****<\/p>\n
Wesley turned on his heel and dashed out of the office. Watching him go, Cordelia couldn\u2019t stop the grin that followed. Telling Angel, \u201cHe gets that dramatic exit thing from you.\u201d<\/p>\n
The smile faltered when her eyes moved forward again, meeting his. Harnessing the stormy sea of emotions within him, Angel admitted his mistake. \u201cI should never have kissed you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maybe it was selfish to be more concerned about them than Alice Waterhouse, but it was impossible to stop thinking about it.<\/p>\n
Cordelia obviously had issues with it, too. Unlike him, she wasn\u2019t prepared to face the fact that ignoring their feelings would\u2019ve been preferable to this. \u201cDon\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter what we want.\u201d Shoving away from the desk Angel walked around to her side. \u201cJust forget it happened.\u201d<\/p>\n
Typically defiant, Cordelia had ideas of her own. \u201cNo, I can\u2019t,\u201d she shook her head. \u201cI won\u2019t. Are you telling me that you can, just like that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel had to walk away unable to look in her eyes. He stood at the office threshold rubbing his hand over his mouth and remembering the way her lips felt beneath his. \u201cIt was pure reaction, Cordy. The effects of the mirror had us both worked up. We\u2019re friends. We have a mission.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a lameass excuse, Angel.\u201d She dumped her partially eaten sandwich and its open wrapper on the desk. \u201cI\u2019m not just going to accept some line of crap because you think it\u2019ll be good for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tight jawed, dark eyes glittering intensely, he stared back wordlessly for several tense seconds before heading toward the stairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cDammit, don\u2019t you dare walk away from this.\u201d The chair toppled to the ground unnoticed as Cordelia darted after him. Catching up to him behind the front desk, she yanked on his arm. \u201cI want you to take that back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Circling around, Angel walked her back until she was caught between him and the desk for no other reason than he wanted her there. Intimidation came naturally to him and when it came to butting heads with Cordy, he had to fall back on instincts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not what you want.\u201d The demon in him liked it mean & nasty and right now that suited his purpose. \u201cYou want me inside you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia shuddered, but not in fear. It was true. They both knew it and that only made it worse. She\u2019d wanted to talk about their feelings, not beat each other up about it. Outraged that he would throw their mutual desires in her face, she shoved at his chest, \u201cBastard,\u201d and tried to squeeze out from her trapped position.<\/p>\n
Reaching up before she could escape Angel took a fistful of hair and held her in place while she squirmed and scratched at him like a yowling kitten, and demanded that he stop acting like a jerk. \u201cYou\u2019d have to put up with a lot more to be with me. Not that it\u2019s possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI put up with you everyday,\u201d she countered.<\/p>\n
Focused on her mouth he leaned closer intent upon reminding her it was different now. Only he stopped short, his lips hovering above hers. Angel abruptly let her go. \u201cI\u2019d want more. That\u2019s exactly why we need to forget this ever happened. Let it go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Softly, stubbornly, Cordelia refused, \u201cNo.\u201d Her hands slipped up between them to slide around to the nape of his neck, her fingers brushing against the short strands of hair. \u201cMaybe it does take a magic mirror to show us what we want. Yes, it sucks that we can\u2019t have it all. But that doesn\u2019t mean we can\u2019t have something.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel let his forehead drop to hers, and opened up his fist to let her silken hair fall through his fingers. He grabbed onto the edge of the counter with both hands and closed his eyes silently vowing to find some way around the curse.<\/p>\n
Deciding that he would say nothing about that plan, make no promises he couldn\u2019t keep, Angel opened his eyes and pulled back enough that he could see her face. \u201cI don\u2019t know how that will work, Cordy, but I\u2019ll try.\u201d The instant he said it, a smile lit her face, hope shining in her eyes.
\n****<\/p>\n
Upon Wesley\u2019s return, he found Cordelia and Angel sitting outside in the courtyard. They were side by side, their arms and legs touching, heads bent close. They looked like a couple in love. He had to trust them to do the right thing by abstaining from total intimacy. They both were well aware of the risks involved, but it worried him nonetheless.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, Cordy,\u201d he called out to them. Having prepared everything before disturbing them, he was ready. \u201cIt is time to begin.\u201d<\/p>\n
They gathered in the lobby noting that the mirror once again reflected all three of them. Angel put his arm around Cordelia\u2019s waist and watched his mirror image press a kiss to her temple. He\u2019d wanted to do that, but had chosen to stick to pulling her close.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is all this?\u201d Looking around at the items Wesley had neatly arranged, it didn\u2019t seem like he was preparing a communication spell. The theory that Alice Waterhouse was still alive might be true, but they still had no direct way of talking to her, Angel pointed out.<\/p>\n
Wes picked up a mortar containing crushed glass. \u201cYou\u2019re right. I plan to repair the mirror.\u201d<\/p>\n
With the aid of a spell and the waving of a few stinky herbs, the cracks on the glass surface sealed. No sooner had Wesley\u2019s incantation ended than the lobby lights went dim again and a bright green glow began to shine from the mirror. Mist poured into the room clinging low to the floor swirling around their feet and a gust of wind blasted from an open dimensional vortex.<\/p>\n
Papers from the desktop went flying. A short scream sounded as Cordelia\u2019s hair whipped around her face. She wrapped her arms around Angel\u2019s waist tucking her face into his chest for protection. He held her tightly, standing against the force of the wind.<\/p>\n
Wesley held his arm up to block the most of it from hitting his face as he tried to stay focused on the aperture.<\/p>\n
As suddenly as it opened the vortex closed with a schwoop. The mist dissipated and the lobby lights flickered back to full power. The mirror\u2019s surface no longer reflected three figures, but four. An elegant redhead in a silk nightgown stood behind them, a glittering necklace of gold and emeralds at her throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
The husky tones were real this time. Not in their heads. They turned to find Alice Waterhouse smiling at them, tears of gratitude streaming down her face. \u201cYou\u2019ve done it, Wesley.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cY-You know me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course,\u201d a slow nod followed. Her light grey eyes scanned Wes\u2019 face before they slid across to Angel and Cordelia. \u201cI have been aware of everything that has passed within a certain radius of the mirror since my entrapment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Instantly fascinated by the concept, Wesley started to rattle off questions.<\/p>\n
Cordelia interrupted him. \u201cStop pestering the woman, Wes. She\u2019s been trapped in some weird mirror for decades. All she wants now is a hot shower, some food and a change of clothes, not to be interrogated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ordering Wes to go fetch his uneaten sandwich, she told Angel they\u2019d be borrowing his rooms for a while. \u201cI probably have some stuff you can wear,\u201d Cordelia offered. \u201cOf course they might be a little loose up top.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, we do this all the time,\u201d Cordelia shrugged it off and started to usher Alice in the direction of the stairs.<\/p>\n
Wesley ran back in from the other room carrying the club sandwich. \u201cCan\u2019t you at least explain how you were trapped or whether the necklace protected you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can see that you are resourceful,\u201d Alice touched her fingertips to the necklace. \u201cIf you know of the necklace, then you must know about me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVery little.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a proud countenance, Alice announced, \u201cI am a daughter of Amara, a race of sorcerers, healers and mystics who strive to protect the weak and to vanquish evil where we find it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel realized that her stay at the Hyperion was not coincidental. \u201cYou were here to defeat the Thesulac.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, though it evaded me for quite some time.\u201d She explained some of the demon\u2019s history, that it had been there far longer than the hotel itself. Its non-corporeal state made it difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n
He remembered the fact that she was there with the mob. \u201cIt affected you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Again, Alice answered in the affirmative, shame and embarrassment making her pale and flush within the space of a few moments. \u201cI sincerely regret the outcome of our first meeting. My actions then were deplorable, but out of my control.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAh, the necklace protects against physical harm, but not so mental forms of attack.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is correct.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo where does the mirror come in?\u201d<\/p>\n
Alice smiled. \u201cIt is an antique belonging to my family. I take it with me when I travel. For me it provides a little taste of home and shows me what I am missing when I am away.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe got the Skinemax version.\u201d Cordelia\u2019s tone was enough to explain what she meant.<\/p>\n
\u201cHidden desires are easily revealed by its magic.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDuh.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat else do you desire, Cordelia? My release earns you anything within my powers to grant.\u201d<\/p>\n
Snapping at the chance, \u201cAngel\u2019s soul\u2014,\u201d she was cut off before she could finish.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt must be something not tied to the others here. They will receive their own chance to gain something they desire.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thoughts of stardom, designer clothing and tons of cash flashed through her head. It was exciting to think about it, but Cordelia wanted to think big. She glanced over at Angel and Wesley asking for advice, \u201cWhat do you think about Dennis being able to hang out at the Hyperion whenever he wants? I\u2019ll be spending more time here in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel noticed that she wasn\u2019t asking for his permission, just stating that as a fact. \u201cI think that\u2019s a great idea.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReally?\u201d Cordelia let out a squee. Hugging him, she kissed his cheek and turning in his arms to face Alice explained, \u201cPhantom Dennis is a ghost. I hate to think of him spending so much time alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou surprise me,\u201d Alice smiled and agreed to the request. \u201cI expected something quite different from someone so young.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia wasn\u2019t sure if that was an insult or a compliment. \u201cThanks, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n
Turning to Wesley next, she held out her hand to him. \u201cYou are a treasure. Thank you for repairing my mirror.\u201d Alice squeezed his hand. \u201cWhen the demon confronted me, feeding upon my own fear of failure, I attempted to use the mirror against it. I opened a gateway wherein I hoped to imprison the thesulac.\u201d<\/p>\n
She released him and walked to examine the mirror. \u201cInstead, I fell into the trap of my own making. The necklace protected me from harm, kept me alive, let me live through the mirror\u2019s magic.\u201d The memory of it was clear despite the years that had passed. \u201cMy escape route was cut off. The demon was furious that it could no longer reach me. Its tentacles struck out at the mirror cracking it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat will you have of me, Wesley?\u201d she walked back to him. \u201cYou are man of many talents and possess knowledge of the true world. If information and understanding are so important to your happiness, might I choose a gift for you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Curious, but content to let her do so, Wesley nodded. Any answers she gave him to the many questions buzzing in his head would be worth it.<\/p>\n
Alice grinned delightedly at his decision. \u201cThen you must accompany me for a night and a day when I make my journey home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere exactly is home?\u201d Cordelia\u2019s eyes narrowed suspiciously. \u201cNot that I don\u2019t trust you, but you know what they say about gift horses.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cClose by.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEvasive much?\u201d Behind Alice\u2019s back, Wesley was giving Cordelia the sign to shut up. \u201cFine, okay, sheesh!\u201d<\/p>\n
Then it was Angel\u2019s turn and Cordelia\u2019s bristles went up again. She wasn\u2019t sure why, but Alice Waterhouse gave her the shivers. Maybe it was the spooky grey eyes that seemed to sense what she was thinking. Or the fact that she\u2019d witnessed some very private fantasies that were none of her business.<\/p>\n
Whatever it was, Cordelia tried to convince herself to shut up. If the woman had the ability to do what she promised, then things would be a lot different. It was scary to want something so much. Sensing her nerves, Angel threaded his fingers through hers as Alice approached them.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy people and I owe you a great deal, Angel. You have taken part in saving my life, yet I attempted to deprive you of yours.\u201d The irony of it played across her face in a wry smile before she continued. \u201cYou have vanquished the demon responsible for the accident that trapped me when it was my duty to end its existence. And today I have learned that you destroyed the lost ring which was the shame of my people, created at the behest of a master vampire who threatened to wipe out our bloodline.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was far more to that story, Angel realized, but the thickening of her voice as she spoke suggested now was not the time to ask for details. Maybe Wes would find out during their night and day, though he had a feeling that providing knowledge was not the only thing Alice had in mind by arranging an escort home.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrice have I indebted myself to you and so must I repay it in kind.\u201d Alice\u2019s words called for his attention.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know what I want,\u201d Angel wasn\u2019t going to dance around it, \u201cbut it\u2019s impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Observing him quietly for a moment, Alice agreed. \u201cWesley suggested that the Gem of Amara might secure your soul. He was right, vampire, I believe that it would.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia loosed herself from Angel\u2019s hold pulling away to face them both. \u201cI don\u2019t understand. Why is it impossible? You just said that it would work. That necklace has two emeralds.\u201d<\/p>\n
Giving one to Angel would still leave her with one, Cordelia pleaded to no end. \u201cYou said you owed him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trying to calm her down was useless. \u201cI can\u2019t take it, Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNor is it mine to give,\u201d explaining that the necklace belonged to her people. \u201cThe gemstone Angel destroyed was originally part of a larger emerald. It provided its wearer a method of attaining vast power. Greed and jealousy led to betrayal and the ring fell into another\u2019s hand and then another\u2019s at the cost of many human lives. I cannot allow that to happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut Angel isn\u2019t like that\u2014not with his soul.\u201d Cordelia had to concede that Angelus would\u2019ve loved to be indestructible. And the thought of what he would be capable of if he could walk in sunlight without turning to dust gave her an instant understanding of Alice\u2019s fears.<\/p>\n
Angel reminded her about Spike\u2019s betrayal. \u201cWord would get out if I had something like that ring again. I can\u2019t take the chance, Cordy, not with you\u2014or Wes. And before you say that the two of you face dangers every day, I already know that. This would be different.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gulping down her frustration, Cordelia knew it was selfish of her to want Angel\u2019s soul to be secured, but she couldn\u2019t help it. Was it really asking too much to be able to be with Angel? To show him how much he meant to her when now it seemed dangerous to say the words.<\/p>\n
Everything they\u2019d talked about in the courtyard seemed like a distant memory now. Promises of openness, decisions to let things progress slowly, to do things that didn\u2019t always start out with stakes, crossbows and a patch up job.<\/p>\n
If Alice couldn\u2019t give him one of those emeralds, that actually changed nothing. Their plans were still the way they\u2019d left them.<\/p>\n
Only it seemed like they\u2019d been cheated. A way around the curse was within their grasp and yet denied them. One more bump on the horny toad of life, she decided, miserable about it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere may be another way,\u201d Alice seemed hesitant about bringing it up. \u201cCurses are not exactly my forte as they are more like prayers for harm rather than magic.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her comment left them all a little confused. \u201cA young Wicca of our acquaintance was the one to reinitiate Angel\u2019s curse after his soul was lost for a time,\u201d Wesley told her. \u201cIt was a spell she cast using the information collected about the original curse.\u201d<\/p>\n
A grin dimpled Alice\u2019s cheeks, a light laugh bubbling forth. \u201cThen I can help. If your soul was lost that means the curse was broken, Angel. Giving it back to you was an act of magic, not a true curse.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe original curse contained a soul-lossage loophole,\u201d Cordelia explained that Willow had to use all of the words she\u2019d found in Jenny Calendar\u2019s notes. \u201cShe was afraid it wouldn\u2019t work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alice moved toward the mirror again, speaking a few words that Cordelia recognized as Latin, but didn\u2019t understand. The mirror reflected the four of them. A green glow appeared within the glassy surface separating out into two balls of light that hovered over Angel\u2019s head and her own.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is that?\u201d Cordelia swatted at the light until she realized that it only appeared in the mirror. She also knew that she was the only one in the room who had no clue about the words Alice had used in that spell.<\/p>\n
Angel cleared it up for her. \u201cIt\u2019s a detection spell of sorts.\u201d The puzzled look he gave her turned to one of deep concern. \u201cCordy, are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
Hesitating for a moment too long, she answered, \u201cI\u2019m fine. Ticked off, but fine.\u201d She glanced nervously toward Wesley who stepped closer with that same look of concern on his face.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat spell was cast to detect illness.\u201d Alice told her that she thought the condition of Angel\u2019s soul might respond to a mystic cure. The glow indicated her theory was right.<\/p>\n
Cordelia backed away from all of them. \u201cThen why is the glowy ball above my head? I\u2019m not sick.\u201d<\/p>\n
A dire tone sounded in Alice\u2019s voice, \u201cYes, I am afraid that you are.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA-Angel?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe visions,\u201d he thought about the effects they had. Asking Wes, \u201cCould the effects be cumulative?\u201d<\/p>\n
He\u2019d never considered it, but it now seemed clear what Angel would ask from Alice. Doing so in his stead, \u201cIf they are life-threatening or harmful, you must help her,\u201d Wesley hoped that she would agree. Technically, it would be helping someone other than Angel, which might not fit within her little scheme of rewards.<\/p>\n
Luckily it seemed that Alice had her own way of getting around the rules. \u201cCordelia\u2019s health is your happiness and so I will make it the second of your gifts. A healer from amongst my people will attend you both.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy will be okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever her ailment it is within our power to cure permanently.\u201d Confident of it, Alice assured them that it would not affect Cordelia\u2019s visions. As they had explained that they were from the Powers that Be, she smiled somewhat secretly and promised that all would be well.<\/p>\n
Cordelia was still a little rattled about the fact that she had some weird vision trauma and didn\u2019t know it. \u201cWhat if we hadn\u2019t found your mirror\u2014I might\u2019ve gotten sick.\u201d<\/p>\n
If it was possible for Angel to be any paler than normal, the thought that he had no idea that Cordelia was being affected by the visions was enough to do it. The selfish thoughts of the life they might have together once his soul was permanent were nothing next to his desire for her to be safe from harm.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe visions are painful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI do not know if the pain may be diminished,\u201d Alice admitted. \u201cThat may be part of the vision itself that our healing powers cannot change. But the harm they cause can be eradicated.\u201d<\/p>\n
The news added to the hefty burden Angel carried close to his heart. \u201cCordy, I\u2019m so sorry. I should\u2019ve noticed. Done something.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, Angel, and even I didn\u2019t really think anything was wrong.\u201d The post-vision headaches had always been bad and had seemed to get a little worse, but Cordelia hadn\u2019t really thought about it much.<\/p>\n
Putting up with the pain was just her part of the mission. \u201cBesides, Alice says I\u2019m fixable, so it\u2019s all okay. I get to keep the visions at no risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Quietly pleased that she was making progress in discovering how she might repay Angel for what was considered an immeasurable debt, Alice prompted him, \u201cWhat of your third gift? State your desires.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking down at Cordelia who was once again sheltered in his arms, Angel had only one wish that came to mind, but he knew what Alice\u2019s answer would be even before he mentioned the Shanshu Prophesy. \u201cI cannot grant you humanity. That is beyond my abilities. Redemption must be earned and that is between you and the Powers.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was the answer he expected.<\/p>\n
Wesley suggested Angel hold off on answering. \u201cYou might need a favor one day.\u201d But the idea did not sit well with the sorceress who claimed to dislike owing someone a debt.<\/p>\n
Pushed to decide on the spur of the moment, Angel caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. The novelty of seeing his reflection hadn\u2019t worn off. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose you\u2019ve got another one like that hanging around somewhere?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo way,\u201d gasped Cordelia slapping his arm. \u201cSome client will walk in and it\u2019ll be in full fantasy mode.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bending closer to her ear, Angel murmured softly, \u201cI didn\u2019t say we had to hang it in the lobby.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked and then his meaning finally sunk in. \u201cOh. That could be fun.\u201d She smirked at the direction her thoughts were taking.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood heavens,\u201d Wesley slapped a hand over his eyes. \u201cAngel will you please get Cordelia away from the mirror before she dreams up something else.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, Cordy\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOops!\u201d<\/p>\n
On the circular couch in the mirror, Cordelia was straddled across Angel\u2019s lap kissing him enthusiastically. Watching, wide-eyed, Alice muttered, \u201cI never thought of using it that way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs it voyeuristic to watch yourself making out?\u201d Cordelia wondered just before Angel kissed the tip of her nose.<\/p>\n
He let out a short laugh, amazed that he could after all that had happened today. It was a knack she\u2019d always had with him: the ability to make him smile. \u201cMaybe we should save that question for later.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe mirror is yours,\u201d Alice claimed to have seen more than enough of that particular looking glass. She assured them that no danger existed. Its magic was quite simple.
\n****<\/p>\n
When lights of the taxi disappeared around the corner, Cordelia let out a sigh. \u201cThat was a let down. Not exactly a flashy exit. I thought a sorceress would use some kind of hocus pocus to get home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n
Shrugging, Cordelia rolled her eyes at her own folly. \u201cI don\u2019t know. Come to think of it just getting a cab at this time of night was probably magical enough.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Angel turned to go back inside the hotel, an idea she\u2019d had earlier came back to her. \u201cHey, let\u2019s stay outside for a while. We can stroll around the block or go get some ice cream or something.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not a very exciting first date,\u201d Angel mused as he jogged down the steps and held out his hand to her.<\/p>\n
\u201cPfft! That depends on the person you\u2019re with.\u201d<\/p>\n
The slide of his cool skin along her fingers made a little zing of electricity shoot down her spine. Surprised, she jumped and laughed at the way her body reacted to such a little thing. The way his much larger hand engulfed hers clasping it to his own was so simple and real that her heart thumped happily.<\/p>\n
Angel guided her down the Hyperion steps and onto the sidewalk that wound around the block. The old hotel was really a beautiful building despite its dilapidated state. Its foundation had survived countless quakes and mystical phenomenon.<\/p>\n
Though the inside was a little rotten in places, with sections left unexplored, Cordelia found her plans for renovation popping back into her head.<\/p>\n
Only now she was confused about what to do. The whole dynamic between her and Angel had changed today. Earlier this afternoon she\u2019d been planning to spruce up the place, looking for a bedroom that was far away from Angel\u2019s second floor domain. She stopped in the glow of the corner street light to search his face for any sign of Angel having second thoughts. Her stomach was twisting in nervous knots.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is it?\u201d he asked lifting a hand to caress her face.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoesn\u2019t it seem strange to be doing this?\u201d Cordelia\u2019s free hand settled on his chest. \u201cThings change so quickly and it\u2019s hard to keep up. When I woke up this morning I had no idea that I\u2014I\u2019d be in danger of falling in love with my best friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stunned was the only word she could come up with to describe Angel\u2019s expression. Admitting attraction was one thing, but\u2014oh, God\u2014she\u2019d just used the \u2018L\u2019 word, hadn\u2019t she? Cordelia\u2019s nervous knots were joined by a swarm of butterflies that melted away under the sudden onslaught of Angel\u2019s kiss.<\/p>\n
They were locked together in an out-of-control mesh of roving hands and mouths and moans.<\/p>\n
Lost in a hungry haze of sensation, Cordelia let out a tiny mewl of protest when his lips pulled away. \u201cNeither did I,\u201d Angel muttered against her lips. His eyes were full of wonder as Cordy slipped hers closed again lifting her mouth back to his for more kisses.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s grip slipped to her shoulders and pushed her away as gently as he could. \u201cI think we should stick to the hand-holding, Cordy. Hearing you say that, being able to touch you, to kiss you\u2014I don\u2019t know that the curse is just about sex.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dawning understanding forced Cordelia to step back. \u201cI guess my kisses are just that good, huh?\u201d she teased feeling too happy to stop smiling even when reminded of the curse. \u201cGuess you\u2019ll just have to learn to be patient.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not the one who needs the lesson,\u201d he smirked as his meaning sunk in. Angel had practiced control over baser urges and reigning in his emotions for a long time. Cordelia, on the other hand, tended to want things her way and pronto.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you suggesting that I can\u2019t keep my hands off you?\u201d Cordelia raised a brow as if he\u2019d just issued a challenge. \u201cYou\u2019re not that irresistible.\u201d<\/p>\n
She took off down the street at a brisk pace only to find him in front of her seconds later. \u201cNo fair sneaking up on me with the vampire speed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reminding him that they were supposed to be out for a walk, Cordelia tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and nodded in the direction they\u2019d been going. \u201cThink we can make it around the block without ripping each other\u2019s clothes off or getting into a fight?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel closed his hand over hers, his thumb circling slowly, just that slight touch enough to make her tingly all over again. \u201cIt\u2019s worth a try.\u201d<\/p>\n
A little hitch of anticipation sounded as Cordelia answered, \u201cI think so, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
The End<\/b><\/p>\n