More fun than a barrel of damn monkeys.

[the_prodigal]

"From experience with dealing with hell gods and dying in the process, it doesn't actually work. You can't win without a loop hole, I took on Glory with Spike's help and Willow working mojo and we barely put a dent in her armor."

Right. Because that was comforting. Nevertheless, Angel gave Buffy a wry smile as the others adjourned. Wes and Fred

Comments

[green_mojo_guy]

Lorne ignored the blonde girl for the time being, blithely smiling in Angel's general direction. "That's right, Angelcakes. Sleeping Beauty finally decided to wake up. Sorry I didn't tell you before, I got the call and headed straight over to the hospital. Thought it might be a nice surprise, though, bringing home our favorite perky love-muffin."

His smile had become an all-out grin, gently patting Cordelia's forearm as they stood with their arms linked, hoping to instil some sense of security. She was home now. Safe. She should have had to worry about what everyone else would think. Of course they would be happy to see her, wouldn't they? All they had done since she'd left them was worry. They had already lost her once before -- that time to a higher plane. Now that she was awake and re-entering the fold? He really didn't think it would be right to look a gifthorse in the mouth.

"So, this little rudey-patootie is the legendary Buffy," he remarked, looking from Angel to the blonde Slayer beside him. His smile turned wry and he turned his attention back to vampire. "She's charming, really. You know, in an insulting, insincere kind of way."

[_fredless]

I had researched as long as I could...and tried not to worry about Wesley a little longer that that. But after a while I had given up on both and cleaned up the books and notes I had managed to make....which still meant I was only halfway through the collection of passages Wesley had found.

Carrying both of our mugs to the kitchen I dumped the last of our coffee down the drain, and as I watched it swirl with the hot water I couldn't help but wish I could also rinse away the last part of my conversation with Wesley. But something was at an impass...though what I didn't know. What I was sure of was that it wasn't going to right itself anytime soon.

If I knew what to do, it would be one thing. But I don't know if any of us knew Wesley anymore, much less what he needed. All I could do was be there for him, if he should ever ask.

As I came out of the kitchen I heard a slight commotion in the lobby...and when I found its cause all I could do was run.

Angel and Buffy were there...Lorne was too. But that wasn't why...

"Oh my God....Cordy," I was near shouting, and didn't care. I just looked at her, grinning. She was alright...it was Cordy!

"Cordy!

I loved saying her name....I loved saying it outloud and that she could actually hear me. I sent one small, giddy smile to Angel and Lorne.

And then I wrapped her into my arms.

[xxcordeliaxx]

"And they told me you were in a coma, Men, all worried and over dramatic."

Overdramatic? I was possessed, and an evil thing used my body to give birth to itself. I really don't think it's overdramatic, I think it's not dramatic enough.

"It's good to see you Cordelia."

"Thanks."

If she's glad to see me, she probably didn't get the whole story. Or this is Buffy from another planet, which would also explain the new attitude.

"I thought... but..."

"Things aren't always the way that you think they're gonna be."

I never thought I'd end up body jacked and comatose, but it happened. Who knows what comes next. No matter what I want or think, life will inevitably get in the way of what I'm expecting.

Oh, Lorne told Buffy off. I had to smile at that, and then...

"Oh my God....Cordy!"

I knew I could count on her to be the one who was more than just confused. God, I'd missed my friends.

"Cordy!"

"In the flesh."

I smiled and hugged back tightly.

[green_mojo_guy]

Lorne grinned again as Fred appeared from the kitchen, running toward them and taking Cordelia into her lithe little arms. This was what he had wanted to see. No questions, no confusion. A truly warm welcome from a true friend.

"Well, this is just warmin' the cockles of my little heart," he said, stepping to the side to give Fred and Cordelia more room for their appropriately enthusiastic hug. "Knew we could count on Freddikins to give Queen C the 'welcome home' hug she deserves. I'd half hoped that everyone'd be here to see this. Where are Wes and Gunn?" he asked, his tone quickly shifting from jovial to slightly concerned as he turned his attention back to Angel.

[stoic_angel_]

I stood, still frozen, until Fred bounded in.

"Um, Wes is... where is Wes?" I asked Fred. "I didn't see either of them go out."

Cordy was awake. And fine. And Buffy was here... agh.

[_fredless]

"I'd half hoped that everyone'd be here to see this. Where are Wes and Gunn?"

I stayed standing by Cordelia, my arm just brushing her. I needed that touch, to remind myself that she really was here. I looked up at Lorne happily, only to have the expresion falter at his question.

I closed my eyes for a moment, allowing myself to picture what it would have been like if we had all been here...but when Angel repeated Lorne's concerns I had to shake myself out of that image.

"Wesley went out almost two hours ago...he said he had some leads to follow."

I couldn't help but remember the look on his face, and the gun he had carried.

"I don't know when he will be back....and I have no idea where Charles is."