CHAPTER 11<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia paced up and down the library, grateful for the solitude afforded by the deserted space. Thinking was easier when alone, if only the same could be said for solutions. Two nights ago Angel had saved her life and now she was spiralling even further down the road of extreme confusion. Add to that the quandary of Angel\u2019s irresistible hotness and Cordelia found herself stuck firmly between a rock and a hard place. She sighed out loud, pausing to glare up at the ceiling, \u201cYou’re just not going to make this easy for me, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel was a good guy and Cordelia knew it. He\u2019d helped Buffy time and again without any expectation of thanks but simply because it was the right thing to do. So he\u2019d tried to kill her, he\u2019d also saved her; maybe the slate had been wiped clean. They lived on the Hellmouth, turning into a homicidal maniac was almost a right of passage. Maybe it was time to move on, to thank Angel for saving her and forgive him for something that had been beyond his control.<\/p>\n
Why was attraction to Angel a problem now? Before their freaky Halloween she\u2019s been more than ready and willing to do all she could to make him notice her. Another sigh escaped, giving Cordelia her answer; Angel was a vampire. She just wasn\u2019t sure she could reconcile herself to the thought that she was lusting after someone who needed an extended course of electrotherapy to get his heart beating.<\/p>\n
Next on her seemingly endless list of disasters waiting to happen was Buffy and Angel still officially being a couple. Buffy was not a girl you wanted to piss off; mock her fashion sense \u2013 yes, steal her boyfriend \u2013 no. It didn\u2019t matter that Buffy and Angel seemed less than close these days, Cordelia Chase was not a cheater. Maybe if I picture Angel wearing socks and sandals\u2026<\/i><\/p>\n
Angel watched as Cordelia paced up and down, hesitant to interrupt an apparently fascinating internal conversation. Five minutes later he was still standing there, reluctant to give up this opportunity to talk without an audience. A decision was made.<\/p>\n
The dry, gruff sound of Angel clearing his throat resonated through the room. \u201cCordelia\u2026\u201dShe spun round, hazel eyes wide with shock.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel\u2026hey\u2026are you…is it\u2026what are you doing here?\u201d Finally gathering her wits Cordelia was able to form a coherent question.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought there was a meeting tonight. Something about the end of the world again.\u201d He answered, slowly advancing into the room.<\/p>\n
Cordelia stepped back, regaining the space between them. \u201cIt got cancelled.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe end of the world?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, the meeting. Buffy has a biology test tomorrow so Giles rescheduled.\u201d She answered his questions automatically while her mind frantically scrambled to figure out what to say next.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo why are you here?\u201d Angel asked, slipping his hands into his pockets and coming to a halt on the opposite side of the table, content to let the illusion of a barrier stand while firmly blocking the exit.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026well I\u2026I don\u2019t think that\u2019s any of your business,\u201d Cordelia suddenly burst out, \u201cIf I want to pace in the school library then I will.\u201d She crossed her arms and fixed him with a narrow-eyed glare.<\/p>\n
Angel quickly held up his hands in mock surrender, \u201cYou\u2019re right, it has nothing to do with me. I was just curious. An uncomfortable silence fell; neither of them was willing to move from their respective positions or to offer any further conversation.<\/p>\n
Cordelia concentrated on steeling her resolve, determined that now was the time for the \u2018thank you\u2019. The sooner it was delivered the sooner it would be over, and the lack of an audience was a big plus.<\/p>\n
Angel stood silently watching the array of emotions playing across the young woman\u2019s face, skilfully concealing his scrutiny. Lost in deep thought Cordelia was clearly in the middle of another internal debate. Leaving was not an option so he frantically cast about his mind for something to say, commenting on the weather passed as quickly as it arrived, it would only serve to highlight his lack of conversational skills, plus it wasn\u2019t the most scintillating of topics. He was saved by Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cListen Angel, I just wanted to say thank you\u2026for the other night.\u201d She continued as dark brows shot up in surprise. \u201cYou know for tackling me, saving me from a rampaging demon and ruining my Riberio skirt.\u201d Cordelia surveyed the library, intent on looking anywhere that wasn\u2019t Angel.<\/p>\n
Angel struggled to respond to the unexpected gratitude, \u201cYou welcome,\u201d forced it\u2019s way out amidst much throat clearing. \u201cUh\u2026and sorry about your skirt. Vampire strength,\u201d he offered without thinking, giving himself a mental kick before the words had even left his mouth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, the death of my Riberio aside, I\u2019m grateful. I guess you having vamp strength is a big plus for me.\u201d She gave him an uncertain smile and walked round the table extending her hand.<\/p>\n
Angel slowly manoeuvred around the large block of wood separating them, determined to respect Cordelia\u2019s silent request for formality as he reached out to grasp her hand.<\/p>\n
The instant their skin touched the air heated, making it near impossible for Cordelia to catch her breath, she found herself mesmerised by his dark, chocolate gaze, looking away was impossible.<\/p>\n
Angel could hear her heart racing. Her heated blood sang a siren song, calling to him, battering against his ever-waning resistance. Passions rose and currents of desire swirled through the room. The edged closer, lips parting, teetering on the brink of a kiss\u2026<\/p>\n
The library doors swung open and Giles entered carrying a large stack of books that were swaying precariously. Placing the books on the counter he turned and made his way to the card catalogue, oblivious of the other two occupants of the room as they sprang apart, struggling to regain their composure.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood Lord,\u201d exclaimed Giles, clutching his chest. \u201cWhat on earth are you two doing here? Didn\u2019t you get the message that the meeting has been postponed until tomorrow?\u201d He asked, unsure of what he had just interrupted but quite sure that he didn\u2019t like it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI came in for a book for class and ran into Angel,\u201d Cordelia managed with barely a stutter. \u201cI was just filling him in on the whole end of the world slash biology test thing,\u201d she rapidly improvised.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh yeah\u2026I haven\u2019t talked to Buffy today so I didn\u2019t know about the change.\u201d Angel was quick to join Cordelia in explaining to the watcher how they came to be alone in the library. Why do I feel like I\u2019m explaining myself to her father?<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cI see,\u201d said Giles slowly, giving the pair a considering look. \u201cCordelia, it\u2019s getting late; shall I walk you to your car?\u201d He wasn\u2019t going to give them the opportunity for more alone time. Buffy\u2019s confusion over Angel was bad enough; he refused to allow another of his young charges to become entangled with the vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks\u2026that would be great,\u201d Cordelia agreed, glancing at Angel as she followed in Giles\u2019 wake. It would be easier to decide if the watcher\u2019s arrival was a good thing or not without the distraction of a certain tall, dark bloodsucker.<\/p>\n
Angel watched them leave, he now knew what he wanted; he just had to figure out how to get it. He stood for a moment staring at the empty space in front of him, a distant voice echoing inside his head\u2026I know how to get what I want.<\/i><\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Shifting from foot to foot Angel shoved his hands in his pockets and began to seriously question the sanity of his plan. The impulsive decision was beginning to feel like a stupid idea. . I seem to get a lot of those, <\/i>he mused, the donning of a certain costume springing to mind closely followed by memories of his last visit\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry about that, my Mom was just checking that I wasn\u2019t throwing any wild parties while she\u2019s out of town.\u201d Buffy considered that thought for a moment and the conclusion she reached was more than a little upsetting, \u201c\u2026like I have time to actually plan anything like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Silence. Angel shoved his hands deeper into his pockets and continued to shift his weight while Buffy examined familiar knickknacks with the intensity of someone seeing them for the first time. Witty repartee had never been a big part of their relationship and until recently that hadn\u2019t been a problem \u2013 post patrol make-out sessions more than compensating.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, this feels awfully familiar,\u201d her quiet reflection breaking the peace, at his look of confusion she continued, \u201cYou know\u2026you used to show up all cryptic guy with the news of the next big catastrophe then disappear into the night.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh yeah, right.\u201d Angel obviously wasn\u2019t going to offer anymore than that so Buffy decided to take the bull by the horns, or rather the vampire by the fangs,<\/p>\n
\u201cSo what did you want to talk about?\u201d Angel wasn\u2019t one for spontaneous social calls, she knew it must be something important and wasn\u2019t sure that she really wanted to hear what he had to say.<\/p>\n
Giving his boots a thorough inspection and finding no answers Angel cleared his throat, the rough sound grating through the room. Buffy deserved an honest answer; their relationship may be ending but there was the possibility for real friendship to begin. When he was human most of his relationships had lasted only the span of a night and when he was Angelus he\u2019d usually just kill the girl in question. This was his first break up, and both he and Buffy deserved honesty.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t working anymore\u2026us\u2026we\u2019re not working, are we?\u201d He had said it, and now all Angel could do was wait for the reaction.<\/p>\n
Buffy seemed to be having trouble lifting her eyes past his Adam\u2019s apple as she gave her answer. \u201cYeah, I guess so.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her calm response caused Angel no little surprise, Buffy was an emotional person and he couldn\u2019t help but wonder if this was simply the calm before the storm.<\/p>\n
Angel felt the need to try and explain, to show that this hadn\u2019t been an easy decision. \u201cBuffy, you\u2019re a special person\u2026special to me and I want you to know that. I\u2019d like to keep helping you fight, if you want me to.\u201d He meant it; their romantic relationship may be over but Buffy\u2019s responsibilities as the slayer was never ending and he wouldn\u2019t abandon her.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d like that too.\u201d It was official, her first semi-grown up relationship was ending and for the first time in days Buffy felt like she could look forward to spending time with Angel. \u201cWow, did we grow up and no one told us?<\/p>\n
\u201cLooks that way.\u201d He smiled, relieved that things seemed to be going well.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know\u2026\u201d Buffy grinned, relaxing now that the heavy stuff was almost over, \u201cFor a minute there I thought you were going to propose.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? Propose? God, no!<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat!\u201d Came Buffy\u2019s outraged cry. She may agree it was time to go their separate ways but that didn\u2019t mean admitting Angel wasn\u2019t \u2018the one\u2019 didn\u2019t hurt.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Buffy I\u2026\u201d Angel choked as he tried to find the words to rescue the situation. \u201cI would\u2026if things were different\u2026maybe.\u201d Good was quickly turning to bad. I really shouldn\u2019t be surprised by that. <\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s alright Angel. I was just kidding\u2026\u201d Kind of\u2026<\/i>“But that deer trapped in headlights look really works for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks, I\u2019ll keep that in mind. So do you want company on patrol?\u201d The thought no longer terrified him plus he doubted that Cordelia would be as agreeable tonight; and spending friendship time with Buffy would be good for both of them.<\/p>\n
Buffy thought for a moment; was she ready to take that leap from girlfriend to just friend? \u201cNo, I think I\u2019ll pass. I may be the new \u2018mature\u2019 Buffy but some alone time right now sounds good.\u201d The sadness in her eyes was reflected in her own. \u201cPlus I need to talk to Giles,\u201d she offered as an easier explanation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWill you tell him\u2026about us?\u201d Angel asked, unsure of how he felt about that. Giles was the closest thing to a father figure in Buffy\u2019s life and anyone who hurt the slayer then had to face the watcher.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not exactly something I can hide. I\u2019ll tell him it\u2019s an early birthday present, one less to buy.\u201d She smiled, lightening the mood again.<\/p>\n
\u201cMake sure you put my name on the card.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo problem, it can be from both of us.\u201d Angel smiled in and Buffy\u2019s heart clinched in response, he didn\u2019t smile often but when he did, boy was it worth waiting for. \u201cWell, I should be heading out\u2026\u201d They both moved towards the door in an almost mournful silence, as if out of respect for the relationship that had just passed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll see you tomorrow Buffy.\u201d Angel walked away feeling lighter, like a weight had been lifted. The right decision had been made. Now they could both move on and Angel knew exactly where he wanted his path to take him.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Heavy tension had once again returned to the library; eerie silence and vengeful looks the order of the day. It had only been a day since the break up; but news, good or bad, had a way of travelling fast.<\/p>\n
Keeping to himself as much as the overcrowded table would allow, Angel was beginning to seriously question his offer to continue to help Buffy and her merry band. Had research not suddenly become Cordelia\u2019s favourite pastime he\u2019d probably consider staying away until things settled down.<\/p>\n
Xander seemed to be the one intent on drawing blood, and killing the Harris boy was fast becoming inevitable. It was one death both demon and soul agreed on.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo Angel, does this mean you\u2019re on the look out for a date?\u201d Xander smirked watching the vampire wince, knuckles fading whiter as he gripped the table\u2019s edge. \u201c\u2018Cos I hear the Sunnydale retirement home is having a bingo night this Friday and you never know one of the ladies there might be looking for an older man.\u201d He sat back and grinned, thoroughly enjoying the vampire\u2019s discomfort. Life was good, even if his shins were going to be black and blue from the kicks he kept receiving from Willow and Buffy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWow Xander, aren\u2019t you just the funny guy tonight? You know if your \u2018jokes\u2019 were so predictable \u2026well they\u2019d still be stupid but at least they\u2019d be original.\u201d Cordelia spoke up for the first time. She had planned to put off deciding how she felt about the cancellation of \u2018The Buffy and Angel Show\u2019 until she was alone but Xander\u2019s constant hounding of the poor vampire was making the situation impossible to ignore. Gees, Buffy might not want to be with Angel anymore, but she could at least stick up for him\u2026and when did he become \u2018the poor vampire?<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s that Cordelia? Harmony\u2019s available? You\u2019re a lucky guy Angel, word is she\u2019s a catch.\u201d He was relentless and the room at large realised that there was little that could be done to stop Xander when he was on a mission.<\/p>\n
Tired of the endless jabs Angel rose from the table and made his way to the other side of the room, ostensibly to examine a stack of books but in reality everyone knew it was to avoid committing murder.<\/p>\n
Deciding that distraction was the only way to go Willow turned to Giles, \u201cSo there\u2019s really nothing that needs killing tonight\u2026that\u2019s not in the library I mean.\u201d She asked, the surprise evident in her tone.<\/p>\n
Giles turned to the usually timid redhead, a smile on his face, \u201cWell, no more than usual, I\u2019m afraid. It should be rather quiet until the apocalypse next week.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo I can have the night off?\u201d Buffy was quick to ask, hopeful that she could enjoy just being a teenager.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, although I suppose it would be rather pointless of me to suggest that you use this free time wisely; perhaps advancing your studies or heaven forbid\u2026have an early night?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTotally pointless,\u201d Was the response that was thrown over Buffy\u2019s shoulder as she turned to the others to discuss plans for the evening.<\/p>\n
\u201cI may as well be talking to an empty room.\u201d Muttered Giles as retreated into his office.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo everyone up for a night at the Bronze?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy not,\u201d Willow happily agreed. \u201cIf we\u2019re facing the end of the world next week I say we live a little this week.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat a night of normal is just what I need.\u201d Buffy was literally bouncing at the prospect of a night free from death and carnage; also not having to think about serious stuff was a big plus.<\/p>\n
Cordelia sat for a moment debating whether or not to put herself through another night out with the geek squad. Reluctant though she was to admit it she had actually enjoyed the last few times they had all been out together, they may not be her usual crowd but they were good people who were happy to include her. Add to that the fact that going to the Bronze would allow her to put off any thoughts about Angel.<\/p>\n
It shouldn\u2019t be this uncomfortable for them, they had managed to reach an understanding, even shook on it\u2026possibly almost kissed. Her thoughts jumbled, Cordelia wasn\u2019t sure if the almost kiss had even been real. Maybe she was making this all harder than it needed to be.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll come but only if Xander promises not to dance anywhere near me. I do have a reputation to think about.\u201d She glared at Xander to stress her point.<\/p>\n
Xander threw up his hands. \u201cWhatever you say, wouldn\u2019t want to put you reputation as queen of cool in danger.\u201d He was smiling as he said it. She reduced the glare to a stern look.<\/p>\n
Bored with the snippy banter, Buffy focused her attention on the more important matters\u2026a night of fun. Since she and Angel were taking the mature approach to their split then asking him to join them was the mature thing to do. Besides, she reasoned, watching Xander annoy the hell out of Angel was fun. Maybe not the most grownup of reactions, but no one could expect her to be that mature.<\/p>\n
Angel tensed as Buffy approached. He had listened to the plans being made and breathed a sigh of relief when he hadn\u2019t been included. However, Cordelia going along meant that he\u2019d have to adjust his plans. Instead of brooding in the peace and quiet of home, he was now going to spend the night skulking in a dark-shadowed corner or the noisy club.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, Angel?\u201d She waited for the vampire to turn and face her. \u201cI don\u2019t know if you heard but we\u2019re all heading to the Bronze and I was\u2026uh\u2026wondering if you wanted to come too?\u201d Buffy stood looking uncertain, whether her hesitation was caused by his silence or second thoughts about inviting him Angel couldn\u2019t say.<\/p>\n
He weighed up options in his head \u2013 say no and be free of Xander, say yes and get to openly hang out with Cordelia. He sighed internally, the things I do\u2026<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cThat sounds nice,\u201d he said in his most convincingly enthusiastic voice, it actually wasn\u2019t that hard to fake having just glimpsed the look of shock on Xander\u2019s face.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat.\u201d Buffy\u2019s enthusiastic voice was even less convincing than Angel\u2019s. \u201cSo we\u2019re all going to the Bronze\u2026that\u2019ll be fun.\u201d She offered with an audible crack, her face paling at the death of her night of fun.<\/p>\n
To break the tension that had descended everyone began to gather their things and speak in very load voices about how much they were looking forward to the night ahead. Almost everyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, you don\u2019t mind me coming do you?\u201d Angel asked from his place by the doors.<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s head jerked up, caught unaware, surprised eyes blinked at Angel leaning next to the doors. \u201cWhat? No, of course not. We\u2019re good \u2013 the handshake – remember?\u201d She gave him a brilliant smile as she walked towards him.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s eyes darkened as he recalled their last conversation. The handshake wasn\u2019t important, it was the kiss that had almost followed that occupied his thoughts; and judging by the flush creeping across Cordelia\u2019s cheeks she remembered it too.<\/p>\n
Ever the gentleman Angel stepped back and held the door open for Cordelia, inhaling her fragrance as she walked past. It\u2019s going to be a long night <\/i>he thought, unsure if that was a plus or a minus. He turned to follow Cordelia but was brought to an abrupt halt when the brunette spun to face him, eyes betraying that she had something important to say to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel\u2026I think\u2026\u201d Cordelia was cut off by Xander Harris calling out to them from the other end of the hallway.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey you two, stop exchanging hair care tips. You\u2019re holding up our night of non-killing fun and let\u2019s face it Angel, your hair will never be as shiny as Cordelia\u2019s no matter what products you try.\u201d He stood clearly waiting for them to catch up. Cordelia and Angel exchanged a look of frustration and helplessness. As they turned to walk down the corridor Angel began to seriously contemplate the merits of snapping the annoying boy\u2019s neck\u2026<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cWelcome to Sunnydale\u201d the sign proclaimed. Jenoff doubted he was meant to be included in that statement, but was pleased to accept the invitation either way. The demon was looking forward to spending some quality time on the Hellmouth and, of course, fulfilling his contract with Wolfram and Hart.<\/p>\n
CHAPTER 12<\/b><\/p>\n
The Bronze was full. Teenagers filled every space; drinking, dancing, talking and making out. The air was heavy with, hormones and in the middle of it all stood Angel, once the Scourge of Europe, now reduced to holding the coats as the group hit the dance floor. This is not how I pictured this going.<\/i><\/p>\n
His eyes strayed to the writhing mass of teenage bodies gyrating to the beat of the music. It was easy to pick Cordelia out of the crowd, aside from her eye catching red top, she moved differently from the others. Her movements were full of grace and assurance, confident that she looked good. His eyes lingered on her gently swaying hips. Angel stood fighting the urge to storm onto the dance floor and drag her off to one of the many dark corners of the club and finally take the kiss that was so long overdue. Why fight it <\/i>a dark voice whispered from deep inside his mind.<\/p>\n
So distracted was the vampire that he didn\u2019t notice Buffy\u2019s appearance in front of him, the noise and heat of the club masking his usually acute vampire senses. Buffy stood for a moment waiting for Angel to acknowledge her, waiting to try out her new found \u2018maturity\u2019. However, no greeting appeared, he seemed too busy staring at the dance floor, or rather at someone on the dance floor. Buffy followed Angel\u2019s dark gaze and her eyes came to rest on the lithe form of Cordelia Chase. Turning back to Angel, mind racing, she waved a hand in front of the vampire\u2019s face, determined to get his attention.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello, Earth to Angel\u2026anyone in there?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy\u2019s voice broke into Angel\u2019s increasingly erotic thoughts, pulling him back to reality. His gaze snapped to the blonde in front of him and he struggled to respond.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy\u2026hey, not dancing?\u201d Good move, state the obvious.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cNo, too hot,\u201d She said, fanning her face. \u201cI thought I\u2019d grab a drink. You ok here?\u201d All the time she was talking Buffy could see Angel continuing to dart looks at the dance floor. Her mind shifted into overdrive, since when did Angel pay any attention to Cordelia? Sure, at Halloween, but he was evil then. As far as she knew Angel had never been interested in the brunette; had he?<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine, just people watching.\u201d Uncomfortable at being caught off guard, he considered saying more; almost grateful for the approach of Xander and Willow, both panting from their exertions on the dance floor.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo Angel, seen any date possibilities? I\u2019d be happy to introduce you\u2026\u201d The boy grinned and was promptly dragged away by a frowning Willow in the direction of the bar.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry about that,\u201d Was Buffy\u2019s awkward, \u201cI should\u2026\u201d She gestured in the direction her friends had taken and walked away, a backwards glance confirmed Angel was once again staring at Cordelia.<\/p>\n
He continued to stand there, statue-like, people flowed around him, he ignored them, his focus on one person and one person only. When that person left the dance floor and made her way towards him Angel stood a little straighter, anticipation rising.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, when did they decide to put a coat-rack in? Oh wait, it\u2019s just you.\u201d Cordelia gave him a puzzled look, \u201cYou\u2019ve been standing there for like, half an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n
She had noticed him, was Angel\u2019s first thought. Even on the dance floor Cordelia had been aware of him. That thought gave him hope; he was pretty sure she was attracted to him and her awareness of him seemed to confirm that.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not good in social situations.\u201d Was Angel\u2019s gruff reply. \u201cIt seemed safest to keep out of everyone\u2019s way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia regarded the vampire in silence for a moment. Left on his own for most of the evening, Angel didn\u2019t seem too upset by that fact, but Cordelia still felt bad for him. Great Buffy, invite the guy and then abandon him.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cReally? You hide it so well.\u201d She grinned at him to soften the sarcasm. \u201cYou sure you\u2019re not just trying to avoid Xander?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou caught me, I\u2019m hiding from Harris. I swear if he offers to set me up one more time\u2026\u201d He motioned slitting his throat, enjoying the light-hearted conversation.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo-one would blame you. Believe me, Xander seems to bring that feeling out in a lot of people. It\u2019s a wonder the boy is still alive\u201d She smiled and turned to cast a critical eye over the other occupants of the club, trying to hide the fact that she was actually having fun.<\/p>\n
Across the room Buffy watched the seemingly easy banter. For the first time that evening Angel seemed to have relaxed and was actually talking to someone, the someone being Cordelia Chase hadn\u2019t escaped her notice.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you think they\u2019ve got to talk about?\u201d Xander\u2019s voice came from behind.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever it is it sure seems to be funny,\u201d Buffy commented as the couple across the room burst into laughter. A feeling was growing inside her and she wasn\u2019t sure what it was. They were officially no longer an item so it couldn\u2019t be jealousy she was feeling; could it? What happened to her reclusive Angel?<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s good that Angel\u2019s talking and you know, interacting with someone.\u201d Willow said enthusiastically, as though trying to convince the others.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, it\u2019s just great to see the bloodsucker enjoying himself, really that\u2019s my major concern. Why\u2019d you invite him again, Buff?\u201d Xander ignored the hackers comment and turned to the other girl, whose narrowed gaze was still on Angel and Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know, I\u2019m not sure anymore.\u201d The \u2018mature\u2019 idea was quickly losing its appeal in the face of Angel showing interest in another girl so soon after their split. Had he been telling the truth about why they should break up or was he just clearing the way? Thoughts crowded her head and suddenly a night at the Bronze didn\u2019t seem quite so appealing. \u201cI think I\u2019m gonna head home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll come with you.\u201d Willow was quick to volunteer. \u201cI\u2019ll go let Angel and Cordelia know.\u201d She was stopped by Buffy\u2019s hand on her am.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think they\u2019re fine as they are. Come on.\u201d With that she turned and pushed her way through the crowd.<\/p>\n
Willow hesitated, \u201cDon\u2019t you think we should tell them we\u2019re leaving?\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander thought for a moment, torn between breaking the happy couple up and storming off with Buffy, he chose the latter. \u201cNah, leave them too it, they probably won\u2019t even notice we\u2019re gone.\u201d Every time Xander thought he was getting a handle on his hatred for the vampire the guy went and did something else to rile it all up again. As he turned to leave the club he made a promise to that if Buffy or Cordelia were hurt by anything Angel may do in the future he would happily introduce him to the pointy end of a stake.<\/p>\n
Willow paused casting one more worried glance at the couple left behind. She sighed knowing that stormy weather was rolling in and there was nothing she could do to stop it.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re not here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I\u2019ve checked three times.\u201d Angel\u2019s voice betrayed his growing irritation.<\/p>\n
\u201cReally?\u201d Cordelia seemed unconvinced.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d Exasperation evident.<\/p>\n
\u201cHuh.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s all you\u2019ve got to say?\u201d Angel was beginning to get more than a little annoyed with the beautiful girl standing in front of him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell what do you expect me to say, Mr I\u2019ve checked the room three times? They\u2019ve clearly left without us.\u201d Exasperation mirroring his own, hiding the hurt Cordelia felt at being left behind.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo does this mean we can leave too?\u201d Angel asked hopefully. He had been enjoying spending time with Cordelia, but there were simply too many people around, bumping into them, interrupting. He craved some alone time with her and was starting to miss the days when he\u2019d happily massacre a room full of people to get what he wanted.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I don\u2019t know about you but I\u2019m gonna head home.\u201d She yawned. \u201cAll these late nights fighting the good fight are starting to cut into my beauty sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll see you home.\u201d He offered quickly, thinking he wouldn\u2019t be able to cope if sleep made Cordelia any more beautiful.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t have to, I have my car.\u201d Alone with Angel would not be a good thing. Their pact to forgive and forget would work best without any of the pesky temptations that being alone would raise.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell\u2026you know\u2026there are some demons out there who like to chase moving vehicles, they think they\u2019re\u2026shiny.\u201d Angel was madly improvising, no way was he letting the longed for alone time slip away.<\/p>\n
\u201cReally?\u201d A look of scepticism passed across Cordelia\u2019s face. He nodded. \u201cWow, they have a demon for everything. Ok let\u2019s go big guy, with you around I\u2019m sure no demon would dare to even look at my car.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel trailed I her wake, a contented smile on his face. He had got exactly what he wanted, no argument necessary. He doubted the rest of the night would go so smoothly, the brunette had a tendency to complicate things.<\/p>\n
As Cordelia manoeuvred her car through the quiet streets of Sunnydale she marvelled at how comfortable she felt with Angel. Had someone told her a few days ago about this she would have laughed them out the room.<\/p>\n
As long as I don\u2019t think about kissing him everything will be fine. <\/i>She drew in a deep breath and focused on the road, an image of kissing Angel now firmly lodged in her brain.<\/p>\n
Angel noticed the girl beside him stiffen slightly and wondered what she was thinking. Deciding to take the plunge and actually make conversation he broke the silence, \u201cYou\u2019re not upset that the others left without us are you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? No!\u201d Cordelia was snapped out of her unsettling daydream. \u201cWhat was the question?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you annoyed that about Buffy and the others bailing without saying anything?\u201d Angel tried again, noticing the flush stealing across her cheeks.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy should I be? If they want to pass up the chance for some of my incredible popularity to rub off on them then it\u2019s their loss.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel was just beginning to understand the inner workings of Cordelia\u2019s thought process, the stinging sarcasm a cover for the hurt she was actually feeling. He felt a sudden resentment towards Buffy and company for their desertion. Sure it got him some alone time, but with an annoyed Cordelia, which was nowhere near as fun as a relaxed Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cI bet this is because of you and Buffy.\u201d Suddenly flew out of her mouth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Angel asked, hearing the one name he didn\u2019t want brought up.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know, you guys split so Buffy can\u2019t handle being around you. It\u2019s a classic post break-up reaction.\u201d The brunette replied knowingly. Why am I bringing up \u2018she who leaves without saying goodbye\u2019? And why am I defending her? I must be more tired than I thought.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cReally?\u201d He didn\u2019t sound convinced. \u201cShe said she was happy for me to keep helping out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, in a work context, a social setting is a totally different thing.\u201d She waved a hand to emphasise her point causing Angel to glace fearfully at the road.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy asked me<\/i> to come tonight.\u201d The conversation was rapidly becoming confusing for Angel. He had not expected to end up discussing his now defunct relationship with Cordelia. We’re focusing on the wrong relationship here.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cOf course she did. She was being \u2018mature\u2019.\u201d Cordelia emphasised with air quotes, her hands casually abandoning the wheel. \u201cYou were supposed to say no.\u201d Cordelia risked a quick glance at the vampire who was looking adorably confused. Don’t think about kissing him…<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cMy life was a lot more simple when I lived in the sewers, there were no people down there to confuse things.\u201d Biggest worry was where the next rat would come from\u2026now rats I understand.<\/i><\/p>\n
Unsure what to make of that comment Cordelia decided that no answer was needed; a comfortable silence returned to the car.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, here we are.\u201d Cordelia sighed with relief as they pulled into the driveway. \u201cJob well done, not a car chasing demon in sight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re probably all getting ready for the apocalypse next week.\u201d Angel replied amid much throat clearing.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo I guess I\u2019ll see you at the next meeting?\u201d Her hand hovered over the doorknob, inexplicably her heart started to race.<\/p>\n
Angel moved closer, her could hear the rapid thrum of her heartbeat, feel the heat between them rising. Their bodies a hairsbreadth apart, drawing nearer. His hand reached out and lightly traced the soft curve of her cheek, he grinned when Cordelia tilted her head back, licking her lips in anticipation.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, is that you?\u201d The sound of the door opening forced the couple apart and Angel begrudgingly took a step back as Cordelia busied her hands with her hair.<\/p>\n
The housekeeper stood surveying the pair in front of her, well aware of what she had just interrupted. \u201cCome, it\u2019s late and you have school tomorrow.\u201d She suggested in a tone that brooked no argument and stepped aside for Cordelia to pass.<\/p>\n
\u201cNight Angel, thanks for seeing me home.\u201d She forced normality into her voice, unbelieving that they had once again been interrupted. I just need to kiss him and get it out of my system, is that too much to ask?<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cNo problem.\u201d He began the lonely walk home. I miss the rats…<\/i><\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
The three friends walked in unusual silence, each lost in their own thoughts. No demons had crashed their party, the end of the world not scheduled until next Tuesday, and yet their night of fun had fallen flat just the same, and no one was willing to admit why.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you guys think that Cordelia and Angel were a little too<\/i> friendly tonight?\u201d Buffy\u2019s sudden question broke the dead air, snapping the others from their thoughts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey certainly seemed cosy.\u201d Xander commented dryly, almost pulling off his attempt to feign disinterest in the friendly pair.<\/p>\n
Willow scrutinised her friends, surprised by the sudden wave of tension, unsure of where it was coming from. So Cordelia and Angel had been friendly, she mused. Weren\u2019t they all friends?<\/p>\n
\u201cExactly!\u201d Buffy leapt on the opening. \u201cWhen has Angel ever been cosy with anyone? Even when we were dating he wasn\u2019t exactly Mr Talkative. What; we break up and all of a sudden he realises he has something to say?\u201d<\/p>\n
The blonde was on a roll and Willow decided to throw in her two cents worth before Buffy jumped to conclusions that only existed in her head. \u201cSo they were talking; we talk. It\u2019s what people do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, but there\u2019s talking and then there\u2019s talking<\/i>.”<\/p>\n
Willow scowled at Xander\u2019s less than helpful contribution, his dislike of the vampire almost palpable.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what I mean. Angel was laughing. Angel doesn\u2019t laugh\u2026ever. And why was he laughing with Cordelia?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy,\u201d Willow interrupted again, \u201cThink about it, his options are rather limited. Angel only knows us and he wasn\u2019t going to have a deep and meaningful with Xander, \u2018cos hello \u2013 Xander! And you guys just broke up so I doubt he was looking to go over that again. That really only leaves Cordelia.\u201d The redhead finished her speech triumphantly, sure that her friends would be swayed by her logic.<\/p>\n
Silence reined for a moment as both Buffy and Xander considered Willow\u2019s point, neither looking convinced.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeriously Will, something weird is going on. A few days ago they were barely speaking. And did you hear the part about Angel laughing? With Cordelia?\u201d Confident her point had been made, Buffy waited for a nod of agreement.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy I\u2026\u201d Willow began, her tactful reply swiftly dissolving when challenged by Buffy\u2019s steadfast resolve.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy\u2019s right. Angel and Cordelia getting along is just freaky, even in our freaky world \u2013 unless\u2026\u201d Xander peered over both his shoulders and then back at his friends, \u201c\u2026we fell into an alternate dimension and nobody told me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Willow shook her head. What could she say? Even if they were in a wacky alternate dimension Xander wouldn\u2019t be the one to figure it out.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean what is it about the guy that makes you girls crazy? He\u2019s dead, plus that hair \u2013 don\u2019t tell me that\u2019s attractive\u2026\u201d Xander protested, his hands waving emphatically around his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, he\u2019s got that whole aura of mystery thing going on.\u201d Replied Willow thoughtfully.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd no one can wear black quite like Angel.\u201d Chipped in Buffy, enjoying Xander\u2019s look of disgust, momentarily forgetting her annoyance with her ex.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, plus he does the brooding hero really well, all tormented and in pain.\u201d A dreamy look washed over both girls\u2019 faces.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd the guy can fight\u2026\u201d As Buffy continued to expound on the attractiveness of Angel her mind was slowly forming an idea, a little exercise to help her figure out what was going on once and for all.<\/p>\n
The storm had arrived and looked to be settling in for a while.<\/p>\n