{"id":787,"date":"2015-06-21T16:55:56","date_gmt":"2015-06-21T15:55:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/dir\/?p=787"},"modified":"2018-10-23T17:17:07","modified_gmt":"2018-10-23T16:17:07","slug":"gloomy-sunday-1-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/2015\/06\/21\/gloomy-sunday-1-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Gloomy Sunday. 1-2"},"content":{"rendered":"

Title: Gloomy Sunday \u00a0 \u00a0<\/b><\/span>
\nAuthor: <\/b>Chatty<\/strong><\/span>
\nPosted:<\/b>Dec 06<\/span>
\nEmail<\/b><\/a><\/span>
\nRating: <\/b>N-17<\/span>
\nCategory: <\/b>Drama\/Romance<\/span>
\nContent: <\/b>C\/A<\/span>
\nSummary: <\/b>A moment of comfort leads Angel and Cordelia down a new road of danger, temptation and possibilities.<\/span>
\nSpoilers: <\/b>All of season 1<\/span>
\nDisclaimer: <\/b>The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.<\/span>
\nDistribution: <\/b>Please let me know where.<\/span>
\nNotes: <\/b>Written for a challenge by the wonderful FlameFlirt<\/b>. Also, betad by the wonderful FlameFlirt! What can I say? She is truly smashing! This would be a puddle of run-on sentences and gibberish without her. Here’s the challenge (below) if you’d like to read it<\/span>
\nThanks\/Dedication: <\/b>Thanks again to Lysa<\/b> & Liberty<\/b>, awesome ladies with great suggestions, support and patience. Also, extra thanks to Califi<\/strong> – your thoughts and PMs totally helped me change some things about this part that just weren’t feeling right. *squishes you* You’re tres faboo! Oh, and of course, feedback is always read and loved and then saved for rainy days when it is pulled out and read again because it makes me feel so nice. (long way of saying I love it truly)<\/span><\/p>\n

Feedback: <\/b>It’s like hot chocolate with extra marshmallows. I heart it truly, madly, deeply.<\/span>
\nChallenge: (<\/b>at end of fic)<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Prologue<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Cordelia had finally gotten around to putting new batteries in the wall clock. It dangled lopsidedly off its hook and now it clicked loudly with each passing second. Unsurprisingly, instead of fixing it she sat idly behind her desk. As he watched, she crossed her legs, then changed her mind and uncrossed them. She even never looked up. Instead, she stared blankly at the shades drawn tightly over her window.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel closed his eyes, focused instead on the barest inhalation of her breath, the miniscule rustle of fabric from her breathing or was she simply shifting in her chair? He eased from behind the desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her eyes snapped toward him. \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOut.\u201d He avoided her eyes while shutting the elevator door, and as it descended he could hear her muttering. How was your day, Cordelia. How are you feeling, Cordelia? Any more spine-crushing brain melting hope you didn\u2019t like that silk blouse you just drooled all over visions? Oh, no, I\u2019m just going to slink down to my basement of doom and sulk all day. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Waspish little brat. Sometimes she made his enhanced hearing feel like a curse.<\/span><\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t sulking. But he needed to stretch his legs, to get away from the thick silence of their office, the conspicuous lack of Doyle that still ached even months later, the tip-toeing they both did around the hole that still remained.<\/span><\/p>\n

She\u2019d forgotten that he\u2019d held her the night Doyle died (sacrificed himself to save Angel and wasn\u2019t that a joke because Angel could have told him there wasn\u2019t anything left worth saving). Icy, brittle Cordelia Chase had softened with grief in his arms. He couldn\u2019t forget that and now it colored everything, touched every thought, slid up his back and whispered in his ear. He struggled for distance between them, she crossed it effortlessly. He erected walls she leapt in a single bound. He pushed her away and she blithely grew closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

The dark of the sewers enveloped him; fetid air caressed his skin, the click of his boots soundless on the damp walkways. He sensed the bright burn of sunlight above. Lunchtime in Los Angeles, and deals were being made and broken as he skulked in the shadows. He drew in a long deep breath, testing, scenting \u2026 and went flying against the wall. His head hit hard and he vaguely heard a bone snap.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVampire,\u201d a silken voice hissed and he had the briefest glimpse of smooth purple scales before instinct set in and he launched himself through the dark.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAngel!\u201d A hand crashed into his face, Cordelia\u2019s scent enveloped him and he struggled to smooth out his ridges, to soften his teeth, to control himself. She was leaning over him, blouse gaping, and her lilac bra couldn\u2019t keep her breasts from swinging as she rocked back to slap him again.<\/span><\/p>\n

He shot a hand up, caught hers in mid-air and stilled it. \u201cStop it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her face melted into relief, her fingers loosening in his clasp. \u201cYou\u2019re okay.\u201d She smiled thinly, motionless for only a split second before she slid into action, bringing out the obligatory first aid kit from somewhere behind her back. \u201cWhere are you hurt? What happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He reclined on the pillow of her concern, inhaled her lingering fear, and answered absently. \u201cDemon in the sewers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her lips thinned and she half frowned. Pinned up hair wavered, struggling against slipping pins before sliding free. Long, glorious, a silken sweep against him, sharp nails tantalizingly light against his bare skin, a sweet whisper cooing in his ear\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Daddy\u2026<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAngel!\u201d Sharp and snapping, Cordelia dug her fingers into his ribs and twisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOuch,\u201d he snapped back and blinked once. Twice. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPatching you up, doofus.\u201d Light touches and brushes as she layered cloth bandages over cuts he hadn\u2019t even noticed. Walls firmly built up and defenses battened down, she had no problem with searching out his weak spots and poking, prodding, prying. \u201cWhat\u2019s the deal with you? Leaving the office all huffy and stalking about in the stinky sewers, nearly getting ripped to shreds and not saying anything, just laying down here all martyry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He could have answered but he turned his head away instead, and concentrated instead on the rhythmic push of her heart, tub thumping away.<\/span><\/p>\n

She taped silently for a moment and then sat back on her heels, surveying her work with a look of pride. \u201cAll done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He watched her silently and she floundered under the weight of his gaze. \u201cAre you okay? You seem a bit wacky.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Love makes you do the wacky, he thought but didn\u2019t say the words. She wouldn\u2019t have gotten it anyway and he just wanted to forget.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Part I<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Faith blew in, a hurricane of rage and bloodthirsty agony, tangling around everything and everyone, ripping it all to shreds. He watched from the inside out as she sliced and bled and his soul ached to save her and yet he could feel the flow of blood under her fingers, sweet, dark, musky and warm. So warm. And not so deep inside, hunger rumbled. As she crumbled in front of him he froze for the barest moment, because after hundreds years he\u2019d forgotten how much it could hurt to look at his reflection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Everything erupted into chaos and he knew what he had to do, but he\u2019d never been good with words, or with explanations. Wes silently asked for one, seeping bitterness as he stood and glared at Angel. Buffy demanded them, fists and blonde curls flying. He\u2019d been doing the right thing, for once he was sure of it and yet it led him here, to a deserted hallway in the police station where Buffy quietly and easily flexed her grip on his heart and then ground it under her high heeled boots.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her words echoed, cold angry eyes staring flatly at him, the clicks of her steps echoing as they walked away. Anger seeped up around his neck and he closed his eyes, threw his body into a punch at the wall, fighting the change that pulled at his brow and threatened to elongate his teeth. He thought he\u2019d perfected the art of control, but now he floundered and while Wesley talked to him and tried to calm him, his mind roiled; a massive, stormy battle.<\/span><\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t decided what he was going to do, where he was going to go (home or Sunnydale, apologize or \u2013 or what?) but when he pulled up in front of Cordelia\u2019s apartment, at least he didn\u2019t dread knocking on the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because even though Cordelia talked too much and could be clueless, insensitive and brutally honest, the most amazingly perceptive comments would come out of that mouth of hers (usually just when he was about to give up on her) and he was only now starting to not be shocked by that.<\/span><\/p>\n

She was the only person that never asked anything from him. She simply took what she wanted, demanded what she felt was her due and was always there.<\/span><\/p>\n

The front door opened underneath his knock and a cool breath of air smoothed over his head and down his back. \u201cHey Dennis,\u201d he said and the door swung shut firmly behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAngel?\u201d Her voice was muffled with sleep, confused and questioning. He should have left but he followed the sound into her bedroom, propping a shoulder against the door jamb and letting it take his weight. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? After Wes called, I thought you\u2019d be half way to Sunny-hell by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Buffy\u2019s strings tugged at him and the tiny hairs along his neck stood up underneath his leather coat. He shrugged out of it and hung it carefully on the edge of the door. Cordelia didn\u2019t seem surprised by his silence but she still huffed an impatient sigh and shifted onto her side under the covers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGotta tell you \u2013 this appearing at my bedside in the middle of the night? Kinda creepy.\u201d She watched him unblinkingly, then rolled over and strained for the bedside table lamp.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d he said sharply. She froze, then let her hand fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, so, Buffy storm is over? Let the clean up begin.\u201d She glanced pointedly at the bed next to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bed creaked under his weight. Angel toed off his boots and swung his legs up to lie next to hers. \u201cGo ahead, make yourself comfortable,\u201d she said wryly. He relaxed back into the pillows, soaking in the peace, the blessed shadows and the soothing quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so it\u2019s going to be one of those<\/i> broods,\u201d Cordelia sighed. She thumped the pillow, and shifted onto her side, kicking the sheets irritably when they tangled around her feet. The bed rocked under them until she stilled, eying him impatiently. \u201cWell? What\u2019d she say? Must have been a doozy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And there went the soothing quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel thought for a moment. \u201cShe said some things I didn\u2019t know she felt. And then I said things I didn\u2019t know I felt, until I said them, at least.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her forehead crinkled with confusion and she propped her head up on a slender hand. Her tank top gaped, shadows parting for one curve of skin to gleam in the moonlight slipping in through a crack in the curtains. He shifted, stared up in the ceiling, but out of the corner of his eye he studied her, traced the frown bracketing her lipstick free mouth, examined the startling contrast of her blackened eye to golden skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat makes the kind of sense that doesn\u2019t,\u201d Cordelia said. She turned into her hand and muffled a sleepy yawn. \u201cSo, what did you say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo get out of my town,\u201d he said and she sucked in a reflexive breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou said what<\/i>?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that was after I punched her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her lower lip fell open in a surprised gape. Cordelia was speechless. Not a good sign then.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut she punched me first.\u201d Memories swirled around him, the satisfied quirk of Buffy\u2019s lips as she\u2019d prepared her devastating emotional blow, the instant flash of guilt and regret on Faith\u2019s face as she\u2019d inadvertently let the truth out, the compassion in Wes\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, Buffy hates Faith,\u201d Cordelia blurted, casting her eyes up at the ceiling in an unmistakable duh<\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that was before Faith slept with her boyfriend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah! \u2013 wait! You? And Faith?\u201d Cordelia\u2019s mouth firmed into an angry frown. \u201cWhat? What about the curse? Are you touched in the head? Faith?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He let her run for a second before interrupting. \u201cNot me, Cordelia.\u201d It took two seconds for her to put the pieces together, and then she glanced up at him, eyes wide, face creased with chagrin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Ooops?\u201d She laid her hand on his elbow, fingertips pressing lightly. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He turned his head to face her. \u201cSo am I.\u201d She was staring at him, completely serious and focused on him, and it felt good. He started feeling the tiniest bit better. She chewed absently on her bottom lip and he could almost see her cogs turning, figuring out what she should say. It wasn\u2019t a big surprise when she gave up and simply said what she was thinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot like you really thought she\u2019d be waiting around forever,\u201d she said perkily, brutally. \u201cI mean, she\u2019s Buffy! She loves having guys pining after her as long as she still gets to move on. I think it\u2019s that whole tragic hero thing.\u201d She caught herself too late, hand flying up to cover her mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCordelia,\u201d he warned, and she did this weird half-wiggle half-shrug that was probably the closest he\u2019d ever get to an apology. She was close now, warm and unbearably alive.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you should go home,\u201d she said tentatively. \u201cDrink some blood? Do some brooding? Could be fun!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He closed a hand around her wrist, slid it down to her elbow and then trailed his fingertips slowly \u2013 lightly \u2013 up to her shoulder. \u201cMaybe I should.\u201d He cupped the shoulder, rubbed absentmindedly. \u201cMaybe I don\u2019t want to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do<\/i> you want?\u201d she asked with typical Cordelia directness.<\/span><\/p>\n

He shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know anymore,\u201d he said, but cut her off before she could keep pushing. He reached out, stroked the darkened skin underneath her eye. It was soft, puffy but if he hadn\u2019t been studying her so closely he might have missed her wince of pain. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d she said, but her eyes were dark and restless under his gaze. \u201cSlayer strength is nothing compared to your visions, buster.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He should be used to the heavy weight of guilt by now. But Cordelia with her brave words trying so hard to hide her pain (the pain he\u2019d caused her even though she didn\u2019t deserve it) sent fresh guilt welling up, deep ruby drops of blood weeping and seeping no matter how many layers of gauze she used to bandage him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry she hurt you,\u201d he said, and she shut her eyes, eyelashes whispering against his thumb. Her brave smile faltered at the edges. \u201cI never wanted that to happen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d she said. \u201cYou wanted to save her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe had to save herself,\u201d he said. \u201cI just wanted her to know that she could.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded, nestling her head into his hand. He froze, unaccustomed to such nearness even with Cordelia. Especially with Cordelia. Her sigh blew warm air against his skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not like I understand Faith at all,\u201d she said. \u201cI didn\u2019t before and the whole murdering people, aligning herself with the Mayor and now joining forces with Wolfram and Hart is not exactly helping.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She opened her eyes and looked back up at him and he couldn\u2019t help but see her, underneath the wall of cheer she used on a daily basis. \u201cBut I think I understand her loneliness, Angel,\u201d she said, on a little girl wisp of a voice and his heart broke for her all over again. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to be alone, you know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He tightened his grip on her head, and leant in close so she couldn\u2019t miss his words. \u201cYou\u2019re not alone, Cordelia.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her eyes were dark pools in her face, hair streaming around her, eerily reminiscent of the last time he\u2019d sat on the bed with her, holding her hand, her belly big and swollen with a demon\u2019s child.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t I?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he said, angling her face toward him. \u201cWe are not alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her smile was sad but real and she swept her hand up to rest on his leg. \u201cYou\u2019re my friend, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her hand was warm and he suddenly became aware of the heat of her, such aching warmth so close to him and she was so soft against him. He\u2019d thought of her as self-absorbed and shallow for so long, but every day he learned more of the real girl. Perhaps she knew how unbearable it was to always be alone. Maybe sometimes she wanted to run and hide from the world. Maybe sometimes she just wanted to forget about everything too. She had fears and she cared, and no matter how strong she tried to be, she needed him. And part of him needed that \u2013 loved that.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAngel,\u201d she said, and he snapped his glance back to her. She looked at him pleadingly and he knew what she was asking before she even opened her mouth. \u201cI don\u2019t want to be alone,\u201d she said, and her voice caught in her throat. \u201cJust for tonight, okay? I just don\u2019t want \u2013\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShhh,\u201d he said, and drew her closer against him. \u201cIt\u2019s okay.\u201d He held her close to him and her smile started small and grew slowly until his breath caught in the back of his throat. Her legs were sliding open and her sigh as he slid between them was soft and blissful. She cradled him, arching into him as he shoved the blankets between them down to the foot of the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was moving fast. Maybe too fast. But what could anyone expect from someone that had gone so long without even the slightest touch? He was rushing her, he knew and yet he couldn\u2019t \u2026 slow \u2026 down \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

She was clutching his back, her fingernails digging in a silent plea. He closed his eyes, kissed her behind her ear, the gentlest brush that trailed down to her collarbone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCordelia,\u201d he said. She tensed against him. He kissed her neck, a sudden swoop that sent her hands in between them, suddenly on the cusp of pushing him away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAngel-\u201d she questioned or maybe sighed and he ignored her, sliding his hands down, under the thin tank and pushing it up into her underarms, settling back down before she could move. \u201cWait,\u201d she said, and the promise was gone from her eyes and her voice was the all business Cordelia again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat am I thinking?\u201d she asked, and he could almost see reality dawning, the reasons they should never have touched each other listing up in her head. Buffy. The curse. She skipped the first and went straight to the main event. \u201cGod, we can\u2019t do this. It\u2019s too dangerous!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This was the understanding Cordelia, gently matter-of-fact. She started pulling out of his grip.<\/span><\/p>\n

He froze; glanced up at her, troubled. She was his friend and he didn\u2019t want to hurt her, but \u2026 \u201cNo, it\u2019s not, Cordelia,\u201d he said gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

She caught her breath, but Cordelia would never let anyone see her hurt. \u201cRough week, huh? No happiness to be found?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot perfect,\u201d he said honestly. \u201cBut I can make you happy, Cordelia. I can make us both \u2013\u201d Her mouth latched onto his, muffling the rest of his words, tongue slick as it teased softly against his. He clutched her tight automatically, and she whimpered again, wriggling in his arms to get closer and then wresting her mouth away.<\/span><\/p>\n

He smoothed a hand over her face, the silk of her hair, slid her leg up and over his hip to press fully against her. For a moment, she was the lost little girl again, looking wistfully past his shoulder, thinking of \u2026 what? Needing someone, something. Her name was both a question and an invitation on his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

Soft eyes hardened, and her smile was suddenly pure seduction. \u201cC\u2019mon,\u201d she teased. \u201cLet\u2019s do it,\u201d but her walls were higher than ever and he had no idea what she was feeling or thinking. And he should care, but right now all he wanted was this, to sink in and be surrounded by warmth, to have someone care even if it wasn\u2019t the right someone. She was soft and beautiful and she kissed like melting chocolate and he couldn\u2019t get enough. He slid his hand under her sweats, in between her legs, and she was hot and wet and he should have slowed, should make it soft and gentle for her, but he couldn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maybe it didn\u2019t matter. She was struggling with his buckle, yanking his pants down, freeing him, and stroking him with an utter concentration he\u2019d never seen her apply to any of her work around the office. She wouldn\u2019t look in his eyes, but she held him with gentle precision, stoking him from base to tip and when he groaned, a flicker of a satisfied smile crossed her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

He leaned into her touch, slid his thumb up the crease of her thigh, teasing her with slow caresses and a soft pinch. She struggled beneath him, silently curling into him, pulling herself closer and her eyes were lost in lust and hot with need. When he circled her clit, she jerked reflexively and breath curled out of her, her eyes slammed shut in unmistakable delight.<\/span><\/p>\n

He pressed inside her, bracing his weight on fists anchored on either side of her head. Her breath hiccupped in her throat, her face creased with awareness. She turned her face to the side, he pressed his forehead into her pillow and her breathing was desperate in his ears.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her eyes were screwed shut, her body strained against his, and when he came, he bit his lip hard enough to draw blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Part II<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Cordelia was sitting outside of a Starbucks enjoying the sun and sipping happily on her half-caf extra foam non-fat double tall cappuccino when her next vision hit. One moment she was all normal hot L.A. girl with a new pair of Prada knockoffs that were to die for, and the next, she was sprawled on the hot sidewalk, coffee dripping down her white blouse and something warm trickling down her chin which was probably blood, but could totally have been drool.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, my god! Are you okay?\u201d The glare of the sun blinded her eyes and she couldn\u2019t see whoever the concerned citizen was kneeling next to her. \u201cCan you get up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her stomach lurched at the thought of moving, but she did anyway, ignoring the whispers from the rapidly growing crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs there anyone you can call?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded. In retrospect, that was a mistake. Tiny explosions erupted behind her eyes; fierce hands gripped her stomach and twisted brutally, nearly sending her back to the ground. She stiffened her spine and burrowed into her purse for her cell phone. Thankfully, unlike some stodgy old vampires, she actually knew how to work her speed dial.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel must have picked up the phone because she could hear Wesley grousing irritably in the background. She cut him off before he could butcher the greeting. \u201cVision,\u201d she said grimly, and shrugged off a concerned hand that landed on her shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d she snapped at the crowd. \u201cNothing to look at. Move it along, alrighty?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She turned back to the phone, irritation sharpening her voice. \u201cDid you hear me? I said vision<\/i>!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey heard you in Toyko, Cordelia,\u201d Angel said. She couldn\u2019t tell what he was thinking, but she suspected he was amused and it annoyed her. \u201cWhat\u2019d you see?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She hated when he asked her that. Like she wasn\u2019t going to tell him? But each time he asked, the vision crashed over her again like it was worried she would miss out on some detail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Right.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like being forced to live through people\u2019s terror and agony was something she would ever be able to forget. She braced herself against a nearby table, brushed the hair out of her eyes. She\u2019d scraped her knee when she fell, and the thin trickle of blood felt warm on her shin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn apartment in Crenshaw,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got some time. After the sun goes down.\u201d She dabbed the blood with a crumpled Starbucks napkin but the smear stubbornly remained.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was quiet. \u201cWere you planning on coming in today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She glanced at her watch. Two thirty. \u201cYes,\u201d she lied. \u201cI was on my way. Apparently, the PTB didn\u2019t think I was moving fast enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe should talk,\u201d he said flatly. \u201cWhen you get in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

What was there to talk about? His sudden appearance in her bedroom late last night? Or his equally sudden disappearance before she woke in the morning? Or everything in between? \u201cWe don\u2019t need to talk,\u201d she argued. \u201cEverything is fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

If he\u2019d been human, he\u2019d be breathing or doing something that she could hear, could use as a cue. Instead, there was absolute silence on the other end of the phone. And then: \u201cCordelia\u2026\u201d It was a warning, a sigh of annoyance, an aggravated self-appeal for patience all wrapped up into one word.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d she sighed. \u201cI\u2019m on my way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

She checked her watch again as she let herself in the office. Five fifteen. Was it her fault that her way included stopping by her apartment to change and getting caught up in Dennis and his recent addiction to the Mexican soaps? Avoiding Angel certainly had nothing to do with it.<\/span><\/p>\n

The office was dark and Angel\u2019s office door was shut. The red blinking message light on her phone was the only light. She blinked, let her eyes adjust, and her shoulder bag slid to the floor with a gentle thump. She\u2019d check the message and then write a note with the vision details for Angel. Not because she was avoiding him. Anyway, he was probably brooding away in the bat cave over his latest Buffy betrayal, and that was one brood she didn\u2019t want to interrupt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou made it.\u201d Angel\u2019s voice was quiet in the darkness, but sudden enough that she jumped. \u201cAbout time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She spun on him, pointing her finger like a long, trusty stake. \u201cHaven\u2019t we had conversations about you jumping out of the darkness?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He folded his arms across his chest and looked impassively at her. \u201cHaven\u2019t we had conversations about you attempting to show up on time for work?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI never leave work,\u201d she muttered and flipped on the lights, refusing to enjoy his slight wince from the harsh brightness suddenly filling the office. \u201cBesides, it\u2019s Sunday! I shouldn\u2019t be here at all. Oh, and by the way, before you ask, yes, I\u2019m okay. Thanks for your concern.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He stood motionless, but his eyes tracked her as she slipped to her desk and picked up the receiver. \u201cUm, do you mind?\u201d He lifted a shoulder in the smallest of shrugs, but his eyes stayed firmly trained on her. \u201cCreepy, much?\u201d she muttered resentfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

The solitary voicemail was a hang-up. Figures. She had nothing to do but turn back to Angel. \u201cWe should get going. Crenshaw\u2019s a long drive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I think we should talk.\u201d He shifted awkwardly, leaning one hip against her desk. \u201cAbout last night.\u201d It figured. Get Angel into a fight, and he was all graceful and catlike and witty with the one liners. Give him a morning after and he was as uncomfortable as a man in a lingerie store with his grandmother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d she said. \u201cTalk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His hand fluttered in the air before landing fruitlessly on his leg. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said. \u201cIt shouldn\u2019t have \u2013 I shouldn\u2019t have \u2013\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordelia heaved an enormous sigh, and rose from her chair. \u201cAre you done with the self-recrimination? Because if you are, it\u2019s my turn.\u201d She didn\u2019t wait for his response. \u201cYou didn\u2019t start it, Angel. I did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He frowned and somehow drew closer without moving a muscle. \u201cThis isn\u2019t something to hop on the guilt-mobile over, Angel. Okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His voice was a low grunt. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked away, crossed her arms over her chest. \u201cI had my reasons.\u201d They stood there silently for a moment until it grew so quiet that her ears started to hurt from the pressure. \u201cLook, I get it, Angel. It wasn\u2019t what you wanted. You did me a favor. So is the time when I say thank you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His frown grew and she cocked a hip, arching an eyebrow impatiently. \u201cYou think my feelings are hurt? I\u2019m a big girl, Angel. I\u2019m glad you didn\u2019t have your pure bliss, because who wants evil soulless you running around? Definitely not me, no matter how good I am with drinking water.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He flinched and guilt flared. She\u2019d crossed a line and it could be the biggest mistake she\u2019d ever made because Angel was her friend and maybe she\u2019d just screwed it all up beyond belief. What girl wanted to be second best? Not her! And she hadn\u2019t thought of him like that in so long. He\u2019d been her broody, occasionally clueless, always good in a pinch boss. Her friend. Last night, with moonlight highlighting the angles of his face and the concern in his eyes, she\u2019d wanted to believe \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head forcefully. Those thoughts had no place in her head. Now if only she could forget the feeling of his skin sliding against her, the rasp of his voice in her ear, the near unbearable pleasure of his body inside her own, she\u2019d be good. Her voice softened unconsciously, and she took an apologetic step closer to him. \u201cLook, Angel. All I\u2019m trying to say is no harm, no foul. Okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t answer. He didn\u2019t even look at her. She didn\u2019t have to be a genius to see a storm cloud brewing, but she just couldn\u2019t hear him say that it was a mistake. And she really didn\u2019t want to hear anymore about his endless love for Buffy. And if he apologized again, it was entirely possible that champion or not, he\u2019d be out one seer girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

She was strong and she\u2019d be fine and she\u2019d said all she could. Instead, she bent to scribble the details of her vision. \u201cHere,\u201d she said, turning to hand him the paper.<\/span><\/p>\n

He slid his hand over hers, curled his fingers in and the slip of paper tumbled weightlessly to the ground. And then he yanked. She flew forward, sprawling against him, and her knee jammed the desk \u2013 hard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOw,\u201d she complained but instead of apologizing or backing off, he slid another hand down, anchoring around her back. His fingers squeezed once, twice and her muscles went weak. It was horribly unfair, how much she wanted him. It was supposed to be a one night thing but the fire she\u2019d started wasn\u2019t going away. She\u2019d created a monster.<\/span><\/p>\n

All it took was his hands on her and instantly she was back in her bedroom, lost in a haze, unable to believe this was happening, powerless to say no. She watched him lower his head \u2013 slowly \u2013 inch by tantalizing inch, until it hovered the barest distance above her own. She should feel gusts of breaths against her lips, should have a heart skittering beneath the hands that had wrapped around his back for balance, and their absence made her insides contract.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something else,\u201d he said, and this close his voice sounded rougher, warmer. She struggled to form a response, but he beat her to it. \u201cI liked it, Cordelia.\u201d She shivered against him and saw the ghost of a smile tug at his lips. \u201cI liked it a lot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Closing the distance between their lips, she kissed him. And he instantly kissed her back, tugging her up to straddle him on the desk, her knees pressing into the cheap plywood. Not that it mattered. Nothing mattered, nothing but the smooth soft leather under her fingers, the purposeful working of his lips against hers, the slick slide of his tongue, the gentle working of his fingers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wait. The gentle working of his fingers?<\/span><\/p>\n

She yanked her head free just in time to see her favorite peasant skirt slide effortlessly down to tangle around her sprawled ankles. She sent an accusing glance at an oblivious Angel, too busy nibbling blunted teeth against her collarbone to notice. Wait a second! Nibbling against the collarbone that should have been covered by her most demure sleeveless turtleneck \u2013 the one she\u2019d specifically worn to prevent this exact type of activity.<\/span><\/p>\n

She caught a glimpse of the turtleneck, flung haphazardly across the room and precariously balancing on top of their coffeemaker. Her brassiere joined it a second later, and she was now almost completely naked, straddling the lap of an entirely clothed, turned on vampire.<\/span><\/p>\n

Strong hands manacled her wrists behind her, forcing her body into an unnatural arch, giving him complete access. He was smiling, a full expectant smile she\u2019d never seen before. And that was her last coherent thought, before they all melted in a cloud of steam as he lipped her nipple, curved a hand around her breast, smoothed it down her body with an appreciative murmur.<\/span><\/p>\n

He said something, or grunted really, but she didn\u2019t care because the sound of his zipper sliding free was loud in the deserted office and he was lifting her, and the coarseness of cotton was rough on the tender insides of her thighs. \u201cCordelia, just let me\u2026\u201d He palmed her hips, fitted her over him, arched his back and drove in heedlessly, and she couldn\u2019t quite stifle a pained whimper from the sudden intrusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShhhh,\u201d he murmured softly, smoothing a hand over her hair, a gentle comforting touch at odds with his big hands and rough body. \u201cShhh, I\u2019m sorry, it\u2019ll be okay, just hold on,\u201d he crooned, palming her head, kissing her lips almost tenderly. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d He asked, not moving inside her, sliding her hands from around his neck and simply holding them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCordelia?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIsokay,\u201d she forced out and twisted her hips, struggling to find a more comfortable position.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, Cordelia,\u201d Angel nearly groaned, dropping his head into the curve of her throat. \u201cPlease don\u2019t do that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She braced her elbows on his shoulders and let him readjust their position, the discomfort and strain gradually fading.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s better,\u201d she whispered, and he grunted underneath her, sliding her into a rhythm that made her gasp for air.<\/span><\/p>\n

He held her steady, braced her against his body and buried his head deeper into her throat, relishing her warmth, the humid sweat and rapidly growing yearning rising from her silken skin. It wasn\u2019t enough, he couldn\u2019t get close enough, deep enough, he needed more, and with a barely repressed growl he shifted, rolling her onto her back, towering over her, digging blunt teeth into her shoulder as he worked his way inside her body.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her bare heels thudded against the side of the desk, she tightened her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply, rising to meet him, swirling her hips to meet each of his thrusts. She was beyond noticing the rawness of the wood, the painful clench of his fingers into her skin. She keened as she came, a husky moan of absolute contentment and he gave up any pretense of control, hammering wildly, screwing his eyes shut in concentration. He came silently, jerkily, pounding a fist into the desk before collapsing on top of her.<\/span><\/p>\n

She shuddered for breath underneath him, a feeling he could barely remember, but still he shifted off her, allowing for easier breathing. He let his head fall back against the desk, casting his eyes up quickly to make sure the computer was still in one piece and then relaxed, settling in comfortably. This wasn\u2019t exactly what he\u2019d had planned, but after two amazing encounters in as many days, he found he couldn\u2019t regret it completely. He lifted up a hand, studied the shards of wood buried deep within the skin. Once before in another lifetime, he\u2019d focused on peeling splinters free, relishing the background of heartbreaking sobs cascading over him, pleading, begging, crying\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShit!\u201d Cordelia cried out, and the shards of remembrance disintegrated around his feet. He raised his eyebrows, reluctant to move. She shoved at him, awkwardly sliding off the desk and pulling up her skirt in one jerky move. She stepped forward tentatively, obviously sore and he turned his head away so she wouldn\u2019t see the glint of pride in his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

She shoved him again, a puny little move but for her it meant business. \u201cHello, Mr. Horny-Pants,\u201d she spat at him. \u201cVision? Remember? We have to go \u2013 now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shit.<\/i> He was right on her heels, zipping his pants and snatching up his keys as the door shut behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 3<\/b><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Title: Gloomy Sunday \u00a0 \u00a0 Author: Chatty Posted:Dec 06 Email Rating: N-17 Category: Drama\/Romance Content: C\/A Summary: A moment of comfort leads Angel…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-787","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-completed-fics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/787","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=787"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/787\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=787"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=787"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=787"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}