{"id":5501,"date":"2015-07-15T17:20:40","date_gmt":"2015-07-15T16:20:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/?p=5501"},"modified":"2015-07-15T17:20:53","modified_gmt":"2015-07-15T16:20:53","slug":"santas-gift","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/2015\/07\/15\/santas-gift\/","title":{"rendered":"Santa\u2019s Gift."},"content":{"rendered":"

Title: Santa\u2019s Gift<\/b>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/a>\"SaGi<\/a>
\nAuthor: <\/b>Lysa
\nPosted: <\/b>Dec 05
\n<\/a>Email<\/b><\/a>
\nRating: <\/b>R
\nCategory: <\/b>Christmas Ficlet
\nContent: <\/b>C\/A
\nSummary: <\/b>Cordy & Angel receive a mysterious gift from Santa
\nSpoilers: <\/b>AtS Season Three-ish in my little Christmassy realm after Waiting in the Wings, but without Groo or Holtz around.
\nDisclaimer: <\/b>The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
\nDistribution: <\/b>Angel\u2019s Archive, Go Team and Just Fic.
\nNotes: <\/b>
\nThanks\/Dedication:<\/b>
\nFeedback:<\/b>My stocking is hung by the chimney with care. If you have feedback, please leave it there. Make it sweet like Christmas candy. Helpful hints are fine & dandy.<\/p>\n

\n

Santa\u2019s Gift<\/b><\/p>\n

Despite the last-minute vision prior to the Angel\u2019s Investigations Christmas party, things were going precisely as Cordelia planned.<\/p>\n

She\u2019d counted on there being at least one interruption\u2014 since history spoke for itself and they never got to celebrate anything without a random demon attack or an apocalypse crashing their fun.<\/p>\n

So far, it seemed that the PTB were granting her wish for a peaceful party. Lorne was singing Christmas tunes and dancing with anyone in arms reach. His latest victim was Wesley who was not overly amused at being dipped.<\/p>\n

Forced to clasp Lorne\u2019s shoulders, he stared up into mischievous twinkling red eyes as he drolly responded, \u201cWould you mind? I prefer to lead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred twirled past them with Connor in her arms. The two-month-old was alert and bright-eyed as his \u2018Aunty Fred\u2019 bounced him to the music.<\/p>\n

\u201cCareful,\u201d Angel sounded out a cautionary note from the sofa where he was in the middle of a videogame battle with Gunn. Keeping an eye on his son and defeating his opponent was tricky multitasking even for a vampire.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s fine,\u201d Cordelia swatted Angel\u2019s arm. \u201cDon\u2019t be so overprotective.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, you made me miss,\u201d Angel grumbled.<\/p>\n

Cordelia rolled her eyes. Soothing ruffled feathers, she rubbed her hand in a wide circle across his back as he leaned forward, elbows braced on his knees and game controller in hand. Angel glanced over his shoulder awarding her with the warmth of a rare smile.<\/p>\n

Then glancing toward the dance floor, he added, \u201cI was talking to Lorne. You\u2019ve seen Wes dance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re one to talk, Twinkle Toes.\u201d Cordelia laughed at the memories that popped into her head. Firstly, of his spastic dance at the party at her apartment and then going further back to their awkwardly slow dance at the Bronze.<\/p>\n

An on-screen explosion sounded followed by Gunn\u2019s triumphant shout. Standing, he raised his arms over his head, \u201cWinner and undefeated champion, ladies and gentleman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia watched annoyance replace Angel\u2019s smile. \u201cThat one doesn\u2019t count,\u201d she told Gunn. \u201cHe was distracted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were also cheering for him,\u201d Gunn pointed out Fred and the baby, \u201cwhile my woman\u2019s spending time with another guy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Angel and Cordelia were startled by the way he said it, suggesting Cordelia was Angel\u2019s woman who stayed by his side to cheer for him in battle. With a slow blink, Cordy realized that she was curled up next to him on the couch, her hand still touching his back.<\/p>\n

Hearing them, Fred waved Connor\u2019s little hand in his direction. \u201cGo Charles!\u201d she grinned and kept dancing to the Christmassy tune.<\/p>\n

Snatching her hand away, Cordelia rose from the couch to argue, \u201cI was cheering for both of you, whichever one was behind. Obviously, he\u2014,\u201d she pointed directly at Angel, \u201cneeded more cheering.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Gunn nodded as if he actually believed it. \u201cIt\u2019s Christmas, so I\u2019ll take that. We\u2019ll have a rematch later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Holding out his fist, Gunn waited until Angel got the hint and pressed his knuckles to his. The vamp had changed a lot in the short time they\u2019d known each other. It was pretty clear to Gunn that Cordelia was responsible.<\/p>\n

Though he wasn\u2019t 100% on the idea of those two hooking up, some things were just inevitable. He hoped they\u2019d buy a clue sooner rather than later because they both deserved some happiness. Though not too<\/i> much if English was right about the curse thing.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, if being distracted by Cordelia threw off the vamp\u2019s game just enough to slow down those superhuman reflexes, Gunn figured he\u2019d call it even.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow I think I\u2019m gonna hit the dance floor,\u201d Gunn told them smiling across the room at his girlfriend.<\/p>\n

The song that had been playing ended. \u201cI think I\u2019ll sit the next one out,\u201d Wesley practically dashed over to the couch to escape the dance-happy demon. Sinking down into the spot vacated by Gunn, he scowled up at Cordy. \u201cThe next time you ask me to get you some punch, please don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d Cordelia tossed her head back and laughed at him. \u201cYou didn\u2019t bring me any.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wes glanced over to where Lorne was now making slow circles around the room with the baby in his arms. \u201cI was a bit distracted when waylaid by our dancing demon.\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes strayed over to Fred who was now encircled by Gunn\u2019s arms, her head nestled against his chest as they swayed more than danced to the tune playing on the radio. Heartache held him tightly in its grip as he watched them together. Though seeing Fred happy made things tolerable, it was painful to him, even now.<\/p>\n

When Cordelia narrow her gaze upon him, Wes figured she\u2019d caught him staring at Fred. He\u2019d been grateful for her advice about striking while the iron was hot. It had unfortunately come too late. She\u2019d tried to make up for her mistake by being less argumentative with him, but that lasted less than half a day.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou had fun, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Wes answered stubbornly as he noticed Angel seemed to be enjoying the conversation. Sitting cross-armed, he wore an amused smirk that reminded Wes of Angelus. \u201cYou try keeping up with that whirling dervish.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel merely arched a brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it was a bit of fun,\u201d Wes stubbornly conceded. Then devising a brilliant plan to get them out of his hair, \u201cYou two should<\/i> try it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia\u2019s jaw dropped, \u201cDance\u2026with Angel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t dance,\u201d came the expected rejoinder.<\/p>\n

Then Cordy\u2019s attention immediately turned to Angel. Irked, \u201cYou dance. Badly, but you do dance. So what you really mean is that you won\u2019t dance with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel bounded off of the couch, standing in front of Cordelia and sputtering for an answer that didn\u2019t make him sound like an idiot. Listening in for a moment, Wes gave himself a mental pat on the back now that he was no longer the focus of the conversation.<\/p>\n

Those two were easy targets lately.<\/p>\n

Actually, it was worrisome just how easily they seemed to rub each other the wrong way. Or the right way, Wes frowned at the thought. Despite the dark days of Angel\u2019s beige period, and more recently the revelation of Darla\u2019s pregnancy and Connor\u2019s birth, his two friends were closer than ever.<\/p>\n

More and more, they seemed to be forming their own little family within the larger one which contained all of them.<\/p>\n

Love was a given, Wes knew because they all felt it, but as Angel took Cordelia\u2019s hand to lead her to their makeshift dance floor he could tell that there was more to it. This went way beyond simple friendship and the love friends share.<\/p>\n

Wesley gulped as he watched Angel\u2019s hand close around her waist, pulling Cordelia closer than was probably necessary. She wrapped her arm around his neck, her cheek tucked against his shoulder.<\/p>\n

Alarm bells were sounding in Wesley\u2019s head. This was bad, potentially terrible, as a matter of point. He knew that he should say something to break this up. Surely he wasn\u2019t the only one to notice what was developing between these two.<\/p>\n

Why hadn\u2019t the others said something to warn him of the danger? He glanced at Fred and Gunn again, but that did nothing to settle his nerves. Fred was simply watching Cordy and Angel with a contented smile. Was that because of them or because she was dancing with Gunn, wondered Wes.<\/p>\n

Lorne was no help. Surely there had been signs that the anagogic demon was able to detect. He, too, wore a satisfied smirk on his face as he watched the pair dancing. Though Lorne was apparently aware of Wesley\u2019s reaction because he sent a shrug his way before turning back to whisper something into the baby\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

Even Connor gurgled happily.<\/p>\n

Oh, dear. Wesley rubbed a hand over his stubbled jaw. This was not the time to lecture Angel on the hazards of getting too intimate with someone he loved. It was Christmas, after all and Cordelia had spent innumerable hours planning and preparing for this party. For once, things seemed to be going without a hitch.<\/p>\n

Tomorrow would surely be soon enough to have a little chat with Angel. It would take a little longer to figure out how to broach the subject with Cordelia without ending up emasculated in the process for interfering. As for now, there was only one thing to do: relax and try some of that punch.<\/p>\n

With everyone else occupied, Wes made a beeline for the front desk which served as their banquet table. Cordelia had found a silver punch bowl and matching cups in a storage room off the kitchen which was located in a previously locked section of the hotel. N<\/p>\n

ow polished, it looked like new. A red fruity concoction filled the bowl, orange slices floating along its surface.<\/p>\n

The countertop itself was covered in a white linen cloth. Several party trays were laid out across it full of little finger foods. Wes knew that Cordelia had no time to spend hours fixing food and thank goodness for that. No doubt she\u2019d arranged for catering and charged it to the office as a business expense.<\/p>\n

He was still snacking when the radio announcer switched over to a commercial as the song ended. Fred and Gunn walked hand in hand as they joined him by the punchbowl.<\/p>\n

Wesley noted that Cordelia and Angel had yet to stop dancing. Swaying to music only they could hear, they remained locked in each other\u2019s arms. Oh, dear. Wes knew he had his work cut out for him. Deciding he\u2019d better risk it, he called out to Cordelia, \u201cI have your punch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Next to him, Fred muttered a warning, \u201cYou\u2019ll be the one gettin\u2019 a punch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long have you known about those two?\u201d Wes whispered.<\/p>\n

Fred shrugged reaching for the cheese and crackers, \u201cSince Pylea, I suppose, but I\u2019ve watched them training. Now that Connor\u2019s here, that just about makes things perfect.\u201d
\n\u201cPerfect?\u201d Wes\u2019 furious whispering was getting louder. He paused to swallow a gulp of punch as if expecting it to have the same kick as pure alcohol, or wishing it would. \u201cYou mean dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n

He hissed the last word perhaps a little too loudly because it drew a strange look from Angel as they approached. Wes wondered just how much the vampire had overheard. With any luck, he\u2019d been too distracted by Cordelia.<\/p>\n

\u201cDangerous?\u201d Angel asked seriously. \u201cSomething wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wes plastered a smile on his face when Cordelia\u2019s rosy-cheeked glow faded at the suggestion that something might interrupt their holiday party. \u201cI haven\u2019t had a vision, so whatever it is can wait until tomorrow.\u201d She paused a beat or two, then asked, \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cN-no! I was just saying that this punch is so good that you hardly notice there\u2019s alcohol in it,\u201d Wes stumbled to find an excuse. \u201cDrinking too much of it could be dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel and Cordelia stared back for a long, anxious moment before releasing sighs of relief. \u201cOh, is that all? Hey! That one\u2019s mine.\u201d Cordy grabbed the cup before Wes could lift it to his lips. \u201cI\u2019ve had enough Wes cooties to last a lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe little one is starting to get sleepy,\u201d Lorne stepped up to had Connor back to his daddy.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I should put him to bed.\u201d Angel started toward the stairs. \u201cIt\u2019s way too late for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia reminded him, \u201cWe haven\u2019t opened the presents. He can\u2019t miss that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s only two months old,\u201d Angel pointed out that Connor wouldn\u2019t remember it.<\/p>\n

Stepping up close, Cordy ran her fingertips over the fine fuzz on Connor\u2019s head, a soft smile on her face as she looked at the drowsy baby. \u201cAngel, you\u2019ll remember for him. He should stay with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her hand drifted down Connor\u2019s back, warm as its whisper touch passed over his hand holding the baby to clasp his arm. The love in those words made him long for many more nights where they fell asleep in his bed with the baby between them. And even more, without the baby.<\/p>\n

Angel also He felt a deep need to kiss the woman he\u2014 dammit, there was never any mistletoe around when he needed it. Suppressing the urge to shock the hell out of her and everyone else, Angel settled on putting his hand on the small of her back as they walked toward the Christmas tree.<\/p>\n

With Connor sleeping peacefully in his carrier everyone settled around the tree. Lorne sat on the couch so as not to get his clothes wrinkled. The others took their positions on the floor. Cordy pulled a Santa hat from its resting spot on the table and propped it on her own head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m in charge of handing out the presents,\u201d she announced the rules. \u201cWe all get to open one before starting on the next round. Wes, you\u2019re Camera Guy,\u201d Cordy slapped a disposable camera box into his hand.<\/p>\n

The gift opening commenced. Some presents were funny, some practical, others were sweet or thoughtful. Angel and Cordy took turns opening Connor\u2019s presents. The baby slept on despite the noise of their chatter and the Christmas music still playing in the background. Hugs and kisses abounded as the thank yous followed each gift being opened.<\/p>\n

Angel couldn\u2019t help but notice the difference between Fred kisses and Cordy ones. The touch of Cordelia\u2019s lips to his cheek and the way her body leaned into him for a hug did things to him that had no business happening. Still, he couldn\u2019t help but smile at her enthusiastic reaction to everything she got even though most of her presents were inexpensive.<\/p>\n

Their cash flow problem had improved recently, but it wasn\u2019t as if Angel could afford to buy her another<\/i> designer wardrobe. From his point of view, Cordy deserved far more than he could ever give her.<\/p>\n

He adored her giddy enthusiasm over this party and the simple task of opening presents. Maybe it was a bigger deal than he\u2019d first imagined with all of them being here together and enjoying themselves. When Angel wasn\u2019t daydreaming about Cordy, he focused on memorizing every little detail about her and this night because he never wanted to forget either one.<\/p>\n

Cordelia squealed in delight at Fred\u2019s wide-eyed reaction to her present. She was laughing so hard that her Santa hat nearly fell of. \u201cYou\u2019re supposed to share that with Gunn,\u201d she winked as the other girl clutched the book close to her chest.<\/p>\n

Gunn dropped the game box he was looking at to lean over Fred\u2019s shoulder. \u201cLet me see that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll show you later,\u201d Fred elbowed him out of the way shoving the book back into the box and covering it with tissue paper. \u201cCharles!\u201d she slapped his hand when he tried to peek. \u201cLater.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now, children,\u201d smirked Lorne. \u201cNo squabbling. There seems to be one more present under the tree. Let\u2019s see who it\u2019s for and then you two can do a little light reading before bedtime.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Cordy,\u201d Fred hugged Cordy who whispered something into her ear.<\/p>\n

When Cordelia settled back into her spot next to Connor\u2019s carrier, Angel leaned over to ask, \u201cWhat\u2019s so interesting about page 127?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t you like to know,\u201d Cordelia smirked back. Angel\u2019s steady expression gave away nothing.<\/p>\n

As she pictured the image on page 127, which she\u2019d only discovered because she was casually examining the contents and not in any way studying them, it was all too easy to think about Angel and\u2014 gulp, her. \u201cCome to think of it, you probably do know.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that, she turned to pick out the last present. It was tucked way behind the tree. Cordelia had to crawl under to reach it. Muttering, she slowly dragged it out, pausing to adjust her hat before checking out the gift tag.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s it for?\u201d Gunn prompted as he leaned against the back of the couch and put his arm around Fred.<\/p>\n

Wesley was wondering the same thing. He hadn\u2019t exactly been pleased with the obviously naughty nature of the gift Cordelia had given to Fred. Just more proof that Cordelia\u2019s attitude was less-focused on the practical rather than romantic. \u201cDo tell. We\u2019ve all received an equal number of presents. Is this another for Connor?\u201d<\/p>\n

The baby had made out like a bandit receiving at least two gifts for each one of theirs. Cordelia, Angel and even Fred had gone a bit overboard. Wesley made certain that he snapped enough photographs of Connor\u2019s baby things. Heaven forbid if he forgot to take the pictures Cordy asked for.<\/p>\n

He reached for the camera again as he watched Cordelia overcome by surprise as she read the tag. Looking over at Angel, she asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s this? It\u2019s addressed to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clueless, Angel took a look at the tag, a similar expression of surprise appearing. \u201cI have no idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo who\u2019s it from?\u201d Fred wanted to know.<\/p>\n

Cordelia looked at her with a hint of suspicion. \u201cIt says it\u2019s from Santa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh!\u201d Fred immediately looked over at Angel who was too busy staring back at Cordelia to notice. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s from Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n

All Fred got was a sarcastic \u201cPfft!\u201d and a roll of her eyes.<\/p>\n

Wes had to concur. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t appear to be Angel\u2019s style.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d Angel bristled defensively.<\/p>\n

\u201cObviously that you don\u2019t normally send yourself and Cordy expensively wrapped presents,\u201d he explained somewhat flustered.<\/p>\n

Grabbing several torn pieces of wrapping paper with the gift cards still attached as evidence, he went on. \u201cNor do you sign your name as \u2018Santa\u2019 when giving something to your son. For him, it\u2019s \u2018Love Daddy\u2019. The rest of us get a perfunctory \u2018From Angel\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWes is right,\u201d Fred looked closely at the tag. \u201cThere\u2019s different handwriting, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordy didn\u2019t recognize the black scrawl and said so. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s a trap.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Lorne agreed as he leaned forward for a closer look, \u201cbut your enemies don\u2019t normally send you presents. Maybe the fat guy in the red suit is just looking out for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel picked up his son\u2019s carrier and moved it over next to Fred. \u201cJust in case,\u201d he said before moving back to Cordelia\u2019s side. He was fairly certain that one of his friends, or possibly even Cordelia was the guilty party, but he figured it was safe enough to play along. \u201cWe\u2019ll open it together.\u201d<\/p>\n

The outer layer of the present was wrapped in a golden fabric and tied with a silk cord. Cordy and Angel each took an end and tugged gently until the knot slipped open. Beneath the fabric layer was one of gilded wrapping paper. Silver and gold ribbons on a snow white background. They edged the tape open carefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, just rip it,\u201d Cordelia decided her curiosity wouldn\u2019t wait for such a careful extraction of the contents.<\/p>\n

There were no markings on the plain red box to give away the secrets of what was inside. It was a sturdy box and though not overly heavy, the contents were not feathery light. Cordelia glanced at Angel before reaching for the lid. It was hard to tell if he was really surprised or not.<\/p>\n

Layers of tissue paper obscured several items. Cordelia tossed it out of the way to reveal an ornate blue bottle fashioned out of blown glass. The colorful lights of the Christmas tree blinked across its surface. Next to it with red velvet ribbon wrapped around it was a scroll of parchment.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing exploded,\u201d Cordelia let out a little confused laugh. \u201cThat\u2019s a good sign.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel pointed to the rest of the tissue paper. \u201cThere seems to be more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. You take that side. One, two\u2026,\u201d Cordelia counted and on three they both snatched the last remaining barrier away.<\/p>\n

\u201cClothing?\u201d Angel reached in and pulled out a short slinky red nightgown.<\/p>\n

Gunn wolf-whistled. \u201cMaybe that\u2019s supposed to go with this book. You sure that wasn\u2019t for Fred and me?\u201d<\/p>\n

A bony elbow jabbed him in the gut. \u201cShush!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hesitantly, Cordelia pulled out the contents of her side of the box. She started to giggle as she saw the reindeer-decorated red boxers. Then realized the gift-giver intended them for Angel. \u201cCute, huh?\u201d she held them up for his inspection.<\/p>\n

They stared at each other awkwardly for a moment before snatching the opposing items out of the other\u2019s grip. Angel wasn\u2019t looking very amused at all, Cordy saw. He was all smoky-eyed with intensity as if he was going to bark out accusations or bite her because he\u2019d missed a meal.<\/p>\n

Angel inched closer to Cordelia who refused to budge and tugged on the fluffy white tip of her Santa cap. \u201cSomething you want to tell me, Santa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Okay, so maybe the biting idea had nothing to do with hunger. Or maybe it did, just not that kind, Cordy gulped at the idea. \u201cNo, nothing at all, I didn\u2019t do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are the one with the Santa hat,\u201d Wes commented dryly.<\/p>\n

Teasing, Fred sounded out a sing-song, \u201cMaybe you\u2019re the guilty one, Wesley.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would never,\u201d he spluttered, \u201cgive anyone such intimate apparel. Why, it\u2019s just asking for trouble. Those two are already\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel growled out, \u201cWe\u2019re what, Wes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d Wesley tried to recover from his little slip. Seeing that it wasn\u2019t going to work a second time, he admitted, \u201cI\u2019ve been meaning to have a little chat with you about\u2026.certain things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia cut of what looked to be Angel\u2019s angry retort. \u201cWhat\u2019s that got to do with this present? All I know is that I didn\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn snagged the slinky gown from Cordy\u2019s lap and held it up so that it danced. \u201cI dunno \u2018bout that. Gotta agree with English on this one. You\u2019ve been handing out the naughty presents this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I didn\u2019t\u2014\u201d Cordelia shook her head.<\/p>\n

Fred cut in, \u201cI think you\u2019d better take a look at this.\u201d While the others had been gaping at the intimate holiday apparel, she\u2019d taken it upon herself to look at the scroll, surprised that Wesley hadn\u2019t beaten her to it.<\/p>\n

She handed it over to Angel and then reached slowly for the glass bottle holding it up to the light to see the thick elixir inside. \u201cWant me to get rid of it?\u201d Fred teased when Angel finished reading the contents of the scroll and looked up at Cordelia, his eyes full of so many emotions it was difficult to tell what he might do.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Angel practically shouted. \u201cBe careful with that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred giggled as Cordelia demanded details, \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Opening his mouth to speak, Angel couldn\u2019t find the words to explain it, so he handed her the parchment and waited for her to finish reading it.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Angel, I don\u2019t know what to say,\u201d Cordy felt her heart pounding in her chest.<\/p>\n

Smiling suddenly, Angel reached out. \u201cThat\u2019s a first.\u201d Cordy flushed at his touch, her cheek blooming with heat. He could hear her pulse racing and there was a light of hope in her eyes that he couldn\u2019t ignore. Nor did he want to.<\/p>\n

Angel clung to that hope as he did his own. \u201cWe need to talk. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mind us, Angelcakes,\u201d Lorne piped up. \u201cFeel free to say anything you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ignoring the teasing remark, Angel rose smoothly to his feet and held out his hand to Cordelia. With eyes only for him, Cordy slid her hand into his feeling Angel\u2019s fingers close around hers. Rising up, she followed as Angel led her to the stairs and up to the privacy of his bedroom.<\/p>\n

Fred watched them go. \u201cMaybe they should\u2019ve taken this with them.\u201d She placed the glass bottle back into the box.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is that stuff?\u201d asked Gunn.<\/p>\n

\u201cElixer,\u201d Wes muttered as he quickly scanned the discarded parchment. \u201cIt says here that it will protect Angel\u2019s soul from the effects of the curse. Taken over time and when the bottle is empty, Angel\u2019s soul will be permanent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn was impressed. \u201cThat\u2019s some gift.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it comes with cute little boxers,\u201d Fred picked them up for closer inspection.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo which one of you did it?\u201d Gunn looked first at Fred and then at Wesley. \u201cIt\u2019s time to own up to it. Wes, man, did you find some dusty old scroll with some ancient formula?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesley\u2019s chin raised up a notch, \u201cCertainly not. Had I made such a discovery, I would not have waited until now to reveal it. Moreover, I don\u2019t think Angel is the type for reindeer boxer shorts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lorne chuckled, \u201cWhat makes you think that, my little English muffin?\u201d<\/p>\n

Scowling, Wes didn\u2019t bother with a verbal response.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what about you, Fred?\u201d asked Gunn. \u201cYou\u2019re the physics whiz. Make any cool discoveries?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wes gave her a pointed look. \u201cYessss\u2026 that is a distinct possibility. Winifred does seem to enjoy unusual<\/i> gifts. Good thinking, Gunn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fred rolled her eyes. \u201cYa\u2019ll actually think I could keep this a secret from Cordy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Wes and Gunn contemplated the idea for a moment before simultaneously agreeing, \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo if you two didn\u2019t do it,\u201d Gunn began, \u201cneither did Cordy or Angel and I know that I didn\u2019t do it that leaves only one person.\u201d<\/p>\n

They turned to face Lorne who was sitting back on the couch looking extremely pleased with himself. \u201cSome things are all about timing. The PTB clued me in on this little elixir and after a little trip to Madame Dorian\u2019s world famous demon brothel a week ago I decided to turn it into a little Christmas present.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not just say it was from you, or the Powers?\u201d asked Fred.<\/p>\n

Lorne shrugged. \u201cThey might not have opened it if I said it was from the PTB. I thought playing Santa was a nice touch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery nice,\u201d Fred grinned and moved over to the couch to give Lorne a big hug. When they parted, she looked toward the stairs. \u201cIt\u2019s pretty quiet up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others had to agree. Their curiosity was only outweighed by their hopes for their two friends.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Upstairs, Angel and Cordelia had spent the past three minutes trying to start a conversation they both knew they needed to have. Angel was more nervous than he had been about anything in his life\u2014 or after it for that matter. He tried to speak to his feelings for her, but faltered several time as he saw her anxious face.<\/p>\n

Angel had shut the door behind them locking out the faint strains of Christmas music still playing downstairs. As if keeping an avenue of escape open to her, Cordelia clung to the door, her back pressed against it.<\/p>\n

Maybe it was just that he had crowded into that personal bubble of which she was so defensive. He pressed his hands against the door, leaning toward her and hoping that by some miracle the words he wanted would come to him.<\/p>\n

Then Cordelia started to speak, \u201cAngel, I\u2014,\u201d and he feared that she was going to say something he didn\u2019t want to hear. He simply reacted by covering her mouth with his own.<\/p>\n

Instantly winding her arms around his neck, Cordelia sighed at the first touch of his lips and then gave in to the hungry kisses that followed. He kissed her with a plea for understanding, an unmistakable passion that built quickly, and with the feelings he\u2019d kept hidden. Almost desperate for a taste of truth, she melted into him, feeling every erogenous zone tingle in anticipation of more.<\/p>\n

Finally, tempering their passion with tenderness, Angel slowed the tempo down, more for necessity than anything else. The elixir was downstairs and even if it wasn\u2019t, he felt Cordelia deserved time to adjust to the idea. Assuming that she wanted to wait, Angel moaned his desire into her mouth as Cordy\u2019s open palm slid down to cup his ass giving it a squeeze.<\/p>\n

Angel took that as permission to do the same letting his hands skim over lush curves from breast to bottom before placing a final soft smooch across her pursed lips. Pulling an inch away was difficult enough. His body protested separation from the starry-eyed woman in his arms, but there were still things to say.<\/p>\n

Somehow, Angel found the words he\u2019d been searching for. \u201cCordy, I\u2019m in love with you. I have been for a while now.\u201d He brushed his thumb across her mouth when her lips parted to speak. Wanting to finish, he added softly, \u201cI want you so much, love you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you, too,\u201d Cordelia finally tugged his hand away and smiled brighter than he\u2019d ever seen before.<\/p>\n

A knock sounded on the door and they both grumbled about the timing. Stepping away from the door, they moved so that Angel could open it. Lorne stood in the hallway wearing the Santa hat that Cordelia had dropped in her haste to follow Angel upstairs. He held up the ornate bottle of elixir.<\/p>\n

Grinning, Lorne asked, \u201cDid you forget this, my little love monkeys?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe did, thanks,\u201d was all Cordelia had to say as she took the bottle out of his hand before shutting the door.<\/p>\n

A second knock sounded.<\/p>\n

Angel opened the door again to find that Lorne had not budged from his spot in the hall. He took another look at the Santa hat and made the connection. \u201cYou\u2019re a good friend to both of us. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy pleasure, Angelcakes,\u201d Lorne beamed. \u201cYou know how I feel about you and the princess. There\u2019s just one other thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia and Angel glanced at each other before sharing their worried looks with Lorne thinking that there might be something the parchment had not revealed. \u201cWhat?\u201d they asked.<\/p>\n

Then Lorne pulled his hand from behind his back. \u201cYou forgot these, too.\u201d He held out the red gown and reindeer boxers. After Angel took them, Lorne winked. \u201cYou two have fun. Connor will be staying with me tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door closed again and this time Lorne turned away, giving the fuzzy tassel on his hat a tweak. Feeling triumphant and sensing the spirit of love, happiness and contentment that filled the hotel, he decided he liked the role he\u2019d chosen for himself for the holiday.<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas to all,\u201d he called out to anyone who could hear, \u201cand to all a good night.\u201d<\/p>\n

FIN<\/b><\/p>\n

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

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Title: Santa\u2019s Gift\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Author: Lysa Posted: Dec 05 Email Rating: R Category: Christmas Ficlet Content: C\/A Summary: Cordy & Angel receive a…<\/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-5501","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-completed-fics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5501","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=5501"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5501\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5501"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5501"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5501"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}