{"id":3827,"date":"2015-07-05T17:29:06","date_gmt":"2015-07-05T16:29:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/?p=3827"},"modified":"2015-07-05T17:29:20","modified_gmt":"2015-07-05T16:29:20","slug":"perfect-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/2015\/07\/05\/perfect-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Perfect Day."},"content":{"rendered":"

Title: <\/b>Perfect Day
\nAuthor: <\/b>Gabriella
\nPosted: <\/b>Feb 07
\nEmail<\/b><\/a>
\nRating: <\/b>PG-13
\nCategory: <\/b>ST Valentine’s Day Challenge Fic
\nContent: <\/b>C\/A
\nSummary: <\/b>It had started with him, and ended with him, and it had been perfect.
\nSpoilers: <\/b>S1 (post Doyle, pre Wesley)
\nDisclaimer: <\/b>The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
\nDistribution: <\/b>JF, GTC\/A, anywhere else just ask.
\nThanks\/Dedication: <\/b>To samsmom<\/b> who requested post-fight, eggs, love<\/i>. Did I fool ya? This thing kicked my ass because I had a whole<\/i> other idea and had to abandon it, but I hope you enjoy it anyway. Happy Valentine’s Day!
\nFeedback: <\/b>Always appreciated.<\/p>\n

\n

The shock slamming of a door yanked him out of sleep and Angel awoke with a start, nearly toppling off the small leather couch in the office. He winced, grabbing his abdomen in pain, his body still sore from taking out a nest of vampires the night before.<\/p>\n

The ceiling lights fluttered on in the office and Angel flinched, adjusting to the sudden brightness. He blinked furiously, manoeuvring himself into a sitting position.<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyesight was momentarily blurry, the muscles near his neck twitching when Cordelia laid a hand atop his shoulder, bending down to face him. Her eyes were soft, even in the harsh light of day, filled with concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to you?\u201d She asked, tilting his chin up. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel made a face, clearing his throat as her hand slid down his chest, tentatively examining a wound near his gut. \u201cVampires.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d Cordy pulled away and Angel mourned the loss of warmth, of that smooth, intoxicating scent. She returned a moment later, first aid kit in one hand, the other unbuttoning his shirt, settling between his spread knees as she made quick work of cleaning and bandaging his wounds.<\/p>\n

When she was done, she helped him into his shirt, looking up at him with a smile, her eyes vivid. \u201cHappy Valentine\u2019s day, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Was it that time of year already? It didn\u2019t surprise him that he hadn\u2019t remembered; it wasn\u2019t exactly like him to pay much attention to Christian holidays. Still, her smile was brilliant, hopeful, rare since that day they\u2019d lost Doyle, and suddenly, though the shades were drawn, there was the warmth and light of the sun in the room.<\/p>\n

It was strange, he thought, how loss brought people closer.<\/p>\n

\u201cHappy Valentine\u2019s day.\u201d Angel replied, shooting her a smile and squeezing her hand before he released it, getting to his feet. To him, it was a day like any other but if Cordy wanted to celebrate it, he wasn\u2019t about to rain on her parade. Hell, he was actually looking forward to it – the two of them, spending some time together.<\/p>\n

He never cared to admit it but he enjoyed her company, enjoyed the way that everything seemed a little lighter when she was around.<\/p>\n

It was hardly the romance that he longed for and couldn\u2019t have, but it was her, and that was enough.<\/p>\n

\u201cI bought you something.\u201d Cordelia admitted, pulling a small, wrapped package out of her bag and handing it to him.<\/p>\n

Angel raised an eyebrow. \u201cCordelia, you didn\u2019t have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to.\u201d She stepped away from him, retrieving the morning\u2019s mail from beside the main door and rummaging through it. Angel watched her for a minute, before carefully unwrapping the small parcel in his hands, setting aside the paper.<\/p>\n

A smile touched his lips, something tender coiling around his heart and staying there.<\/p>\n

Inside was a large, deep red cup, perfect for tea, coffee \u2013 or in his case, blood. Inscribed on the front in enormous, yellow bubble letters were three words \u2013 \u2018World\u2019s Best Boss\u2019.<\/p>\n

Angel grinned. \u201cThank you, Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mention it. So,\u201d Cordy flipped open an envelope, removing the letter inside. \u201cYou have any big plans for tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d Angel glanced at her, smiled. \u201cI\u2019m all yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Cordy looked up, the apologetic quirk of her lips giving her away. \u201cAngel, I\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t realize you wanted to – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d He must have stepped closer to her because her heartbeat quickened, her hands curling into nervous fists. Angel stopped in his tracks, waiting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a date.\u2019 She blurted out, biting her lip when his face fell, a strange disappointment settling in his stomach. \u201cWe\u2019re having dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Angel crossed his arms, almost defensively, concentrating on swallowing the lump in his throat as he nodded. \u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n

She raised her hands. \u201cI can cancel – \u201d<\/p>\n

YES.<\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Angel found himself saying, no sooner than he found himself wanting to take it back. He shook his head, the words coming out of his mouth uncontrolled, as though he were a stranger watching the scene rather than participating in it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should go. Have fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia looked bewildered, almost as though she\u2019d expected the Spanish inquisition. He wasn\u2019t sure why he hadn\u2019t given it to her. She pursed her lips, her eyes bright, still so very bright. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel raised a hand as if to silence her apology, managing a small smile. \u201cI\u2019m gonna lie down for a while. You uh, have a good night.\u201d He turned and made a beeline for his bedroom, leaving Cordy in the office with an odd look on her face and a familiar ache in his heart.
\n****<\/p>\n

He watched her from the Plymouth, parked across the street from her apartment like a stalker, or a detective undercover during a stake-out. Angel liked the latter definition better, though he appreciated that the first suited him more.<\/p>\n

The guy, her date, dressed in a suit that screamed money and a haircut that originated from the private schools of Beverly Hills, held the door open for her, taking Cordelia\u2019s hand and helping her out. He placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her up the stairs to her apartment.<\/p>\n

Angel wanted to rip it off, replace it with his own. Rage erupted inside of him and his jaw hardened, his hands clenching on the steering wheel.<\/p>\n

The breeze ruffled his hair and he closed his eyes momentarily, calming. It was hard not to think about it, not to think about *her*. Not to think about the guy\u2019s hands \u2013<\/p>\n

Angel\u2019s eyes snapped open. If he kissed Cordelia, the next thing he\u2019d taste would be blood.<\/p>\n

He watched with the eyes of a hawk, *something* unidentifiable pounding through him when the boy leaned forward, pressed his lips to Cordy\u2019s cheek. She raised a hand to his chest, maybe to pull him closer, maybe to hold him at bay.<\/p>\n

In the car, Angel sat waiting, crouched like a tiger and set to pounce at the guy\u2019s first mistake.<\/p>\n

But he never made one, merely pulled away with a smile and a kiss to her hand, leaving with a slight wave of his fingers. Cordy cracked a smile, turning her key in the lock and disappearing from view. The guy took a few steps, paused, then looked back.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep moving, kid.\u201d Angel growled, under his breath, eyes boring into the guy\u2019s back. \u201cJust keep moving\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

As if he\u2019d sensed something wrong, the boy turned back around, sighing and jogging down the stairs. He slid quickly into the driver\u2019s seat of his car, keying the ignition and pulling away from the curb, the glow of his taillights dimming as he disappeared into the night.<\/p>\n

A moment later, Angel stepped out of the Plymouth, sprinting across the street and up the stairs to Cordelia\u2019s apartment.
\n****<\/p>\n

Barely out of her heels, the doorbell startled her and Cordy paused, dropping her removed jewellery onto the shelf above the television. She yanked the door open, her heart doing a funny little flip in her chest, even as her eyebrows shot up. \u201cAngel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCordelia.\u201d He shifted in the doorway, his hands in his pockets. \u201cCan I come in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, sure.\u201d She moved, giving him just enough room to brush past her, her eyebrows still somewhere near her hairline. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI brought you something.\u201d Angel glanced at her, then looked away quickly, and she frowned, totally perplexed. \u201cFor Valentine\u2019s day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Cordelia had no choice but to follow him when he dropped down onto the couch, pulling a small, perfectly wrapped parcel out of his pocket. He handed it to her with a dazzling smile, and for a moment she swore she saw stars.<\/p>\n

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. \u201cYou came all the way down here to give me a Valentine\u2019s day gift?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel swallowed. \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOookay.\u201d It was beyond weird but the gesture touched her deeply, and she ripped at the material in her hands, dumping the paper unceremoniously onto the coffee table. She pulled out the object inside by the handle, the smile that threatened to split her face bursting loose.<\/p>\n

In her hands, she held a small, blue cup, the words \u2018World\u2019s Best Friend\u2019 inscribed into the front of the enamel.<\/p>\n

She laughed and he laughed with her, and she found it was her favourite moment of the day. Cordelia leaned forward, pressing a kiss to his cheek. \u201cThank you, Angel.\u201d She pulled back, but only slightly, his face inches away as he froze too, not moving a muscle.<\/p>\n

Her voice caught, her cheek brushing his, his eyes setting her in stone mere inches apart.<\/p>\n

\u201cCordy\u2026\u201d Angel murmured, \u201cI\u2026\u201d The moment held its breath \u2013 and then suddenly Angel moved, his lips crashing down on hers, hard. Cordelia moaned, partly confused and yet so very *ready*, her mouth opening under his as his tongue swept in, his fingers smoothing around her ear and into her hair.<\/p>\n

For a moment she lost track of time, of date and name and all other things that seemed unimportant in comparison. His lips took priority, his hands, his body \u2013 solid beneath the flat width of her palm.<\/p>\n

Cordelia didn\u2019t know where her mind found the strength or agility to take hold of the reigns but she abruptly ripped away from him, breathing heavily, strangely satisfied when he stared at her through dazed, lusty eyes. \u201cAngel – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d He made a grab for her hand, pulling it into his lap and keeping her close. \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

She was tempted to smile. \u201cAngel, what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel sighed and she knew *exactly* what was going through his head. He hated explanations, hated words and stringing sentences together \u2013 much preferred actions and to just get back to the kissing. Not that Cordelia would have minded doing that either but he wasn\u2019t getting out of this so easily.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on.\u201d Cordy said, squeezing the fingers that wrapped around hers. \u201cYou just kissed me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou kissed me back.\u201d Angel said right away.<\/p>\n

Cordelia glared at him. \u201cDo you really wanna go down that road for your explanation?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel shook his head and released a breath, raising her hand to his lips and kissing the back of her palm in apology. \u201cNo, I\u2026\u201d He huffed, got to his feet and began pacing.<\/p>\n

\u201cCordy, it\u2019s just\u2026when you told me you had a date tonight\u2026\u201d He swallowed, looking up at her with wide eyes. \u201cI didn\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stood too, coming around the other side of the coffee table, her arms crossed. \u201cBecause I left you alone on Valentine\u2019s day?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Well, yes.\u201d Angel made a vague, unclear gesture with his hands. \u201cNot because it\u2019s Valentine\u2019s day, because – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you were jealous?\u201d Cordy asked, her voice timid, her stomach turning a violent cartwheel when he looked up, simply staring at her.<\/p>\n

For a moment, Angel said nothing. The silence stretched thin in the small room, suffocated her, hammering inside and taking flight from within. Cordelia braced herself, counted the beats of her pounding, erratic heart as Angel took a step closer, then another, until all that separated them was a foot of wooden flooring.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to be with you tonight, Cordy.\u201d He admitted, his voice gravelly, his body strangely warm from even a distance \u2013 or perhaps that was hers. \u201cI wanted to be the one taking you to dinner, holding your hand, kissing you goodnight\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He trailed off, bridging the gap as his lips hovered over hers, tentative and suddenly uncertain as tension smothered the air and space and time, thick with lust and unsaid words. She watched his lips, wet and open, tingles shooting across the surface of her skin.<\/p>\n

Cordelia moved first, rising on her toes and closing the space between them, kissing his mouth. Her hands rose, cupping his cheeks and giving in as Angel took control, deepening the kiss, conducting a slow, languid exploration of her mouth.<\/p>\n

Shivers scattered on her skin and he caught them beneath his palms, bringing her closer and into him. She moaned when he nipped at her bottom lip, knuckles brushing her jaw as a hand stroked through her hair.<\/p>\n

The day, though appropriate, seemed insignificant now, unimportant compared to this kiss. And yet, she thought, it had started with him, and ended with him, and it had been perfect.
\n****<\/p>\n

She\u2019d slept in this bed alone almost every night since she\u2019d moved in \u2013 and yet now it seemed emptier than ever. They\u2019d agreed he\u2019d sleep on the couch, that they\u2019d sleep in different rooms because she hadn\u2019t wanted him to leave – yet knowing Angel was right next door was killing her, her body aching in all the right places with carnal longing, heat seeping from every pore and making it hard to breathe.<\/p>\n

Cordelia flung the covers off, kicking them away with her feet as she leaped out of bed, furious steps carrying her across her bedroom and into the living room. She walked through the first rounded archway, coming to an abrupt halt at the sight in front of her.<\/p>\n

Angel was fast asleep on the yellow couch in the centre of her living room, his arms crossed over his chest in peaceful slumber. His normally stern face was relaxed, his lips quirked only slightly at the edges. Cordelia wondered what he was dreaming about, wondered if it featured her.<\/p>\n

Softly, she padded over to the sofa, bending her knees and perching on the edge. A smile touched her lips, feet silently making their way off the ground and tangling with his as she slid in beside him, snuggling beneath his chin.<\/p>\n

Angel never awoke but his arms opened, wrapping loosely around her, pulling her into his protective embrace. She sighed, her eyelids drooping as sleep overwhelmed her, her mind, heart and body suddenly content at simply being here with him.
\n****<\/p>\n

The smell of bacon and coffee awoke her and Cordy stretched, surprised at the amount of space she had. She blinked, opening her eyes slowly, adjusting to the sliver of light that shone from the window onto her bed.<\/p>\n

She sat up, confused. She was in her bedroom, the bedcovers wrapped neatly around her. Her neck was slightly sore, and she was positive she\u2019d crawled onto the couch beside Angel the night before. How on earth had she ended up back here?<\/p>\n

Cordy slid out of bed, straightening her little shorts and the strap of her wifebeater, slipping her feet into her fuzzy slippers. She jerked the door handle, stepping out into the dimly lit living room where the curtains were drawn and the table lights were on.<\/p>\n

A clattering from the kitchen caught her attention and she padded across the room, entering the small space beneath the rounded archway. Angel stood in the corner of the kitchen, bustling over a stove of eggs and bacon, shirtless and clad only in his slacks.<\/p>\n

Cordelia swallowed, licked her lips.<\/p>\n

Her heartbeat must have sped up because he suddenly looked at her, the most gorgeous smile curling his lips. \u201cMorning, beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her heart flip flopped like a fish out of water. \u201cHey.\u201d She took a few cautious steps, uncertain of how to proceed. He took the lead for her, his hands circling her wrists and pulling her close, kissing her.<\/p>\n

Cordy slid her arms around his shoulders, shuddering when his hand came into contact with the small of her back, her body warm and flush with his as she tilted her head, changing the angle.<\/p>\n

When he pulled away, she smiled, biting her lip. \u201cI swear I went to bed in a different place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said the same thing when I woke up.\u201d Angel said with a grin, kissing her forehead and releasing her. \u201cI carried you back to bed when I got up. Didn\u2019t want you to be uncomfortable\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Something tugged at her heart and she cocked her head, content to simply watch him. Angel ushered her into a chair at the table, setting down a plate of eggs and bacon in front of her a few seconds later.<\/p>\n

Cordy leaned her head back, looking up at him. \u201cCan I keep you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He grinned \u2013 she loved it when he did that \u2013 leaned down and kissed her mouth.<\/p>\n

The breakfast was delicious, as it always was when he played chef. Cordy had no idea how a man who never ate could cook so well. Maybe she\u2019d take lessons from him now that they were\u2026what were<\/i> they exactly?<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel,\u201d She started, finishing off the last slice of bacon on her plate, \u201cWhat are we doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

He shot her an odd look. \u201cEating breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia dropped her fork noisily, glaring at him. \u201cAngel, there are still things to think about. Hello? Evil alter ego? Mass, merciless murders -\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTry saying that three times fast.\u201d Angel interrupted, stealing a slice of toast from a plate on the table and nibbling on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m serious!\u201d She stamped her foot, feeling like a petulant child even though she was being the adult in this conversation. \u201cBad things could happen! You\u2019re not datable and I\u2019m – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIncredible.\u201d Angel cut her off again, standing and towering above her. He cupped her cheeks when she opened her mouth to speak, silencing her with a kiss. \u201cAmazing,\u201d He continued, kissing her again. \u201cPerfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordy closed her eyes, sighing when he dropped his forehead to hers. \u201cPerfect could be a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted you to know how I felt, Cordelia.\u201d Angel murmured, serious now. \u201cI *needed* you to know. The rest we\u2019ll just have to take as it comes.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gripped his hand when he gave it to her, doubt colouring her features. \u201cDo you really think that\u2019s possible?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou made Valentine\u2019s day enjoyable for me for the first time in two hundred and forty six years.\u201d Angel tilted his head with a smirk. \u201cAnything\u2019s possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

She helped him clear the table, the melodious sound of clinking plates and glasses being placed and washed in the sink filling the silence for a while. They worked together, every accidental brush of skin provoking a secret smile shared between them.<\/p>\n

When they were done she held his hand, finding it fit there perfectly, as though he\u2019d been moulded and crafted just for her. Cordelia smiled at him, sated and on cloud nine.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel smiled again, and she swore she\u2019d never tire of it, never tire of him. \u201cAnytime.\u201d<\/p>\n

End<\/b><\/p>\n

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

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