Title: A Sunnydale Tale

Author: victoriamartynne

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: I own nothing!

Spoilers: None.

Summary: In 1998, Angel befriends Cordelia when the going gets tough.

She was awoken the next morning when the telephone rang. She heard Angel's raised voice and climbed out of bed.

She stood in the doorway, listening to his muffled voice but she couldn't pick anything up.

"Angel?" She called out.

"I'll be in in a minute." He called back and lowered his voice on the telephone.

Maybe it was a problem with Buffy, she thought and went into the kitchen for a glass of water.

When he joined her he had a dark expression on his face. "Problem?"

"Your parents are home." He told her. "They called the police because you weren't home and they called the school and spoke to Giles who gave them my number. They're coming round."

"My parents? They're back? Did you tell them...?"

He shook his head. "No, if you want to tell them then it's up to you."

"Did they sound mad?" She asked.

He nodded. "I think the idea of you living with a man, never mind a vampire, is pretty inconceivable."

"It would be." She muttered. "They can't make me leave, can they? I mean, that is, if you don't want me to go?"

He touched her cheek. "I like having you here."

She smiled. "I like being here."

"Then they'll have to listen to you." He declared.

"Easier said than done." She muttered and put her empty glass on the counter. "I'd better get changed; I must look like an urchin."

"You don't look like an urchin." He told her, but she'd already gone.

"I'm Mr Chase." The tall man announced. "And this is my wife."

Angel had to admit that it was from her mother that Cordelia got her beauty.

"I'm Angel; I've been looking after your daughter while you've been away." He stepped out of the doorway so Mr and Mrs Chase could enter.

"Looking after her or bedding her?" Mr Chase growled as he stepped past him.

Angel bit back a retort and just smiled at Mrs Chase.

"Daddy!" Cordelia had heard his comment and was not impressed. "Angel is my friend and has been a complete gentleman."

"Cordelia, honey, you've let yourself go while we've been away." Mrs Chase exclaimed. "Look at your hair and your nails. And what on earth are they?"

Angel could see Mrs Chase and now Mr Chase both looking at the scars on Cordelia's wrists. She folded her arms, hiding them from view.

"I had an accident while you were away." She told them.

Mrs Chase raised an eyebrow like she didn't believe her but Mr Chase saved Cordelia from an interrogation by interrogating Angel instead. "Why is my daughter living in sin with you?"

"She's living with me sir, but I can assure you we are not living in sin." Angel corrected. "And I can assure you that your daughter is a very good friend of mine. She was lonely in her house and wanted some company while you were away."

"We were only gone for a couple of months; we've been away for much longer before. Cordelia, do you have anything to say for yourself?" He asked, turning to her.

"If you'd stop terrorising Angel then I'll explain a few things." She told them both.

Her father sat down and crossed his arms, waiting.

"Something happened to me about a month and a half ago. Something bad." She began.

"It's that car of yours isn't it?" Her mother chipped in. "I knew you should have had something sturdier, not that sporty thing."

"No Mom, not the car." She took a deep breath. "I met a man and I thought he was really nice but he raped me."

Her mother gasped but her father looked angrier.

"I ended up in hospital but I'm okay now. The police caught the man and he's in prison for twenty years. Charles, your lawyer helped me."

"Then what about the scars on your wrists?" Her father asked, stony faced.

"I did something stupid, I cut myself." She told them. "I realise that it was a stupid thing to do and I'm seeing a psychiatrist. Angel saved me, on both occasions. You should be grateful to him. I am."

"So, basically you're telling me you've been used. You're telling me you're no longer pure." Her father said calmly and then began shouting. "You let a man use your body! Do you know how many businessmen were interested in marrying you in exchange for a share in their businesses? You stupid, stupid girl! They want you pure, a virgin! Not some slut who sleeps around!"

Even her mother had the grace to look embarrassed and slightly shocked.

"Mr Chase, I think you've said enough." Angel interrupted. "Cordelia has been through an ordeal and she doesn't need you shouting at her or telling her the vile things you had had planned for her!"

"Cordelia, get up!" Mr Chase ordered. "You are coming home with us."

She shook her head. "I don't want to."

"You will do as you are told!" He boomed.

"No!" She shouted back.

"Cordelia!" He shouted.

His wife tugged on his arm. "Maybe we could let her."

"No! She does what I say! Get your things, you're leaving!"

"No she is not." Angel stepped in. "If she wants to she is very welcome to stop here. We can come pick up her things tonight."

"Well, Cordelia?" Mr Chase turned to her.

"I want to stay with Angel."

He snorted and stepped forwards, his palm raised.

Before he could strike her Angel stepped in front of her, a menacing look on his face. "I think you've heard what you need to hear, now get the hell out of my house!"

Mr Chase glared at him for a moment and then spun towards the door, Mrs Chase following meekly.

When they'd gone Angel turned to Cordelia. "Are you okay?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I am. I guess I'm used to them."

"They are pretty unconventional." He struggled for the right words.

"Says the vampire with a soul." She teased.

Angel saw the spark in her eyes and smiled. "Are you sure you still want to live with me?"

She looked worried. "You don't want me to leave?"

"No, of course not." He reassured. "I just wanted to make sure you were sure."

She nodded and smiled. "Yeah, I'm sure."