Part 11
Willow and a complaining Xander walked back through town towards Giles' house.
"This is so not how I wanted to spend my night, you know? Getting blood for a guy who I wouldn't mind seeing dead. Even though, yeah, he already is dead. But no! I'm here!" Willow rolled her eyes. She was getting really tired of hearing him complain.
"Well, we're here. Think of it this way. We help Angel, he goes with Cordelia. Buffy eventually gets over him. Then, maybe you and her can get together, you now?"
"Hey! Yeah! That could work! But how would it be any different if we left him to dust?"
"Because, uh, because Buffy will be mourning him for a long time. And in her mind, she'll always wonder if her and Angel could have gotten back together. Then you'd never have a chance."
"You're right. Wes hould hurry then." He grabbed her arm and tried to pull her across the street.
"We don't have to run Xander."
"I just, I want to hurry so we can get there in time, you know?" She raised and eyebrow. He looked behind him and saw Oz walking up to them.
"You're acting really weird Xander. Weirder than usual."
"I just don't want Buffy to blame us if Angel dies."
"She wouldn't."
"But see-"
"Hey Willow." She turned around and smiled when she saw him.
"Hi. You remembered me."
"Why wouldn't I? I was trying to talk to you, then you guys rushed off." She side glanced at Xander than turned back to him.
"Yeah. We're kind of in a hurry. Our friend is kind of sick."
"Friend? Riight." Xander muttered. "More like our friend's ex-boyfriend who's now going out with Cordelia. But our friend will be kind of upset if he dies, so we have to help him."
"Dies?"
"He's a vampire." Willow's eyes widened.
"Xander!"
"Oh, oops." Oz's facial expression didn't change. He just nodded slightly.
"Vampire."
"Yeah. Um, I know, it's kind of weird. Well, really weird. And it doesn't make any sense-"
"Actually. It makes a lot of sense. Wait. Aren't vampires evil?"
"Well, not Angel."
"Hello! Wasting time. Not evil vampire to save here."
"Oh! Yeah, we have to go." They started to walk and he kept up with them.
"I know it's not the best time. But, I'm going to ask you out on a date." Willow stopped and both their eyes widened.
"Well, um. If it helps, I'm going to say yes."
"Great. I'll see you at school tomorrow."
"Okay." He smiled, turned on his heal and walked away. Willow was shaking with excitement as her and Xander walked towards the house. Neither of them saying a word until they got there. "We got it Giles."
"Good. I wasn't sure how long he had left."
"Well, if someone wouldn't have stopped and talked to their latest love interest..."
"Xander. Not now." Giles told him. He got out the packets of blood and took a couple to Angel. With a pierce of a fang, they were gone. His color came back, but quickly seemed to disappear again. "He's losing more than he takes in. Buffy and Cordelia need to get here quick."
"Cor...Cor-lia" They turned their head and saw Angel. His yellow eyes were glazed and his body was drenched in sweat. As if on cue, Cordelia and Buffy rushed in. They rushed the smal bottle of potion to Giles.
"Bingo." Buffy notted as Cordelia went to Angel. She stood on her knees and grabbed his hand.
"Cor..."
"I'm here baby." She looked at the towels giles had pressed to his body, which were soaked with blood. She fought back tears, running her hand over his corpse-colored face. "We found the guy."
"Good. Spike?"
"Buffy beat him to a bloody pulp, but I got to scare him. That's how we got the information out of him." His chuckle was mostly a cough, it was obvious he was in so much pain. "Giles?" She got up, letting Angel go for a second even as he protested. She grabbed the packets and put them in a mug. After heating it up, she mixed the potion in and walked over to Angel. "You need to sit up, okay?" She helped him up and took the spot next to him. She handed him the cup and he smelled it, turning his face away.
"Smells...bad."
"Not the time to be picky Angel. Drink." He did what was told, grimacing in pain and from the taste. Cordelia scooted to the end of the couch, letting Angel lay back down, head in her lap. The sight made Buffy's heart ache. Willow took in the picture and it made her smile. They looked so perfect tomorrow. Cordelia tan her hand through Angel's hair softly, other hand gripping his tightly until he fell asleep. She kept stroking his hair, the hopeful glimmer in her hazel eyes never fading.
"I'm going to head home Giles."
"I'm with Buffy. Got to get up bright an early tomorrow. What with school and all."
"Why? You ditch anyway."
"But I'm still there. You coming Will?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah." There was a dreamy look in her eyes. She cast one more glance at Cordelia, who was looking down at Angel with the tenderest look of love she had ever seen. "Bye guys." The three left and headed to their homes.
"Giles. It's okay if I crash here tonight, right?"
"No problem Cordelia. I'll be right upstairs if you need anything."
"All right. Night Giles."
"Goos night Cordelia." She curled up deeper into the couch resting her head agaisnt the back, still holding Angel.
***
Angel felt soft hands carressing his face. He could smell her perfume and the scent that was purely Cordy. A musky scent and the smell of tea bags wafted through the air. He went to get up and hissed in pain, moving his head back on her lap.
"How you feeling?"
"Struck by lightning after getting hit by a 18-wheeler."
"Poor baby."
"Where are we?"
"Giles'. You remember what happened?"
"A bit. Not completely though. I'm sure the punding in my head will remind me soon."
"I think the gash in your stomach is what you should be worrying about." He looked at the crimson bandages on his body, eye widening. "That's nothing. You should see how many white towels Giles had to throw away."
"Where is he anyway?"
"Work. It's about one right now. I told him I wasn't going today. He said he's make up some excuse for me. I wanted to be here to take care of you." She kissed his now smooth forehead and slid out from under him. When she came out of the kitchen, she handed him the mug, helping him sit up. With tender hands, she removed the bandages. She smiled softly, despite the ugly wound.
"Enjoying my pain?" He asked with an amused smirk.
"I'm just happy it's getting better. You really scared me last night. I thought I was going to lose you." He grabbed her hand and pulled her up to him. She took her place on his lap, letting his arm wrap around her waist. He pressed his lips below her eye, kissing her tears away, thumb holding her face up to his and carressing the skin softly.
"I wasn't going to leave you Cordy. I was fighting for you. Only you."
"I couldn't lose you Angel. Not after everything we've been through. I felt so horrible. I just couldn't help thinking Buffy was right."
"What do you mean?"
"She made a comment to me yesterday when she saw you on the couch. Said if you were with her, this never would have happened."
"You know that isn't true."
"I know. But I was in a very emotional state last night." She said, trailing a finger down his chest, avoiding any injured areas. "Easily rattled. Very needy."
"Oh, really?" He put his hand over hers, moving her finger to her own chest and moving it down the V of her t-shirt.
"Mmmm-hmmm."
"Maybe I should make it up to you." She pressed her hand to his face, kissing him sweetly before pulling away, face centimeters from his.
"I can wait until you feel better. After last night, just having you know where you are is very comforting." He nodded, kissing her back. "From now on. We can definately stay in though." He laughed, pain still obvious in it, but not as much.
"I am so holding you to that."
"That's the point."
***
Rupert Giles walked into his apartment, Willow, Xander and Buffy following. The sun had just set about ten minutes ago and Rupert was surprised to find Angel and Cordelia gone. It was probably for the best. He was positive Buffy wouldn't want to see Angel cuddling up to Cordelia He shrugged the jacket to his suit off and hung it over a chair. He walked into the kitchen and went to open a cupboard. There was a note taped to it. He pulled it off and smiled in amazement.
Hey Giles.
I can't thank you enough for helping me out last night. Even though I know
you probably did most of it for Buffy. But still, you helped me save Angel's
life. I know I'm a pain and a bit on the opinionated side most the time. You
didn't have to put up with me and you did. You really didn't have to let us
stay here either. Thank you Giles for helping me save him and for opening
up you're home to both of us, Angel thanks you too. I don't really know how
to show my appreciation. I'll try to be nicer to Buffy, or something like that.
If you see Willow and everyone before I do, tell them I said thank you. And
that even though they aren't my favorite company, I really appreciated what
they did. They didn't have to. I know it annoyed Xander. But, anyways, I can't
really think of what I'm trying to say. So,
Thanks again,
xoxo Cordelia
Staring at the note for a while, a small smile crossed his face. He took off his glasses and started the tea, walking out into his living room. A frown crossed his face when he noticed the blood stain on his couch.
"Been needing to get rid of that any way." He mumbled and sat down. The three students were in the midst of a discussion about Willow's date with another student by the name of Oz. Buffy and Xander were arguing about whether it was a good idea or not. Xander seemed to be passionately against it. Willow looked at him, tilting her head slightly, seeing the piece of paper in his hands.
"What's that?" She asked, knowing neither of her friends heard her question. Giles handed the note to her and she read it in her head, smiling when she was finished. Just when she thought she knew everything about Cordelia Chase, she went and got herself a heart, learned how to feel. Maybe Angel would be a good thing for Cordelia. And visa-versa of course. But when she thought about what it did to her friend, it hurt her too. She was torn. When she thought about it though, Cordelia wasn't even her friend. Just somebody she had known for a long time.
"Willow. Earth to Willow. Come in Willow."
"Oh. I'm here. What's up?"
"What's that?" Xander asked. She shoved the paper in her pocket.
"Nothing. Just some notes for a test I'm going over. Got to get an A, you know?"
"That's our Will. Me and Xander here are done arguing. It's your life, Oz is definately a hottie and he wants to date our Willow! Not that you could blame him! At least someone woke up and smelled the hottie, right?"
"Buffy!" Willow screamed.
"Huh?" Was Xander's only curious response. Buffy sent him a glare. He wasn't going to get it any time soon. And besides, Willow actually had a date with someone who noticed her.
"Can we end the discusion of adolescent relationships now, please?"
"Sorry Giles. It's just exciting."
"Buffy. Shouldn't you be patroling?" He asked, concerned. She was usually doing a sweep.
"I was actually kind of hoping Angel would be here. I wanted to talk to him. When did he leave?"
"I imagine as soon as the sun went down."
"How did he get home? He was in pretty bad shape last night."
"Um. Cordelia stayed the night with him last night."
"What? She stayed here, with him last night?"
"Yes." She was about to say something, than cut herself off. The events and discussions coming to her mind. She crossed her arms and sunk into her chair with a pout. Willow looked everyone over then stood up.
"I'm going to head home."
"Why? We were just getting to the Buffy bashing Angel part." Xander said with a smile. She shook her head.
"Got to get ready, right? Date and all?"
"You want me to come with? We can do the hair thing. Makeup."
"Nah. I'm good Buffy. Want to get some homework done before. I'll see you guys tomorrow." Willow walked out the door and made her way home. UP in her room, she looked in her mirror and smiled. She was going on a date. Her. Willow Rosenburg. "Oh God. What am I going to wear?" Her skin turned pink and she fished through her closet. If she were talking to someone, she'd definately be stammering right now. "Nothing." She grumbled, sat on her bed, head in her hands. The phone rang, making her jump. "Hello?"
"Willow. It's Cordelia."
"Cordelia. How, you have my number?"
"Yeah. You gave it to me a while back when I needed help in Biology. I hated that class. Any way, I don't know if you got the note or not, but I wanted to thank you personally. Since I didn't go to school, I figured a phone call would be the next best thing."
"Oh. I did get the note. I was happy to help Angel, of course. I was a little surprised though."
"I know. Trust me Willow, I don't even know. Listen, I heard you got a big date tonight with Oz."
"How did you know that?"
"Well, I got the inside scoop from some some of the band members. Him being the guitarist and all. And I figured, maybe you and I could get together. I got the perfect thing for you to wear and-"
"I appreciate it, really. But I don't know."
"Trust me. it's not black, spandex or anything like that. My trademarks. So, don't worry about it. I just, I kind of want to talk to you."
"Um, all right. I'll stop by your house and-"
"Actually. I don't really live at my parent's now. I moved out."
"Really? Where are you staying?"
"Actually. Um, Angel's."
"Cordelia. I don't know if it's a good idea me going over there. Especially with Angel recovering and all."
"He's a lot better now, actually. Plus, he wants to thank you too. So, please? Come by?"
"Yeah. I'll be there in about twenty minutes. Bye Cordelia."
"Bye Willow." She hung up the phone and shook her head. Who'd have thought she'd be spending her night at Cordelia's, well, technically Angel's house. She grabbed a sweater and walked out her back door, locking her bedroom door and shutting the lights off. Her parents would think she was asleep.
***
The knock on the door echoed through the silent room. Cordelia got up from the couch and answered, smiling softly when she saw Willow.
"You actually came." The brunette said mockingly. Willow shrugged and walked in.
"You were persistant. Where's..."
"Angel? His room. He's sleepy. Blood loss makes a vampire awefully sleepy. It's ugly Willow, trust me." The other girl laughed, a comfortable smile on her face. "Well, since Mr. Book-Reader doens't have tv, music will have to do."
"Okay. Sounds good." Her voice was small.
"Why you nervous Willow? It's just me. I'm not going to bite."
"It's just, you and I were never close. We weren't even friends when you think about it. It's just surprising that you actually wanted to be seen with me in public." Cordelia frowned, pressing play and letting her favorite cd blast through the living room.
"I know. I felt bad about that, you know? How I treated you. Yet you were right away ready to help me, well, Angel out. I know you did it mostly for Buffy-"
"No. I did it for Angel. And you. Him and Buffy aren't together anymore. I get that. She may not, but she will eventually. When I saw you and Angel together, you surprised me."
"How?"
"Angel looked happy. He was smiling and laughing and talking. He was never like that with Buffy. He never even kissed her in public. I don't know what you did Cordelia, but you actually brough the friendly out in Angel. Buffy couldn't do that." Cordelia blinked back the emotion she felt. Her and Angel really did work. Even Buffy's best friend could see that. "And besides. The brunette and brunetter thing. It works out really well."
"Look who's talking. You've fallen for the red hair of Oz."
"I know. It's really weird. He's so...quiet. He doesn't have to say anything though. I see him and I feel...the butterflies."
"Trust me. I know exactly what you mean."
"I guess you do, don't you?" Cordelia smiled and circled the red head. She stood in front of her, an excited smile on her face. "Cor-"
"Don't worry. I won't hurt you. I just want to bring out the features, you know?" She nodded quickly, recieving a raised eyebrow.
"I have no idea."
"Don't worry. That's what I'm here for. You know, you're about the same size as me?" The look of pure terror on Willow's make-up free face mad Cordelia laugh slightly. "Just sit donw and relax okay?" She nodded and sat down. Cordelia walked inside the bedroom and saw Angel asleep. He was completely still and she smiled. She picked out a few things from her closet, including a pair of stilleto heels. She stared at Angel for a couple seconds, seeing him toss when the pulsing beat echoed through the room. She ran her hand over his face, smiling when he reached for her in his sleep. "I'll be in in a while baby." She walked out, closing the door tightly. "Sensitive hearing. That has to really suck."
"Cordy, what are those."
"Well, I know you I don't have the same taste when it comes to a date, but this will work for you. It's modest, but sexy at the same time. And if anyone knows anything about sexy, it's me." Both girls smiled, jumping when they heard the door open. Angel walked out in a pair of sweatpants, nothign more. Willow's face turned pink when she saw the barely clad vampire walk into the kitchen. He ran a hand through his already messy hair, reaching into the freezer and pulling out a pint of chocolate ice cream and a spoon from a drawer. Willow raised an eyebrow at Cordelia, who shrugged with an endearing smile on her face. He turned and saw the too girls.
"Willow. Hey. What are you doing here?"
"Cordelia invited me over." He nodded, sleep still apparent on his face.
"Oh. Okay. Um, I wanted to-"
"You don't need to thank me Angel. Cordelia's already done enough of that." He gave an adorable smirk and nodded. He raised an eyebrow at Cordelia when Willow wasn't looking. It was her turn to blush. The heat that man could send through your body with just a look.
"All right. I'm going to be in my room. Hiding from that horrible music. What you people listen to these days." He shook his head and shut his door. Cordelia laughed and Willow did the same.
"He jokes?"
"He has his moments. All right Will. Shall we get to work?"
"All right." Cordelia went to the clothes she brought out. She held up a black skirt that ended just below the knee and a red tank that hugged the chest and body. It was slightly V-neck and rose a little to reveal a smidge of midrift. She showed the heels next and she swore Willow was going to have a heart attack.
"You'll look amazing. Just a hint of make-up, not too much, just a little to bring out the eyes and brighten the face and we'll be set. And you can never fail with clear lip gloss, trust me."
"Let's get to it then." Cordelia all but bounced around. She always wondered what Willow would look life is she was the one to make her over.
***
Cordelia crawled into bed next to Angel, not surprised when his arms wrapped tight around her.
"What was all that about?" He muttered into her shoulder.
"Just giving Willow a makeover for her date tonight."
"Willow has a date?"
"Yeah. You should've seen her Angel. She looked amazing. My clothes work magic."
"Did she look as good as they do on you?"
"Hey. Don't push it." She twisted and faced him. She pressed a kiss to his lip, holding him tightly.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah. I'm just still a little shaken up, you know? I mean, you almost died Angel. I mean, yeah, you're technically already dead. But almost dies for real. In the, no more Angel kind of way. When I think of how close I came to losing you...it eats at me." He held her tighter.
"You didn't. I'm right here."
"I know. It's just...I'm scared Angel. You're not exactly in tip top form and Spike's out for blood. I don't know what I would do if something happened to you."
"Don't worry about it. I'll be fine. I'm aware now. From what you said, you probably scared Spike a little. Plus, he ain't stupid enough to come after me again right now."
"What if-" She pressed a finger to her lips.
"You worry too much. You're going to get wrinkles." She pushed him on his back and straddled him. "Besides. I'm already getting my strength back."
"I gather." She said, smiling at the bulge in his pants. "Still, I think I should test you're strength, you know, just to make sure you're right." He returned her grin, letting out a soft groan when his hand wrapped around him.
"You're merciless, you know that?"
"It doesn't seem to bother you." She lifted herself, guiding him inside her. She gripped the blankets on either side of him as he filled her. She started to move on top of him and he set back, letting her do what she wanted. Letting her have control. He watcher her rise and fall, he tossed back, hair falling down her back and he couldn't keep his hands off her any longer. He gripped her hips, gaining control. They moved faster together until her body froze and shutterd and she came, scaraping her nails across his chest. He let out a growl, coming inside her. She shook from the feeling and leaned on him. She raised an eyebrow from her position. "Could be better." Soon she was the one on her back, Angel's weight pressing her into the mattress.
"Two out of three?" It wasn't really a question, since he knew the answer. She felt him already hard against her. His hand slipped between her legs, spreading them to his desire, fingers teasing her. Her back arched and he smiled smuggly.
"I'm always up for seconds." She mumbled, it would be a long night.
Part 12
Willow walked up to Cordelia, who was hanging out with her cadre.
"Hey Cordelia." Cordy smiled friendly at the other girl. Harmony and the rest of the group turned to her with odd looks. Since when did Cordelia Chase associate with Willow Rosenburg?
"Hey Will. What's up?"
"Oh, um. I wanted to return the outfit I borrowed from you. I'll stop by later, all right?"
"Sure thing. I'll see you later Will." The other girl walked away. Cordelia looked at her friends who gave her looks. "What?"
"Was it us, or were you actually having a conversation with Willow Rosenburg? A conversation. Not insulting her, you were talking to her. Have you lost your mind Cordelia?"
"What are you guys talking about?"
"Cordelia. Have you forgot where you stand? Willow is a freak. We don't talk to people like that." Cordelia rolled her eyes, staring at them in disbelief.
"No, I did not forget where I stand. Obviously you guys did though. Where in the hell do you get off talking to me like that? I'd say you lost it, but you never had it Harmony. Now, unless you want to be the next Jessica Price, I suggest you shut up."
"Who's Jessica Price?"
"That's my point blond for brains. They'll know who she is before they know who you are. So back off Harmony."
"Fine. I'm just trying to remind you who you are."
"I don't need to be reminded of who I am. But maybe you do." She walked away and headed to class.
***
Come around seven PM, Willow hadn't sowed up. Cordelia walked into the bedroom and saw Angel sitting in a dark corner. She raised an eyebrow and switched on the light. He clsoed his eyes for a second, allowing them to adjust to the brightness. She walked over to him.
"What are you doing here in the dark all by yourself?" He showed her the pad of papre. She smiled at the picture of herself. She was smiling, eyes shining brightly, a blanket wrapped around herself, draping off her shoulders. "That's me." He smiled at her, putting it to the side and bringing her down on his lap.
"Yes it is. I couldn't get your eyes right though."
"They looked right to me."
"No. Yours sparkle more."
"Aren't you with the compliments today. Someone thinks he's going to get some." She said, draping a leg over each side.
"That isn't what this is about." She undid the buttons of his shirt, slipping it off his shoulders. "Although, now that you mention it..."
***
Willow knocked on the door repeatedly. There was no answer. She turned the handle and stepped inside what was now Angel and Cordelia's apartment. The only light in what was supposed to be the living space was from the small lamp. She heard soft music playing, the beat was similar to that in the Bronze. She walked towards the seperate room and was shocked at what she saw. Her face turned as red as it had the previous night. Cordelia sat on top of Angel, body moving to the rhythm of the song. Angel sat back against the chair, trying to let her have her way. When her hips rolled against his groin, he let his head fall back with a moan. His lips had rolled back to reveal fangs, eyes golden. He moved his hands to her bare shoulders. He slipped the straps of her tank top down, lifted the shirt above her head, revealing her flesh to him. She pressed her body up against his, one arm wrapped around her body, the other traveling down from his face to his crotch. He hissed when he felt her reach through his pants and grasp him. Willow backed away without being seen. Lord knew they weren't paying attention to her. She put the folded clothes on the coffee table. She opened the door, locking it behind her and shuting the door. She fiddled with the handle making sure it was locked, turned around and ran right into Buffy.
"Willow. What are you doing here?"
"Buffy! What are you doing here?"
"I was about to ask you the same question." She eyes her friend suspisciously, taking in the blush that seemed to take over her entire face. "What are you doing here Will?"
"Well, um, I. Buffy- there's a really good reason. I just can't seem to remember. Well, you know I had a date with Oz the other night, right?"
"Yeah."
"Well, Cordeali, um, she wanted to thank me, you know? For saiving, well, helping save Angel. So, she called me. Her and I talked for a while and she said she wanted to give me kind of a makover. Only it wasn't really a make over because she didn't change my hair or anything like that. She just gave me this outfit to wear, nothign to crazy, but it was really cute. Oz said he liked it, but he also said he thinks I look great in everything I wear. He's so sweet. So, I just wanted to return her clothes." She added a nod. Buffy did the same, head moving slowly.
"Oh. All right. Obviously you and Oz had a great time. So did you and Cordelia. But why did you come here?"
"Well, Cordelia moved out and moved in with Angel." Buffy looked at her incrduously.
"Since when?"
"I Don't know. But that's what she told me."
"All right. So, why'd you leave in such a hurry? You look kind of...flustered."
"Well, um. No reason really. Just um-"
"Never mind. I just need to go in there. I'll talk to you tomorrow, all right? I have to talk to Angel."
"You can't go in there!"
"Why not?"
"Uh, it's locked."
"Well, I'll knock."
"You won't get an answer."
"Willow, why are you-"
"Buffy, just, let him go." Buffy stared at her best friend.
"I can't believe your telling me this. What the- Where do you get off?"
"Let Angel go. Move on Buffy. Angel already has." Willow moved past her friend and walked back to her home. She felt horrible, betraying her best friend like that. Telling her to move on, that her ex-boyfriend who she loves already had. But at the same time, she felt amazing. She was still in a way, Angel's friend too. She had never seen him so happy. Never seen Cordelia so happy. She knew they were perfect for each other. She could feel it, since that first instant she saw Angel wrap his arms around Cordelia. Heard them exchange "I Love You's". Buffy would get over it eventually. And she would most likey forgive her. She had done what was right. That's what she held onto when she fell asleep.
***
"Did you hear something?" Cordy asked Angel, from her position above him.
"No." He mumbled, keeping her to him.
"Angel, I heard something."
"Can't we ignore it?"
"No. I'll be right back." She pulled on the shirt she had been wearing before and walked out. Angel groaned in frustration. He sat there for a second. Getting up and holding his pants up. Despite the loose fit, they did nothing to hide the bulge in his pants.
"Cordy. Where are you?" He asked, making his way out of the room. "Is this your idea of humorous torture or-" He was cut off when he saw Buffy standing there, staring at them. She glanced them both over. Cordelia told them she had been fooling around with Angel, but it wasn't like she believed it. Cordelia had just been trying to get under her skin, or so she thought. She looked at Angel with the saddest look he had ever seen. She wasn't angry, she wasn't out for blood. She was hurt, heartbroken. For the first time since he had started his relationship with Cordelia, he felt guilty.
"Angel." She muttered softly, tears readdy to fall from her eyes. She gasped for air, having trouble breathing.
"Buffy, I-" She looked at him like he was the most terrifying creature on earth.
"Don't. Just, don't." She turned and ran as fast as she could away from him. She didn't know where she was going, she just knew she couldn't be here.
Angel felt his heart and soul ache. He had hurt a girl. A seventeen year old girl. Broken her heart like she was nothing. He sat down on the coach, head in his hands. Cordelia sat next to him. Slowly, she put a hand on his shoulder. He flinched away from the touch, then relaxed. She sat there, hand on his shoulder, covering her own pain for now. It wasn't fair. She had just won Angel fully, completely, and now he was having a guilt trip. Why did life have to suck so much? He stood up and grabbed her hand. She just followed. She felt numb. He layed down, wrapping his arms around her. She was hollow, couldn't feel. Even his cool arms around her body provided no comfort. They weren't supposed to.
***
Angel woke up, no thought becoming clear in his mind. Only the feeling of absense. He felt no warmth. No heat filling his arms, his body, his heart. Something he had grown incredibley used to. No soft fingers tracing his skin or resting agasint him. No silky hair darkening the pillows. Cordy was gone. She had up and left. It wasn't a school day, so she wasn't there. Her alarm hadn't gone off, he would have heard it. He got up and out of bed, still wincing from the pain in his abdomen. He was going to severely torture Spike for this. Memories of the previous night flooded his memory.
"Oh shit." He muttered. He remembered Buffy coming. He remember feeling remorse for what he had done to her and going into a nice brood. He was so busy worrying about Buffy that he completely let Cordelia slip his mind. He had treated her like...like a rebound girl. He rubbed his eyes and let out an annoyed groin. He could be such an idiot. He looked around. No note, no nothing. The only reason he thought she'd actually return was because all of her stuff was here. He'd have to make it up to her when she got back. He walked into the bathroom and turned on the faucet.
Cordelia walked into her home. Her heart still ached but the time spent with her bubbly friends had done some good. Put some things in perspective. At least that was what she told herself. The place was dark and she squinted her eyes , trying to focus. Candals were lit about the room, just enought to provide the slightest light. She heard soft music playing, recognizing it as one of her cds. The bathroom door was opened, candals on the floor where the door was ajar. She walked towards it, curious, when the scent of raspberries hit her nose. Walking in, she saw candals lit around the bathroom. Someone had gone through quite the bit of trouble. The water in the bathtub was drawn, filled with bubbles, a couple of fluffy white towels on the counter of the sink. She almost jumped when she felt soft hands on her shoulders, removing her coat. She closed her eyes and leaned into him.
"Angel?"
"You expecting someone else?" He muttered, kissing her bare shoulder after her shirt was removed. His hands moved down her waist to her jeans when she pulled away, even though her body screamed in protest.
"No. I just wasn't sure if you were back from Buffy land yet."
"I know. I screwed up. I'm sorry."
"Oh yeah. You're sorry. Do you have any idea how much it hurts to lay down with someone, feel their arms around you, but know their thinking of someone else?"
"You don't understand."
"Because you don't tell me!" He was about to protest, but he didn't. He let go of her completely, walked out and went into the living room. He sat down on the couch. Naturally, Cordelia followed. She wanted to make him suffer a little. Maybe she should've just gave him the hand job then stop when he was ready to...well, yeah. Nope, she did the guilt trip and now he was brooding. She sat next to him, hand on his knee. She wasn't expecting him to actually open up to her.
"I know. I don't talk to you. I don't tell you anything. How can I expect you to understand when I don't talk to you."
"Yeah, but still, you know? I mean, I was a little...well, jealous I guess. I mean, it's not exactly fun to see your boyfriend upset over his ex."
"It wasn't like that. I'm not exactly great with the relationship thing Cordy. I never really have been. I messed things up with Buffy, and I don't really regret that. Because I would've been miserable and I never would've gotten to know you so well. But I wish I could've made things easier, you know? I wanted to be with you Cordy. Nothing's changed, I still want you, I still love you. But I never wanted to hurt Buffy like that."
"I know Angel. I know you never meant to hurt her. I didn't help really. She came up to me in school and was giving me all this attitude. Telling me that you would get tired of me. That I was too selfish, you'd never love me. So, I blew up. I threw some stuf fin her face."
"Baby, I'm sure she probably deserved it. She had no right to say anything to you."
"I know. Her and I actually had an interesting talk when we were looking for that potion to help you. I guess she finally got it in her head that I loved you and that you felt the same way." She gave him a soft smile and stood up. She grabbed his hand bringing him into the bathroom with her. "Now where were we?" His arms circled her again, lips on her jaw, neck, shoulder. He unclasped her bra, letting it slide off her. His fingers undid the buttons of her jeans, slipping them down, fingers twisting in her underwear. "Angel."
"Now who's being tortured?" He pushed them down and she stepped out of them. His fingers moved south, pushing their way home, other hand causing the sweetest torture on her breast. She moved her arm back, hand on the back of his neck. His fingers moved perfectly, knowing exactly where to touch. "No one knows you better than me Cordy." He teased. "I know every part of you, what makes you cry, moan, shake. What makes you scream and what makes your whole body tighten and your toes curl." Her hips bucked against his hand and he moved faster, whispering in her ear, nibbling on the lobe. Her head tossed backwards and she shook against him, orgasm wracking her body. She finally stilled, tuning her head to the side. He pressed his lips to hers, mouth opening to deepen the kiss. He picked her up and, without her even expecting it, tossed her into the bathtub. She let out a scream, water flying over the sides. She looked at him , he had that gorgeous smile on his face, eyes sparkling. She narrowed her eyes, grabbed his hand and yanked him in with her. Water spilled on him and he smiled at her. He pulled off his shirt, removing the rest of his clothes along with it. He kissed her again, pulling her between his leps, back to his chest. She leaned her head on his shoulder. Angel could feel the tension in her body. "We're going to be okay Cordy. Everything's going to work out."
"I know. I just want you to know that if Buffy tries to come between us, I don't care how guilty you feel, It's not going to happen. I'll have to do what i have to do." Her tone was light as she looked over her manicured nails. He smiled, a laugh escaping his mouth. She adored the sound and curled up to him. Angel watched her intently. How could you not love this girl?
"Nothing can tear us apart Cordy. NOTHING I promise you that. And don't listen to Buffy. No one could get tired of you."
End.