ATS: The Seduction of Cordelia Chase Pt1
The Seduction of Cordelia Chase
Author: Psychofilly
Pating: PG - NC17
Summary: This was a loose collection of short fics, that evolved. Angel knows what he wants, now he just has to convince the other party. Buffy makes a seemingly inconsequential appearance and the gang finds themselves thrown into the middle of rather uncomfortable circumstances.
Disclaimer: All belongs to the Joss-god.
Winner of the 2003 Shattered Frames Award for “Best NC 17.”
Bargaining
Buffy stared at the imposing hotel. It was pretty early yet, only 9 am, but she hadn't been able to wait any longer. She was going to see Angel today. She hadn't called, nor had they talked very recently, but after breaking off her non-relationship with Spike, she had felt the urge to renew her ties with the brooding vampire.
She hadn't really asked herself why. It just seemed like a good idea to get back to a place in her life when things hadn't been tinged with so much gray. They had been good together, and though she didn't exactly expect him to leave LA, she felt the time had come for him to step out of the shadows and let her bring a little light to his life.
Gunn looked up just as a young pretty blonde stepped into the lobby. He quickly stashed his gameboy behind the counter, and stepped forward to greet her.
"Yo, welcome to Angel Investigations. Can I help you?"
Buffy eyed the stranger warily. Angel had mentioned that he had a few more employee's and imposing as the tall man was, he didn't seem threatening. She smiled and took his proffered hand. "I was looking for Angel."
"Girlfriends got a grip!" The man grinned and ushered her to a seat. "Angel isn't in the office right now, but I can certainly help you. We don't officially open around here until 10 so, he won't be down till around then."
"I was really hoping to talk to Angel. Did you say he wouldn't be down till 10? Does that mean he's here?" She asked.
"Yeah, he lives here, but he's more of a night person..."
"Would you get him for me." She interrupted.
"No." He stiffened slightly. "I'd be happy to help you, or you could wait for another associate if you prefer." He stared impassively at the stubborn Barbie wanna be. "If you want to wait until ten, your welcome to wait in the lobby, or the courtyard. There's also a juice bar across the street." He turned and swaggered back to the desk behind the counter, picked up a gameboy, and resumed his game.
Buffy shook her head in disbelief. Angel needed to teach his employee's a few people skills. She paced the lobby for a few minutes, glaring a couple of times at the bald man who was pointedly ignoring her. She thought about just marching up the stairs, but this was a big hotel, and she had no idea where his rooms were.
Eventually she wandered into the small sun drenched courtyard. It was a pretty peaceful place, still pleasantly cool. She checked her watch. She still had 45 minutes to wait...great She found a secluded bench set by a small tree. She sat down lengthwise, and curled her knee's up, leaning her back against the sturdy trunk, and closing her eyes. The warming morning sun felt good against the back of her eyes.
Gunn completely forgot about her.
A slamming door jerked Buffy out of her sleep. For a moment she felt completely lost, then she remembered. LA, Angel, rude guy...Ok she was good to go. She headed for the lobby. Just as she was about to walk inside she saw Angel trotting down the steps. Her breath caught in her throat, and she moved behind the door, where she could see and hear, without being seen.
If anything he was even more handsome than she remembered. He had shed the usual black clothing and duster, and was wearing gray slacks and a maroon sweater. Maybe it's for a case? She stayed in the shadows and watched as Angel was almost run over by a tall willowy brunette.
"Woah, there Fred!" He laughed as he used her momentum to spin her into a short impromptu waltz. He let her go with a flourish that sent her spinning towards the counter. Gunn was giving the Vampire a hard stare.
"Are you macking on my honey?"
Angel bit back a smile, and shrugged innocently. "Who me? I don't mack...though, Fred does look kind of tasty this morning." The grin on his face made Buffy stifle a gasp...It was pure Angelus.
"Fred, get me a stake and the dustbuster."
"Hey, I think the boss would have something to say about that, don't you?" He replied, feigning indignance.
Gunn turned. "WES! I'm going to stake Angel for putting the moves on my girl. Is that ok?"
Wes was the boss?
Suddenly a head with tousled brown hair appeared in the side doorway. A dustbuster sailed through the air. Gunn caught it flipping the switch and reving it in Angel's general direction.
Angel threw his hands up. "Ok, ok I get the point, enough with the visual aids!"
Fred giggled, and kissed the black man on the lips. "My hero."
Angel coughed. Was that the *bullshit* cough?
Fred hopped up on the counter. "Where's Connor?"
"Upstairs with Lorne." Angel replied.
Buffy added Connor and Lorne on her mental list of people she had no clue about. How long had it been since she had talked to Angel? Watching him here with these strangers made it seem like ages. She took a step towards the entrance when the lobby doors burst open. She jumped back as a loud, unmistakable voice rang through the room.
"Everybody, grab Fred. I've got donuts and I want to make it to the counter before they're gone!"
The young woman Fred...who calls themselves Fred?? squealed and ran for Cordelia, who was still out of Buffy's line of sight. The two women walked to the counter together. Buffy had to smile as she saw the skinny girl holding a rapidly disappearing donut in each hand. Buffy was actually having fun watching the interaction between the LA group. She warmed inside at the thought of how happy Angel would be to see her after so long. Though he seemed pretty happy already...Well, comfortable, at least.
Buffy studied the former May Queen, of Sunnydale High. Willow said she had changed, but it was just one of those things that had to be seen to believed. Her long dark hair, which in truth Buffy had always admired was short sleek, and streaked with blonde. He clothes were cute, but hardly designer originals. She also seemed older somehow, as if the last few years had been hard ones. Willow, Anya and Tara were often times carded, she didn't think Cordelia would be anymore. She knew the feeling...
"Fred honey, I know you've got five years of eating to make up for, but one of these days..." She held out her arms and blew up her cheeks. Fred erupted into more giggles. Cordelia gave her a warm hug. Cordy picked a coffee out of the carrier, and brought it to Gunn. She gave his smooth head an affectionate pat.
"Wes! Coffee, and it's NOT made by me!"
Buffy looked around and noticed that Angel had found his own shadow to hide in, and he was staring at Cordelia with a faint smile tugging at his lips. *?* Wesley finally came out of his office for some coffee. Whoa! When did Wesley become a hottie? Buffy gaped at her former watcher. He seemed...hardened, both in body and spirit. He carried himself with a quiet confidence, and an easy grace. Suddenly he didn't seem so laughable anymore. Cordelia handed him a coffee, and leaned in and kissed his cheek. He smiled and squeezed her waist. Buffy wondered if they were together.
"So you're early today." Wes commented.
Gunn snorted. "Compared to what?"
Cordy shot him a death glare. "Well if *someone* hadn't kept me up half the night!"
Buffy saw him move. If she hadn't actually seen him do it, he would have just seemed to magically appear. She waited for Cordelia's surprised scream, smiling as if she were in on the joke. Cordy just turned and shoved a brown paper bag into his stomach, and went to her desk. He actually looks hurt. He followed her, pulling the container of blood out of the bag as he went. He slid onto Cordy's desk, and watched as she pulled out a sheaf of drawing paper.
"Have a vision?" To Buffy's horror, he started chugging the blood right there in front of everybody.
"Yeah."
"Is it for today?" He finished, and she handed him a napkin without looking up. He looked at it blankly.
"Blood mustache, and no." She continued to study the picture.
"I didn't mean to keep you up so late. It's just, well, you know how Connor gets and, I..."
"S'ok Angel, you know I don't mind." She looked up and smiled softly at him. Angel beamed back. They just looked at each other for a moment, then Cordelia shook her head, grabbed a magazine and headed for the middle of the lobby. Angel trailed slowly after her. Fred and Gunn exchanged a knowing look.
Buffy wasn't feeling the fun of voyeurism anymore, and decided it was time to make her presence known.
"Hey, Cordy!" Angel said, brightly...Too brightly.
She continued to read her magazine, but her eyebrow arched. Buffy froze, curious.
"I've been thinking."
Cordelia groaned. "Stop the presses! The dork is *thinking*."
Since when had Angel become a dork?
Angel frowned, but pressed on. "Well, I HAVE been thinking, and it occurred to me...I um, well...you see I noticed that you do it for everyone else, and I was, ummm..."
"Angel, geeze, spit it out already!" 'Exactly!' Buffy thought. Ok, she was beginning to see where the dork comment was coming from.
"Why don't we have a morning greeting?"
"Huh?" Cordy's face was blank. Buffy's mouth was hanging open.
Angel plunged ahead, gaining confidence as he spoke. "You know, some sort of ritual reinforcement of our friendship. Something unique...to us."
"And again I say, huh?" Cordy put her magazine down and faced him. Angel quickly sat down next to her, his arm over the back part of the chair, not around her shoulders, but definitely in her space. Way too close, has he forgotten the basic rules of human interaction?
"When you come in each morning...you have a ritual, sort of. You hug Fred, rub Gunn's head, and Wesley, he gets a kiss AND a sideways hug."
"Yeah, so?"
He gave her a pointed look. "What do I get?"
"I say hi!" She huffed.
"Exactly, I've known you longer than Wesley...shouldn't I rate something better than a hi?" He looked smug, sure that he had trapped her with a liberal dose of her own logic.
"Wesley's the boss." She picked up her magazine and started to flip through it, but the corners of her mouth quirked into the slightest of smiles.
Angel opened his mouth, and then snapped it shut. She had outmaneuvered him again. He reverted to his own trusty repitore, the penetrating stare. He leaned in slightly crowding her space, and just...stared.
After a minute Cordelia began to fidget. After two she was definitely showing signs of discomfort, after three she threw down the magazine in disgust, and glared back at Angel. His eyes immediately softened into his lost puppy look.
"WHAT do you want from me!"
He grinned like a Cheshire cat. Buffy was disturbed. It seemed like he was actually flirting with Cordelia Chase. "I told you, I want our own morning ritual, at least on par with Wesley's, if not better."
Cordy leaned up, over his shoulder. "Gunn! Get me a stake and the dustbuster! Angel's gone insane!"
Without even a glance their way, Gunn set the already handy dustbuster on the counter.
Angel's hand reached out to steady her. His fingers worrying at the hem of her shirt. Said hand followed her when she sat back down, resting briefly on her hip, before sliding down to her knee, where it settled, until she brushed it away.
"Angel I'm not kissing you."
Angel pretended to look shocked. "It's not like I'm asking for tongue, just a peck...on the lips." he rushed.
"I could file suit for sexual harassment you know."
"I'm not harassing, I'm asking for fair and equal treatment in the workplace."
"Man, don't go there..." Gunn warned.
Cordy let out a dramatic sigh, jumped up and stormed towards the counter. Angel eventually sidled up next to her, his shoulder casually brushing against hers. Buffy was absolutely *sure* Angel was flirting with Cordelia. She wanted to be mad at Cordy, but it seemed the poor girl was trying everything in her power to avoid him.
She tried to read through a stack of files, while Angel munched on a donut, staring at her all the while. With an even more dramatic sigh than the last, she rolled her eyes, and turned on the offending vampire.
"You want a good morning kiss? Well FINE!" She grabbed his shoulders and jerked him to her, mashing her lips mercilessly against his. She shoved him away, and stormed towards the courtyard.
In a blind panic Buffy jumped behind a tree.
Angel just stood for a moment absorbing what had happened, he put his fingers to his abused lips. "Ow." He mumbled, and then he raced after Cordy.
Fred just shook her head, and continued typing up a report.
He caught up to Cordelia before she made it into the bright sunlight. He grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her into a shadowy corner.
"You call that a kiss?"
"Pfft, no. I call that a smack."
"I'm going to have to call the LAPD and report that SMACK as assault and battery." He tugged her a little closer.
"Good, they can write up that sexual harassment complaint while they're here."
"All I wanted was a peck, maybe a little hug...Is that to much to ask?" He spoke softly, tugging her a few inches closer.
Her hazel eyes met his chocolate, and locked in a silent battle of wills. She licked her lips, and his eyes dropped, entranced. His free hand tentatively splayed over her waist, pulling her close. She didn't back away.
"I'll show you what I had in mind...Ok?"
At his husky whisper, most of the fight went out of her. Cordy was stiff, but she said, "Fine."
Angel leaned in slowly, his eyes never leaving hers, his lips tugging into a triumphant smirk. He lifted her chin and placed his cool lips gently over hers. He didn't push his limits. Just a quick kiss, definitely more than a peck, but Cordy was skittish as an wild mare, and he didn't want to spook her. As he pulled away, he felt a gentle tug on his lower lip, and the barest hint of her tongue as it tasted his skin.
He let her go. She stepped back, suddenly unable to meet his eyes. She made it half way to her desk before she heard him, behind her, gentle, yet persistent...
"We'll set up a meeting later to discuss terms of our evening departure ritual."
"Pffft, whatever." And suddenly the shyness was gone, and it was just Cordy again. Turning away, throwing up walls, but they were getting flimsier. Angel smiled a rare and beautiful smile.
Buffy waited until the first available opportunity and slipped quietly away. That night she called. She and Angel talked until 4am, while he watched Cordelia and Connor sleep.
Interlude
Cordelia was comfortable, tired, but comfortable. The room was a little on the chilly side, so she had crawled under the thick fluffy comforter. It was just her, and the squirmy nursing bundle beside her. She smiled as he let go of the bottle to blow rasberries at her. Connor...she was certain he was just the most beautiful baby on the face of the earth, and not nearly as dorky as his father.
Her heart fluttered. Strange, it never used to do that before. Of course things were different somehow, she was vaguely upset at the fact that she hadn't sensed the change until one day, it seemed that Angel was encroaching more and more into her personal space, throwing her balance slightly off kilter.
She had the weirdest notion that somehow she was being played, but as of yet she hadn't quite figured out how one of the most socially inept people on the face of the earth could possibly be that manipulative, so she let the game play hoping she could counter his moves before he held her in checkmate.
The door opened. The rustle of fabric announced his entrance. She was laying with the baby towards the edge of the bed, instead of the middle. His dead skin tingled at the thought...the possibilities.
"Hey."
"Hey."
She could sense him behind her, just standing. This was normal, she used his bed to feed Connor all the time. Why was her heart suddenly pounding in her chest? She heard the soft sounds of buttons being undone, and then the seal of warmth that she had trapped with her fled as the comforter rose, and the mattress dipped and creaked behind her. She shivered, drawing the baby close, tickling his pudgy little chin. "It's cold."
"Sorry." Angel quickly pulled the comforter up, holding his breath as he eased himself behind his seer. She had looked so perfect there in his bed, with his child...He had almost ruined the plan by declaring himself to her then and there. Not yet, she's almost ready...not yet.
Cordy stiffened when she felt a cold bare chest brush against the thin material of her shirt. She pushed out a breath and mentally forced herself to relax. This was ok, it wasn't like he had taken his pants off too. It was just Angel not knowing where his boundaries should end...again, and she had to admit it was comfortable to be here sandwiched between these two.
Angel propped his head on his elbow and leaned in, his cheek brushing against her ear, his bigger body folding around her curves. A bare muscular arm reached around her, and his pale strong hand splayed over his son's tummy, embracing her, without actually embracing. Now if he could just keep her still for longer than five minutes, then nature could take it's course and his sleepy seer would be too tired to force him to take her home.
"He's almost asleep."
"Mmmm, I see." He rumbled. "We got the skilosh's...this time *before* they were able to impregnate anyone."
She frowned, twisting to face him, pushing her shoulder into his firm chest. "You ok? No big gaping holes that need patching?"
He gazed contentedly into her eyes. "Just one..." He smiled at her look of genuine worry. Gotcha.
"Where? Let me see." He placed his hand over his heart, which caused her to roll her eyes and turn back to Connor with a huff. He couldn't see her affectionate grin.
"Your daddy is a dork. Can you say duuu-oork"
Angel leaned over her, tickling his son's foot. "Am not. I'm not the one who want's to use Connor's college fun to go skiing."
"I'd settle for the ice capades."
"I'm not going to see 'Chipmunk Robots on Ice'." He grimaced. "Are they robots that look like chipmunks, or chipmunks that look like robots? It's just...unnatural." He suppressed a shiver.
"There is no such things as Chipmunk Robots on Ice. I can't believe you actually remember that." She chuckled. "That was ME babbling nonsense while half asleep. Speaking of, do you think you could take me home?"
Now for the tricky part. He withdrew his arm, trying not to crowd her in any way. "Connor's almost asleep, it's late...I'm really kind of beat. You're already comfy..."
"So..."
Softly..."Stay."
Her eyebrow arched, she began to nervously pick at her index finger. He could see her thoughts skittering in all directions looking for good excuses to leave. He hoped he had all the bases covered.
"I didn't bring any clothes."
"You still have some here."
"I want to take a shower in the morning."
"Not like I don't have a bathroom."
"Toothbrush! I don't have my toothbrush."
"Use mine."
"EEEWWW! Angel that's gross!" She rolled over onto her back tucking his son in the crook of her arm, her nose scrunched as she peered up at him.
"What?" He asked genuinely confused. Maybe it was a woman thing.
"I can't use YOUR toothbrush." She smiled mischievously. "It has cooties."
Cooties??
"Cordelia, It does not have cooties."
"Angel ALL men have cooties, but YOU also have vampire cooties."
"Cor..." He knew she was teasing, but dammit she said he had cooties. Leave it to her to find the oddest excuse in the universe not to stay the night with him. "You can't catch vampirism from a toothbrush."
"Really." She deadpanned.
He shook his head, slipping into gameface. She gasped but didn't jerk away. "Really," he snickered, 'I'd have to do THIS!" He tickled her mercilessly, as he dipped his head and nipped her shoulder. She screamed with laughter, until she finally could only gasp for air.
"Ok, OK! I give!" She grabbed his shoulders pushing him firmly away. He rolled onto his back, clasping his hands behind his head, a knowing smirk flitting across his features. She made sure Connor was ensconced between two pillows and then she faced the vampire, her head propped up by her elbow, as she studied his face.
"Hmph." Her expressive face wrinkled in contemplation.
"What?" It came out a little harsher than he intended, but Angel was still in gameface, and a little uncomfortable with her frank stare.
"I just don't think I've ever gotten this good a look at you...like this." She reached out with hesitant fingers, pausing just above his skin, her hazel eyes asking for permission.
He simply nodded, his body going absolutely still under her feathery touch. His eyes fluttered closed as she ran the pads of her fingers over his sensitive brow ridges, her thumb brushing his raised cheekbone. He sucked in a breath when her fingers grazed his lips, teasing them open. He touched his tongue to the roof of his mouth, scenting her, resisting the urge to suck her wandering finger in and swirl it with his tongue. His eyes snapped open when she put a finger in his mouth and pressed it against a fang. His hand shot out and grabbed hers, pulling it away from his face. "What are...?"
She cocked her head, unconcerned with his reaction. "They're sharper than I thought...I mean I've been bit before, so I *know* they're sharp, but jeeze." She beamed at him as an idea struck. "Ohhh, You know maybe vampirism is like the ultimate form of cooties..."
Angel groaned. "Cordy! Only YOU could take thousands of years of the history, and mysticism of a demonic race and boil it down to one word." His handsome features slipped back into view.
She raised her chin defiantly. "Ok, smartypants, prove me wrong."
Damned if he couldn't. "I do NOT have cooties!"
"Mmmhmm...Scoot over. I'm sleepy."
Angel struggled to keep from looking smug as he scooted to the far end of the bed. He wanted her to be comfortable sleeping here. The play between them was driving him insane with anticipation. He had never spent so much time and effort on a woman before, but then again he had never been with a more puzzling stubborn beautiful woman in his very long life.
The phone rang. Inwardly Angel cursed, but he picked it up.
"Buffy?"
The name was like a dunk in icy cold water. Cordelia's heart sank. This thing, whatever it was between her and Angel...it was as good as over before it could begin. She didn't know why that made her heart ache the way it did. She would deal, he was her best friend, not a lover...he could never be that because of one word...Buffy. She sat up, and scooped the dozing baby into her arms, and headed to the door. He hadn't talked to her in ages, she could at least give them some privacy.
"Buffy. Can you hold on a sec?" He hit the mute button and raced after the retreating form of his seer. He caught her as she was opening the door. He pushed it closed, and wedged himself between it and her. "What are you doing?" His voice sounded high and panicky to his sensitive ears.
Cordelia refused to meet his eyes. "I, umm...It's Buffy right? I figured you'd want some time...alone."
This was NOT happening. A days worth of maneuvering had gotten her here, and he'd be damned if she was going to leave. "It's ok, REALLY." He gushed. "It doesn't sound like anything apocolypsey, so you just lay back down, OK?" He had her shoulders in a vicegrip as he lead her back towards the bed.
She eyed him suspiciously, but allowed herself to be tucked back in by the nervous vampire. His game was getting a little frayed, she could sense it. She just didn't understand why he still wanted her here, unless...He stood there for a moment looking stern, almost daring her to try and move again...she didn't. He sat back down in his favorite lumpy chair, and picked up the phone.
"Hey, Buffy...Yeah sorry. I just needed...yeah."
Cordelia fell asleep to the soothing drone of his voice as he talked late into the night.
Hardball
Cordelia woke up alone.
It was about nine thirty when she finally drifted into the land of the living. It took her a few minutes to get her bearings. Finally she threw the covers down and padded blearily into the bathroom.
She stood there gaping...
Her clean clothes were hanging on the door. There were clean towels, and new bottles of shampoo, conditioner, bathsoap,all her favorites, though how he knew was a mystery...unless, eew...he could tell by the smell. and three different kinds of toothbrushes still wrapped in their plastic blister packs. She stood hands on her hips shaking her head.
"What have you been up too you psychotic, obsessive, dumbass?" She mumbled, as she shut and locked the door.
She drifted down the stairs at ten fifteen. Gunn was in his usual spot. She could see the indistinct shape of Wesley puttering around his office. Angel was nowhere to be found. She patted Gunn on the head, as she walked into Wes' office.
Wes looked up, from a particularly interesting text, to see Cordy. Funny, he hadn't heard the door. She hung to the doorframe, just watching him read for a few moments. He looked up and smiled, she returned it to dazzling effect.
"I didn't hear you come in."
"I didn't. I fell asleep with doofy, and son."
"I see."
"Got any filing? Any paperwork to be filled out in triplicate, any musty books that need reading through, or just plain throwing away?"
"Cordelia...what is it?"
She sighed. "Nothing, just bored."
"Mmm, well get a vision."
She stuck her tongue out, marched out of his office, and right into Angel.
She screeched, and jumped back, tripping over a chair. Angel caught her, before she could go over, smoothly pulling her away from the danger. Before she could react he bent down and kissed her, same as before, only he held it a heartbeat longer, creating a gentle suction against her lips. He let her go with a casual "Morning."
She frowned at his retreating back, noticing the navy slacks and gray cashmere sweater that seemed to mould itself to his body. Again, she had the vague feeling of being maneuvered, but she shook it off.
"TACOS!"
Cordy tensed in surprise, unsure of what was making her so jumpy. She felt a pair of eyes boring into her back, and turned, expecting brown. She was surprised to find Wesley's piercing blue orbs searching her face. He let his eyes travel over the winsome girl that was skipping merrily Cordy's way, longing tugging at that small space inside that he couldn't quite get rid of.
"Fred! Boy am I glad to see you. I am SO hungry." She said brightly. Too brightly
"Hey, I know you said I should bring something else next time, and well this IS the next time, but as I passed by the taco place they just smelled so good, and I couldn't resist...I hope you don't mind."
"Tacos are fine Fred."
"Ok, where's Angel?"
"Angel doesn't eat tacos." Suddenly afraid she asked. "He didn't ask for tacos did he? Cause you remember the last time he was chowing them down he had been bodyjacked. AND he was eating a donut yesterday! You don't think he could be...someone else do you?"
"Cordelia!" Fred tittered. "I just need to give him his change. He asked me to get some stuff for Connor."
Cordy visibly relaxed.
"Are you ok, hun. Being all twitchy and nervous is kinda my gig, 'ya know?"
"Angel's just being a little more weird than normal. It's kinda throwing me off."
Fred nodded. "He has been awfully chipper lately."
Cordelia smiled. "I'll get the stake."
"I'll get the dustbuster."
***********
To everyone else he seemed lost in the huge volume spread across his lap, but in truth his eyes were glued to the activity just beyond the picture window. On a slow day like this the quartet of employee's lounging outside his office made for an interesting study in psychology.
Wes frowned. It was easy to think of Angel as just another one of the employee's. In truth Wesley looked older than he did, even though the combined ages of the room hardly came close. He had noticed the changes of the past few weeks...He may not have belonged to the council anymore, but at heart he was still a watcher. It made him uneasy to observe Angel's growing fascination with his seer. Cordelia was a sweet girl, a little brittle to the casual observer, but a more caring heart had never beat in any woman's chest...a heart he wasn't sure Angel knew how easily he could break.
"I just don't understand."
Cordy sighed and abandoned all pretense of reading. "What's wrong now?"
Angel sank dejectedly on the steps by her, leaning his elbows against the higher step. "I'm a vampire, my eyesight, reflexes and everything are way better than Gunn's, but he always beats me."
Gunn sniggered. "It's not about how fast you wiggle your thumbs dog..." He paused the game and tapped his head. "It's about what you got up here." He resumed play. "'Sides, you just can't stand loosing."
Cordy grinned at Gunn. "There's that...but I think you were right." She scooted further away from the impassive vampire. "You know...about the brains."
"Hey! I'm sitting right here." Angel huffed.
"Just take your whuppin like a man!" Fred interjected.
"E tu Brute?" Angel fell over onto Cordelia's shoulder wincing at his pretend wound.
"Don't look to me for sympathy Broody." She shrugged him off, and stuck her nose back in her book.
They sat for a while in companionable silence. Cordelia almost forgot he was there until she felt a finger slide over her arm. Goosebumps immediately followed the trail. She turned to Angel, who was staring at her through lash shuttered lids. "You don't really think I'm stupid, do you?" he murmured.
"Arrgh!" She smacked him in the gut with the book.
Gunn just locked eyes with his own pretty brunette, and she giggled, as a lazy smile cut across his features. "Man, he just can't let it go, can he."
"What?" Angel asked with wide eyed innocence. "I'm not..."
"Obsessive?" Cordy shot Gunn an amused glance. "Have you seen this man's closet? He even ties the laces of all his shoes, and the hangars??? EXACTLY an inch apart." She stood, and looked at Angel with mock disdain. "You know what else..."
"Cordy." Angel glared a warning, as he stood. "Don't." He took a step towards his seer, but she quickly backed away.
"HE has a..." Angel lunged, but Cordelia was ready. With a screech she took off across the lobby, Angel hot on her heels. "...Gameboy!" He caught her by the waist picking her easily off the ground. "Stashed in...Ahhh!" His hand clamped down over her mouth, as he drug her to the basement door, and shoved her unceremoniously on the landing, slamming the door and locking her inside. Her muffled threats were drowned out by the laughter echoing through the lobby.
"Yo, dog...You'd better get down there and apologize."
"Or your gonna be screwed!" Fred finished.
Wes watched as a few minutes later Angel slipped into the basement to make peace with Cordelia, the germ of an idea hardening into firm resolve.
"Cordy?" Angel descended into the gloomy training room. She was definitely here, he could smell her...He turned in a slow circuit, finally picking her out of the shadows. She was under the stairs, back against the wall, knees drawn to her chest, and hands wrapped in a protective hug. He slid down the wall next to her.
"Cor, I'm sorry."
"No your not." She shrugged, sitting silently for a few minutes. "We were just playing, I get that."
"Then why are you balled up under the stairs?"
"It's just..." She raised her dry miserable eyes to his.
He turned to face her, his hand cupping her cheek, thumb tracing the tracks of the tears that she would not let fall. "What?"
"Does everything always have to be about winning?"
He frowned, sensing that there was more to this question than what was being vocalized.
"It's just that sometimes you come off like a big bully."
Angel let his hand fall from her face. Cautiously he asked, "What do you mean?"
"Always WINNING, always getting YOUR way. It's like you can't let someone else have something they're good at." She sniffed, brushing at her eyes.
He brushed a stray hair back behind her ear. "Maybe your right, but it's not intentional." He hesitated, afraid to say too much, terrified of leaving too little unsaid. "For the first time in 249 years I have friends...family. I can let my guard down a bit...with mixed results." He chuckled at the irony. "I am just so damn afraid of loosing what little I've been given, because..." His throat caught, as his eyes connected with hers. "Honestly, it's the most I've ever had."
Moved by his words, shaken by his unrestrained emotion, Cordy grabbed his hand, entwining their fingers with a tight squeeze. "Angel, I can't speak for anyone else, but I promise...I'm not going anywhere. I was there at the beginning, remember? I will be here at the end."
Angel pulled her into a tight embrace. If he could have found a way to squeeze her into his ribcage and tuck her by his heart forever he would have. "Just remember you promised next time I'm being an unbearable ass, ok?"
She laughed, pulling away, only to lean in and kiss the tip of his nose. "You mean an arrogant, obsessive, overprotective, emotionally stunted, unbearable ass, right?"
"Riight." He rolled his eyes and helped her up, sweeping her into another hug which she gladly returned. He just stood there. The moment stretched from comfort into something more, and Cordelia felt a thread of tension crawl up her back as his hands dropped lower and he pulled her flush. Suddenly he let go, and she found herself staring once more into the smiling eyes of her best friend.
***********
Later...
"Angel, a word please."
Angel drifted into the office. "What'cha got?"
Wesley, just peered at him over the rim of his glasses. "Shut the door."
"Okaay." He shut it and turned crossing his arms.
"Sit down."
"Wesley..."
"SIT down."
Angel dropped into the nearest chair, and stared at his toes. He had been expecting this 'talk' for a while now.
Wesley realized the ridiculousness of trying to talk sense into the sullen vampire but strange as it was, he felt a responsibility towards the man, and a brotherly affection towards Cordelia.
"I ah, haven't been able to help but notice your...attitude towards our Cordelia has been," he coughed, "changing."
Angel's eyes flicked upwards, meeting his for a moment, then finding something interesting to stare at somewhere over his left shoulder.
"Angel...everyone *but* Cordelia has noticed, and she won't talk about it."
"There is nothing to talk about."
"I happen to disagree."
Angel leaned forward in the chair, elbows resting on his knees, he finally held Wesley's gaze. Wes felt the chill strait to his heart.
"I happen to think it's nobodies business but my own." His voice was low, he let the weight of his age, and experience harden the edges.
"Don't you think it's her business too?"
Angel just glared. With a sigh Wesley threw a photograph across his desk. Angel glanced at it and slowly turned blank eyes towards the former watcher.
"What is the meaning of THIS?" Angel fingered the weathered photo.
Wes got up, and rounded the desk propping himself against the edge and leaning into Angel's space. His ice chip eyes did not flinch from Angel's angry stare.
"Do not play games with Cordelia, Angel...not her." Angel's only response was a low growl.
"Regardless of what other people think about Darla, Buffy, and your leanings towards strong blondes, you and I both know the truth don't we?" Wes let a little frost bite at the ends of his deceptively soft tone.
Angel's voice was flat, dangerous. "What truth would that be Wes."
"That Drusilla was always your kind of girl."
Angel was up in an instant, nose to nose with the smaller man. "Is that what your afraid of? Do you actually think I'm trying to drive another seer insane?" He balled his fists at his side, jaw clenching in an effort to control his voice. "Are you afraid of what Angelus could do to her?"
Wes sighed, pulling off his glasses, and pinching the bridge of his nose. "No, not at all...I'm afraid of what YOU would do to her, Angel, you...because you aren't like other humans, and that's how Cordelia thinks of you. She forgets...you have a singular history with women Angel...especially Dru, and I don't want to see Cordelia hurt."
"I want her with me. She is already a mother to my son. I couldn't hurt her. I WON'T hurt her."
"You don't think these little games you are playing aren't?"
"I'm NOT playing, and she's not some fragile little china doll. She doesn't break easily."
Wes' words were soft, without rancor. "YOU make her fragile."
"I love her."
"You don't deserve her."
"You judgmental bastard. I NEED her!"
"Angel."
Angel strode angrily to the door. "Don't Wesley, just don't...It's up to her anyway." A melancholy smile ghosted across his features. "You know, there is a distinct possibility that SHE may not want me."
"And if she doesn't?"
Wes words fell on deaf walls. Angel had already disappeared.
***********
It was late, well by her 'vampire hours' anyway. The whole crew had eventually adopted hours suited to accommodate their nocturnal champion. She usually left around eleven, barring a vision, sometimes midnight. After spending two days at the hotel...The latter part of this day trying to thaw from the mysterious chill between Wes and Angel...she was ready for home.
Gunn and Fred had already disappeared, and Wes was finishing his notes. Cordy packed some papers that she wanted to take home in a roomy tote, and threw her jacket on her desk.
"Night Angel."
Angel emerged from an inky shadow, looking distinctly embarrassed to have been caught.
"You, ah don't want to come up and say goodnight to Connor?"
"I already did."
"I have movies..."
Cordelia studied her friends face for a moment, again he shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny. "Not tonight. You ok?"
"It's just early yet, and I-"
"It's 1:30 I'm tired, I miss my ghost."
"Surely I'm more fun than a ghost?"
She shook her head. "I wouldn't bet on it."
He smiled, conceding defeat gracefully. "I'll take you home, then."
"Nope." She looked around for her hair tie. "Wes already volunteered."
"I see."
Cordelia couldn't help but notice the chill in his voice, and the visible effort it took to shake it off. A slow sensual smile twisted his handsome face into to something a little dangerous. He ambled towards her, one hand trailing across the smooth green marble of the counter.
"You know...we never settled on an appropriate parting ritual."
Cordelia gaped at the semi-stranger standing confidently close. She put a restraining hand to his cashmere covered chest, cursing inwardly at how close to a caress it seemed. "Angel." Her voice was a throaty whisper. Angel leaned closer, ignoring the slight resistance of Cordelia's warm hand.
"Ahem"
Cordelia jerked guiltily away. Her body snapping around to face Wesley. Angel and Wes eyes locked. Angel blew out a tiny frustrated breath.
"So...you ready?" Wes sounded casual, but his posture was stiff.
Cordy simply nodded, grabbed her things, and followed Wes out the door.
Angel pulled a scrap of elasticized fabric out of his pocket as he climbed up the long flight of stairs. He crushed it to his face, and inhaled deeply.
Author: Psychofilly
Pating: PG - NC17
Summary: This was a loose collection of short fics, that evolved. Angel knows what he wants, now he just has to convince the other party. Buffy makes a seemingly inconsequential appearance and the gang finds themselves thrown into the middle of rather uncomfortable circumstances.
Disclaimer: All belongs to the Joss-god.
Winner of the 2003 Shattered Frames Award for “Best NC 17.”
Bargaining
Buffy stared at the imposing hotel. It was pretty early yet, only 9 am, but she hadn't been able to wait any longer. She was going to see Angel today. She hadn't called, nor had they talked very recently, but after breaking off her non-relationship with Spike, she had felt the urge to renew her ties with the brooding vampire.
She hadn't really asked herself why. It just seemed like a good idea to get back to a place in her life when things hadn't been tinged with so much gray. They had been good together, and though she didn't exactly expect him to leave LA, she felt the time had come for him to step out of the shadows and let her bring a little light to his life.
Gunn looked up just as a young pretty blonde stepped into the lobby. He quickly stashed his gameboy behind the counter, and stepped forward to greet her.
"Yo, welcome to Angel Investigations. Can I help you?"
Buffy eyed the stranger warily. Angel had mentioned that he had a few more employee's and imposing as the tall man was, he didn't seem threatening. She smiled and took his proffered hand. "I was looking for Angel."
"Girlfriends got a grip!" The man grinned and ushered her to a seat. "Angel isn't in the office right now, but I can certainly help you. We don't officially open around here until 10 so, he won't be down till around then."
"I was really hoping to talk to Angel. Did you say he wouldn't be down till 10? Does that mean he's here?" She asked.
"Yeah, he lives here, but he's more of a night person..."
"Would you get him for me." She interrupted.
"No." He stiffened slightly. "I'd be happy to help you, or you could wait for another associate if you prefer." He stared impassively at the stubborn Barbie wanna be. "If you want to wait until ten, your welcome to wait in the lobby, or the courtyard. There's also a juice bar across the street." He turned and swaggered back to the desk behind the counter, picked up a gameboy, and resumed his game.
Buffy shook her head in disbelief. Angel needed to teach his employee's a few people skills. She paced the lobby for a few minutes, glaring a couple of times at the bald man who was pointedly ignoring her. She thought about just marching up the stairs, but this was a big hotel, and she had no idea where his rooms were.
Eventually she wandered into the small sun drenched courtyard. It was a pretty peaceful place, still pleasantly cool. She checked her watch. She still had 45 minutes to wait...great She found a secluded bench set by a small tree. She sat down lengthwise, and curled her knee's up, leaning her back against the sturdy trunk, and closing her eyes. The warming morning sun felt good against the back of her eyes.
Gunn completely forgot about her.
A slamming door jerked Buffy out of her sleep. For a moment she felt completely lost, then she remembered. LA, Angel, rude guy...Ok she was good to go. She headed for the lobby. Just as she was about to walk inside she saw Angel trotting down the steps. Her breath caught in her throat, and she moved behind the door, where she could see and hear, without being seen.
If anything he was even more handsome than she remembered. He had shed the usual black clothing and duster, and was wearing gray slacks and a maroon sweater. Maybe it's for a case? She stayed in the shadows and watched as Angel was almost run over by a tall willowy brunette.
"Woah, there Fred!" He laughed as he used her momentum to spin her into a short impromptu waltz. He let her go with a flourish that sent her spinning towards the counter. Gunn was giving the Vampire a hard stare.
"Are you macking on my honey?"
Angel bit back a smile, and shrugged innocently. "Who me? I don't mack...though, Fred does look kind of tasty this morning." The grin on his face made Buffy stifle a gasp...It was pure Angelus.
"Fred, get me a stake and the dustbuster."
"Hey, I think the boss would have something to say about that, don't you?" He replied, feigning indignance.
Gunn turned. "WES! I'm going to stake Angel for putting the moves on my girl. Is that ok?"
Wes was the boss?
Suddenly a head with tousled brown hair appeared in the side doorway. A dustbuster sailed through the air. Gunn caught it flipping the switch and reving it in Angel's general direction.
Angel threw his hands up. "Ok, ok I get the point, enough with the visual aids!"
Fred giggled, and kissed the black man on the lips. "My hero."
Angel coughed. Was that the *bullshit* cough?
Fred hopped up on the counter. "Where's Connor?"
"Upstairs with Lorne." Angel replied.
Buffy added Connor and Lorne on her mental list of people she had no clue about. How long had it been since she had talked to Angel? Watching him here with these strangers made it seem like ages. She took a step towards the entrance when the lobby doors burst open. She jumped back as a loud, unmistakable voice rang through the room.
"Everybody, grab Fred. I've got donuts and I want to make it to the counter before they're gone!"
The young woman Fred...who calls themselves Fred?? squealed and ran for Cordelia, who was still out of Buffy's line of sight. The two women walked to the counter together. Buffy had to smile as she saw the skinny girl holding a rapidly disappearing donut in each hand. Buffy was actually having fun watching the interaction between the LA group. She warmed inside at the thought of how happy Angel would be to see her after so long. Though he seemed pretty happy already...Well, comfortable, at least.
Buffy studied the former May Queen, of Sunnydale High. Willow said she had changed, but it was just one of those things that had to be seen to believed. Her long dark hair, which in truth Buffy had always admired was short sleek, and streaked with blonde. He clothes were cute, but hardly designer originals. She also seemed older somehow, as if the last few years had been hard ones. Willow, Anya and Tara were often times carded, she didn't think Cordelia would be anymore. She knew the feeling...
"Fred honey, I know you've got five years of eating to make up for, but one of these days..." She held out her arms and blew up her cheeks. Fred erupted into more giggles. Cordelia gave her a warm hug. Cordy picked a coffee out of the carrier, and brought it to Gunn. She gave his smooth head an affectionate pat.
"Wes! Coffee, and it's NOT made by me!"
Buffy looked around and noticed that Angel had found his own shadow to hide in, and he was staring at Cordelia with a faint smile tugging at his lips. *?* Wesley finally came out of his office for some coffee. Whoa! When did Wesley become a hottie? Buffy gaped at her former watcher. He seemed...hardened, both in body and spirit. He carried himself with a quiet confidence, and an easy grace. Suddenly he didn't seem so laughable anymore. Cordelia handed him a coffee, and leaned in and kissed his cheek. He smiled and squeezed her waist. Buffy wondered if they were together.
"So you're early today." Wes commented.
Gunn snorted. "Compared to what?"
Cordy shot him a death glare. "Well if *someone* hadn't kept me up half the night!"
Buffy saw him move. If she hadn't actually seen him do it, he would have just seemed to magically appear. She waited for Cordelia's surprised scream, smiling as if she were in on the joke. Cordy just turned and shoved a brown paper bag into his stomach, and went to her desk. He actually looks hurt. He followed her, pulling the container of blood out of the bag as he went. He slid onto Cordy's desk, and watched as she pulled out a sheaf of drawing paper.
"Have a vision?" To Buffy's horror, he started chugging the blood right there in front of everybody.
"Yeah."
"Is it for today?" He finished, and she handed him a napkin without looking up. He looked at it blankly.
"Blood mustache, and no." She continued to study the picture.
"I didn't mean to keep you up so late. It's just, well, you know how Connor gets and, I..."
"S'ok Angel, you know I don't mind." She looked up and smiled softly at him. Angel beamed back. They just looked at each other for a moment, then Cordelia shook her head, grabbed a magazine and headed for the middle of the lobby. Angel trailed slowly after her. Fred and Gunn exchanged a knowing look.
Buffy wasn't feeling the fun of voyeurism anymore, and decided it was time to make her presence known.
"Hey, Cordy!" Angel said, brightly...Too brightly.
She continued to read her magazine, but her eyebrow arched. Buffy froze, curious.
"I've been thinking."
Cordelia groaned. "Stop the presses! The dork is *thinking*."
Since when had Angel become a dork?
Angel frowned, but pressed on. "Well, I HAVE been thinking, and it occurred to me...I um, well...you see I noticed that you do it for everyone else, and I was, ummm..."
"Angel, geeze, spit it out already!" 'Exactly!' Buffy thought. Ok, she was beginning to see where the dork comment was coming from.
"Why don't we have a morning greeting?"
"Huh?" Cordy's face was blank. Buffy's mouth was hanging open.
Angel plunged ahead, gaining confidence as he spoke. "You know, some sort of ritual reinforcement of our friendship. Something unique...to us."
"And again I say, huh?" Cordy put her magazine down and faced him. Angel quickly sat down next to her, his arm over the back part of the chair, not around her shoulders, but definitely in her space. Way too close, has he forgotten the basic rules of human interaction?
"When you come in each morning...you have a ritual, sort of. You hug Fred, rub Gunn's head, and Wesley, he gets a kiss AND a sideways hug."
"Yeah, so?"
He gave her a pointed look. "What do I get?"
"I say hi!" She huffed.
"Exactly, I've known you longer than Wesley...shouldn't I rate something better than a hi?" He looked smug, sure that he had trapped her with a liberal dose of her own logic.
"Wesley's the boss." She picked up her magazine and started to flip through it, but the corners of her mouth quirked into the slightest of smiles.
Angel opened his mouth, and then snapped it shut. She had outmaneuvered him again. He reverted to his own trusty repitore, the penetrating stare. He leaned in slightly crowding her space, and just...stared.
After a minute Cordelia began to fidget. After two she was definitely showing signs of discomfort, after three she threw down the magazine in disgust, and glared back at Angel. His eyes immediately softened into his lost puppy look.
"WHAT do you want from me!"
He grinned like a Cheshire cat. Buffy was disturbed. It seemed like he was actually flirting with Cordelia Chase. "I told you, I want our own morning ritual, at least on par with Wesley's, if not better."
Cordy leaned up, over his shoulder. "Gunn! Get me a stake and the dustbuster! Angel's gone insane!"
Without even a glance their way, Gunn set the already handy dustbuster on the counter.
Angel's hand reached out to steady her. His fingers worrying at the hem of her shirt. Said hand followed her when she sat back down, resting briefly on her hip, before sliding down to her knee, where it settled, until she brushed it away.
"Angel I'm not kissing you."
Angel pretended to look shocked. "It's not like I'm asking for tongue, just a peck...on the lips." he rushed.
"I could file suit for sexual harassment you know."
"I'm not harassing, I'm asking for fair and equal treatment in the workplace."
"Man, don't go there..." Gunn warned.
Cordy let out a dramatic sigh, jumped up and stormed towards the counter. Angel eventually sidled up next to her, his shoulder casually brushing against hers. Buffy was absolutely *sure* Angel was flirting with Cordelia. She wanted to be mad at Cordy, but it seemed the poor girl was trying everything in her power to avoid him.
She tried to read through a stack of files, while Angel munched on a donut, staring at her all the while. With an even more dramatic sigh than the last, she rolled her eyes, and turned on the offending vampire.
"You want a good morning kiss? Well FINE!" She grabbed his shoulders and jerked him to her, mashing her lips mercilessly against his. She shoved him away, and stormed towards the courtyard.
In a blind panic Buffy jumped behind a tree.
Angel just stood for a moment absorbing what had happened, he put his fingers to his abused lips. "Ow." He mumbled, and then he raced after Cordy.
Fred just shook her head, and continued typing up a report.
He caught up to Cordelia before she made it into the bright sunlight. He grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her into a shadowy corner.
"You call that a kiss?"
"Pfft, no. I call that a smack."
"I'm going to have to call the LAPD and report that SMACK as assault and battery." He tugged her a little closer.
"Good, they can write up that sexual harassment complaint while they're here."
"All I wanted was a peck, maybe a little hug...Is that to much to ask?" He spoke softly, tugging her a few inches closer.
Her hazel eyes met his chocolate, and locked in a silent battle of wills. She licked her lips, and his eyes dropped, entranced. His free hand tentatively splayed over her waist, pulling her close. She didn't back away.
"I'll show you what I had in mind...Ok?"
At his husky whisper, most of the fight went out of her. Cordy was stiff, but she said, "Fine."
Angel leaned in slowly, his eyes never leaving hers, his lips tugging into a triumphant smirk. He lifted her chin and placed his cool lips gently over hers. He didn't push his limits. Just a quick kiss, definitely more than a peck, but Cordy was skittish as an wild mare, and he didn't want to spook her. As he pulled away, he felt a gentle tug on his lower lip, and the barest hint of her tongue as it tasted his skin.
He let her go. She stepped back, suddenly unable to meet his eyes. She made it half way to her desk before she heard him, behind her, gentle, yet persistent...
"We'll set up a meeting later to discuss terms of our evening departure ritual."
"Pffft, whatever." And suddenly the shyness was gone, and it was just Cordy again. Turning away, throwing up walls, but they were getting flimsier. Angel smiled a rare and beautiful smile.
Buffy waited until the first available opportunity and slipped quietly away. That night she called. She and Angel talked until 4am, while he watched Cordelia and Connor sleep.
Interlude
Cordelia was comfortable, tired, but comfortable. The room was a little on the chilly side, so she had crawled under the thick fluffy comforter. It was just her, and the squirmy nursing bundle beside her. She smiled as he let go of the bottle to blow rasberries at her. Connor...she was certain he was just the most beautiful baby on the face of the earth, and not nearly as dorky as his father.
Her heart fluttered. Strange, it never used to do that before. Of course things were different somehow, she was vaguely upset at the fact that she hadn't sensed the change until one day, it seemed that Angel was encroaching more and more into her personal space, throwing her balance slightly off kilter.
She had the weirdest notion that somehow she was being played, but as of yet she hadn't quite figured out how one of the most socially inept people on the face of the earth could possibly be that manipulative, so she let the game play hoping she could counter his moves before he held her in checkmate.
The door opened. The rustle of fabric announced his entrance. She was laying with the baby towards the edge of the bed, instead of the middle. His dead skin tingled at the thought...the possibilities.
"Hey."
"Hey."
She could sense him behind her, just standing. This was normal, she used his bed to feed Connor all the time. Why was her heart suddenly pounding in her chest? She heard the soft sounds of buttons being undone, and then the seal of warmth that she had trapped with her fled as the comforter rose, and the mattress dipped and creaked behind her. She shivered, drawing the baby close, tickling his pudgy little chin. "It's cold."
"Sorry." Angel quickly pulled the comforter up, holding his breath as he eased himself behind his seer. She had looked so perfect there in his bed, with his child...He had almost ruined the plan by declaring himself to her then and there. Not yet, she's almost ready...not yet.
Cordy stiffened when she felt a cold bare chest brush against the thin material of her shirt. She pushed out a breath and mentally forced herself to relax. This was ok, it wasn't like he had taken his pants off too. It was just Angel not knowing where his boundaries should end...again, and she had to admit it was comfortable to be here sandwiched between these two.
Angel propped his head on his elbow and leaned in, his cheek brushing against her ear, his bigger body folding around her curves. A bare muscular arm reached around her, and his pale strong hand splayed over his son's tummy, embracing her, without actually embracing. Now if he could just keep her still for longer than five minutes, then nature could take it's course and his sleepy seer would be too tired to force him to take her home.
"He's almost asleep."
"Mmmm, I see." He rumbled. "We got the skilosh's...this time *before* they were able to impregnate anyone."
She frowned, twisting to face him, pushing her shoulder into his firm chest. "You ok? No big gaping holes that need patching?"
He gazed contentedly into her eyes. "Just one..." He smiled at her look of genuine worry. Gotcha.
"Where? Let me see." He placed his hand over his heart, which caused her to roll her eyes and turn back to Connor with a huff. He couldn't see her affectionate grin.
"Your daddy is a dork. Can you say duuu-oork"
Angel leaned over her, tickling his son's foot. "Am not. I'm not the one who want's to use Connor's college fun to go skiing."
"I'd settle for the ice capades."
"I'm not going to see 'Chipmunk Robots on Ice'." He grimaced. "Are they robots that look like chipmunks, or chipmunks that look like robots? It's just...unnatural." He suppressed a shiver.
"There is no such things as Chipmunk Robots on Ice. I can't believe you actually remember that." She chuckled. "That was ME babbling nonsense while half asleep. Speaking of, do you think you could take me home?"
Now for the tricky part. He withdrew his arm, trying not to crowd her in any way. "Connor's almost asleep, it's late...I'm really kind of beat. You're already comfy..."
"So..."
Softly..."Stay."
Her eyebrow arched, she began to nervously pick at her index finger. He could see her thoughts skittering in all directions looking for good excuses to leave. He hoped he had all the bases covered.
"I didn't bring any clothes."
"You still have some here."
"I want to take a shower in the morning."
"Not like I don't have a bathroom."
"Toothbrush! I don't have my toothbrush."
"Use mine."
"EEEWWW! Angel that's gross!" She rolled over onto her back tucking his son in the crook of her arm, her nose scrunched as she peered up at him.
"What?" He asked genuinely confused. Maybe it was a woman thing.
"I can't use YOUR toothbrush." She smiled mischievously. "It has cooties."
Cooties??
"Cordelia, It does not have cooties."
"Angel ALL men have cooties, but YOU also have vampire cooties."
"Cor..." He knew she was teasing, but dammit she said he had cooties. Leave it to her to find the oddest excuse in the universe not to stay the night with him. "You can't catch vampirism from a toothbrush."
"Really." She deadpanned.
He shook his head, slipping into gameface. She gasped but didn't jerk away. "Really," he snickered, 'I'd have to do THIS!" He tickled her mercilessly, as he dipped his head and nipped her shoulder. She screamed with laughter, until she finally could only gasp for air.
"Ok, OK! I give!" She grabbed his shoulders pushing him firmly away. He rolled onto his back, clasping his hands behind his head, a knowing smirk flitting across his features. She made sure Connor was ensconced between two pillows and then she faced the vampire, her head propped up by her elbow, as she studied his face.
"Hmph." Her expressive face wrinkled in contemplation.
"What?" It came out a little harsher than he intended, but Angel was still in gameface, and a little uncomfortable with her frank stare.
"I just don't think I've ever gotten this good a look at you...like this." She reached out with hesitant fingers, pausing just above his skin, her hazel eyes asking for permission.
He simply nodded, his body going absolutely still under her feathery touch. His eyes fluttered closed as she ran the pads of her fingers over his sensitive brow ridges, her thumb brushing his raised cheekbone. He sucked in a breath when her fingers grazed his lips, teasing them open. He touched his tongue to the roof of his mouth, scenting her, resisting the urge to suck her wandering finger in and swirl it with his tongue. His eyes snapped open when she put a finger in his mouth and pressed it against a fang. His hand shot out and grabbed hers, pulling it away from his face. "What are...?"
She cocked her head, unconcerned with his reaction. "They're sharper than I thought...I mean I've been bit before, so I *know* they're sharp, but jeeze." She beamed at him as an idea struck. "Ohhh, You know maybe vampirism is like the ultimate form of cooties..."
Angel groaned. "Cordy! Only YOU could take thousands of years of the history, and mysticism of a demonic race and boil it down to one word." His handsome features slipped back into view.
She raised her chin defiantly. "Ok, smartypants, prove me wrong."
Damned if he couldn't. "I do NOT have cooties!"
"Mmmhmm...Scoot over. I'm sleepy."
Angel struggled to keep from looking smug as he scooted to the far end of the bed. He wanted her to be comfortable sleeping here. The play between them was driving him insane with anticipation. He had never spent so much time and effort on a woman before, but then again he had never been with a more puzzling stubborn beautiful woman in his very long life.
The phone rang. Inwardly Angel cursed, but he picked it up.
"Buffy?"
The name was like a dunk in icy cold water. Cordelia's heart sank. This thing, whatever it was between her and Angel...it was as good as over before it could begin. She didn't know why that made her heart ache the way it did. She would deal, he was her best friend, not a lover...he could never be that because of one word...Buffy. She sat up, and scooped the dozing baby into her arms, and headed to the door. He hadn't talked to her in ages, she could at least give them some privacy.
"Buffy. Can you hold on a sec?" He hit the mute button and raced after the retreating form of his seer. He caught her as she was opening the door. He pushed it closed, and wedged himself between it and her. "What are you doing?" His voice sounded high and panicky to his sensitive ears.
Cordelia refused to meet his eyes. "I, umm...It's Buffy right? I figured you'd want some time...alone."
This was NOT happening. A days worth of maneuvering had gotten her here, and he'd be damned if she was going to leave. "It's ok, REALLY." He gushed. "It doesn't sound like anything apocolypsey, so you just lay back down, OK?" He had her shoulders in a vicegrip as he lead her back towards the bed.
She eyed him suspiciously, but allowed herself to be tucked back in by the nervous vampire. His game was getting a little frayed, she could sense it. She just didn't understand why he still wanted her here, unless...He stood there for a moment looking stern, almost daring her to try and move again...she didn't. He sat back down in his favorite lumpy chair, and picked up the phone.
"Hey, Buffy...Yeah sorry. I just needed...yeah."
Cordelia fell asleep to the soothing drone of his voice as he talked late into the night.
Hardball
Cordelia woke up alone.
It was about nine thirty when she finally drifted into the land of the living. It took her a few minutes to get her bearings. Finally she threw the covers down and padded blearily into the bathroom.
She stood there gaping...
Her clean clothes were hanging on the door. There were clean towels, and new bottles of shampoo, conditioner, bathsoap,all her favorites, though how he knew was a mystery...unless, eew...he could tell by the smell. and three different kinds of toothbrushes still wrapped in their plastic blister packs. She stood hands on her hips shaking her head.
"What have you been up too you psychotic, obsessive, dumbass?" She mumbled, as she shut and locked the door.
She drifted down the stairs at ten fifteen. Gunn was in his usual spot. She could see the indistinct shape of Wesley puttering around his office. Angel was nowhere to be found. She patted Gunn on the head, as she walked into Wes' office.
Wes looked up, from a particularly interesting text, to see Cordy. Funny, he hadn't heard the door. She hung to the doorframe, just watching him read for a few moments. He looked up and smiled, she returned it to dazzling effect.
"I didn't hear you come in."
"I didn't. I fell asleep with doofy, and son."
"I see."
"Got any filing? Any paperwork to be filled out in triplicate, any musty books that need reading through, or just plain throwing away?"
"Cordelia...what is it?"
She sighed. "Nothing, just bored."
"Mmm, well get a vision."
She stuck her tongue out, marched out of his office, and right into Angel.
She screeched, and jumped back, tripping over a chair. Angel caught her, before she could go over, smoothly pulling her away from the danger. Before she could react he bent down and kissed her, same as before, only he held it a heartbeat longer, creating a gentle suction against her lips. He let her go with a casual "Morning."
She frowned at his retreating back, noticing the navy slacks and gray cashmere sweater that seemed to mould itself to his body. Again, she had the vague feeling of being maneuvered, but she shook it off.
"TACOS!"
Cordy tensed in surprise, unsure of what was making her so jumpy. She felt a pair of eyes boring into her back, and turned, expecting brown. She was surprised to find Wesley's piercing blue orbs searching her face. He let his eyes travel over the winsome girl that was skipping merrily Cordy's way, longing tugging at that small space inside that he couldn't quite get rid of.
"Fred! Boy am I glad to see you. I am SO hungry." She said brightly. Too brightly
"Hey, I know you said I should bring something else next time, and well this IS the next time, but as I passed by the taco place they just smelled so good, and I couldn't resist...I hope you don't mind."
"Tacos are fine Fred."
"Ok, where's Angel?"
"Angel doesn't eat tacos." Suddenly afraid she asked. "He didn't ask for tacos did he? Cause you remember the last time he was chowing them down he had been bodyjacked. AND he was eating a donut yesterday! You don't think he could be...someone else do you?"
"Cordelia!" Fred tittered. "I just need to give him his change. He asked me to get some stuff for Connor."
Cordy visibly relaxed.
"Are you ok, hun. Being all twitchy and nervous is kinda my gig, 'ya know?"
"Angel's just being a little more weird than normal. It's kinda throwing me off."
Fred nodded. "He has been awfully chipper lately."
Cordelia smiled. "I'll get the stake."
"I'll get the dustbuster."
***********
To everyone else he seemed lost in the huge volume spread across his lap, but in truth his eyes were glued to the activity just beyond the picture window. On a slow day like this the quartet of employee's lounging outside his office made for an interesting study in psychology.
Wes frowned. It was easy to think of Angel as just another one of the employee's. In truth Wesley looked older than he did, even though the combined ages of the room hardly came close. He had noticed the changes of the past few weeks...He may not have belonged to the council anymore, but at heart he was still a watcher. It made him uneasy to observe Angel's growing fascination with his seer. Cordelia was a sweet girl, a little brittle to the casual observer, but a more caring heart had never beat in any woman's chest...a heart he wasn't sure Angel knew how easily he could break.
"I just don't understand."
Cordy sighed and abandoned all pretense of reading. "What's wrong now?"
Angel sank dejectedly on the steps by her, leaning his elbows against the higher step. "I'm a vampire, my eyesight, reflexes and everything are way better than Gunn's, but he always beats me."
Gunn sniggered. "It's not about how fast you wiggle your thumbs dog..." He paused the game and tapped his head. "It's about what you got up here." He resumed play. "'Sides, you just can't stand loosing."
Cordy grinned at Gunn. "There's that...but I think you were right." She scooted further away from the impassive vampire. "You know...about the brains."
"Hey! I'm sitting right here." Angel huffed.
"Just take your whuppin like a man!" Fred interjected.
"E tu Brute?" Angel fell over onto Cordelia's shoulder wincing at his pretend wound.
"Don't look to me for sympathy Broody." She shrugged him off, and stuck her nose back in her book.
They sat for a while in companionable silence. Cordelia almost forgot he was there until she felt a finger slide over her arm. Goosebumps immediately followed the trail. She turned to Angel, who was staring at her through lash shuttered lids. "You don't really think I'm stupid, do you?" he murmured.
"Arrgh!" She smacked him in the gut with the book.
Gunn just locked eyes with his own pretty brunette, and she giggled, as a lazy smile cut across his features. "Man, he just can't let it go, can he."
"What?" Angel asked with wide eyed innocence. "I'm not..."
"Obsessive?" Cordy shot Gunn an amused glance. "Have you seen this man's closet? He even ties the laces of all his shoes, and the hangars??? EXACTLY an inch apart." She stood, and looked at Angel with mock disdain. "You know what else..."
"Cordy." Angel glared a warning, as he stood. "Don't." He took a step towards his seer, but she quickly backed away.
"HE has a..." Angel lunged, but Cordelia was ready. With a screech she took off across the lobby, Angel hot on her heels. "...Gameboy!" He caught her by the waist picking her easily off the ground. "Stashed in...Ahhh!" His hand clamped down over her mouth, as he drug her to the basement door, and shoved her unceremoniously on the landing, slamming the door and locking her inside. Her muffled threats were drowned out by the laughter echoing through the lobby.
"Yo, dog...You'd better get down there and apologize."
"Or your gonna be screwed!" Fred finished.
Wes watched as a few minutes later Angel slipped into the basement to make peace with Cordelia, the germ of an idea hardening into firm resolve.
"Cordy?" Angel descended into the gloomy training room. She was definitely here, he could smell her...He turned in a slow circuit, finally picking her out of the shadows. She was under the stairs, back against the wall, knees drawn to her chest, and hands wrapped in a protective hug. He slid down the wall next to her.
"Cor, I'm sorry."
"No your not." She shrugged, sitting silently for a few minutes. "We were just playing, I get that."
"Then why are you balled up under the stairs?"
"It's just..." She raised her dry miserable eyes to his.
He turned to face her, his hand cupping her cheek, thumb tracing the tracks of the tears that she would not let fall. "What?"
"Does everything always have to be about winning?"
He frowned, sensing that there was more to this question than what was being vocalized.
"It's just that sometimes you come off like a big bully."
Angel let his hand fall from her face. Cautiously he asked, "What do you mean?"
"Always WINNING, always getting YOUR way. It's like you can't let someone else have something they're good at." She sniffed, brushing at her eyes.
He brushed a stray hair back behind her ear. "Maybe your right, but it's not intentional." He hesitated, afraid to say too much, terrified of leaving too little unsaid. "For the first time in 249 years I have friends...family. I can let my guard down a bit...with mixed results." He chuckled at the irony. "I am just so damn afraid of loosing what little I've been given, because..." His throat caught, as his eyes connected with hers. "Honestly, it's the most I've ever had."
Moved by his words, shaken by his unrestrained emotion, Cordy grabbed his hand, entwining their fingers with a tight squeeze. "Angel, I can't speak for anyone else, but I promise...I'm not going anywhere. I was there at the beginning, remember? I will be here at the end."
Angel pulled her into a tight embrace. If he could have found a way to squeeze her into his ribcage and tuck her by his heart forever he would have. "Just remember you promised next time I'm being an unbearable ass, ok?"
She laughed, pulling away, only to lean in and kiss the tip of his nose. "You mean an arrogant, obsessive, overprotective, emotionally stunted, unbearable ass, right?"
"Riight." He rolled his eyes and helped her up, sweeping her into another hug which she gladly returned. He just stood there. The moment stretched from comfort into something more, and Cordelia felt a thread of tension crawl up her back as his hands dropped lower and he pulled her flush. Suddenly he let go, and she found herself staring once more into the smiling eyes of her best friend.
***********
Later...
"Angel, a word please."
Angel drifted into the office. "What'cha got?"
Wesley, just peered at him over the rim of his glasses. "Shut the door."
"Okaay." He shut it and turned crossing his arms.
"Sit down."
"Wesley..."
"SIT down."
Angel dropped into the nearest chair, and stared at his toes. He had been expecting this 'talk' for a while now.
Wesley realized the ridiculousness of trying to talk sense into the sullen vampire but strange as it was, he felt a responsibility towards the man, and a brotherly affection towards Cordelia.
"I ah, haven't been able to help but notice your...attitude towards our Cordelia has been," he coughed, "changing."
Angel's eyes flicked upwards, meeting his for a moment, then finding something interesting to stare at somewhere over his left shoulder.
"Angel...everyone *but* Cordelia has noticed, and she won't talk about it."
"There is nothing to talk about."
"I happen to disagree."
Angel leaned forward in the chair, elbows resting on his knees, he finally held Wesley's gaze. Wes felt the chill strait to his heart.
"I happen to think it's nobodies business but my own." His voice was low, he let the weight of his age, and experience harden the edges.
"Don't you think it's her business too?"
Angel just glared. With a sigh Wesley threw a photograph across his desk. Angel glanced at it and slowly turned blank eyes towards the former watcher.
"What is the meaning of THIS?" Angel fingered the weathered photo.
Wes got up, and rounded the desk propping himself against the edge and leaning into Angel's space. His ice chip eyes did not flinch from Angel's angry stare.
"Do not play games with Cordelia, Angel...not her." Angel's only response was a low growl.
"Regardless of what other people think about Darla, Buffy, and your leanings towards strong blondes, you and I both know the truth don't we?" Wes let a little frost bite at the ends of his deceptively soft tone.
Angel's voice was flat, dangerous. "What truth would that be Wes."
"That Drusilla was always your kind of girl."
Angel was up in an instant, nose to nose with the smaller man. "Is that what your afraid of? Do you actually think I'm trying to drive another seer insane?" He balled his fists at his side, jaw clenching in an effort to control his voice. "Are you afraid of what Angelus could do to her?"
Wes sighed, pulling off his glasses, and pinching the bridge of his nose. "No, not at all...I'm afraid of what YOU would do to her, Angel, you...because you aren't like other humans, and that's how Cordelia thinks of you. She forgets...you have a singular history with women Angel...especially Dru, and I don't want to see Cordelia hurt."
"I want her with me. She is already a mother to my son. I couldn't hurt her. I WON'T hurt her."
"You don't think these little games you are playing aren't?"
"I'm NOT playing, and she's not some fragile little china doll. She doesn't break easily."
Wes' words were soft, without rancor. "YOU make her fragile."
"I love her."
"You don't deserve her."
"You judgmental bastard. I NEED her!"
"Angel."
Angel strode angrily to the door. "Don't Wesley, just don't...It's up to her anyway." A melancholy smile ghosted across his features. "You know, there is a distinct possibility that SHE may not want me."
"And if she doesn't?"
Wes words fell on deaf walls. Angel had already disappeared.
***********
It was late, well by her 'vampire hours' anyway. The whole crew had eventually adopted hours suited to accommodate their nocturnal champion. She usually left around eleven, barring a vision, sometimes midnight. After spending two days at the hotel...The latter part of this day trying to thaw from the mysterious chill between Wes and Angel...she was ready for home.
Gunn and Fred had already disappeared, and Wes was finishing his notes. Cordy packed some papers that she wanted to take home in a roomy tote, and threw her jacket on her desk.
"Night Angel."
Angel emerged from an inky shadow, looking distinctly embarrassed to have been caught.
"You, ah don't want to come up and say goodnight to Connor?"
"I already did."
"I have movies..."
Cordelia studied her friends face for a moment, again he shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny. "Not tonight. You ok?"
"It's just early yet, and I-"
"It's 1:30 I'm tired, I miss my ghost."
"Surely I'm more fun than a ghost?"
She shook her head. "I wouldn't bet on it."
He smiled, conceding defeat gracefully. "I'll take you home, then."
"Nope." She looked around for her hair tie. "Wes already volunteered."
"I see."
Cordelia couldn't help but notice the chill in his voice, and the visible effort it took to shake it off. A slow sensual smile twisted his handsome face into to something a little dangerous. He ambled towards her, one hand trailing across the smooth green marble of the counter.
"You know...we never settled on an appropriate parting ritual."
Cordelia gaped at the semi-stranger standing confidently close. She put a restraining hand to his cashmere covered chest, cursing inwardly at how close to a caress it seemed. "Angel." Her voice was a throaty whisper. Angel leaned closer, ignoring the slight resistance of Cordelia's warm hand.
"Ahem"
Cordelia jerked guiltily away. Her body snapping around to face Wesley. Angel and Wes eyes locked. Angel blew out a tiny frustrated breath.
"So...you ready?" Wes sounded casual, but his posture was stiff.
Cordy simply nodded, grabbed her things, and followed Wes out the door.
Angel pulled a scrap of elasticized fabric out of his pocket as he climbed up the long flight of stairs. He crushed it to his face, and inhaled deeply.