{"id":3794,"date":"2015-07-05T16:12:45","date_gmt":"2015-07-05T15:12:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/?p=3794"},"modified":"2015-07-05T16:12:57","modified_gmt":"2015-07-05T15:12:57","slug":"a-conflict-of-interest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/2015\/07\/05\/a-conflict-of-interest\/","title":{"rendered":"A Conflict Of Interest."},"content":{"rendered":"

Title: A Conflict Of Interest<\/b>
\nAuthor: <\/b>Gabriella
\nPosted: <\/b>01\/06
\nEmail<\/b><\/a>
\nRating: <\/b>R for language
\nCategory: <\/b>Angst
\nContent: <\/b>C\/A
\nSummary: <\/b>Cordelia runs a ‘help the helpless’ agency. Angel runs an evil law firm. And yet, they’re both happily married to each other. Conflict arises when Cordelia’s potential client turns out to be a former (and unhappy) former client of Angel’s.
\nSpoilers: <\/b>Slightly AU S5.
\nDisclaimer: <\/b>The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
\nDistribution: <\/b>Please ask first
\nNotes: <\/b>Okay, this really is terrible. In fact, if I was you – yes YOU, reading this right now – I’d just ignore this thread completely. I wrote this WAAAY back so the POV’s all over the place, there really isn’t much of a plotline and quite frankly, it’s a little shite. But hey, I asked Dawnie to beta it a while back, she is brilliant and therefore gave it some much needed attention, and I just wanted to get it off my chest so here it is. It’s a little AU, just presume Cordy didn’t die after YW, her and Angel got hitched and she started up her own agency because W&H? Ew.
\nThanks\/Dedication:<\/b>To Dawn<\/b> because I still owe her a fic which is due in March – and unfortunately it’ll probably be nothing like what she wanted!
\nFeedback:<\/b>Meh, if you actually feel this story deserves it…<\/p>\n

\n

The telephone beeped and Leann\u2019s voice sounded through the speaker. \u201cMiss Chase? Katherine Williams is here to see you.\u201d Just like Cordelia had to Angel, Leann had come to her by chance \u2013 a young woman she\u2019d saved, a girl who\u2019d been looking for a job with a decent pay that stopped her from sleeping in roach infested apartments.<\/p>\n

Cordy pushed the button. \u201cSend her in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katherine was a small, frail looking woman, the grief she had suffered in the past few weeks making itself evident in her tired, weak appearance. Yet, despite the severe bags under her eyes and the way her flesh seemed to almost hang off her fragile bones, Cordelia could tell she was quite attractive.<\/p>\n

\u201cMs Williams,\u201d Cordelia offered her hand with her smile, gesturing towards the seat opposite her desk, \u201cPlease have a seat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine is fine.\u201d The woman tried to smile but it came out more as a grimace.<\/p>\n

\u201cKatherine then.\u201d Cordy smiled at her, opening the file that had been placed on her desk and flipping through it. She paused on a page, her smile quickly disappearing. She looked at Katherine. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry for your loss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katherine nodded, clutching her handbag and trying to not to cry. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordy stayed silent for a while, unsure of what to say. Then she placed the file down and walked around her desk to stand next to Katherine.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you tell me what happened?\u201d Cordelia asked softly, \u201cI want to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katherine nodded, licking her lips. \u201cI – \u201d Her voice croaked and she quickly cleared her throat. \u201cI\u2019m being sued.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy son\u2026my son was kidnapped three weeks ago…by something…it wasn’t human.\u201d Katherine swallowed, staring at Cordelia as though afraid the latter would think she were mad. Cordy only nodded, handing her a glass of water. Katherine took a sip, gathering her strength before continuing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hired some people to find him\u2026some sort of detective\u2026law agency.\u201d Katherine blinked a few times, unable to stop the tears from escaping. Cordy squeezed her hand. \u201cThey couldn\u2019t\u2026they couldn\u2019t save my son. His body was found five days ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia\u2019s heart sank. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katherine shook her head. \u201cThe agency that I hired insisted that I pay for the time they put into the case. But I didn\u2019t feel that I should have to \u2013 since they said that wasn\u2019t their policy and they couldn\u2019t help me anyway.\u201d She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. \u201cAnyway, when I said that I wouldn\u2019t pay, I got a letter a few days later saying they would take me to court.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordy rolled her eyes. \u201cBastards.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katherine managed a smile. \u201cYeah.\u201d She glanced around the small Hyperion office. \u201cI used to live in the neighbourhood\u2026this hotel used to be the place a person would come to for help with this sort of trouble. I heard that you might be back in business. Besides, it’s not like I could afford to hire an attorney and this isn’t exactly the kind of story you tell to the folks down at legal aid unless you want a mental health referral.”<\/p>\n

Cordelia patted her hand and stood up, walking back around the desk. \u201cWell, don\u2019t worry about a thing. We\u2019ll make sure they stick their court order where the sun don\u2019t shine.\u201d She glanced at Katherine. \u201cDo you have the letter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah.\u201d Katherine quickly took out a piece of paper from her handbag and handed it to Cordelia. \u201cHere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordy took it, reading over the print. Her heart jolted in her chest. She stared at the piece of paper for several seconds to make sure she hadn\u2019t read it wrong.<\/p>\n

Katherine frowned. \u201cIs something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia gaped, aware that she must have looked like a fish. \u201cUh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Chase?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordy looked up. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I just\u2026\u201d She looked back down at the sheet of paper, then at Katherine. \u201cThis\u2026this is my husband\u2019s company.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The elevator doors slid open and Cordelia stormed through them, heading straight for Angel\u2019s office, nearly knocking over four employees on her way.<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch it, I\u2019m walking here.\u201d She snapped at a short, ginger haired man who scrambled away from her. Cordelia flipped her hair over her shoulder and found herself facing the main desk, and the smiling face of Harmony Kendal.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he in there?\u201d Cordelia shoved her thumb in the direction of Angel\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

Harmony frowned. \u201cYes, but – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d Without waiting for her to finish, Cordelia breezed speedily towards the doors.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait, he\u2019s in a meeting!\u201d<\/p>\n

The doors slammed open with a bang when Cordelia barged through them. Several heads jerked towards her, eyes wide at the intrusion. Angel jumped up, growl at the ready, but relaxed when he saw Cordelia standing there, only to tense at the livid look on her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cCordy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to talk.\u201d Cordelia spoke slowly, angrily. Angel swallowed, shooting Gunn a glare when he whistled lowly. Cordy turned towards him. \u201cYou too lawyer boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn\u2019s head shot up and he gulped. \u201cMe? What did I do? Whatever it is, I didn\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia rolled her eyes, walking into the room and standing behind the chair of a red, horned demon in an Armani suit, clearing her throat. The demon glanced at her, once, twice, before getting the hint and offering her the seat. Cordy sat down, glaring at Angel.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs everything alright?\u201d Wesley asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah.\u201d Cordy replied. \u201cJust peachy.\u201d She waved the piece of paper in her hand in Angel\u2019s face. \u201cWhat the hell is this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026\u201d Angel cleared his throat, shooting apologetic looks to the gathering of demons and lawyers. \u201cWe\u2019ll uh, finish this later.\u201d<\/p>\n

He received several simultaneous groans in response, before Wesley encouraged them to get out of their seats and follow him. Angel shot him a thankful look when he shut the main doors. Then he turned to Cordelia, his mouth drawn into a grim line. \u201cThis better be good babe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordy got out of her seat and handed him the paper. \u201cI repeat \u2013 what the hell is this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel took it from her, glancing over it. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou tell me.\u201d Cordy raised an eyebrow. \u201cA client of mine came to me this morning claiming that a detective agency slash law firm that she hired is taking her to court because she refuses to pay them for being unable to save her son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel looked at the logo on the top right corner of the sheet. \u201cWolfram & Hart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBingo, give the vampire a cookie.\u201d Cordy said angrily, swivelling to point an accusing finger at Gunn. \u201cAnd you – \u201d<\/p>\n

“Me? Oh, noooo, leave me outta this. The two of you can do your whole ‘let’s fight so we can have make-up sex later’ routine without me; because, I have absolutely nothing to do with – ” Cordelia crossed her arms and shot him a withering look just as Angel held out the paper so Gunn could see it clearly. Charles Gunn, Esquire appeared in clear type beneath the familiar masculine scrawl of his signature. “Oh.”<\/p>\n

He glanced at Cordy, looking genuinely apologetic. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about her kid Barbie, but we did our best.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you?\u201d Cordelia raised a deadly eyebrow, stepping up to him. \u201cHow could you charge her for this when you couldn\u2019t even save her son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn frowned. \u201cWe *did* our best.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it wasn\u2019t good enough!\u201d Cordelia found her voice rising of its own accord. “So that’s what you do now? Sue a woman for the privilege of not saving her dead son?\u201d She turned on Angel. \u201cNice move, champ. Especially since we all know that Wolfram & Hart wouldn’t deign to know that Katherine Williams or her son ever existed if there wasn’t something in it for them.”<\/p>\n

Angel\u2019s brow creased at her shaken tone. \u201cCordy – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is wrong with you guys?\u201d She yelled, her eyes pricking. \u201cThis isn\u2019t what we do! This was never what we were about, Angel! We\u2019re the good guys, we\u2019re not supposed to make money out of the misfortunes of innocent people!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Angel tried, gently gripping her shoulders, \u201cSsh – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, don\u2019t fucking shush me!\u201d Cordelia swatted his hands away. \u201cYou\u2019ve lost it, all of you. You don\u2019t even care anymore. There is no right and wrong, as long as it brings in the dough – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, you used to be pretty fond of cash not so long ago, Cordelia.\u201d Angel reminded her, his tone slightly defensive. \u201cWeren\u2019t you the one that suggested we start charging our clients?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia\u2019s eyes blazed. \u201cI never sunk this low, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel sighed. \u201cBaby, when a company provides services for an individual, they\u2019re expected to pay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFunny, I don\u2019t remember that being the tagline.\u201d Cordy shot back. \u201cWasn\u2019t it something about helping the helpless? Or have you forgotten that too?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn pinched the bridge of his nose in a Wesley style manner. \u201cCordy – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo what the hell you want hot shots.\u201d Cordelia pulled her arm out of Angel\u2019s grip and spun around. \u201cBut if you take Katherine to court, you\u2019ll have to fight me as well.\u201d She opened the door, pausing, \u201cThe man I married, the man I love, would see the wrong in this.\u201d She stared at Angel. \u201cI just hope you find him in there before it\u2019s too late.\u201d With that, she spun on her heel and walked out the door, leaving them silent behind her.<\/p>\n

Neither Gunn nor Angel spoke for a few moments, both lost in thought and unsure of what to say. Then,<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we go ahead with it,\u201d Gunn wondered out loud. \u201cWe\u2019d win. No doubt about it. She doesn\u2019t have a – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Angel said, keeping his eyes on the door. \u201cShe\u2019s right. Drop the case.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn shook his head. \u201cWhat? But Angel – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrop it.\u201d Angel said lowly, glancing at Gunn once before turning around, grabbing his coat and walking out through the main doors.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Cordelia\u2019s eyes fluttered and she felt the bed dip behind her as Angel slid under the covers. His hand curled around her shoulder, and he pressed his lips to her skin, sliding the fallen strap of her nightdress back into place.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026\u201d He whispered, kissing the tip of her collarbone, \u201cI\u2019ll drop the case.\u201d He kissed the curve of her neck, the line of her jaw\u2026 \u201cI\u2019ll drop the case for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The warmth that had begun to coil in Cordelia\u2019s belly quickly dissipated, only to be replaced by sudden anger. She sprung out of his arms and off the bed, glaring at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not the point, Angel.\u201d Cordy snapped. \u201cMy God, I don\u2019t want you to do it for me. This is about YOU!\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel frowned, sitting up. \u201cCordy – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t get it, do you?\u201d Cordelia asked, \u201cYou\u2019re supposed to *help* the helpless. Not charge or sue them for money!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you I\u2019d drop it.\u201d Angel tried, kneeling and reaching for her. Cordelia jerked her arm away.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut why? You\u2019re only dropping it to get out the doghouse. God Angel, do you even care?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike hell you do!\u201d Cordy crossed her arms, flipping her hair haughtily. \u201cYou couldn\u2019t care less. It\u2019s like, nothing we\u2019ve done for the past four years matters. All that matters to you now is money and power.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou matter to me.\u201d Angel whispered. Cordelia ignored him, despite the twang of guilt that went through her, continuing her venting. Still, her voice softened.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou used to be a champion, Angel. You used to be a good man.\u201d She closed her eyes when Angel\u2019s face fell, his shoulders slumping. She didn\u2019t know what she hated more \u2013 the fact that she had put that look on his face or that she felt guilty about putting it there.<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel\u2026\u201d She murmured, her heart clenching when he made no move to respond. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d Cordelia crawled onto the bed and kneeled opposite her distraught husband. \u201cYou *are* a good man.\u201d She cupped his face in her hands and forced him to look at her. \u201cYou\u2019re *my* good man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel\u2019s arms wrapped around her and he buried his face into her neck like a lost child. \u201cI don\u2019t know what to do, Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia stroked his hair, kissing his forehead and sighing. \u201cI don\u2019t either, Angel. I can\u2019t make your decisions for you. That\u2019s up to you.\u201d She wiggled around until she was comfortable. \u201cSuing that woman was crazy and wrong and we both know that. Next time, make sure you do something about it. Don\u2019t let it happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel glanced at her. \u201cWhat if I can\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can.\u201d Cordelia smiled at him, squeezing his hand. \u201cI know you can. Because I\u2019ve always believed in you, Angel.\u201d She stroked his cheek. \u201cI always will.\u201d<\/p>\n

His expression was still miserable and Cordelia frowned, brushing dry kisses over each eyelid. \u201cYou just lost your way.\u201d Her fingers played with the open collar of his shirt. \u201cDoesn’t mean I love you any less.\u201d<\/p>\n

It took a few moments but then she felt his lips open over her shoulder, and a trail of wet kisses was placed up her arm until his teeth dragged the thin strap of her negligee down. The air shifted, the moment changed and she recognised the change in mood as she breathed in deeply, letting her head fall back. He kissed her throat, her chin, his fingers running under the silk material and tracing the tattoo on her back.<\/p>\n

Cordelia shivered, closing her eyes as his lips brushed her neck, and then again, softly latching on to the curve above her shoulder as he began to suckle.<\/p>\n

She groaned. \u201cAngel – \u201d<\/p>\n

He suckled harder, as though trying to leave a mark. Cordy felt him shift, a deft, sudden movement and her body tightened, shaking as his erection brushed her inner thigh.<\/p>\n

Sly fingers crawled up her leg, his free hand pushing her closer as he traced the edge of her panties, teasing her through the cotton. Cordy bucked, moaning. \u201cOh – \u201d<\/p>\n

Tight, hot, wet \u2013 she whimpered as he slid a finger into her, her mouth opening against his cheek. Angel caught her bottom lip between his teeth, growling low in his throat. She palmed his face and kissed him hard, fervour building inside her as she ground against his hand, eating his mouth.<\/p>\n

Hands ripped, pushed and pulled at clothing, fingers intertwined, tongues battled and when Angel laid Cordelia back, sliding slickly into her, she smiled, pleased to see a certain peace behind his dark eyes. Skin slid against skin, chests heaving, feet tangling beneath the covers.<\/p>\n

Angel thrust, clinging to his saviour, flinching in pleasure as the sensation overwhelmed him. Cordy pressed a kiss to his nose, his cheek and finally his lips, groaning when he shackled her wrists, driving his mouth desperately against hers. He craved her like a drug, an addict unable to fight the addiction. It was too hard to quit – the lure of acceptance, love, warmth and friendship \u2013 too strong.<\/p>\n

He curled a hand around her shoulder, pushing her up so he could trail kisses over the soft skin. He nipped her jaw, and when he looked into her eyes she was staring at him, her lips curled into a knowing, satisfied smile.<\/p>\n

He felt a grin slide over his face \u2013 it always came so easily with this woman \u2013 as he sipped kisses from that smirking mouth. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

She bit her lip. \u201cI\u2019m just\u2026happy you\u2019re happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m with you.\u201d Angel kissed her fingers. \u201cThat\u2019s a big happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a dork.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re amazing.\u201d He kissed her again, palming her chin. \u201cCordy, about Wolfram and Hart – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll talk about it in the morning.\u201d Cordy murmured, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder. She curled up into his side, sliding a leg between his and throwing an arm over his chest. Angel spooned himself around her, kissing her temple.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you, Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMmm, love you\u2026\u201d Moments later, she was asleep.<\/p>\n

END<\/b><\/p>\n

Gabriella<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

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