DISCLAIMER: "Ma'am Greenwalt and Whedon are on the phone." "Really?" "No! Why would they call you? It's not like you own anything." "True-I OWN NOTHING!"

SUMMARY: Buffy and Angel reunite. Cordelia and Spike share the pain. So what do they do? They set up a dating club where they find each other dates for the weekends. This eventually leads them to each other. But what happens when Angel realizes he may have chosen the wrong girl? (AU)

AN: I'm going to take a little time out to do some advertising. If anyone's interested in RPG-ing. There's a new angel board at queenj. what are we waiting for already?

Dawn quickly got up after Spike's departure, surprised she hadn't been noticed, but to be fair Spike was quite distracted and distressed. She took her sleeve and wiped away the tear streaks that would undoubtedly bring questions. ('Everyone still treats me like a baby!') It wasn't supposed to happen like this. No one was supposed to be hurt by her sister being back. Everyone was supposed to rejoice. Dawn pushed that away, she couldn't say that, she knew now for a fact Spike was happy to have Buffy back.

She had been listening in the dark by the door to the basement, long enough to know Spike was probably more happy than the others. It was Angel he didn't seem keen on, and as she listened to fragments of his spoken thoughts she was able to piece together what was going on and her heart broke for him. A love that would never be returned.

However that was only half of it, her heart had broke for herself as well. She knew it was a foolish thing to have a crush on the neutered vampire but she couldn't help it. He actually listened to her like she was a person not a toddler who always needed protection. And lets face it, his looks weren't bad either. She also knew he had a thing for her beautiful blond ('perfect slayer') sister, and she was and will most likely always be, just his little sister figure.

With that last thought in her mind she flew up to her room. If she was his little sister, she would play the part. When he came back he would need some major cheering up and surprising herself, Dawn realized she was content with the role she played in his life, ('Or would it be his death? Man my life is weird.') because he could date anyone but he only had one niblet.

>HYPERION HOTEL

Cordelia sat grumbling on the steps of the Hyperion Hotel, her small suitcase of luggage beside her. She was glad her meltdown seemed to be over and she no longer felt the need to break down at any given moment. It had been two days since she had decided to get up, face the world, and took that shower. She had gone back to the office the next day all smiles. Anyone who didn't know Cordelia extremely well, would think nothing changed which was lucky for her, because the only one who did know her that well was in Sunnydale with his slayer.

'Don't think about that!' Cordelia mentally berated herself. 'Remember good karma, people will be drawn to you. Hot hunky pieces of salty goodness hopefully. Angel is a friend and we have to be happy for him.'

Cordelia let out a sigh, it would be so much easier to be happy for him if they only had to talk on the phone. Cordelia took that back, she remembered their last phone call and it was anything but easy. Not only was it gut wrenching, it also lead her to her present dilemma of face to face interactions (with people she didn't want to interact with,) and a trip back to good ole' Sunnyhell.

Ring! Ring!Ring!

"Hey Cordy is it you?"

"No it's sasquatch! Really Angel?...(pause) Angel! Are you coming back soon, you're not going to be all Broody are you? (laughs)

"Haha, don't be ridiculous, why would I brood when I got my seer and my slayer! Me and Buffy got back together-this is great news for you eh? Now you won't have to put up with my sentimental whiny moments.

"Oh yah, great news!"

"Right...anyways tell everyone to pack up. You're all coming down here for a vacation. It's not like there's been any activity up there and no visions so we should all take a long deserved break".

"Vacation to the hell mouth? Are you serious? We should go to Hawaii or something?"

(laughs) "Less joking more packing, see you guys by tomorrow! Alright Bye! "(hangs up)

"Yah, bye".

The worst part of the call for Cordelia was the sheer bliss coming off from his side of the phone. It had taken all her composure to not break and go home on the spot.

'And people say I can't act.'

So here they were, all packed , car started and waiting for Gunn to get Fred down and then off to 'Home Sweet Home.'

"What's the matter sugarplums?"

Cordelia stepped out of her daze and met the face of the Green skinned, Host Lorne. A good demon and even better friend. He had the ability to read souls when people sang for him and owned a sanctuary karaoke club called Caritas where violence was not permitted.

"Oh nothing, just a little tired you know, leaving all early and stuff. So not good for my mandatory beauty sleep!" she kid.

Lorne smiled back, "Oh I know what you mean, just look at these bags, believe me honey they aint pretty and do you know how hard it is to find green cover-up?" Cordelia laughed, and for the first time was glad they were leaving for the trip. The brightness in Lorne's eyes when they first asked him to come along was just so adorable, and now even though he was mock complaining with her, that excitement was still evident.

"Well, don't worry, once everyone sees how handsome you are, the bags will go unnoticed. Just promise you won't break too many hearts." Cordelia replied seriously. 'Sure he's green, has two horns and is a demon, but Lorne's a real catch and anyone who lands him will never regret it.'

Which would be true, Lorne just had a way to make everyone feel good about themselves.

"Princess?"

Cordelia turned shocked out of her thoughts, "Hmm?... Sorry what?" she stammered.

"I said thanks for the oh so true compliments dumpling," Lorne's voice then took on a more serious comforting tone, "and don't feel so blue. You're young, attractive and with a heart of gold. Anyone to stupid to see that, doesn't deserve too or you."

Cordelia felt the tears form as she gave him a huge hug, which he happily returned.

He spoke up again, "Why here's our little pumpkin now!" he smiled and Cordelia followed his gaze and smiled as well. Fred was finally making her way down with Gunn following behind carrying a small duffel bag of Fred's stuff.

"Hi Lorne!" Fred exclaimed happily giving him a huge smile and racing to give him a bear hug. Cordelia was amused to see Gunn scowl a bit at this. 'My my, has someone given me. Cordelia Chase, a look of invitation to match make?' she thought, 'Just cause I've got heinous bad luck in the love department doesn't mean we all have too!' Once again driven back to earth by Lorne's exclamations.

"Wheee..Now we can hit the road! Shot gun!" Lorne raced off and left the three smiling at his enthusiasm.

Cordelia then sighed, but was forced to smile when Fred gave her a questioning look. Cordelia laced her arm through the other women's and declared, "Lets be off."

>SUNNYDALE

"What you've got to be kidding me!" Spike groaned to his only real friend Dawn. "The whole bloody crew is going to come down here? Well I can see how that's going to go." Really he was mad cause that meant the "Angel-boy" would be staying longer. In Spike's opinion he'd already stayed too long. A grim smile crossed his face as he remembered the morning before when he and his grandsire reunited.

"Spike?"

"Angelus?"

"It's Angel."

"Right no need to get your knickers in a twist...Angel-US!"

"What are you doing here Spike? And why shouldn't I stake you right now."

"My my, temper, temper, What's the matter Angelus, aren't happy to see your old pal Spike?"

"I'll be happier seeing you as dust. Whatever you have planned, forget it. I won't let you and face it you're a loser. Even Dru saw that and left."

Spike's cocky smile lowered for a second and his eyes flashed with emotion. Knowing it was a stupid thing to do, especially in his condition, didn't change the fact he did it anyway. Spike lunged towards Angel, fist raised.

Angel smiled and moved out of the way causing Spike to trip. He grabbed the younger vampire by the scruff of his jacket collar with one hand and held a stake in the other that he had pulled out of his coat pocket.
"Alright Spike no games, you promise to leave now, and I don't turn you to dust"

Spike's reply, a cocky smile.

Luckily for Spike, Willow had been walking by and saw what was about to transpire. She had quickly stopped Angel and explained the situation. 'What an idiot!" Spike thought to himself remembering how little his grand sire had been able to say.

"He' s good?"

"Yes!" Willow rubbed her head, she could feel the migraine. 'Was Angel always this stupid?'

"Spike equals good side?"

Sigh. "Yes Angel for the hundredth time, yes and yes to your next question!"

"Ok I know but I mean Spike?"

"For crying out loud, yes you wanker, I'm good-well as good as someone evil can be. Honestly Peaches you sure are slow."

"Spike have you even been listening to me?" Dawn asked impatiently.

"What's that Niblit? Oh! Of course. Angel's team coming to Sunnydale! blah! blah! blah!" Spike answered.

Dawn let out a sigh, sometimes it was all just so pointless. "I said, it wouldn't be all bad and you don't have to act like it's a funeral or something." She felt bad saying that because she could practically feel what he was thinking and new it was slowly making him even more depressed. Lately he had spent all his time in the basement refusing to talk to everyone but Dawn.

She continued anyways, "Like Cordelia's coming and I haven't seen her in ages! She used to teach me the coolest way to do my hair and stuff. And make up! She's a pro. seriously! Promised I'd have myself a new boyfriend by the time she was done giving one of her makeovers. I hope she doesn't mind having girl time with me again. I mean she can't go patrolling with the rest cause she's not supernatural or weird or anything plus the rest of the guys still thinks she's a bitch. I heard Buffy and Angel arguing over why she has to come. I'm glad though, she was always nice to me!" Dawn kept on going until finally Spike scared her to a stop.

"What was that about a boyfriend?" he asked yelling. "NO. BOYFRIENDS. PERIOD."

Dawn just shook her head and smiled. She then heard Xander calling her and left, telling Spike she'd talk to him soon and possibly bring him some blood.

Spike nodded absently, his mind was somewhere else-like on the Slayer. No matter how hard he tried to hide it, it was getting worse.

He did have time to mentally note not to let the air head annoying cheerleader anywhere near his Dawnie. She was obviously a bad example.

>ON THE ROAD

"SNORE...SNORE..."

Gunn couldn't take it anymore. "Can someone please shut Barbie up? Her snoring is driving me crazy not to mention I think she's drooling on my shoulder!" He looked at Cordelia's head that was fast asleep on him. She had been sleeping extremely loudly for about an hour and lucky for all they only had about fifteen minutes left until they reached their destination.

"Oh relax Gunn, Look!" Wesley pointed to a sign that said, "Welcome to Sunnydale."

"Thank merciful heavens we're here!" Lorne cried out in delight. He had been happy to be invited but had not realized the price was putting up with Cordelia's very unladylike snores. "Quick we can wake princess up now."

The three people in the car looked at him like he were crazy.

"I know I said I wanted it to stop but have you ever woken up a Cordelia who does not want to be woken up?" Gunn asked with extreme serious.

Luckily for all before Lorne could respond Cordelia awoke on her own.

"Guys we here yet?" she asked, and looking at their faces she frowned, "What do I got something on my face? Oh my gosh, is it drool?" she looked alarm.

The rest let out a breath of relief all had momentarily thought they'd woken her up. Wesley regain his composure and surprised said. "As a matter of fact we are!"

They pulled up to a house and a group of people came out. Both teams kind of stood their staring until finally...

"Guys! You made it!" Angel grabbed the nearest person who happened to be Cordelia and gave her a hug.

Her eyes momentarily showed the pain she felt, not wanting anyone to see, she looked over Angel straight into the eyes of a different vampire facing out the window.

'Spike?'

A LITTLE EARLIER

Spike could here the car approaching before the rest saw it. Dawn had come back down on her word and brought him some blood. She had decided it would be better for him to go up and greet the visitors with everyone else. Spike wasn't much at listening to others, but he found it nearly impossible to resist Dawn's demands so grumbling all the way up the basement steps he complied.

He laughed at the stupidity of them all. They entire Scooby Gang was sitting there waiting for the guests to arrive. Like they had nothing better to do which Spike realized they didn't. The only plus side was how nervous Xander looked, apparently he had briefly dated the cheerleader and was slightly afraid of seeing her again. 'Why on earth she'd choose him must prove how dim the girl is!' Spike never really liked that bloke, in his opinion Xander was a weak tag-a-long although secretly, he would never admit it, he kind of admired Xander's courage. The boy knew he could never be as strong as his friends but still fought beside them. 'That doesn't stop him from being bloody annoying.'

Finally the car pulled up and everyone walked outside with the exception of himself. He just stood in place staring out the window. His glanced up and his eyes locked onto those of Cordelia's. He found his mouth go dry, looking at her eyes he felt he could be looking at himself. The same pain mirrored hers. 'You've got to be kidding me! Common ground with barbie?' But at the same time, he still couldn't stop thinking,

'Cordelia?'

YAY! Another chapter done! And for me it was quite long!

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED! IN THE NEXT CHAP I'LL THANK YOU MORE PERSONALLY BUT RIGHT NOW I'M TOO TIRED! BAD EXCUSE I KNOW! BUT I REALLY DO APPRECIATE YOU GUYS!

Okay everyone R&R!