Part 6<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia glanced at the clock\u2026again. If she was going to be at Caritas by eight, she\u2019d have to leave soon. The problem with that scenario, she was still in her pajamas, in bed and it was seven o\u2019clock.<\/p>\n
Hands rubbing hard over tired eyes, she released a loud huff hoping to blow the weary tension from her body. Nope, didn\u2019t help, and if the muscles in her neck didn\u2019t relax soon they would likely meld into one big clump. Maybe she\u2019d been wrong; overzealous paranoia working overtime. Maybe Angel had actually told the truth and wasn\u2019t outside her bedroom window last night.<\/p>\n
Moot point, Cordelia reasoned. The threat of Angel showing up had given her an excuse to send Matthew on his way. Better than telling the man there were times she couldn\u2019t stand the sight of him or that the slightest brush made her skin crawl. Besides, she reasoned again, if the wayward vampire had been crouched on her balcony; what would she have done?<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel eased the shirt onto his back, cringing when the fabric rubbed across the burned flesh yet to heal. A scorch by sunlight was always slower to heal, and the pig\u2019s blood he was downing did not contain the medicinal boost of his first choice. The problem, his first choice also tended to induce behavior changes and with meeting Cordelia in less than an hour, anything less than total control was not an option.<\/p>\n
He lied to her\u2026again. But then, Angel reasoned, their relationship was based on lies and half-truths. Cordelia had trusted him, believed in him and his mission with pure, unadulterated faith, they all had. And being a selfish bastard, he had allowed that faith to go unchallenged and basked in the warmth of her love. At least until his past caught up with him, unmasking what really existed behind the celestial name.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not the demon that needs to be destroyed, it\u2019s the man; he had told Buffy once. One truth Angel discovered during his sabbatical; that night with Cordelia, the remnants of his humanity had gained absolute control, and desecrated the only thing, good and pure, fate had granted him.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked several times, giving her head a good shake before taking a second look. Angel was slumped in his chair, legs stretched out and his feet propped on the table. Ears perked, she listened, positive it was a hallucination. No, Angel was actually laughing. Not a big hardy har har laugh, but a definite chuckle when Lorne obviously said something funny. And a chuckle from Angel was like a belly roll from a normal person.<\/p>\n
\u201cMuffin, you\u2019re here. Come, join us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCelebrating?\u201d Cordelia asked, taking a seat and sniffing the cup of tea waiting for her.<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess it\u2019s reason enough to celebrate.\u201d The nervous clatter in Lorne\u2019s voice betraying his relaxed guise. \u201cMaking Mr. Stoic laugh has been a personal goal and well\u2026\u201d He trailed off sweeping his hand in front of Angel\u2019s face.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell congratulations. Did you win anything other than that smug look on your face?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh Princess, don\u2019t pop my glory balloon. I\u2019m making pastries for my two dumplings, and speaking of pastries\u2026\u201d Lorne called out leaping from his chair and darting into the kitchen. \u201cI hear the oven calling.\u201d<\/p>\n
Death by demon or skull cracking vision was no longer a concern. The strands of awkward silence wrapping around Cordelia\u2019s throat would be her demise.<\/p>\n
This is worse than going to the gynecologist, dentist and DMV all on one day. As much as you might need those people from time to time, you can always just say shove it and walk away. Not exactly the case here.<\/i><\/p>\n
The one fact Cordelia was certain of was that Angel wasn\u2019t offering a choice of yes or no, only how they would proceed. There had to be a way to make this work; logic told her Angel returning was a practical decision. Wesley and Gunn would benefit and she\u2019d get to step back from demon duty. Maybe it could work; she pondered the rewards of simply turning over vision statistics and staying home while the men went off to slay. Not a bad scenario Cordelia decided, when manipulated into what was best for her.<\/p>\n
\u201cA penny for your thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHuh? Oh, sorry…kinda lost in thought.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know\u2026so?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo what? Oh; do you even have a penny?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel reached into his pocket; and a penny pressed between the table and his index finger slid across the table until it laid in front of Cordelia.<\/p>\n
Cordelia eyed the shiny copper coin. She hated idle small-talk, almost as much as she hated Angel thinking she was so easily cajoled.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe you should just keep it.\u201d She flicked the coin, sending it back across the table. \u201cIf you hear my thoughts then ask for change, we\u2019ll just have another reason to argue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat won\u2019t happen. Actually, I\u2019d be getting a bargain\u2026if you told me what you were really thinking that is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSince when do I not say what I\u2019m thinking?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNever, but what you\u2019re thinking isn\u2019t my concern.\u201d Angel admitted, wishing other truths could be as easily confessed. \u201cIt\u2019s what you\u2019re feeling that I\u2019m willing to pay for.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell in that case\u2026\u201d Thoughts and feelings were as opposite as day and night, and if thoughts were begrudgingly shared, feelings didn\u2019t stand a chance. \u201cYou can\u2019t afford it.\u201d Cordelia gave the chair a quick shove scraping it across the floor. \u201cI\u2019m gonna check on Lorne, well to be exact, his pastries. I\u2019m suddenly in the mood for something sweet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia was being too civil. Not forthcoming with useful information, but the casual conversation, and change in her demeanor was too good to believe…or trust. She was working him, that much Angel was sure. He\u2019d have to change tactics, but it would need to be handled delicately; if Cordelia felt pressured she\u2019d strike back. Angel needed to let her move forward, confident in their casual we\u2019re only getting along mode, while shifting their relationship in a more intimate direction. I can do that, he assured the cannonade of doubt.<\/p>\n
Angel slipped into the kitchen undetected, quietly eyeing the hustle of activity and waiting for his opportunity. \u201cI have a suggestion for our next meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOK,\u201d spit out; Cordelia gagging on the large chunk of apple turnover rolling around in her mouth, followed by a garbled \u201cmilk\u201d and \u2018high priority\u2019 look to her snacking partner.<\/p>\n
Lorne quickly delivering a rescue of cold, low-fat milk, dabbed a towel over Cordelia\u2019s mouth and chin as he scolded her overzealous pastry scarfing.<\/p>\n
\u201cJumping willagers princess, there\u2019s plenty for everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks, and ewe.\u201d Cordelia scrunched her face swallowing down the mishmash of fruit and skim milk. \u201cDoes someone think I need to watch the calories?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot you my little non-fat latte, but this sleek, gorgeous body is my livelihood. Well that and the Judy Garland vocal chords.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel sized up the situation; Cordelia was purposely ignoring him. The startled choke had been genuine, but now she was just dragging it out.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, how about it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow about what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy suggestion Cordelia.\u201d Patience may be a virtue when dealing with Cordelia, but it was also a rare commodity.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you actually make a suggestion or just suggest that you had one?\u201d<\/p>\n
Snark untempered; Angel missed that, and Cordelia had him with that one. \u201cRight.\u201d He\u2019d never actually stated his case before the gagging and spitting, and fat debate. \u201cI thought it\u2019d be nice to go out, maybe have dinner at a nice restaurant. You choose and I\u2019ll treat.\u201d<\/p>\n
And seeing doe eyes wide with fear as blaring headlights threatened to run her over, Angel quickly corrected his proposition. \u201cAll of us. If we\u2019re going to work together, Wes and Gunn need to be comfortable having me around.\u201d<\/p>\n
Covert vampire watching was impossible Lorne decided, wall-eyeing Angel\u2019s newest ploy as he stashed the milk carton inside the refrigerator. Patience and Angel do not good bedfellows make.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cUh, what do you think Lorne; you coming with us?\u201d Cordelia wasn\u2019t sure how much of her confidence stemmed from Lorne\u2019s presence instead of the club\u2019s protection spell, but having at least part of that confidence was better than none at all.<\/p>\n
\u201cWould if I could pumpkin, but unless the big guy is planning a clandestine outing I\u2019m afraid I won\u2019t fit in.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe we could just tell the gawkers to get over it. I mean there\u2019s a lot of unattractive people running around, and they get to eat in nice restaurants.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there\u2019s one thing I\u2019ve learned princess,\u201d Lorne offered while sending Angel a conversant glare, \u201cit\u2019s that humans and demons alike are resistant to change.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel felt the stinging flick of Lorne\u2019s scorn, pushing resentment aside to concentrate on appeasing Cordelia\u2019s discomfort. \u201cWe won\u2019t be alone Cordelia. I wouldn\u2019t ask for that. I just thought it\u2019d be nice for the four of us to have dinner together.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFine,\u201d Cordelia snapped, throwing the small kitchen towel onto the counter. Angel had managed to maneuver her back against the wall and flight seemed her best option. \u201cIf you think stuffing me with a ten pound lobster will fix things; who am I to disagree?\u201d Cordelia sprinted around the counter, spinning around as she crossed into the lounge. \u201cIn case you haven\u2019t noticed, they don\u2019t know\u2026and I don\u2019t want them to know.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fists firmly riding the curve of her hips, eyes squinted to narrow slits, and lips pursed warning she\u2019d reached her limit, Angel glimpsed his<\/i> Cordelia. The take no crap hellcat that would spit in an opponent\u2019s eye before showing fear; and Angel felt the echo of a heart-beat.<\/p>\n
\u201cIdiot,\u201d Lorne hissed, slapping Angel\u2019s arm with the back of his hand. \u201cCan you not understand the concept of good things come to those who wait?\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cAm I the only one that sees the irony here? The dude\u2019s a vampire, and unless this place is another demon hangout, it ain\u2019t gonna have blood on the menu.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn, will you please give it a rest?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley laid his head against the back of the couch, tightening the pinch on the bridge of his nose. This was actually making his time as a watcher and even life with his father look good.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, when did you and Angel discuss dinner plans?\u201d<\/p>\n
Great, Cordelia\u2019s conscience groused, more questions meant more lies. \u201cAngel called me yesterday, asking to talk\u2026and I agreed to meet him at Caritas.\u201d<\/p>\n
After Angel\u2019s descent into his dark past almost six months ago, they had decided to continue the mission, and in the process grown closer; but this newest development only served to confirm Wesley\u2019s concerns. Cordelia was still clinging to her past with the Angel they once knew and trusted; and as the eerie shiver rippled up his spine, he couldn\u2019t help but worry his friend would suffer further heartache and disappointment.<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn girl, I can\u2019t believe you met with the guy without telling us; don\u2019t tell me you feel safe around him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Damn Gunn, you don\u2019t know the half of it.<\/i> \u201cDon\u2019t look at me like that. If Angel wanted to hurt me\u2026or any of us, he could pick us off one by one while we\u2019re running around trying to figure out which way to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn, I don\u2019t believe encouraging Cordelia to retain a body guard service is the way to proceed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBarbie don\u2019t need body guards, she\u2019s got us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, she does.\u201d Wesley quietly agreed, gracing Cordelia with an encouraging smile. \u201cAlways remember that Cordelia, Gunn and I will always be here for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Cordelia had to admit, she felt calmer than expected. Even managing to enjoy goading Gunn into one of his Angel tirades, until Wesley threatened to turn the car around. The level of fear induced by Angel\u2019s closeness seemed to have diminished\u2026a little. Storming out of Caritas, fear had been pushed aside for anger; and not swallowing down a constant knot of apprehension felt good.<\/p>\n
\u201cWelcome to Spago. My name is Julio and I will be serving you this evening.\u201d Dressed in a crisply starched white shirt and black trousers with distinctive tailored pleats, the waiter addressed the small table of four. \u201cWould you care for a drink before dinner or perhaps a bottle of wine?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia,\u201d Angel gestured with a slight lift of his hand. \u201cWould you like a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n
A drink, the question resounded in her head; suddenly she was old enough, but pointless for Angel to quibble over age issues now\u2026and a drink would make her newfound determination easier.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I\u2019ll have a hurricane please.\u201d She decided, smiling at their attractive, if portfolio lacking, waiter.<\/p>\n
Ignoring the scalding glare his gruff uhumm earned, Wesley interjected before Cordelia\u2019s order could be scribbled onto the pad. \u201cA hurricane, that sounds potent.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat hurricane drink sounds good, bring me one of those too.\u201d Gunn had been taking care of himself and other kids on the streets for a long time, and the legalities of a little underage drinking just didn\u2019t hold the same punch for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cBring us a bottle of Amarone, something from the late sixties if you have it.\u201d The command of Angel\u2019s voice jolted everyone\u2019s attention, rescuing Wesley from his impending tongue lashing.<\/p>\n
\u201cExcellent choice sir,\u201d Julio acknowledged with a swift nod, making a hasty retreat to the kitchen and avoiding further discussion of an appropriate beverage for the young woman.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmarone? I don\u2019t believe I\u2019m familiar with that wine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a red wine from Italy\u2019s Veneto Region. It\u2019s stronger than most reds, made from a blend of partially dried grapes.\u201d<\/p>\n
If his expertise of history\u2019s finer pleasures was all he needed, Cordelia would be firmly settled in his life by evening\u2019s end. Pity, Angel\u2019s subconscious grumbled spotting the glint of child-like fascination, that it wasn\u2019t Wesley he wanted in his bed.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo…Angel, have you decided to remain at the hotel?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor now. There\u2019s a month left on the lease, but it\u2019s too big for one person, and that\u2019s a lot of money when only one room is being used.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought you liked a lot of space, you know the loner thing?\u201d Gunn chimed in, throwing Cordelia a playful wink.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can be alone in a room full of people.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVery true,\u201d Wesley whispered staring out at the crowd of patrons. \u201cFor most of my life I felt like I didn\u2019t fit in.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut not anymore; right?\u201d Cordelia slipped her hand over Wesley\u2019s, remembering the pitiful geek that had joined her and Angel after they\u2019d lost Doyle.Don\u2019t start remembering things even sadder than this. God, if I start blubbering in public I\u2019ll have to kill myself.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cNot at all, and I\u2019m very grateful for that.\u201d Wesley placed a hand over Cordelia\u2019s giving it a squeeze.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey! What about me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCharles, when I think of life with you\u2026\u201d Wesley fell silent for a moment, lifting his free hand to give his head a concentrated scratch. \u201c\u2026I am at a loss for words.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cQuick, somebody call the Guinness folks; I\u2019ve accomplished the impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n
The three laughed, Wesley meeting Gunn\u2019s hand in a rowdy high five; and Angel felt like his chest was in a vice. Watching the camaraderie, listening to the easy banter was harder than expected. He had been a part of this family, and walked away because of Darla; but not before destroying the ties that could lead him back.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re wine sir.\u201d The waiter poured a sip into Angel\u2019s glass, moving around the table when ushered a nod of approval. \u201cNineteen sixty-eight was a very good year for the Veneto vineyards.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIndeed,\u201d Wesley offered, sucking air across his wine coated tongue.<\/p>\n
\u201cMay I suggest an appetizer before ordering?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel glanced at Cordelia, her anxious expression a signal best not ignored. \u201cWe\u2019ll skip the appetizer this time. I\u2019ll have a porterhouse, extra rare.\u201d<\/p>\n
The waiter\u2019s head jerked up, \u201cextra rare,\u201d his complacent expression betrayed as he repeated the request. \u201cYou do want it cooked; yes?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf Bessie\u2019s tied out back just lead her in.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn, behave.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? I\u2019m just making sure the man gets what he wants.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia almost choked on her wine, not sure which she enjoyed more; Gunn having fun at Angel\u2019s expense or Wesley\u2019s never ending effort to be the voice of parental reasoning\u2026or maybe it was the wine.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel is more than capable of getting what he wants Gunn, and let\u2019s give Wesley the night off or next time he might get a sitter and leave you at home.\u201d Moving the slow process of ordering along, Cordelia turned to their befuddled waiter, \u201cI\u2019ll have the veal parmigiana and a tuscany salad,\u201d then offered to share her rarely used expertise of fine dining. \u201cGunn, do you need me to help you order something you\u2019ll like?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I think I\u2019ll go with Angel and play it safe, but I don\u2019t want it to bleed when I jab my fork into it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVery good sir, porterhouse well done; and you sir?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh my, everything looks so delicious it\u2019s difficult to decide.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perhaps of chunk of Bessie before your friends scarf her down? Julio silently suggested behind his mask of polished decorum, relieved when the gentlemen thought it prudent to follow the young woman\u2019s choice and praying lack of etiquette would be compensated with a hefty tip.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cLilly!\u201d Lorne screeched. \u201cWelcome to my humble abode.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy dear friend.\u201d The woman greeted Lorne with a loving embrace. \u201cIt\u2019s been much too long.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMiguel, mind the store for a while. I\u2019ll be in the back if you need me.\u201d Lorne called out, leading his guest toward his private quarters.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour club looks wonderful Lorne; just the way I pictured it.\u201d Lilly offered, settling into the plumb chair as Lorne set her suitcase next the bed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a small bag Lilly; you must be planning on a short stay.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou sounded desperate so I packed quick; and yes, next week is booked solid so the weekend is all I can afford on such short notice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDesperate huh; was I that obvious?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEnough that I hopped on the first plane out of Chicago. So tell me what\u2019s going on and what I can do to help.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
God, I hope the food comes soon. If I have to keep smiling my face will crack. Look at this place, this is gonna cost a fortune. All of a sudden Angel\u2019s the big spender? Obviously the tightwad doesn\u2019t know dinner is supposed to come before the sex.<\/i><\/p>\n
How long does it take to wave a steak over the flame? Not that I\u2019m anxious to eat a slab of beef, even if it is bloody. I hate that fake smile. It might fool the bumbling duo, but not me. If Cordelia doesn\u2019t stop smiling I might just have to shake her, and touching without permission won\u2019t help my cause.<\/p>\n
Why is Angel grinning like that? He can\u2019t think Cordelia\u2019s smiling at him. She\u2019s just glad that me and Wes are with her. The vamp alone with our Cordy, like that\u2019ll ever happen; yea right.<\/p>\n
Good Lord, this is uncomfortable. I need to say something, but what can we discuss that would include Angel, and more important, not encourage false hope for Cordelia? Look at her, poor girl; she looks so happy.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo how about you guys bring me up to speed on what\u2019s been happening while I was away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Oh, thank God. That\u2019s a relatively safe topic.<\/i> \u201cRather busy actually. The visions take up a large portion of our time, but we\u2019ve managed to pick up a few cases here and there to cover expenses. We\u2019ve even discussed-\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEnough about us; don\u2019t want to hog the limelight. What big adventure were you off on this time?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s gasp whirred over the grunt of Wesley clearing his throat, and Gunn gulped, wide eyes burning under heated glares. Saved by the waiter\u2019s return with dinner, Gunn considered making use of Wesley\u2019s suggestion to think before he speaks. \u201cOr just keep it to yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cWow,\u201d Lilly blurted her professional response to Lorne\u2019s story. \u201cIf you do manage a happy ending for those two, you\u2019d make a fortune selling the publication rights.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMoney I don\u2019t need, and a happy ending I\u2019ll pay for if that\u2019s what it takes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis doesn\u2019t sound like a story with a happily ever after, but if anyone can do, it\u2019s you. You helped me find a happy ending when my life was falling apart.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen help me help them now; we\u2019ll call it one of those paying it forwards gigs.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Dinner had proceeded without further controversy, peppered with occasional polite conversation, and their evening almost over, the four walked quietly across the parking lot.<\/p>\n
He wanted to drive her home, knowing his offer would not be received well\u2026by any of them. But Angel readily confessed well thought out plans were not his strong suit, and throwing caution to the wind reached for her hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, I was-\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGees, not now!\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel staggered back from the blow before honed senses picked up the familiar sensations; and knees buckling, upper torso lunging forward from the vision\u2019s force, Angel caught Cordelia, lifting her up into his arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s Ok, ssshhh,\u201d the soothing croon filtered through the onslaught of flashing neon lights and blaring music as slender fingers curled down, nails digging into his silk shirt and the flesh beneath it.<\/p>\n
Angel maneuvered into the back seat; Cordelia still nestled in his arms, and with a quick shove into his pocket tossed the keys onto the front seat. A gruff \u201cyou drive,\u201d directed to either man that chose to respond.<\/p>\n
They eyed each other for a brief moment, Wesley shifting into his uneasy role of leadership. \u201cGrab a few weapons, we\u2019ll leave the truck here for now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Engine revving and weapons safely stashed on the floor, Wesley glanced over his shoulders, a simple shrug gesturing need for instructions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do we need to do Cordy?\u201d Angel whispered into her ear, Cordelia\u2019s stiff body hugging the contours of his chest.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d wheezed through the pain crushing her skull, the visions had never been this excruciating before. \u201cI just see lights flashing, and people laughing and dancing\u2026and screaming. That\u2019s all,\u201d she hissed, exhausted from the barrage of useless information. \u201cI don\u2019t see anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll figure it out, just try to relax.\u201d Angel tore his eyes away, giving a quick glance to the two men eagerly watching from the front seat. \u201cWe\u2019re taking Cordelia home\u2026now,\u201d he barked when met with a glimpse of hesitation.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight; Gunn follow us in the truck.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut shouldn\u2019t we-\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not moving Cordelia until we have to. The visions are always painful, but this isn\u2019t normal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be right behind you.\u201d Gunn conceded, taking only a second to grab the weapons before sending Angel a warning glare.<\/p>\n
Cordelia whimpered again, the lingering ache refusing to give up its torment; and Wesley slowed down, cautiously avoiding potholes and sudden stops. Cool lips brushed across her temple, her body shivering inside his embrace, and Angel speculated whether the cool, night air or his touch could lay claim to the dense layer of goose bumps.<\/p>\n
Angel cursed, realizing his leather jacket was locked in the trunk; it wasn\u2019t totally inconceivable the night air was the culprit. \u201cGunn, toss me your jacket; Cordelia\u2019s cold.\u201d<\/p>\n
The jacket was off in a flash, Gunn rising up on his knees and leaning over the seat to wrap the short coat around Cordelia\u2019s upper body. \u201cWe could stop long enough to put the top up\u2026but we\u2019ll be at Cordy\u2019s place in a few more minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, this is good.\u201d Angel rasped, his hands briskly rubbing over exposed skin. He tightened the wrap of his arms, sadly aware the vision\u2019s aftermath awarded the ephemeral luxury. Covered with the borrowed cover Cordelia\u2019s body began to warm, and laying his forehead against hers, Angel reveled in the wave of warmth enveloping him.<\/p>\n
Her body racked with pain, her heart ached for the comfort of this long missed shelter; and eyes clinched tight against the sting of tears, Cordelia snuggled further into Angel\u2019s protective embrace, knowing it could only last for a little while.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cLook, I know this girl is in a really bad place right now, but she\u2019s not the only one hurting. A rapist doesn\u2019t come back to try to make things right; he moves on to his next victim. Only in this case, the rapist was the next victim.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you\u2019re saying Angel assaulting Cordelia was a reflection of his own personal assault?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot exactly, I know it\u2019s hard to understand. Actually, I\u2019m having a little trouble wrapping my head around it myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lorne huffed a tired sigh, gulping down the remainder of his drink, and Lilly forged ahead with her piecemeal of facts. \u201cWithout counseling them, it\u2019s impossible for me to understand the driving emotions, but it\u2019s reasonable to conclude he was severing ties to what he believed he\u2019d already lost.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut Angel\u2019s back, and he wants to reattach severed ties\u2026and he\u2019s not real focused on the fact that Cordelia tossed her end of the rope months ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s obviously agreeing to these counseling sessions you\u2019ve set up, so I have to wonder if she threw that rope away or merely buried it so she could pretend it no longer existed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI did cover the part where Angel\u2019s a vampire, right; prone to bouts of killing and maiming when he believes it\u2019s justified\u2026even hurting the people he\u2019s supposed to care about.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all have those tendencies, and soul or not, we don\u2019t need to be a demon to act on them.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
He had ignored the ramblings and suggestions of we can handle things from here, and strolled into the building. But now, standing on the outside of the open door, Cordelia still cradled in his arms, Angel had no doubt the invisible barrier would block the last step of his unexpected journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia,\u201d he whispered, leaning his head down until his lips brushed against her ear. \u201cInvite me in, we need to get you into bed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Had she bothered to predict the possible endings to their night, Angel carrying her to her bedroom wouldn\u2019t have been on the list. But then, Cordelia reconsidered, nothing about her life in LA had been predictable.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome in Angel,\u201d she replied, adding on the conditions of his invitation, \u201cif you promise to put me down; otherwise the guys are going to pass out from asphyxiation.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cSweet dreams doll face.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGoodnight, my little red-horned devil.\u201d Lilly giggled against Lorne\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs my lacy nightshirt tickling your nose?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo silly, I was just thinking about my ex\u2019s reaction if he were here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKinky!\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Endless replays of the vision invading her sleep, Cordelia tumbled back and forth across the bed. A strobe of colored lights danced across the floor as the small, lithe body whirled around, flaxen wisps bouncing around a face of opaline skin. Blood flowed across the scene as the speckle of lights faded to black; and lungs desperately sucking in air, Cordelia\u2019s body lurched up, her knees folding into her chest. Arms wrapped around her legs, she rocked, her back tapping against the headboard as the desperate chant droned into her dimly lit bedroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh God-oh God-oh God\u2026Not again\u2026It can\u2019t be\u2026.Oh God-oh God-oh God\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n