Title: A Twist of Fate

Author: cookie-dough

Email: angeliccordy@yahoo.co.uk

Spoilers: None, AU

Rating: PG-13

Distribution: Just ask, I'll probably say yes.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, or the show, they belong to Joss and David, and anyone else I've forgotten to mention, I'm just borrowing them.

Summary: I suck at summaries, so here goes, completely AU, what if Angel and Cordy were to meet under different circumstances than how they met in Sunnydale?

AN: Okay, this is totally AU, 100%, so any characters that I've used in this chapter or any other chapter, that are on the show, have a completely different history in my story, just so there's no confusion. As ever, feedback is loved.

AN2: Okay guys, a longer chapter this time. It's nearly the end, thank you to everyone who has sent feedback; it's great to hear what you guys think, thanks for staying with me on this one. Read Review and Enjoy!

Chapter 18

They parted; the need for oxygen soon became more vital. Catching her breath, Cordelia looked over to Angel who was also trying to suck in the much needed air supply. Looking a little embarrassed about the sudden outburst they both spoke.

'We need to talk.' They said in unison.

'You first.' Cordelia replied.

Taking a deep breath he asked. 'What does this mean?'

'I don't know ... what do you want it to mean?'

Angel paused as he thought about his reply.

'Cordelia, we haven't know each other for very long, but when I saw you and how happy you were when Lily was born, I was just so thankful that I had the chance to be a part of that. I just ... I just fell in love with you.'

Cordelia's eyes were starting to sparkle, whether it was from the unshed tears of joy, or her overwhelming happiness she didn't know, possibly a mixture of both. She cleared her throat as she began to speak.

'As long as we're being honest. I thought that after Lily was born that would be it. Just the two of us, on our own, and then you came along and changed all that, and everything began to make sense. We had a home, friends, even a family. And that morning when I came downstairs and found you singing to Lily... I fell in love with you all over again.'

They sat still for a moment, as what the other had said washed over them and started to sink in. Cordelia thought for a moment then spoke.

'So, now that Isabelle is out of the picture..' Angel cut her sentence short.

'She was never in it. I didn't get the chance to tell you before but .. There was never anything between me and Isabelle, we only went on a couple of dates and I was going to suggest we see other people when I met you, that night at the restaurant. I hadn't seen her since I met you.'

She nodded; as a smile worked it's way across her face.

'So, your picture is free?' she questioned seductively.

'Well it was.' he replied in the same tone.

'Really? So who is in the picture now?'

'I'll show you.' He whispered, as he leaned in and they kissed.

Lily's cry echoed throughout the room, causing Cordelia to brake away from the kiss. Resting her forehead against Angel's she sighed.

'Must be food time.' She said as she got up. Angel stood and took a hold of her hand as they made their way upstairs to Lily.

After Lily was fed and changed, they quietly closed the door behind them.

'So ... ' Cordelia asked. 'Does this make us a couple now?' Angel encircled his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

'I think so.' He whispered as they kissed again. Unable to stop, they made their way to Angel's room, kicking the door shut behind them.

Cordelia awoke the next morning to an empty bed. Looking around there was no sign of Angel. And then she heard the sound of pots and pans in the kitchen. Sinking into the comfort of the bed she smiled, it was just as she had imagined it the other morning, the one she loved cooking her breakfast. He was making his way up the stairs now, and peeking around the door, he stood carrying a tray wearing only his boxers.

'Morning.' He smiled.

'Morning.' She replied, still smiling.

He placed the breakfast tray on the nightstand and climbed back into bed, encircling her in his arms.

'I love you.' He whispered into her ear, resting his chin on her shoulder.

'I love you.' She said, turning so she was facing him, she kissed him. They parted still smiling.

'Lily's still asleep, I checked on her already.'

'Thank you.' She paused. 'Now what did you bring for breakfast?'

'Is that all you're interested in, food?' he asked, a mocked hurt look on his face.

'I don't know.' She said trying not to laugh, and that's when the tickle fight began.

'Angel! .. Angel!' She couldn't stop laughing.

'Is that all you're interested in, food?' he asked again, he too was laughing.

'No, you ... I'm interested in you too.' She laughed, and he stopped tickling.

Seeing this as her chance for revenge, she pounced on him and started to tickle him back.

'Cordelia .. Cordy ... don't tickle.' He said between giggles.

She stopped when she heard his pet name for her.

'You haven't called me that before. I like it.'

'Well then, Cordy, I guess I'll have to use it more often.'

'Don't think that gets you off the hook Mr.' She said as they both rolled across the bed as they tickled each other silly.

The majority of the day was spent kissing and smiling, both were so happy that they were walking around with permanent grins on their faces. They had managed to part long enough to take care of Lily and phone Lindsey, inviting him, Anne and the twins over for dinner, leaving their newfound relationship a surprise until dinner.

They started to get ready, Lindsey and family would be arriving soon and they had to make a start on dinner. Angel got to work in the kitchen, while Cordelia got changed.

'Which one do you think?' she asked, holding up two summer dresses for Lily to see.

Lily just lay there, moving her arms as she made baby noses.

'The red? Good choice.' She pulled the dress over her head and straightened it out. Walking over to Lily's crib, she leaned over and picked the baby up.

'Everything is going to work out fine, mommy and Angel are in love.' She paused. 'I guess that means you have a ...'

'Father.' Angel said as he slowly entered the room.

Cordelia nodded.

'I'm a father.' He said as he really thought about it.

'That is .. If you want to be.' She replied.

He smiled at her and enveloped her and Lily in a hug. This was his family, he had a family.

The doorbell rang and they made their way downstairs. Opening the door, they let Lindsey and family in, chatting as they made their way into the living room. Angel had set up the playpen, and Anne put the twins, Emma and Joshua in, as Cordelia placed Lily in her bassinette.

Making their way into the kitchen, Cordelia handed out drinks. Once she was finished, Angel turned to her.

'Shall we tell them now?' he whispered.

'Yeah, go ahead.'

Clearing his throat, he turned to his friends.

'Ah, we invited you over for dinner tonight, because.' He turned to Cordelia. 'We have some news.' He looked back to Lindsey and Anne.

Lindsey and Anne looked from Angel and Cordelia, to each other and then back to the pair before them. Had their little plan worked?

'Cordelia and I .. We're in love, we're a couple.'

'That's fantastic, congratulations.' They said as they hugged each other.

'When did this happen?' Anne asked.

'Last night, after you guys left, we talked.' Cordelia spoke up.

'Well it took you long enough.' Lindsey said. They all laughed as they raised their glasses in a toast.

'To Angel and Cordelia.'

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AN: Okay guys, what did you think feedback, please. That's just about it, there's only the epilogue left to go, it's kinda short but sweet, I hope you'll all enjoy it. Keep an eye out; I'll post it soon.