Part 8

Angel felt an arm shaking him awake and he groaned.

"Rise and shine."

"I'm sleeping here."

"So I can see."

"I was having the best dream..."

"About?"

"You."

"Why dream when you can have the real thing?"

"Good point." He sat up and looked her over. "Why are you dressed?"

"I have to go home. I have school today. You coming with me?"

"Yeah. Just open the car door and put up the top and windows up."

"Why?"

"So I don't catch fire, maybe?"

"Oh. Yeah. Okay." She got up and went outside. He got dressed and grabbed a blanket, covering himself with it.

"Ready Angel!" Cordelia called from outside.

Cordelia opened her door and found it unlocked.

"Weird." She said as the two entered the house. They stood shocked at the torn up house. "What the..." she walked through her house and saw a note and read it aloud. "'Lucky you weren't here. I was. Penn.'" She turned to look at Angel. "How is that possible? I thought you guys couldn't get in unless you had an invite."

"We can't."

"He did." The stench of death hit Angel's nose.

"Stay here." He told her and followed the scent. He saw the woman lying on her side, a petrified look on her face.

"Oh my..."

"Cordelia."

"April."

"Your maid?"

"Yeah. She must've," she gulped, "she must've let him in. Is she-"

"Yes. I'm sorry Cordelia.

"Angel, I don't understand. Why would he do this?"

"Probably thought you were here."

"What am I going to do?"

"Call your parents."

"Why?"

"Let them know what happened and tell them you won't be staying here."

"Am I going to stay with you?"

"Can't."

"Why?"

"I'm a vampire. He doesn't need an invite to get in my house."

"Well, Xander always offered me a place to stay."

"Don't even play around like that." He gathered her in his arms. "Go up stairs and get everything you can and put it in the car. You can call your parents from my place. It's still day light so we don't have to worry until tonight."

"I'm not going to school. I can stay with you until later?"

"Of course." She nodded and got her stuff.

"Giles. Someone's at you door." Xander said from the living room where he, Buffy, Willow and Oz were all seated.

"And none of you would like to get it?" The ex-watcher asked hopefully.

"Wouldn't feel right. It's your home, I'd feel rude." Giles sighed and went to the door. He was surprised to see Cordelia, who's eyes were red and puffy.

"Cordelia? What on earth?"

"Can I come in Giles?"

"Of course. Please do." She did and saw all the scoobies in his living room.

"I didn't know you had company."

"Are you all right?" He asked her, concerned. She shook her head slowly, lost in her own world of memories. She snapped out of it and turned back to him.

"I stayed over...a friend's last night. When I got back to my place this morning, Penn had been there."

"Inside your home?"

"Yes."

"How is that possible?"

"My maid, April, let him in. When I got there this morning, I found the note and the body." She took in a shaky breath as she saw their horrified looks. "I kind of need a place to stay and I was wondering if this could be that place.

"I don't understand. What about your parents?"

"They're out of town. I called them from Angel's and told them what happened."

"Angel?" Buffy asked and Cordelia looked at her. She almost felt sorry for her. Until she remembered the attitude Buffy had had towards towards Angel. About how he couldn't do any better. She smiled to herself. He already did.

"Yeah. I called him after, and he told me to come over and to pack some things."

"So you've been at his place ever since?" Buffy asked suspiciously. Man she must get annoying.

"Yes. I can't stay with him though. He said it's not safe since Penn can enter his house whenever he wants to."

"Why didn't you ask one of us?" Buffy asked, indicating herself, Willow, Xander and Oz.

"Well Buffy, your mom tried to kill me. Xander? Yeah, right. Willow neither 'cause, honestly, I haven't forgiven either you or Xander yet. And Oz, well, you're Willow's boyfriend. Awkward, much? Giles was the only option that made sense." She looked at the older man, who just stared. "If I'm an inconvienance, it's okay. I'll call Harmony or something."

"No need Cordelia. You can stay here. I've an extra room." She smiled brillantly at him.

"Great. You won't even notice I'm here Giles, really." She promised. "I got my stuff in the car. If I could just use the phone?"

"Of course. It's on the counter in the kitchen."

"Thanks." She smiled and went into the kitchen, grabbing the cordless phone off the hook. She took it to a corner as far away from the groups as possible.

"Hello?" The voice on the other end answered.

"It's me."

"I was worried. What'd he say?"

"Yes. He's got an extra room."

"Good. I'm glad you're safe."

"Yeah, but you're not. He can still get to you."

"I can take care of myself."

"But what if he comes in when you're sleeping or something?"

"He won't."

"You don't know that."

"I do."

"How?"

"It's a pride thing. I don't think anyone will be too impressed with him killing the great Angelus, if I'm asleep when he does it."

"Wow, talk about egos."

"Basically. Vampires talk a lot of crap Cordy." She giggled and he smiled on the other line. "What?"

"I love how my name sounds when you say it. I love the way everything sounds when you say it."

"What do you want me to say?" She laughed.

"Nothing you can say right now. I've got Scoobs in the other room."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." She thought for a minute. "When am I going to get to see you?"

"I don't know."

"This sucks. I can't see you during the day because of school. Then I have cheer practice. I don't get out until dark, then I can't go over because Penn. This sucks!"

"Baby."

"Don't give me that soothing, sexy voice, okay? This sucks."

"Come over this weekend."

"But I can't stay the night at your place anymore. It's not safe. I miss you already."

"I miss you too. Dont' worry Cordy, this is all going to work out, okay?"

"Yeah. Okay. I'll talk to you later?"

"Yeah."

"Call my cell tomorrow. It's dead right now otherwise I would've called you from it."

"Can do."

"Bye."

"Bye."

"I love you." Then she hung up. He stared at the phone and smiled.

"I love you too." He said into the reciever.

"So, who was that?" Cordelia jumped and turned to find Xadner.

"You spying on me?"

"No. Just over heard."

"My ass. Why are you spying on me?"

"Who you dating?"

"None of your damn buisness."

"I don't know who that is."

"And you won't find out until I'm ready to tell you."

"What happened to still being hurt?"

"I am. It sucks realizing two people you trust will hurt you. But I don't want you anymore. I've found someone better. Someone who deserves me. Someone who's not you. Now, if you'll excuse me..." She walked past him and into the living room. "Thanks Giles. I'm gonna go get my stuff." She said and walked out to her car.

"She looks better." Willow said to Oz, who nodded.

"Yeah." Was his only response.

"I don't know." Giles said. "Cordelia's pretty good at hiding her emotions. I mean, she came back a day after the incident."

"I know." Buffy spoke now. "We found her the following morning by herself staring into space. It was freaky."

"Yeah, well, that happens when someone tries to rape you." Cordelia said as she came in with two large duffle bags.

"Let me help you with that." Xander said.

"I've got it." Her tone was icy and she glared at him. He backed away.

"You say so."

"Giles?"

"Oh, yes. I'll show you the room." He said and she followed him up the stairs to the guest room. After she had everything situated she sat on the bed and gave him a small, true smile.

"Thank you Giles."

"My pleasure Cordelia. Do you need anything?"

"Nah. I think I'm going to lay down. It's been a long couple of weeks."

"Of course." He gave a polite smile and left the room, shutting the door behind him. Cordelia laid down and dozed off, hearing the people down stair's voices fade.

Cordelia woke up and jumped slightly when she saw Angel sitting on the bed.

"What are you doing here?" She whispered angrily. He smiled.

"I'm here to see you. You said you wanted to see me so I came by. I was going to wake up, but I just wanted to watch you sleep for a while."

"You snuck into Giles' house just to see me?"

"Yeah." Seeing her look. He held her in his arms and laid down with his chin in the crook of her neck. "And to tell you I love you." He whispered in her ear. She turned in his arms and studied him.

"Really?"

"Really really." She smiled. He kissed her long and hard and she sighed when they pulled away. Her hand brought his to her breast and he sighed. "We can't."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't think Giles will appreciate the moaning."

"Oh my God. Giles. I forgot who's house I was at." He chuckled.

"This weekend. I'll make it up to you."

"Really?"

"Uh-huh. All...day...long." He said, kissing her between words.

"Can't wait."

"Me neither." He kissed her once more then shifted his position, laying his chin on the top of her head.

"When you wake up, I won't be here, okay?"

"Why?"

"Sun. Bad for the complextion."

"But you're gonna stay with me until then, right?"

"You bet."

"Then I guess that's enough for now."

* * *

The following night, Buffy stared at her phone for what seemed like ages. With a deep breath she picked up the phone and dialed the number. She waited. Four rings later, he finally picked up.

"Hello?"

"Angel?"

"Yeah?"

"It's Buffy."

"I know. What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Um, me and the gang are doing cemetary patrol tonight. We could use your strength if we come against Penn's crew."

"Crew?"

"Yeah. Cordelia told me you faced up against, like twelve of them."

"Thirteen, but who's counting? She say anything else?"

"Yeah. That you dropped her off at Harmony's place. And that Harmony tried to make a move on you. She's pretty sleezy like that."

"Yeah. She is. So, um, what time you guys meeting up?" He asked, deciding it best to change the subject.

"As soon as the sun sets."

"Makes sense. I'll see you there."

"Okay. Bye. I lo-" she was cut off when she heard a dial tone. She stared at the phone in disbelief. He hung up with her without so much as a good bye.

"Who was that?" Angel looked to the couch where Cordelia was sitting.

"Buffy."

"Oh." He smirked at the apparent jealousy in her voice. "What'd she want?"

"Patrol. Tonight."

"Yeah. They told me about it at school." He took a seat next to her and pulled her into him. She snuggled into his body as his embrace tightened. They sat in silence for a while, watching the fire burn, listening to the embers crackle.

"I'm glad you skipped practice today." He mumbled with a smile.

"Me too." She said, exchanging the smile with him, before laying into him more. He kissed her hair as the two sat in companianable silence.

The six walked through the cemetary. Buffy and Xander in front of the entire group. Angel and Cordelia watched Willow and Oz holding hands as they walked in front of them. They both sighed, wishing they could do the same without causing a scene.

"Think we should split up?" Buffy asked, directing her question to Angel. A million thoughts were thrown at him in that one glance.

"Yeah. I'll take Cordelia and Xander. You take Willow and Oz?"

"What?"

"Or the other way around. Doesn't matter to me." He lied. He wanted Cordy with him. But he didn't need Buffy suspiscious.

"But me and you-"

"Better to have a super stregth person with each group. That way the others stand a chance."

"I gotta go with Deadboy on this one. Not really wanting to die." Xander said. Angel didn't know whether to thank him for the support or growl at him for calling him that stupid name.

"We usually-" Buffy started, the word meaning more than she thought he realized. Angel took in a deep, shakey breath and spoke as gentley as he could.

"There's no we." He said and turned, leaving five other people staring after him stunned.

"I'm gonna wait in the van." Cordelia said and walked in the oppostire direction.

"Since Deadboy disappeared, I guess I'm with you guys." Buffy nodded mutely and led them through the cemetary.

Angel waited until he was positive they were gone, then hurried to the van and hoped in the back with his girlfriend

"Took you long enough." Cordelia said, with an evil smile.

"They wouldn't leave."

"They're vamp hunting now though?"

"Yeah. They won't find Penn. He won't repeat the same stunt twice. I'd say we have an hour."

"Well, let's not waste any more time." He shook his head and smiled, making his way towards her.

"You are too good to be true, you know that?" His lips prevented her answer. She linked her arms around his neck and tilted her head slightly, giving him better access. His tongue swept inside her mouth and she lost all thought. He pushed her back until her back hit the floor of the van, laying his body over hers. She broke the kiss for a moment, breathing in as much air as she could.

He was about to kiss to kiss her again when she held him back.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Everything's perfect."

"Then?" She gave him a small smile and moved out from under him, pushing him onto his back and straddling him. She started trailing a kisses along his jugular. He let out a soft moan and she smiled. Her hand traveled down as she kissed him, stroking his growing erection. He felt her hand on him and stopped her.

"What?"

"We can't."

"Why?"

"Cordelia, I don't want the first time I make love to you to be in Oz's van."

"We're not going to Angel. I just want to...to give you something back." He smiled and stroked her face with his hand, keeping it at her cheek.

"You've given me enough." He placed a quick kiss to her lips, then pulled away, eyes widening.

"What's wrong?"

"They're coming back."

"What? I thought you said we had an hour."

"They must've given up." They heard voices and Cordelia gave him a scared look. "Just sit in the front seat and look bored. I'm gonna sneak out the back. I'll meet up with you guys in about five minutes, okay?"

"Okay." He placed another hot kiss on her lips, leaving her breathless.

"Don't miss me too much?"

"Ha ha." She said, but the flush of her cheeks and her swollen lips were betraying her. He smiled and snuck out the back of Oz's van quietly.

Cordelia leaned her head against her hand boredly as the voice of the Scoobies drifted closer.

"Anything?" She asked and they all frowned.

"Not one vamp. How weird is that?"

"I thought you guys would've waited it out a little longer though."

"No point. Have you seen Angel?"

"Not since he left your group."

"Oh." She turned to Willow, directing the conversation to only her. Like I'm not good enough Cordelia thought angrily, then smiled to herself. Oh well. Who needs Buffy? I got Angel. This made her smile grow even more and she had to turn her head away so it wouldn't be noticed.

Unfortunately, Oz wasn't too interested in the conversation at hand and noticed Cordelia's huge grin, wondering.

"I'm worried Will. I mean...first, he brakes up with me. Now, he's completely seperating himself from me."

"I know it's not my buisness, but, well, that's never stopped me before, but isn't that what people usually do when they brake up with each other? I mean, if I didn't have to, I wouldn't be around Xander."

"You're right." Buffy said bitterly. "It's not your buisness. Angel is my buisness okay? Angel is mine. And I'm worried." Angel chose that moment to appear and it was a good thing because Cordelia was about to go off on the slayer.

"I appreciate your concern Buffy, but I'm not your buisness." He said, coming from no where. He was nobody's possession and he'd be damned if he'd let her think she could control him like that.

"Angel, I just meant-"

"It doesn't matter. I'm not your's. I'm not something you can own Buffy. The sooner you realize that, the easier this'll be." He looked around the group, then at Cordelia. Her heart beat picked up and he smirked.

Oz couldn't shake the feeling that was tugging at him. He caught the smirk on Angel's face just before it disappeared, realizing it was directed towards Cordelia. There was something weird about her too. That huge smile out of no where, one he'd never seen her do before. His wolf senses were in overdrive; it was the night before the full moon. And with them at full height, he heard her heart beat pick up when she saw the vampire.

He couldn't understand it. He was ready to chalk it up to his boredom and need to find something interesting when they both moved closer. His eyes widened when he realized their scents were intermingled. Oh, this was bad. He looked at Willow. He couldn't tell her but, at the same time, he couldn't keep something from his girlfriend. This sucks.

"You have to do this here? In front of my friends?"

"I didn't want to Buffy, but you keep pushing. We're not together. I'm sorry I hurt you, I really am. But we're not good for each other. We both know it."

"I don't! You're wrong Angel! We do belong together!"

"We don't." He looked around at the people who were giving him looks, except Cordelia, and let his head fall. "I can't do this anymore. No more patrols, no more research. Unless something life altering comes up, something you really can't handle yourself, don't come to me." Everyone looked to her and she blinked, trying to supress the tears. In that time, he was gone.

Everyone stared at her, all of them afraid to speak. Cordelia sighed.

"Are we through here?" She didn't feel sorry for Buffy. Angel didn't belong to the vampire slayer. He belonged to the guy slayer and that's how it was going to stay. Buffy sent her a cold look and Cordelia rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I'll walk."

"No! Wait, Cor!" She turned and looked at Xander with annoyance.

"What?"

"I'll walk you." He said, then looked at Buffy as if for approval.

"How about no." The brunette said and continued to walk. Buffy nodded at Xander, who took off after the retreating Cordelia.

"What do you want Xander?"

"I want to talk to you."

"About?"

"The weather, school, new fashion trends,"

"My boyfriend?"

"Who is he?"

"None of your buisness."

"Embarrassed?"

"No. I just don't see any reason to involve you in my life. You're not a part of it anymore. You hurt me Xander." She said as she realized they were nearing Giles' home. "And even now, we're not even together anymore, you have to ask Buffy for permission to walk me home."

"I didn't ask for permission."

"No. You just waited for her nod of approval before you came after me."

"I-"

"I don't need you Xander, I wouldn't mind being friends but, that doesn't mean you get to question me on my personal life. If I want you to know something, you'll know it. That's it. Good-night Xander." He watched her go, not sure if he should be happy they could be friends, or upset that they couldn't be more.

"Hey Giles."

"Good evening Cordelia. How was the patrol?"

"Boring. Nothing evil showed up. Buffy and Angel had an arguement. Usual Scooby activities."

"I see. Everyone all right then?"

"Yup. All is great. I'm gonna head up to bed."

"All right Cordelia."

"Giles."

"Yes?"

"Thanks again. For letting me stay with you." He gave her a smile.

"My pleasure Cordelia, truely." She beamed and gave him a hug, before heading up to the guest room she was occupying. Giles stared after her.

"That girl is very odd." He muttered to himself with a smirk. Cordelia was one of the most unpredictable people he ever met, even for a teenager.

Cordelia locked the door and removed her shoes. She was tired and needed to lay down. She removed the consricting jeans and tight shirt, pulling out something more comfortable to sleep in. She was about to change when her cell phone rang. She answered it, smiling.

"'Bought time."

"Hey!" Angel whined on the other end. "How am I supposed to know exactly when to call you?"

"You just should." She rolled onto her side, whispering the conversation in case Giles were to walk by. "Are you coming by?"

"You want me to?"

"Well, I'll have to tell my other boyfriend he can't spend the night with me tonight, but I guess you're worth it."

"You're humor is lost on me Cor." He paused. "I'll be there in a while, okay?"

"Yup." The line went dead and she felt butterflies in her stomach. All because of one guy. An evil thought entered her head and it reflected in her smile as she stared at the pajamas she was going to change into. "It's kinda hot anyway." She reasoned and put away the clothing, then climbing into bed. She pulled the covers up, cacooning herself. She reached over to the lamp and turned it off, waiting. She heard the window open softly and looked in the direction. "Hey." She said.

"Hey. Why's it so dark?"

"Getting in sleep mode. Come here." He smiled and kicked off his shoes, joining her in the bed. When he wrapped his arms around her, his hands came in contact with warm skin. They traveled up and down her back, then he looked at her questioningly.

"Cordelia?"

"You're overdressed Angel."

"I-" He couldn't argue. And before he knew it, his shirt buttons were undone. He held her against his chest, kissing her neck and sholders. His hands moved, caressing a breast through her bra. His other hand undid her bra.

"Angel." She said in feign annoyance. She felt his hands twist in her panties and turned to face him in the dark. She could make out a wicked smirk on his face. She felt the material slide down her legs. "Now you're really overdressed." She said, trying to hide her embarrassment. She felt so exposed.

Until she saw him give her a sweet smile, lean forward, and kiss her on the lips gently.

"You don't ever have to feel self-conscious in front of me Cordelia. You're beautiful. Remember that." With the simple words, all her insecurities were washed away. Her hands moved to the zipper of his pants. "I get the hint." He said and got out of the bed, removing the rest of his clothes. She watched him with a satisfied smile. "Enjoying the view?"

"Hell yeah." He joined her and brought her to him. She sighed, loving the feeling of his skin against hers. "Angel?"

"Hmmmm?"

"Remember how, earlier, you said you didn't want the first time you make love to me to be in Oz's van?"

"Yeah." He said, tightening his hold on her.

"Well, we can't, can we?"

"Can't what?"

"Make love. You're soul, Angel." She stopped talking when she heard him start to chuckle. "You're laughing? Why are you laughing?"

"Cordy. I had an interesting talk with Willow the other day. Before I broke up with Buffy, so she probably thought I wanted to know for her. But, I was talking to her and we came up on the subject of my soul. Apparently, that little spell she did, got rid of the happy clause in my curse." He leaned his head down to rest it on her shoulder. "I'm free to do whatever," he lowered his voice, "or whom ever, I please."

"Really?"

"Really, really." He felt her tense a little and smiled into her skin. "And whenever you're ready, I'm ready." She laughed softly and turned to face him completely, burying herself into him. He suppressed a groan. She wasn't ready yet. And he could deal with that. This was good enough. He held her tighter and the two fell asleep.

***

Giles listened to the voices in his guest room with a frown. He didn't know what Cordelia or Angel were thinking. And he really didn't know how he was going to break it to Buffy.