…starting with Angel. I may not even see him again after the flight so I may as well have some fun now…" she said, convincing herself that flirting with this guy couldn't do any harm.
Her head had the grace to add, 'Anyway, what Groo doesn't know, can't hurt him, right?'
She finished her thoughts and checked her make-up, her hair and straightened out her outfit before putting the ring in her purse.
'Watch out boys, here I come!' Cordelia thought as she exited the bathroom and went back to her seat. Angel saw her approaching and dutifully got up, allowing her to get in. She thanked him by smiling her especially reserved 1000-watt smile and gently touching his forearm. 'Queen C's still got it.' She grinned at the look on his face.
Angel observed the gesture, which sent shock waves throughout his body. No girl had ever done that to him before, not even Buffy or Darla. This was too good to be true. *She* was too good to be true! What the hell was he missing here? There had to be something…
And he called himself a detective.
"So, Angel," Cordelia smirked as she sat back down, "We've talked about almost everything, except why you're going to Tenerife," she said. Angel sat down and shifted a bit to get comfortable.
"Well, I just felt like a vacation. Things at home got a bit stressful and I needed to get out of the house."
Cordelia nodded. "I know what you mean. Things just became…too much for me."
Angel smiled. "I probably wouldn't be here if my friends hadn't persuaded me to come." He watched Cordelia look around, as if she had missed something. He shook his head and explained. "They got an earlier flight out."
She looked at him quizzically. "How come?"
"I had a job interview I couldn't miss and…plus… if I had flown out with them, I wouldn't have met you." Cordelia blushed and took a sip of her champagne to try and calm herself down. She felt Angel's eyes on her, and it pierced through her heart. 'Wow, could this guy *be* any hotter?' she asked herself.
Angel couldn't believe what had just come out of his mouth. He was turning into the smooth-talking, womanising creature that lived beneath his skin…and he couldn't control it. But the difference this time was that she was a rich actress who probably drove a red convertible while he was the owner of a small detective agency who could only just make ends meet. He had no chance. Looks could only get you so far with a woman that had everything. He knew that. Didn't stop him from trying though. He was almost disgusted with himself. *Almost*.
"Thanks," Cordelia said, Angel smiled at her again, which made her blush even more.
"How about you? Meeting anyone out there? Family, friends?" Angel dreaded the response 'Fiancé…boyfriend…husband…significant other.' He deliberately failed to touch on the subject.
Cordelia shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "I…er…I'm on my own. I just needed to get away from everything…everyone," she explained.
He felt his heart do a summersault and almost whooped for joy. So far, this girl was fair game. Keeping his excitement hidden, he coolly replied, "I'm the same… except I have to share a hotel room with the three stooges who I spend far too much time with anyway!" He'd already said that…hadn't he? He inwardly rolled his eyes at himself. No woman had ever made him feel soo clumsy in flirting. Come to think of it…no woman had ever made his heart summersault before…What was going on with him?
Cordelia nudged him and shook him out of his thoughts. "I'm sure they're not *that* bad!"
"You wanna make a bet? I bet the minute they see me, they'll be dragging me off to the first club they see." He paused "…Not that that's a bad thing…" He smiled and shook his head. "I just find it gets a little repetitive sometimes."
Cordelia nodded. "Uh-huh. I used to love the socialising…but when I-" She cut herself short. She couldn't believe she was about to say 'When I met Groo…' She had to think quickly. Hey, she was an actress. Improv came naturally. "-When I became an actress…I started going to the more sophisticated parties and functions."
"That's understandable." Angel replied. "I've actually been undercover at social functions and stuff…totally different atmosphere."
He wanted to hit himself upside the head. 'Smooth one Angel…Remind her once again of the difference in calibre between the two of you. While she gets *invited* as a *guest* you *sneak* in as a…well…as a sneaky thing.'
He decided to change the conversation. "So…Which part of Tenerife are you going to?" Angel asked.
"Playa de la Americas." She seemed oblivious to the immediate change of subject.
'Good.' His mind heaved a sigh of relief. 'Hang on…did she just say what I think she just said? She did…she did.' Angel took the final sip of his champagne and smiled confidently. "Really? Me too. The guys booked it. Apparently it's the best place to go to for clubbing."
"Well…I've been looking at-" Again she found herself slipping. This time she almost said 'Honeymoon destinations'. "- I've been looking at different holiday locations and it just stood out. Once again…I might refrain from the clubbing scene…I think I'll spend most of my time sunbathing, getting massages and in the sauna."
Angel grinned. "Sounds like a plan."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Okay, hope you enjoyed that! If you did, if you didn't then there is a little purplely blue button down there: I
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