Part 7
“Angel, what are you doing here? I thought you were bonding with the guys.”
The brooding vampire fidgeted in the hallway. “We were.”
Cordelia noticed the dark cloud hovering over his head. “What happened?”
“Well let’s just say when Wesley and Gunn start drinking, the gloves come off.”
“Huh?”
“They both had a lot to say to me.” He shrugged. “I deserved it.”
“Oh. I didn’t even think about that. I guess the drunken night of male bonding didn’t work out as planned.”
“Not really. It seemed best to leave before things got out of hand. I took Gunn’s keys and gave them cab fare. Gunn wasn’t too happy about that but he wasn’t quick enough to stop me. I don’t think he was planning to drive but he seemed convinced I might try to drive his “baby”, like I would leave my Plymouth in that neighborhood overnight.”
She shook her head, “Men and their cars or trucks. I’m sorry tonight didn’t work out for you. I thought my whole truce talk would help.”
“It did help. It means a lot to me.”
His smile was contagious. “So what are you doing here?”
“I thought I’d give you a lift back to the hotel.” Angel’s smile faded when the door abruptly slammed in his face. He could hear Cordelia’s voice on the other side.
“Dennis!” She opened the door. “Sorry about that.”
“That’s okay. I guess you haven’t mentioned the truce to Dennis yet.”
“No I did.” She shrugged. “We just started the second movie. He’s not ready for me to leave yet.”
“Oh. OK. I can wait.. or I can come back. You could call me when you’re ready.”
She smiled. “Angel, would you like to watch a movie with me and Dennis?”
“Sure I..” An invisible barrier prevented Angel from crossing the threshold. “I forgot that I was uninvited. Maybe I should..”
“Don’t be like that. You were acting crazy and you fired me. I was mad. You were all beige and Darla obsessed. You know what I always say. It’s better to be safe than dead.”
“That makes sense.”
“Stop looking like I just ran over your puppy and come inside already. Geez. It’s not like I gave away your clothes or anything.”
Angel slowly walked into her apartment. “I said I was sorry about that. I did give them to the needy and you finally accepted the replacement clothes I bought you, even though you threw them in my face when I gave them to you.”
“Don’t give me that needy crap. You only went to Anne’s shelter because of Wolfram and Hart. I know all about it. Anne is a friend of Gunn’s.”
“Oh”
“And you shouldn’t have tried to buy my forgiveness.”
“I wasn’t..”
“But the clothes were beautiful.” She gave him a small smile. “They are beautiful. I haven’t had new clothes in a long time.”
“I’m glad you like them.”
The lights flickered on and off.
“OK Dennis. Come on Angel.” She grabbed his arm and dragged him to the couch.
“Go ahead and hit play. Oh wait. Do you want anything to drink, Angel?” She bit her bottom lip. “I don’t have any blood. I stopped keeping that here. There’s that look again. I’m staying at the hotel so it’s not like it’s a good idea to keep blood here right now anyway. I have water and soda. I think there are a few bottles of beer. Gunn keeps some in my fridge.”
Angel bit back a growl. “You and Gunn seem close. I never expected you… He and Wesley have a special handshake.”
“I know. They really bonded. When Wes got shot…” She swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. “Wes got a glimpse of Gunn’s life and Gunn saw the kind of man Wesley really is. It brought them together.”
“And you?”
“What about me?”
“When did you and Gunn get so close?”
“It was gradual I guess. It first started when I had that vision of Gunn being in danger. I knew it was my job to help him. After… He and Wesley became my protectors. We took care of each other.”
The soft smile on her face made his stomach clench. He wasn’t a part of that bond. He was on the outside looking in and he had no one to blame but himself.
Cordelia was brought out of her reverie by flickering lights. “OK. OK. I’m sorry, Dennis. No more talking. Angel knows where the kitchen is if he wants a drink. You can hit play.” She snuggled into the couch, bare feet tucked under her.
“What are we watching?” A pillow collided with his head. “Hey!”
“Dennis, be nice. It’s Austin Powers. It’s a comedy. The one guy kinda reminds me of Oz.”
Angel watched silently for a few minutes. He glanced over at Cordelia who was laughing hysterically. “That was gross.”
“So says the bloodsucker. It’s supposed to be gross. That’s what’s so funny about it.”
“If you say so.”
“Don’t be such a stick in the mud. I know you’re older than dirt but you don’t have to act like it.”
“I am not older than dirt.”
She laughed at the pouting vampire beside her. “Aww did I hurt your itty bitty feewings?” She ran her fingers through his hair. “Poor baby.”
“Hey! No touching the hair.” He tried to sound serious but it didn’t quite work.
Cordelia rose to her knees. Both hands went to his head and mercilessly raked through his hair.
He wrestled with her, eventually capturing her hands. He twisted her around and brought them to her sides. Without realizing it, he had maneuvered her into his lap. “Are you going to behave?”
“Nope. I enjoyed hearing you shriek like a girly man too much.”
“I did not shriek like a girly man,” Angel sputtered.
“Yeah you did. The old Wesley would be so proud.”
He stilled her squirming by wrapping her arms and his by necessity, around her waist. Her hair tickled his nose, the scent of her shampoo, so familiar, made him smile. “I’ve missed this. I’ve missed you.”
Instead of calming, her heart started racing faster. “I.. We should pay attention to the movie or Dennis will hit you with another pillow.”
“OK.” His arms felt empty the moment she moved. He was comforted by the change in her positioning. She leaned against the arm of the sofa and stretched her legs across his lap. He rested his hands on her calves.
Cordelia tried to focus on the movie but wasn’t having much success. Angel had begun massaging her calves and she was struggling not to moan aloud. Her eyes drifted shut. All the tension in her body melted away as one strong hand began massaging one foot and then the other.
Movies had changed a lot over the years. He couldn’t believe some of the things the actors on the screen were saying. He was starting to feel his age.
“Cordy, do…” His words drifted off when he noticed her eyes were closed. He blocked out the sounds coming from the television and focused on the beautiful brunette. Her rhythmic breathing confirmed it. Cordelia was asleep, a gentle smile gracing her features.
His hands stilled. Her smile disappeared almost immediately and she grumbled under her breath. His hands resumed the massage. He watched her still and a soft smile bloom on her face. He returned his attention to the movie. He didn’t want to think about how happy it made him that she enjoyed his touch, even if it was in an innocent way.
***
At the end of the movie, Dennis turned the TV and VCR off. Angel glanced down at his sleeping beauty. Her low snore brought a smile to his face. He shifted her legs off his lap so he could stand.
Cordelia jerked up. “I’m awake!”
“Well then you do a pretty good imitation of someone who’s asleep.”
“Why did you turn the TV off? I was enjoying the movie.”
“Dennis did it… after the movie ended.”
“Oh.” A sheepish grin on her face, “I guess I fell asleep.” She stretched her arms out and yawned. “We should probably get going.”
“Why don’t we sleep here tonight?”
A smile light up her face. “Really?”
“Sure. We’re here and you’re tired.”
“Great.” A thought struck. “Damn. My comforter is on your bed right now.”
The closet door flew open. An extra blanket and sheets floated out.
“I think Dennis would like you to stay.”
“Isn’t he the bestest ghost in the whole wide world?” Cordelia started to stand.
“I’ll do it. I’m sure Dennis will help.”
“Thanks.” She stretched out on the couch. “You’re pretty wonderful too.” She was asleep before he even left the room.
Once the bed was made, Angel returned to the living room. Instead of waking her, he cradled her in his arms. She shifted a little and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. Dennis pulled the covers back as Angel gently placed Cordelia on the bed. He tried to stand but she whimpered and refused to release him.
“Shh. It’s okay.” He gently peeled her arms off him. After some mental deliberation, he took off his shirt and pants. Sleeping in his undershirt and boxers was practically the same as sleeping in the pajama set he bought. He walked around the bed and got in on the other side. Cordelia rolled towards him and rested her head on his shoulder. “Good night, Cordy.”
“Mmmm”
***
“Where have you been?”
“We slept at my place last night, Mr. Doesn’t-practice-what-he-preaches. Angel should be here soon. He had to go through the sewer.”
“I’m sorry. What did you call me?”
“Don’t give me that innocent face, mister. You and your cohort over there were mean to Angel last night. You were supposed to be bonding in a male-death-before-we-talk-about-our-emotions sort of way.”
“The vamp is nothing but a snitch.”
“I thought we declared a truce.”
“That was you, Barbie. You declared a truce.”
“That’s right I did.” She loomed over Gunn’s position on the red couch, hands firmly planted on her hips. “And I decided for all of us. Do you have a problem with that? ‘Cuz I say bring it on, buddy. I can take you.” She poked the fidgeting bald man squarely on his chest. “So you got something to say to me?”
“OK. OK. Stop with the poking already. I’ll be good. Last night wasn’t even my fault. Once English had a few beers in him, he started spoutin’ off. I just followed his lead.”
Cordelia zeroed in on Wesley.
“Don’t look at me like that. You both were given the chance to unburden yourselves. I had to be the mature one. It’s only fair that I..”
“Get a chance to act like an ass?”
“I hardly…” Wesley cleared his throat. “What exactly did Angel tell you?”
“Don’t worry. He didn’t give me the gory details but he didn’t need to. I’ve seen you guys drunk. I know it’s not a pretty sight.”
“Oh and that doesn’t work both ways? You’re not exactly..”
Her eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. “Do you really want to finish that sentence, Wes?”
“Perhaps I did go overboard last night. I’m a little curious though. What brought on this new found sense of matur… err.. I meant empathy. What brought on this new found sense of empathy?”
She gave them a sugary sweet smile. “It is my wifely duty to defend my husband.” She plopped down next to Gunn. “Besides I’m the one that had to deal with the kicked-puppy face last night.”
“I’m sure it pales in comparison to the expressions I’ve had to contend with when it was you doing the kicking.”
“That’s totally different.”
“How so?”
“Angel deserved it and you’ve got that British reserved thing going for you.”
“The way your mind works never ceases to amaze me.”
“I’m a complex woman.”
Gunn bumped her with his shoulder. “That’s not what I’d call you.”
An elegant eyebrow arched in his direction. “What would you call me then?”
“Girl, you’re all kinds of scary. That eyebrow thing should be classified as a weapon.” She smiled. “That too. You’re gonna make me apologize, aren’t you?”
“Make you? Of course not. I mean just because it’s the right thing to do and it would make me very happy, is no reason for you to do something against your will.”
“Damn.”
“Gunn, I know accepting a vampire was really hard for you to do. Angel taking that acceptance and chucking it out the window didn’t exactly inspire warm fuzzies but we’re rebuilding our family now. It’s something we will all have to work at. Being angry isn’t going to get it done. I dropped my bitchiness. Please try.”
“I suppose it wouldn’t kill me to be nice… but if he drove my baby last night, all bets are off.”
Cordelia rolled her eyes. She pulled his keys out of her pocket. “Here.”
“Woah. Don’t even tell me you..”
“Shut up. I drove Angel’s car here. He gave me your keys to give to you.”
“The vam.. Angel let you drive his car?”
“What is with you men? You guys act like I borrowed your penis or something. It’s a car. I’m a perfectly good driver.”
“Who’s borrowing whose penis?” Angel growled.
“Dammit! You so need a bell.”
He glared at the men, still waiting for an answer.
“Barbie borrowed your penis and I have to say I’m a little surprised. I didn’t think you’d trust her with it.”
“I.. What.. When..” Vivid images assaulted his brain.
“We’re talking about your car so you can stop the whole stuttering thing. You look like you’re about to bust something. Gunn was acting like a big baby man over his stupid truck.”
“Don’t call my baby stupid. She saved my life and the lives of my crew.”
“Shouldn’t you be picking up your “baby” right about now? You never know what might be happening to “her” as we speak.”
“C’mon English. Give me a lift?”
“Sure.”
“Don’t forget to wear a helmet. Pink is so your color, Gunn.” Cordelia winked at him.
“I spray painted it black after the last time he made me wear it.”
“Aww. Was the bright pink color a threat to your masculinity? Maybe you should paint a big penis on the side of it too.”
“Girl, what’s with you today? Feeling a little frustrated maybe? You got penises on the brain. Being a married woman and still not gettin’ any startin’ to get to you or what?”
“Shut up.” She could feel the heat rise in her cheeks.
“I think I hit a nerve. You know I’d be happy to…”
“Weren’t you leaving, Gunn.” Angel crossed his arms and glared.
“Yeah. Let’s go Wes.”
Cordelia cast a glance in Angel’s direction. He appeared lost in thought. “Gunn is such a dumbass.”
“…”
“I don’t know what he was talking about.”
“…”
“Your car is fine by the way. The scratch is barely noticeable.”
“What?”
“Well that got your attention.”
“You scratched my car? My classic car? My beautifully restored Plymouth?”
“Your car is fine. I was only kidding.”
“You shouldn’t joke about a man’s vehicle.”
“Let’s not get into the whole penis thing again please.”
“I didn’t… I wasn’t… You..”
“Geez Angel. Someone as old as you shouldn’t be so squeamish about the word penis. It’s not a bad word. I didn’t ask to borrow it.” Blood rushed to her face. “I didn’t… I wasn’t… I should get to work.” She hurried to her desk leaving a speechless vampire behind.
***
“This afternoon has been wonderful. Do you have any idea how long it’s been since I went rollerblading?” Cordelia glanced around the park, bustling with life.
“This wasn’t your first time?”
She gave him a sheepish grin. “I thought I was doing a pretty good job of faking it.”
Brian pointed to the death grip she had on the park bench. “There were a few telltale signs. Do you want to take a break?”
“Yes please.” She collapsed on the bench, happy to watch people speed by her on the bike path. “I feel old.”
“You’re only twenty. Now that I said that aloud, I feel old.”
“You’re not so old. I mean you’re what? Thirty something?” She laughed at his indignant expression.
“I’m twenty-six.”
“I was only teasing.” She rested her head against his shoulder. “I’m not used to outdoor activities that don’t include cemeteries, demon slime or disposing of demon remains. The gym doesn’t have a machine that simulates rollerblading.” Thank god, she added silently. Her feet and back were aching, and the harsh glare of the sun was giving her a headache.
“You’ve led an interesting life, Cordelia.”
“My life is rarely boring.”
“How about we go back to my car? We can change into our shoes and get the picnic basket.”
“But you went through all the trouble of borrowing a pair of skates for me. I can keep going.”
“Spending time getting to know you is what I wanted. What we do doesn’t matter.” Brian stood and offered her his hand.
She slipped her hand into his, twining their fingers. “Are you sure you’re not evil?”
“What?”
“Sorry. It’s just guys who seem like they’re too good to be true usually turned out to be evil.”
“I’ve been told I’m a nice guy. I’m not aware of any evil tendencies. Wait. I have lost my temper with telemarketers who’ve called too early on weekends. I like to sleep in a little.”
She squeezed his hand. “I think I can handle that level of evilness in a man.”
Brian helped her to her feet. “That’s good to hear. So are you ready?”
“Sure. I’ve been living on borrowed time as it is.” She spotted a child who couldn’t be more than 8, race by them. “OK. Now I feel inadequate.”
“I’m sure that little girl is a lot older than she looks.”
“Thanks. That’s really comforting in way that’s really not. At all.”
“Sorry.”
She noticed he wasn’t smiling anymore. “I was only kidding. That’s just my sarcastic sense of humor.” His smile returned. “Lead on. I’ll do my best to keep up.”
He tightened his grip on her hand. “How about I don’t let go?”
A glorious smile light up her face. “That sounds good to me.”
***
“I’m sorry. Did you just say that you live with a ghost?”
“Yes”
“A real ghost?”
“Yes”
“Is that why you’re always at the hotel instead of your apartment? I would think exorcising a ghost would be all in a day’s work for Angel Investigations.”
“Don’t even joke about that. No one messes with my ghost and lives to tell the tale.”
“Is that your sarcastic sense of humor again?”
“No. Well yes. I wouldn’t actually kill a human. If a demon or some thing tried to hurt Dennis, they’d definitely end up a puddle of slime.”
“Who’s Dennis?”
“That’s my ghost. His name is Dennis.”
Brian rubbed his forehead. “You never cease to amaze me.”
“I am Cordelia Chase.” She gave him a cheeky grin. “Not all ghosts are like Dennis. His mother tried to kill me. She’s also the one who put him in the wall, right before she died.”
“How did she do that? Magic?”
“No with bricks and cement. Dennis was still alive at the time.”
“What a horrible way to die.”
“I know. He’s a very well adjusted ghost considering. He really wants to meet you. I told him all about you last night.”
“You did?”
“Yeah I went home to watch some movies with him and ended up spending the night.”
“I thought it was your place. Where else would you sleep?”
She bit her lip. “Yeah about that. There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you. You know how I said Angel and I are annulling our marriage?”
“Yes”
“It’s kinda funny when you think about it. These wacky rituals tend to have really strange out clauses. In a way I’m lucky. A lot of cures and such involve drinking really foul liquids or killing something while chanting. I don’t have to do anything like that.”
“I’m happy for you?”
“Thanks. You see I only havetoshareabedwithAngelfor40nights.” She took a small bite of her sandwich. “You make a really good sandwich. It has just the right amount of mayo.”
“Did you just say you’re sleeping with your vampire boss, the one who demons believe you’ve belonged to for quite some time?”
“Sleep yes. Sleeping with no. Well yes but no.”
“That clears it up for me.”
“I mean we are sleeping together as in just sleeping. We aren’t you know making with the sex. It’s all completely..”
“Insane?”
“Such is my life. It’s not as bad as it sounds. Until recently he’s been known as a eunuch.”
“Is that because of the curse you told me about?”
“Yes”
“But you said his soul is permanent now, which means he’s not much of a eunuch anymore.”
“Technically that’s true but it’s still not an issue. I’m not even blond.”
“Huh?”
“Angel is obsessed with blondes. He never even notices me like that.” The truth of her words sent a pang through her heart.
“I find that hard to believe. You’re very beautiful and extremely desirable. Angel is very protective of you.”
“I suppose but so are Wesley and Gunn.”
“I’m sorry. Was that supposed to be comforting?”
She giggled at his sour expression. “I told you. They’re like my brothers.”
“Except for Angel.”
Cordelia edged closer to him, her hand smoothing out the blanket. “Listen to me. Angel is NOT interested in me like that. You have absolutely nothing to worry about.” She leaned in for a quick kiss. “Let’s not ruin our day.”
He chose to let the subject drop even though he wished she had worded her assurances differently. “I think if I could get one more kiss, I would feel much better.”
“I think I can arrange that.”
This time it was Brian who closed the distance, his lips capturing hers. He pressed in, deepening the kiss with a soft moan.
***
Cordelia floated down the lobby steps, smiling.
“You look happy.” Angel was proud that he managed to say it without growling.
“I am. We went rollerblading and the whole eating on the ground thing was better than I expected.”
“Cordelia, aren’t you the one who said rollerbladers should be banned from the park?”
“Shut up, Wes. That was so last year. I had fun.” Her feet and back still ached, but they didn’t need to know that.
“I’m sure you’ll be feeling it in the morning.” Wesley tossed her a bottle of aspirin they kept behind the counter. “You should take a couple of those now.”
“What are you my mother?”
“I was only trying to be helpful. Virginia took me rollerblading once and I cannot stress the word once enough. My back and feet were aching for several days after that.”
“That’s because you’re old. I’m young and..” A shooting pain shot up her spine when she tried to sit. “Ow ow ow.” She rubbed the effected area without success in stopping the pain. “Don’t just stand there like a fish, Angel. I’m in pain.” Cool strong hands massaged her lower back. “Being married to you isn’t that bad.” She smiled at him over her shoulder.
“You were saying something about my being old. Please continue.”
“Nobody likes a smartass.”
“But we all like you.”
“You are so asking for butt-kicking, Wes. I am young but sitting on the ground after hunching over for a half an hour while trying to balance myself on wheels took a toll.” Her eyes drifted shut as Angel’s hands continued to work their magic.
“Don’t fall asleep on me again.”
“I won’t. Just don’t stop.”
“Cordelia, you forgot your purse in…” Brian froze as his eyes landed on the intimate way Cordelia and Angel were sitting on the couch together.
She managed to open her eyes. “Thank you.” Cordelia rose stiffly from the couch. “I’m not usually so forgetful.” She ignored Gunn’s bullshit cough.
“Oh that’s okay. It gave me an excuse to see you again.” His eyes drifted over to the annoyed vampire. “Are we still on for later tonight?”
“Absolutely. I’m looking forward to it.”
“I think you’ll really like the club.”
Wesley adjusted his glasses as he focused on Cordelia. “You’re going dancing tonight?”
She shot a glare over her shoulder. “Yes we are.”
“Do you think that’s a good idea, Barbie?”
“I think it’s a wonderful idea hence the looking forward to it.” She smiled sweetly at Brian and took her purse. “Thanks again.”
“It was no trouble. I’d barely gone a few blocks when I noticed it. Are you sure you don’t want to have dinner before we go dancing?”
“No. I really should get some work done.”
“But it’s Saturday?”
“We don’t work normal hours around here.” Plus I need more time for the pain killers to kick in, she silently added. “I’ll see you around ten o’clock.” She gave him a quick kiss on his cheek. “Bye.”
“I’ll see you later.”
As soon as Brian left, Cordelia pasted on a happy smile and faced the others. “I think I’m going to soak in a hot bath for awhile. I’ll see you boys later.”
Gunn blocked her path, his arms folded. “I thought you were in pain.”
“I was and now it’s gone. What can I say? Angel gives a really good backrub.”
The vamp in question silently came up behind her and pressed lightly on her hip.
“OW! What the hell was that for?”
“To prove a point.”
“It’s not that big of a deal. You guys are acting like I need to be in traction. I have a backache. I’ll take some aspirin and soak in a hot bath. I’ll be fine by tonight. Now get out of my way, Gunn.”
“Cordelia, you’re probably right but why didn’t you just tell Brian that you weren’t up for dancing tonight. I’m sure he would have been glad to do something else with you.”
“I’d already bagged out of rollerblading long before he intended on stopping, Wes. Then I was the one who wanted to end the whole eating on the ground thing too.” She glanced at her watch. “We were only gone for a little over two hours. I’m not supposed to be the stick in the mud. That’s Angel’s job.”
“No one is suggesting you’re out of shape. You’re in excellent condition but that doesn’t mean you’re up for any activity. As I said, I was sore for days.”
“That makes me feel so much better.” She noticed his flash of hurt. “I’m sorry, Wes. I’m just a little grouchy. If I don’t feel better by tonight, I promise to say something to Brian.”
“That’s all we needed to hear.”
Angel was far from satisfied but chose to remain silent. He followed Cordelia up the stairs with his eyes. Her steps were slow and deliberate. For the first time, he noticed that much of her vitality was missing. He wondered if there was more to it then she was letting on. “Do you think she’s okay?”
“I’m sure she’ll be fine. She isn’t used to that type of activity. It’s hardly surprising that she ended up with a few aches and pains.”
“I suppose you’re right.” A thought occurred to him. “What did she have against rollerblading in the park?”
“Shortly after I came onboard, we were having coffee in the park. A rather inexperienced rollerblader crashed into her. She ended up with a few bruises and some grass stains. That man was on the receiving end of a severe tongue-lashing that only Cordelia Chase could give.” Wesley laughed at the remembrance. “She did feel bad about it later on. Making a grown man cry wasn’t something she took much pride in anymore.”
“Barbie does have a way about her. There are few women who scare me and I’m not ashamed to say she’s one of them. One arch of an eyebrow has me gulping.”
“I know what you mean.”
“It’s nothing compared to her telling you that you hurt her feelings. It’s more effective than any weapon.” Angel stared up the stairs. “Since she’s not going out to dinner with that guy, how about we take her out? She mentioned wanting to try that French place.”
“Well we did rescue the owner’s daughter from a vampire. Giving us a table without a reservation hardly seems unreasonable. Gunn?”
“If the vam.. Angel’s paying, I’m there.”
“It did look rather pricey.”
“It’s where she wants to go.” Angel shrugged. “I’ll buy.” He pointed up the stairs. “I’ll go tell her.”
“Woah. Cordy won’t be needin’ any backrubs or visits while she’s in the bathtub.”
“My bathroom door isn’t soundproof. I don’t need to go in to tell her.” *If I was asleep, she’d invite me in.* He shook off the thought. “Isn’t ten o’clock a little late to start a date?”