Sunnydale Cemeteries, Out on Patrol<\/i><\/p>\n
Buffy outsmarted herself. Convincing Giles to come along meant that he spent the majority part of patrol monopolizing her time with slaying talk. That left Angel free to keep Cordelia company since Xander and Willow had their heads together debating about whether their school principle might actually be a demon.
\nWalking apart from the others, Angel and Cordelia talked about the Scooby Gang\u2019s reactions to her arrival. \u201cNothing less than I expected,\u201d Cordelia laughed wryly as she tugged her brown leather jacket closer around her.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you want to be here?\u201d he decided he had to ask. Last night, he really hadn\u2019t given her a choice, just told her that she needed to come.<\/p>\n
Cordelia lifted her gaze back to his, \u201cYou\u2019re here. I want to be with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Silence followed those starkly truthful words. They mirrored his own feelings to the extent that Angel recognized it instantly. Things weren\u2019t quite so simple. There was Buffy. He owed it to her to try to work things out. \u201cW-we can be friends, Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan we?\u201d Even she sounded hopeful, though the doubt in her eyes grated across his flesh leaving him raw.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will,\u201d Angel clasped her hand feeling her fingers thread through his. Touching her was a mistake, he discovered a moment later, as his body responded to that simple move. When his other hand came up to the nape of her neck, his thumb automatically swept across her jawline in a soothing motion, one touch educing the need for more.<\/p>\n
Resolutely nodding, Cordelia repeated that vow of determination, \u201cWe will.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two cemeteries later, patrol had basically been uneventful with the exception of a single fledgling quickly staked by the slayer. Angel and Cordelia spent most of the time talking. It was something that Cordelia was comfortable with and the vampire found himself doing most of the listening as she chatted about an array of subjects that made his head spin just to think about.<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t what Cordelia said, but the way she said things that kept his rapt attention. Her openness in talking to him just like he was any other man and not the demon who backed the group up on patrol was something he\u2019d never experienced before, except from Buffy who tried to ignore the fact that he was a vampire.<\/p>\n
Cordelia knew him fangs and all, yet wanted to be with him. Not only to be in his physical sphere, but more than that, as lovers instead of just friends. There was no hiding that and she made no attempt to do so.<\/p>\n
Angel wanted that too. He wanted it so badly, the need rattled inside him. More than one reason existed for it, he was beginning to realize, but he could not act upon them as long as he was still technically tied to the slayer. Tamping down his need, Angel suggested they catch up with the others. They were lagging behind and he could tell by glancing at Buffy that she was onto something.<\/p>\n
Focusing, he could sense it himself. \u201cTrouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
After a few more minutes of walking deeper into Restfield Cemetery, they discovered things were anything but restful there tonight. Buffy turned to the group, her bright eyes sharp and focused. \u201cEnough chitty-chat,\u201d she narrowed that gaze on Angel long enough to note he still had hold of Cordelia\u2019s hand. \u201cTime to get down to business. Vampire business.\u201d<\/p>\n
Several vampires were gathered outside of a large crypt. They were in the process of carrying furniture into the stone building, obviously setting up their nest. Positioned downwind, the gang had the added advantage of being hidden behind an iron fence with shrubbery lined along the borders. Buffy tallied up their adversaries and knew who was going to come out on top in this scenario\u2026and it wasn\u2019t the vamps.<\/p>\n
Still, it would be better to draw them out into the open rather than take the chance of someone getting trapped in a corner of the crypt. Glancing over her shoulder, she gave Cordelia an expectant stare. \u201cTime to do your thing, Cor.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBait Girl at your service,\u201d chirped Cordelia without hesitation. She knew what would happen on patrol. Other than keeping Xander company, this was her major role with the group and she didn\u2019t shirk from it.<\/p>\n
\u201cForget it,\u201d growled Angel stepping between Cordelia and Buffy. \u201cIt\u2019s too dangerous. We\u2019re not talking one or two vampires, Buffy. She\u2019ll have to get pretty damn close to get them all to follow her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy wondered if she\u2019d ever heard Angel talk more than he had tonight. Realizing that he had never protested Cordelia\u2019s appointed task before now, she knew that it had everything to do with the fact that they\u2019d slept together. He was all protective over her. Wanted her with him because it was where she \u2018belonged\u2019\u2026and Buffy figured he wasn\u2019t only saying that Cor had been part of the Scooby Gang. Not that Buffy had ever really counted her as one of them.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoa, Big Guy,\u201d Cordelia moved from behind him. \u201cThis is what I do. It may suck in comparison to being a Chosen One, but I\u2019m great vampire bait.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel had to agree with that assessment, but he still didn\u2019t want her out there. \u201cYou stay here. Buffy and I will take the lead.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNuh-uh! You asked me to be here, Angel. I\u2019m doing my part,\u201d Cordelia insisted with an irritated expression on her face. While the protective vibes gave her a soft, mushy feminine feeling, they also set off her independence radar. \u201cMister Macho Vamp and Little Miss Likes to Fight will have to wait their turns.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reprimanded, Angel flashed her a look that reminded her of a kicked puppy dog all cute and cuddly, in pain, but still loving the one who\u2019d hurt it. The frown on her face vanished instantaneously into a quick smile. Angel figured he could have taken care of the vampires already if they hadn\u2019t been standing around trying to decide on the plan. \u201cJust be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel circled around, keeping to the shadows and seeking out a better position. He noted that the others were doing the same as Cordelia waited until they found a spot before heading toward the crypt. A knot of discontent tightened up in his gut as he watched her approach. When she called out to the vampires, making up a completely ridiculous excuse for being in the cemetery, they wasted no time in dropping what they were doing.<\/p>\n
Cordelia was still talking at a hundred miles an hour when Angel noticed that a stray vampire was headed directly for her from a different angle. Though Xander was in a better position, the boy was too busy watching Cordelia to notice the other vamp, so Angel darted out from the shadows running at full speed to reach her just as Cordelia was grabbed from behind.<\/p>\n
A scream sounded from Cordelia as she hit the ground right along with Angel and her attacker. Vamped out and growling, Angel yanked the other vampire off of her and proceeded to make him extremely sorry he ever laid a finger on Cordelia Chase. The other vampires moved to intervene, but Buffy and the gang jumped into the fray before they could reach them.<\/p>\n
With her ultra-awareness skills, Buffy kept up with her own opponents, the position of her friends as they fought and from the periphery of her vision noted that Angel was pummeling Cordelia\u2019s attacker into a bloody pulp. She had no time to say what was on her mind during the melee, but Buffy filed the thoughts away promising herself a little one-on-one time with Angel as soon as patrol came to an end.<\/p>\n
After a flurry of punches, Angel swept his leg out to knock the vamp to the ground where he attempted to scramble away. Grabbing the young vampire with two hands fisted into the lapels of his denim jacket and yanking him to his feet again, Angel put his face within two inches of the broken nose and bruised jaw to snarl, \u201cGoing somewhere?\u201d<\/p>\n
Seeing only that he wasn\u2019t about to be rescued by his brethren, the vampire tried to make a deal. \u201cHey, dude, I\u2019m willing to share.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not,\u201d Angel returned as he wrapped a thickly muscled arm around the scrawny neck. Twisting it until the bones shattered, the vampire exploded into a cloud of dark dust.<\/p>\n
Still in shock from the surprise attack and being knocked to the ground, Cordelia hadn\u2019t moved except to hold a hand to her throat. Then Angel was on his knees next to her prying her hand away so he could see what damage had been done. \u201cCordy, let me see it. Did he bite you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Thinking about it for a second, Cordelia shook her head, \u201cNo, but he slimed me with his gross, evil tongue.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel couldn\u2019t help but laugh as he gathered her into his arms, tucking her head into his shoulder and hugging tight. After a few seconds, he reluctantly moved back to help her to her feet. \u201cSorry about the tackle. It was the only way to get him off you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s okay. I wasn\u2019t up for a new set of fang marks tonight,\u201d Cordelia\u2019s comment made him think of the ones she already possessed.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy bite scarred?\u201d he asked curiously. Actually, it was more that mere curiosity. It was just seeking confirmation of something he already suspected.<\/p>\n
Cordelia felt the slid of his hand over the curve of her bottom and his touch seemed to burn through the surface of her pants. \u201cDuh! Of course it did.\u201d<\/p>\n
A yelp sounded closer to the crypt where Xander and Willow were tag-teaming one of the vampires, but having a rough time. Having been distracted with watching Angel, the slayer hadn\u2019t dusted her usual quota. She and Giles were occupied too far away to intervene. Realizing that he\u2019d all but forgotten the rest of them because he was so caught up in ensuring that Cordelia was safe, Angel told her to stay put and ran to the rescue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat,\u201d Giles told them after the fight was over, \u201cwas hardly a well-executed attack. Buffy, consider what went wrong here and we\u2019ll discuss it tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Buffy sighed while tucking her stake back into her pocket. Her green eyes on Angel who was back at Cordelia\u2019s side this time with Xander and Willow, she added, \u201cLots of stuff wrong stuff here tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Striding over to them, Buffy tugged at the elbow of Angel\u2019s jacket to get his attention as he was still focused on the brunette. \u201cWalk me home. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy wasn\u2019t taking no for an answer. She half expected him to protest saying that he needed to make sure Cordelia arrived home and was tucked safely into her bed before he did anything else. To her surprise, Angel readily agreed. \u201cOkay, Buffy. I think Rupert can make sure Cordy gets back to her car. We can cut across the cemetery and take Greystone Avenue to get to Revello Drive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, good,\u201d Buffy frowned at the fast response.<\/p>\n
Then Angel turned back to Cordelia, \u201cThat okay with you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Seeing the expression on Buffy\u2019s face, Cordelia figured she didn\u2019t want to be within a hundred yards of the slayer when she said whatever was brewing behind that intense gaze. \u201cAbsolutely. Guess I\u2019ll see you guys tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander took the opportunity to ask Cordelia, \u201cYou okay, Cor? I didn\u2019t see that vamp coming. Good thing Angel got to you first.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d she agreed trying not to peek over her shoulder to see what Buffy and Angel were doing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought you were a goner,\u201d Willow sucked in a deep breath and let it all out. \u201cThen we were fighting and I screamed and Angel came and then it was fine after that, so gosh am I glad that he was here tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia commented, \u201cI\u2019m sure Buffy would have saved you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure,\u201d agreed Xander in quick defense of the slayer. \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t have let him lead us back toward the crypt like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was just one of our mistakes,\u201d Giles pointed out as they walked toward the edge of the cemetery. \u201cMine was in allowing Cordelia to put herself in danger before we established a better perimeter.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLive and learn,\u201d quipped Cordelia. \u201cI\u2019m especially partial to the living part.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
1630 Revello Drive<\/i><\/p>\n
They\u2019d walked in silence all the way back to Buffy\u2019s house. Not anything unusual. A lot of their time together was spent without saying a word. It had been quiet and comforting just being in each other\u2019s presence. Now it simply felt like the calm before the storm, a build-up of something that had been brewing over the past month.<\/p>\n
Buffy stopped on the front lawn and swerving around abruptly demanded answers to her questions. The first of which was, \u201cWhat the heck were you doing back there? It wasn\u2019t necessary to tenderize that vamp like raw meat before dusting him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was attacking Cordy.\u201d What other reason did he need except that? \u201cMaybe I got a little angry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA little,\u201d Buffy barked at the understatement. \u201cIf I didn\u2019t know better, I would have thought it was Angelus. You went all fang face and demony.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s voice dipped low, \u201cJust me. That\u2019s who I am, Buffy. The soul doesn\u2019t change the fact that I\u2019m a vampire. Would you rather I have let the creep bite Cordelia?\u201d<\/p>\n
Quiet for a moment as she digested that response, Buffy pointed out, \u201cXander was closer. He could have saved her.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHarris needed to move his ass a little faster or at least take his eyes off Cordelia to realize that the attack was coming,\u201d he tried to swallow the growl that rose from his chest at the idea the boy had been staring a little too closely.<\/p>\n
With her arms crossed over her chest, Buffy countered, \u201cLike you could keep your eyes to yourself? Or your hands, for that matter. I saw you groping Cordelia\u2019s butt.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel didn\u2019t have an explanation to give her other than the obvious and it probably wouldn\u2019t go over well to tell her that he\u2019d marked Cordelia, especially considering the location. He could only apologize for letting her see that. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Buffy. This isn\u2019t anything I ever imagined happening, but Cordelia and I share a connection that isn\u2019t going away.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA connection,\u201d Buffy clenched her teeth. \u201cIs that what you call it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n
The hard gleam in her eyes softened as tears welled up glistening in their unshed form. \u201cSo tell me. I need to hear it, Angel. I think I deserve that much.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, you do,\u201d he agreed softly still feeling the need to protect her even from his own words. Especially considering how much his words had hurt her in the recent past. \u201cI can\u2019t pretend that I don\u2019t have feelings for Cordelia. Things have been conflicted the past couple of days. I don\u2019t know where we stand anymore, Buffy. The things I said to you when the soul was gone and the way you reacted, I\u2019m not sure if we can get back to where we were before.\u201d<\/p>\n
Surprising him with her equal candor Buffy admitted, \u201cNeither am I. Angel, I\u2019m not even sure that I want too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her words shook him. Angel hadn\u2019t been expecting Buffy to say that. He felt a flash of anger that she would even think about ending their relationship, his demon nature kicking in to hold onto anything remotely his own. Relief followed just as swiftly as he realized what it might allow if Buffy decided to release him from his promise to her.<\/p>\n
Speechless, he tried to come up with something appropriate to say, but Buffy beat him to the punch. \u201cIf I really thought Angelus was someone else\u2026a totally separate person from you, I don\u2019t think it would matter. I could deal somehow. Pretend that everything you said and did was someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe thing I said to you\u2026I wish I could take them back,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey weren\u2019t lies,\u201d Buffy realized. \u201cThe truth hurt more. I\u2019d give anything to have it all go back to the way it was, but I can\u2019t forget what happened. I can\u2019t just brush it off.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve never accepted the fact that I\u2019m a vampire,\u201d Angel told her. \u201cNot really. I\u2019m only sorry you had to deal with me at my worst.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a nod of agreement, Buffy said, \u201cMe too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Staring at each other for a drawn-out moment, Angel finally got out a plea, \u201cBuffy\u2026 end it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, it\u2019s already over,\u201d Buffy\u2019s tears finally started to fall. Feeling guilty, he moved to hug her, but the slayer held him off with a hand pressed against his chest. \u201cDon\u2019t. I can\u2019t deal with it right now. Later. Tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou still want me to come tomorrow?\u201d Frankly, that surprised him. Reminding her, \u201cI won\u2019t be alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy nodded, \u201cOh, I remember the terms. You stay and so does Cordelia. I won\u2019t pretend to like it, Angel, but I\u2019m not stupid. You\u2019re the best fighter I\u2019ve got when you\u2019re not distracted and despite everything I know you\u2019re still on my side.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Chase Residence, Cordelia\u2019s Private Sitting Room<\/i><\/p>\n
Wearing a pair of her comfy pajamas, Cordelia was curled up on the couch in her en-suite sitting room. With the exception of a kitchen, the second-story wing was nearly a self-sufficient living space. Randomly flipping through the television channels, she finally settled on a rerun on Nick at Night and tossed the remote onto the cushion next to her.<\/p>\n
The program with its boisterous laugh track did nothing to grab her interest. Cordelia was too hyped up by the events during patrol. Thinking about Angel came as natural as breathing now and her thoughts all too easily turned to him. Her body tensed up, shivered and ached all at once, responding like he was there in front of her.<\/p>\n
Then Cordelia realized the feeling wasn\u2019t going away and the sudden urge to look over her shoulder creeped her out a little, but she followed her instincts looking toward the door. Finding Angel leaning against the doorframe should have shocked her, but it didn\u2019t feel that way. She was actually a little relieved to find him standing there.<\/p>\n
\u201cI couldn\u2019t stay away any longer,\u201d Angel told her before she could say anything.<\/p>\n
Nice to know that he wanted her, but Cordelia already knew that. \u201cWhat about B\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s over,\u201d he answered simply as he straightened up and stepped further into the room.<\/p>\n
Cordelia tucked her legs a little closer to her body. Reeling, her mind repeated that word like a broken record until it tripped from her lips, \u201cOver? So you came here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Over. What did that mean, exactly? Cordelia needed clarification. Like now. \u201cAm I supposed to comfort you? Help you get over it? Just so you know up front, Cordelia Chase is nobody\u2019s second best. I\u2019m not the consolation prize.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rumbling in protest, Angel told her, \u201cThere\u2019s nothing further from the truth. And you know it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo I?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat does your heart say, Cordy? I know your body has something to tell you because it speaks to mine.\u201d Standing by the couch, Angel picked up the remote and pushed a button turning the television off. \u201cI recall you left me an invitation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo\u2026you\u2019re here.\u201d Cordelia\u2019s heart picked up speed as she realized that Angel would never lie to her about breaking up with Buffy. Nor was he exaggerating the fact that she ached for him. It was a feeling that had only grown stronger since the night his soul was returned and they came face to face again.<\/p>\n
Angel felt his groin tighten at the anticipation brightening Cordelia\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happens next?\u201d Cordelia had to ask. She wondered if this was just going to be a repeat of the night she spent with Angelus or if it meant something more. There were a thousand questions buzzing around in her head.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe talk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Talking hadn\u2019t really been on her list of expectations, Cordelia admitted to herself as he sat down next to her. Angel put his arm on the back of the couch; she instantly scooted to his side snuggling against him and tilting her face up to his. They shared a soft, slow kiss tender and full of emotion and when Cordelia moved to deepen it, Angel reluctantly pulled back.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want there to be surprises between us, Cordy,\u201d he said caressing the line of her collar bone peeking from her pajama tank top.<\/p>\n
Not really certain where he was going with that, Cordelia assured him, \u201cI kinda like surprises.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a vampire,\u201d he stressed. \u201cThere are things you need to know if this is going to go any further. Once I make love to you again, there\u2019s no turning back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, I already know that want to be with you. I think that I…It\u2019s more than just wanting you,\u201d Cordelia admitted without fully understanding exactly what it was she was feeling. She was still stuck on the thought that Angel planned to make love to her.<\/p>\n
Wondering what her reaction would be, Angel knew he needed to tell her there was a reason for it. \u201cCordelia that bite wasn\u2019t just a nibble.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou said it was a love bite,\u201d she remembered Angelus looking confused about it.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was,\u201d he told her. \u201cI claimed you as mine. Left my mark.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s brow furrowed, \u201cOh.\u201d This was supposed to upset her? Besides the leaving of a scar part, that is.<\/p>\n
Continuing, Angel informed her of the conclusion he had come to over the last couple of days. \u201cNormally, my tasting your blood in such a small way wouldn\u2019t do anything, but you also bit me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo?\u201d Cordelia commented, \u201cYou so deserved that. We had a no biting deal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou thought you had a deal,\u201d Angel smirked at the memory then realized it wasn\u2019t so funny.<\/p>\n
Insisting, she huffed, \u201cDid too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngelus would never make that deal,\u201d he told her quite honestly. Then realizing he was talking about himself in the third person, corrected, \u201cI wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s with the cryptic, Angel? You bit me, I bit you. Are you trying to tell me that means something more than the fact that I won\u2019t be wearing a thong bikini any time soon?\u201d Arching an eyebrow, she waited for his response.<\/p>\n
Nodding, Angel explained, \u201cWe have a connection, Cordelia. The more time we spend together, the stronger it\u2019s going to get. Every instinct I have tells me that you\u2019re mine and I want it to stay that way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia sat back a little, staring at him with equal parts excitement, wonderment and fear. This was a little\u2026or a lot\u2026beyond what she was expecting. Dump the slayer and start dating her was more along the lines of her imagination. Honestly, she had not expected that much.<\/p>\n
Once the initial shock was over, Cordelia confessed, \u201cMe too. I want that too, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBe sure, Cordy,\u201d he pleaded with a soft groan. \u201cUnderstand that I\u2019m not talking about one more night of pleasure. I want you at my side. Tonight, tomorrow and all the days and nights to follow.\u201d<\/p>\n
A sunny grin lit her face as Cordelia flung her arms around his shoulders. Then she laughed softly in his ear telling him, \u201cThat\u2019s a little heavy considering this is only going to be our second time together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel felt her warmth seep into his skin wrapping him up and surrounding him in her scent. \u201cIs it? I thought I counted a few more times than that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brushing her cheek along side his, Cordelia met Angel\u2019s melting gaze confessing with a mischievous laugh, \u201cI\u2019m tired of talking, Angel. Show me what it\u2019s like to be yours. Again.\u201d<\/p>\n