Part 7
Angel's eyes opened slowly. He was alomst in fear of opening them. Afraid that he would wake up alone in a cold bed. A dark room and that last night would've been nothing but a dream. His senses came to and he felt the warmth of her skin beneath him. He was still lying above her, his face directly next to him. He could feel her breath on his skin. She was life and he had never felt something so amazing. Agel felt complete. A new feeling that he wouldn't mind growing used to. She had a peaceful look on her face and he couldn't help but wonder if she was dreaming about the previous night. He moved his head to the crook of her neck, placing soft kisses that barely touched the skin directly above her pulse point. Angel heard her sigh as her body twisted farther into him. She stretched her arms like a cat, accidently hitting Angel in the face with her arm.
"Ow." She opened her eyes and smiled at him. She muttered her apology before her mind realized just who she was with, where they both were and what had happened.
"Oh my God." Cordelia muttered.
"I usually get that the night before." She smiled at him. Well, as much of a smile as she could muster at this hour.
"I thought it was just a dream."
"Me too. But when I woke up and saw you, it made the morning so much better."
"I don't think you're entitled to be this sweet." Her eyes fell upon her alarm clock and she snuggled back into Angel. "You know I have to go soon."
"No." He held her tighter, moving his body off of hers, knowing she would have to leave soon. "You can't. You have to stay here with me."
"I'd love to, believe me. But I have to go to school." He nodded, placing a kiss to her cheek bone, just below her eye. She sat up in bed with a groan and got up. She struggled to gain her balance, leaning against the bed.
"Need some help."
"Nah. I'm good." She made her way to the bathroom and shut the door. As soon as Angel heard the water running, he layed on his side, mind getting lost in deep thought. He had taken something away from her last night. The most important thing. She could never get it back and knowing the consequences, he had taken it from her. Minutes ticked by and all thoughts of leaving flew out the window. He wondered if he should though, would she be better off without him? What could he give her? "Angel! Hello!" He shook his head and turned to see her, wrapped in nothing but a towel, hair twisted and to her side.
"Sorry."
"You zoning out again?" She asked, sitting on the bed.
"Yeah. Cordy, about last night, you don't...do you-?"
"Angel. Are you worried that you think I regret last night?"
"Yes."
"Well don't, okay?"
"Uh-"
"The virginity thing freaked you out, huh?" His eyes widened.
"You really have no tact, you know that?" She smiled brightly at him.
"Yup. Tact is overrated Angel. Who wants to go around not saying true stuff just so other people won't be offended?"
"You're one in a million, you know that?"
"Duh. Don't worry about me Angel. I love you and you love me. That's all that matters." She placed a kiss to his lips. "You can kick back here. My parents aren't gonna be home for a while, and I told Martha to not come in until they got home, so you're in the clear."
"Actually," he said, standing up. "I do got to head home for a while. I'll see you tonight." She nodded.
"I have a game. You going to be there?" He got dressed and kissed her lovingly.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world." He went out the front door and headed to his apartment. He would've loved to stay at her house. But her coming home to a vampire who was nothing but skin and blood because he hadn't feed in hours didn't seem like a very romantic greeting.
***
Willow and Buffy were talking at a lunch table in the cafeteria when Xander walked up.
"I'm really sorry you had to find out about Ford like that. Imagine, pairing with Spike."
"Yeah. Real trust worthy, isn't he? It didn't make it any easier to kill him though. The whole being a vampire thing did, but I really wish I could hate him, you know?"
"Speaking of vampires..." Xander interrupted. "You and Angel have fun last night?"
"What?" Behind Buffy, Willow waved her hands rapidly, trying to get Xander to shut up.
"Well, I saw him last night buying candy and flowers. Figure you two had a nice little time last night." Buffy's lips trembled, eyes threatening to water.
"Xander!" Willow cried. "Shut up!"
"Xander, Angel and I have been broken up for a week now."
"What? Why wasn't I told? I just pulled the major foot in the mouth here and it isn't my fault this time!" Buffy turned to Willow, realizattion hitting her.
"Will. Flowers? Candy? He's seeing someone else." Her hands covered her mouth as she tried desperately to keep from crying. "Oh my God. Angel. My Angel. He's, he's, I-I can't be here right now. I have to go...somewhere. I'll um, I'll call you guys later, all right?" With that she walked away. Willow glared at Xander and his eyes widened, head shaking frantically.
"Nah-uh! You can not put this one on me! You should've told me. You should have gave me the international 'Xander shut the hell up' sign."
"I did. You think I was doing this with my hands because I was waving at someone?"
"No, but still. This isn't my fault. And I still don't know what's going on, so tell me."
"Buffy went to brake up with Angel because she figured it would make him feel bad and want to come back to her. Then Angel told her he wanted to break up too. That leads us to here." Xander just shook his head.
"See, why couldn't you tell me this earlier? Would it have killed you to just tell me? We wouldn't have had to go through all this."
"Don't put this over on me."
"Fine. Let's blame...let's blame Angel. Because Angel wanted to break up with her."
"I'd love to put this on Angel-"
"But...?" He asked with an annoyed sigh.
"She did kind of break up with him first."
"So this is Buffy's fault?"
"No. Yes. I don't know. It's no one's fault. It's just, it happened."
"Think Buffy'll fall for that one?"
"Not a chance." They sat there in silence until the bell to end lunch rang. As they walked to their class, it was clear that Buffy wasn't going to be in class.
***
Giles walked into the library after his lunch break, a cup of tea in his hands. He was more than surprised to find Buffy's head down on the table, buried in her arms as she cried uncontrolabley. He put his tea down and walked over to her.
"Buffy? What's wrong?" She looked up at him and was about to explain, when another flood of tears broke through. He pulled a seat next to her, waiting until she calmed down. It would be a while, but she would tell him what was wrong.
"What should I do?" She asked, pleading with her watcher to solve her problem. Giles took his glasses off, wiped them, and returned them above the bridge of his nose.
"There's nothing you can do Buffy. Just talk to him. You might not hear what you want, but you'll know." She wasn't sure she had the strength to do that.
***
Willow and Xander couldn't help but notice how happy Cordelia seemed to be. She had not insulted or lashed out at them once yet. It was starting to freak them out. That and the fact that she seemed to be humming something under her breath had them trembling. For all they knew she could be in time bomb mode, reading to explode at any second. So when she turned around they couldn't help but jump.
"Sheesh! What's up with you two?"
"The only time you usually turn around is to say something evil or degrating to us so we figured-" Willow started.
"Paranoid much? I just wanted to know if you had a pen Will. Mine went dead."
"Oh, um, yeah. Sure." She gave her one and she turned back around. Willow looked at Xander and muttered,
"Did she just call me Will?" Xander just nodded, as surprised as she was. Something was definately not right. Cordelia could hear them talking about it behind her back, but she was in too good of a mood right now. Last night was incredibley perfect. This morning was even better. Angel loved her and he was still there when she woke up. She couldn't help the huge smile that formed across her lips as she whispered the lyrics of a song she had had stuck in her head all day under her breath.
After her classes were over, she headed to the gym for practice. The squad always met there before the games to go over their routines, just in case. Cordelia wondered how she was going to cheer, if she could hardly do the stretches. She was beyond sore and had a little bit of pain, but she would wing it. She changed into her Tommy Hilfigure workout clothes and walked out to the track. A lap or two should help ease the ache.
***
Angel walked to the door, a smile on his face. He figure it was Cordy, since she got out of school about three hours ago. He was more than surprised when he saw Buffy standing there. Her arms were crossed, foot taping impariently and nervously. Her eyes were red and puffy, despite the make-up caked on. She walked in, looking around. He wondered what she was looking for and why. He also wondered why she was here in the first place.
"Hey Buffy. What are you-"
"Don't 'Hey Buffy," me! Where is she Angel?"
"Where's who?"
"Don't even go there! Xander saw you last night! All dressed up and I seriously doubt you had an attack of your sweet tooth! Or should I say sweet fang?"
"Buffy! I don't know what's-"
"Where are you going?"
"What?"
"You're never up at this time. If you are, you're never dressed. You're going out with her tonight, aren't you? Going to lurk through the town and meet up with her somewhere! I can't believe you!"
"One, you're not my keeper Buffy. Where ever I go, what ever I do, I don't have to answer to you. Two, you broke up with me, okay? You broke up with me. And I moved on."
"Dammit Angel! I didn't expect you to be all happy about it! I figured you'd realize that you missed me, loved me, wanted to be with me. I didn't think you'd start running around with some cheap tramp!"
"She's not a tramp!" Her eyes widened and he could see the hurt mixed with rage in them.
"So you are seeing someone else."
"Yeah. I am."
"Who is she?" She didn't get an answer. He just stared at her with an angry look on his face and intense eyes. "Who is she Angel?"
"I don't think that's any of your buisness Buffy."
"Well, I do."
"I think you should go." She looked shocked. Was he kicking her out? "Go. Now." She walked to the door, turned around and looked at him, a cold look in her eyes. She was out for blood.
"Fine. But you're going to want me back. Who ever she is, she'll never feel the way I feel about you. She'll never accept you. You're still a vampire Angel. And it might get her off now, but who ever she is, she's going to realize that she doesn't want to spend any more time with you. She won't understand you like I do Angel."
"You don't understand me Buffy. You're the slayer. I'm a vampire. We don't mix. And this person I'm with now, you'd don't know her like I do. She understands me better than you ever will. Now I think you should really get out of here. Go see your friends, and don't come to my home to tell me what I want and what I need. Because you have no idea." He said before closing the door in her face. He looked at his watch and frowned. He was late. Really late. He had been late in the first place and figured Cordelia was at the door, wondering where he was. He grabbed his coat and put it on. He stood by the door until he was positive she was gone, then walked out. The last thing he wanted was Cordy worrying about his past relationship with Buffy. Past That's something he never thought he'd say that about her. He shook his head and continued to make his way to the school.
***
Cordelia stared in the stands while doing her routine and while on her break. He wasn't here. He didn't come. She felt horrible. Here she was, utterly in love with this guy and he wasn't here. She had been walking on air all day, shaking with excitement with the thought that she would see him tonight. She held her hand to her mouth, a whimper escaping her lips.
"Cordelia? Where are you?" She didn't answer.
"I so know you're here. Now let's go. We have to get back, like, now."
"Give me a minute, kay? Jeez!"
"Are you crying?"
"Pfft! Yeah. Right. A risk my mascara running? I don't think so. I'll be there in five. I just have to reapply my lipstick." He would come. Angel wasn't the type to make love to a girl the night before and leave her like so many other guys. He wouldn't do that. She hadn't let herself cry, so there was no need to put on any more make-up. She added another quick coat of lip gloss for some extra shine and walked out. She had a squad to lead and a team to encourage.
***
Angel was just outside the school, making his way through the parking lot when he stopped. Something wasn't right. He sensed someone behind him and turned around with a growl.
"Spike."
"Angelus. Or Angel. That's what you're going by now, right?" Spike circled Angel, who turned to follow him. He didn't trust Spike for obvious reasons. There was something not good about this situation.
"Where's your lackey?"
"Lackey? What lackey?"
"I know you're not stupid enough to come after me alone. That's a good way to get your ass kicked."
"Yeah. Right. Because you're sooo scary."
"Really Spike. Where's your little gang of misfits? You were never a fighter. You've got to have someone."
"You're right. I do." Angel turned just in time to be jumped by two vampires, while Spike stood watching with an evil grin. "This is fun."
Part 8
Angel battled with all the remaining strength he had for his life. He dusted one vampire, but the other two just kept coming. He was losing and fast. He took a blow to the jaw, to the eye to the rib cage. Normally two against one he could handle, but these guys were huge. He was knocked down to the concrete and tried to get up before the seven foot tall, three-hundred pound vampire attacked him again. As he fought he heard the crowd in the school go nuts. Sunnydale had just scored a touchdown and here he was when he should be in there, watching Cordelia. The thought made him angry because he knew she'd be pissed at him for not coming. The anger fired him up and he came back, throwing a series of punches to the smaller vampire and knocking him back, where he took the opportunity to stake him. The other vampire grabbed Angel from behind, arms wrapped tightly around his neck, ready to snap it. Angel twisted and threw his elbow backwards into the vampires chest, making him stumble back. More in surprise than anything. He may be big, but Angel was faster. The advantage let him come in with quick, hard blows to the face, chest, neck, where ever he could land him. The other vamp threw a punch and Angel ducked under it, came in a staked the guy. He looked to Spike who was backing away slowly, duster swirling around him. He smiled wickedly.
"See you around Angel. soon."
"Oh really?" Angel asked, his voice steady even though he was in more pain than he could stand.
"You can count on it." Angel knew he should go after him, but he was gone and he had a girlfriend to tend to. He liked the sound of that and smiled. A motion that made his jaw ache and his hand went to it. The game was over and all the students and parents of the players came out. The cheerleaders walked out in a group all surrounding Cordelia who looked marvelous as always. Miss popular she definately was and Angel had to control the urge to kill a football player when he wrapped an arm around her. She smiled and dismissed him. He walked away, a not so happy look on his face. That's right. Angel thought. She's all mine. Cordelia's eye fell upon Angel and was chosing to shine him on until she caught sight of some blood. Unless he had started feeding through the skin below his eye and his nose, then something was wrong.
"I'll see you guys tomorrow. Remember, Friday night's Bronze night."
"Cordelia. Every night is Bronze night."
"Yeah. But Friday's Bronze night is the major Bronze night."
"All right. I'll see you tomorrow." Cordy walked over to Angel, her face twisting in horror.
"Oh my God Angel. What happened to you?" She wiped a trail of blood from his face. "Baby, you're bleeding. Come on, let's go to my place." She wrapped her arms around him, helping him balance until they got to her car. He sat in the passanger's seat as she sped home. She went to help him up and inside, where he sat down on the couch. She grimaced, he looked a lot worst in the light.
"I think I have a concusion."
"Don't say that. Just keep talking to me. Because if you knock out, there's no way for me to tell if you're still alive or not."
"Technically, I'm not alive now."
"You know what I mean." She patched him up as best she could and sat next to him. He layed down, head in her lap as she ran her hands through his hair gently. She didn't want to hurt him by tugging to hard. "Your wounds are all ready starting to heal."
"Advantage to being a vampire."
"I guess so." There was silence and Angel looked up at her.
"Cordy?"
"Mmm-hmm?"
"Does it freak you out when I bring up the fact that I'm a vampire."
"Why would it?"
"I was just wondering."
"Angel. I know what you are. It's just another thing about you. Tall, dark, devilishly handsome, broad shouldered, vampire."
"You amaze me, you know that?"
"Yup."
"You're not mad at me for missing your game?"
"You got jumped by three vampires. That gives you every reason to not show up." He sighed, gaining her attention.
"That's not the only reason I was late."
"What? Couldn't figure out what to wear to a high school football game?"
"No. Buffy stopped by." He felt her tense, but he felt he needed to tell her. He wanted her to trust him. "She wanted to know who I was seeing. Last night, when I bought you the flowers and candy, I ran into Xander. He wanted to know what I was doing and why I wasn't headed in the direction of Buffy's house. I walked away and came here. He must've told Buffy and she ended up at my door earleir.
"So she knows about us?"
"No. She knows I'm seeing someone. She doesn't know who. I wasn't sure if you wanted her to know or not."
"Pfft! I couldn't care less Angel. Unless you don't want her to know."
"It's not that. I know you have to go to school with her. I don't want things to be awkward. But anyway, we can discuss that tomorrow. Tell me about the game. I heard the crowd screaming, so I assume we won."
"Yes. I swear, I've never cheered so hard in my life!"
***
Willow was in her room when she heard a knock on her back door.
"What is it with people coming back here?" She muttered and went to the door where she saw Buffy. She opened the door and let her in. "Buffy, what's wrong?"
"I went to Angel's. I wanted to talk to him. Straighten things up."
"What's he saw?"
"Well, I asked him if he was seeing someone. Well, accused him of seeing someone and..."
"And what?"
"He didn't lie."
"Oh no."
"Yup. He's seeing someone else. He was on his way to meet her when I stopped by. I think he thought I was her. I can't believe it Will."
"Do you know who she is?"
"No. But if I ever find who she is, I swear to God Will, that girl's gonna wish she was never born. I'm going to show her what happens when you still someone's boyfriend."
"Buffy. I know you're hurting. But I don't think violence is the answer."
"I know. Can't I just pretend I'm going to break her face though? Wouldn't you want to hurt someone if they stole your boyfriend?"
"I guess. But she didn't take Angel from you Buffy." Buffy leered at her friends, giving Will a warning signal. One the red head payed no attention to. "You're angry, and your hurt. But you put yourself in this mess Buffy. You wanted to make Angel jealous, you wanted to put him through pain whne you broke up with him. It back fired. I'm sorry you have to go through this. But it's not just Angel's fault. It's your's too." The blonde just stared at her. "You know what I mean?" She looked down at the carpet and slightly nodded.
"Yes. It's my fault. I was so worried that Angel was going to cheat on me and that he was lying to me, that I made him lose trust in me. So all I have to do is make him trust me again and everythign will be fine."
"That's not what I-"
"You're a genius Will. Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow at school." Buffy hugged her best friend and quickly left.
"You're welcome." She mumbled. Her door open and she turned to see her mother standing there.
"Willow. Who are you talking to?"
"No one. I just, I called Buffy because she went home early today. She wasn't feeling well. I just wanted to see if she was feeling better."
"Oh. All right. Good night Willow."
"Night."
***
Angel walked into the darkened room, arms full of movie goer's snacks. Mild Duds, soda, popcorn with extra butter, m & m's and, his favorite, Starbursts. He sat down in the stiff seat next to her, placing her Pepsi in the cup houlder between them. She looked at him, amusement sparkling in her eyes and smiled. They had decided to come here tonight since Cordelia wasn't really feeling up to the Bronze. She didn't want to have to deal with all that drama tonight. That, and she didn't want to put Angel through the hell of having to deal with her friends. Back stabbing bitches they all were. But she reigned over and that made all the difference.
"You didn't have to buy all this stuff Angel."
"But you're glad I did?"
"Yeah. I love Starbusrts."
"Nuh-uh. Those are mine." He said in mock seriousness. "You didn't ask for them."
"Well, I'm asking now." He placed the bag in his lap. He saw her eyes roll in the dark as she reached her hand into the bag.
"Like that was gonna stop me." He grabbed a piece of candy and popped it in his mouth.
"Sweetie. You're supposed to take the wrapped off first."
"All in time." His voice was mumbled as he removed the wrapper with his tounge, pulling it out with his fingers.
"That is so old. Everyone can do that."
"You guys cheat. You use your teeth. This, this is skill."
"So...show me some skill." He leaned over, bringing his lips to hers. The taste of cherry starbursts lingered on his tounge. The arm rest was digging hard into Cordelia's side and she pulled away. He watched her as she stood up and sat on his lap. Her arms wrapped loosely around his neck as she kissed him again. She shifted, her elbow accidently hitting him in one of the places he was bruised. A hiss of pain escaped and she froza, jumping slightly back. "Baby, I'm sorry. I forgot you're still all beat up."
"Funny. So did I." She ran her fingers softly over the bruises on his face, placing a soft kiss to one below his ear. She nibbled softly on his ear, whispering things that made them both lose all interest in the movie she had been dying to see. It was almost over and Cordelia felt that torturing Angel a little more was necessary. With her words and her hand moving knowingly up his thigh, it was all Angel could do, not to take her in the theatre. No one would know. They were in a corner and it was already dark.
"I know what you're thinking and no." He just smirked at her. "I would never fuck a guy in a movie theatre." Her voice almost sounded insulted, but he knew otherwise when he felt her hand undo his fly and grasp him. "But for you, I'll just have to make some sort of an exception." Her lips were the only thing that kept his moans from echoing through out the room.
Part 9
Angel and Cordelia walked out of the theatre casually. He had an arm around her, both her's wrapped around his waist, holding on to him and holding him up slightly. The other night had done a lot of damage on his body. More than he was willing to admit. Cordelia didn't have to be told though. It was more than obvious with the bruises and still slightly open gashes on his body. She didn't mind taking care of him and he didn't mind letting her. She knew just where to touch and just how to do it. It amazed him that this incredible person was the most feared girl in Sunnydale High.
"Baby. You're zoning."
"Sorry."
"Whatcha thinking about?"
"I'm trying to figure out why everyone thinks you're such a horrible person at school."
"Duh. because I [I]am the nastiest girl in Sunnydale High."
"But why? You're not like that with me."
"It's different with you. I can be my self."
"And you can't at school?"
"Not really. Things are different at school Angel. People are so judgemental. Unless you act like everyone else does, how they want you to, you're nothing. You're considered a freak. So I act how everyone expects me to act."
"How's that?"
"Mean, bitchy, snobby, ruthless, tactless, flirty-"
"Lose the last one." Her eyebrow raised and she hid a smile.
"Jealous?"
"Not yet. Don't make me have to be." She held onto him tighter as they walked. It felt so perfect. "Hey. No subject changing. I want to know why you act like that."
"Why?"
"I want to know everything about you. Including about the evil Ice Queen version of you."
"I don't know. I guess I'm so used to acting that way, it's easier to do. But when I'm with you, I don't have to worry about everyone's eyes on me. About what people think. It's just me and you. I can just be me." She shrugged, it was as simple as that. "I don't think I've thanked you for that." She said, nibbling on his neck.
"Trust me. You have." He tilted his head slightly, giving her better access. She ran her tounge over where his pulse point should be and he shivered.
"That's the spot, huh?"
"Like you didn't know that." She sucked a oh his skin softly, leaving a scarlet mark there. He turned her around to face him and crashed his lips to hers. Her arms held on to him, melting into his body when she felt his tounge slip inside her mouth.
Willow and Xander were walking on their way to Buffy's for a movie marathon night when they stopped dead in their tracks and ran into the nearest building, looking through the glass windows in astonishment. Standing there without a care in the world were Cordelia and Angel, lips locked in a passionate kiss. When they finally pulled away, they both seemed a little dazed. She ran her thumb over his lip and they both started to laugh softly. Willow couldn't help but notcie something very odd about Angel. He was smiling. Really smiling. White teeth showing, eyes squinted in the corners. It was genuine and she couldn't remember ever seeing that on his face. She couldn't remember ever seeing Angel kiss Buffy in public either, save the Bronze. And even then, there was never that smile. Another thing she noticed was something Buffy had always described as a rare thing with Angel. He was talking to Cordelia. Talking, laughing and joking around. They were holding each other tight as they made their way down the street. Her and Xander came out, following them slightly, making sure they didn't see them. Angel pulled Cordelia into a shop and she was playfully trying to pull him out.
"Come on. Let me buy you something to wear." They heard Angel say.
"Why?"
"As an apology for ripping you outfit last night?"
"You're just going to rip this one off anyway." It was more of a command then a complaint.
"Have you not noticed what store this is?"
"You are such a perv, you know that?"
"What? Just because I want my girl to be dressed in red silk."
"Well, red is my favorite color." She gave in, letting him guide her into the store. They came back out about ten minutes later. "At least you know what you want."
"Of course. And see? We both win. It's red and easy to remove." They continued their walk down the sidewalk, no intentions of stopping until they reacher her house.
"What the hell was that about?" Xander asked, shocked.
"I guess we've found Angel's mystery girlfriend."
"Where do you think they're going?"
"I'm guessing her place."
"Oh shit. You thik that Angel and Cordelia are sleeping together?"
"You think? They just went into a lingerie store and came out with... something. That and, well, you saw what they were doing before." Xander was about to respong when Willow was accidental ran into. She turned around, coming face to face with an adorabley cute guy with red hair and greenish-blue eyes. His eyes widened and he just kind of stared at her. "I'm sorry. We're standing right in the way." He was knocked out of his thoughts when he heard her voice. It was the sweetest thing that ever traveled through his ears.
"Um. Sorry. Wasn't watching where I was going." She smiled at him.
"No problem."
"Uh, I'm Oz. I've seen you around campus a bit, but I don't know your name."
"I'm Willow."
"Nice finally meeting you Willow." He glanced and saw Xander. "Hey man."
"Oh. yeah. That's Xander." Willow felt very strange all of a sudden and she kind of wanted Xander gone for a minute. Her, not being good with words, said the first thing that came to mind when the awkward silence came. "We have the same color hair." And she immediately regretted it. He just smiled at her.
"Sometimes. It seems to kind of change colors. Listen, I have to go. I'm supposed to be at the Bronze...ten minutes ago." Willow thought she had made a fool of herself. "It was nice to finally get to talk to you." He gave her a little smirk and watched as Xander pulled her away with him to where ever they were going. He just shook his head. "Who is that girl?" He knew her name, but he still had a lot to learn about Willow...Willow...he didn't even know her last name.
***
"Cordelia! CORDELIA! Of all people on the freaking planet he's screwing Cordelia Chase!" She ran a furious hand through her blonde hair. "Are you sure? It wasn't like some horrible trick of the light or something. Smoke? Look-a-likes. Please tell me it was."
"We saw what we saw Buffy. Angel and Cordelia. Together."
"Sure Xander. You're loving this. You hate Angel." Seeing his hurt look. "I'm sorry. I'm just, what was it exactly that you saw? I mean, are you sure he wasn't just helping her or something?"
"Not unless helping her meant sucking her lips off her face."
"Willow? For real?"
"..."
"Willow? Xander, what's up with Willow?"
"She met this guy. Oz." He said the name bitterly. "All but swept her off her feet. He only said like one word to her."
"Willow!" Willow turned to Buffy, startled.
"Oh. Sorry. I was just, thinking."
"It's okay Will. I want you to tell me all about this Oz guy. But first, are you sure it was Angel and Cordelia?" She nodded, trying to put a frown on her face. She felt bad for her friend, but something kept her from feeling bad about whatever Angel and Cordelia had.
"Yeah Buffy. It was them."
"Well, what happened that made you guys sure they were, you know, together."
"Like Xander said. They were making out on the side walk in front of everyone. Then Angel dragged Cordelia in a store and they came out with something for her."
"How do you know it was for her?"
"Lingerie store." Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped.
"This can not be happening. A little more than a week ago and he was my boyfriend. Mine! Now all of a sudden he's having some cheap romance with her? I don't think so."
"I'm sorry you have to go through this Buffy."
"I know. This isn't your fault." She turned to Willow. "But now my plan can work. I mean, this is Cordelia. We all know how shallow she is. Especially you guys. You've known her forever. There's no way in hell this little affair they're having is going to go beyond that. She'll get tired of it. I wonder if she's even aware of the fact that he's a vampire yet. She was in total denial when we tried to tell her before."
"Buffy, don't you think you're jumping a little ahead of yourself?"
"She's right Buff. You just found out about their relationship, now you already have a plan to end it. You don't know how this'll work. And I think you're missing that fact that this is Cordelia Chase. She's evil Buffy. Really evil. I'm afraid of her. She's made my life and Will's miserable. You don't want all that evilness on you."
"I'm not afraid of her."
"It's still not right Buffy." Willow snapped, gaining odd looks from her two friends. "I, I just think it should be up to Angel."
"Angel's confused. I wasn't there so he got into her for some reason. I can fix this. But you guys better go because I'm grounded and my mom's going to be here any minute. I'll see you Monday at school, okay?" They nodded and she showed them downstairs and out the door.
"I have a bad feeling about this Xander."
"Yeah. Cordelia's going to come after us after she goes after Buffy for telling them
"No. I don't think she's going to get Angel back."
"What? Why?" She looked at him then turned away. He wouldn't understand. She had sent him more than enough signals showing she liked him and he still didn't get it. She really didn't feel like explaining this to him.
"Xander. I think I'm going to go to the Bronze."
"What?"
"I feel like going. You can come too of course."
"Yeah. I'll go. Don't want you getting attacked by any vampires or anything without them having someone else to go after." She smiled and they walked to the Bronze. A part of her happy to have Xander worried about her, but it wasn't that big of a part all of a sudden.
***
Mr. and Mrs. Chase walked up to the door of their radiant home. Mr. Chase put the key into the lock and opened the door. Once inside, he went to his bar to fix himself a drink. Mrs. Chase, on the other hand, hadn't seen her daughter in quite a while and went upstairs to see how she was doing. Once by the door, an odd sound echoed out of the room. Noises she didn't expect to hear. Curious, she flung open the door and was more than shocked to find her daughter moving in rhythm with the man above her, bodies covered in the white sheets and a sheen of sweet covering them both. She let out a scream, gaining the surprised attention from both Cordelia and Angel.
"Mother!" Cordy screamed, grabbing the sheet and covering both herself and him with it as they scrambled to sit up. Her mother stared for a second, then fainted in shock. Once she did, Cordelia leapt off the bed, slamming and locking her door. She turned to Angel, a petrified look on her face. "Oh my God. Oh my God, Angel! Oh my God!" He stood up and walked over to her, hands on her forearms.
"It's okay."
"No. No it's not. This, this is in no way okay. My parents, parents Angel, the people who gave birth to me, just caught us in the middle of sex! Do you no how not good this is?"
"Cordelia! What's going on? Open this door this instant."
"Angel!" She said in a harsh whisper. She was practically shaking. He held her tightly, urging her to relax. When she did, she pulled away, picking up the clothes that he had removed from her body with incredible ease earlier. She pulled them on as Angel pulled on his boxers and pants. She turned to him, a sad look on her face. "I think you should go." He pulled his shirt on and gave her an incredulous look.
"I'm not leaving you. Are you crazy?"
"I don't know. Maybe. I don't want you to have to go through this Angel. They're my parents. Every teenager pretty much has to go through this eventually." By this time, Mrs. Chase was explaining what she had seen to her husband. Cordelia chewed on her bottom lip, jumping when she heard her father's inraged voice.
"Cordelia! Get your ass out here right now!" She winced, went to Angel, hand on his chest.
"Please. You really should go Angel."
"NOW!" His voice rang through the room and Cordelia felt the growl vibrate through Angel's chest.
"I'm not going anywhere. And I'm not leaving you alone with...that thing you're forced to call a father." She gave up and walked over to the door, pressing her ear against it. She heard them walking down the stairs and she grabbed Angel's hand, pulling him to her. She placed a kiss to his lips.
"I love you Angel."
"I love you too baby." He said, rubbing her arm. She opened the door slowly as to not make a sound. She stepped out, hand gripping Angel's tightly. They made their way down the stairs, through the family room and the hall way, opening the door to the study. Her mother was seated on one of their couches, hand on her head, covering her face. Her father was at the bar, back turned to her stirring his drink repeatedly. Angel looked at Cordelia's mother, who probably looked a lot like her when she was younger. There were differences though. Her hair was an auburn color, her eyes gray and cold. He could tell it wasn't just because what she had seen either. She was thin and sat up perfectly straight, despise her distress. Her father had dark brown hair that was lightened by the spots of gray. He was a large man with broad shoulders and, Angel could tell, he used that as his advantage when ever Cordelia had a guy over to terrify the poor kid. But Angel wasn't easily rattled. Never had been, never would be. He felt Cordelia's grip tighten when her father downed his glass of scottch. He led her to the couch opposite her mother and sat down, bringing her down next to him. She crossed her legs and sat up straight, still gripping Angel's hand when her father turned around. He looked over her, face twisted in disgust. He sat down next to his wife, eyes falling upon their linked hands.
"Dad, let me expl-" He held up his hand, indicating for her to be quiet, which she did.
"I don't want to hear any excuse that you happen to come up with. There isn't one that's going to make this situation any better."
"You don't understand-"
"What is wrong with you?" Her mother sopke up, voice steady and calm. Angel wondered if these people could even feel. "Do you have any idea how stupid you are?" He saw the hurt in Cordelia's eyes, but her posture remained the same, not letting them know what was wrong. How could they? They probably don't know her at all. "You could catch something, you could end up pregnant-"
"That won't happen!"
"You don't know that. And even worse, you have any idea how bad this is for your reputation?" Angel wondered why that seemed to be more important. "You want to be known as the whore around school? Be single for your entire life and not have any want to marry you because of your stupidity as a teenager."
"I really don't care."
"Of course not." Mr. Chase started in. "You don't care what people think of you, what you're doing to your future, what your putting your mother and I through."
"Wellyoushouldn'thavecomehomesoearly."
"What?"
"You shouldn't have come up so early! Then you wouldn't have had to see this!"
"So just because we're out of town, that gives you the right to do this?"
"You know what? This is my life, this is my body and I can do what ever the hell I want! And if I want to sleep with my boyfriend that's my choice, not yours!"
"I knew you'd end up a whore!"
"You have no right to call her that!" The Chases stared at Angel who stood up, face to face with Mr. Chase. Cordelia's eyes were wide and she could feel her heart ready to jump out of her chest.
"What did you say?"
"You have no right to say that about her!"
"I can say what I want. She's my daughter!"
"How do you figure? Just because you aided in having her? Big freaking deal! You're never home, Martha's more of a parent than either of you have ever been! She can't stand you two and who can blame her?"
"You have a big mouth young man."
"That head of the house bull shit might've worked with her old boyfriends, but it doesn't work with me."
"Well, you swear Cordelia doesn't like her life. No one's keeping her here. Maybe she should leave then, go her own way if she doesn't want to be here."
"You're kicking her out now. You've got to be the most insenstive, piss poor father I have ever met."
"Maybe so. But I think I can live with that." Angel's jaw tightened, his muscles flewing and fists forming. Cordelia grabbed his arm and could feel the muscle under the material. Before her parents knew what was happening, Cordelia had gone upstairs to her room, Angel with her and shut her door. Her father banged on it, her mother, there with him calling out to her. She oculdn't be heard over her father's bitter words. Cordelia grabbed to suitcases and started grabbing clothes from her closet and drawers, throwing them in as fast as she could. Angel stood, back against the door, using his strength to keep Mr. Chase from barging through. "Cordelia! If you leave this house, you can never come back! You here me! You're on your own if you go!" She looked at Angel once her things were packed. There was no way she was getting out her door. She looked at the window.
"Go!" Angel yelled. "I'll get your stuff. She made her way out the window and onto the tree across. She was not a tree climber and got half way down before tumbling to the floor. Angel winced, but knew she was down. In a flash, he grabbed her bags and jumped down from the second floor. "You okay?" She nodded, grabbed his hand and led him to the front. Mr. Chase barged through the door, seeing no one in the room, turned and headed to the front of the house, wife in tow. Cordelia jumped in the passanger seat of the car, Angel in the driver's. H started the car and pulled out. Cordelia's parents opened the front door.
"Cordelia! Get back here!" He screamed. Cordelia looked at him, face straight and flipped him off as they drove off. Once off that street Cordelia leaned against Angel, crying hysterically. He wrapped an arm around her, holding her to him.
"It'll be okay. I promise." It did nothing to calm her though.
***
Angel brought Cordelia's bags in his apartment and watched her come in. She looked tired and hurt and afraid. It killed him.
"Cordy, if I was out of line with you father, I'm sorry. I was just angry and I lost my temper. I'm sorry." She shut the door behind her.
"It's not your fault Angel. You couldn't have known that would happen. My father's an ass, there's no other way to put it. You were only sticking up for me. I'm not mad at you I'm just..." Her lips trembled and she looked at the ceiling, trying desperately not to cry. "I'm scared Angel. I don't know what I'm going to do. I have no money, I have no home, I have the clothes on my back and in my bags. I have nothing." He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tight.
"You have my Cordy. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."
"I can't live off you Angel. I can't take advantage of you like that."
"You're not. I want you here with me. If I didn't, I wouldn't have let you come here."
"I know but-"
"No buts, okay? Let's just go to sleep. Tomorrow will be better. Things will make a lot more sense." She nodded, grabbed one of his T-shirts from the drawer she knew they were in and went into the bathroom. He shook his head and stripped down to his boxers, climbing in bed. She came out and he smiled. He loved seeing her in his clothes. She moved beneath the red silk blanket and cuddled into him. Angel ignored the feeling of her warm skin against his, the sensation of her breasts pressed to his chest, dark nipples erect from the chill of the room visble through the thin material of his shirt and the heat between her legs just inches from his knee. He held on to her, feeling her body shaking, until she finally went to sleep. He kissed her forehead and frowned. He wanted to rip Mr. Chase's head off. He wanted to protect her, to make her life easier and better. But something inside him argued, saying he was just making it worse. He didn't know if it was his mind screaming that she was a human girl, his demon wanting him to be miserable for all eternity, or his heart that knew what he didn't want to. He had told Cordelia that he loved her and he had meant it. Now it was deeper though. Something he couldn't describe, couldn't recognize. It excited him and scared the hell out of him at the same time.
***
Cordelia yawned, stretched and went to get up. The memories of the previous night tugged at her heart but she shoved them down. Angel was right. It wasn't as bad this morning. Speaking of, he was laying on her like she was a life size pillow. Leg swung over hers, T-shirt tugged up above her breast; where Angel's head was settled comfortabley. The blanket was below her navel, covering her hips and below. She ran her hands through her lover's hair, playing with the now soft locks. Like a snake, she slipped out from beneath Angel, fixed the shirt and opened a bag. She picked out her outfit for the day and layed it at the foot of the bed before opening the other bag. Angel awoke and watched her sort through it. She pulled out two different pairs of underwear, decided which one to wear.
"I like the green thong." She jumped, turned and saw him smiling at her. She raised and eyebrow at him.
"You would, wouldn't you?"
"Only if you'll parade around in it in front of me."
"Oh God. Perverted much?" He paused, thinking about the question.
"Yeah." She laughed and it was a sound that relieved him.
"I have to take a shower."
"No. Come back to bed."
"Angel."
"Cordy. It's Sunday. Normal people stay in bed all day."
"Neither of us are normal people Angel."
"Come on. You know you want to. No one's here, it's the end of the weekend. Like you don't want to spend the entire day with me in here." She put her hands on her hips, eyebrow raised. He stood up and walked over to her. His lips went to her shoulder, making his way up to her ear, hands at the hem of the shirt. "Besides. Why would you want to take a shower, when you're just going to get all sweaty again?" His voice was seductive and she felt head spreading through out her body.
"I guess you're right." She mumbled, starting to lift her arms so he could remove the shirt. Instead, Angel moved down to his knees, head going under the shirt, hands holding on to her hips as she wavered from the pleasure spreading through her body, hands gripping his shoulders.