{"id":12053,"date":"2018-07-16T15:15:04","date_gmt":"2018-07-16T14:15:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/?p=12053"},"modified":"2018-07-16T17:08:51","modified_gmt":"2018-07-16T16:08:51","slug":"the-los-angeles-story-6b","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/2018\/07\/16\/the-los-angeles-story-6b\/","title":{"rendered":"The Los Angeles Story. 6b"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part 6<\/b>\u00a0Continued…<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSo let me get this straight. Wolfram and Hart tried to buy Cordelia\u2019s eyes, hired Faith to kill Angel, and brought his evil ex-girlfriend back from the dead to haunt his ass?\u201d<\/p>\n

Buffy nodded as Xander ticked off the firm\u2019s list of offenses. \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know,\u201d he said thoughtfully, \u201csuddenly I have a lot more respect for that place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cXander!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKidding, I\u2019m kidding.\u201d He patted Buffy\u2019s knee. \u201cYou used to have a sense of humor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou used to be funny,\u201d she shot back. Xander jaw dropped and he clutched at his heart, as if mortally wounded. \u201cSeriously though, I feel bad for him. He\u2019s been through a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt hasn\u2019t exactly been Easy Street for us,\u201d he reminded her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had each other,\u201d Bufy said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right. All Angel had was his cool car and his brooding good lucks. Poor poor Angel. Oh, and now he\u2019s got an even cooler car and millions of dollars. I feel so bad for the guy. We should send flowers. Or maybe one of those giant cookies.\u201d<\/p>\n

Buffy simply shook her head, trying to stiffle her giggles. Suddenly Xander shot out of his seat. \u201cHey look!\u201d He ran over to the antique desk by the window. \u201cIt\u2019s a list of extensions.\u201d He grinned at Buffy, suddenly looking about 10 years old. \u201cWe can call any room in the hotel!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cXander,\u201d she warned.<\/p>\n

He ran his finger down the list, looking for a lucky number. He picked up the phone and dialed. 2. 1. 1.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d a woman answered, sounding slightly flustered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he began in what was distinctly not his normal voice. \u201cThis is the bridal suite. Would you send up a couple of cucumber sandwiches and a bottle of Dom Perignon?\u201d<\/p>\n

Buffy had to slap her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Xander never failed to amaze her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d said the woman on the other end of the line.<\/p>\n

Xander took a deep breath. \u201cYour days are numbered,\u201d he shouted into the phone. \u201cTo the seventh son of the seventh son!\u201d<\/p>\n

This time Buffy couldn\u2019t hold back her giggles and Xander abruptly slammed the phone down.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, okay,\u201d Fred said, confused. She stared at the phone for a minute before finally hanging it back up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho was it?\u201d Cordy asked, blowing on her nails.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it was Lorne.\u201d Fred frowned. \u201cSomething about cucumbers and seven sons. Isn\u2019t it a little early in the day for him to be drinking?\u201d Cordelia raised an eyebrow. \u201cNever mind. Stupid question,\u201d Fred said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not the only one who could use a drink,\u201d Cordy said, leaning back on the couch and tucking her feet under her. \u201cThis wedding is completely stressing me out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred swallowed the urge to point out that the only thing Cordy had to do for the wedding was fit in her dress and show up. \u201cIt\u2019s a very stressful time,\u201d she said mildly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re telling me. Trying to fit in all these appointments for the wedding\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred double-checked her Palm Pilot. \u201cAll you need for the marriage license is a blood test.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd a facial. Deep tissue massage. Spray-on tanning. Chiropractic adjustment. Mud wrap. Deep-conditioning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred\u2018s lips pressed into a thin line. \u201cYes, I can see how it\u2019s very tough on you\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Cordelia grabbed a lock of her friend\u2019s hair. \u201cSpeaking of deep conditioning, your ends are completely fried. You should really find some free time and get these taken care of.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFree time?\u201d Fred repeated slowly. She wasn\u2019t sure she remembered what free time was.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell sure. I told you, there\u2019s going to be a lot of eligible men at Lorne\u2019s party tonight and at the wedding tomorrow. And no man wants a woman with poorly hydrated hair.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, I appreciate your concern.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnytime,\u201d Cordy said breezily, not quite catching the sarcastic edge in Fred\u2019s voice. \u201cMy stomach\u2019s starting to feel a little rumbly, are you almost ready for lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred rolled her eyes. \u201cDo you really have to ask?\u201d From the other room they both suddenly heard Connor talking. \u201cWhat did he just say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know. He probably killed the bad guy or stole a car or won a race-whatever the purpose of that game is.\u201d She checked out her nails, silently debating whether to add a clear cover coat.<\/p>\n

Then they heard Connor again, this time much louder.<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I crazy, or did,\u201d Cordy began, before Fred interrupted.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he just say -\u201d<\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel.\u201d Connor\u2019s voice was barely more than a whisper. The video game controller fell to the floor, forgotten. He blinked rapidly, testing to see if the man before him was real. If that was really his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re dead,\u201d Angel said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Time stopped. Connor wasn\u2019t sure what was going on. Angel\u2019s soul had been secured years ago. This couldn\u2019t be-<\/p>\n

\u201cYou died,\u201d Angel said, pointing at the large flat screen TV.<\/p>\n

Connor let out a breath he hadn\u2019t known he was holding. He smiled. \u201cYou\u2019re bad luck.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel shrugged. \u201cBut I\u2019ve got great fashion sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sound like Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n

His father grinned wryly. \u201cI\u2019m going to choose to take that as a compliment.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was back. Angel was back. Connor wasn\u2019t sure what to do. He hadn\u2019t seen his dad since he left. The only contact they\u2019d had were quick cursory emails, and those were few and far between. Should he wave? Shake hands? He clearly needed to make the first move, because this was Angel after all. Cordelia had taught him that much.<\/p>\n

Before he was even consciously aware of making a decision, Connor was on his feet. \u201cAngel,\u201d he yelled. Three long strides and he was pulling his father into a tight hug. In his left ear he heard Angel suck in a ragged breath Connor knew he didn\u2019t need.<\/p>\n

They stood like that for nearly a minute before finally stepping back, shooting identical awkward smiles at each other. Neither entirely sure what to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re late,\u201d Connor blurted out.<\/p>\n

Angel ran his hand over the back of his neck. \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n

His son gestured to the door. \u201cThey\u2019re in the living room.\u201d Angel nodded and started to follow his son out. Suddenly Connor stopped and spun around.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you bring me anything?\u201d he asked, beaming.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

Cordelia slowly stood up. Her knees felt weak. \u201cWhat the hell\u2026\u201d She turned to Fred, who\u2019d gone pale.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt couldn\u2019t be,\u201d her friend muttered, even as the door opened.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026so Clem said you all were down in the office,\u201d Angel walked in, one arm casually slung around Connor\u2019s shoulders. They both froze when they saw how the two women were staring at them. \u201cBut it appears you\u2019re all right here,\u201d Angel added weakly.<\/p>\n

The bottom dropped out of Cordelia\u2019s stomach. Emotions swirled up in her so fast she couldn\u2019t catalogue or identify them.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare PRETEND that you know me.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cI know you Cordy. Better than you know yourself. I know you\u2019re scared. I know you wanted me to make you feel safe again, and that I somehow failed. And I\u2019m sorry. I\u2019m sorry I failed you Cordelia.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cLook guys,\u201d Connor said in a stilted voice, fully aware of the tension in the room. \u201cIt\u2019s Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked good. Cordelia hated the part of herself that recognized that. But he did. Dressed all in black. That same old leather jacket, which was so ridiculous in L.A. in July but also so very Angel that Cordy felt like weeping.<\/p>\n

His hair was longer. And he looked too pale, which tugged at something deep inside of Cordelia that she thought was long gone. But other than that, he looked exactly the same. Just like he had that last night.<\/p>\n

He cupped the side of her face. Softly, the way a lover would. And it was then that she flinched. Because the easy caress hurt far more than any right hook ever could.<\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re so beautiful Princess.\u201d Angel\u2019s voice was thick with emotion. Cordelia\u2019s mouth went dry.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re such a fucking bitch,\u201d he told her. This time Angel\u2019s voice betrayed no emotion. Then, calm as day, he pushed her into the bushes and walked away.<\/em><\/p>\n

She\u2019d dreamed and feared and fantasized about this day for God knew how long. Tried to imagine how she would feel, what she would say. And now here Angel was, her errant ex. And she had nothing.<\/p>\n

Fred was the first to move. Hands clasped, she scurried over to the vampire. \u201cUm, Angel, you do know that there\u2019s a wedding tomorrow, right?\u201d she asked quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard a rumor.\u201d He answered in that dry confident way of his and finally Cordelia could recognize at least one of her emotions. Anger. He was standing there, arm around Connor, gazing at Fred fondly, looking far too comfortable in her home and looking far too good than any man had a right to be. It was too much to bear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know why you\u2019re here and I don\u2019t care,\u201d she announced, nearly shaking with the effort to sound unbothered. \u201cYou just go back to whatever Wolfram and Hart office you came from-\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI missed you too darling,\u201d Angel smoothly interrupted, letting go of Connor. Their eyes caught and Cordy really did start shaking, because Angel always saw too much. No one was allowed to see her like that anymore. She quickly glanced down at the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look great,\u201d Angel told Fred, gathering the small woman in a warm embrace that she tentatively returned. \u201cI heard from We-\u201d Connor coughed discreetly, hinting not to go there. \u201cAnyway, you look great,\u201d Angel recovered smoothly, before turning back to Cordelia.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrincess,\u201d he said, moving toward her. She brought both of her freshly manicured hands up, poised to attack him with her still-drying nails. \u201cAhh, Cor, I\u2019m hurt. You didn\u2019t think I\u2019d miss your wedding, did you?\u201d She gave him a disgusted look. \u201cI have to say, I was a little put out when I didn\u2019t receive an invitation. Must have gotten lost in the mail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFigures.\u201d She shrugged blithely. \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure how many stamps I needed to send a letter all the way to hell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred suddenly latched onto his arm. \u201cAngel, please tell me you\u2019re not gonna\u2026I mean, you wouldn\u2019t\u2026\u201d He took the hand clasped around his bicep and squeezed it firmly. \u201cNo Fred, I wouldn\u2019t,\u201d he assured her. \u201cI just figured the bride would need someone to give her away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia guffawed. \u201cI\u2019d rather be walked down the aisle by the Scooby Gang.\u201d Angel chuckled. \u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d she demanded, moving to put her hands on her hips, remember her wet nails in the nick of time.<\/p>\n

\u201cFunny? Oh nothing,\u201d Angel told her. \u201cWell, since you don\u2019t need me, how about I offer my services as best man?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to sit down,\u201d Fred said to no one in particular. She walked slowly over to the couch, Connor right behind her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Angel,\u201d Cordelia said. \u201cI\u2019m afraid Spencer might prefer a non-evil actual man for the job.\u201d Her ex-husband\u2019s face remained passively blank at the caustic remark. For some reason, this made Cordy even more annoyed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, uh, did you bring Gunn with you?\u201d Connor asked. \u201cOr W-\u201d he darted a look at Fred, \u201cor anyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Fraid not,\u201d Angel told him, slipping out of his leather jacket and putting it on the back of a chair. \u201cGunn\u2019s, ah, Gunn is\u2026tied up overseas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds kind of vague,\u201d Fred said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s actually not as vague as it sounds,\u201d Angel told her, thinking that in all likelihood Gunn probably was tied up. \u201cAnyway, I don\u2019t think he\u2019s gonna make it. But I think you guys might like the people I did bring.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople?\u201d Fred gulped, already despairing over her headcount.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Cordy\u2019s just gonna love them.\u201d Angel\u2019s tone indicated that Cordelia would most certainly NOT love them.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me get this straight,\u201d Cordy said. She started pacing around them, partly to keep her anger in check and partly because she just couldn\u2019t stand next to him anymore. \u201cYou, an uninvited guest, brought two more uninvited guests.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you put it that way it sounds rude,\u201d Angel said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHa ha Angel.\u201d Cordelia wagged her finger at him. \u201cNot funny. Now, if you\u2019re done, we have things to do.\u201d She stalked over to the door and held it wide open. \u201cGet out and get gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel reached down for the open water bottle on the coffee table and took a long drink, ignoring Cordy\u2019s squeak of protest. \u201cI think your guests are waiting for you on the third floor. You\u2019ll have to decide which rooms you\u2019ll be putting them in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRooms?\u201d Cordelia repeated dumbly.<\/p>\n

He waved the water bottle, HER water bottle in her direction, offering it. It didn\u2019t even register on her radar. \u201cNot just rooms. I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll have all sorts of questions for you. Black tie or just black tie optional. Chicken or fish. That sort of thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred immediately reached for her cell. The caterer was number four on her speed dial.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo who are these people?\u201d Connor asked Angel.<\/p>\n

\u201cOld friends,\u201d he said succinctly.<\/p>\n

\u201cPfft. You don\u2019t have any friends Angel.\u201d Cordy snatched the phone out of Fred\u2019s hand and flipped it shut. \u201cAnd they certainly aren\u2019t crashing my wedding. What the hell are you trying to pull?\u201d Despite her best judgment she moved to stand in front of him. \u201cYou show up, out of the blue, with two randoms who\u2026\u201d The light dawned. \u201cThis has Wolfram and Hart written all over it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel raised an eyebrow. \u201cI\u2019m impressed. I thought you lost all of your superpowers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it.\u201d Cordelia\u2019s eyes narrowed. She could almost feel her blood start to boil. \u201cI\u2019m calling them right now.\u201d She flipped Fred\u2019s phone open.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa.\u201d This time Angel ripped the phone our of Cordy\u2019s hand. \u201cWait. Just wait a second.\u201d She made a grab for the cell, shooting him a glare when he easily held it out of her reach. \u201cYou\u2019re slipping Princess. That look used to work on me.\u201d She reached again and Angel simply raised his arm higher. \u201cRemember how it was Cor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve tried my best to forget the nightmare that was our life together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d look at me and I\u2019d be lost. Stunned into silence by the withering glance of a goddess.\u201d Angel\u2019s voice was harder now. Gone was the smug, relaxed man from before. \u201cThose days are over now Cordy. We both know you\u2019re no goddess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never said I was,\u201d she hissed, darting around him and briskly walking out of the room. Angel tossed the cell to Fred and followed Cordy, out into the hall, around the corner.<\/p>\n

Cordelia wasn\u2019t sure where she was going. It was just too much. Ten minutes ago she was on her way to the wedding of her dreams. Then Angel walked through the door and nothing made sense anymore.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long?\u201d Xander asked tonelessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s two minutes after the last time you asked,\u201d Buffy murmured. Xander gently jabbed her in the side. \u201cOwww,\u201d she said, mostly for effect, before glancing at her watch. \u201cTen minutes. We\u2019ve been waiting ten minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFeels like it\u2019s been ten years,\u201d he whined.<\/p>\n

Buffy reached into her purse, grabbed what was easily five grand worth of surveillance equipment and dumped it in Xander\u2019s lap. \u201cSince you\u2019re bored, why don\u2019t you start setting some of this stuff up.\u201d<\/p>\n

He unceremoniously put it back on her lap. \u201cThat\u2019s your job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s your thing. You\u2019re the Sydney and I\u2019m the Vaughn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI repeat, what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do the spy work and wear the tight pants while I offer comfort and support and exude a manly sexuality.\u201d<\/p>\n

Buffy opened her mouth to protest and then immediately shut it. Xander did exude a manly sexuality, in between sarcastic remarks. And she did like her pants tight.<\/p>\n

She picked up a tiny camera and went to work.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

Angel had known this wouldn\u2019t be easy. Coming back. Dealing with the firm. Cordelia\u2019s wedding. He had been more than aware that his was an uphill battle. One that required patience. Finesse. A detailed plan.<\/p>\n

And then he saw her. And it nearly brought him to his knees.<\/p>\n

She was everything Angel remembered, everything he had dreamed about during those endless days and lonely nights. The few pictures he\u2019d managed to take with him, the sketches he\u2019d been compelled to draw, the sordid dreams that left him aching – none of them had done Cordy justice.<\/p>\n

She wore a simple sleeveless light blue shift that clung in all the right places and gave him an appreciative view of those long tanned limbs of hers. Her hair was longer now. Pulled back away from her face in a smooth low ponytail, it made her seem younger than she was.<\/p>\n

One look at those flashing hazel eyes, at her brightly painted mouth – wide open in shock – and it took everything Angel had not to toss the patience idea out the window. Not to grab Cordelia and take her away. Somewhere, anywhere, where they could be alone and he could show her, with lips and sweat and touch and tongue, that he was back. And he wasn\u2019t going anywhere.<\/p>\n

But Angel hadn\u2019t let himself do that. Not just because he knew she would probably try to kill him. Because he knew it wouldn\u2019t work.<\/p>\n

Cordelia was still locked away in her anger. Still angry at him. The firm. The Powers. Hell, she was still angry at Wesley for making a deal with Holtz and that was a million years ago.<\/p>\n

But mostly, even though she would never admit it, Cordelia was very very angry at herself.<\/p>\n

Angel couldn\u2019t do anything but stick to the plan. He had to wait until she was ready.<\/p>\n

So instead of grabbing her, he had set about pushing her buttons. Because, honestly, he\u2019d missed that. Chasing after her now, watching the short dress flare out over that perfect ass of hers, Angel had to smile. He\u2019d missed that too.<\/p>\n

Suddenly Cordelia stopped on a dime and spun around. Angel ran right into her, nearly knocking them both down in the process. He grabbed Cordy\u2019s arms to steady her and they both gasped.<\/p>\n

He could feel her, practically vibrating under his fingers. She was all righteous anger and pounding blood and it had been so long since he\u2019d been able to touch her. Too long. His grip tightened. Her hands, caught between both of their chests, clutched his shirt.<\/p>\n

Angel wavered, grinding his teeth, struggling for control. Finally he let her go. After a few beats, Cordy stepped back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe they thought this would work!\u201d Her voice was unnaturally high, as if she was trying to cover for whatever that almost moment had been. \u201cI can\u2019t believe YOU thought this would work. Sending two spies to my wedding. Angel, they\u2019re probably bugging the sitting room right now!\u201d she whined.<\/p>\n

\u201cShhh,\u201d he said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Cordelia nervously took another step back. \u201cThey\u2019ll hear you and think you don\u2019t want them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood! Cause I don\u2019t want them. I want them – and you – and any little spy toys they brought with them to pack up and head back to Wolfram and Hart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever you say your majesty.\u201d Angel bowed sarcastically. \u201cBut first, could I interest you in some blackmail?\u201d He hadn\u2019t planned on telling her so soon, but she would need to know eventually.<\/p>\n

Cordy\u2019s mouth dropped open. \u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

She waved her hands in the air. \u201cThey wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey would.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey couldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey did,\u201d Angel said matter-of-factly. He reached into his back pocket and handed her the creased letter Lilah had sent him while he was in South America. It had been pretty funny actually. The Fed-Ex van had pulled up two minutes after the entire Wolfram and Hart Buenos Ares satellite office had blown up.<\/p>\n

Cordelia quickly skimmed the letter. \u201cIs this true?\u201d Angel nodded. \u201cThey won\u2019t help Gunn?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr release Wes from his contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnless\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnless,\u201d Angel confirmed.<\/p>\n

Cordelia stared at him intently. \u201cWho\u2019s behind this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLilah,\u201d she ground out. Cordy closed her eyes and leaned against the wall. \u201cThat bitch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo argument there.\u201d He joined her against the wall, closing his eyes as well. \u201cShe\u2019s convinced it\u2019s in the firm\u2019s best interest to know what\u2019s going on over here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you don\u2019t live here anymore,\u201d she reminded him needlessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not about that. The big bad law firm-\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat you work for,\u201d Cordelia cut in.<\/p>\n

Angel decided to wait on clearing up that fact. \u201cThe firm likes to keep tabs on the white hats. Same old same old.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t even about good and evil,\u201d she muttered. \u201cLilah\u2019s still pissed about losing Wesley to Fred.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever her reasons\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia was so quiet for a moment that Angel got worried. When he opened his eyes, she was standing in front of him. \u201cAngel, you simply have to fix this.\u201d<\/p>\n

She was whimpering in her sleep. She\u2019d kicked off the top sheet but her entire body was bathed in a cold sweat. Twisting the sheets in tightly clenched fingers, gasping for air. Crying out blindly for help.<\/i><\/p>\n

This wasn\u2019t the first time. Nightmares were commonplace, ever since she woke up from the coma. They never talked about them. He wasn\u2019t sure Cordelia was even aware of the things she said, the quiet confidences she uttered in that hazy place between asleep and awake.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cCome back to me Cor,\u201d he crooned. Angel grabbed her shoulders and shook her gently. When that didn\u2019t work, he hauled her up into his arms, rocking her like a child.<\/em><\/p>\n

Even in the darkness of their bedroom, he could tell the minute she came out of it. Her eyes flew open, dilated and glassy and she mumbled something he couldn\u2019t quite hear. \u201cWhat baby?\u201d He brought her head up.<\/em><\/p>\n

She was trembling. \u201cFix it. Please Angel, fix it,\u201d she begged as tears started to roll down her face.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cFix what? Angel asked, but he had a sinking feeling that he knew. Knew that he couldn\u2019t fix it, that maybe no one could.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAll of it,\u201d she whispered brokenly next to his ear. \u201cMe. Everything. Fix it,\u201d she pleaded.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI did fix it,\u201d Angel told her quietly. \u201cI agreed to all of this.\u201d He shook his head when she sent him a pleading look. \u201cIt\u2019s the only way Cor. And come on, it\u2019s not that bad. You know about it. You can have the entire hotel swept for bugs, top to bottom, once this mess is over with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whatever softness that had been blooming in her gaze died. \u201cYou want me to LET them spy on me? I\u2019ve been trying for two years to get away from that horrible place and you want me to just welcome them with open arms?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s two days of your life Cordy. It won\u2019t hurt. Although it might put a damper on the wedding night.\u201d Angel couldn\u2019t keep the tiny edge of glee out of his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re just loving this, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Cordelia accused.<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I Princess?\u201d he shot back solemnly.<\/p>\n

Sighing, she wordlessly turned away and headed back to the living room. When they got there, she paused just outside the door and Angel seamlessly reached around her and opened it. A small, simple thing. Something he had done hundreds of times for her.<\/p>\n

Cordy studiously ignored the fissions of bone deep recognition that swirled through her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOwww!,\u201d Connor howled. Angel and Cordelia looked down and saw the young man sprawled on the floor, clutching his shoulder. \u201cHave you never heard of knocking?\u201d he whined.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you never heard that eavesdropping is rude?\u201d Cordy shot back. Angel nodded, offering him a hand up. \u201cUh,\u201d she huffed, stepping around them both. \u201cIt\u2019s your fault Angel,\u201d she accused.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me?\u201d he said, taking his hand away just as his son was reaching for it. Connor groaned and pulled himself up off the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never bothered to teach your kid any manners!\u201d Cordelia said, her voice rising, still tense from the way just being around Angel affected her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d Connor said, brushing off his pants.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think he learned this kind of behavior from me?\u201d Angel exclaimed. \u201cRefusing to admit when something is none of his business, sneaking around, GETTING CAUGHT sneaking around,\u201d Angel ticked off the list. \u201cWhich one of us does that sound like?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d Connor shouted. \u201cI get it. I\u2019m sorry. Now what\u2019s the deal?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Fred added, ending her phone call, voice slightly hoarse from yelling at the caterer. \u201cWhat did I miss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia shot another angry glare Angel\u2019s way. \u201cI guess we should get presentable and go introduce ourselves to Angel\u2019s \u2018friends\u2019,\u201d she air-quoted.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo they don\u2019t work for Wolfram and Hart?\u201d Fred asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, they do,\u201d Angel told her.<\/p>\n

Connor moved his arm experimentally, trying to assess the damage the door had done to his elbow. \u201cSo they\u2019re not old friends of Angel\u2019s?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel bit his lip. \u201cActually -\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they\u2019re not,\u201d Cordy cut him off. \u201cIt\u2019s just a poorly researched cover story. But for now, we\u2019re going to pretend that they are his friends, and let them come to the wedding and spy their little hearts out.\u201d She took a deep, dramatic sigh. \u201cI don\u2019t know why Lilah even bothers anymore. I certainly could care less about what that stupid law firm is up to these days,\u201d she said airily, for Angel\u2019s benefit.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo we let them spy and pretend we don\u2019t know?\u201d Connor said, before Angel could rise to the bait. \u201cBut what are we supposed to do? How do we act?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAct normal,\u201d Angel said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait!\u201d Cordy grabbed Angel\u2019s forearm. She had an inkling of a plan. \u201cDon\u2019t act normal. Act MORE than normal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight!\u201d Connor said. \u201cUh, what does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

She licked her lips. \u201cIt means we give Spies R\u2019 Us exactly what they need to see to get them off our backs as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred tapped her on the shoulder. \u201cIn case you don\u2019t remember, there\u2019s supposed to be a wedding tomorrow. We don\u2019t have a lot of time for games.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be super easy,\u201d Cordy assured her. \u201cWe just make \u2018em think we couldn\u2019t possibly be a threat to their incredibly powerful evil law firm. I\u2019ll play flighty rich party girl. Fred, you dig deep and play a combination of head-in-the-clouds scientist and distracted wedding planner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred rolled her eyes. \u201cWell, it\u2019ll be a stretch, but I think I can make it work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about me?\u201d Connor was practically bouncing with excitement.<\/p>\n

Cordelia smiled. \u201cConnor, you just channel a little of that psychotic rage you had when you first came back from Quartoth.\u201d She brought her finger to her chin thoughtfully. \u201cYou don\u2019t still have those animal skins, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred coughed. \u201cI think the Peter Pan outfit is a little much. Let\u2019s not go overboard here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Connor rubbed his hands together. \u201cThis is gonna be so much fun!\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordy patted his back. \u201cYou and I will go get changed and then pop in and meet our new friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOld friends,\u201d Angel corrected, finally speaking up.<\/p>\n

Cordelia frowned. \u201cI thought the story was that they were YOUR old friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat too,\u201d he said enigmatically.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2026\u201d Her frown turned petulant. \u201cWhat are you not telling me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s actually pretty funny Princess,\u201d Angel said. \u201cRemember how you were just joking about the Scooby Gang walking you down the aisle\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

During the requisite snooping that was required when one was tapping a phone while one\u2019s partner in crime set up a miniature hidden video camera, Xander had uncovered an old deck of cards in one of the desk drawers. He was kicking Buffy\u2019s ass at \u201cGo Fish\u201d when suddenly a blood-curdling scream echoed through the building.<\/p>\n

Buffy and Xander glanced at each other and then back down at their cards.<\/p>\n

\u201cBuf?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot any fours?\u201d<\/p>\n

TBC<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kelly22<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Part 6\u00a0Continued… \u201cSo let me get this straight. Wolfram and Hart tried to buy Cordelia\u2019s eyes, hired Faith to kill Angel, and brought…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12053","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-to-be-continued-fic"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12053","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=12053"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12053\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12053"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12053"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12053"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}