Part 30<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel paused at the door of the room trying valiantly to shove aside the picture of a flesh colored soccer ball with an annoying, useless ponytail highflying through the bedroom windows. Could Cordelia sit any closer to the Immortal?<\/p>\n
\u201cExcuse Me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Cordelia swung her legs off the bed, stomping her feet on the floor, her hands indignantly fisted on her hips.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026I owe Duncan an apology.\u201d Angel stood at the doorway, quite proud that he hadn\u2019t grabbed Cordelia off the bed, locked her in the closet, and ripped violent gouges in the Immortal\u2019s flesh before plucking his head off.<\/p>\n
Angel wasn\u2019t really a soccer fan but he could see the pleasure of kicking, smacking, and otherwise beating the hell out of the head shaped ball.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou what?\u201d Cordelia scrambled closer to the vampire. \u201cI don\u2019t believe you.\u201d She cocked a brow.<\/p>\n
“Cordy, of course, I realize that I over-reacted, it was the heat of battle.”<\/p>\n
“Battle…battle…it was practice, not a battle.\u201d Cordelia huffed, still glaring.<\/p>\n
Angel shrugged. “It felt like one, MacLeod is a very skillful opponent. I got carried away that’s all and I’m sorry.” Angel directed the apology to the Immortal that was now standing.<\/p>\n
“Hmmph.” Cordelia walked up to the vampire studying him closely. Suddenly she grabbed at the sides of the shirt Angel had put on over his muscle shirt that he had been wearing during the fight. Cordelia jerked the material exposing the tight fit of the white shirt around his waist. She narrowed her hands as she immediately bent over to pull up the legs of his loose pants.<\/p>\n
“What are you doing?”<\/p>\n
“Checking for sharp pointing things. Don’t think I don’t know where you hide them when you want to be all sneaky.”<\/p>\n
“Cordelia,” Angel brushed at the young woman’s still searching hands. “You can’t believe that I intentionally tried to kill your friend, can you?” Angel put on a hurt face and tone.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s expression became sincere and a little frightened as Cordelia stood back and seemed to seriously consider the question.<\/p>\n
\u201cGeez,\u201d She suddenly rolled her eyes. \u201cOf course I don’t, don’t be stupid. But you could’ve killed him.”<\/p>\n
“The blow wasn’t that close to his head…but,” Angel held up his hand stopping her next words and the anger that was quickly rebuilding in the young woman. “It was reckless and for that I am sorry.”<\/p>\n
Angel wished Cordelia would hurry up and accept it, before he had to choke on another apology to the Immortal. He had to do something. Hiding his grimace, Angel tried again. “Instead of going to Caritas to celebrate my coming home, how about we go as a gesture for thanks to MacLeod and Methos for all they have done to help you and everyone else while I was away.” A stagnant pause descended while Angel waited to add his coup de grace. “I’ll pay.”<\/p>\n
Duncan crossed his arms across his chest, impressed that vampire\u2019s nose wasn’t a foot long or that a lightning bolt didn’t fry his ass.<\/p>\n
Any anger Cordelia might have had was replaced by shock. “You’ll PAY? For EVERYONE? With MONEY?”<\/p>\n
“That’s usually how it\u2019s done, Cordy.”<\/p>\n
“I don’t believe…you…money…” Cordelia gaped her mouth opening and closing like a stunned goldfish. “Why?” She managed to sputter.<\/p>\n
“Cordelia,” Angel took a chance and placed his hands on Cordelia’s shoulders and tugged her a bit closer.<\/p>\n
Cordelia still blinking let herself be moved.<\/p>\n
“I know I haven’t been acting very sociably. With Buffy’s death and all the changes with you and everything…I just haven’t…\u201d Angel’s brown eyes sadden as he held Cordelia’s and damn if there wasn\u2019t a hint of a quiver in his voice.<\/p>\n
The shock was gone as suddenly as the anger. “Oh, Angel. It will be alright.”<\/p>\n
“That’s what I’ve been waiting for you to say every since I got back.\u201d Angel said with true sincerity. \u201cYou promise?”<\/p>\n
“Of course.” She caressed at Angel’s jaw.<\/p>\n
The vampire couldn’t help but lean into the motion of the soft touch.<\/p>\n
Duncan began to wonder if he was invisible. He cleared his throat.<\/p>\n
Cordelia dropped her hand, immediately. “Angel, didn’t mean…”<\/p>\n
Angel gently tugged at the hand that left him. “I can apologize for myself, Cordy.” He smiled softly.<\/p>\n
“Right, of course you can.\u201d She leaned up. \u201cI\u2019m so proud of you,\u201d she whispered into his ear. \u201cI better go tell everyone that the plans have changed and back on.” She smiled then narrowed her eyes at the vampire and leaned up again.<\/p>\n
“Don’t think that your little puppy dog look got you completely off the hook, buster. I know all your tricks now. You\u2019re still paying and I’m ordering everyone to eat and drink as much as humanly, demonly and immortally as possible.” She tapped her whispered condemnation gently against Angel’s cheek.<\/p>\n
Angel tried to look offended, but a smile kept jerking at his lips. “Yes, Cordelia.”<\/p>\n
“Hmmph.”<\/p>\n
Angel stood and watched the young woman depart. He turned at the sound of Duncan\u2019s clapping hands. “Nice job. Any of it true?”<\/p>\n
Angel studied the Immortal any trace of a smile long gone. “Actually, most of it. If I meant to kill you, you’d be dead.”<\/p>\n
“Right, a heat of the battle thing.”<\/p>\n
“That and a intense dislike of you and what you represent. Cordelia believes you are her friend. Everyone agrees that you’ve been helpful. Fine, great. You’re a good guy. But, you are a potential threat to Cordy and that makes me angry and not all caring about your well-being. I apologized for one reason only- It upset Cordelia. And, to that end, you’ll stay alive and you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”<\/p>\n
Duncan chuckled disparagingly. \u201cThanks for the invite. I think I will stay for a while longer. After all, I still owe Cordelia dinner in Sunny old San Francisco.”<\/p>\n
“Don’t push me, MacLeod.”<\/p>\n
“Oh, I’m not worried, Cordy’s got my back, and if you happen to ‘overact’ again in the ‘heat of battle’ she’ll nurse me through. The fact that I’m all healed just doesn’t seem to deflect from her loving concern.<\/p>\n
Angel stood motionless and let the Immortal leave with the last word, because Angel knew that if he responded in anyway the Immortal would be dead.<\/p>\n
Part 31<\/b><\/p>\n
“Angel apologized to Duncan?” Wesley had to repeat it again just to be sure he heard Cordelia’s announcement correctly.<\/p>\n
“Geez, Wes, how many times do I have to repeat it.”<\/p>\n
Wesley thought better of retorting ‘until he believed it’.<\/p>\n
Gunn waved his hand to get Cordy’s attention. \u201cThe vamp’s paying? And we have free reign to order as much of anything we want? Say that part again.\u201d He nodded at Cordelia\u2019s exasperated repetition. \u201cCool and pretty damn amazing.” Gunn looked up suddenly worried. “We\u2019re not going have to listen to a running a commentary about how cheap everything was in ‘the day’.”<\/p>\n
\u201cCan\u2019t guarantee that.\u201d Cordelia shrugged.<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn. Who cares how much hookers cost in the \u2018day\u2019. It came up in conversation.\u201d Gunn explained quickly at Cordelia\u2019s sharp glance his way.<\/p>\n
“So, you don’t believe Angel did it on purpose, I knew it.” Fred said happily.<\/p>\n
“Who said I did?\u201d Cordelia glared around at the other occupants of the room.<\/p>\n
“You did.” Fred blinked.<\/p>\n
“I did not.” Cordelia answered clearly offended.<\/p>\n
“You..”<\/p>\n
“Fred.\u201d Wesley cleared his throat.<\/p>\n
“But, she did,” Fred looked up at Wesley, then back at Cordelia. “You did.\u201d Fred insisted. \u201cYou said that Angel tried to kill Duncan and that you were going to take Angel’s testi…”<\/p>\n
“Please, girl, stop, I’m still hurting from that.” Gunn looked pained.<\/p>\n
Cordelia cocked her head and patted the young woman on the shoulder. “Don’t be silly, I didn’t say that. Of course, Angel wouldn’t try to kill Duncan. It was an accident.”<\/p>\n
“But…”<\/p>\n
Wesley cleared his voice again, this time louder. That time Fred listened and didn’t finish her recitation of exactly everything Cordelia had said when she stormed into the lobby with a wounded Duncan.<\/p>\n
Cordelia smiled at the young woman’s silence. “Okay, what do we have here?” She turned to the dresses. “Ooh, Fred, this one.” Cordelia picked up a spaghetti strapped knee-length brown cotton dress with tiny black beads designed in intricate pattern on the bodice and dangling black beads along the mid-thigh slits and hem-line.<\/p>\n
Fred’s confusion at Cordelia’s seemingly inability to remember all that she had yelled earlier was diverted as Cordy held the dress up to Fred’s slim form. “Are you sure? I kind of like the flowered one.”<\/p>\n
Cordelia shook her head. “You are one of the few people that actually looks wonderful in brown and it’s simple with enough ump<\/i> not to be plain. The flowers are too busy. You\u2019ve got that whole sweet cute prettiness going for you, don’t want it to get lost in a bunch of flowers.” Cordelia scrunched her nose at the floral dress.<\/p>\n
“I helped you pick this out? What was I thinking? That’s grandma material.\u201d Cordelia shook her head. “I was still on the Seltrax wasn’t I? I tell you that stuff- thinking back on some of my outfits then- it should\u2019ve come with a warning- don’t go shopping while under the influence. Hmmph.” She tossed the offending dress down.<\/p>\n
Fred vowed then that she would never wear flowers again. Fred’s earlier confusion was no longer diverted but completely tossed in ‘the who cares’ bin. Cordelia said she was cute AND pretty AND looked wonderful in brown. Fred nervously looked around at the men, the brown dress still up against her.<\/p>\n
“Very lovely,” Wesley said.<\/p>\n
“Whoa, momma.\u201d Gunn winked.<\/p>\n
“I agree with both.\u201d Methos smiled.<\/p>\n
Cordelia smiled, pleased that men actually said the right things to the shy pretty brunette.<\/p>\n
Part 32<\/b><\/p>\n
“Are you done yet?” Cordelia yelled. “It’s not like you can see yourself or anything.\u201d She pounded on the door.<\/p>\n
Cordelia jumped back as the connecting door between the bathroom and her room swung open revealing a dripping wet vampire dressed only in towel.<\/p>\n
“Can I please finish my shower without you beating and yelling at the door every five minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked and stared. Oh My. Cordelia blinked again, trying to get the image of a wet gorgeous vampire out of her head. Which was pretty much impossible since the said vampire was half-naked right in front of her.<\/p>\n
Did she know that Angel’s stomach was quite so…and his chest so…damn yummy. Cordelia couldn’t help smile that she found the right adjective. Damn yummy. She had to have known that she patched Angel up before-tons of times. Did she forget? She couldn’t have or…”Hey, did you lose weight?”<\/p>\n
This time Angel blinked. “Did I…What?”<\/p>\n
“Lose weight, go on a Tibetan fad diet or something, low fat blood?” She pointed to Angel’s flat stomach.<\/p>\n
Angel’s eyes jerked to his waist. “You thought I was fat?”<\/p>\n
“Well, you’re not now. Hey, hurry up. My hair dryer is in there and so is my make up and you’re dripping water all over.\u201d She pulled at the vampire pushing him around back in the direction of the bathroom.<\/p>\n
Oh lord. Cordelia blinked. She did remember the ass, though it was better in a towel, if that was possible. She closed the door on Angel’s mutterings protests about his weight.<\/p>\n
Angel stood in the middle of the bathroom, running his hands over his stomach. It was the same. Cordy called him fat. He glared at the door<\/p>\n
Cordelia jumped as her hair dryer and makeup pouch flew into the room. “Hey.” She yelled but the door was already slammed shut.<\/p>\n
Cordelia thought about it a moment, tightened Angel’s robe picked up the strewn items and barged in the bathroom.<\/p>\n
“What?” Angel jerked his head around the shower curtain.<\/p>\n
Cordelia ignored him as she plugged in the appliance and placed her makeup back on the shelf.<\/p>\n
“I’m in the shower.”<\/p>\n
“Yes, you are.” Cordelia gave an appraising glance up and down the vampire.<\/p>\n
Angel followed the gaze. Nope. The shower curtain was opaque. What was she looking at? “Get out.”<\/p>\n
“No, I have to get ready and the light is better in here. Geez, don’t be such a baby. I would’ve thought vampires weren’t the modest type. Anyway, I can’t see anything.”<\/p>\n
“Not so much modest but privacy.”<\/p>\n
“It was your idea to share a bathroom. I’m sharing.”<\/p>\n
“This is my time.”<\/p>\n
“My time<\/i>? Geez, Angel your time for what? What exactly are you doing in there?”<\/p>\n
“Cordelia, get out.”<\/p>\n
“I can’t hear you.” She flipped the switch on her hair dryer.<\/p>\n
What had he been doing? He had been trying to enjoy his shower and maintain the image of the wet naked Cordelia that popped in his head as soon as he had heard her turn the water on for her shower. But the infuriating girl wasn’t letting him enjoy his fantasy. Hey, had Angel heard a tad bit of disappointment when she said she couldn’t see anything.<\/p>\n
Angel peeked out at the young woman. That was interesting. Angel’s head turned as he leaned further and further downward trying to see into the gape of the robe that Cordelia’s bent over body created as she dried her hair upside down.<\/p>\n
“Shit.\u201d Angel yelled as he fell, his hand ripping the shower curtain tumbling in an undignified heap out of the bathtub.<\/p>\n
“What the?” Cordelia dropped her hairdryer. Giggles, then laughter erupted from the young woman as Angel tried to untangle his limbs from the wrapped around plastic and get to his feet.<\/p>\n
“Hey, Grace that was amazing.” Cordelia brought her hand to her mouth to stop her laugher.<\/p>\n
“Shut up.” Angel struggled with the curtain.<\/p>\n
“Here.” she giggled, leaning down to help.<\/p>\n
Angel glared up at the young woman. Cordelia was too busy trying to stifle her giggles to notice when the vampire’s expression turned from embarrassed anger to contemplation. If she had she would’ve never reached out her hand.<\/p>\n
In an instant, Cordelia was on her back in the bathtub, soaked wet by the shower\u2019s steady stream.<\/p>\n
She sputtered and yelled. “You could’ve killed me. What if I had hit my head?”<\/p>\n
“Immortal, duh?” Angel smiled evilly.<\/p>\n
“I…”<\/p>\n
“Shut up, Cordy. Like I would’ve let you get hurt.” He tugged a bit.<\/p>\n
Cordelia looked down, noticing Angle’s strong arm holding her and cushioning her body against the porcelain.<\/p>\n
“Hmmph.\u201d She pushed at his arm, “Let me up.”<\/p>\n
Angel leaned and gently removed his arm.<\/p>\n
“Thank you.” She spit out as she gave off a lethal glare.<\/p>\n
In response, Angel pushed her back down under the spray of water. “That’s for calling me fat.”<\/p>\n
“I didn’t call…\u201d She struggled to get up as Angel pushed her down again. “That’s for interrupting my shower.”<\/p>\n
“I…\u201d She tried again.<\/p>\n
“And that’s for laughing at me.” He pushed one more time. “I’m done.\u201d He stood up turning off the shower and holding out his hand.<\/p>\n
Cordelia looked suspiciously at the offering for a long moment before grabbing at the hand. “I’m all wet again.\u201d She whined.<\/p>\n
“Yes, you are.” Angel admired his handy work. The sopping robe clung to Cordelia’s every lovely curve and the gap had now opened wide to become a vision of two enticing plump breasts. Enough. Angel couldn’t look anymore or he’d have to take another shower, this time cold. Angel quickly pulled a towel off the rack and wrapped it around Cordelia covering her exposed chest.<\/p>\n
“Hmmph. Don’t expect another thank you.\u201d She glared then squeezed her eyes closed, yanking the towel from around her shoulders. “You’re naked,” she squeaked throwing him the covering. The protection of the shower curtain had been disposed of in a torn heap at the vampire\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n
Angel caught the towel. “I was taking a shower, Cordelia, not real effective if wearing clothes. And I think you need this more than I do.” He offered the towel back to her.<\/p>\n
“I’m not naked,\u201d she said looking down at where Angel’s gaze had fastened. “Eek.\u201d She clutched at the wet robe pulling the sides tightly together. “You get out and stay out until I’m done.” She raised her head in mustered dignity.<\/p>\n
“Hurry up, don’t want to be late.” Angel walked out of the room, the towel dragging behind him.<\/p>\n
Cordelia just watched as Angel left. Okay. Deep breath. The towel-less view was a much better view than the toweled. Learn something new every day, vampires DIDN\u2019T have any modesty and wow it was confirmed- every part of Angel was gorgeous.<\/p>\n
Part 33<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cYou look lovely, Fred.\u201d Wesley came up to the young woman.<\/p>\n
Fred nodded distractedly.<\/p>\n
\u201cFred?\u201d<\/p>\n
She bit her lip. \u201cI heard yelling and a crash.\u201d She indicated the close doors to Angel and Cordy\u2019s rooms. \u201cYou don\u2019t think they\u2019re fighting again do you. We\u2019re still going out, aren\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFred, we\u2019ll go even if they don\u2019t. Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt won\u2019t be the same.\u201d She said worriedly.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on,\u201d Wesley led the girl to Angel\u2019s door and knocked.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, oh, hi.\u201d Angel glanced up once and returned to buttoning up his shirt. \u201cI\u2019ll be ready in a minute. Cordelia hogged the bathroom.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, then no fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel glanced back up, puzzled. \u201cYou wanted to fight?\u201d He looked questioningly at Fred and Wesley. \u201cYou\u2019re kind of dressed up for that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot us, you, and Cordelia.\u201d Wesley sighed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going out, no time to practice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, Fred heard yelling and sounds of destruction.\u201d Wesley wondered at the denseness of the vampire sometimes.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy was hogging the bathroom,\u201d Angel repeated.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, well, that explains it. Come on Fred, let\u2019s let Angel finish dressing.\u201d Wesley shook his head. What in the world was he going to with his two closest friends?<\/p>\n
\u201cBe down in a minute.\u201d Angel shut the door.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d Cordelia\u2019s voice floated into his room.<\/p>\n
A small smile settled over Angel\u2019s countenance as he heard her footsteps accompany the sound. It hadn\u2019t been that long; there was a good chance that Cordy was still in his robe. He liked that robe. It refused to stay tied.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel’s first reaction was disappointment then silent appreciation. Cordelia was dressed in form fitting low cut butter leather pants with a white draped t-shirt that hugged her amazing chest and danced above her belly button. Her hair had been quickly dried, leaving the ends to curl in waves around her face and shoulders.<\/p>\n
Angel refused to let his jaw drop. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t find my lipstick.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, there is a least fifty little tubes cluttering up the bathroom.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPfft. Here we go, Mr. Exaggeration spouts off. I need my \u2018toasted almond \u2019 it goes with the outfit. The last time I wore it I was sleeping in here.\u201d Her eyes darted quickly over Angel\u2019s dresser as her hands pushed and shoved at his neatly lined items.<\/p>\n
\u201cPfft, 50 lipsticks, more like 50 hair products.\u201d She knocked over a bottle of hair gel.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, be careful.\u201d Angel quickly righted his gel. \u201cI\u2019ve only,\u201d he scanned the shoved aside products. \u201cThree.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFour.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel grabbed the tube from her hand. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t count. I don\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHmmph. Girlie girl,\u201d she mumbled under her breath. \u201cAhh.\u201d She triumphantly held up a gold tube. Cordelia placed herself in front of the mirror and proceeded with great precision to color her lips a golden bronze.<\/p>\n
For the first time since he reclaimed his room, Angel saw the benefit of the new mirror. He could watch unobserved the delicate operation. Each stroke of the colored waxy stuff brought Cordelia\u2019s lips into immediate focus. Soft, full and so sweet. Angel wetted his own as she popped hers.<\/p>\n
He was so intent on the picture in the mirror that he had to jump back as Cordelia twirled around.<\/p>\n
\u201cSee,\u201d she smiled. She frowned popping her lips again. Cordelia grabbed at Angel\u2019s arm planting a kiss on the exposed skin of his wrist. She smiled again as a perfect lip print was left.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy?\u201d Angel blinked at the woman and the mark on his arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cToo much, gets the excess off can\u2019t leave lip prints on everything can I? That\u2019s just tacky.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh.\u201d Angel wetted his lips again.<\/p>\n
Cordy stepped back, her finger to her jaw. \u201cI like.\u201d She fingered the purple silk shirt Angel was wearing.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou bought it\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve great taste.\u201d She nodded and searched the dresser again. She dove into the second drawer. \u201cPlanning to leave this behind? Don\u2019t think so.\u201d She held his wallet out. \u201cA deal\u2019s a deal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel grabbed the wallet in lieu of the woman standing before him, shoving the billfold in his pocket. Good lord, it had been a joke but she could really smell cash.<\/p>\n
\u201cReady,\u201d Cordelia said as she finished buttoning Angel\u2019s shirt, leaving a respectable few unbuttoned at the top.<\/p>\n
Angel looked at the nimble fingers wishing that they were going down rather than up. \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood.\u201d She smiled. \u201cLet\u2019s go party,\u201d she tugged at the vampire\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n
Damn. Angel let her pull him along as he watched a sun tattoo dance in front of him. This view was as good as the front.<\/p>\n
Part 34<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s taking her so long?\u201d Fred whined.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe gallon of make up she has to put on.\u201d Cordelia rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan\u2019t we just leave her? She knows where we\u2019re going.\u201d Fred tapped her foot.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m with you sister.\u201d Cordelia glanced again at the stairs. \u201cI know lets change the plans and just go, serves her right for making us wait.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia\u201d Wesley chastised.<\/p>\n
The brunette rolled her eyes and turned to Fred. \u201cThat dress looks better than I thought. You look great.\u201d She beamed.<\/p>\n
Fred plucked at the cotton and leaned in closer to Cordelia. \u201cEveryone said so, even Angel. Thank you, Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo problem,\u201d Cordelia smiled. She\u2019d have to remember to praise Angel for remembering her last order. The vampire could be so clueless. Geez, he hadn\u2019t said anything about Cordelia\u2019s outfit. But, Cordy wasn\u2019t going to let him get all-oblivious with Fred. She did look pretty and deserved to be told.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy turned towards Duncan.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaven\u2019t you forgotten something?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel swiveled at the Immortal\u2019s question.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d She pointed to the couch.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood.\u201d Duncan went to pick up a tailored yellow overcoat. \u201cHere.\u201d He held it up for her to put on.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d She smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd.\u201d He held out her sword.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t forget.\u201d She huffed and in a flash the weapon vanished behind her back hidden in the confines of the coat.<\/p>\n
Angel blinked and stepped forward. He glanced questioningly at his friends but none of them seemed to question Duncan or Cordy\u2019s actions. He looked around finally noticing Methos dark heavy cotton jacket and Duncan\u2019s leather duster and realizing what the coats must conceal. \u201cLorne doesn\u2019t like weapons in Caritas.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMade an exception for Cordy and gang,\u201d Gunn looked up from his handheld game. \u201cImmortals aren\u2019t bound by the \u2018no violence\u2019 spell, had to be sure Cordy wasn\u2019t weaponless if she got challenged. He just made them promise to take it outside.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia turned sensing Angel\u2019s growl rather than hearing it, \u201cJust a precaution, so far no problem, and it\u2019s not like you don\u2019t have stakes and sharp things hidden on you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d Angel ignored the press of his ankle holster equipped with a knife and the slight weight of the stakes conveniently tucked in the inside of his leather jacket.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan\u2019t leave home without it,\u201d Cordelia shrugged. \u201cBut at least it doesn\u2019t ruin the line of my jacket, though wearing a jacket all the time can be a pain, especially in California. Can we say way hot? The days of cute little numbers are gone. Nope, always to be covered up by a coat.\u201d She tugged at her overcoat.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s next words were cut off by a squealed yell, which was fortunate because Angel wasn\u2019t at all sure that he could trust what would\u2019ve come out of his mouth. There was just something so wrong with Cordy having to carry a weapon with her for the rest of her life.<\/p>\n
Cordelia never backed away from a fight when the helpless or a friend needed to be saved but violence wasn\u2019t in her nature. The death symbolized by the sword was in direct contrast to the joy and love of life that was inherent to her being. Angel wanted it gone. He wanted none of that darkness to ever touch his Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cWould you look at that,\u201d Cordelia rolled her eyes in disgust at the blonde woman that had squealed that she was finally ready.<\/p>\n
Fred blinked up at the bouncing Gabriel her ample attributes barely contained in the short tight red leather dress and then back down at her own small chest. \u201cCordy?\u201d Fred whispered.<\/p>\n
Cordelia jerked her head. \u201cFred, look at her. She should be welcoming the soldiers home rather than going to your neighborhood demon karaoke bar. You look wonderful. She looks like trash. Why doesn\u2019t she just spread her legs at Angel, why the \u2018dress up\u2019 charade. Hmmph. Hasn\u2019t she even heard of the curse?\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred didn\u2019t know much about human social dynamics, a lot of that particular knowledge had been lost in Pylea, but she did know this. \u201cUm, Cordy, Angel hasn\u2019t stopped staring at you. I don\u2019t even think he sees her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy turned. Sure enough, the vampire\u2019s dark eyes were glued on her. Cordelia sighed. It wasn\u2019t a dark gaze of appreciation. She walked over and laid a hand on Angel’s chest. \u201cStop. I don\u2019t want to face a challenge but I do have to prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked at the emotion vibrating in Angel’s one word. \u201cAngel\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel covered the smaller hand on his chest leaning down to rest his forehead against her. \u201cI don\u2019t want to lose you. I don\u2019t want you ever to be challenged. I don\u2019t want you to ever have to wear that sword so efficiently. I don\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia leaned back lifting her hand gently against the vampire\u2019s lips stopping his words. \u201cNo choice, not really. But, won\u2019t go looking for it believe me. But, I promised to stay with you and I can\u2019t break that promise by being careless. I need my sword; I need you to train me. Killing Duncan wouldn’t have made it go away, Angel. There is nothing you can do to fix this, so stop trying. I need you to accept it.\u201d She said softly.<\/p>\n
Angel pulled her back as she attempted to move away. \u201cYou didn\u2019t believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI did-do believe you. But, Angel, I also know you. I know that you didn\u2019t give a damn that your \u2018practice\u2019 stroke could\u2019ve beheaded Duncan. Angel, you can\u2019t. He is my friend. It\u2019s not his fault that I\u2019m Immortal. He\u2019s just trying to help that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n
At that moment, all Angel wanted to do was to kiss the young woman, lay claim on her, and be done with it, but his intentions were jerked away by another squeal and another small hand pulling at his jacket. Irritated, Angel looked around. He lurched back as a blonde made up face sprung up close to his. \u201cI\u2019m ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood.\u201d Angel jerked a couple of steps back. The blonde followed.<\/p>\n
Cordelia crossed her arms and glared.<\/p>\n
Angel shot a frantic look towards the brunette.<\/p>\n
Cordelia rolled her eyes. She walked up and yanked the blonde from climbing up on the vampire. \u201cIf you\u2019re finally ready, then its time to go. And for your information, Doyle, me, never tried to bond<\/i> with Angel by humping his leg in the middle of a crowded room.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley stifled his snort of laughter. After all, he did feel sorry for Gabriel- she tried so hard to fit in.<\/p>\n
Gunn didn\u2019t even bother. He didn\u2019t know the Doyle character but the image was just too funny not to laugh at.<\/p>\n
Fred blinked and started to giggle. She grew up on a ranch. She knew what Cordy meant.<\/p>\n
Methos leaned over to Duncan a small smile teetering on his lips. \u201cThis is going to be an interesting evening.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan frowned. He was beginning to realize that the past few months had been unreal. Then, Cordelia\u2019s attention had been on him. But, two days later at the vampire\u2019s return, Duncan had to be injured or force himself into Cordelia’s \u2018Angel only\u2019 sphere to be noticed. \u201cShe loves him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Methos held his sigh. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes she even know it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Methos shrugged. “From what I could gather, he doesn\u2019t either.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan gave a long hard look at his friend.<\/p>\n
Methos expanded his answer. \u201cWell, from what I could gather from Wesley’s allusions, Angel\u2019s instant attentions have been a bit more blatant than in the past, but previously Angel had been as universally blind as Cordy.<\/p>\n
Actions galore, but no idea why they both were ready and willing to sacrifice anything and everything for each other. It seems that your presence may have helped trigger Angel\u2019s comprehension which is probably the basis for his desire to kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan stood silent for a brief moment. \u201cI don\u2019t trust him.\u201d He finally said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMac is that because you don\u2019t want to or do you have a specific reason other than he’s a vampire.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan shot a look at his friend. \u201cDo you really think a vampire could make her happy, an eternity without sun.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe already made that decision when she was mortal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d Duncan sighed.<\/p>\n
Methos turned suddenly. \u201cYou fell in love?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI could\u2019ve. After I killed Ritchie, I got so tired of living. She\u2026Cordelia reminds me why I love life- joys, pitfalls, and all. She\u2019s so exuberant, strong, fun and caring.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn a great body.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan shot another hard look at his friend and then softened. \u201cThat too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of what she projects is still true. Life is worth living. Friends, not lovers are the best reminder of that fact. Lovers have a more frequent tendency to come and go.\u201d Methos commented lowly. \u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou say that my presence got Angel to acknowledge his feelings. And, you agree that she loves him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt helped from what I have observed and yeah, blind but yeah, she loves him.\u201d Methos said cautiously.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, by the end of the night, if he doesn\u2019t fully realize it, then it\u2019s his loss.\u201d Duncan moved forward leaving his friend behind. \u201cCordy,\u201d the Immortal slid up to the young woman. \u201cWe can\u2019t all fit in one car. I\u2019ll drive,\u201d taking her by the hand leading her way from the vampire and the blonde seer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll go with you.\u201d Gabriel jumped up excitedly to Angel.<\/p>\n
Angel blinked but Cordy was being escorted out of the hotel by MacLeod. Did the Immortal really want to die?<\/p>\n