Title: Was It Good For You?
Author: cydnestorm
Posted: 09/04
Email
Rating: NC17
Category: Angst, humour, smut
Content: A/C
Summary: Challenge by Califi posted at Go Team – A/C share a night of passionate lovemaking after Doyle’s death. Afterwards they freak; each in their own unique way and insanity ensues.
Spoilers: Starts at end of Season 1 ‘Hero’ and basically AU from there.
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: GT, NF, anwhere else, just ask.
Notes:
Thanks/Dedication: Thanks to Cali for a terrific story idea. Special thanks to Dusted for her awesome BETA skills and knowing how to be pushy when she needs to be. I would not have been confident enough to post so soon without her help and encouragement.
Feedback: Yes please
Part 1
“The good fight, yeah? You never know until you’ve been tested, I get that now.” “Doyle. Doyle. Doyle! Doyle! NO!”
He wasn’t yet ready to accept that his friend was gone. For him friendships had been too few and far between and the void left by this one was not likely to be filled. Angel looked at the girl curled up on the sofa beside him; so small and vulnerable, almost like a child needing to be comforted. He had never seen Cordelia Chase look so defeated.
“Too bad we’ll never know if this is a face you could learn to love.” “Why didn’t you tell me that you were half demon? I thought we agreed that secrets are bad!” “I wanted to tell you. I was afraid. I thought if I did, you’d reject me.”
He didn’t think she could care for him because he was half demon. Doyle was right though, now she would never know; fate had taken that opportunity away from her. Cordelia nestled into Angel’s side. His body felt cool and more important it felt strong; like maybe she wouldn’t lose him to the evils of their world.
Angel slid his arm from the back of the sofa and pulled Cordelia as close to him as he could. He needed to believe he could protect her; needed to believe he would never lose her.
They watched the video of their friend in silence, words not needed; every emotion exposed in the touches they shared.
“If you need help. Then look no further. Angel Investigations is the best. Our rats are low.” “Rates!” “It says rats. Our rates are low, but our standards are high. When the chips are down, and you’re at the end of your rope you need someone that you can count on. And that’s what you’ll find here. Someone that will go all the way, no matter what. So don’t lose hope. Come on over to our offices and you’ll see that there’s still heroes in this world. Is that it? Am I done?”
“Doyle was right you know. He was afraid I couldn’t care for him if I found out he was part demon.”
Hearing the small voice, meek and passive, Angel‘s un-beating heart clenched inside his chest. Cordelia Chase was never weak, but the young woman held safe in his arms had removed her Queen C armor and Angel made a silent promise to keep her safe. “Don’t say that Cordelia. That’s not what he thought; he just wanted to give you more time before he told you.”
Cordelia pressed her face against Angel’s chest to hide the moist streaks staining her cheeks. He smelled the salty tears that dampened the fabric of his shirt; tears warm like her. He rested the side of his face against the top of her head and concentrated on the sound of her rhythmic breaths. Lulled into a peaceful comfort he pulled unneeded air into his lungs matching his breathing to hers.
“I should go; it’s getting really late.” Embarrassed by her emotions so openly displayed Cordelia pulled herself from the comforting embrace and stood, smoothing the wrinkles from her clothes.
Angel quickly rose from the sofa hoping to stop her from leaving. Angel knew Cordelia would lie in her bed alone until she cried herself to sleep and return in the morning wearing her armor polished with a renewed strength. “Don’t go. You’re right it’s late.” Surprised to realize he didn’t want to be alone either Angel stepped closer and persisted in his quest to keep her with him. Standing so close he could press his cheek against hers he whispered into her ear. “Stay here Cordy.”
Torn between wanting to soothe her pain in the comfort of her friend and be alone to get her emotions in check she hesitated not sure of her answer. The need for control winning she stepped back and shook her head at him. “I can’t; I really need a bath and I don’t have any other clothes here.”
In a single stride Angel closed the gap she had placed between them. He stroked her tear stained cheek knowing her brave front was minutes from crumbling. “Take a bath here. I’ll find you something to sleep in. You can have the bed; just stay…please.”
Her resolve weakening fresh tears pooled and spilled from her tired, red eyes. Emotions were too raw and painful for better thinking. Scooping her up in his arms Angel headed downstairs before rational thoughts could interfere. They would worry about tomorrow later; now in the dark, they only had each other.