{"id":3831,"date":"2015-07-05T17:35:11","date_gmt":"2015-07-05T16:35:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/?p=3831"},"modified":"2015-07-05T17:35:28","modified_gmt":"2015-07-05T16:35:28","slug":"revelations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/2015\/07\/05\/revelations\/","title":{"rendered":"Revelations."},"content":{"rendered":"

Title: Revelations<\/b>
\nAuthor: <\/b>Gabriella
\nPosted: <\/b>24\/3\/06
\nEmail<\/b><\/a>
\nRating: <\/b>PG-13
\nCategory: <\/b>Romance
\nContent: <\/b>C\/A
\nSummary: <\/b>Angel reveals his true feelings for Cordelia (Late S2, probably post Dead End)
\nSpoilers: <\/b>Season 2 (none)
\nDisclaimer: <\/b>The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
\nDistribution: <\/b>Just Fic\/GTCA. Anyone else please ask first.
\nNotes: <\/b>Pardon me for the cheese factor but I *really* wanted to try the line from Jerry Maguire (no, not \u2018show me the money!\u2019) in the Angelverse. Here\u2019s hoping it works!
\nThanks\/Dedication:<\/b>This is for the gorgeous Christie<\/b> because not only do I owe her about a million and one beautiful things, but she is also just one of my most favourite people in the whole wide world. Hope you enjoy this my lovely!
\nFeedback:<\/b>Would love some<\/p>\n

\n

The shift had been gradual, Angel decided, too gradual for him to even notice until he\u2019d been knocked off his feet in complete and total surprise. Granted he\u2019d always known he\u2019d cared a lot about Cordy, had always valued her friendship, her acceptance and that endearing ability to amuse and annoy all at once.<\/p>\n

But he\u2019d never really considered it as anything other than entirely platonic, never really acknowledged those frequent little jolts he\u2019d felt when she\u2019d smile or take care of him \u2013 he was hardly datable and at that time there was still a certain part of him that was clinging desperately to the past.<\/p>\n

Despite everything they\u2019d been through, he\u2019d never really *looked* at Cordelia that<\/i> way before \u2013 until he\u2019d got her back.<\/p>\n

It was a bizarre sensation he didn\u2019t quite understand. One moment she was his best friend, his seer, a young girl and initially a distraction he\u2019d employed in his quest to make things right. Yet the next, she was his greatest fantasy, his everything, a beautiful and alluring woman he couldn\u2019t stop thinking about. Her briefest touch, her bluntest statement would make him ache.<\/p>\n

Maybe it had all begun without his even being conscious of it, but there had been too many distractions along the way, too many things \u2013 people \u2013 to keep Angel from realising how he really felt. It had taken returning to his friends, learning he was wrong and understanding his overwhelming and bewildering desire to make everything all right between them and with Cordy – especially<\/i> with Cordy – but somewhere between it all, between moving on from Buffy and escaping his dark obsession with Darla, Cordelia had become the most important person in his life.<\/p>\n

She was his deepest desire, his dearest friend, his very world. It was funny, Angel decided, how he\u2019d never seen it coming.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

It had rained that day, sometime in the afternoon when she\u2019d clearly been too busy reading Cosmo to care about what was going on indoors, let alone outside. The grass was still damp with moisture and Cordelia grimaced as her heel sank through it, cursing when she nearly toppled over.<\/p>\n

Charles Gunn shot her a grin as she stumbled through the doors of the Hyperion. \u201cLook what the cat dragged in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBite me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed gently, keeping his eyes on her as she walked over to the counter. A low whistle escaped him. \u201cYou look hot, Barbie.\u201d<\/p>\n

She shot him a look. \u201cDidn\u2019t you just mention something about cat kill?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was joking.\u201d Gunn shook his head, his eyes drinking her in. Cordelia had to admit, she *did* look good. She was wearing one of the dresses Angel had bought for her \u2013 a deep midnight blue number, with slim straps that crisscrossed over her exposed back, a neckline that pooled between her breasts and a skirt that flowed like liquid down her legs, stopping just above the knee.<\/p>\n

The ice in her eyes slowly melted and Cordelia smiled at her friend. \u201cGood to know.\u201d She sipped the coffee she\u2019d just poured herself. \u201cIs there work?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn shrugged. \u201cIf there is, I ain\u2019t doin\u2019 it.\u201d<\/p>\n

A slight movement to the left caught her eye and Cordy turned in time to see Angel jogging down the stairs. A smile touched her lips inadvertently as she noticed his brighter than normal green shirt.<\/p>\n

He stopped at bottom of the stairs, glancing at her once, then twice in a less than subtle double take. For a moment, he just stared.<\/p>\n

Cordelia\u2019s stomach fluttered. Before she had a chance to ponder *that*, he opened his mouth.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHey.\u201d She replied. \u201cGreat shirt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beside her, Gunn snorted. Cordelia pinched him in the side.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d Angel said, still looking at her as though he was unable to tear his eyes away. \u201cYou uh, look\u2026nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordy smiled at him, twirling around in the dress. \u201cReally? You like?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel cleared his throat, nodding but saying nothing else. That was as good a reaction as any from him she supposed. Cordelia pressed her hands to her belly, smoothing down the material as she walked around him, taking a seat on the round sofa. After a few seconds, Angel followed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo uh,\u201d He started, biting his lip nervously as he took a seat. She glanced at him, half in confusion and half in annoyance. She thought he\u2019d gotten over this already \u2013 the anxious little movements, the apologetic smiles \u2013 as though he was terrified she\u2019d lash out with a scathing remark, that she\u2019d hurt him.<\/p>\n

Cordelia was the first to admit she hadn\u2019t made it easy on Angel \u2013 he\u2019d hurt her feelings, dammit \u2013 but she *had* been touched by his efforts to make things better between them, little gestures that made her realize that he really was sorry, and that he had no intention of ever abandoning her again.<\/p>\n

Of course, the clothes had helped too.<\/p>\n

She\u2019d forgiven him and she *did* understand \u2013 yet still he hesitated. \u201cSo what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel\u2019s head snapped up. \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia smiled. \u201cYou said, so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u201d Angel nodded, standing and putting his hands in his pockets. \u201cIs there some sort of special occasion?\u201d At her blank look he continued. \u201cFor the dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh!\u201d Cordy nodded in understanding, crossing her legs as she looked up at him. \u201cYeah, I have a date.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Angel only stared at her. Then, he blinked. \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Cordy repeated, uncertain as to why *she* suddenly felt nervous. Maybe it was the way he was still looking at her, his eyes dark, his lips drawn into a thin line. Was he mad at her?<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s great.\u201d Angel said, interrupting her thoughts, his voice laced with an unmistakable tinge of bitterness. Behold the weirdness. He swivelled on his heel, walking away from her and towards the counter.<\/p>\n

Cordelia blinked. Well, that made no sense.<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t get the chance to consider it much further because the door to Wesley\u2019s office opened and he strode out, smiling widely at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cCordelia! You\u2019re looking rather lovely.\u201d He cocked his head when she grinned at him. \u201cHot date?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn grimaced. \u201cWesley, don\u2019t do that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Beside him, Angel slammed a book shut. Cordelia winced but neither man seemed to notice. In fact, Wesley seemed more eager on ignoring Gunn\u2019s quip then paying attention to anything else.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, who\u2019s the lucky man?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn turned his head from where he was seated, staring evenly at her. \u201cAnd when do *we* get to meet him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no.\u201d Cordelia said firmly, shaking a finger in his direction. \u201cYou guys are not scaring off another potential.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s a great idea.\u201d Angel said lowly, making something inside her clench. \u201cMeeting him, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t.\u201d Cordelia stood, taking the files that Wesley handed her and walking towards the cabinet. \u201cBesides, it\u2019s only the first date.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d Gunn crossed his arms. \u201cHe could be evil.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr crazy.\u201d Wesley chipped in.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr just a guy.\u201d Angel said, the hint of a growl in his voice.<\/p>\n

Irritation flared inside her. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with being just a guy?\u201d Cordelia snapped, swivelling to face him. For a beat, he glared right back at her, his eyes dark and hot. Her heart thumped.<\/p>\n

Wesley cleared his throat. Gunn whistled lowly.<\/p>\n

Angel shrugged then, looking away indifferently. Cordelia scowled, turning her back on him and heading towards the filing cabinet.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

He\u2019d bought her that dress \u2013 stood in the store and held it in his hands, feeling the material between his fingers and imaging her in it, knowing she\u2019d look breathtaking. He hadn\u2019t been wrong. It fit her body like a second skin, clinging to every curve and highlighting her flawless form, sexily, subtly.<\/p>\n

And now she was wearing it for another man.<\/p>\n

Angel suppressed the growl that threatened to escape, watching her with hungry eyes as she slid a file into place, bumping Gunn with her hip when he walked past her. She shot the boy a smile \u2013 that smile \u2013 the one that made Angel\u2019s chest tighten with complete and utter *want* for her. He slumped in his seat, feeling low.<\/p>\n

Something shifted in the air, the quickening of a heartbeat and the faint, sweet scent of fear. Angel lunged out of his seat with preternatural speed when Cordy stumbled, dropping the file in her hand as the vision racked through her body. He caught her before she hit the ground, cradling her in his arms like the precious cargo she was.<\/p>\n

Wesley came running out of his office, a pen and paper in his hand while Gunn went in search of Cordy\u2019s pills and a glass of water. Cordelia shook violently, grasping his arms and digging her nails in as her face contorted in pain. She cried out and Angel struggled to keep a hold on her as her body convulsed, legs and arms flailing briefly \u2013 and then it stopped.<\/p>\n

A deafening silence filled the air. Cordy whimpered, pressing her palm against her forehead, a soft hissing sound escaping from between gritted teeth. She buried deeper into Angel\u2019s arms, her forehead resting against his chest as she sucked in lungfuls of air, taking a moment to compose herself.<\/p>\n

Angel pressed the tiniest of kisses to the top of her head, brushing her hair away from her face. He cupped her cheek, her skin warm against his own as he held her tight, offering her comfort in the only way he knew how.<\/p>\n

The visions were getting worse, and they were beginning to take their toll on the courageous young woman. She\u2019d deny it, he knew, and she\u2019d never let him take them away but Angel wasn\u2019t blind \u2013 Cordelia\u2019s health was deteriorating. He swallowed. He couldn\u2019t lose her.<\/p>\n

His arms tightened around her and for a beat, she returned the embrace. Then, as though remembering their earlier argument, she pulled away sharply. Angel frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you see, Cordy?\u201d Wesley asked, just as Gunn handed Cordy her pills.<\/p>\n

\u201cVampires.\u201d Cordy managed, swallowing the pills and sipping her water. \u201cA gang of four. One\u2019s newly risen.\u201d She swallowed. \u201cHe\u2019s hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unable to help himself, Angel rubbed slow, soothing circles over her back, grateful when she didn\u2019t pull away.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere?\u201d Wes asked gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlley behind a convenience store.\u201d Cordy rubbed her forehead, recalling details from vivid imagery. \u201cNear St John\u2019s cemetery.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn our way.\u201d Gunn stood, squeezing her shoulder. \u201cWe\u2019ll get rid of that vision hangover in no time.\u201d Wesley followed him to the weapons cabinet, pulling out several stakes and a crossbow.<\/p>\n

Angel curled his fingers around Cordelia\u2019s hand, helping her to her feet and into a chair. \u201cHey,\u201d He bent slightly, looking her in the eye. \u201cYou gonna be alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d She said shortly, leaning her head on her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cCordy,\u201d He whispered, sliding his fingers under her chin and tipping it up when she didn\u2019t look at him. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d Her eyes narrowed in confusion and he continued. \u201cAbout before.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at him. Her eyes softened then and she sighed. \u201cIt\u2019s okay. I know you\u2019re just looking out for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel merely nodded, his throat clogged with emotion, not trusting himself to say anything else.<\/p>\n

Cordelia licked her lips, pushing up against the handles of the chair and standing. She ran a hand through her hair. \u201cI have to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should stay here.\u201d Angel said, wanting to see her when he got back. \u201cIf you\u2019re not feeling well – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t.\u201d Cordy cut him off, grabbing her jacket with a trembling hand. \u201cDate, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t think – \u201d<\/p>\n

Wesley glanced up, speaking at the same time. \u201cCordy, perhaps you shouldn\u2019t – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t.\u201d Cordelia glared them both into silence, drawing her jacket around her. \u201cI\u2019m not cancelling.\u201d She cracked a smile, touching Wesley\u2019s arm as she walked past him. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn reached for his own jacket. \u201cCall us if you need anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d Cordy smiled at him. Then she opened the main doors and walked out into the night.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Angel coughed, blinking yellow eyes as dust settled around him. One down, three to go. He turned swiftly, watching as Gunn punched a vampire in the jaw. Wesley was pressed against the alley wall, a vampire\u2019s hands coiled tightly around his neck.<\/p>\n

Angel lunged forward, allowing the anger simmering beneath the surface of his skin to engulf him as he grabbed the vampire by his shirt, yanking him away from his friend. The creature flew through the air, smacking into the adjacent wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d Wesley said, breathlessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem.\u201d Angel muttered, flipping his stake between his fingers. The vampire recovered, breaking into a sprint as he came forward. Angel ducked a punch, elbowing him in the stomach. He shoved the vampire hard, sending him stumbling a few feet back. Before he had the chance to recover, the stake was slammed forcefully into his chest. The vampire screeched, exploding in a cloud of dust.<\/p>\n

Gunn rammed his stake home, finishing off the third vampire. \u201cWhere the hell did the newbie go?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesley retrieved his crossbow from the ground, levelling it as his eyes darted around the alley. \u201cHe can\u2019t be far.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel took a deep, unneeded breath, eyes widening. He spun around in time to have the creature plough in to him. Angel fell backwards, taking the vampire with him as he kicked up, throwing him over his shoulder. He scrambled to his feet, relaxing when Wesley\u2019s crossbow whooshed through the air, penetrating the vampire\u2019s back, killing him instantly.<\/p>\n

Dust swirled between them in the dark, foul smelling alleyway and Angel pocketed his stake with the overwhelming urge to go home and have an hour-long session with his punching bag.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat oughta get rid of any vision aftermath.\u201d Gunn said with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Wes agreed, adjusting his collar from where the vampire had stretched it. \u201cI wonder how her date\u2019s going. She certainly didn\u2019t look well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn shrugged. \u201cI thought she looked hot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesley shot him a sharp look. \u201cYou know what I mean – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe should have stayed at the hotel.\u201d Angel grumbled, stalking towards the mouth of the alley. \u201cI don\u2019t see what\u2019s so important about this date anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn and Wesley threw each other a look over his shoulder and Angel found himself stopping in his tracks, distracted by it. \u201cWhat the hell was that?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Angel turned, glowering at them. \u201cThe look.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat look? I didn\u2019t look.\u201d Gunn shrugged, though his eyes sparkled with amusement. Angel raised an eyebrow, waiting. \u201cJust interesting that you\u2019re so\u2026\u201d Gunn tapped his chin, searching for the right word. \u201cProtective.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would have used jealous.\u201d Wesley said earnestly.<\/p>\n

Gunn glanced at him. \u201cI considered it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not jealous!\u201d Angel snapped indignantly, ignoring the voice in his head that scoffed. \u201cI just\u2026you know, I only\u2026It\u2019s because – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re jealous.\u201d Gunn finished for him, grinning wickedly. \u201cSo what\u2019s going on with that anyway?\u201d Angel refused to react, staring at him blankly. \u201cBetween you and Cordy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesley crossed his arms. \u201cWell, that\u2019s hardly true.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what makes you the expert?\u201d Angel asked.<\/p>\n

Wesley scowled. \u201cWell, I have eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019ve been in a funk all night.\u201d Gunn added.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing between me and Cordelia.\u201d Angel said firmly. \u201cWe\u2019re just co-workers. Friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn raised an eyebrow. \u201cCome on. The long looks, the little smiles – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe touches, the tension – \u201d Wesley added.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to mention the shopping<\/i> *you* of all people did – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no\u2026I don\u2019t\u2026she\u2019s not\u2026\u201d Angel closed his eyes, stopping his stammering. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesley looked unconvinced but Gunn only rolled his eyes, feigning boredom. \u201cFine.\u201d He brushed past Angel. \u201cShe\u2019s outta your league anyway.\u201d He shrugged. \u201cUnless you just wanna BONE her, which you can\u2019t do anyway – \u201d<\/p>\n

The growl escaped before he could stop it. \u201cIT\u2019S NOT LIKE THAT!\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn and Wesley both swivelled to face him, startled by his sudden tantrum. They merely stared at him in shock for few seconds. Then, \u201cWhoa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh my.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Angel agreed, a little surprised by his own reaction.<\/p>\n

Gunn shook his head, \u201cYou and\u2026Cordy? You have that kinda thing for \u2013 I thought you were just crushin\u2019 man, this is HUGE!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Gunn, like you didn\u2019t already know.\u201d Wesley muttered, glancing at Angel. \u201cIt been apparent for quite some time now, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but it\u2019s a little different when you hear it from the horse\u2019s mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, I don\u2019t want to\u2026\u201d Angel trailed off, panicking slightly as he searched for the right words. \u201cThis stays between us. I mean it, you guys keep your mouths shut.\u201d He said firmly, waiting until they both nodded. He made a face. \u201cWait, am I the horse in this scenario?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesley looked at him oddly. \u201cEr\u2026right, well, perhaps we should head home. We\u2019re all tired and I\u2019m sure this evening hasn\u2019t been easy on you, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel frowned, turning his back to them as he walked towards the car at the front of the alley. \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee?\u201d Gunn said with a grim smile. \u201cThey\u2019re made for each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The punching bag had certainly been alluring but a desire far greater than violence had Angel dragging himself to Cordelia\u2019s front door after dropping Wesley home. He stopped at the top of the stairs, hesitant, not really sure why he was here but sure that he wanted to be.<\/p>\n

Part of him, the man, wanted to her be alone, so he could just *be* with her. The other part, the demon, wanted the date to be there. After all, four vampires had done nothing to calm his anger\u2026<\/p>\n

Angel cleared his throat, knocking on the door. He heard the clicking of heels against a wood floor and then it opened, revealing Cordelia, still clad in the outfit she\u2019d worn earlier that evening. She\u2019d removed her make-up, her skin radiant beneath the soft light of the passage lantern.<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel?\u201d She looked surprised, though she smiled coyly when he was unable to look away, unable to really do *anything* but just stare at her. He was certain she glowed.<\/p>\n

His gut tightened with hunger.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello.\u201d He cleared his throat when she raised an eyebrow. \u201cYou look nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks. Again.\u201d Cordy rolled her eyes. \u201cAnd you mean aside from the bags.\u201d She touched her eyelid, ran a hand through her hair. \u201cI blame vision hangovers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou always\u2026\u201d Angel bit his lip. \u201cLook beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

She shot him a small smile. \u201cWhat are you doing here, Angel?\u201d<\/p>\n

He swallowed. \u201cI just wanted to see how you were. Who<\/i> you were wi – \u201d He trailed off, losing his nerve. \u201cUm, how are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordy\u2019s eyes narrowed but she let it slide. \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d She said tiredly. \u201cThe real kinda fine, not\u2026ya know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel nodded. \u201cHow was your\u2026\u201d He choked out the word. \u201cDate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d Cordy said with a rueful smile. \u201cI wasn\u2019t all there, but he was nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d His heart burned yet Angel was aware that he\u2019d run out of excuses to stay. \u201cWell, I should probably\u2026\u201d He took a step back, turning towards the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you really come here, Angel?\u201d Cordy asked, stopping him in his tracks. He noted equal measures of hope and disappointment in her voice and it confused him beyond belief.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, I just – \u201d<\/p>\n

She gasped suddenly, interrupting him and coming forward, her hand curling around his elbow and then sliding down his arm until their fingers intertwined. \u201cAre you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel squeezed her hand. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordy pressed a palm against his shirt, warming him. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a beat, maybe two in which he simply stared at her, the softness in her eyes warming everything inside him, making his dead heart feel as though it would begin pounding with the sheer thrill of it in his chest.<\/p>\n

Her lips quirked a little. \u201cYou\u2019re staring at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

His throat was clogged and desire rocketed through him. \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was grateful right then for what he was, the sudden acceleration of Cordelia\u2019s heartbeat thrumming loudly in his ears. He caught the slow movement of her throat as she swallowed, the slight flex of her fingers in his own.<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel – \u201d<\/p>\n

He led her to the couch, guiding her onto the coffee table as he sat opposite her, the superior height of the coffee table bringing them face to face. Angel\u2019s hands wrapped tightly around Cordelia\u2019s and he pursed his lips, new to this sensation of butterflies and excitement.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d certainly been in love before, but never with someone like Cordy. Never with his very best friend.<\/p>\n

Cordelia was beginning to get impatient. \u201cAngel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something I have to tell you.\u201d He murmured, squeezing her hands. \u201cI don\u2019t really know how\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can tell me anything.\u201d Cordy said reassuringly, freeing one of her hands and rubbing his shoulder.<\/p>\n

Angel grabbed her hand, bringing it back between his own. \u201cI um\u2026I just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust?\u201d Cordy asked encouragingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026\u201d Angel ran a hand through his hair, stifling the growl that threatened to escape. God, why was this so hard?<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel, what\u2019s going on?\u201d He heard the edge in her voice before she even knew she\u2019d given herself away. He was scaring her.<\/p>\n

Maybe it was the demon in him, hell, maybe it was just the man but in displaying her own weakness, she gave him strength.<\/p>\n

\u201cCordelia, I just\u2026tonight, when you weren\u2019t there\u2026\u201d He sucked in a breath, looking up at her, his stomach turning a violent cartwheel. \u201cI just wanted to be with you. Wherever you were, whatever you were doing \u2013 I wanted to be there more than anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a stunned silence that followed his revelation, in which Cordelia\u2019s face barely registered any emotion apart from astonishment. But her breath caught in her throat, her heart quickened and began to pound and all Angel could do was stare at her, terrified and enthralled as colour began to fill her face, her eyes fluttering as she took it all in.<\/p>\n

\u201cAngel – \u201d Cordy whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cCordy – \u201d Angel interrupted her nervously, squeezing her hands. \u201cFor a long time now I feel like I\u2026that is, I think I\u2019m\u2026\u201d He swallowed hard, raising one of her hands and pressing it flat over his heart. Her eyes were wet, and his own were suddenly moist and he found it difficult to speak. \u201cI love you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordy\u2019s eyes closed and tears wet her cheeks one after another, her pulse racing as his finger slid across her wrist. He was disheartened when she pulled her hands away, placing one in her lap and swiping at her eyes with the other. When she didn\u2019t speak, he felt his stomach drop.<\/p>\n

Emotion clogged his throat. \u201cCordy – \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up.\u201d She ordered softly, her voice weary, gentle and a little amused. Angel\u2019s mouth snapped shut, his heart in his throat, his expression confused.<\/p>\n

Cordelia said nothing, but simply stared at him, her now dry eyes sparkling with something soft, tender. He opened his mouth to speak but once again, she cut him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up.\u201d She repeated in the same tone of voice, shaking her head at him affectionately. He blinked. Her eyes twinkled. \u201cYou had me at hello, Angel.\u201d A smile suddenly broke out on her face, bright and brilliant and breathtaking, and he felt borrowed air rush out of his lungs.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou had me at hello.\u201d<\/p>\n

The universe stopped. Just like that, all that was left was this moment, his trembling heart and the girl in front of him with the smile that threatened to split her face and make him burst all at once.<\/p>\n

Angel reached for her, but she was already on her way forward, crawling into his lap and palming his face, gently fusing her mouth to his. Cordy wrapped her arms around him and they sank deep into the leather of the sofa, her legs on either side of him as he kissed her hungrily, ate her mouth beneath the arched window of her home.<\/p>\n

Cordelia\u2019s hand swept across his cheek, scrunching into the soft strands of hair at his neck and holding him close to her, his own hands spanning the slim circumference of her waist as he brushed his tongue against the plump swell of her lower lip, begging entry. She opened her mouth to him and Angel deepened the kiss, pressing her willing body closer to his.<\/p>\n

He brushed his knuckles against the soft skin of her jaw, reluctantly releasing her when she pulled away to breath. She smiled against his mouth, breathing heavily. \u201cOnly human.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry.\u201d Angel murmured, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. Cordelia slid her arms around his back, pressing a closed mouth kiss to his cheek before snuggling beneath his chin, her hand resting over his heart.<\/p>\n

Angel kissed her forehead tentatively, unsure of what to do as his hands hovered over the small of her back, finally settling there. The shift between them had been so sudden, he didn\u2019t know how to react. But he certainly didn\u2019t want to ruin the moment –<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t brood, Angel.\u201d Cordy muttered, drawing patterns over his collarbone with her index finger. Her voice was tinged with unmistakable humour. \u201cIt was just a kiss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel looked down at her, a smile curling his lips. \u201cJust a kiss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMmm hmm.\u201d She sat up, her nose circling his in a shy, sweet gesture. Her eyes were vivid as they locked with his. \u201cWasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Damn. Unable to resist, he curled his fingers around the back of her neck, urging her forward and kissing her again, languidly, taking his time. Cordelia grinned as Angel nipped at her lips, giving both sufficient attention before pulling back slightly, brushing his thumb affectionately against her chin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d He smirked. \u201cThat makes it two.\u201d<\/p>\n

The End-?<\/b><\/p>\n

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

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Title: Revelations Author: Gabriella Posted: 24\/3\/06 Email Rating: PG-13 Category: Romance Content: C\/A Summary: Angel reveals his true feelings for Cordelia (Late S2,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3831","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-completed-fics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3831","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=3831"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3831\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3831"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3831"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3831"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}