Title: Friendly Reflection


Disclaimer: I don't own 'em. Never will. I do make claims to Lexia who I thought up all by myself. No help from nobody. Ok! Yes I made her up as a like, "fellow-demon-child-type" to relate to Connor, but that's all mine. Yep....anyways....


Summary: Set before Rain of Fire, as if Cordy had never left the hotel and ran back to Connor's place. Connor's coping with living alone when he meets someone who has something in common with him.


Raiting: Pg-13



Chapter 3:



Lexia stared her father in the eye. She couldn't believe he just manifested in the middle of her apartment like he owned the place. What a jerk


"Is there something you wanted?" she asked setting down her coffee cup and crossing her arms over chest.


"What do you think your doing?" her father asked with a similar stance as her.


"I was having my coffee, until I was rudely interrupted. Do you think you can come in here anytime you want?"


"Don't change the subject Lexia. You know what I was talking about. Who was that boy?"


"A boy! Obviously. Dad, you can't do this."


"What?" he asked begging to move about her apartment, examining it.


"Spy on me! This is my house, I'm 18, an adult. You have no right to just barge in here."


"No right?" he asked with disdain.


"Oh, here we go," Lexia said throwing her hands up in the air.


"I ave every right to know what goes on in your life. I'm your father. Not only that, but u were to be our link to the outside world... Our information. But no. You refused us."


"Because I'm not one of you! I'm human!"


"Oh, some human. Not every human can go out and fight demons, and live for crying out loud."


"Connor can," Lexia said turning away from her father, sick of his bullshit.


"Really?" he asked coming closer to her. "Well I don't know what yet. But there is something off about that boy. I can still smell it in here. And I know you can too. Deny it all you want. But I'll find out, and then you'll have to listen."


Lexia bit her lip and hugged herself against her fathers angry words. Then she felt his presence leave and she relaxes a little bit. Lexia settled on her couch and thought. She could smell something different about Connor too. She didn't know what though. Maybe she didn't want to know.

+ + +


Connor looked around his-apartment, cave, whole in the wall- for a decent shirt. He had gotten several when he lived with Gunn and Fred, but he couldn't find one he liked enough. Not for tonight anyway. It was special. Lexia was special.


He could tell that about her. Connor just felt it. Something had obviously happened to her that she knew what really goes bump in the night, but at least she didn't let it get her down. She was strong. And sexy. Very sexy.


Connor smiled to himself as he finally found a dark green button up. He took of his t-shirt to put it on, but he heard the door, softly open and close. Tensing, he wondered who was breaking in. He grabbed a nearby dagger and advanced that way. Connor could hear whoever it was approaching the inner room hesitantly, as if they weren't sure if they should be here. Well, I know buddy, Connor thought. And you're gonna wish you never came when I beat your ass.


Suddenly he jumped from around the corner to face his intruder.


"Agh!" Cordelia screamed and slugged him across the jaw.


Connor lifted a hand to his jaw, and felt the soreness. He looked at Cordelia who had both hands over her mouth and looked shocked.


"Connor, I am so sorry. I- you scared me," Cordelia explained touching his arm lightly.


"It's ok. Man," Connor said smiling. "You have got a mean right hook."


"Yeah, well I was taught by . . ." Cordelia trailed off as she realized the sore spot the subject settled with Connor. "Well, you know who I was taught by."


"Yeah," Connor agreed.


The two fell into silence, and Connor crossed his arms across his chest. That brought Cordelia's attention to him, making Connor realize he was half naked. Sighing he headed back into his room, and grabbed the button up from the bed where he's left it.


"So why are you here?" he asked slipping it on.


"I wanted to see how you were."


"I'm fine. Great actually. I'm going out tonight."


"Connor, you know you don't have to put on a brave act. I'm worried about you, that's all."


"I'm not putting on any act, Cordy. Everything's fine. Okay, maybe not great, but it's getting better. You have no need to worry so much. I mean"- Connor snorted a laugh- "You're not my mother."



"You're right. I'm not," Cordelia agreed. "I just wish we could be friends."


Crap, Connor thought. The girl sure did know how to make someone feel like a jackass. He wondered if she did this to his dad. He finished buttoning his shirt and stepped over to her. Taking her hands in his he made Cordelia look at him.


"Cordelia, we're friends. If that's all you ever want from me, you can have it gladly. I just want you to be happy."


"Thank you Connor."


Cordelia smiled at him, the smile that could make him melt. Then she hugged him and Connor had to stop from groaning. This was going to kill him he was sure of it. Then out of nowhere Lexia popped into his head, and he didn't care anymore. If Cordelia wanted to be his friend, great. If she wanted to be with Angel, fine. He could handle it. There was more he could have.


Connor gently set Cordelia from him, and gave her a smile.


"See? I can handle things," he told her.


"I'm glad Connor. Though, I really think things would be better for if you settled them with Angel."


"Great," Connor said throwing his hands up in the air. "I should have known you'd have another reason for being here."


"Yeah probably," Cordelia agreed. "You know I'm right. This thing between you two is not right."


"Cordelia," Connor said fighting for his control. "Can we please not talk about this? I'm suppose to meet somebody, and this talk never puts me in a good mood."


"Meet somebody? Meet who?"


"A girl."


"Oh. Oh!" Cordelia realized what he was saying her eyes widening. "You have a date?"


"Yeah."


Cordelia fell silent again, stuffing her hands in her pockets. Connor repeated her movements not really knowing what to say. He could tell she was uncomfortable. Well, he was too. In fact, he was the king of uncomfortable.


"Ok then," Cordelia said brightening suddenly. "I'll get out of here so you can go."


"Cordy, I'm sorry if-. . ."


"No, there's nothing for you to be sorry about. She's a lucky girl."


Cordelia patted Connor on the arm and started away. Connor wanted to say something to keep her there, but he couldn't think of anything. It would have done no good anyway. He knew it was best that Cordelia go, and he let her. Connor heard the door close.


"Bye, Cordy," he said to himself.