Cordelia had her chin on his shoulder as Angel carried her the last remaining steps to the car. The others had stopped back at the table to pay for their meal using the company card and to gather their belongings.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll tuck me into bed?\u201d<\/p>\n
That question sounded like the start of one of his many Cordelia fantasies. Holding her while discussing anything related to his bed was definitely dangerous as subjects went. \u201cThat\u2019s where you belong until the demon is dead and your migraine goes away.\u201d<\/p>\n
I belong in his bed<\/i>, Cordelia twisted his words to suit herself. A smile curled the corners of her mouth at the idea that he\u2019d said so. Now if only she could get Angel to read between the lines like she did. Unfortunately, her manpire was as thick-headed as he was handsome.<\/p>\n
Angel opted to drive, though it was a toss up between that and continuing to hold Cordelia. He\u2019d left that up to Wesley and Fred. Gunn took shotgun while Angel sped all the way back to the hotel.<\/p>\n
Then he had her in his arms again and this time she did protest considering that time was short. \u201cI\u2019ll just go upstairs myself. Maybe Fred can get me my purse and a glass of water. It\u2019s almost time for big ugly to show up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll tell her,\u201d Angel promised, but he made no move to stop until he had deposited Cordelia on his bed. \u201cI want you to rest. We\u2019ll deal with the demon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bending over, he ran a hand down her calf along the sheer silk nylons to remove her shoe and repeated the move with the other. Angel set them down beneath the bedside chair as Cordelia sat on the side of his bed watching him and wondering what it would be like to be here without the vision headache and him having to rush off to save the patrons of Taco Haven from a nasty demon.<\/p>\n
Angel was about to tell her to slide under the covers when he noticed the bulky clip at the back of her head holding her hair up. Reaching out to remove it, he simply said, \u201cYou can\u2019t sleep like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia felt her hair tumble down her back and across her shoulders. The moment Angel combed his fingers through her soft tresses, Cordelia felt her decision to grow it out again after her return from Pylea was a good one.<\/p>\n
Even if his touch was meant to minister to her pain with kindness, Cordelia wanted it to mean something else. She turned her face into his open palm, closing her eyes for an instant as she slipped her legs onto the mattress.<\/p>\n
As promised, Angel tucked her into bed pulling the covers up high and tucking them under her arms. For a moment, he simply looked down at her, hovering close as if he was considering something. Cordelia wanted nothing more than for him to close that distance and press his cool lips against hers. They tingled with need despite the ache in her head.<\/p>\n
\u201cMake it better, Angel,\u201d she whispered. \u201cMake it go away.\u201d<\/p>\n
With his hand against her cheek, Angel brushed his mouth against her forehead like best friends and even big brothers might do, though he mentally wiped out the latter consideration as soon as he\u2019d thought it.<\/p>\n
\u201cTime to go, but I\u2019ll be home soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Cordelia knew the moment the demon was dead. The last remnants of her migraine vanished as if it had never existed. While she really wanted to stay snuggled up in Angel\u2019s bed, she was too concerned about the boys coming back with injuries that might require patching up.<\/p>\n
She was down in the lobby with Fred, the First Aid kit at the ready by the time they arrived back at the Hyperion. Fred had changed into casual clothing, but Cordelia hadn\u2019t bothered to look for anything. She was still wearing her short black dress, but only brought the shoes as far as the lobby rather than putting them on again.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you doing out of bed?\u201d Angel asked as Cordelia rushed over to meet them at the door.<\/p>\n
Not bothering with an answer, Cordelia was too busy checking the three of them for signs of injury. She was appalled by the amount of blood coating their clothing. \u201cTell me that\u2019s demon blood and not yours.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019d be lying,\u201d Wes confessed as he limped toward the couch. He was pressing a handkerchief tinged with red to his shoulder. \u201cAngel took the brunt of it as usual. I think Gunn and I escaped with contusions and superficial lacerations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred was wide-eyed as she looked at the trio. Turing to Cordelia, she asked, \u201cHow can I help?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou take Gunn while I patch up Wes,\u201d Cordelia pointed to the peroxide, antiseptic and bandages. \u201cI\u2019ll deal with Angel in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s the worst,\u201d Fred pointed out. \u201cShouldn\u2019t we fix him up first?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel assured her, \u201cI can wait.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Cutting in, Gunn reminded her, \u201cLiving Dead over there is already healing. You won\u2019t be able to tell he was injured in the morning. Wes and me ain\u2019t so lucky. So being first in line for a little TLC is justice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat does seem fair,\u201d Fred agreed with all seriousness. Then asked, \u201cHow\u2019s Taco Haven? Did it survive the demon attack?\u201d<\/p>\n
It hurt when Angel laughed, so he kept quiet as Gunn assured the taco-loving Texan that after a few days her favorite restaurant would be back in business. Her relief at the news was visible.<\/p>\n
Cordelia and Fred quickly tended to the minor cuts of their human companions and then it was Angel\u2019s turn.<\/p>\n
\u201cStop squirming, you big baby. It can\u2019t be that bad,\u201d Cordelia complained dabbing hydrogen peroxide onto the angry red claw marks crossing Angel\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n
Protesting, Angel answered, \u201cYou\u2019re not the injured party.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSit back and don\u2019t move. How can I clean this properly if you keep moving around like that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt stings,\u201d he told her as he flexed his shoulder and shifted his legs again. \u201cMaybe you should blow on it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rolling her eyes, Cordelia pursed her lips and blew air across his chest. \u201cBetter?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot really,\u201d he might have been pouting, but Cordelia had seen him injured far more seriously to believe that. Angel rubbed at the open area on his chest as if to wipe away the irritating antiseptic.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow look what you\u2019ve done,\u201d Cordelia sounded incensed as she pushed on his uninjured shoulder to keep him steady. \u201cI\u2019ll have to start over.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel honestly gave her an out, \u201cI\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPfft! Like I haven\u2019t heard that before,\u201d she waved off the suggestion. Grabbing more clean cotton balls, she moistened them with the cleanser and started her task over. \u201cI saw that. You moved.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid not.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou asked for it, buddy,\u201d Cordelia harrumphed as she climbed onto his lap to stop him from squirming across the couch. \u201cI told you to hold still.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel realized he got more than he bargained for by teasing Cordelia. She always took her Florence Nightingale routine very seriously. He almost hated to admit to himself how much he looked forward to these little first aid sessions.<\/p>\n
Not that he had ever considered getting himself injured purposefully; it was just nice that Cordelia cared enough to take care of him as if he was a man and not just a vampire.<\/p>\n
Like a friend would, Angel issued himself a stern reminder even as his hands grabbed onto her hips to steady her as she balanced on his thighs. Realizing that his fingers were pressed into the firm globes of her bottom, he moved them away only to settle on her upper thighs. His thumb brushed against something and Angel\u2019s eyes darted down to see that her the edge of her dress had hiked up to reveal a black silk garter holding up her stocking. All he had to do was press his thumb up just a fraction to touch her skin.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s not on the list of things to do tonight,<\/i> he reminded himself. Friends do not feel each other up, dammit. She just smells so fucking good. Bet my bed will be full of that scent tonight.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cAlmost done,\u201d Cordelia told him oblivious to the position of his hands or the reason for his sudden stillness. She was too focused on measuring out the right length of tape to stick to the 4×4 gauze sponges covering his wounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood, just hurry,\u201d his voice sounded almost gruff.<\/p>\n
Cordelia paused long enough to ask, \u201cWhat\u2019s your rush? Don\u2019t tell me you have plans to patrol around the shelter again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Angel denied quickly. \u201cI think that situation is resolved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Taping the last 4×4 in place, Cordelia raised a brow and tried her best to sound only vaguely interested. \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDefinitely,\u201d he answered realizing that if Cordelia didn\u2019t move soon she was going to be find out just how friendly<\/i> some parts of him could be.<\/p>\n
Angel lifted her to her feet and stood up at the same time. She looked a little puzzled by his hasty actions. Stepping closer, Cordelia commented, \u201cWe were cheated out of our dance. You owe me one, broody.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe when we all go out again in six months or so,\u201d Angel nodded to her dismay.<\/p>\n
\u201cSix months,\u201d Cordelia actually believed he meant it as she fisted her hands on her hips. \u201cYou\u2019re like the Scrooge of Fun. Bah Humbug! You wouldn\u2019t know fun if it came and bit you on the ass.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cActually,\u201d he defended himself, \u201cI\u2019m planning a little fun right now. Your three-eyed demon has made me miss most of the hockey game. If I hurry, I can catch the end of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia thought Angel\u2019s idea of fun needed some serious work. \u201cHockey again?\u201d<\/p>\n
Just as Cordelia was actually contemplating taking up an interest in\u2026*shudder*\u2026ice hockey, Gunn called out, \u201cYo, Barbie! Ready to hit the road? Thought you might want a lift home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d she called out over her shoulder. \u201cBe there in a sec.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel felt certain Cordelia was going to call him on his escape routine. Hell, it was so obvious that he had to get away from her he could already hear the accusations.<\/p>\n
Say something,<\/i> he urged himself trying to think of words that would reassure her that he was in no way lusting after her. That arched brow and defiant stance had him worried. Had she guessed that he wanted nothing more than to drag her up to his lair and discover every delicious secret her body had to offer?<\/p>\n
Even if Angel didn\u2019t have a hope of convincing himself that he felt only friendship for Cordelia Chase, he was determined to keep her unaware of that fact. \u201cYou\u2019re such a pal. Thanks for the patch up job.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia watched as Angel bounded up the stairs. Glancing around the lobby seeking denial of that state of being, she found that Wes and Fred had already vacated the area. Gunn was leaning up against the front counter as Cordelia queried, \u201cI\u2019m a pal?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA good one too,\u201d Gunn walked over, slung his arm around her shoulder squeezing tight. \u201cGrab your shoes, woman. Let\u2019s roll.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI so need my own car,\u201d muttered Cordelia suddenly hating her dependence on the bus or one of her vehicle-owning friends. \u201cMaybe a jeep. A yellow one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn only laughed, \u201cYou planning on asking Wes for a raise? Good luck with that. I think you\u2019ll stand a better chance hinting to David Nabbitt that your birthday is coming up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following Gunn out to the curb, Cordelia thwacked him on the back of the head. \u201cI\u2019ll settle for a shopping spree. After tonight, I think I deserve one.\u201d<\/p>\n
A pal?<\/i> Cordelia stared blindly out the truck window as Gunn drove her home. After all of the subtle hints and open flirtation, Angel had no idea she was in love with him. Lately, it seemed like he tried to avoid looking at her even like the other guys did.<\/p>\n
As if he found her so commonplace she was hardly worth glancing at unless it allowed him to play the part of the big brother or the dashing hero.<\/p>\n
Cordelia waved her hand toward Gunn as he drove away, but her thoughts were all on the vampire back at the Hyperion Hotel. \u201cJust you wait, Angel. Tomorrow, the kid gloves come off.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Bright and early\u2026almost too bright<\/i> and too early<\/i>\u2026Cordelia dragged Fred on her carefully planned shopping spree. \u201cI\u2019m tired of being subtle. If that stubborn vamp wants to think of me as his pal, then he\u2019s damn well gonna think of me as his sexy playmate.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh my,\u201d Fred followed Cordelia around from shop to shop.<\/p>\n
\u201cI practically straddled him last night,\u201d Cordelia realized suddenly. \u201cHe was thinking about his hockey game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred pointed out, \u201cAngel is used to having you in his lap and holding you in a non-romantic way. Y\u2019know, with the visions and all. You were just treating his wounds.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI practically drooled on his naked chest when I was patching him up. All he did was sound grateful that he had time to watch the game.\u201d Cordelia shrugged, \u201cWho knew vampires liked hockey so much anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reasoning easily, Fred responded, \u201cIt\u2019s an indoor sport played mostly at night.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHmph!\u201d Cordelia was not impressed. \u201cI know of one indoor sport played mostly at night he\u2019d be interested in if he ever opens his eyes. Just for a second last night, when he was tucking me into bed, I thought he wanted me. It was the way that he touched my hair.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred hurried to keep the pace as Cordelia strode along in front of the stores. \u201cMaybe he\u2019s tactile rather than visual. Reacts to things more by touch than sight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Coming to a rapid halt, Cordelia glanced into the storefront window, her mouth curving into a conspiratorial smile. \u201cFred, did anyone ever tell you that you were a genius?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, actually,\u201d Fred nodded quite seriously. \u201cMany times. Mensa has it documented using the Stanford-Binet, Wechsler and Cattell scales.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rolling her eyes, Cordelia grabbed Fred by the wrist and pulled her into the store, \u201cI have an idea. C\u2019mon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now standing directly in front of the store\u2019s exclusive bed linen display, Fred gaped at the scene forming in her head. Suddenly, Cordelia\u2019s idea seemed all too clear. \u201cOh my.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, yes. This is it, Fred. I\u2019m pulling out all the stops for this and before the night is over, Angel will be mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell that\u2019s certainly a tactile way to go,\u201d Fred considered. Her voice vibrated a little with nervousness as she pointed out, \u201cYou seem certain my theory will work. It\u2019s just a hypothesis, Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFred, I told you I\u2019ve learned a lot from Cosmo,\u201d Cordelia assured her. \u201cThat includes more than just a few flirting tips and makeover advice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Clueless, Fred could only ask, \u201cIt does?\u201d<\/p>\n
Picking up the corner of the top sheet on the display, Cordelia ran it across Fred\u2019s arm and watched her mouth form a circle of surprise. \u201cThat\u2019s really nice.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a smirk worthy of Angelus, holding the sensually smooth fabric up to her cheek and letting her fingers trace down the folds, Cordelia explained, \u201cNo man can resist 900 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets.\u201d<\/p>\n