Part 15
Angel still had no idea if the movie had gypsies in it. He hadn’t paid attention. Xander seemed intent on touching Cordelia as often as possible.
She managed to fend him off, although she eventually allowed him to keep his arm around her shoulders. Angel had no choice but to remain still. Buffy, like Xander, decided the darkened room was the perfect setting for snuggling.
Cordelia was tempted to open all the curtains and turn on all the lights. Buffy had practically crawled inside Angel’s clothes. Plus Xander had turned into Mr. Grabby Hands. It was all she could do not to scream. He waited until she had found someone who genuinely appreciated and liked her to decide he wanted her.
“So what next? Do we watch another movie?”
“No.” Cordelia extracted herself from Xander’s grip. “How about we do something else?”
Willow put the two movie choices down. “OK. What?”
“I don’t know.” She turned the lights on.
“Do you have any board games?”
“No. They’re not really my style. We have the pool table and dart board but that’s it.”
“We can do that at the Bronze.” Buffy snuggled into Angel’s side. “I say we watch another movie.”
Xander hopped up. “I’m with Buffy.”
*Big surprise* She shuddered when he wrapped an arm around her waist and switched off the lights.
“Pop in another one, Will.”
“OK. Is the Matrix all right with everyone?”
“You never said it was a Keanu Reeves’ flick. I’m in.” Cordelia chose to sit beside Angel on the longer sofa rather than the loveseat she and Xander had been sharing. “You’ll love this movie, Angel. One of the main characters is a hot chick dressed in leather. I should warn you though. She isn’t blond.” She playfully nudged him with her shoulder.
“Weren’t you sitting over there?”
“Shh. It’s starting.” She ignored Buffy’s glare and Xander’s pout. She leaned into Angel and whispered loud enough for them to hear. “It’s got really cool action scenes. You’re going to love the opening sequence. I mean you don’t use guns but you’re still a guy.” She remained quiet until after Trinity reached the phone booth. “Cool huh?”
“Yeah but what’s with the suspended animation? That doesn’t happen in a real fight.”
“Duh it’s for the visual effect.”
“Oh.” He watched silently for a moment. “I don’t get it. What effect? Am I supposed to feel affected? Because mainly I’m thinking that doesn’t happen in the real world.”
“True but she’s not in the real world. She’s in the matrix.”
“Oh.” He watched silently for a moment. “I still don’t get it.”
“You will in a little while. You’re reasonably smart. You’ll figure it out.”
“Oh OK. Hey!”
“Well you were outsmarted by Spike. I heard he totally snowballed you.”
“True but he’s a really good liar and normally he’s incapable of being patient. He never sticks to a plan. He crashed Parent’s Night instead of waiting like he was supposed to, remember? Who knew he could wait for the right moment before acting?”
“Shh you have to watch this part or you won’t understand.”
Buffy stared at the chatting pair in disbelief. She had given Angel her understanding about his friendship with Cordelia but that didn’t mean it was okay to ignore her. She had missed him during their forced estrangement. He should be just as eager as her to pick up where they left off.
“So it isn’t real? None of it?”
“Exactly.”
“That’s stupid.” He rose from the couch and went upstairs.
Before Cordelia could follow him, Buffy went after him.
“Good. Now I can enjoy the movie.” Xander shifted closer.
She stared at the doorway debating what she should do. After waiting several minutes, she stood. “I’ll be back. I need a drink.”
“I’ll get it for you.”
“That’s okay.”
***
Cordelia could feel the tension in the air when she walked into the kitchen. “Don’t mind me.”
Buffy shot an annoyed look at the intruder. She couldn’t figure out how but she knew Cordelia was the reason Angel was acting weird. She was used to him being standoffish but never over a movie. Of course this was only the second movie she’d watched with him. She hoped getting him alone would help but he still wouldn’t tell her what was wrong.
“Geez people. It was only a movie.”
“Thanks for the newsflash, Cordy.” Buffy decided against fighting with the brunette. It was her day off. “I’m going back downstairs. I hope you’ll join me.” She didn’t wait for a response.
Cordelia watched her storm out. “OK. What’s up?”
“…”
She walked over to the silent vampire and sat down on his lap. “Talk to me.”
Angel wrapped his arms around her waist. “When I was in Hell that was one of the most popular tortures to inflict.”
“What was?”
“Making me think I got out or that it was all just a nightmare. When I would finally start to believe that I was safe, the illusion would end.”
“So it was like the movie only in reverse?”
“Yeah”
“I’m sorry. I had no idea.” She cradled his face in her hands. “You’re safe now. You know that right?” She began planting kisses all over his face. “This is very real.”
“I don’t know. Some of those tricks felt pretty real.”
“I guess I just have to try harder.” She captured his lips in a bruising kiss.
His fingers tangled in her hair as he took over the kiss. His tongue happily came out to battle hers.
After several moments, she pulled away and gulped air. “Do you believe me now?”
“Hmm it’s a tough call. I think I know a sure fire way of proving it.”
“Oh really?”
“Yeah. Let’s go upstairs and..”
“You’re so bad. You know we can’t.”
“I know.” He looked into her eyes. “I also know this is real and I am safe. If this had been an illusion, it would have ended that day in the library when you forgave me instead of getting better and better with each passing day.” His fingers teased the bottom of her shirt.
“You mean not yet, right? I’m not rushing you or anything. We can take things as slow as you want. I want you so…but I would never..”
She smothered his rambling with a kiss. “I meant not yet.” His goofy smile made her laugh. “Do you think you’ll be okay to go back downstairs?”
“I’d rather be alone with you but since that doesn’t seem to be an option, let’s go.” He kissed her one more time. “Just so you know I’m not sure how much longer I can resist breaking Xander’s arms.”
She shrugged. “If Buffy wasn’t packing her slayer strength, I’d probably be saying the same thing. You should know I made plans to be alone with Xander tomorrow night.”
“What!”
“I’m going to break up with him then.”
“Oh. In that case, I’ll make plans with Buffy. I have no idea what to say to her. There’s really no good way to break this to her. I’m not even sure how much I should tell her.”
“I know what you mean. I want to be honest but I don’t…”
“Want to slap them in the face with our happiness, I know.”
She rested her forehead in the crook of his neck. “Did you ever notice how nothing in our lives is simple?”
“Falling in love with you was pretty simple.”
Cordelia’s head popped up. “What did you say?”
“When?”
“Just now.”
“I said when.”
“Angel!” She slapped his chest.
“Ow!” He pulled her close. “I’ve fallen in love with you. It was as easy as…not breathing.”
She giggled at his wording. She tried to blink back the tears that were forming.
“Umm do you think you could say something? Anything?”
“I fell in love with you before I even noticed I lost my balance. You’re pretty loveable.”
“That’s true.”
“Come on before your head inflates like a balloon.” She stood up then pulled him to his feet.
“OK. But first I need to do this.” His lips came crashing into hers with raw passion. Swallowing her surprised squeak then her gentle moans, he devoured her mouth.
Her eyes were glazed with need when they finally broke apart. “This whole worrying about other people’s feelings is overrated.” She tugged on his hands. “Let’s just go upstairs. It’s a good movie. They’ll never even notice we’re missing.”
He refused to move. “No. I want it to be perfect. Besides with them in the house, you won’t be free to scream.”
A perfectly sculpted eyebrow shot up. “Who says I’ll be screaming?”
“That would be me.”
“You sound pretty sure of yourself.”
“Well I have had mmphf”
She covered his mouth. “If you’re going to start talking about your vast experience, I’d rather go downstairs and snuggle with Xander. Thinking about you with other women does make me want to scream but definitely not in a good way.” She lowered her hand.
“Point taken. Just know that when we do make love, you will be screaming.” He leaned in to whisper. His voice grew almost silky. “I plan to taste, touch and learn every part of you. I will find every spot that makes you giggle, gasp, laugh, shiver, shudder, moan, mewl, quiver, arch, pant, wail, melt, groan and scream. I intend to discover exactly what makes you purr and when I’ve figured all that out, I’m going to start over in case I missed anything.”
Her body was shaking by the time he stepped back. “So it’s a good movie, huh? Come on. You can explain everything I’ve missed.”
Cordelia was amazed she hadn’t melted into a puddle at his feet. “Umm you go ahead. I just need a cold shower…drink. I need a cold drink ‘cuz I’m thirsty.”
“Uh huh”
“I am. Pfft like I was affected by you? Please! I am in complete control.” She walked over to the refrigerator and just stood in the open door. The cool air felt good. She tensed as strong arms snaked around her waist and pulled her against a firm chest. His cool breath tickled her ear.
“I can scent you in the air.” His tongue flicked her ear. “Your arousal smells delicious. It makes me want to lose myself in you.” Blunt teeth nibbled on her neck.
She arched into his mouth. One hand rose and threaded through his hair. “I don’t know…mmm.ahh…what you mean. I’m not aroused.”
“You’re not?”
She tried to control her panting with little success. “Nope”
“Hmm I must be doing something wrong. Maybe I should try this.” One hand slipped under her shirt. His fingertips teased her soft skin during their slow ascent. Before he could reach his target, Angel heard someone coming up the stairs.
When he realized it was Xander, he considered not stopping and letting loser boy catch them. Cordelia’s possible reaction made him remove his hand and step back.
“Angel, what..”
“Did you decide to go out of state to get that drink?”
“Xander.” Her eyes darted around the room. *I am so going to hell* “Angel wasn’t enjoying the movie. We started talking. I guess I lost track of time. Sorry.” She grabbed a can of diet coke from the still open fridge.
“I’m ready.” She glanced at Angel. He circled away from Xander, careful to keep the counter between them. An evil smile spread across her face when she realized he was trying to hide his otherwise noticeable erection. “Angel?”
“I’ll be down in a minute.”
“Interesting choice of words.”
Xander looked confused at his girlfriend’s statement. “Huh?”
“Nothing. Let’s go.”
***
“That wasn’t too bad.”
“I told you it was good. You gotta love Keanu Reeves. He is brutally hot.”
“You think that scrawny guy is hot? I could kick his ass without even trying.”
“You know some women don’t judge a guy by his ability to fight.”
Angel glared at Xander. “Spoken like a true non-alpha male.”
“Guys! It was a movie. There is no reason to fight about it and I agree with Cordy. Keanu Reeves is hot. No offense, Oz.”
“S’okay. I myself thought Trinity was pretty hot.”
“She was.”
Cordelia turned at Angel’s ready ascent. “You liked that leather look? I was kidding about that earlier.”
“Faith wears a lot of leather.”
The room grew quiet at Buffy’s statement.
“Oh please! Like Angel would fall for her act. Let it go already. He wasn’t interested in Faith before she went evil and he sure as hell isn’t interested now.”
“Umm I’m hungry. Aren’t you hungry Oz?”
“I could eat.”
“Good. Let’s order the pizzas now.”
“That sounds good to me.” Buffy wasn’t really sure how to take Cordelia’s outburst but she felt oddly comforted about the Faith issue.
“I’ll go make the call.” Xander started for the stairs. “Cordy, can you give me a hand? I need a phone book or a menu if you have one.”
“Sure but I thought you memorized all the numbers for the places that deliver.” She trailed behind him.
“You know, Angel. I still haven’t had a tour of the house yet. Could you show me around?”
“I guess. Willow? Oz? Do you want to come?”
“They’ll be fine here. I’m sure they can amuse each other while we’re gone.” Buffy hooked her arm with Angel’s. “Lead on.”
“OK”
***
“That’s my bedroom door and that one is Cordelia’s. The door at the end of the hallway is another guestroom. That’s pretty much it. You already saw the pool house out back.”
“It was pretty nice. It must be good to have money but then again I’d probably act like Cordelia if I did.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Oh nothing. So are you going to show me your room?”
“It looks pretty much like the one across from her parent’s room, except there’s only one window. We should get back downstairs.” Buffy had lingered in every single room. She had even bounced around on the bed in Cordelia’s parent’s room.
The tour was taking forever. She didn’t seem to be in a hurry to return to the group but he was. Being alone with her felt like he was being dishonest, which he basically was. He didn’t want to hurt her but it was inevitable. They weren’t meant to be and he knew it.
“What’s the rush? I want to see where I’ll be sleeping.”
“Excuse me?”
She smiled. “I wanted to surprise you but I can’t wait any longer. I told my mom I was spending the night at Cordelia’s so I didn’t even have to lie. She was surprised but she said it was okay.”
“Buffy, I don’t..”
“I think we’ve waited long enough, don’t you? We love each other. Your soul is secure. It’ll be perfect. This time we’ll wake up together.”
“This is Cordelia’s house. I’m a guest. I don’t..”
“She won’t care. Besides she’ll be too busy to notice.”
“What?”
“Xander is staying too. He and I came up with the idea last night. He’s ready to take the big plunge and..”
“Does Cordelia know?”
“He’s planning on surprising her. They’ve been together for a while now.”
“What if she’s not ready? Did Xander even consider her feelings?”
“Oh come on Angel. It’s hardly her first time. I’m a little shocked she’s held out as long as she has.”
“So I guess that means you had sex with that Scott kid.”
“Excuse me!”
“Well you already had sex and you were dating him. Why hold out, right?”
“I can’t believe you would think..”
“I don’t. I’m just saying don’t judge Cordy, especially when you have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I’m sorry. You’re right. I don’t want to fight with you. This is between Xander and Cordelia. It’s none of our business what they do or don’t do.”
“BUFFY! THE PIZZAS ARE HERE!”
“I’M COMING!” She clasped Angel’s hand. “Tonight will be wonderful.”
Angel’s mind was racing. They most definitely had a problem. There was no way he was going to allow Xander to sleep anywhere in the vicinity of Cordelia and Angel had no intentions of sharing a bed with Buffy either. Their plan to handle their breakups in private had just gone to hell.
As much as he didn’t want to hurt Buffy, he was not going to let Xander ineptly try to seduce Cordelia. He couldn’t believe the audacity of that worthless boy. He needed to talk to Cordy. She would know what to do.
***
Angel watched and waited for his opportunity to speak to Cordelia alone. He stuck to the shadows. No one thought it unusual for him, although Cordelia occasionally glanced over at him. He saw his opportunity when she excused herself to go use the bathroom. He slipped out of the room unnoticed.
Cordelia had just opened the bathroom door when a hand covered her mouth and pushed her into the small room.
“Don’t worry. It’s just me.” He released her.
She spun around and punched his shoulder. “Dammit Angel! You scared the crap out of me.”
“Sorry. I was afraid you might scream if I walked in on you. I was trying to avoid attention.”
“Well you’re here now. What’s so important that you had to give me a heart attack?”
“Has Xander filled you in on his surprise?”
“No. He bought me a present?”
“It’s not that kind of surprise. When I was giving Buffy a tour, she..”
“I noticed the two of you disappeared for a while.”
“She wanted me to show her around.”
“Yeah I bet she did.”
“She told me she was planning on spending the night.”
“What!” Angel covered her mouth. She pulled his hand away and lowered her voice. “What?”
“Her mother gave her permission to spend the night at your house.”
“So she plans on screwing you while I’m sleeping across the hall?”
“Apparently you’re going to be too busy to notice.”
“Huh?”
“She and Xander talked last night and decided they would both spend the night. It seems Xander is ready to take the next step in your relationship.”
“Oh really! I’m so glad he had Buffy to help him decide that. I mean why talk to me about it? I’m just the person he plans to have sex with.”
“I don’t think he’ll be in the mood once I break his legs.”
“If anyone gets to break his legs, Angel, it’s me.”
“Let’s just tell them tonight. Granted I could use another night to figure out what to say but waiting for the right moment doesn’t seem like an option anymore.”
“Why don’t we just tell them no? I’m too angry right now. I’d end up saying too much.”
“That little bastard..”
“Angel, I’ve been sharing a bed with you. We have kissed more than once and more recently with them in the same house. If he hadn’t called this morning, we would have done a lot more than just kissing. I…we don’t exactly have the moral high ground. He’s a sucky boyfriend but I am a cheater. Buffy may be a… She may not want to know the real you but that doesn’t mean its okay to go out behind her back and find someone else who does. We stick to the plan. When Xander suggests spending the night, I’ll say no. We’ll go on our date tomorrow. I’ll talk about what has been lacking in our relationship and then I’ll end it.”
“Are you going to tell him about us?”
“I don’t know yet. I keep thinking about what will happen next. The whole gang has become a part of my life. The ascension is coming up. I know I’m not really big with the fighting but I think everyone will be needed. You said you’re feeling stronger now that you’re getting rest. They’re going to need you. I don’t want our relationship to be what ends the world.”
“I know Buffy will be hurt but she’ll do what’s best. I know it will be awkward but..”
“Understatement much? Look if we go out there right now, Buffy will say something to me and I’ll lose my temper. I’ll say exactly what I’m thinking and battle lines will be drawn.”
“So we stick to the plan?”
“Yes. You tell Buffy you think it’s a bad idea to jump into bed and she can’t stay. Tomorrow you can tell her…whatever you come up with.”
“OK”
“Now get out of here. I have to pee.”
***
Xander was waiting for her when she came out. The lack of yelling or fighting told her he hadn’t seen Angel exiting. “Hey”
“I was wondering if I could spend the night.”
“Huh”
He pushed off the wall and stood in front of her. “I would like to spend the night with you. We don’t have to…do anything you’re not ready for. We could just sleep. I’d like to wake up with you in my arms.”
“Xander, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“How about a big sleepover then? Buffy, Willow and Oz were all saying a sleepover would be fun. Your parents are away and..”
“You thought I’d like to host an orgy?”
“No. Willow and Oz plan to sleep separately. I can even bunk with Oz if you want. I would like it if we all got along. A big battle is coming up. We could use some teenage carefree bonding time. How about it?”
“I don’t know.”
“Please?”
Cordelia knew she was certifiable for even considering it but his puppy face was getting to her. A thought suddenly dawned on her. This was very possibly the last night they would all be friends. “OK but you are sharing a room with Oz.” Slayer or no slayer, Buffy would get her ass kicked if she tried to sleep with Angel. He would just have to come up with an excuse.
Xander kissed her cheek. “We’ll have fun. I promise. Willow and Oz said they’d make everyone breakfast. Come on. Let’s go tell everyone the good news.” He dragged her to the basement. “Cordy said yes. We are a go for the slumber party.”
Angel’s shocked eyes stared at Cordelia. She shrugged.
Willow hopped off Oz’s lap. “Let’s celebrate with dessert.” She grabbed Oz and Xander and pulled them towards the kitchen.
“I’m going to be bunking with you, Oz.”
Buffy’s head turned at Xander’s words. She ignored Cordelia, who was fidgeting on the far end of the room as if unsure whether to come in or leave. “I guess you were right about Cordy. We can’t…now that everyone is staying. I’m sorry but we’ll have to wait. At least we can sleep sleep together.”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“You’re probably right. I won’t be able to control myself either. I guess I’ll be rooming with Willow. It’ll still be fun.” She squeezed his knee. “I’m going to give them a hand with dessert.” She practically skipped out of the room.
“I don’t remember this being a part of the plan.”
“I know. I caved.”
“Why?”
“I realized that this is the last night we’re all going to be friends. I just…I wanted one more night before they all hate me.” She was in his arms in a flash.
“I understand but how am I supposed to sleep without you in my arms?”
“Oh. I hadn’t thought about that.” She relaxed into his embrace. She knew she was crazy for allowing them to stay. Having it all wasn’t an option for her. She couldn’t have Angel in her bed and the scoobies in the same house without trouble happening, possibly even blood being spilt.
Angel could no longer imagine not sharing a bed with her. He could but he didn’t want to. She made him feel safe. She made him feel calm. She gave him the peace of mind to rest. Now he knew she loved him and not just while she was dreaming. He would find a way even if it meant drugging the others into unconsciousness. He stepped back at the sound of approaching footsteps.
“I made you a hot fudge sundae with my own two hands.” Xander handed Cordelia a bowl. “OK. Buffy scooped the ice cream. It was hard as rock.”
“Thanks.”
Willow, Oz and Buffy each walked in with their own sundae.
Cordelia took a bite before she noticed Angel didn’t have one. “Where’s Angel’s?”
Buffy rolled her eyes. “He’s a vampire. He doesn’t eat human food.”
“Thanks for the tip.” She held out a heaping spoonful. “You’ll love this. It’s a combination of hot and cold.”
Without thinking, Angel automatically allowed her to feed him. The vanilla ice cream made his mouth feel warm in comparison, while the hot fudge actually warmed him. “That is good.”
“I told you. Here you eat mine. I’ll go make another one.”
“I’m sorry, Cordy. We used all of the ice cream to make these. We didn’t think Angel would want one.” Willow held out her bowl. “Do you want some of mine? I’ll never finish it.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Here Cordy. You eat this one. I don’t need any.”
“No one needs a hot fudge sundae any more then they need cheesecake. You eat it. I still have some cookie dough fudge mint chip in the freezer.”
“Do you want me to get you some?”
“No. The hot fudge doesn’t stay hot for long. You enjoy the sundae.” She smiled at the way he was enjoying his treat. “I’ll be back.”
Angel followed her, dessert in hand.
Buffy stared into her ice cream. *Cordelia knew Angel would like a sundae. Why didn’t I?*
***
“Are you sure you don’t want this?”
“I didn’t give you a lung, Angel. I like sundaes as much as the next girl but it’s not something I get excited about. You really like it, don’t you?”
“It’s good. Hot, cold and sweet mixed together. Who knew?”
“Did anyone ever tell you you’re very cuddly when you discover something new?”
“I am?”
“Yup”
“I’ll have to remember that.”
Cordelia noticed there was a little hot fudge left in the pan on the stove. She carried it over to Angel and poured it on his ice cream.
“Don’t you want it for yours? It’s sweet.”
“Not as sweet as your smile.”
Angel leaned in for a quick kiss. “You’re so good to me.”
“Mmm. That is good. I’m suddenly feeling less generous.” She stole his spoon and scooped up some gooey dessert. His lips parted in surprised when she offered it to him.
He barely had a chance to swallow before her lips were on his. Her tongue thoroughly explored his mouth.
“That is a good sundae.”
He smiled. “Would you like some more?”
“Absolutely.”