Cordy struggled as hard as she could, but to no avail. Where was Buffy? Shouldn't she be here now with the pointy stick and doing the slayerly thing, with the stabbing and watching fang boys burst into clouds of dust?
Cordy managed to free her mouth just enough to be able to scream as loud as she could.
"CLARK!!"
XXXXX
Buffy stopped suddenly as she heard the scream, her heart started to pound. Cordy was in trouble and she didn't know what direction it came from. This was all her fault if only she had kept her eyes on the ex-cheerleader. She turned to look at her friends and they had the same looks of worry and panic on their faces.
XXXXX
Cordy felt her head being pushed to one side. She waited for the feel of teeth sinking into her flesh, to feel her life being drained from her. Clark and Oz passed through her mind the smile on their faces, the time she spent with them was the best she'd ever had.
The next thing she knew she was on the ground, looking up at a very angry Clark Kent throwing one of the vampires and then turning his gaze onto the one on the near him. His eyes became red, the vampire suddenly screamed as he burst into flames and before the second one got away Clark turned his stare onto him as well.
"Clark?" Cordy whispered afraid that this was all a dream and she was still trapped
Clark rushed to her side pulling her up and holding her tightly. "You are never doing that again, if they can't protect you." His voice was deep, breathing deeply he was just glad to have her safe. "Come on let's go."
"We have to find the others to let them know I am ok." Cordy said, she stopped and looked at her friend. "Please Clark."
XXXXX
Buffy's eyes widened in surprise as she saw Cordy and Clark walking towards them from the darkness.
"Cordy." The petite blonde ran towards them but before she could get near them Clark reached out.
A strong hand gripped her around her throat and pinned her against a large tree. Fear gripped at her heart as she struggled but even with all of her strength she could not budge him.
"Let her go." Xander and Willow rushed towards them, hitting him on the back trying to get him to release their friend.
"You were supposed to keep her safe." Clark growled deeply. "You were supposed to protect her but you didn't."
Cordy walked over and laid a hand on Clark's arm. "Let her go Clark, please. It was a mistake, an accident. You know what she is and she is needed. It doesn't matter what happens to me."
Buffy's eyes were wide with shock as she stared at Cordelia, suddenly not knowing the young woman who was standing there."
"Cordy, she may be the slayer but that doesn't mean you are expendable. I need to have you in my life." Clark released Buffy and pulled Cordy into his arms.
Buffy collapsed to the ground trying to catch her breath. Xander and Willow knelt beside her, their hands on her shoulders.
"Cordy, I'm sorry I I I." Buffy stuttered.
"It's ok Buffy, it was a mistake."
"No I wasn't paying as much attention as I should have, it is my fault. It won't happen again. We won't ask you to be bait but if you ever need my help I'll be there." Buffy felt her chest tighten with guilt.
"I've always known that Buffy. I think it is a good idea that I don't do the baity thing. Too much has happened, it's still too fresh." Cordy and Clark wrapped their arms around each other and walked away.
XXXXX
Clark stood at Cordy's door watching her, just making sure that she was safe. Her parents had once again gone off on one of their business trips leaving her alone. All Cordy had were him and Oz.
He walked over sat and on then bed, gently brushing a strand of dark hair of her face. Leaning forward and giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead. Clark slowly pulled away but as he did hazel eyes stared back at him.
"Cordy." He whispered.
"Clark."
Time around them seemed to stop as they stared deeply into each others eyes.
TBC