Part 24<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia held Angel\u2019s stare. \u201cYou haven\u2019t answered me. Rethinking your idiot position?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you my position, you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t order me around Angel, it never worked before and it won\u2019t work now.\u201d She pushed past the vampire back down into the basement wanting to keep the upcoming fight away from the lobby. Duncan already thought Angel was rude, no reason for him to see that the vampire was also an idiot. \u201cI will train with who I want when I want.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d Angel followed.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d she swung around to face him. \u201cDON\u2019T.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t trust him.\u201d Angel glared at the young woman.<\/p>\n
Cordelia crossed her arms over her chest, her foot stomping at the floor. \u201cThat\u2019s just stupid. Duncan has been nothing but wonderful. He\u2019s fought the demons and other baddies in Gabbyho visions while you were gone. He\u2019s taught me about being an Immortal and how to use a sword. You should be grateful not stupid. He\u2019s MY FRIEND.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWONDERFUL? A FRIEND?\u201d Angel grabbed the young woman by the shoulders, her defense of the Highlander making him even angrier. \u201cHe\u2019s an Immortal. An Immortal that could very well be a threat to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThreat? I told you, he\u2019s my\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs an Immortal that when the Gathering happens will try to KILL you. He\u2019s a threat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked momentarily then glared. \u201cJust like I will try to kill him if I’m still alive and that doesn\u2019t stop him from caring about me. I owe him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do.\u201d Cordelia insisted angrily.<\/p>\n
\u201cOwe him? You owe me to stay alive and I don\u2019t trust him to do that. I will be training you from now on.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOwe you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Cordelia. You owe me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t owe you a damn thing.\u201d She shouted waving her hands in the air.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes you do.\u201d Angel yelled back. \u201cAnd it\u2019s about time you start paying.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Cordelia turned, glaring at the vampire in shock.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re MY friend, not Duncan\u2019s.\u201d Angel glowered stubbornly.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is too my friend and right now he\u2019s a better friend than you, he\u2019s never a STUPID BULLY.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel narrowed his eyes; his growing resentment at each defense Cordelia uttered colored his mind red, shoving logical thinking to the wayside.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s leaving. I won\u2019t have him here any longer. In case you\u2019ve forgotten, this is my hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re going to kick him out? I don\u2019t believe you. Do you know how many \u2018victims\u2019 he\u2019s saved while you were on your little brood fest retreat? Fine, kick him out and I\u2019ll be right behind him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re not going anywhere.\u201d Angel\u2019s fury turned ice cold.<\/p>\n
\u201cTry to stop me, \u2018grr\u2019 guy. There\u2019s nothing holding me here. I\u2019m not vision girl. I can go where I please when I please. Screw you and your freaky attitude. I don’t owe you anything. This,\u201d Cordy waved around again. \u201cYou,\u201d she stopped and glared. \u201cAren\u2019t my worry anymore. Gabby has that honor. Be her friend. Annoy her. Bully her. She\u2019d probably like it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou aren\u2019t going anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHaven\u2019t we discussed already the stupidity of you trying to order me around. Paris is nice this time of year, hell any time of year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel seethed. \u201cFine. Go with your FRIEND. You\u2019re right. You\u2019re not my seer. There is no reason for you to stay if you don\u2019t want to. Leave your family, ME. Go. Make it tomorrow, if you can\u2019t go tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
A portion of Angel\u2019s rational thinking finally broke through his emotions as the last word was shouted into the basement. Shit. He just may have gone to far. Duh, ya think. His rational mind cried.<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked and in one stiff motion headed up the stairs, her mind swirling and screaming out in disbelief and anger. Angel ordered her to leave. Well, fine, that was one order she would follow. Cordelia held her back straighter as she left the vampire.<\/p>\n
Angel counted every step Cordelia took away from him and as the number grew higher, his anger fled and panic ensued. She wouldn\u2019t. She couldn\u2019t. She was being Cordy stubborn because he was being an ass. Sure, finally now he could recognize how much he screwed up. She wouldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
Oh god, he wasn\u2019t sure. Angel couldn\u2019t risk it. Pride and his remaining anger fled as the young woman got closer to the door. He had to stop her.<\/p>\n
Cordelia paused as her hand inched to the doorknob. If she opened that door, she would leave. What was she doing? Oh right, going to live her new amazing immortal life, that\u2019s what. Angel better damn well stop her or she would really leave.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy.\u201d Angel choked.<\/p>\n
The young woman\u2019s hand wavered over the knob. Relief flooded her being.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t leave.\u201d He struggled to salvage his firm voice.<\/p>\n
Cordelia bit down the retort hovering on her lips changing it at the vampire\u2019s expression that had not yet caught up with his tone. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou just can\u2019t.\u201d Angel was finding it very difficult to keep any semblance of composure. Now that she wasn\u2019t leaving he had to make certain that the beautiful woman that he needed more with every growing moment never left him.<\/p>\n
Cordelia took a slow step downwards. “I don’t want to.”<\/p>\n
\u201cThen don\u2019t.\u201d Angel moved closer to the staircase, determination swallowing up his previous anger and fear.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t need me anymore and you\u2019re an asshole.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel choked a small chuckle at the inevitable truth that was staring back at him in the amazing body before him. A thunderbolt erupted through him, another epiphany, again like before it was too long after the feelings that heralded the insight. Angel gazed up staring intently. \u201cI will always need you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s foot hung in the air. \u201cWhy?\u201d Cordelia asked. Angel\u2019s intense tone beckoned hers even lower.<\/p>\n
Angel took a step up the stairs getting closer to the stalled young woman. \u201cI\u2026\u201d Angel wanted to explain tell the young woman his discovery to make her feel the burst of wonder that flowed through him, but it was too soon, he could see the confusion on Cordelia\u2019s lovely face. \u201cI just do.\u201d Angel reached for Cordelia; his hand gently tucked a strain of brown silk behind her ear. He wanted to taste the delicate flesh his fingers brushed.<\/p>\n
Cordelia licked her lips nervously. Angel\u2019s stare was so compelling. It was making her skin tingle. Her body leaned without thought into his gesture, her hand going up to gently cover the strong cool hand cradling her face. \u201cWhy?\u201d Cordelia’s voice was even softer than before almost fearful at what the answer could bring.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy.\u201d It was impossible but the vampire moved even closer. Cordelia knew Angel hadn\u2019t moved. It just felt like he was taking over more of her personal space. It was making her edgy and well, sort of excited. She was tingling again.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou just can\u2019t.\u201d Angel cupped his other hand under her chin.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to give me a reason.\u201d Cordy\u2019s tongue flickered over her lips, trying to calm the stirring apprehension that flittered from her toes to her fingertips.<\/p>\n
Angel slowly nodded his hands bringing Cordelia\u2019s lips closer to his mouth.<\/p>\n
Cordelia gasped as the cool lips caressed her, her hands grabbing at the vampire\u2019s shoulders to keep from falling down in shock. Angel was kissing her, really kissing her. -that was her last thought as she felt his tongue beg entry. OH lord. She gulped, her nails gripping tighter. Angel was\u2026shut up and just\u2026 Cordelia moved in trusting the vampire as he pulled her down to his level holding her close deepening the kiss.<\/p>\n
Angel took advantage of Cordelia\u2019s uncertainty to explore her lips and taste the hidden warmth of her mouth. Angel’s silent growl vibrated in his chest. It was more wondrous than he could ever have imagined. It was deep soft silk that couched and covered his seeking tongue with a spice of bite. Cordelia\u2019s teeth dragged along his tongue to nip along his lips.<\/p>\n
Angel tugged her body even closer. He was forced to lean up a moment later when Cordelia gasped and pushed at his shoulders. \u201cAir.\u201d She whispered.<\/p>\n
Angel did her bidding and released her mouth, his eyes targeting the delicate flesh under Cordelia\u2019s chin.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d Cordelia blinked pushing him back even further.<\/p>\n
His eyes left his lips\u2019 goal and moved up to her face. \u201cI need you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s teeth chewed on her lips that Angel had vacated. Need. Want. Cordelia was beginning to realize both as she felt the vampire\u2019s hard body pressed against her. But why, that was still her question. But this time she kept her repeating question silent, Cordelia was no longer sure she wanted to know the true answer. She wasn\u2019t at all certain that she could handle it.<\/p>\n
Weirdly and very weirdly, it was the unasked question that made her want to run far from the vampire. But it was the silence of the unknown answer that made her have to stay.<\/p>\n
\u201cI won\u2019t.\u201d She lifted her hand with a slight smile to caress Angel\u2019s face, her bewilderment stifled under her desperate need not to understand quite just yet if ever. Cordelia resorted to her best defense- denial. It was a welcoming cloak too the confusion.<\/p>\n
Angel gave a small smile in return. He leaned back down to recapture her taste.<\/p>\n
Cordelia pushed Angel, jerking her face away. \u201cI guess we should see what Gunn was bellowing about, uh.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stilled. Cordelia was moving away from him again. \u201cCordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
She gave a bright smile. \u201cGeez, Angel, I\u2019m not going to Paris tomorrow, didn\u2019t have to bring out the kissy face argument. Could\u2019ve just asked nicely. Hmmph. Geez. Well, it\u2019s okay. I managed to learn how to resist the puppy dog look. I can handle this new twist. Come on.\u201d She grabbed at the vampire\u2019s hand and moved up the steps.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s hand slipped from Cordelia\u2019s, watching the young woman leave him again. He frowned. That wasn\u2019t exactly the afterglow he hoped for, hell, he hadn\u2019t wanted any type of afterglow just yet, he wanted to be still in the midst of causing an afterglow.<\/p>\n
Why was Cordelia running? He just kissed her. Did she really think it was a tactic? Why wasn\u2019t she still in his arms? She responded. She did. He wanted it back, her back. Angel was getting irritated. \u201cCordy, no more training with Duncan.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia stilled. Angel really thought a heart melting, toes tingling kiss would make her acquiescent. She twirled around to face the vampire ready to really yell and then stopped. What was with him and the intense adoring expressions, it almost made her want to ask her repeating question out loud.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel was too still, as if the breath, if he had any, were knocked out of him. He was not just being overbearing. He meant it.<\/p>\n
Cordelia licked her lips. If she argued would he kiss her again? Eek, she didn\u2019t understand the first one, she was pretty sure she couldn\u2019t handle another one.<\/p>\n
Cordelia scrunched her face up. This promise was harder than the one she first gave the vampire so long ago. Why was that? Cordelia figured she could answer that since it was a question to her and not to the vampire. Cordelia inwardly sighed.<\/p>\n
The first was easy. Angel needed her. Now, it was hardier. Angel still needed her, but now\u2026he had spoke to her, kissed her, pleaded with her like he meant it. What did that mean and why did she care? Oh nevermind, her ability for major denial taking over.<\/p>\n
Cordelia huffed her fingers around the doorknob. \u201cGeez, if it will keep you from digging into your bag of tricks and persuasions, fine, no training by Duncan. Geez, if I didn\u2019t know better I\u2019d think you were jealous.\u201d The quip flowing easily from her lips.<\/p>\n
Angel furrowed his brows. Okay, nothing had gone on right. He didn\u2019t train with Cordelia. His kiss didn\u2019t leave Cordelia under him squirming with pleasure. Angel looked up as the young woman prepared to leave the basement, she did say that she wasn\u2019t leaving and that MacLeod wouldn\u2019t train her. Angel took the stairs three at a time. \u201cCordy, you promised right, you\u2019re not just saying it, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia took a deep breath over her shoulder. \u201cYep. Now can we see what Gunn was bellowing about?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel nodded happily. Well, sort of happily, anyway. Happy would be back in the basement with his lips and hands on the beautiful woman in front of him. But, Cordy promised and that meant it was for real. Cordelia\u2019s promises were always the truth. \u201cOh, I\u2019m not jealous, at least not anymore,\u201d Angel, added in a lower voice.<\/p>\n
Cordelia glanced over her shoulder. \u201cUh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on, we\u2019ve a business to take care of.\u201d Angel smiled and pushed his way past the young woman making sure his hand traveled from her back in a long caress down to her hand that was still holding onto the doorknob. Angel would kiss her again and soon, he promised.<\/p>\n
Part 25<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cWhere\u2019s everyone?\u201d Cordy asked Duncan and Methos.<\/p>\n
\u201cOffice, talking to the new clients- the Baxters, they’ve a ghost that needs to be disposed of.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia scowled her eyes targeting the closed door. \u201cHmmph. I bet they haven\u2019t even tried to be nice to it. Ghosts get treated so unfairly. There\u2019s a prejudice against them you know.\u201d She moved to the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cAh, Cordy, Angel, glad you could join us.\u201d Wesley said in the open doorway.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey want us to get rid of a ghost, Wesley?\u201d Cordy peered over Wesley\u2019s shoulders trying to get a look at the now forever to be labeled bigoted couple. \u201cHave they even tried\u2026?”<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, not know, please.\u201d Wesley ushered the Baxters out. \u201cJust spend your day enjoying yourselves, we\u2019ll take care of it and call you when you can return home.\u201d Wesley\u2019s smile was confidant nodding after the couple as they left.<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley, we can\u2019t just go an exorcise their ghost. I\u2019m sure he was there first. Probably just lonely. Or nervous, or maybe he doesn\u2019t like what they watch on TV. Dennis acted up at first, changing the channels on my TV and stereo until we talked it out. All it takes is a little effort. A corporeally-challenged dead person\u2019s needs have to be considered.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, the Baxter\u2019s weren\u2019t describing Phantom Dennis but a Poltergeist, this entity is dangerous. It\u2019s already tried to kill them twice. Knives to the head, flying blunt instruments. The only interest this poltergeist has in the TV is using it as a weapon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDennis\u2019 mother-type,\u201d Angel leaned over to whisper to Cordelia, taking an extra moment to breathe in Cordy\u2019s fragrance.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, smite the dead evil thing.\u201d Cordelia nodded, pulling away from the vampire. Did Angel just smell her? She shook her head. \u201cWhat\u2019s the plan?\u201d Regaining her focus on the matter at hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cFred has agreed to research the Baxter\u2019s house on the computer for any indication of why this poltergeist is bound. Gunn and I will go investigate the scene.\u201d Wesley did his best to ignore the looks Angel kept shooting at Cordelia or the way the vampire kept inching near the young woman.<\/p>\n
Wesley wasn\u2019t in denial; hadn\u2019t been since he saw the first signs before and after Vocah cursed Cordelia with the everlasting visions. But unlike every other time it was too blatant to ignore, Wesley chose just to ignore it until sometime in the future whenever that was.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust you two?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat should be sufficient for now.\u201d Wesley caught his smile at the disapproving inflection of Cordy\u2019s tone. Give Cordy a sword and she became more than the heart, but the over-protective mother bear of her family.<\/p>\n
Cordelia scrunched up her brow considering Wesley\u2019s plan. \u201cWell, okay, I guess a sword wouldn\u2019t be much use but remember be firm with it. Don\u2019t let it push you around; you have to show it who’s boss. Maybe I should go. I did out bitch Dennis\u2019 bitchy homicidal mom.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat won\u2019t be necessary, Cordelia. However, if we find we need your unique expertise in this area we\u2019ll call you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia scrunched her face again but slowly nodded in acceptance. Her brows rose again. \u201cAren\u2019t you finished with that book yet?\u201d She targeted Methos.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was trying but I keep getting interrupted. With the demons and the talking that this place seems to be run over with. I know I\u2019ll just take advantage of Wesley\u2019s office as he plays ghost buster.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFred\u2019s in there.\u201d Cordelia reminded the Immortal. Methos sighed, he did like the young woman, but Fred liked to talk while researching. It was amazing how many thoughts that woman could have at the same time and all out loud. \u201cI\u2019m going to my room.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s being even less than his normal social happy self. What\u2019s up?\u201d Cordelia faced Duncan.<\/p>\n
Duncan shrugged. \u201cI\u2019m not sure but I think he may be worried about Cassandra. We still haven\u2019t heard from her.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReally? I didn\u2019t think they were friends. I thought slaughtering her village and family and keeping her as his personal play slave kind of ruined that possibly. Methos was \u2018Death\u2019 of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse- really nasty in his time.\u201d She explained to Angel. \u201cFunny how that one\u2019s THE APOCALYPSE like there haven\u2019t been any after. Hmmph. World didn\u2019t end. I think they need a new word for almost world ending catastrophes. Hmmph. Just a thought.\u201d She shrugged. \u201cDuncan, do you think that she was challenged? You told me she was good, long life and everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Angel turned after Methos. He had been worried about Duncan but who was this other Immortal? He seemed to stay out of Cordelia\u2019s way. But, \u2018Death\u2019, Angel didn\u2019t like the sound of that.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s not evil anymore.\u201d Cordelia piffled away Angel\u2019s question. \u201cAnd Cassandra didn\u2019t die or anything, well she did, but she\u2019s also an Immortal. Never met her but she\u2019s almost as old as Methos, give a decade, century, or two. Are you really worried?\u201d Cordelia scrunched her face back at Duncan.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no reason to think she\u2019s dead, not yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia nodded. \u201cI don\u2019t see why I can\u2019t have my visions, Cassandra has had them for like forever and she\u2019s an Immortal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, she doesn\u2019t have visions, just the gift of foresight. Not the same thing.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood, to thinking she\u2019s still alive. Whatever to the vision stuff and major Eww \u201c Cordelia scowled as a blond head appeared bobbing down the staircase.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d Gabriel ran up to the vampire. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you wake me?\u201d She latched on to his arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was supposed to?\u201d Angel disentangled her hand and moved behind a glaring Cordelia. \u201cWhy would I wake her up?\u201d He whispered into Cordy\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n
\u201cHell, if I know.\u201d Cordelia whispered back.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, we have to spend as much time together as possible. We need to bond.\u201d Gabriel smiled winningly.<\/p>\n
\u201cBond?\u201d Angel\u2019s eyes widened, didn\u2019t the ear-hurting girl get that he didn\u2019t want to know her? He thought he cleared that up the other day. But then again, he had thought he had cleared up the Duncan training bit with Cordelia. He remembered speaking, but was it out loud?<\/p>\n
He stared back at the young seer. \u201cWhat for? I don\u2019t have to bond with you. What\u2019s she talking about?\u201d He leaned back into Cordelia\u2019s side. This time his need for her scent was running a close second to his need for her explanation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho knows what goes on that vacuum spaced blonde head of hers.\u201d Cordelia rolled her eyes to the ceiling.<\/p>\n
Gabriel narrowed her sparkling wide blue\/green eyes into acceptable size. \u201cI heard that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGee, didn\u2019t know I was whispering.\u201d Cordelia glared back.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t keep interfering with my time with Angel, I\u2019m his seer now not you.\u201d Gabriel glanced at the sword in Cordelia\u2019s hand. \u201cGo play swords with Duncan, better yet, go away with him. You\u2019ve your own destiny, but not here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stepped up. He was sure he put a nix on that thought. \u201cCordy\u2019s not going anywhere. And nowhere does it say I have to bond, whatever that means, with my seer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, you do. You had a bond with Doyle and even her because they were your seers.\u201d Gabby reluctantly pointed towards Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I had a friendship with Doyle and well, with Cordy\u2026\u201d Angel paused reliving their kiss in the basement. What did he have with Cordelia? He knew now what he wanted with her. He had to get her alone again.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell,\u201d Cordelia stood her hands on her hips.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell- What?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you have with me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel smiled softly. \u201cA very complicated and very special relationship.\u201d He tucked a strand of hair back around her ear. \u201cI don\u2019t need a best friend,\u201d Angel looked up to the blonde woman. \u201cI\u2019ve already got my hands full with the one I have.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked. The glint of something she refused to recognize in Angel\u2019s eyes and tone brought the remembrance of the taste of his lips in techno flashes to her brain.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s not supposed to be here.\u201d Gabby putting on her best pout.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I am and I\u2019m not leaving -ever, so get used to it.\u201d Cordelia glared.<\/p>\n
Duncan listened hoping that Cordelia\u2019s words were brought on by her anger rather than true intention. He glanced at the smile on the vampire\u2019s face. The vampire seemed pretty confident in Cordy\u2019s angry vow.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia spared a last glare at the blonde and turned to Duncan. \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe still on for dinner tonight?\u201d He asked gently.<\/p>\n
\u201cDinner?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDinner?\u201d Angel\u2019s echo vibrated into a growl.<\/p>\n
\u201cI owe you. Remember, you beat me, you get dinner where ever you want, though I was thinking we could drive up to San Francisco, it\u2019s a beautiful day the sun is shining, you said you wanted to go back there. We could spend the day enjoying the sights.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sun card, again. Angel was going to kill the Immortal. No question, the Highlanders head was gone, rolling on the floor at Angel\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s eyes brightened. \u201cCaf\u00e9 on the Water. Yum.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, you can\u2019t go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh?\u201d Cordelia swiveled around to face the vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe haven\u2019t finished training yet. Lot to go over, it could take all day. No time to spend the day in a whole other city.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia looked down at her sword. True they hadn\u2019t even started but she assumed that they were just going to pack it in and start all over tomorrow.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s perfect.\u201d Gabriel squealed. \u201cCordy and Duncan can go to San Francisco, while we stay and get to know each other.\u201d She smiled.<\/p>\n
Cordelia bristled, narrowing her eyes at the seer.<\/p>\n
Angel wasn\u2019t sure but from Cordelia\u2019s stance, he got the distinct impression that Gabriel\u2019s suggestion and glee was pissing Cordy off. Usually, that phenomenon of Cordy\u2019s anger scared him but this time it made him want to jump up and down in a happy dance or at least smile a little.<\/p>\n
Angel cocked his head, his finger to his chin. \u201cOkay, maybe that would work. I guess I do need to know more about you, after all you are my seer.\u201d He glanced at Gabriel then smiled at Cordelia. \u201cHave fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s body tightened even more than she thought possible. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Duncan maybe another time, Angel and I still have training to do.\u201d She grabbed at the vampire.<\/p>\n
Angel shrugged, keeping his smug smile to a minimum. But it was difficult, Cordelia didn\u2019t call his bluff and she wasn\u2019t going to spend the \u2018sunny day\u2019 with the Immortal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can just go somewhere in LA, later.\u201d Cordelia shot over her shoulder at Duncan.<\/p>\n
Angel choked on his satisfaction. \u201cRight, Gabby and I can go out too, to get to know each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? You don\u2019t go out to eat. You can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, I can.\u201d Angel said calmly. He was going to win this.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t eat.\u201d Cordelia demanded.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know I can.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t like people places, you never wanted to take me out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not true.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCaritas doesn\u2019t count. It\u2019s demon not people. You don\u2019t like people, can\u2019t do them, socially inept, that\u2019s you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel shrugged. \u201cI\u2019m sure Gabriel will make the effort to help me with the social stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s eyes widened and her mouth dropped. \u201cEffort, effort? Who wanted to get you a puppy, who made you go to parties, who suggested something other than the black on black wardrobe, who taught you how NOT to growl at strangers, who gave you lessons on witty social banter, who had to drag you kicking and grumbling to a nightclub, who put up with your broody brow, glowering and hiding in corners, Who?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel tapped the side of his jaw in exaggerated concentration. He sighed and shrugged his shoulders. \u201cDid someone do all those things? I\u2019m pretty sure I\u2019d remember a puppy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia wiggled her nose in disgust at the vampire. \u201cFine, you want to go to dinner, we all will go, me and Duncan and you and your seer that you are all of a sudden so anxious to get to know. What? Did you just notice she was blonde? It\u2019s not real you know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is too.\u201d Gabriel glared.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, REAL dye job. Pfft. \u201c She crossed her arms and glared at Angel, cocking her brow. \u201c So, Mr. Blossoming Social Butterfly, what do you say.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel considered. He had absolutely no desire to go out to dinner, especially with Gabriel or the Immortal. But, he was not going to let Cordelia go alone with MacLeod. \u201cFine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan stepped back. Nobody asked his opinion but if Cordelia ever bothered to turn around and ask him, he\u2019d be hard pressed to say \u2018fine\u2019. Having dinner with a vampire, especially Angel was not high on his to do list.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel and Gabriel can go to dinner, give them quality time alone. Cordy, we can go tomorrow or some other time. \u201d Duncan added vaguely not wanting to give Angel the opportunity to interject on any future plans.<\/p>\n
\u201cWonderful,\u201d Gabriel squealed jumping up and down.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s protest died on his lips as Cordelia whipped around to the Immortal. \u201cNo, it\u2019s a great idea. We\u2019ll all go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGo where?\u201d Fred peeked out the office.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s seems we\u2019re all going to dinner,\u201d Duncan hid his groan.<\/p>\n
\u201cReally? That\u2019s great,\u201d the brunette smiled. \u201cThough, I haven\u2019t really been to a restaurant yet, just Caritas. Can maybe we go there? I\u2019m still not sure I\u2019m comfortable in other places. And Lorne doesn\u2019t mind if I suddenly feel the need to dive under a table. This will be fun, we can celebrate Angel\u2019s homecoming. Lorne will want to see him. I can\u2019t wait to tell Wesley and Gunn. I\u2019ll go tell Methos.\u201d She ran happily up the stairs. \u201cCordy, can you help me pick something out to wear?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia nodded wanting to kiss the young woman. Going out with the whole gang was so much better than having to stare across a table at the blonde bimbo while she whined on and on \u2013 \u2018Oh Angel\u2019. Caritas could be very noisy; if Cordelia was really lucky she wouldn\u2019t even hear Gabby and Cordelia could find a way to keep the seer far far away.<\/p>\n
\u201cGuess we\u2019re all going. You know, it is a great idea. You gotta just love her.\u201d Cordelia beamed after the retreating young woman.<\/p>\n
Angel nodded. He could live with going to Caritas. He was sure he could find a way to keep MacLeod away from Cordelia and avoid Gabriel at the same time. Angel smiled. Cordelia really hadn\u2019t wanted him to be alone with the seer.<\/p>\n
Angel walked up behind Cordelia. \u201cMaybe you could also find me something less black to wear and you\u2019ll have to stay close- to help with that witty social banter and keeping me out of corners. That is your area of expertise after all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia slowly tilted her gaze to the smiling vampire, forcing herself to ignore the shivers Angel\u2019s unnecessary breath caused as his words trailed down her neck. \u201cJust so long as you remember, buster.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlways, Cordy. Didn\u2019t you want to finish training?\u201d He held out his hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou mean start don\u2019t you, Hmmph.\u201d She studied the hand for a moment, oh hell, she really wanted to touch the vampire, her hand welcomed Angel’s.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy.\u201d Duncan called.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah. Oh, sorry Duncan. We can go to dinner some other time, but Fred\u2019s right, we should celebrate Angel\u2019s homecoming. I know it wasn\u2019t what you had in mind, but it will fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan nodded, disregarding her comment. \u201cI\u2019d like to see what Angel is teaching you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia shrugged a bit puzzled. \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d Angel faced the Immortal.<\/p>\n
\u201cCall it a vested interest.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel narrowed his eyes. Plans of trying to kiss Cordelia again flew out of his mind only to be replaced by the Immortal\u2019s head rolling around on the floor and being high kicked out of the hotel. \u201cIt will be a distraction.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t be silly, Angel. I\u2019ve gotten used to the buzzing of other Immortal\u2019s being around. I barely notice after the initial bzzyness.\u201d<\/p>\n