Part 6
“How’s your blood?”
“It’s fine. How’s your salad?”
“Not very exciting but eating this means I get to have dessert.” She pulled out two slices of cheesecake from her takeout bag. I brought you a piece too.” She pulled out another container. “I wasn’t sure if you liked it plain or with cherries so I got them on the side.”
“I don’t really eat human food.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t need it.”
“No one needs cheesecake.” She dipped a forkful of dessert in the sweet topping. “Try some.” She lifted the fork to his lips. “Be a good boy and open up.”
Angel couldn’t resist her pleading eyes.
“So what do you think?”
“It’s…okay.”
“Just okay?” She stared at the dessert. “Would it be better if I poured blood on it?”
Angel almost choked on his tongue. “I appreciate the thought but I think not.”
“Try another bite. Maybe you’d like it better without the extra sweetness.” She brought her fork to his lips again. “Please?”
His mouth accepted her offering.
She studied his expression. “So?”
“It’s…good.”
“Hmmph” She hopped off her stool and walked away to rummage through the freezer. “You have got to love this.” She returned with another container and a spoon. “This is cookie dough fudge mint chip. It’s my favorite.”
“If I tell you I love it, will you stop feeding me?”
“C’mon. This is fun. Now open wide.”
“Hmm. That’s pretty good.”
“You’re not just saying that, are you?”
“No. My taste buds might not appreciate the same flavors as yours but they do work. I like ice cream. I enjoy its smooth texture, its sweet taste and the way it makes my mouth seem warm in comparison.”
“Can you taste the difference in flavors?” She brought another spoonful to his lips.
Without thinking, he opened his mouth. “Hmm. Not really. I usually just have vanilla.”
“I’ll be sure to buy some.” She brought a heaping spoonful to her own mouth. Her eyes closed. “Mmmmm”
Angel watched her face contort in pleasure. She seemed intent on licking the spoon clean, the same spoon that had been in his mouth moments before. He picked up the discarded fork and dipped a bite of cheesecake in the cherry sauce.
She opened her eyes and found a fork hovering in front of her mouth. Her eyes slammed shut as the confectionary wonder made contact with her tongue. “Mmmmm…that is so good!” Angel was smiling at her when her eyes opened again. “Now that is what makes eating a salad with no dressing totally worth it.”
“Huh?”
“You can’t overindulge. These things go straight to the hips.” She glanced down at her body then at the half eaten desserts. “I should probably do some laps tonight, especially since practice got cut short.”
Angel studied her form. He’d seen a great many beautiful women over his many years. Cordelia’s beauty was timeless. His fingers itched to draw her. She should be preserved. He didn’t question why his imagined portrait needed to be nude study; it just seemed logical.
***
“Hey Buffy. How did your visit with Angel go?”
“It went.” She sighed as she plopped down on the grass beside her best friend. “I told Angel not to bother coming here tonight.”
“How did he take it?”
“Cordy showed up and was her usual bitchy self so I just left. I didn’t really want to stay anyhow. This whole thing still has me kinda freaked.”
“You’re not alone. Even Oz is weirded out.”
“Really? How could you tell?”
The redhead giggled. “It’s not easy. He does his wigging on the inside. His calm exterior is a part of who he is and Angel can see right through it. It’s unnerving for him. For all of us.”
“I guess that means he won’t be volunteering to let Angel stay with him, huh?”
“Sorry. I take it Angel’s not too happy to be staying with Cordy.”
“He didn’t complain, not that he ever does. It can’t be easy for him. I know it’s my idea of torture. ‘Course he’s been to hell so that must give him a better perspective.”
“At least she’s not freaked out about his mind-reading ability.”
“What’s up with that anyway?”
“She says what she thinks. She’s got nothing to hide. Plus she probably doesn’t care what he thinks about her.”
“Makes sense. She’s the same bitch on the inside as she is on the outside.”
“You know Buffy, she isn’t as bad as she used to be. Last week when we were in the cemetery, I was cold and she let me borrow her sweater.”
“So? You think we should nominate her for sainthood now or wait?”
“She said it looked better on me ’cause of my red hair. She told me to keep it.”
“That was definitely the exception to the ‘Cordy, Queen Bitch’ rule. You heard how she threw the Angel-Faith thing in my face last night?”
“I remember but..”
“But what?”
“Well…you wanted Angel to stay with Giles. Cordy..that’s probably why she lashed out.”
“Don’t even get me started on that. I swear she’d obsessed with trying to win over all the men in my life. First Xander, then Giles. Now she even jumps to Wesley’s defense!”
“Is that why you don’t want Angel staying with her?”
“Hardly. Angel would never fall for her act. Even if he was tempted by her tarty version of pretty, he can hear her thoughts. He’ll know what she’s really about.” Buffy stood. “Come on. We need to get to the library. I wanna see if Giles has found a cure yet. I want my boyfriend back.”
***
“Are you ready?”
Angel stared out the passenger window. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be all macho? You’re a guy and a vampire.”
“They don’t want me there. I make them nervous.”
“Oh please! You’ve always made them nervous.”
“Thanks for the support.”
“They’re just scared. I mean what’s the big deal? What could they possibly be thinking about that no one can ever know about? Willow is probably thinking about Oz and witchcraft. Oz is thinking about Willow and the trauma of being a werewolf. Xander, I’m sure is thinking about sex. Buffy is thinking about herself and how her life is so unfair. Wesley’s worrying about failing as a watcher and Giles…you should just stay out of his head. After what Druscilla did to him, I really don’t want anyone messing with his mind.”
“You know about that?”
“Yeah. It wasn’t easy for him to talk about it but keeping it bottled up wasn’t healthy. That loony bitch broke him.”
“I know.”
“I guess you do. Let’s go in ’cause this trip down memory lane kinda sucks.”
“It really does.”
***
“What on earth is taking Cordelia and Angel so long to arrive? Sunset was twenty minutes ago. She only lives five minutes away.”
“I don’t know about Cordy, Giles. But I told Angel not to come.”
“Why?”
“‘Cause we don’t want him pokin’ around in our brains.”
“Be that as it may, Xander, I could use his assistance. Perhaps I should call Cordelia.”
“I’ll save you the quarter. What’s up?” Cordelia noticed the slack-jawed stares Angel was receiving. “Geez! Stare much.”
“Angel..I thought you were going to rest.”
“You thought wrong, Buffy. He wants to help. He can rest while the sun is shining. I’m sure he’s touched by your heartfelt concern though.” She smiled at Giles. “So do you have anything that Angel and his really old brain can work on?”
“Oh..umm..yes. The texts that may be of use in finding a cure are not in English. Wesley and I could use some help translating them.”
As if on cue, Wesley appeared from the stacks. “Ah there you are Mr…Angel. You can start translating this text. I’ve taken the liberty of marking the pertinent sections.”
“You marked one of my books?”
“Of course not. I simply inserted a bookmark. Like I would desecrate such a rare volume. Please be serious, Mr. Giles.” Wesley handed Angel the heavy book without making eye contact.
The tension in the room was so thick Angel could feel it on his skin. His eyes never strayed from the book in his hands. “Would it be all right if I worked in your office, Giles?”
“If you wish.”
Cordelia watched Angel walk into the office and close the door behind him.
“Do you think he’s okay?”
“Of course he is Willow. I’m sure he enjoys being treated like a leper. Who wouldn’t?”
“You shouldn’t have forced him to come here, Cordy. He needs to rest. We can handle the research.”
“Exactly how many languages do you speak, Buffy? Giles and Wesley can use all the help they can get. This little thing called an ascension is rapidly approaching.”
“What’s in it for you? Don’t think for a second Angel is buying your concerned act. He can see right through you.”
“Then what makes you think he can’t see through your pathetic suggestion he rest instead of coming here? You’re just thinking of yourself. His new ability isn’t hurting anyone. Finding the cure is only a priority because you can’t handle Angel seeing who you really are.”
“That is quite enough out of the two of you. If you aren’t here to work, then I suggest you leave. Angel is fine in my office. I expect the rest of you to buckle down and get to work.” Giles noticed the way Buffy kept clenching her hands into fists.
“Buffy, perhaps you should begin your patrol now. Try to see if the local demon population have any useful information. I have confidence in your ability to be persuasive.”
Buffy tore her glare from Cordelia. “Fine!”
“Be careful.”
“Do you need someone to watch your back, Buff? Faith is still out there with a big ole grudge.”
She turned a sugary sweet smile to Xander. “I’d like that. Grab a weapon.”
Cordelia’s eyes narrowed as her boyfriend eagerly followed Buffy. As an afterthought, he turned back and kissed her cheek.
“I’ll call you later.”
“Don’t worry, Cordy. I’ll take real good care of your boyfriend.” Buffy hooked her arm with Xander’s and walked out.
*Bitch!* She turned and caught Giles’s concerned expression. She managed a small smile.
Willow, Oz and Wesley were seated around the table. Giles handed Cordelia a book before joining them.
She stared at the empty seat for a moment but decided to join Angel instead.
“Hey”
“Hey. Are you sorry you came?”
“No. I want to help. This is my problem. They have bigger things to worry about. Are you sorry you talked me into coming?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I heard Buffy take Xander with her.”
“How?”
“Vampire hearing.”
“Oh. I’d only be sorry if you were. Buffy may have been laying it on thick because she was mad but Xander was being Xander.” She shrugged.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m used to it.” She sat down on the sofa and opened her book. “At least this one is in English. Why can’t theses things have an index? I should be able to flip to the back and look under A for ascension.”
“That’d be good. You could check for ‘aspect of the demon’ too.”
“How’s your book?”
“It’s riveting.”
“Wanna switch?”
“That depends, how’s your Latin?”
“It’s a little rusty. I guess I’ll stick with this one. Oooh pictures!” She turned the page. “Eww dirty pictures.” She tilted the book. “That’s gotta hurt.” She turned the page. “What the hell? Is this ascension thingy an orgy or something?”
Angel moved to join her on the couch. He glanced at her book.
“Made ya look!” She nudged him with her shoulder. “Perv!”
“‘M not.”
She couldn’t help giggling at his sad puppy face. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“You are?”
“Yeah. The others are usually tense around me. I think it’s ‘cuz they’re bracing themselves for an insult. Whenever I am nice, they tend to analyze what I said for a hidden meaning.”
“Is that why you’re hiding in here with me?”
She shrugged. “I enjoy your company.”
“Thanks.” His eyes returned to the ancient pages. “I enjoy your company too.”
***
Cordelia rubbed her tired eyes. “I bet all this research is going to cause premature aging. I can feel the wrinkles starting to form.” She glanced at Angel. “Not that you have to worry about wrinkles. You’re going to look like that forever. That’s gotta suck for the homely looking who get turned. At least they won’t have to look at themselves in the mirror anymore.”
She slammed her book shut. “That’s it. I can’t read anymore. My eyes are beginning to cross. Let’s call it a night.”
“Why don’t you head home without me? I can walk.”
“No way. You might get attacked and you have enough demon parts already. I don’t want you gaining or losing any. I’m sure Giles won’t mind if you take that book home with you.”
“I’m not helpless.”
“I never said you were. Excuse me for not wanting anything bad to happen to you.”
“Sorry”
“S’okay.” She stood and stretched her aching limbs. She grabbed her books and went to report to Giles.
Willow, Oz, Wesley and Giles were still seated around the table.
“I came up empty with these.”
“There are plenty more to choose from.”
“Sorry Giles. My brain is fried.”
“It is rather late. I had hoped Buffy would have checked in by now. I hope nothing’s wrong.”
“I’m sure they’re fine. Xander’s probably dragging his feet so he won’t have to come back here and go blind reading these musty old books.”
“Reading will not make any of you blind.”
“And the fact that you and Wesley both need glasses means nothing?”
“It’s genetics. Nothing more.”
“I’d rather err on the side of caution.”
“Careful Cordelia. You’re beginning to speak like me.”
“That’s another sign I’m in desperate need of sleep. I’m taking me and my vampire home. He’s going to take his book with him. Don’t worry. He promises not to hurt it. We’ll see you guys tomorrow.” She hooked her arm with Angel’s. “Good night.”
Angel silently walked out with a book in one arm and Cordelia in the other. No one had acknowledged his presence.
“Hmm”
Willow spun around to face her boyfriend. “Did Cordelia just refer to Angel as her vampire? I mean I wasn’t the only one who heard that, right?”
“No. I heard it too.”
“And was it my imagination or was there a total lack of protesting on Angel’s part? I didn’t hear any. Did you hear any?”
“He didn’t seem bothered by her words..or her closeness.”
“Oh boy”
***
Cordelia wearily entered her house. “I know I said I’d swim a few laps but I’m exhausted. I think I’ll go straight to bed, my ass be damned.”
“Good night. I’m going to stay down here and continue working.” Angel noticed hazel eyes staring at him. “What?”
“You look tired and I mean that in the nicest way possible. How much sleep did you get today?”
“Vampires don’t require much.”
“And that answers my question how?”
“I had..a few..hours sleep.”
“I think we should both call it a night. Your aspect will still be here in the morning.”
“I don’t..”
“Your brain will thank you. Trust me.”
“I guess I am a little tired.” He followed her up the stairs.
“Good night Angel.” She snatched the book from his hands before disappearing into her room.
Angel stared at her closed door. “Good night.”
***
Cordelia was startled awake by a horrible sound. She clutched the stake she kept under her pillow and listened.
A pitiful sound echoed through the house.
She waited for the sound of footsteps. She expected Angel’s face to appear in her doorway. He would protect her from whatever was making that noise.
Nothing.
A muffled wail made her jump. She sat on her bed hugging her knees staring at her door.
Nothing.
The sound of moaning made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. She couldn’t bear waiting any longer. She crept towards her door. Her grip on her stake tightened. She’d be safe as soon as she reached Angel. She quietly opened her door and peered down the hall.
Nothing.
She darted across the hall. She opened Angel’s door and entered quickly without knocking. She closed the door and turned to her protector.
She froze. Her pleas for help came out as a gasp. The noise was coming from Angel.
He was laying in the middle of the bed. The sheet was twisted around his nearly bare form. His face was etched with pain.
A gut-wrenching sob set her feet in motion. She approached the bed. Her stake dropped unheeded to the floor. Her mouth went dry at the pain she heard in his voice. A whisper was all she could manage. “Angel” She leaned over the bed. “Angel, wake up.”
Nothing.
She needed to help him. He looked like he was in such torment. She gently knelt on the bed. “Angel”
Nothing.
She lightly stroked his cheek. He leaned into her touch. “It’s okay, Angel. I’m here. Wake up.”
Nothing.
His tortured expression remained. She couldn’t bear his low moans anymore. She squeezed his biceps and shook him. “Angel” She yelped as she was grabbed and flipped onto her back. Her heart started racing when the large vampire nuzzled her neck. She froze, unsure of what to do.
Angel rubbed his forehead along her shoulder. She relaxed slightly when she felt his ridgeless face against her almost bare skin. He began whimpering. She started to rub soothing circles on his back and whispered in his ear. “Shh. You’re okay. You’re safe. Shh…I’ve got you.”
He began to relax. His whimpers were replaced by deep breaths. His deep breaths were soon replaced with stillness.
His grip on her loosened enough for her to attempt an escape. She tried to wriggle free. He whimpered and clutched at her.
She squeaked as the air was forced from her lungs. Her hand resumed its strokes. His grip loosened enough for her to breathe but his whimpering continued. “It’s okay, Angel. I won’t leave. I’m here. Shh…it’s okay now.”
Angel went still but she didn’t try to leave. She relaxed into his cool embrace. She continued rubbing his back.
His face was tucked into the crook of her neck. Fortunately his body shifted so she no longer bore his full weight. She took a few deep breaths. Leaving did not appear to be an option. “I am going to have so much fun explaining this in the morning.”
Angel responded by throwing a leg across hers. His hand gripped her hip and kept her tucked into his body.
“That’s me, Cordelia Chase, life-size pillow.” She definitely wasn’t going anywhere and the arm he was laying on was rapidly falling asleep. She gently tried to adjust their positions.
He whimpered but eventually relented. Instead of nuzzling her neck, he shifted to pillow his head on her breasts.
“Lovely” She glanced down at the dark haired vampire. She stretched her arm out as the blood flowed into it again.
He tucked one arm beneath him. The other hugged her waist. One of his legs was still draped across hers.
Cordelia decided to be grateful for the use of her arms. She did her best to ignore the fact that her legs were trapped and his head snuggled itself between her breasts. “Oh yeah. I’m totally looking forward to explaining this.” She gently ran her fingers through his hair.
He sighed and tried to burrow deeper.
She tugged on her tank top. His nuzzling was stretching the neckline dangerously low.
He protested her movement. His grip tightened.
“OK. OK. Fine.” Her fingers resumed stroking his hair.
He burrowed deeper and settled down.
Cordelia glanced down. There wasn’t much material covering her breasts but they were still covered. “I knew he was a perv.” She closed her eyes and relaxed. A small smile graced her lips as sleep claimed her.