Title: Damage Control
Author: Argent
Posted: 02-06-2002
Disclaimer:- all characters are the property of Joss Whedon, I own nothing. I'm simply borrowing for a little fun, no infringement of any kind is intended. Please don't sue.
Challenge: For Love's Bitch's challenge-hope you enjoy
1/ a character normally on BtVSRating :- G (your granny could read it!)
2/ food
3/ Barry White music ( only a mention because I'm lousy at lyrics)
Pairing :- A/C is hinted at, An/X mentioned
Spoilers:- Through BtVS 5/possible 6, through Ats 2/possible 3
Distribution:- you want it, take it
Summary:- This one is giving a voice to Anya, another character I like who seems to be in for a very rocky ride in the coming season.
Dedication:- to Joss Whedon, 'cos happy really does sometimes happen!
"So," Cordelia asked as they gathered around the TV, " let me guess, you guys want Ally McBeal?"
"Yeah," chorused Fred bouncing up and down with excitement, " this is the episode when that funny little lawyer is singing Barry White. I think he's cute."
Gunn grimaced," Girl, you scare me sometimes. Guy's a freak. All that walking round his office in his bare feet, what's that about?"
"I like that. He's so little and sorta sweet."
"He's always singing Barry White," Cordy commented.
Angel, entering the room with two buckets of freshly made popcorn asked," You don't like that music. I think the songs are pretty good." Off their horrified looks he went on, " What? I do!"
Cordelia waved a finger at him, " If you ever start supplementing Barry Manilow with Barry White I will personally stake you. I'm serious, Angel. Never."
Wesley, polishing his glasses and leaning back on the couch cushions, sniggered, " It might be worth it just to see Lorne's face."
"No way." Cordelia faked a slap to Wes' shoulder and wrinkled her nose when Gunn shoved her a little.
"Hands off, Barbie."
Fred, hogging the remote as usual, punched numbers muttering to herself. She spared a smile for Angel as he sat down on the floor between her and Cordy's chairs, offering the popcorn.
"A nice quiet night," Wesley said happily. " We don't get too many of these. Isn't it nice....?"
"Hello? Anybody here?"
Cordy sighed and rose to her feet, " You had to open your big mouth, Wes. I'll see who it is." As she walked out of the room she noticed that Angel had followed her out. " It's OK. I can handle it, Angel. Don't miss your show."
"I've seen it before." They grinned at each other, hearing their friends start to chant along with the opening song. " And those guys have the nerve to complain about my singing!"
"You're worse. Believe me."
Miffed he retorted, " I suppose we can't all sing like Lindsey."
"Oh boy, don't remind me. What a voice." Hearing him grumble she teased, " And those pretty eyes. I've always liked blue eyes."
"I thought you liked brown."
"Whatever made you think that?"
They walked through into the lobby and came to a halt at the sight that met their gaze. A very agitated woman was peeking behind the desk as if she thought somebody might be hiding from her. Cordy strode forward.
"Anya? That's it, isn't it? Anya."
She jumped and turned around, holding her chest in shock, " Oh, you startled me. Yes it's me. I need to talk to you, Cordelia."
Indicating a seat and signalling Angel to back off a little Cordelia asked, " Any particular reason?"
"Xander." Cordelia opened her mouth to say something when Anya hurried on, " I know we're not friends. I know you don't like me, nobody likes me. But I have to talk to somebody and you're the one who can tell me what I need to know."
"What can I tell you?" Cordy glanced at Angel, not totally comfortable with discussing her ex in front of him.
Anya's eyes filled with tears, " What am I doing wrong? Why is he being so mean to me? Ever since Buffy came back he's been different. We were going to get married, it was all perfect and now he needs to think about it? I mean, I think the sex is good, he likes the games we play. He's particularly fond of-."
"Thanks," Cordelia threw up a hand, " enough information right there. In fact more than I wanted." She gave a very slight shudder, " I don't see what I can tell you."
"But you know him. You know the way he is about Buffy. And Willow. I used to be able to talk to Giles a little bit but he's back in england and I can't say anything to Spike because he's mooning about Buffy too."
"Spike? And Buffy?" Angel's eyes were wide.
Cordy looked over, shaking her head at him and then turned back to Anya, " So, you had a fight," she prompted.
"We have them all the while now. He said my wedding dress was a waste of money."
"Wow! That's harsh."
Anya nodded, " And it's not as if I don't contribute. I mean I run the magic shop pretty well, I make good money. All I wanted was a white silk dress so I could look beautiful for him. And a perfect wedding where all the other girls are mad with envy. Every girl should get that, right?"
Wryly reflecting on her own limited chances of ever getting to that stage in her own life Cordy said firmly, " Of course. Absolutely."
The former vengeance demon appeared unaware that tears had started to trickle down her cheeks. " I thought so too. But Xander's all 'it costs too much' and 'we just got Buffy back, let's wait awhile'. And Willow said I was being selfish when I said I didn't care about Buffy's schedule. It's not my fault Joyce died, nor Buffy. And I didn't do anything to make Buffy miserable since they brought her back. She just keeps being miserable all the time and all Xander wants to do is be with her and comfort her, but he's supposed to comfort me. But he didn't, and we argued. So I walked out and now I have no place to go and I won't go back to him." At her last words she dissolved into sobs, putting her hands up to her face and saying , " And now my eyes are leaking again. I hate that."
Angel said carefully, " Xander's probably just worried about Buffy. I'm sure he didn't mean to upset you."
"No, he's just being Xander," Cordy commented a little bitterly. Shaking off her own unpleasant memories she went on, " He's like that, Anya. The least little thing with Buffy or Willow and it's like you don't exist." She took the other woman's hands, " He's a jerk, I know. But he has a good heart, Anya. I mean I know the dress sense is a tragedy and he has the social skills of a chair but he does mean well. Xander just can't seem to get over his obsessions about those two."
"How did you cope with that? Feeling like you're always second best?"
Cordelia gave a very slight smile, " I kind of didn't? Not like I'm still there fooling myself I could matter to him as much as Buffy or Willow. I moved on. Is that what you want to do?"
"I don't know. It's - I love him. All I think about is Xander. I'm proud to be his girlfriend, I'm proud of everything he does. Why doesn't he feel the same way about me?"
"I'm sure he does."
She hung her head, " He isn't. I say or do the wrong thing and he gets all upset, embarrassed because I've been stupid." Anya winced and pressed her stomach.
"Are you OK?" Cordy asked quickly.
"I left for the bus in a hurry. I forgot to eat."
Angel came forward," That we can help with. There's popcorn in the other room. Go in and say hello to the guys and we'll order some pizza. You have a favourite?"
"I like ones with pineapple. And lots of cheese." Anya walked off in the direction of the TV room.
Watching her leave Cordelia gave a sad laugh, " This helping the helpless thing takes some funny forms sometimes." Waiting until Angel had ordered the pizza she mouthed, " Icecream. Lots. Comfort food." Satisfied he would know what to get she sat down at her desk, glancing through the pile of filing that had still somehow avoided getting done.
Moments later Angel came and sat on the edge of the desk, looking down at her, " You OK?"
Puzzled Cordy frowned, " Why wouldn't I be?"
"Xander. Sunnydale. Not subjects you ever bring up. I gathered that was for a reason. Because they were painful, maybe."
"Oh, that." Sitting back in her chair she studied him intently,"You don't talk about Sunnydale either. Were you shocked to hear about Buffy and Spike?"
"I gather it's not news to you?"
Her eyes were concerned but calm enough, " No, I heard a hint from Aura and confirmed it with Willow. I didn't want to mention it because-."
"You thought I'd - er- freak out?"
A slight smile, " I didn't want to hurt you. There's been enough of that this year."
He stared down at the floor and then looked back up at Cordy, " And that neatly turned the subject from how you feel, didn't it? Except I still want to know you're OK with Anya being here."
"Of course I am." Cordy laughed at his disbelieving expression, " You mean am I still pining after Xander and all the rest of my happy former life? Not a chance. Things change, people change and I decided a long time ago I wasn't going to settle for being second best in anything." She glanced toward the sound of laughter from the other room. "Sounds like she might be cheering up a little. Want me to have her over my place tonight? After she's eaten. We can meet up and help run through her options in the morning."
Angel reached out to touch her face, " You know you're not second best to me, right? Nobody is more important. I want you to believe that because it's true."
Cordy covered his hand with her own, " Don't start getting all broody on me. I like my happy Angel, remember? Lots of smiles." She glanced at the phone, " I wonder if I should call and let Xander know she's alright. He's bound to be worrying." At Angel's skeptical expression she chuckled, " He will be."
"Actually I don't care. He was stupid enough to lose you. Let him do a little worrying for once."
"Ooh, nasty! But it is tempting. I'll check with Anya first anyway."
As Cordelia stood up to go and talk to their latest 'client' Angel caught her hand and held it lightly, " We should talk. Sometime. About us, I mean."
"Is there an 'us', Angel?"
"I'd like there to be." He moved a little, awkwardly, " I'd like to at least talk about it."
She nodded, " On two conditions. One, you swear you will do your best to avoid skinny blondes. You've got a seriously bad record with them, Angel."
"Agreed." As she went to move again he asked, " And number two?"
"When you pay the pizza guy, who's just coming up the steps by the way, you give the poor slob a decent tip for once. Not a lousy buck."
"Delivering pizzas is his job. His employer already pays him!" he protested. At Cordy's determind look he sighed and rolled his eyes, " Fine, fine. I'll give him more. You're a hard woman to please, Cordelia Chase."
She gave a saucy smile, " You don't know the half of it. Now pay the man. I'm hungry........"
__________________________________________________
________________________________
Anya, still very pale, sat on Cordelia's couch trying not to cry. She shivered a little and then smiled in gratitude as Dennis wrapped the comforter Cordy had slept under around her shoulders.
"Still feeling pretty yucky, huh?" Cordy's sympathy was all too genuine. She'd been through a few of those late-night pizza and icecream gorging pity party's herself. Although generally she had not eaten enough to make her ill.
"It's all so horrible. And I still feel sick. That can't be right - I'm sure I threw up everything I ate. Do you think that food was contaminated? Should I sue the pizza company? Money would be useful right now!"
Cordelia shook her head, laughing slightly, " Considering Wes and Gunn scarfed almost as much as you I think not. If either of them were ill we'd be hearing the whines clear across the city by now. It's just nerves, I bet."
"I don't like it. This is one of the human things that I don't want." She started to cry, " I hate this life. I never used to be miserable as a demon. Do you think I should go back to that?"
The seer grimaced slightly, " From what I've seen of it demon lifestyle pretty much sucks. Better stick with the human thing." She offered a bottle of water, " Feel up to calling Xander yet? Or shall I do it for you? He must be very worried by now."
"I don't want to talk to him." Anya took the water and swallowed a sip, " Will you do it? Just tell him I'm OK and not to look for me."
"Should I tell him to expect you back any time soon?"
Anya shrugged, " I don't think he wants me anymore. There's nothing to go back for. I don't want to be reminded of how happy I used to be. I'll make a new life for myself."
"Anya, it was a fight. Couples fight, they say stuff they don't mean and then they make up again."
"I know that. But this fight wasn't like that. He said Buffy was more important than me! That's not fair. Buffy doesn't sleep with him, she doesn't tell him how wonderful he is. She just mopes around a lot and makes out with Spike." Anya looked up, " Y'know, I could have had Spike if I'd wanted. But I stayed with Xander, even when he wasn't nice to me. And Spike is quite attractive don't you think?"
"For a psychotic vampire he's pretty cute . But I still think you should give Xander a chance to make things right. I'm sure he wants to."
Looking increasingly pale Anya leant forward, " Maybe. Tell him I'll speak to him when I've thought things over. Oh, I feel-." Clapping a hand over her mouth she fled for the bathroom.
Cordelia winced at the sound of retching and picked up her phone. She punched the number Anya had given her and listened to the rings.
"Hello?"
At the sound of Xander's voice Cordelia was surprised to feel her stomach shrink, he sounded tired and desperate. " Xander, it's Cordy, I'm calling to let you know that-."
"Cordy, I'm sorry. We have a situation here. No time to chat."
"I know about that, it's why I'm calling."
His voice was suddenly hopeful, " Right. Willow said you get these vision things now. Did you get something about Buffy? She keeps telling us something about the day repeating itself - I really think she may be flipping out on us."
Abruptly Cordy found herself filling with cold rage, " Xander, do you know where Anya is right now?"
"Why? Do you need to talk to her? She went out yesterday, I haven't seen her yet. Maybe she stayed with a friend. We sort of had a fight." He gave a wry laugh, " We do that a lot."
Cordelia deliberately unclenched her free hand, no point cutting her own palm to ribbons on her nails. Carefully she asked, " Does Anya have any friends, Xander? Are you sure something couldn't have happened to her?"
"Oh Anya can take care of herself."
"Right. She's a non-slayer human living on the hellmouth, surrounded by demons and vampires, but she can handle that, yeah? Not a teeny bit concerned where she slept last night?"
"Look Cordy, not that it isn't great to hear from you, but I've got important stuff going on. Maybe we can chat some other time."
Queen C rose to the surface, " Listen to me, Alexander Harris, you are the most incredible asshole I've ever had the displeasure of knowing. Your fiancee spent last night at my home - in LA. Little as you care. And from the way she's talking I wouldn't expect her back anytime soon, maybe not ever unless you do some serious grovelling."
"Anya's with you? Oh. Right." He was briefly silent and then, " Look, tell her I'm pretty busy right now but I'll talk to her when I've got time, OK. Speak to you later." He hung up.
Shocked Cordelia stared at her phone, she had been so sure Anya was exaggerating his lack of interest,but that was just bizarre. Looking up her hazel eyes met those of the former demon who was standing in the doorway of the room. Tears were rolling down the other girl's cheeks, she looked utterly dejected. Pure instinct drove Cordy across the room to hug her.
"I'm sorry, Anya. I didn't realise how bad things must have been for you." She pulled back and brushed some of the tears away, " Men! Never get the priorities right. Let's go discuss what you can do with Angel and the guys. You can stay here until you decide what your next step is."
Anya gave a watery smile, " That would be nice."
"Yeah, take a break. Dennis likes you. We'll do girl stuff. It'll be like a holiday."
************
By the time they got to the Hyperion Anya's stomach had settled enough for her to risk a cup of coffee, although she wrinkled her nose a lot whilst drinking it. Fred took it upon herself to talk quietly to the other woman, giving the others to discuss matters amongst themselves for a few moments in the office.
"I'm sorry, I don't see this is our sort of case," Wesley stated firmly. " We're hardly relationship counsellors, Cordelia. If you wish the young lady to stay with you that's your choice. But I see no reason to involve the firm."
Cordelia leant forward and whispered fiercely, " That 'young lady' used to be a demon, Wes. Anyanka. Ring any bells? If she gets upset enough to consider going back to her life as a revenger of scorned women a lot of men are going to suffer. Including , very probably, one I care about . Despite him being a pig , that is."
"Anyanka? Dear god, I see what you mean. You think she might go back to her former life?"
She shrugged, " Well, she asked about it last night. And the way Xander was talking I can't blame her for feeling like giving up. And this is our job, we help the helpless. Right now that's her."
Gunn, who had been stretched out in a seat flicking through a magazine looked up and asked, " What you figure we're gonna do, Barbie? Visit this Xander and threaten him to be nice? Not what I signed up for."
"No. Of course not. But we can help Anya look at what her choices are. She's talking about just staying here and making a new life for herself . You know what this city is like, Gunn. Pretty woman on her own, probably not much money - what do you think could happen to her?"
"Right."
Angel, sitting off to one side asked curiously, " You think she'd - what? - become a prostitute? Something like that?"
Cordelia lifted her gaze toward the back wall, refusing to look anybody in the eye, " Probably not at first. But the money runs out, you've got rent to pay, you need to eat. And there's always somebody ready with that 'job' offer. After a while things that once seemed unacceptable don't seem so bad anymore."
There was a long , uncomfortable silence. Angel tried to catch Wesley's eye and was surprised when the englishman deliberately refused to look at him.
Ever practical Gunn asked, " So what do we do?"
"Caritas, " Cordy suggested. " See if Lorne can read her and give her a few pointers. Then we find out if Anya really does want to stay in LA. Wes?"
Brow wrinkled Wesley considered and then nodded, " Very well. Perhaps we can take her there this afternoon. What will you do with her until then?"
"Shopping I guess. She's only got the clothes she wore yesterday. I lent her some of my stuff but we're not really too size similar." Catching his look she sighed, " I'll pay."
"No," said Angel firmly, " I'll cover it. Use my car, too. Gunn, you'll drive." He recollected himself at Cordelia's nod towards Wesley. " I mean, if that's OK with you, Wes?"
"Of course. I'll just pop and have a chat with Anya, explain what we're thinking of doing."
Cordy rose as well but stopped as Angel touched her arm. "OK if we use the office for a moment, Wes?"
"Naturally." Wesley exited and Angel turned to look at Gunn.
"I'd like a private word with Cordelia."
Gunn chuckled and rose, " Know when I'm not wanted...." He too left, closing the doors behind him.
As soon as they were alone Cordelia turned to Angel and said,"I'm telling you, Angel, there must be something badly wrong for Xander to be that distracted. You should go there, check things are OK." Seeing no sign of agreement in his face she prompted, " Buffy may be sick. And Giles isn't there."
Angel sighed, " But Willow is. And the others. She doesn't need me. They'd call if there was anything I could do."
"You don't know that. Did they call about the Glory thing? You'll really never forgive yourself if something happens and you didn't-."
"Cordelia, I asked to use the office to talk to you. About us. Not Buffy!"
She stared at him, jerking her head back in shock, " Don't you care? You love her, that didn't just go away."
He sat down at the desk, spreading his hands on the polished surface, unconsciously lining up the pencils Wes had left scattered about. " Yes, I love her. But I'm not 'in love' with her. It's not my place to go barging into her life anymore. She has the right to move on, and so do I. Buffy doesn't need me."
Cordy too chose a seat, studying him as if he were a stranger, " I can't believe you're acting like this, Angel."
"Believe it. Now, are you done avoiding the issue? What about us?"
She gestured helplessly, " What do you want from me, Angel? You want to know how I feel? I've already told you I love you. But it won't work out."
Angel's face was inexpressibly sad, " Because I can't give you a normal life?"
"Pfft. Like I have one now. No, it won't work because we run on different timescales, Angel." She looked down and then back up, " I'm mortal, you're not. Anyway you look at it that's a doomed relationship. You're letting yourself in for nothing but pain. You'll lose me."
Desperately he reminded her, " There's the prophecy, Cordy. I'll become human. We can be together."
Her eyes were level, voice barely shaking as she asked, " And you believe that? I got the impression you didn't accept that was going to happen anymore. Besides, what good is you becoming human in fifty years time going to do us if I'm creaking around the place on a walking-frame? Got a thing for old ladies?"
" I wouldn't care, Cordy. I'd love you no matter what."
She gave a bitter laugh, " Lovely thought. You can visit me at the old-folks home. All the nurses will speculate if you're my grandson, or am I secretly rich and keeping you as a gigolo? And, anyway," Cordelia paused uncertainly and then went on, " there are the visions."
Angel frowned, " What about them?"
Cordelia took a deep breath, she had been dreading this but knew the time had come to be honest. "They come with a price, I've found out. Groo told me that humans aren't strong enough to stand the strain."
"What the hell were you talking to him about the visions for? And what sort of price."
"We were discussing the prophecy about him - y'know - with me. He was supposed to 'lift my burden'. Except I refused. And I guess the price is I, well, die."
"NO!" he roared, lunging forward and grabbing her, " You should have told me! We'll find a way to stop it. Get rid of the visions. I don't care about redemption."
Cordy fended him off, hugging herself, " But I do. And more than that I care about all the people who won't get the help they need if I lose my link." She gazed at him earnestly, willing him to understand, " I feel them, Angel. It's not remote to me. I live with their pain, their fear. I have to help them, I can't not! I have to help as long as I can."
"But it will kill you, " he protested helplessly.
She shrugged, " When you come down to it, Angel, everybody dies sometime. Well, maybe not vampires but you know what I mean. This way I choose to make it mean something. Not just fade away, get killed by some monster or stupid accident."
"I won't fight anymore. The PTB will stop the visions."
Cordy gave him a sad smile, " Sure? And if you go away I'll bet they send somebody to take your place, so don't even think of it, Angel. We're in this together." She reached up to touch his face, " I was hoping to avoid this conversation. But I suppose it's better that you know. Less unfair."
"Unfair!" he half-sobbed, gathering her into his arms, " Where the hell is fair in this? I've killed and maimed and-."
Cordy pressed her hand to his mouth, " Really not wanting the details, thanks."
He took the hand, pressing her fingers, " I'm the one who should suffer, not you."
Resting her cheek against his chest she gave a wry chuckle, " I don't think anybody is listening in the PTB, Angel. They had to know what they were doing when they allowed Doyle to pass his visions to me. I guess they have no problem with sacrificing me for their 'cause'. Maybe they won't let it happen, perhaps there is some plan to save me. But unless it includes keeping my visions they can stick it up their ass." She frowned slightly, " Supposing they have asses."
"How can you joke?"
"Because if I start with the pity-party tears it'll be, like, pretty much constant. And I've no wish to be doomed and blotchy. Besides my nose drips when I cry. Very unattractive. A girl has to have standards."
Angel bent down, bringing his eyes level with hers, " There has to be a way, Cordy. I won't accept losing you. I'll do whatever it takes."
"I know." She leant forward and kissed him softly.
He cradled her cheek, " I want to be with you, Cordy. For however long we have. Nothing else matters."
"Me too. But there's still your curse. Sex may not be the be-all-and-end-all of existence but I think it'd pretty soon be a big issue for me if we go any further than this. And I really don't want to end my life freeing Angelus."
"You won't. We'll find a way. And I'll make the PTB save you, I promise. You're not going to die."
"Uh huh, " Cordy uttered skeptically but kissed him again anyway.
************
Lorne came bustling over as soon as they entered the club, his green face lit with happy smiles above a deplorable shiny purple suit.
"Browneyes, long time no see! Thought you'd forgotten me. Lovely outfit." He blew her a kiss and eyed Angel, " Still no leather pants, sweetie? Such a waste." His gaze wandered over Wes and Gunn, " C'mon guys, I'll even cater the party. About time you went public isn't it?"
Having rendered his latest arrivals speechless Lorne turned to look at Anya, and sighed deeply, " Oh, honey, you came to the right place. Just sing me a song and I'll help you make it all better." He reached out and took her hand, drawing her towards the stage.
"I don't sing ," Anya protested.
"Neither does Angel, but we accept getting the words in the right order and roughly in time with the music."
"Hey!" Angel protested and frowned at his friends giggles.
It took them several minutes to organise drinks and a table. By then a shaky looking Anya was standing nervously onstage holding a microphone. Abruptly she launched into a spirited rendition of 'I will survive'.
Lorne came and sat with them, holding his inevitable Seabreeze and listening intently to the former demon's voice. His face was a picture of concentration and then he suddenly commented, " She's had a rough time, poor kid."
"She needs to know what to do next," Cordy told him. " Her fiance is-."
"Yeah, got that part nice and clear. He needs to figure out what really matters to him. Too much wishing after what he can't have and he's gonna lose what he's already got." Lorne took a sip and shook his head.
Anya finished her song and gave a pleased smile at the friendly applause her efforts received. Putting the mike back on the stand she left the stage and headed for their table.
"I never did that before. It was fun!"
Lorne beamed at her, " And for once I got to listen to somebody who can actually sing - fun for both of us."
Anya took her seat and looked at him, " So? Cordelia said you could help me decide what to do."
"Well, I can certainly make your position a little clearer to you. What you do is entirely up to you. I'm just the messenger."
Cordelia reached forward and handed the other woman a glass of wine. Or rather tried to. She found the glass neatly intercepted by a slender green hand.
"I don't think so. I'm pretty relaxed on the under-age drinking thing but I have my limits."
"I'm over a thousand years old!" Anya said sharply.
He nodded, " Yes you are. But little junior deserves to make his or her own choice." At their startled looks Lorne said quickly, " Oh, did I forget to mention that? Congratulations, honey, you're going to be a mommy...."
************
"I still don't believe it," Anya said excitedly as they walked through the corridoor to Cordy's apartment. " I'm having a baby. I mean I will be. In a while." She ran a hand over her stomach, " D'you think I look pregnant yet? I don't think I'm going to like getting fat."
"You'll look gorgeous," Cordy assured her. "And it's not like you won't lose the weight again."
"And I'll have a baby of my own to look after." Anya's face was carefree, in direct contrast to her earlier shock at the news. " I have to get myself organised. I need somewhere to live. A job. Of course Xander will have to pay me something but that will never cover all the things my baby will need."
Cordelia felt her brows rise, " You're definitely not going back to Xander ?"
As they turned a final corner Anya said thoughtfully, " Well, I'd like to. I do love him. But I have responsibilities."
A familiar tall, dark-haired shape blundered towards them. "Anya! Cordy, where have you been? I've been here hours." Xander Harris, unshaven and looking rumpled, sleepy and irritable looked from one woman to the other.
Cordy brushed past him and opened her door, " We were out. You could have warned us you were coming."
"Out where? And can I use the bathroom? Kinda urgent."
"Through there. Help yourself." As he rushed away Cordy turned back to Anya, " What are you going to tell him?"
Anya shrugged, " The truth I guess."
"Right. I'll see if I've got any chocolate around. He's going to need it. Anything for you?"
The ex-demon smiled slightly, " Pickles and icecream. Isn't that traditional?"
"How about peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Big glass of milk?"
"That sounds good. I think I can keep that down." Anya crossed the room and seated herself on the couch, picking up and flicking through a magazine whilst Cordy prepared her snack.
Several minutes later Xander reappeared having obviously made some effort to spruce himself up. His hair was, at least, combed and he looked fully awake.
Awkwardly he sat down next to Anya and said, " You still mad at me? 'Cos that wedding dress thing was pretty harsh, I know. I just-."
She cut him off briskly, " Xander, why are you here?"
Jaw gaping slightly he gestured, " Well, Cordy said you were here and I thought....We should talk. I mean, I was out of line. But Buffy was flipping , well, we thought she was. Turns out the day really was repeating and -." Xander stopping , frowning at his fiancee in puzzlement, " Why are you looking at me that way?"
Anya continued to study him, " I was wondering what sort of a father you'll make."
His breath gushed out in shock, " Whoah, time out, Anya! We haven't even finalised our wedding plans yet, it's way too early to be discussing kids."
"I'm not 'discussing' them. And I don't care about the wedding. You're right, it's a waste of money."
He protested, " I never said that. Just that the dress you wanted was too expensive. And it wasn't fair. If you want it we'll find the money. I've been letting things get on top of me and I shouldn't. You should come first."
"Except I don't," Anya stated flatly.
"That's not fair."
"No. It's not. I don't like feeling other people are more important to you than I am. I don't put anybody else before you. Except now I have to." Anya took a breath and announced, " I'm pregnant."
Xander's eyes flew wide open, " You're joking. Tell me this is a joke. Haha, very funny. Apart from it's not. We can't afford a baby, Anya."
Cordelia entered the room with the other woman's snack and a tub of double choc icecream and spoon. She handed the icecream to Xander and used her free hand to slap him around the head, " Jerk!"
"Hey. You gave up smacking rights when we stopped dating." He turned back to Anya, " This isn't a joke, is it?"
Munching busily, her mouth crammed Anya shook her head and managed to blurt, " I just found out." She swallowed," And it doesn't matter if 'we' can't afford a baby. Because 'I' can. If you don't want to be part of this then I guess I have to accept that. But you will have to help me financially, at least until I get settled in LA."
Xander boggled at her, " What the hell are you talking about? You can't stay here."
"Yes I can. Cordelia invited me to stay with her a little while. She's really nice, I don't know why you broke up with her. She and the others have said they'll help me."
"But your home is in Sunnydale. With me. This is crazy, Anya. I know we have problems, and I guess I could be more supportive. But we can work that out. I just need a little time to -."
" I don't have any time to give you." She rested a hand on her abdomen, " This is real. I have to put my baby first. I love you, I love you very much. But if you can't be the father my child needs then I can't be with you. I'm sorry."
His eyes were suddenly full of tears, " Just like that? Why? Give me a chance. Don't do this, Anya. I love you, dammit!"
Her brow was wrinkled with compassion, " I know you do, Xander. But it's not enough." Anya's own eyes were filling with tears, " You always want to be Buffy's hero, Xander. I need a different kind of hero. The sort who isn't frightened to face commitment and responsibility."
"I can learn," he pleaded.
"But will it make you happy? I don't want to make you like your father, Xander. He's so bitter and sad. I won't do that to you. It's better if we make a decision now."
"Better for who? This isn't fair, Anya. I know the fight was my fault, I know things have been rough. But you can't just spring something like this on me and throw me out of your life. I - I deserve a chance at least."
Anya appealed to Cordelia, " I'm right, aren't I? It's bad for children to grow up with parents who fight all the time?"
"How come she gets to vote?"
Cordelia frowned at him, "Maybe because this is my home, Xander? Unless you want to take this in the street?" She sighed heavily, " I'm not sure, Anya. This is Xander's baby too. And, actually, he's right, I shouldn't be here for this. And from the look of you," she said to her former boyfriend, " I'd say sleep is in order. How about I leave the two of you alone tonight and you can talk it over?"
Anya smiled, " Yes, that would be good. We need to talk and I have to make sure I get my rest. I think that's supposed to be important."
"Where will you go?" Xander asked.
"I'll get a cab to Angel's. And don't get that look, Alexander Harris. Angel lives in a hotel, get your mind out the gutter."
"I wasn't thinking anything!" He gave a slightly sheepish grin, " Well, maybe a little."
She shook her head at him, " I knew it. Where did I put the phone?"
************
Back at the Hyperion, after they had dropped the two women off, the male contingent of Angel Investigations were gathered around a small table sharing beer. At least Gunn and Wesley were, Angel opted for pig's blood when he realised he had forgotten an evening meal.
"A baby," Wes said wonderingly. " With Alexander Harris as a father. Poor girl."
"What's wrong with the guy?"
Wesley gestured with his bottle, " Oh, Cordelia has told me a little about him. They were an item until just before I arrived in Sunnydale. It wasn't a very amicable break-up from the sound of it."
"I didn't know she talked about Sunnydale with you, Wes? I've never known her refer to it much," commented Angel.
"That's probably because talking about there would remind you of Buffy, don't you think?"
"Maybe." Angel took a swig of his blood," And what did she mean by that comment earlier? About doing 'things' when the money ran out? You seemed to know."
The englishman stared down into his bottle, half-frowning , " Not precisely. And it's not really my place to speculate. But I gather things got very - bad - before she met up with you, Angel. She's never spoken of it to you?"
"No." He fell into the familiar brooding pose, " Maybe she did to Doyle. But I doubt it. Cordelia is keeping a lot of things quiet these days." Angel's dark eyes shifted over his two companions, " Did you two know about the visions? That Groo told her they're going to kill her?"
"What?" exclaimed Wesley and Gunn at almost the same time.
Fred, who had been hovering in the background, surfing on the computer, chipped in with, " Oh, that's in the prophecy. The Groosalugg was meant to remove the burden of her visions so that he could use them to rule Pylea wisely. Everybody knows that." Catching their stunned looks she gave an uncertain smile, " You mean you didn't?"
"No, Fred, we didn't," Wesley prompted gently, " Do you know any other parts of the prophecy that refer to Cordelia?"
She pursed her lips, brow furrowed in thought above her glasses, " I'm not sure. I know the priests were always going on about finding she who carried the visions, two champions would fight over her and the false one would be defeated. Then the Groosalugg marries her, takes away the burden of the visions, his demon is harnessed and he rules the land wisely and, I guess, they live happily ever after. Kind of a fairytale. 'Cept Cordy didn't marry him."
Wesley's eyes were wide in sudden surmise, " And he wasn't the victor. Angel won their battle."
She laughed, " Yeah, so that makes you Groosalugg , Angel. You beat him you get the title."
"My god," Wesley exclaimed, " is it as simple as that?" He turned excitedly to Angel, " It's you. The prophecy refers to you as the Groosalugg! You're the one who's meant to be with Cordelia."
"But," Angel glanced uncomfortably at them all and then away again, " I can't risk losing my soul."
Wesley dashed over to where he kept the three books they had brought back from Pylea, " If Fred is remembering it right the prophecy speaks of your 'demon being harnessed'. Could it be a side-effect of gaining the visions? I have to research!"
Gunn took another swallow of beer, " Y'mean Cordy and the big guy here gotta go for it at last? Be a relief I tell ya." At Angel's indignant look he shrugged, " Been a bit obvious."
"When?"
The street-fighter burst out laughing , " Just about any day, guy. 'Specially that time with the swimsuit! Never seen such a head of steam. Looked about ready to explode."
"Who did?" asked a familiar voice. Cordelia took in the jumps and guilty looks, " OK, what happened? Everybody looks kinda freaked."
"We - we thought you'd gone home," Angel commented. " Is Anya alright?"
"Fine. It's just - Xander turned up, they need to talk and I so don't need any more drama today. I let them stay and came to beg a bed for tonight. I have a feeling things may get sorted out in mine and I really don't want to listen to that. So? What's going on? Not a new case at this time of night?"
Angel came over and took her hands, " We may have some good news for you......"
************
Toward dawn Cordelia fell asleep over the book she had been studying. Fred and Gunn were already curled up, Fred on the couch and Gunn half-sitting by her side, both snoring faintly. Wesley, whose eyes were rapidly becoming more red than blue with lack of sleep gave a tremendous yawn.
He sat back from the tome he had been studying and removed his glasses, watching as Angel crouched down beside Cordelia to brush a lock of hair from tickling her cheek. It amazed him to see the same hands that could be such deadly weapons were capable of such unthinking tenderness. Sentimental bugger, Wes chided himself, as familiar tears prickled his eyes. He so hoped that this worked out. If ever there were people who deserved a little happiness it was these two.
Angel looked up, realised he was caught and gave an embarrassed smile. " She'll have a sore neck in the morning ," he whispered, " but I love watching her like this."
"Why not put her to bed then? " Wesley suggested. At the uncertain look he received the englishman went on, " Cordelia has had a long day. She'll be better off resting comfortably. Put her in your room for tonight."
The vampire gave a breath of startled laughter and admitted, " I'm not sure I'd trust myself. I have a talent for messing things up, Wes. I don't want to get carried away and -."
"Trust yourself a little. Put her to sleep in your bed. Sit in a chair if you want." He gave a slight grin, " Cordy will be very grouchy if she doesn't get a proper rest."
"OK" Angel picked her up in his arms, settling her head comfortably against his shoulder, " What about you, Wes?"
He chuckled softly, " I'm going to drink some more of Cordelia's horrible coffee and carry on a little longer. You get some rest too, I'll see you later."
" 'Night."
************
When everybody else woke up next, towards noon, Wesley was still cross-referencing. He had gone so far past tired that apart from a certain greyness and shaky hands he appeared lively enough, only later would he pay for this all-nighter.
"It's true," he blurted out as Angel and Cordelia came down the stairs together.
Cordelia, who had awoken to find herself in Angel's bed with him stretched out on the floor and reaching up to hold her hand, was still feeling a little unconnected. It was shock she had decided.
"What's true?" At Angel's look she exclaimed, " Oh! That's true." Her eyes flew open, "You mean we-?" She gestured between herself and Angel.
"That's the prophecy," Wesley babbled excitedly. " Of course we'll take precautions. Just in case something goes wrong. But everything I've read says this is meant - the two of you get together, Angel receives the visions and his soul is anchored."
Gunn, still yawning , gave a sarcastic armshake, " Go, Prophecy!" At their less than amused looks he shrugged, " Shoot me. I don't take anythin' serious 'til I have my coffee."
"I drank all that I'm afraid."
"You are so dead, english."
"Did somebody mention coffee?" Xander and Anya had just entered the lobby, both carrying take-away trays from the speciality coffe-house around the corner. " Thought you all might need a cup"
Gunn walked over, took a cup and shook Xander's hand, " You're a lifesaver. And I didn't believe a word they said about you."
"If it was bad there's a good chance it was true,"said Xander ruefully. He distributed the cups and held up a rueful hand, " Owning up to being a major jerk here."
Sipping her drink Cordelia smirked, " You finally figured it out, huh? Now you just have to do something about it."
"He did." Anya held up her left hand to indicate the new ring that adorned it, " We talked all night. Well, most of the night, and we're going to try. I told Xander we had more important things to spend our money on than a fancy wedding so, we went to city hall and - I'm Mrs Harris. Now we have to go back to Sunnydale and break the news to the others." There was a brief rush of congratulations and hugs then Xander spoke again.
"And return Spike's car. I sorta forgot to ask if I could borrow it."
Angel stared, " You took the DeSoto without permission?"
"I'm hoping I can get it back before he notices." Xander looked around at them all, " I just want to say 'thanks' - for taking care of Anya. I think that's really my job, and I haven't been doing it too well for quite a while now. But I intend to in future."
"If you don't," Wesley said quietly, " I'm going to visit Sunnydale and kick your arse, Mr Harris." Abruptly he covered his mouth, " I said that aloud, didn't I?" When they all nodded he shrugged, " Oh well, somebody had to say it."
Cordelia muttered, " Guess that british reserve thing doesn't survive under pressure."
After a few more moments of goodbyes and messages for those left in Sunnydale Xander, just by the doors, contrived to say to Cordelia, " Erm, by the way, Anya and I - kind of - broke your bed. Just let us have the bill for it, OK?"
"I'm not even going to ask how."
"Thanks." He got halfway out of the door before adding , " Oh, and if those neighbours of yours really do complain to the landlord I wouldn't worry about it. They can't prove who set off the fire alarm. And the firemen were very understanding about it all. And there was hardly any major damage. I really wouldn't worry." Giving Cordy no chance for a reply Xander darted outside to the deplorable car Anya was gingerly taking a seat in.
Cordelia waved goodbye and re-entered the Hyperion shaking her head.
"What's wrong?" Angel asked.
"Nothing. I hope. But I just may be moving in with you. At least for a while. I think I'll be getting a little call from my landlord."
Angel took her hand, lifted it and planted a cool kiss in the palm, " Stay as long as you like. The hotel rates are very reasonable."
She smiled at him, " I'm not sure I have enough money for room fees."
Angel gave a chuckle, " Then I suppose we'll just have to come to some other sort of arrangement....."
Finis