{"id":10522,"date":"2016-12-03T12:51:48","date_gmt":"2016-12-03T12:51:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/?p=10522"},"modified":"2024-04-07T10:36:23","modified_gmt":"2024-04-07T09:36:23","slug":"breathe-again-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/2016\/12\/03\/breathe-again-7\/","title":{"rendered":"Breathe Again. 7"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dennis picked up on the panic on his roommate\u2019s pale features as soon as the four entered the apartment. I didn\u2019t take more than a second for him to figure out what this was about, and books flew off the shelves unerringly aimed for the men.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy stood to the side, speechless. All it took was a few words, but her mouth dried up. Fear of discovery was so much stronger than guilt as her visitors ducked the flying missiles. Then Angel appeared right behind her, gripping her upper arms and ducking his head in the crook of her neck, taking advantage of the respite; the phantom wouldn\u2019t risk hitting the brunette.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2026. You have two choices,\u201d his cool breath washed her ear, causing a shiver to wend its way along her spine. \u201cEither you tell Dennis to quit it, or I\u2019ll tear the place apart.\u201d He had to be kidding! \u201cTwo seconds.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t dare,\u201d she hissed angrily. Stupid Agresso-vampire!<\/em> Cordy ground her teeth and turned her head, attempting to stare him out. He merely lifted a dark brow, flexing his large hands against her flesh.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, their eyes clashed, then the sound of a colourful curse and a yelp from the men still near the door broke the contact.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDennis?\u201d Angel\u2019s whole body tensed with sickening dread. She finally capitulated, her voice uncharacteristically shaky.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cordelia chase he knew and loved rarely showed fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

He stepped back as soon as silence reigned over the apartment, turning her to face him. \u201cCordelia?\u201d her head dropped forward with a deep sigh, forehead pressing briefly against his hard chest before lifting and pulling back. He released her slowly, watching as she repeated the phantoms name.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bedroom door opened after a short delay; Wes and Gunn could not tear their eyes away from the large box that appeared, hovering shoulder-high. Wes swallowed hard, the knot of dread uncurling in his gut. Recriminations hammered at his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordelia\u2019s assurances and explanations several weeks ago now taunted him. After all this time and he\u2019d learned nothing about the stubborn young woman. He flicked a glance towards his friend, who leaned against the door, arms folded, the expression on his dark face reminding him so clearly of their first meetings. Closed off and difficult to read.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both wanted to be anywhere but here right now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel caught the box shoved his way without breaking eye contact with Cordy, and then his eyes dropped to the large plastic container; he strode towards the dining room table, with the others following quickly behind. Cordy stalled, wringing her hands and eying the apartment door longingly; face it or flee?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t even think about it.\u201d God, did he have eyes in the back of his head<\/em>? She almost giggled hysterically\u2026 realizing that emotion was scarily close to the surface. Why the hell did she have to keep everything? Her shoulders slumped. Was it her subconscious mutely hoping they\u2019d find the box and \u2026 then what?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCordelia\u2026 would you mind joining us?\u201d Wes\u2019 normally clipped tones were overshadowed with a healthy dose of doom. Taking a deep breath\u2026 didn\u2019t help. But she walked slowly over, her eyes locked on the vampire\u2019s rigid back.<\/span><\/p>\n

As she drew level with Wes, she saw he held one of the transparent scans in his large hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do all these colours mean?\u201d Gunn grabbed a scan himself and scrutinized it before looking towards the ex-Watcher, who was now peering over Angel\u2019s shoulder to get a better look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the red colours are hot spots of the brain\u2026 blue is cold\u2026. Green; green is\u2026 there\u2019s an awful lot of green\u2026\u201d he paused and swallowed. Angel turned his head and looked towards his strangely silent seer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell us, Cordelia; I\u2019m sure your doctor has explained what these mean?\u201d She looked from his face to the scan he held aloft, and then her eyes dropped to the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really not as bad as it looks,\u201d She hedged. It took everything in her to raise her eyes to stare confidently back. Their eyes locked, only broken by Wes\u2019 gasp of shock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood lord\u2026 Cordelia,\u201d he raised his eyes from the scan he\u2019d taken from the bottom of the pile and looked at her with hurt betrayal. \u201cThis scan is dated months ago.\u201d Angel almost snatched it from him and checked it out before swallowing heavily.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first scan was dated shortly after he\u2019d fired them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

*0*0*0*<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Too many questions later, and not enough answers given, Wes finally gave his excuses in a stuttering mumble. Unexpectedly reaching out to pull Cordy into an awkward hug.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll find a way, Cordelia,\u201d he whispered into her hair before releasing her and clearing his throat. She nodded, blinking back the rush of tears. Gunn hovered behind, his face a gamut of emotions. As soon as Wes moved away, he stepped forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust so you know, girl, we ain\u2019t fine right now,\u201d he warned her gruffly and then enveloped her in crushing arms. \u201cBut I\u2019m not goin\u2019 anywhere either, you hear?\u201d she squeezed his waist in reply, and then they were gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

She could feel the vampire behind her, and put off facing him until she\u2019d wiped away all trace of tears and her features set into some semblance of calm. Then she turned around and folded her arms, unconsciously mimicking his stance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWere you ever going to tell us?\u201d the quiet question dripped with pained accusation, and her head dipped for a moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere was nothing really to tell,\u201d his indrawn breath echoed through the lounge, making her cringe in shame.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo it\u2019s normal for you to bleed from your ears?\u201d He finally asked after a pregnant pause, his voice rough as sandpaper.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy rolled her eyes and waved a deliberately careless hand, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t last that long, as you saw; not like I lost a lot.\u201d His dark brows dropped, almost meeting over the bridge of his nose at her almost casual reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the same instant, she realized she\u2019d let the cat out of the bag, that it wasn\u2019t the first time. Angel\u2019s pale face was thunderous as he whispered, \u201cIt\u2019s happened before\u2026\u201d not a question but a flat statement of fact.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy instantly shook her head. \u201cThe other times, it was just the odd nosebleed, one of which you saw, if you remember.\u201d He flinched. \u201cThe \u2018ear\u2019 thing was a one-off\u201d With every casual word that left her mouth, she felt his growing sense of betrayal. Suddenly, all her previous reasoning as to why this was kept quiet made no sense whatsoever. Guilt blossomed with every second that passed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that should make me feel so<\/em> much better \u2014 why?\u201d Angel had to restrain the urge to shake her until her teeth rattled\u2026 not a good idea to add to the trauma of her brain, he bitterly reminded himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

His guilt surpassed hers. So many clues, and he\u2019d been oblivious\u2026 \u201cI should have known \u2026\u201d he muttered hoarsely, rubbing rough hands across his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordelia\u2019s brow arched at his words. \u201cHow? I only found out a few months ago.\u201d At the steely expression he threw her way, she sighed heavily. \u201cOkay, maybe longer. \u00a0Look \u2026the last thing I need is to have to deal with your<\/em> pity party. Mine is more than enough, thanks very much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI should have seen it.\u201d Angel continued as if she hadn\u2019t spoken. \u201cStopped this. Found a way to fix this before it got this far-\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy\u2019s back immediately went up. \u201cDon\u2019t even think<\/em> it, Angel! You\u2019re not taking away the visions. They save lives\u201d\u00a0 She knew he\u2019d throw that back in the pot, and every instinct reared away from such a suggestion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the hell about your<\/em> life? Dammit, Cordelia\u2026\u201d he took a deep breath, striding over to her. Reaching out to grab her arms, even as Cordy attempted to shrug him off. \u201cJust think rationally about this- or not,\u201d he added at the almost desperate stubbornness settling on her pale pace. \u201cThe visions are for me- ME, so if I say they have to go, you\u2019ll just have to suck it up-\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She wrenched away and began to pace around the room, her body tight with a mixture of anger and anxiety. \u201cYou\u2019re making it sound a lot worse than it is,\u201d she muttered, raking a shaky hand through her hair.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel couldn\u2019t believe the stubborn little \u2026 \u201cHow can I possibly<\/em> do that? I can\u2019t believe you kept this from us- from me<\/em>,\u201d his voice rough with held back emotion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare<\/em> go there, Angel – just don\u2019t okay?\u201d The vampire\u2019s mouth tightened into a thin line, belatedly realizing he\u2019d left himself wide open to more recriminations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy remained surprisingly silent and turned her back on him. He cautiously approached and, with careful fingers, took hold of her arm. \u201cYou\u2019re coming back to the hotel\u201d She attempted to pull away, but this time he held firm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d prefer to stay here. The company is so<\/em> much better,\u201d she retorted, tugging futilely on her captured arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCordelia\u2026\u201d Angel scowled. Dennis was way down on his trust list right now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d She needed her space. If she didn\u2019t have somewhere to let go and be herself, internal combustion was a distinct possibility. \u201cWhat\u2019s the difference whether I\u2019m here or there? Except for the fact that I\u2019m more comfortable in my own home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just\u2026 I want you where\u2026if\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy puffed out an impatient breath at his stumbling words. \u201cIf it\u2019s gonna happen anytime soon, what could you actually do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe there.\u201d Their eyes locked for a moment before she tore her gaze away and pulled more forcefully on her arm until he let go for fear of hurting her. \u201cThen I\u2019m staying here, too.\u201d Angel was torn; he wanted to stay wherever she was, but at the same time, he felt he should be doing<\/em> something to fix it. \u201cBut first, I need to sort something out. I\u2019ll call Wes. He can come over while I\u2026 \u201d pausing when her fine brows rose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So much for being there, pfft.\u00a0<\/em> \u201cNo need. I have Dennis,\u201d she reminded him haughtily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA fat lot of good he<\/em> did,\u201d Angel growled lowly, and an icy amber glare pinned him to the spot; at the same time, a book glanced off the back of his head. Hard. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s time he saw the light!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy gasped in outrage at him and strode over until they were toe-to-toe. \u201cYou leave Dennis alone!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGive me one good reason,\u201d Angel gritted out. \u201cHe knew about this and helped you hide it; I\u2019m supposed to trust him now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe-he\u2019s protective, that\u2019s all,\u201d her eyes dropped from his momentarily, then lifted, her expression earnest. \u201cIf\u2026anything had ever happened, he would have let you know,\u201d she insisted and then turned to make her way towards the couch and plonked down. \u201cAnyway, he\u2019s the only one who can watch out for me in the bathroom, so you should be grateful,\u201d she added with forced lightness, sick of the suffocating atmosphere.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can think of better descriptors,\u201d Angel muttered indistinctly<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf I stayed at the hotel, I\u2019d lose that security,\u201d she continued, not hearing his soft comment. Folding her arms, she tilted her head. \u201cI\u2019ve had plenty of visions mid-bath; you and the others wouldn\u2019t exactly be handy on the other side of the bathroom door.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI could-\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t even think<\/em> of finishing that sentence!\u201d a rose tint coloured her cheeks, eyes looking anywhere but his.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr I could ask Fred?\u201d Angel shoved his hands into his pant pockets, temporarily relaxing as he enjoyed her sudden discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, ask the crazy lady,\u201d she huffed and then caught his gaze. \u201cThat\u2019s a big fat no, by the way. I\u2019m staying put.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019m staying too,\u201d he repeated firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy rose to her feet, annoyed. \u201cAnd where are you supposed to sleep?\u201d she asked snottily, gesturing around. \u201cOne bedroom\u2014unless you want to sleep in the closet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He folded his arms, stubbornness in every line of his big body. \u201cI\u2019ll take the couch \u2014 like I did last time,\u201d his reply, matter of fact.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nonononono! <\/em>T<\/em>he single syllable chanted through her head as she again began pacing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was different. \u00a0We<\/em> were different then. You can\u2019t stay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn what way is it different?\u201d Angel jumped on her reaction instantly, wondering what was going through her mind right now. Judging by the high colour and darting eyes, it was more than just wanting her space.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019re not exactly buddies right now,\u201d she reminded him sharply, then cringed as he flinched at the reminder. \u201cNot that it really matters,\u201d she contradicted herself as anxiety grew, then halted and turned abruptly to face him. \u201cI need my space! Peace and quiet! How can I relax with you hulking around 24\/7?\u201d waving her arms around as she rapidly spoke. \u201cAnd like I said, we\u2019re not in a good place right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel\u2019s mouth tightened into a thin line. Twice now, she\u2019d brought up their \u2018estrangement,\u2019 something he didn\u2019t need to be reminded of. But not even her personal grievances would get in the way of her life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2026 you need to go back to-to your<\/em> space and leave me with mine<\/em>.\u201d Cordy stammered, and then her mouth snapped shut as she realized she was rambling like Fred, while her internal monologue was raging. How the hell am I supposed to act all cool and uncaring with him in my face all the time?<\/em>\u00a0 It was definitely a bad idea. Bad with a capital BAD<\/em>. \u201cYou can\u2019t stay.\u201d Her voice rang with finality.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel dipped his head for a moment, contemplating the floor, and then heaved a deep sigh before looking up. \u201cTough.\u201d Her eyes widened comically at his reply and then narrowed as he continued. \u201cAs I said, I have to go out for a short while \u2013 but I\u2019ll be back,\u201d he curtly added.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her mouth opened to argue, but he cut in. \u201cI\u2019m done discussing this with you, Cordelia. If you don\u2019t come to the hotel, then you have yourself another roommate.\u201d He glanced over to the far side of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Dennis understands that we\u2019re both on the same side here.\u201d His voice lowered softly but still managed to reverberate around the room. \u201cIf not, I can just take you to the hotel, whether you want to or not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The book that had been floating like a threat in the air dropped abruptly and landed on the coffee table with a dull thud. \u201cGlad that\u2019s settled,\u201d Angel muttered with a slight smirk. Striding over to grab the phone, he ignored the dagger-filled glares and the way she thumped heavily back onto the couch, arms folded tightly across her chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Part 8<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dennis picked up on the panic on his roommate\u2019s pale features as soon as the four entered the apartment. I didn\u2019t take more…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10522","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-completed-fics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10522","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10522"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10522\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13333,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10522\/revisions\/13333"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10522"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10522"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10522"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}