Part 6
Angel was pacing in his bedroom. He had been pacing in the lobby but he got tired of the questioning glances. Everyone had returned to the hotel as planned except Cordy. She had been gone for nearly two hours.
He came close to questioning Giles about his walk with her but he stopped himself. It would be better to talk to Cordy. Their training session had shown him that they really needed to talk. It was more than just jealousy now. He wanted to know what had happened in the higher realms.
They’d never talked about it. He was just grateful to get her back. He didn’t question it. *How long does it take to pack a bag?* He couldn’t take it anymore. He needed more room to pace so he headed back to the lobby.
Fred saw Angel coming and told him before he could ask. “She’s not back yet.”
He didn’t even pretend that she had assumed incorrectly. “Maybe we should call her.”
“Call who?” Everyone turned at the sound of Cordelia’s voice. “Sorry I took so long. I got into a fight with Dennis.”
Angel felt relieved. She was home and she brought a rather large overnight bad. He smiled. *She must be planning to stay for a while* “What did you fight about this time?”
“He was mad ’cause I didn’t call him last night. I promised not to stay out all night anymore without calling him and letting him know. I swear he’s worse than you. He’s so immature. I’m trying to pack and he kept throwing things at me.” She turned to glare at Fred and Gunn who were laughing.
“What’s so funny? Some pillock was throwing shit at the cheerleader. Who’s Dennis and where is he? Shouldn’t we be chasing him down and beating him bloody? Peaches?”
“I hate to agree with Deadboy Jr but if this guy is getting violent?”
The Sunnydale group couldn’t understand why the others seemed amused by their concern.
“Thanks for your concern everyone but Dennis is my roommate..”
“Peaches lets you live with a guy?”
“Hey! Angel doesn’t LET me live with anyone. I decide where I live and with whom.”
Gile adjusted his glasses. “We’re only worried about your well being, Cordelia.” He cleared his throat. “You didn’t mention you were seeing anyone.”
Angel was getting annoyed. Giles sounded jealous. *Who the hell does he think he is?*
“Rupert, I know you’re concerned but it’s not necessary. Look guys. You can’t kick Dennis’ ass because he doesn’t have one. He’s my ghost and he isn’t violent. I promised I would call and I forgot. He was mad so he helped me pack by throwing my clothes at me.”
“Good lord Cordelia. You can’t be serious.”
“What? It didn’t hurt. They were just clothes.”
“Cordelia, ghosts can be erratic and often times violent. It should be exercised immediately.”
“Nobody messes with my ghost unless they want to see me seriously pissed off. Dennis is my friend!”
“What is it with Sunnydale women and dead people? What’s wrong with guys with a pulse? Can I get a little support Giles.”
“In case you forgot, Xander. I gave you a chance and you cheated on me.”
Xander shifted in his seat. “I see your point…but what about Giles. He never did anything wrong and he’s available.”
Cordelia gave Giles a knowing smile which Angel noticed. He decided to put a stop that. “There’s nothing wrong with liking dead people.” At their strange looks, he continued. “Dennis is a friendly ghost and he would never hurt her. It was his mother’s ghost that tried to kill her.”
Cordelia started laughing. “Poor Doyle. He felt so bad for finding me a haunted apartment, when really it was all your fault.”
“My fault? I wanted you to give the place up. You were the one who decided to fight for it.”
“It’s rent controlled. Besides you were the one who couldn’t get me out of his place fast enough.”
“You got peanut butter in the bed AND you cut up my kitchen floor.”
“True but does that really matter in the end. The whole place got blown up anyway so no harm.”
“Don’t joke about that night. I almost lost you.”
“But you didn’t.” She gave him a smile and suddenly remembered they weren’t alone. “We kinda got off topic there. Just be assured, I am in no danger from my ghost.” She looked at her watch. “Let’s go to dinner. We don’t want to miss our reservation.”
The Sunnydale gang sat in stunned silence. Each of them trying to absorb the new information. When they looked up, they saw that they were alone and hurried to their van. Spike started the engine just as Angel drove off.
***
They were shown to their table almost immediately upon arrival. Rescuing a restaurant owner had its perks. Everyone seemed hesitant to choose a seat. Finally Giles chose to sit at one of the ends. Willow and Buffy sat at his sides.
Xander chose the seat next to Willow. He was surprised when Cordelia sat next to him. Angel was about to sit next to her but Spike beat him to the chair. He was tempted to rip his grandchilde out of the seat but he didn’t want to embarass Cordy at yet another restaurant. He sat on the end opposite Giles. Connor hesitated before taking the seat next to his father. He wanted to make Cordy happy.
When Fred sat next to Connor, Gunn realized he had no choice but to sit between Fred and the B-word.
Connor was studying his menu but the words didn’t make sense. “Cordelia, I do not understand this book. What should I ask for?”
“Oh sweetie. I’ll let Aunt Fred help you. She’s the expert when it comes to Mexican food.” She shared a smile with Fred before the texan started teaching him Mexican Food 101.
Everyone began munching on tortilla chips once their orders were taken. Cordelia reached into her bag and pulled out a wine bottle.
“Ooh wine!” Xander offered her his glass.
“Sorry Xander this isn’t for you.”
“I can handle my liquor. It’s Buffy you have to watch.”
“Hey!”
“Sorry Buff but you know I speak the truth.”
“You’re the one who served me that beer.”
“Well I didn’t know it was cursed.”
“Yes but you knew she was underage.”
“Giles, I already apologized for that. I have no desire to deal with CaveBuffy again.”
“That was a fluke. I was fine when Spike and I..nevermind. I’ll have some wine Cordy.”
Cordelia shook off her confusion. “If you guys want some wine, feel free to order some but you won’t like this kind.” She lowered her voice. “It’s one part red wine and two parts pigs blood.”
“Eww”
“Definitely not for me!”
She opened the bottle and handed it to Spike. Giles began cleaning his glasses. “Where on earth did you purchase that?”
“I didn’t buy it. I made it. Well I bought a bottle of regular wine. It has a screw top. It’s not exactly the good stuff but easier than dealing with a cork.” She glanced around at their stupified looks. “What?”
“That settles it Peaches. After dinner, you and me are throwing down ’cause I’m keepin’ her.” He downed his glass. He didn’t notice Buffy’s eyes flash.
Cordelia shot a look at Angel. “Well I have come a long way since I first put cinnamin in your blood. At least someone appreciates my efforts.”
Angel looked at the bottle. He still wasn’t sure he wanted to drink in front of Connor.
“Maybe Angel doesn’t want to gross anyone out. Spike doesn’t really mind being a pig.”
“Buffy didn’t anyone ever teach you it was bad manners to try to make someone feel bad about being who they are. Angel and Spike are a part of my family and they deserve to enjoy their meal just as much as any of you.” She watched with a smile as Connor poured his father a glass.
“Cordelia is right.” At Angel’s questioning look, he shrugged. “You made me dinner.”
Angel fought back the urge to cry with joy at his son’s acceptance. He picked up his glass and took a sip. “It’s not bad, Cor. You know I appreciate your creativeness. I was just mad when you put tobassco sauce in it and didn’t warn me.” The resulting laughter seemed to ease the tension.
“And Spike.” He slapped his grandchilde’s back. “You might..might be able to take me, but we both know she can wipe the floor with you.” He grinned at Spike’s pained expression.
He wasn’t about to take the Poof’s abuse. “At least I didn’t lose ’cause I was too busy lookin’ down her shirt. Connor tired me out is all.” He gave Angel an evil smirk as he let what he said sink in.
Angel became fascinated with his wine glass. He was saved from responding by the arrival of the food. The comment was soon forgotten as everyone began eating. Fred showed Connor the proper way to eat a taco before she devoured hers.
Angel didn’t like how Cordelia kept whispering to Xander. Thanks to the busy restaurant even with his vampiric hearing, he couldn’t listen to their conversation.
Spike was amused at how angry Angel was getting. He stole a glance at Buffy. She was laughing at something Giles was saying. *She is so beautiful when she laughs* He jumped slightly when Cordelia whispered in his ear.
“She didn’t mean what she said earlier.”
“What?”
“She was jealous because you said you wanted to keep me.”
“You’re imagining things. Be careful, pet. The world can barely handle Dru. It doesn’t need another crazy seer.” He smiled when she giggled in response. He looked up to see an angry slayer staring at them.
*Maybe she’s not so crazy*
This time his thoughts were disturbed by someone stabbing him with a fork. “Oww! Bloody hell Peaches! That’s my hand you just stabbed.”
An unrepentant Angel leaned in. “Sorry. It was an accident.” He noticed Cordelia’s unconvinced look. “What? It was.”
“Sure it was.” She shook her head and turned back to Xander. She missed Angel’s scowl.
“Peaches, you really need to stop with the jealous act.”
“Shut up Spike.”
“She isn’t interested in Chubs. She’s trying to be friends with her old school mates. Quit tryin’ to make her feel bad about it.”
Angel really hated it when Spike made sense. He crossed his arms and pouted. “She didn’t go to school with you. You tried to kill all of them back then. She’s barely paid any attention to me all night and dinner’s almost over.”
“Might I remind you that you tried to kill all of them too. I was evil. Stop acting like a child. The chit made you blood wine. Most of her time and energy is spent taking care of you, so let her have some fun for once. We’ll be gone in a few days and then you can have her all to yourself again.”
Angel fidgeted in his seat. He wanted to be able to argue with Spike’s logic but he couldn’t come up with anything.
Spike watched him struggle. “Look Peaches. It’s time you stop being a Poofter and tell the chit how you feel about her.”
Angel pointed at Buffy. “Look how much good it’s done you. The only reason she talks to you is so you’ll help her fight.”
He angrily whispered. “Fuck you. I’m not ashamed of being love’s bitch. I never was. You know what? You don’t deserve her.” Spike threw his napkin down. “Excuse me all, but I need a cigarette.” He pushed back from the table and walked out.
Everyone watched him leave. Cordelia didn’t know what upset him but she was sure it was something Angel said. She looked at Buffy hoping she would go after him. When she didn’t, Cordelia stood up.
“I could use some air. I’m just gonna step outside.” She shot Angel a parting glare before she left.
***
Spike was sitting on the hood of the plymouth when Cordelia joined him.
“Have a seat, luv.”
“Angel is gonna freak when he sees us sitting on his precious car.”
“Good. I think the batmobile can withstand our combined weight.”
“Was that a crack about my weight. I know I’ve put on a couple of pounds since graduation but..”
“Don’t be ridiculous, pet. There is nothing wrong with your body. You have curves in all the right places. I don’t know why chits today want to look like walking sticks. A man doesn’t want to feel bones poking him when he’s on top of his girl.”
“You should write for a fashion magazine. Maybe you could start a new trend.”
“You mean I might be good for something.”
“Hey. What’s this brood session all about? Did Angel say something?”
“Not really. I was givin’ him a bit of advice and somethin’ he said reminded me how unwanted I am.”
“That’s not true. You are wanted. You’re needed too. Maybe it’s time to be honest with them.”
“I’m not ready yet. I will. I just need time.”
“For what?”
“I don’t know. I just know I’m not ready.”
“OK. You know you can talk to me, right? I hoped Angel would be supportive..”
“He is. It’s not really his fault. I told him somethin’ he didn’t want to hear.”
“Which was?”
“I gave him a reality check, Luv. He never was fond of Spike logic. It’s an acquired taste.”
“I like it. You should see how he handles Cordy logic. He listens, ignores it and ends up doing something stupid.”
“That sounds like Peaches.”
They looked up as they heard approaching voices. She glanced around at the smiling faces. “Angel, let me have your keys.”
“Why?”
“Because the girls are riding in the plymouth and the guys get the van. We need to discuss our plans for the rest of the evening.”
“You can talk when you get back to the hotel. You aren’t driving my car.”
“I don’t plan to.”
“Can I drive?” Everyone laughed at Buffy’s request. Cordelia used the distraction to snatch his keys.
“Hey! Who’s gonna drive?”
“Spike”
“He’s not a girl. I can drive the ladies. He can drive the van.”
“Thanks for the offer but since he actually has a fun bone in his body he can be our driver.” She tossed the keys to Spike. “Think you can handle it, Pet?” She mocked.
He gave her a wink. “Anything for you, Luv.”
The women left the grumbling men behind and piled into the car. Cordelia gave Angel a small wave as Spike drove away.
“This sucks!”
Angel nodded at the scowling men. “As much as it pains be to agree with Xander, this definitely sucks.”
“I don’t know why Barbie has to drag my girl along.”
Xander patted his back. “Yeah. She was kickin’ and screamin’ the whole time. The giggling was just to cover her pain.”
“Did we do something to anger Cordelia?”
“No Connor. She isn’t angry. Well she’s not angry at you anyway. Let’s go home.” The sullen men climbed into the van and headed back to the hotel.
***
Spike watched Angel, Giles, Gunn, Connor and Xander come thru the Hyperion’s doors. Angel wanted to wipe Spike’s smirk off his face with his fist.
“Where’s Cordy?”
“The girls are upstairs getting ready.”
“Did they tell you where they’re going?”
“Yeah. Cordy told me all about it, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy. She doesn’t want you showin’ up. It seems she hasn’t cut loose in a very long time. Said she had a dress she’s been wantin’ to wear. Told me to wait here. Wanted to get my opinion.” He laced his fingers together and put his hands behind his head.
“Do shut up Spike.”
“I was only answerin’ the Poof’s question, Rups.”
“Deadboy Jr is always eager to help.”
“Don’t call him that.” They turned as Cordelia came down the stairs. She was wearing a low cut, dark red dress that came to just above the knee and hugged her form in all the right places. “He has a name Xander. I suggest you use it.”
“Why? He never uses mine.”
She looked at Spike. “He has a point Spike.”
“You look absolutely amazing, Luv.”
She gave a twirl. “You think?”
He leered at her a moment. “Good enough to eat.”
She blushed. “That’s sweet.”
“Sweet? He’s a bloodsucker. That’s not sweet!”
She put her hands on her hips. “Are you saying that I don’t look good enough to eat?”
Xander coughed. “No. You look very ed..” He stopped when Giles elbowed him.
“You look ravishing, Cordelia.” He walked up to her and kissed her cheek.
“Wow a gentleman. I forgot the world still had one.” She glared at her vampire. “Well?”
“You..you..look..wow.” She smiled at his almost compliment. “Go change!”
Her smile vanished. She ran her hands over her dress. “What’s the matter? Do I have something on my dress?”
“No but there isn’t enough..material. You can’t go out looking like that.” Without me he silently added.
“C’mon Peaches. That’s the style today. She’s gonna turn every head in the place. Ignore him, Pet.”
“I usually do.” She straightened her neckline. She didn’t notice the men straining to watch, except Connor. He was staring at Fred as she seemed to glide down the stairs. He gulped.
“Wow”
Cordelia followed Connor’s gaze. “Fred, you look totally hot. I told you that dress would look fabulous on you.”
Gunn took in Fred’s dress. The blue dress came down to just below her knees. It would have been conservative except for the slit that almost went up to her hip. “You can’t wear that!”
“Don’t you like it, Charles?”
“Yes. That’s my problem. You ain’t wearin’ it for me. You’re goin’ out without me!”
“Ignore him Fred. That dress is perfect for you. It shows off your legs.”
“Thanks Cordy. You were right. We need a night off from ourselves.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Charles, I want to have some fun, so stop pouting.”
“Fine.” He stopped himself from stomping his feet.
Angel was staring at Cordy. She seemed so happy. *happy that she’s going to a club filled with strange men* His reverie was shattered as he heard a whistle.
“Will, you look sexy as hell. For a second I thought vamp Willow was making another appearance.”
“Thanks, Xan.” Willow was wearing tight red leather pants and a sparkly black halter top.
“Red, I knew there was a vixen in there somewhere underneath the fuzzy sweaters. Give us a twirl.”
The red head blushed. “Do you think I look okay for an LA club, Cordy?”
“Willow you look perfect and I second Xander’s sexy as hell comment.”
Her smile got even bigger. “Thanks. You look amazing. You do too Fred.”
“Thanks” “Thanks”
“Where’s Buffy?”
“I’m here.” Everyone watched as the slayer bounded down the stairs in black leather pants and a green scrap of a shirt.
“What the bloody hell are you wearing, slayer.”
“Clothes. What’s it to you?”
“You call that a shirt! It doesn’t have a back, just strings. Go change. You can’t dance in that. Some sweaty guy..”
“That’s none of your concern.”
“You tell him Buffy.” Angel stepped up and put his arm around her shoulders. “I think you look fabulous. Don’t you think she looks amazing, Cordy?” He could swear he heard Spike and Cordelia growl at him.
“Yeah Buff. You look great.” She forced herself to be pleasant.
“Thanks Cordy. You look nice.”
Cordy gritted her teeth. *Nice!* “We should get going soon. I’m just gonna go call a cab.” She stomped over to the office.
Angel watched her go. He wanted to make her jealous and get back at Spike, but he hated to see her upset. He left everyone talking and followed Cordelia. He closed the office door behind him. He listened to her on the phone as he closed the blinds.
She hung up the phone and looked over at Angel. “Don’t you have a slayer to be drooling over?” She tried to leave but he blocked her path. He grabbed her by the shoulders.
“I was just messing with Spike.”
She blew out a breath. “Angel. I’m trying to help Spike and I thought I could count on your support. Apparently I was mistaken.” She tried to shrug off his grip but he wouldn’t budge.
“He started it!”
“How?”
“He said…he looked at..he was being Spike.” He couldn’t bring himself to admit he was jealous.
“Angel” He noticed her tone soften. “I thought you were okay with Buffy and Spike’s…involvement. I’m sorry this is hard for you. I won’t push.”
Her words stunned him. He didn’t realize he’d let her go until he heard the door open. He slammed it before she could leave.
“Angel!”
“Wait. You don’t understand. That’s not why I was upset. Look..um..there’s something I want to tell you.”
“What?” When he didn’t say anything, she added. “You can tell me anything.”
“Well..you see..we’ve…dammit!” He gave up his stuttered declaration. He was better at being a man of action.
Cordelia was trying to figure out what was happening. One second she was trying to be a best friend even though her heart was aching. The next Angel’s lips were on hers.
Angel stepped back and watched Cordelia’s reaction. Groo didn’t suddenly show up. She didn’t push him away and she didn’t hit him. So that was good, but she didn’t exactly kiss him back either. She was staring at the wall with a glazed expression and stroking her lips.
He was about to panic when her lips started to turn up into a megawatt Cordy smile.
She looked up into his nervous eyes. “I’m still a little confused.” She stepped closer. “Do you think you could repeat your explanation.”
He smiled. “I’ll try to be a little clearer this time.” With one hand cupping her cheek and the other gently pushing on the small of her back, Angel brought her lips to his.
Cordelia felt reality spinning away as she opened her mouth at his urging. His insistent tongue explored her mouth before battling her tongue for dominance. For once winning didn’t seem to matter.
*must breath-no!-don’t stop kissing* She reluctantly moved her mouth away to gulp some needed air. She purred as he kissed his way to her ear.
He whispered, “you are so beautiful. The thought of any other man touching you drives me crazy.” He sucked her earlobe into his mouth.
“mmm” Her legs turned to jelly as he kissed his way down her neck. She felt his lips latch onto her pulse point. She moaned her approval until what he was doing registered in her mind. She smacked him on the back of his head.
“Oww. What the hell was that for?”
“You were going to mark me!”
He put on his confused face. “I wasn’t going to bite you!”
“Duh. I wasn’t talking bite. I meant hickey. What are you thirteen? Is this your souled vamp way of marking your property.”
He stared at the floor. “Well Spike was right. You do look good enough to eat and there are gonna be a lot of men there tonight.” He crossed his arms and stood tall. “I don’t want other men to touch you. You’re mine!” He wanted to finish strong but it came out more of a whine.
“Angel, you’re being ridiculous. Don’t you trust me?”
“It isn’t about trust. Besides you let Giles kiss you.”
“On the cheek”
“I don’t care.”
“Well too bad. I was considered property in Pylea and I didn’t enjoy it. I will not be owned.”
“That’s not fair. I didn’t mean that. I just..fine! Your cab is probably here.” He gave her his best sad puppy face.
She reached up and pulled his lips down for another kiss. “Yours are the only lips I want to taste.” She kissed her way to his ear and whispered. “I am yours, not to own, not to control but to cherish.” She continued to kiss her way to where his pulse would be and lightly bit. She used her tongue to sooth her non-existent mark.
She stepped back and searched his darkened eyes. “If you’re real good tonight and play nice with the other boys, we’ll negotiate marking rights when I come home. OK?”
His face broke out in a full blown smile. “I’ll be good.”
“That’s my sweet manpire.” She turned to leave but stopped. “You might want to have the facts of life talk with Connor while we’re gone.”
“Why?”
She gave him a wicked smile. “Let’s just say his eyes weren’t the only things bulging when he saw Fred in her new dress.”
“What? No way!”
“Afraid so. I think someone has a crush. It all started with the taco lessons. Make sure he doesn’t challenge Gunn to battle for the fair maiden’s hand. If I find out there was any fighting or if I see that so much as a single drop of blood is spilt, you mister are sleeping on the floor.”
She heard Willow call her name. “Gotta go.” She gave him a quick kiss before rushing off.
Angel watched as the four women, dressed to kill, left the hotel giggling. They looked like carefree young women. He smiled. He trusted her. He looked around the room. Spike, Gunn and Xander were sulking. Giles was trying to engage Connor in conversation.
*I want marking rights so it’s time to bond*
“Who’s up for poker?”