Part 70<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia hugged the pillow underneath her chest, sighing as Angel\u2019s fingers did amazing things to her back. \u201cMmm.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel smiled rubbing his thumbs downwards to the slight curve of her spine, pressing and massaging at the bright sun gracing the tempting area of skin.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d Angel kept the rhythmic pressure of his fingers on her back.<\/p>\n
\u201cMmm. I recognize that tone, don\u2019t worry, no need for that sorry pathetic whine of an order. Anything you want, I\u2019ll do it.\u201d She sighed again into the pillow.<\/p>\n
Angel decided not to comment on the supposed description of his mere mention of her name. So what that she was right. He was going to tell her to do something she wouldn\u2019t want to. Angel cocked his brow. \u201cDon\u2019t you even want to know what it is?”<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t care, keep this up, I\u2019ll be your slave for life. God, that feels heavenly, up a little.\u201d She urged Angel\u2019s massaging touch to her shoulder blades.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou already are my slave for life, I know I heard you scream that earlier.\u201d Angel smirked a cool breath over Cordelia\u2019s golden shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u201cHmmph.\u201d She mumbled into the pillow. \u201cTell a guy that\u2019s he\u2019s a good in bed and he becomes the king of the world. Simple arrogant clueless asses.\u201d She hmmphed again.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly good?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia leaned over turning up, her hazel eyes teasing into Angel\u2019s. \u201cGreat, magnificent, wonderful, awesome, terrific, spine tingling, mind blowing, world rocking, is that better?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel brushed his thumb against Cordelia\u2019s smile, his eyes fixed on the plush swollen lips. \u201cA little, still seems pretty lame.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHmmph.\u201d Cordelia rolled completely over on her back. \u201cWhat it is that you want me to do that I won\u2019t want to?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel chuckled giving in to her insight. \u201cI want you to go back to the doctors and get a cat scan. I want to make sure that the visions didn\u2019t cause any damage.\u201d His voice became grave as his thumb tenderly pushed back a strain of dark silk behind her ear.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, it doesn\u2019t hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d Angel brushed at Cordelia\u2019s new pout.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine.\u201d She sighed, turning back over.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was easy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m in a good mood, you better take advantage of it. Anything else? You better ask now,\u201d quirking her lips back up to him in a crooked smile before settling back in the pillow.<\/p>\n
Cordelia puzzled at the silence and the absence of Angel\u2019s hands soothing her skin. \u201cAngel?\u201d noticing the serious expression on Angel\u2019s face.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, it wasn\u2019t your fault.\u201d Angel loathed admitting it but he hadn\u2019t been able to save Cordelia from Cassandra, Wolfram & Hart, the visions, or her destiny as an Immortal but he refused to allow her to suffer the burden of self-blame.<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked and turned away. \u201cTell that to the people I didn\u2019t save.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m telling you. Believe it.\u201d Angel brought her back to him, hating that his need took away the teasing light from her eyes. But he had to convince her. He knew Cordelia\u2019s previous lightness hid a deeper guilt that she would keep to herself unless forced to acknowledge it.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, I was supposed to have those visions while you were gone, I told you everything would be alright, I told you we would take care of the business the mission, I failed you, them, the Powers, everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel winced at tears glistened in pools, clouding and sparkling the hazel depths.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d cradling the woman up into a seated position. \u201cDon\u2019t do this. You didn\u2019t fail anybody. You were manipulated by a couple of demon freaks and Wolfram & Hart. The freaks are dead and Wolfram & Hart have been warned. It happened, but now its over. You didn\u2019t do anything wrong. Wolfram & Hart set up Gabriel\u2019s visions there was no reason to be suspicious.\u201d Angel\u2019s fingers grazed lightly at the trail of liquid that escaped Cordelia\u2019s will.<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked and took a deep breath. \u201cWolfram & Hart set them up?\u201d She scrunched her nose wiping at the beginning redness.<\/p>\n
Angel nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cGod, I hate them.\u201d Cordelia wrinkled her brow at the vampire. \u201cTheir warning? That\u2019s where you went, isn\u2019t it?\u201d The thought of the evil lawyers drew the tears away bringing anger and disgust.<\/p>\n
Again Angel nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood, I hope they peed in their collective expensive pants. Hmmph.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel sighed at the loss of tears. \u201cI don\u2019t know about that but Lindsay will need another plastic hand,\u201d he added lightly.<\/p>\n
Cordelia gave a small chuckle despite herself. \u201cStill, Angel\u2026.\u201d Cordelia wanted to let Angel\u2019s words and hands take her away from her guilt. She wanted to believe him. Maybe it was true. Angel didn\u2019t blame her so maybe she wasn\u2019t to blame. Maybe the victims that had died would forgive her. She let herself smile at the vampire, giving him her trust.<\/p>\n
Angel felt lighthearted as he watched the hazel orbs clear, accept, and even twinkle. Cordelia was going to let him help her.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, the only way that we knew what was going on was because you had a quickening- though, I suppose you could\u2019ve taken MacLeod\u2019s head instead and a lot sooner. I wouldn\u2019t of minded.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d Cordy smacked at the vampire. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know.\u201d Angel grumbled tugging her into his lap.<\/p>\n
Cordelia peered up at the vampire. \u201cI thought you got over wanting him dead. I told you\u2026.wait, it\u2019s not because he\u2019s Immortal and some sort of potential threat, you ARE jealous. Ha, you\u2019re jealous of Duncan.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel dipped his hands, spreading them wide over Cordelia\u2019s firm belly, pulling her possessively closer. He nuzzled into her shoulder. \u201cWhy would I be jealous, I have you in my arms and in my life and I\u2019ve got it on good authority I\u2019m good in bed, \u201d he whispered, nipping, scratching his blunt teeth up along her chin. \u201c Anyway, MacLeod and I discussed it, I think he finally realizes that you aren\u2019t going anywhere, this is where you belong.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh god, you threatened him.\u201d Cordelia tried to put at least a little bit of anger in her voice, but Angel\u2019s caresses and kisses made it hard to think about anything but the pleasure tingling in delicate sparks along her flesh everywhere he touched.<\/p>\n
Angel leaned on the bed, capturing Cordelia underneath his larger body, \u201cAn exaggeration. I just pointed out the obvious. Now, can we please stop talking about that Immortal, there is only one Immortal I want to concentrate on.\u201d He whispered, slipping his fingers through the delicate petals that housed Cordelia\u2019s sweetest heat.<\/p>\n
\u201cWere we talking about something?\u201d she moaned, scratching her nails along Angel\u2019s broad back.<\/p>\n
\u201cMine.\u201d Angel growled into the soft curve of her neck.<\/p>\n
Cordelia pushed up, her eyes flashing. \u201cThat\u2019s it, stop right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel jerked up. \u201cUh.\u201d Fear, real fear rippled through his body, flowing into a tidal wave. Stop? He couldn\u2019t stop. But she said to. Why? Angel wanted to ignore Cordelia\u2019s no and cry at the same time because he couldn\u2019t, just like he couldn\u2019t ignore the squeezing in his balls and the need pulsating in his cock, he was in hell.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy?\u201d He managed to whisper and beg.<\/p>\n
Cordelia took advantage of the vampire\u2019s unhappy and confused state to push him down on the bed, quickly straddling his hips. \u201cMine? My ass. You ARE mine and I\u2019ll prove it. Stay put and don\u2019t interrupt.\u201d She warned with a raised elegant brow.<\/p>\n
Angel gulped his mind switching gears. She hadn\u2019t said no, her warmth was still searing into him. She had only changed their positions. \u201cCordy, I told you, not needed, really, I was squirming with desire a long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia leaned up teasing his chest and stomach with her nails. \u201cI don\u2019t believe you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll prove it.\u201d He reached for her hips ready and willing to embed himself in her. Cordelia slapped at his roving hands. \u201cI said it was my turn.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel was a bit scared of the glint of determination and purpose in her eyes. He slowly dropped his hands, sinking into the mattress, preparing for what he knew would be the most unbearable, delectable, and sweetest torture of all of his 250 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat wasn\u2019t so difficult, was it?\u201d Cordelia cooed, tracing her fingers along his chest, twirling delicate patterns in the cool skin.<\/p>\n
Angel merely grunted. He was a vampire, he had without a soul and with one, experienced torture, he could handle this- it was only Cordy. He closed his eyes. Only Cordelia, Christ, he wondered how long she needed to prove her nonsensical point. He hoped it wasn\u2019t too long. Angel wanted to grab her now and end the anticipation.<\/p>\n
He was going to cry he just knew it. He thought about Darla. Angel gulped in relief, that cooled his ardor for\u2026he winced, Cordelia kept touching him, learning his body, how was he supposed to think about unwanted sex, when he was being tortured by the one woman he needed more than his redemption. A growl escaped as a groan.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou liked that.\u201d She smiled, sitting powerfully on him, twirling her fingers, the tip of her nail digging in slightly on the marbled flesh, drawing a line down his breastbone, and circling his navel to tap an insistent sharp pattern down the dark hair that led to his groin.<\/p>\n
Angel tried to keep his expression passive. But his hips jerked in the air belying his nonchalant attempt.<\/p>\n
Cordelia leaned up further. \u201cOkay, resisting. A challenge?\u201d She licked her lips, leaning down to nibble at his throat, her hands moving southward. \u201cSo, you seem to be enjoying it,\u201d she whispered as she caressed the hard evidence that her hands found.<\/p>\n
She leaned up again as Angel\u2019s hips lurched upwards.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou like everything,\u201d her brows furrowed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you.\u201d Angel gulped.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d She pouted and scooted down trailing her hands and lips. Her tongue flickered and tasted the tense pulsated organ.<\/p>\n
Angel felt the world explode, thoughts of Darla, Slime demons, Gabriel, anything that could stall his need flew out of his head as Cordelia moist mouth encased him, drawing him in as deep as he could go. He was going to burst.<\/p>\n
God. She teased him like an expert. Angel knew that it wasn\u2019t an expertise learnt by experience. It was just there, just in her, the ability to entice and torture. Angel didn\u2019t know or want to know if her magic could work on others, but he sure in hell knew that she controlled his ever desire, she was made for him. He waited for the last possible moment. He growled, using his strength to pull and push her body under his. \u201cYou won, again, you always will.\u201d He growled, spearing with instinct only.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d Cordelia gasped, her legs moving under the same instinct that caused Angel to react with such need. Their hips moved disjointedly in an un-timed and harsh movement, full of power. Each thrust, made the need apparent, teased at the need, fulfilled the need.<\/p>\n
Cordelia screamed out as her sweaty body collapsed. Angel fell soon after, his body glistening in the borrowed sweat, every nerve alive as he breathed in the scent and flavor of the woman cushioning his fall.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne time, one time, I\u2019ll prove it.\u201d Cordy whispered breathlessly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is nothing to prove,\u201d Angel tucked his body around Cordelia\u2019s careful to keep her comfortable, his tight embrace easing at her involuntarily gasp at his strength. \u201cYou will always drive me to the brink. I love you.\u201d He rubbed into her chest, licking and kissing at the salty sweet skin. \u201cGod, I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia purred into his embrace. \u201cEasy then, since I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Part 71<\/b><\/p>\n
Fred was amazed, she was giggling and only thought about the white sauce three or four times.<\/p>\n
This was fun. Methos\u2019 attention was focused on her as he told her a story from the late 14th century. Wow. It was so amazing. History had never been her first choice of study, but the way Methos brought his stories to life, she just needed wanted to delve in the books and learn about the ages of which he was telling. It was so wow.<\/p>\n
He even met Newton. Wow. She almost believed him when he said he threw the famous apple. Eeek. He had seemed pretty serious. Geez. Fred was pretty enthralled, especially, when the Immortal listened, nodded, and congratulated her on her weapon design.<\/p>\n
Then, he even listened to her description of her parents. She found herself telling the Immortal all sorts of things that she never told anyone before.<\/p>\n
Gosh, she really was having fun.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, girl.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred pushed up her glasses at the surprising presence of Gunn and Wesley.<\/p>\n
Wesley shoved at his glasses. \u201cSo, this was you were going? What a coincidence.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d Methos shrugged against his seat, giving in to the inevitable. Great, it wasn\u2019t only Cordelia that had her own protectors. \u201cDo you want to join us?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCool.\u201d Gunn straddled the chair he had already grabbed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you don\u2019t mind.\u201d Wesley politely asked the table next to them for their extra chair.<\/p>\n
Fred scrunched up her face, but she couldn\u2019t think of a reason that Wesley and Gunn shouldn\u2019t join them except she didn\u2019t want them too. She was having so much fun. Then again, she had a nice time with Wesley and Gunn before.<\/p>\n
Methos smiled a bit sadly and waved the waitress over for Wesley and Gunn.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Duncan leaned over the bar sipping at his drink.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, my handsome, live forever butter buns, you came back, alone.\u201d Lorne saddled up next to MacLeod.<\/p>\n
\u201cI needed a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou asked the wrong question, sweetie. The Princess\u2019 place is here even without the visions.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe has them, worse yet, she wants them.\u201d Duncan twirled a finger in his glass.<\/p>\n
Lorne blinked his red eyes. \u201cExcuse me, the music is a little loud in the den of fun, say that again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe had one, seems it was one of all of the ones that she should\u2019ve been having, Gabriel was a fake, planted by some law firm.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lorne shot a finger up to the bartender. \u201cSea breeze, leave the breeze at home. How\u2019s the Princess handling it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t know. The vampire is there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lorne waved again. \u201cDouble shot of what ever he\u2019s drinking.\u201d Lorne rested his bright yellow elbows on the bar. \u201cPretty much over the last year, I\u2019ve seen their vibes. They were dense but sym-y-biotic-aly-type of in tune together. \u201c Lorne shrugged. \u201c They just are. Here have another drink.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan nodded towards the bar.<\/p>\n
Part 72<\/b><\/p>\n
The late morning brought everyone to the lobby. Methos and Duncan\u2019s bags were near the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuncan,\u201d Cordelia ran up. \u201cI\u2026selfishly I wish you would stay, but,\u201d she graced a delicate palm to his cheek. \u201cThank you for everything.\u201d She tried to encase her words with the right tone to show her appreciation.<\/p>\n
Duncan smiled. \u201cI will always be your friend, anytime you need me, I\u2019ll be there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel moved quickly shoving out his hand. \u201cGoodbye, have a safe trip, I\u2019m sure that Cordy won\u2019t be needing you, but thanks and goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Immortals glared at the vampire\u2019s interruption for different reasons.<\/p>\n
Fred sighed. \u201cBye.\u201d She smiled at Methos.<\/p>\n
Methos leaned in touching her lips gently, moving, and tasting her lips. \u201cBye.\u201d He stood.<\/p>\n
Fred gulped, her fingers going involuntarily to her lips. Oh my. That was nice. And it was over. She ran to the Immortal already at the door. \u201cYou\u2019ve got my e-mail right. I mean, you\u2019ll\u2026I mean will I see you again.\u201d She bit her lip really embarrassed.<\/p>\n
Methos smiled. \u201cI\u2019ve got your e-mail and you will love Greece and Egypt in the fall.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreece and Egypt,\u201d Fred gulped.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe birth place of Euclid\u2019s and then where he orchestrated and complied the genius of the \u2018Elements\u2019 I was there. I could show you the path of his mathematical journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred\u2019s eyes widened as she swayed. \u201cYou knew Euclid, the father of Geometry,\u201d she gasped, feeling very light headed.<\/p>\n
Methos nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, my,\u201d she gulped at her breast. \u201cYou could show me where he sat, thought, discovered, and taught.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy not?\u2019 He tenderly tipped her chin.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026I don\u2019t know.\u201d Fred blinked rapidly trying not to faint at the overload of a handsome man staring into her eyes combined with the thought of actually walking in a great, historical, mathematical genius\u2019 footsteps.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen it\u2019s a date.\u201d<\/p>\n
Methos smiled again as Gunn and Wesley rushed to the blushing woman\u2019s side. The old Immortal moved towards Cordelia. Methos smiled a different smile. \u201cI\u2019m glad you won.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia blinked. \u201cYou\u2019re kind of great aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNay. But you are, live well, Cordelia, and you\u2019ve got one more friend and so do I and I know how special that is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia gulped at the sincerity in the oldest Immortal\u2019s tone. She hugged him impulsively and whispered with skepticism. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAn in with Fred.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy lurched back laughing, looking to Wesley and Gunn hovering over the other brunette. \u201cKeep up the math sweet talk and you\u2019ll do wonders.\u201d She giggled. \u201cI\u2019ll do what I can.\u201d She cocked her head back at her other male friends. \u201cBut they\u2019re pretty great and special too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn.\u201d Methos smiled. \u201cBye, live long. Angel.\u201d Methos’ tone changed, more formal, but still sure as he faced the vampire. \u201cYou\u2019ve got a responsibility that I can’t imagine and fine if you want to take it, but you hurt these exceptional women\u2026well, I\u2019ve been alive longer than any vampire still walking the earth, check it out, if you doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel narrowed his eyes and then conceded slightly. Methos was over five thousand years old and managed to go from evil to a friend of Cordelia. \u201cI\u2019ll protect them, but if the time comes for Cordy\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t bother. I\u2019ll bring stakes to the Gathering if it comes to that.\u201d Methos shrugged.<\/p>\n
Angel slowly nodded at Methos. That was an Immortal he could like. He turned to the whispering between Cordy and MacLeod.<\/p>\n
Angel didn\u2019t interrupt or even growl because the pony-tailed Immortal gave a sad smile and headed for the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll miss him.\u201d Fred said, \u201cI mean them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Part 73<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia moved, refusing to let the vampire draw her back into the bed. She slept way past her wake up time. Well, not just slept, but still she had to get up.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere are you going?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShower, rip vamp horny winkle. Hmmph.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel leaned up on the pillow, smelling and feeling his empty bed. That sucked. He padded to the bathroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat did I do?\u201d he asked as he climbed into the shower back into the warmth that left him.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Fred looked at the phone receiver. The voice on the other end identified herself demanding to speak to Angel, but Angel was sparring with Cordy. You just didn\u2019t interrupt them, but the voice didn’t care.<\/p>\n
The voice was insistent and it was that tree name of a girl that came and made Angel disappear for three months. Fred really didn’t want to get Angel, what if he left again. Things were going so well.<\/p>\n
She took a deep breath and took her information to Wesley.<\/p>\n
She scrunched her face, as Wesley looked worried for a moment and then shot out of his chair.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d He called as he strode quickly to the basement.<\/p>\n
Angel growled his hands around Cordelia in a semi legit self-defense move.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s Willow, Buffy\u2019s alive.\u201d He took a deep breath and just said it.<\/p>\n
Cordelia stepped back, really wishing that Angel\u2019s hands were still around her but they weren\u2019t; his hands were going with his body up the stairs in a flash.<\/p>\n
Cordelia smiled up to Wesley who was still watching her. \u201cWow, that\u2019s cool, maybe she\u2019s an Immortal. That\u2019s good.\u201d She smiled. Her smile ached as it stayed on her face while Wesley studied her. Finally she could breathe as her watcher nodded then went back up the stairs.<\/p>\n
Angel loved her, he loved her, Cordelia tried to say over and over again. Cordy did believe it, but it was a love that was spoken of after Buffy had died. Of course, Angel thought he loved Cordy, the love of his life had been dead. Whoops, no she wasn\u2019t. Cordelia took the stairs slowly; trying to figure out she would handle this new heart wrenching twist in her life.<\/p>\n
She watched as Angel gripped the phone and the smile cascaded on his face. \u201cI want to see her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s heart broke at the words. Damn him. She smiled as he faced her.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo the slayer lives that\u2019s wonderful,\u201d she kept her tone light. \u201cYou have to go see her. Hurry, she may die again.\u201d Cordelia winced. That wasn\u2019t exactly nice.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to.\u201d Angel was confused, his mind in lost in memories. Buffy was alive.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, go, I\u2019m sure that no other freak demons will hijack my brain.\u201d Cordelia smiled. Damn, she did it again- that not being nice thing. She took a deep breath. \u201cGo, Angel, see that she\u2019s alive, then\u2026then just\u2026what\u2026.just know that the love of your life is alive\u2026. go.\u201d She blinked as she remembered, really remembered. \u201cYou got your soul grieving her, maybe this was why. Go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to see.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI said go, Geez.\u201d Cordelia turned to go back into the basement to finish her training alone.<\/p>\n
Part 74<\/b><\/p>\n
Gunn trotted down the stairs. \u201cWhy\u2019s the vamp shooting up stairs like a bat out of hell? Where\u2019s the fire?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSunnydale.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe girl, Angel\u2019s old girlfriend, the one with the funny name, the one that died, she\u2019s alive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh?\u201d Gunn looked to Wesley for confirmation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt seems Buffy is alive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel\u2019s going?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere\u2019s Cordy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDownstairs.\u201d Fred frowned. \u201cIs he going to get back together with her? How can he? He loves Cordy. Is he coming back?\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn looked worriedly at Wesley. \u201cDoes Cordy know?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe knows that Buffy is alive and she knows that Angel is going to see her.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy is she downstairs and not up there chewing the vamp a new ass.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t know that Angel\u2019s going back to Buffy, he\u2019s just going to see her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn raised his brows. \u201cRight, Angel\u2019s so predictable when it comes to blonde ex-girlfriends and he\u2019s got his soul for good. He hurt Cordy again, didn\u2019t he? Dumped her for another blonde. Bastard. So much for his epiphany. Should\u2019ve epiphanied his ass when I had the chance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley just shook his head at the black man\u2019s hostility.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat other blonde? Not Gabriel.\u201d Fred asked confused.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, his evil undead blonde ex-girlfriend, dumped us all for that bitch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn,\u201d Wesley said harshly, “He fired us to protect us from the path he was heading down. Don\u2019t jump to conclusions. Angel does care about Cordy, very much.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe loves her,\u201d Fred bit her lips nervously. She didn\u2019t like what she was hearing at all.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel sighed in frustration as he stepped out of the shower. He had expected Cordelia to burst in the shower minutes ago. Wasn’t she right behind him? Where was Cordy? Didn\u2019t she get that he was in a hurry.<\/p>\n
Angel scanned that hallway trying to sense if the woman was in one of the other bathrooms. Okay, that would’ve been smart, together showers took longer than the alone ones, not as much fun, but quicker.<\/p>\n
It would’ve been a good thought, but he didn’t sense Cordy on the floor. Angel expanded his search, targeting her heartbeat back down in the basement. Damn her. What was Cordy doing now?<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cHe loves me,\u201d Cordelia grumbled swinging her fist as hard as she could into the punching back. \u201cHe loves me not,\u201d she swung with her left. \u201cHe loves me,\u201d swinging with her right. Cordelia repeated the litany and her alternate pounding.<\/p>\n
The atmosphere in the basement was stifling as perspiration dampened her hair and neck pooling in the valley of her breast.<\/p>\n
God damn him. Why did she ever believe him? Right, because Angel made her, telling her over and over how much he loved her, that even if Buffy came back from the dead tomorrow nothing would change he would still love Cordy, only her.<\/i> The nerve of him growling that she was His…MINE\u00a0<\/i>whatever.<\/p>\n
Well, guess what, it\u2019s today, and Angel was changing things. Not even bothering to take the time to say, gee Cordy that was fun but the love of my life is back so adios and tootles.<\/i> Cordelia growled and swung, kicking the bag.<\/p>\n
Angel stood at the top of the stairs. Under normal circumstances, Angel would’ve enjoyed the sight before him. Cordelia strong, confident, fighting that picture was as much of a turn on as -well as long as she wasn’t in real danger- but otherwise, the sight was as much of a turn on as her laughing, smiling, giggling, teasing and willing in his bed.<\/p>\n
But this wasn’t normal circumstances, Cordy knew that. What the hell was she doing? Angel wanted to get on the road. Angel stalked down the steps coming up behind. \u201cCordelia,\u201d he reached for her shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u201cAheek.\u201d Cordelia screamed and jumped. Angel ducked grabbing her flying fist as it came an inch from his nose. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t do that, Geez.\u201d Cordelia ripped her fist from his grasp.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAh, duh.\u201d Cordelia\u2019s voice dripped in sarcasm. \u201cWhat does it look like I\u2019m doing, dumb ass.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel narrowed his eyes. He didn\u2019t have time to try to figure out what got her so pissed off all of sudden. \u201cIt looks like you\u2019re beating up the bag.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDing,” Cordy flicked up a finger in the air. “Score one for the dumb ass. Gee, maybe you should be a detective?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel bit back his growl. \u201cWhy aren\u2019t you upstairs taking a shower?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause, just as you so acutely observed I\u2019m beating up the bag. So much for that detective gig, uh.\u201d Cordelia rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m in a hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho\u2019s stopping you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are. Get up stairs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t tell me what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel shook his head. Christ. What was wrong with everybody? First, Gunn glared at Angel like he was a two-headed demon he wanted to sink his axe in. Fred just chewed on her thumbnail like it was pacifier staring at the desks as if deciding which to duck under. Wesley, on the other hand, just had looked at him with great concentration, better than a glare, but not by much. And now this.<\/p>\n
\u201cAren\u2019t you going?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Cordelia stood with her mouth opened in shock. Angel was kicking her out of the hotel. That son of a bitch. He couldn\u2019t even wait two minutes to push her out for the blonde.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Fred looked hopefully at Gunn. \u201cThey\u2019re yelling, that\u2019s good sign, right? Tension.\u201d She nodded.<\/p>\n
Gunn shrugged looking for Wesley\u2019s opinion but the other man was on the phone.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d Gunn said noticing the man\u2019s frown as he hung up.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoctor\u2019s office, Cordelia called about scheduling a cat-scan.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShit. She said she was fine after the vision.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred stopped Wesley as he was going for the stairs. \u201cI think they\u2019re fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is more important.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy you\u2026\u201d Whatever Cordelia was going to yell was stopped by Wesley\u2019s urgent call from the steps.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Both Angel and Cordy yelled.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, the doctor\u2019s office called, they said there was a cancellation, they can fit you in this afternoon. Why are you going to the doctors, has there been a new problem with the visions.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo and I\u2019m not going.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou got an appointment with the doctor\u2019s today? Why didn\u2019t you tell me? Of course, you\u2019re going.\u201d Angel yelled.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you- DON\u2019T TELL ME WHAT TO DO.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYOU PROMISED.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAND YOU PROMISED TO LOVE ME, YOU STUPID BASTARD.\u201d She pushed past the vampire charging up the steps.<\/p>\n
Angel threw up his hands in frustration. \u201cWhat is wrong with her? I know that she doesn\u2019t want to go to the doctor\u2019s but I thought we got that straight. Wesley, make sure she goes and call me as soon as the test are done. I should be back later tonight, but call me as soon as you know. You’d better go with her just to make sure she actually goes into the doctor\u2019s office. Stubborn girl, I should\u2019ve known her fine<\/i> was too easy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley blinked. He had told Gunn not to jump to conclusions, but Wesley did have his own doubts about the vampire\u2019s intentions. However, looking at Angel\u2019s frustrated confusion and listening to him Wesley was beginning to think that both he and Gunn had been far of the mark.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are coming back?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? Of course, I am.\u201d Angel was puzzled by the question.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course. I meant you\u2019re coming back tonight, you aren\u2019t staying longer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy should I? I just want to see Buffy for myself. I mean if she needs my help for something, I guess I could stay for awhile, depending on the situation here, if Cordelia had a vision we would have to come back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe?\u201d Wesley was starting to doubt again.<\/p>\n
\u201cMe and Cordy.\u201d Angel raised his brows. \u201cWho did you think I meant?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe you and Buffy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSince when have we needed a slayer for one of Cordy\u2019s visions?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, Cordy\u2019s not going with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know, she\u2019s going to the doctor\u2019s, you better make sure she goes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d Wesley was really trying to make sense of what Angel was saying. Maybe if he talked slowly, Angel would understand the question and answer sensibly. \u201cIf Cordy\u2019s not going with you, why would you and she be coming back if she had a vision?\u201d Wesley drew out each word.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are you talking to me like I\u2019m a moron.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause you aren\u2019t making any GOD DAMN sense. Cordy\u2019s not going to Sunnydale.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel let out a frustrated breath. \u201cI told you, she can\u2019t go, she as to go to the doctor\u2019s. That\u2019s more important than her going with me. Cordy should\u2019ve told me she got an appointment for the cat scan today, I could\u2019ve told Buffy to meet us another night. But, I\u2019ll go and just come back. And, well, if Buffy needs my help for something and I have to stay, Cordy will just join me in Sunnydale.\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cOh,\u201d Wesley took of his glasses, rubbing furiously, \u201cYou talked to Cordy about this.\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s to talk about?\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe that you wanted her to go with you.\u201c Wesley suggested tempted to talk really slowly again.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy would we have to talk about that?\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cSo she would know that you wanted her to go with you.\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cShe knows.\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cEven though you didn\u2019t tell her.\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley, why are you being so dense. Of course she knows.\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cOh,\u201d Wesley shoved on his glasses. \u201cSorry. And she knows that you want her to come to Sunnydale if you for some reason have to stay later than expected even though you haven\u2019t talked about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d Wesley repeated trying not to just hit the vampire.<\/p>\n
Angel nodded at Wesley\u2019s understanding. He leaned in closer to his friend. \u201cThough, it wouldn\u2019t matter, between you and me, Cordy gets jealous really easily, she wouldn\u2019t just let me stay with an old girlfriend, even just to help Buffy out, not without her being there.\u201d Angel whispered conspiratorially.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou saw how she was with Gabriel and she wasn\u2019t even an old girlfriend. Cordy\u2019s the jealous type, not like me.\u201d Angel nodded knowingly. \u201cMake sure Cordy goes to the doctor and don\u2019t forget to call me.\u201d Angel said taking the stairs two at a time.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you, Angel, are a true moron.\u201d Wesley rubbed at his temples trying to relieve the sudden ache that suddenly sprung up between his ears.<\/p>\n