Chapter 41<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia sat up, grabbing her sweats off the floor. She absent-mindedly pulled the pants on, her concentration on the vampire getting dressed in front of her. Cordelia sighed.<\/p>\n
Angel really was beautiful.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Angel glanced up tugging down his shirt wishing that they hadn\u2019t gotten up at all. But as wonderful as being with Cordelia was on that small bed, he was anxious to take her and Connor home.<\/p>\n
The sooner the ritual was done the sooner they could go. Now that they had a plan a solution, Angel felt more secure in the outcome. Cordelia would live. She had to. Angel frowned waiting for Cordelia to answer him.<\/p>\n
He\u2019d be even more secure, if Cordelia showed affirmatively that she believed it. Cordelia seemed to accept it, but she had cried her soft tears, it had only been for a second, but the moisture had scorched his skin.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? What are you thinking? Cordy, it will\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c Be okay?\u201d The young woman smiled. \u201cThat\u2019s my line. And that wasn\u2019t what I was thinking, smarty pants.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was thinking how beautiful you are.\u201d Cordelia sighed again. \u201cReally, really beautiful,\u201d sighing again, standing in front of the vampire, her hands placed lightly over his chest.<\/p>\n
Angel squirmed at her intense admiration, taking in a gulp of air, feeling a long forgotten need to blush. Okay, sure, in Angel\u2019s almost two hundred and fifty years – women, a lot of them, had been attracted to him, hell, Angelus had used the vampire\u2019s looks mercilessly to charm, tempt then kill.<\/p>\n
But, there was something about the way Cordelia was looking at him that made him feel like the stuttering youth that he had once been before \u2013 before he realized the power of his looks could have over the female populace or knew how the charm of the demon with the face of an angel could devastate a being at his choice or accepted that neither did nothing to cure or alleviate the guilt of his soul.<\/p>\n
It was a power that Angel knew he had and used when necessary but mainly he forgot. Until Cordelia, because with her – his looks had no power,except briefly so long ago before she even knew what he was, once she knew then, his looks meant nothing to the young high school student, Angel hadn’t cared then but he knew.<\/p>\n
And the charm that he spent centuries honing to a sharp pleasuring deadly skill, also meant nothing, since that charm was pretty much non-working when Cordelia was in his presence. Cordelia stripped him of all that- especially over that last year when Angel so desperately wanted Cordy to look at him like an attractive man.<\/p>\n
Angel smiled wanting to suddenly break out in song or at least hum or whistle some happy ditty. Cordelia was looking at him like that, even more. She thought he was beautiful. God, he dreamt of her gazing at him with love, desire\u2026adoration, even.<\/p>\n
And here she was doing it. Angel was one happy vampire. His dreams were coming true, Cordelia was here, she loved him, she made love with him\u2026.the rest had to come true.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re blushing, my handsome heroic dork vampire is blushing,\u201d Cordelia giggled. \u201cI know you\u2019ve been told that you were beautiful before.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, not when it meant so much, not from you.\u201d Angel tentatively traced Cordy’s profile with a tender touch. \u201cYou are the beautiful, amazing one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia smiled very pleased. \u201cAh, now I know you love me, I look horrible, all dirty bed hair and baggie cloths.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI like MY baggie cloths on you.\u201d Angel dropped a quick possessive kiss on her lips.<\/p>\n
\u201cYours?\u201d Raising a brow.<\/p>\n
\u201cMine,\u201d Angel said firmly, reaching again for her lips, not at all talking about the clothes that she had stolen along with his heart so long ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re never going to leave here,\u201d murmuring, moving in closer into the vampire\u2019s embrace.<\/p>\n
Angel pulled back up. \u201cYes. The quicker we do the ritual, the quicker this will all be over.\u201d Turning to the door.<\/p>\n
Cordelia stood, blinking at the back of the vampire, tears threatened to fall in torrents as her heart lurched breaking in half. She didn\u2019t want it all to be over, because then it would really be over.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d Angel glanced back at Cordelia\u2019s hesitation.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, sure, you’re not the one that Buffy gets use as a pin cushion,\u201d raising her brows in sarcasm, her pain once again hidden. Cordelia moved past the vampire to leave the room.<\/p>\n
Angel pulled her back by the arm. \u201cBuffy won\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKidding, Angel, kidding\u2026beautiful but still need to work on the sense of humor thing, Pfft.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have a sense of humor, I can laugh. I do. Sometimes. Not often. Not recently. But, you\u2019re back, you make me laugh.\u201d Angel nodded trying to convince the young woman.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s because I\u2019m funny.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWould that be in the \u2018ha ha\u2019 way or the \u2018ew- strange\u2019 way, because I\u2019m thinking\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia narrowed her eyes at the vampire then broke out in a big smile. \u201cThat was almost funny, predictable, but unpredictable in that it sprang from your un-dead funny bone. That was good. Come on lets go see Connor, then save the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chapter 42<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cAll right, does every one know what they\u2019re to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley was standing before the occupants of the room going over the plan again. \u201cCordy. Cordelia,\u201d trying to get the young woman\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n
Cordelia glared up from the smiling chattering boy in her lap. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHave you even been listening, this is important?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat Connor was saying was more important and a damn sight more insightful. I think he gave the solution to the whole peace in the Middle East question. He\u2019s so smart.\u201d She buried her head back into the child\u2019s laughing arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, you have to know\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley, I got it. I stand there while Buffy does the spell cutting my wrist, while the rest of you protect us. Crystal will zap and purge any Drakkus that gets to close to me and Buffy. Not real difficult, in fact I got the easy part. I don\u2019t have to listen to you to know how to stand still and let other\u2019s save me, been trained way to many time in that scenario.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley rolled his eyes. \u201cNow, Buffy\u2026.\u201d Wesley looked around. \u201cWhere\u2019s Buffy? Has she not been here, she needs to know what\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cErmeh,\u201d Willow cleared her throat. \u201cBuffy said she got it after the third time you told her, she wanted to go get something. She thought it would help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSmart, girl, she left.\u201d Cordelia rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, we\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn\u2019t Slayer stop pushing,\u201d a smoking blanket came tumbling in through the front door.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re about to go up in flames, idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDidn\u2019t think you cared.\u201d Spike flung off the blanket, glaring at the blonde then at the others in the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpike, I thought we got rid of him.\u201d Xander jumped up. \u201cWhy\u2019s he here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood question, moron. I don\u2019t want to be. Bleedin\u2019 bitch woke me up and threatened to spread my ashes to the high winds if I didn\u2019t come. Bugger, it was almost like old times. Which I fuckin don\u2019t want.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTough. You\u2019re helping.\u201d Buffy glared back then turning to the rest. \u201cI just figured that if I\u2019m doing the spell with Cordy. Spike could be useful in helping to protect her and well us,\u201d looking at Cordelia than at Crystal, shrugging apologetically.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother vampire couldn\u2019t hurt.\u201d Buffy hadn\u2019t been able to think of any other way to keep her promises to both Angel and Cordelia. This way she could concentrate on the spell and Cordy- and Spike could make sure Crystal stayed alive.<\/p>\n
\u201cI ain\u2019t helping.\u201d Spike glared than stopped. \u201cHey, when did the cheerleader come back? Looking good, chit for a dead person.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA couple of days ago and thanks,\u201d Cordelia said over Angel\u2019s growl, placing a hand up to the vampire\u2019s chest. \u201cIt\u2019s a good idea, Buffy.\u201d It looked like the Powers were giving Buffy the vampire she was supposed to be with after all.<\/p>\n
Good, Cordelia had forgotten all about trying to get Spike involved in the whole saving the world thing.<\/p>\n
The blonde vampire studied Cordelia and his grandsire standing so close together.<\/p>\n
He swung around to Buffy. \u201cI told you, but you wouldn\u2019t believe me. I told you, Peaches was in love with the cheerleader, dead or not. \u201c<\/p>\n
Buffy winced. Spike had told her over and over again, until she told if he came to her one more time spouting that junk she would really stake him.<\/p>\n
\u201cShit, dumped you as soon as she came back, didn\u2019t he or didn\u2019t you know they\u2019ve been shagging like damn bunnies. Didn\u2019t even give you a second thought, did he? \u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cSpike, shut up.\u201d Cordelia stepped forward jerking the blond vampire away from the gulping, tearing slayer. \u201cLeave her alone. Help or don\u2019t but leave Buffy alone. Stop hurting her.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, hurt her? Me? What about you and Peaches acting like rutting teenagers, right in front of her?\u201d<\/p>\n
Before Angel even had a chance to move or Cordelia to yell, Buffy swung hitting Spike square in the jaw, throwing Spike across the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t mock what you don\u2019t understand, got me. Angel and Cordy haven\u2019t done anything wrong, they just love each other, and there is nothing WRONG with that. Cordy’s Connor\u2019s mother, they\u2019re a family, it\u2019s beautiful, so don\u2019t pick at it with your bitterness. I was the one that was wrong and if you don\u2019t shut up, I will stake you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, wow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat girl,\u201d Gunn whispered back to Fred.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t know that she was that strong and wow, she just like defended Angel and Cordy from that annoying vampire, I think I could like her after all. Though, he is cute.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh,\u201d Gunn stared, trying to understand the last part of Fred\u2019s comment, looking back at the vampire pulling him self up the wall.<\/p>\n
Cordelia stopped herself from going to Buffy. Angel was already there. She sighed. Angel needed to do this, he wouldn\u2019t be happy without fixing things with the slayer himself.<\/p>\n
She turned her attention to the blonde vampire.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy.\u201d Angel started gently.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, it\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, everyone wants it to be, don\u2019t they? If we all say it enough, do you think it will happen?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, I won\u2019t let anything happen to Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe you. Buffy, I\u2019m sorry that I hurt you. I do love you. I\u2019m sorry that I couldn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy held up her hand. \u201cDon\u2019t, Angel, don\u2019t say what you don\u2019t mean. You aren\u2019t sorry that you love Cordy, you aren\u2019t sorry she\u2019s here, you weren\u2019t sorry that you were going to leave me anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel raised a puzzled brow at the change in tenses. \u201cI do love you, Buffy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot enough, not the same. I know that and you know that. And you know what? it really is okay. Sure, it hurts some. But I have your love.\u201d Buffy shrugged. \u201cThough, Cordy has so much more, doesn\u2019t she, she has it all.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026\u201d Angel stopped. Buffy wanted the truth, expected it. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy shrugged again. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine, you\u2019ll be fine AND Cordy will be fine. Maybe, we could be friends, though, all of us. I\u2019m not sure we ever were.\u201d Buffy scrunched up her brow.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy finally really smiled.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Cordy held out a hand to the blond vampire. \u201cHurry up, get up. \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s your rush?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s with your attitude? You were helping the Scoobies before I died.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe had her vampire hero, broody fucker, this model not needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re jealous.\u201d Cordelia said in realization.<\/p>\n
\u201cDeath make you smart or just loony?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSpike, one way or another, Angel is leaving for LA when this is over. Buffy will need your help again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight, Peaches\u2019 sloppy seconds. No fuckin way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t suggesting that you sleep with her.\u201d Cordelia shrugged. \u201cJust help her. Geez. She loved him before you anyway. Nothing changed about that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe chose him over me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid she even know that you were a viable choice? With your mouth, I could see her hesitation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike studied Cordelia again. \u201cWhen did you become a demon?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore I became dead. Look, Spike are you going to help us or not.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFuck it. I was never a big fan of Armageddon- no fun afterwards. Sure.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood. Your job is to make sure that,\u201d she tugged and pointed to Crystal. \u201cShe stays alive no matter what. Got it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTasty for a gold one, but who is she and why?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust do it. Okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike looked again at Cordelia. \u201cWhat\u2019s really going on here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re saving the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight,\u201d Spike shook his head and followed the dark-haired woman back into the main room.<\/p>\n
Chapter 43<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy,\u201d Dawn ran up to the slayer.<\/p>\n
\u201cDawn, I know you want to go, but you need to stay with Connor. Honey, it\u2019s not a matter of not trusting you; it\u2019s just that you\u2019re not that experienced and this is not the time for you learn. This won\u2019t be like patrolling the cemetery. Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
Dawn wanted to argue but she did understand. It was just that she didn\u2019t want to be left alone worrying about her sister and friends.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand that, too.\u201d Buffy said softly. \u201cBut, we\u2019ll be fine, you just make sure that Lorne and Connor are, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
Dawn slowly nodded. \u201cBut when you get back, next patrol I get to go, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBlackmail.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dawn shrugged.<\/p>\n
Buffy hugged her younger sister. \u201cFine.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, you up for another apocalypse?\u201d Xander looked at Willow.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, at least this time I won\u2019t be the one causing it, that\u2019s a bonus.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWillow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine, Xander, ready to go kick some Drakkus booty, in the non magical sense of the physical hardy stuff.\u201d Willow stumbled then regaining her footing bringing the heavy sword crashing to the floor. \u201cIs there a lighter one?\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Lorne\u2019s melodic words melted into gentle hums to Connor. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, baby child. Didn\u2019t daddycakes and mommy just promise that every thing would be okay? They sure did. Now, honey child, daddy and company will save the world and Powers willing\u2026.god, let them be willing, mommy will be back, to snuggle and serenade you with bad songs.\u201d<\/p>\n
The green demon placed a gentle kiss on the little boy\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, English, gotta be happy to be back,\u201d Gunn leaned on the counter. \u201cCan\u2019t tell me you had any weird ass demon world saving gigs in the last year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley pushed up his glasses. \u201cI\u2019m glad to be back, weird ass demon world saving gigs aside.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMe, too.\u201d Fred hugged the ex-watcher, squealing. \u201cWe\u2019re all together again, this is so\u2026so\u2026\u201d Fred scrunched up her brow.<\/p>\n
\u201cWow.\u201d Wesley cocked his head at Gunn. \u201cShe\u2019s speechless.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAm not,\u201d Fred squinted up at Wesley. \u201cThis is just great.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Fred, I would have to agree,\u201d Wesley glanced fondly at the young woman his gaze then going to Gunn.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for trying, both of you and sorry I couldn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t hassle it man, it was tough for all, but hey, the team is back and in action,\u201d Gunn raised his hand in the air.<\/p>\n
Wesley paused then smiled proceeding to smack, shake and grin all during the intricate handshake.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Cordy smiled. Her family had found their way back to each other. Things would be okay and maybe even good. She had to be happy for them.<\/p>\n
\u201cCor.\u201d<\/p>\n
The young woman\u2019s smile got brighter as the strong arms encircled her waist and the lips nuzzled at her neck.<\/p>\n
She waited a brief moment and turned in the arms to face Angel. \u201cI love you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you. We\u2019ll be fine. This will work. I believe it. I know it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia caressed Angel\u2019s strong jaw. \u201cI love you with all my heart and soul, forever.\u201d She said smiling, refusing her last words to Angel be another lie.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhew. I didn\u2019t want to be the only one.\u201d Angel smirked.<\/p>\n
Cordy cocked a brow. \u201cMore with the funnies. The world is <\/i>ending.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cReady, darkness has descended, vampire heroes are safe,\u201d Buffy called leading the way.<\/p>\n
Willow and Xander close behind weapons in hand. Spike taking up the rear, close but not quite a part of the group. Buffy waited. The vampire reached her side and then she moved forward at a quick pace.<\/p>\n
Angel and Cordelia moved up to Wesley, Gunn and Fred. \u201cAnybody up for saving the world today?\u201d The vampire asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure why not,\u201d Gunn grabbed his axe hosting it up on his shoulders.<\/p>\n
Wesley swung his sword, \u201cI say, it has been awhile.\u201d Wesley looked straight at Angel. \u201cAnd NO ONE will die.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel nodded, finally really accepting Wesley\u2019s presence back. \u201cIt\u2019s not a party without you, Wes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight, no one to dance like a wooden dyslexic puppet.\u201d Cordy smirked.<\/p>\n
\u201cReally, Cordy.\u201d Wesley smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got a sword.\u201d Fred swung her weapon wildly in the air.<\/p>\n
\u201cGirl, watch the arches.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPooh, I\u2019ve got aim and swing. Let\u2019s go. I want to get home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy smiled. \u201cI love you guys.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe love you too, Cordy,\u201d the group sang out together. Lorne\u2019s strong musical tones rang loudly in accompaniment from the couch. \u201cLuv,\u201d Connor giggled up at the game long remembered.<\/p>\n
\u201cSmart beautiful boy,\u201d Cordy beamed to Angel.<\/p>\n
\u201cStill wondering where he got it from,\u201d Gunn cleared his throat, happily.<\/p>\n
\u201cPfft.\u201d Cordelia stuck her tongue out at her friend.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d Angel took the lead. Cordelia close at his side, Wesley, Gunn and Fred fanned out behind walking in determined confident strides.<\/p>\n
They were at the door when Cordelia paused looking back at Crystal. The demon was standing there looking a bit lost. \u201cCome on, you\u2019re with us.\u201d Beckoning the young woman.<\/p>\n
Crystal ran up. Cordelia moved back letting the demon take her place beside Angel.<\/p>\n
Angel stopped and turned grabbing at Cordelia without thought he brushed the other demon aside. \u201cBeside me, always,\u201d gripping Cordy\u2019s hand walking out the door.<\/p>\n
Wesley, Gunn and Fred started to move again, Crystal fell in beside them off a bit, a little on the outside, but included in the determination and power of the group.<\/p>\n