Title: Barenaked
Author: Ceri
Posted: 09-18-2002
Rating: PG-13 (For Language)
Email: RavenSora@hotmail.com
Content: Angel/Cordy pairing, Drama/Romance with some Angst Crossover with BTVS, its an AU fic.
Summary: Fang Gang return to Sunnydale. Lives will be changed. (AU)
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: Nothing Fancy. Anywhere else, please ask.
Notes: It’s an AU story. In a way it’s after TSILA. But, it’s going be to like a few weeks after. Everything that was happening in Angel and in Buffy will not be in the fic. I’m going back to the basics. No Gunn, Fred, Connor and others won’t be in the fic. It will be dealing more with the human side/emotions. I’m not sure where the fic will be heading. Please bear with me, thanks. And also please feedback.
Feedback:
Part 1
In a city called LA, amongst a vast sea of humans and non-humans. Three individuals were slowly getting back to normal. Cordelia was sitting quietly in her new comfy chair. She felt slightly at peace without the endless visions. Angel and Wesley left to slay a group of vampires and return with dinner. Cordy felt the blanket covering her body.
“Thanks, Dennis.” She whispered
Snuggling back into the chair, Cordy opened the new book she recently purchased. She was into the novel, when the vision hit her. Cordy saw the slashes and blood everywhere. She heard the screams from the girl. Everything was a blur; Cordy couldn’t make out what type of demon. Quickly the vision went away, she fell onto the floor. The pounding in her head was getting worse.
Dennis felt Angel and Wesley coming towards the front door. He quickly flew the door open. Angel saw Cordy slumped on the floor. He quickly ran towards her, Wesley followed suit. Putting the bags down, Wesley grabbed a bottle of water and the painkillers.
“Cordy are you alright. What did you see?” Angel asked
Cordy rolled her head back. She was staring at the worried faces of Angel and Wesley. Cordy felt the hot tears streaming down her face.
“I felt everything, the screams, slashes and the blood. Oh god, it was horrible.” She cried out
“I’m sorry to ask this, what type of demon was it, Cordelia?” Wesley asked
“I’m not sure. It was a complete blur. All that I can tell you, its not here in LA.” Cordy whispered
Both Angel and Wesley looked at her confusingly. Cordy reached for the water and the painkillers. Slowly she swallowed the pill. Cordy drank more water before she told them where they would be heading. Angel began to worry more. He started to go into brooding mode. What is Cordy not telling us, Angel thought.
“We have to go back to Sunnydale.” Cordy said
Angel and Wesley looked at her stunned. They would have to return to the very place, which they were treated like outcasts. Angel quietly lifted Cordy and gently laid her onto the sofa.
“I don’t understand why do we have to return to Sunnydale.” Wesley asked
Angel felt everything sink inside him. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy being back in Sunnydale. The wounds they all had still seemed fresh. Angel heard Cordy start to shed tears again. He sat next her and held Cordy tightly. Cordy held onto Angel desperately.
“I don’t like the idea either, Wesley. But, it looks like we are heading back.” Angel said
Wesley sat silently in the chair that Cordy was in. They waited silently for her to tell them more. Cordy lifted her head from Angel’s chest. She really didn’t look straightly at Angel and Wesley.
“All that I received from the vision is that we must go to Sunnydale. TPTB didn’t give much Intel.” Cordy said
Angel held Cordy tighter. Cordy didn’t like the feeling of returning to Sunnydale, too many bad memories for her. Cordy softly runs her finger on the scar. I just hope nothing else can get any worse, she thought.
“When should we leave?” Wesley asked
“I think it’s best we leave tonight. Pack only what you need and also the weapons we will use. Agreed.” Angel said
“Agreed.” Both Cordy and Wesley said
Wesley went to gathering his things and some necessary books they might need. Cordy removed herself from Angel’s embraced. She looked at his chocolate brown eyes. Cordy notice the confusion and nervousness in them. But, she also hinted in them worry of returning. Cordy knew they were all having the same emotions.
“I’m going to go pack. And to make sure Dennis will be alright while we are gone.” She said
Angel simply nodded at Cordy’s comment. He watched Cordy enter her room. Angel sat a little longer on the sofa. Contemplating on seeing the Scooby Gang again, also seeing Buffy. Angel knew already he had moved on. He has a family and the feeling of becoming human again. Cordy is his link to humanity. I’m not going to lose that, Angel vowed.
Angel got up and started to prepare himself also. He notices Cordy standing quietly in her room. Angel made his way towards her.
“Cordy, are you sure your alright.” He asked
“I’m just peachy Angel.” Cordy said
“Cordy.” Angel said
“No, I’m not. They will think I’m still Queen C. The Bitch from Sunnydale.” She said
“They won’t hurt you again. I promise.” He whispered
Cordy looked at Angel. She saw the promise in his eyes. Feeling slightly better, Cordy gave Angel one of her great smiles.
“Thank you.” She said
Angel returned the smile. Quietly the Fang Gang made their preparations for the return trip to Sunnydale. Each feeling not too pleased with the trip.
Part 2
Cordy was packing the last shirt into her duffle bag. She looked at the room one last time. Grabbing the duffle and messenger bag, Cordy walked back into the living room. Well here goes nothing. Back to sweet old Sunnydale, she thought.
“Are you both finished packing?” Cordy asked
“Almost done.” Wesley said
Angel notice Cordy looking exhausted. The vision must have hit her hard, he thought. The silence was broken in the room by a small growl.
“Oh, I’m just going to grab the bag of food.” Cordy sheepishly said
In all of the commotion they forgot about dinner. She peeked into the bag. Cordy didn’t realize she was that hungry. They had gotten her favorite tacos.
“You can eat in the car, Cordy. We should be heading to Sunnydale now.” Angel said
“Thanks” she said
“Right. We have a few problems, instead of one.” Wesley said
“What problems do we, oh?” Cordy said
The Scoobies didn’t know of Cordelia having visions. That one day Angel would shanshu. Cordy felt the tension building up. She didn’t want them to know especially Buffy. Angel sensed Cordy’s nervousness.
“We do not mention Cordy being a seer. Nor we mention of my shanshu. It will be kept a secret from them. If a vision occurs in front of the Scooby Gang, either Wesley or I will say that you’re having a seizure.” Angel said
“Okay” she said
“I agree, also. Where shall we be staying at?” Wesley said
Somehow Angel knew the best place for them to stay at would be at the mansion. He wanted to make sure they would be comfortable and also Cordy will be safe there.
“We’ll stay at the mansion.” Angel said
“Now that’s cleared up. We should be heading out now.” He said
“Oh wait. Dennis I will call you when we get there, I promise. We’ll miss you.” Cordy said
Floating near her was a pad and pen. Dennis began to write something down.
“Be safe and careful. I’ll miss you guys too.” He wrote
Grabbing their bags they walked out of the loft. After putting the bags in the trunk, they piled into the Plymouth. Heading towards the least favorite place Sunnydale. Quietly Cordy and Wesley ate the tacos in the car. During the long drive, Wesley had fallen asleep in the back. The sleepiness finally caught up with Cordy.
“Angel, I hope you don’t mind. I’m going to use you as a pillow.” Cordy yawned
“Sure, I’m one big fluffy man-pire.” Angel said
“Angel”
“Yes, Cordy” he said
“Don’t quit your night job.” Cordy whispered
She rested her head on Angel’s lap. Quickly Cordy had fallen asleep. Angel swore he heard snickering in the back seat. Wesley ears had perked up at Angel’s comment. He quietly tried to hold back the laughter.
“Wesley, stop snickering. Do not breathe a word to what I had said. It was just a silly comment.” Angel said
“Alright, fluffy man-pire.” Wesley laughed out
“Wesley!”
Cordy awoke to the sign Welcome to Sunnydale. The Fang Gang made it to Sunnydale on time. Before sunrise, Cordy and Wesley would have been dealing with a crispy Angel.
“They really need to change that sign to, Welcome to Sunnyhell.” Cordy said
There is an electric vibe in the air. Angel had a feeling something was going to happen. He needed to keep his guard up. It’s not going to be good being back, Angel thought.
He turned down the corner. They saw the mansion up ahead. The tension and nervousness was high between them. A few miles down the road the Scooby Gang was patrolling. The gang staked a few vampires in the cemetery.
“The night is still young. Anyone up for ice cream.” Xander said
“Sure, why not. I could use a dosage of double chocolate.” Buffy said smiling
Willow wasn’t really paying attention. She notices a black Plymouth in front of the mansion. It couldn’t be them could it, she thought?
“Hey earth to Will.” Xander said
“Oh sorry. Yeah, I’m up for ice cream.” She said
Buffy looked at Willow questionably. She followed where Willow was staring. Buffy stood frozen in her tracks. She saw the black Plymouth in front of the mansion. It couldn’t be Angel, Buffy thought.
“What’s got your attention, guys?” Xander asked
Before he got his answer, Buffy started to run towards the mansion. Willow and Xander followed right behind her. They were now standing in front of the Plymouth. No one was around the car. Inside the mansion, the Fang Gang was looking around. The place was still in good shape. Just needed some cleaning up. Either Wesley or Cordy would have to get the services back running up in the morning.
“I guess we should get the bags from the car.” Cordy said
The Fang Gang walked out of the mansion and was greeted by the Scooby Gang. The Scoobies stood in shock, in front of them was Angel, Cordelia and Wesley. Buffy felt a flutter in her heart. Maybe Angel was back for her, she thought.
“We have company.” Wesley said
“Hey its Dead Boy.” Xander said
“Xander, Buffy, Willow.” Angel said
They all stood staring at each other in silence. The Fang Gang didn’t wanted to cross paths just yet with the Scoobies. Buffy wanted to run into Angel’s arms. But she stood her ground.
“Angel, what brings you guys in Sunnydale?” Buffy asked
“We were just passing by.” He said
“Oh” she said
“So, how long you are staying.” Willow asked
“I think for a couple of days. It’s a business trip. Wesley needed to do something’s here.” Cordy said
Angel looked at Cordy he was relieved with the comment she made. It’s best they know nothing of the reason they are here, he thought. Buffy began to wonder why he was staring at Cordelia and not at her.
“Excuse me, we have to get the bags out from the trunk.” Cordy said
The Scoobies moved slightly out of the way. Angel opened the trunk to get their things.
“Same old, Cordelia. You brought all those bags for a small trip. Sorry Angel, Wesley I guess you didn’t have room to bring your bags too.” Buffy laughed out
“Gees Cordy, what did you bring?” Asked Xander
Angel wanted to strangle them both. Can’t they see she is no longer the Queen C, he thought? Cordy felt her wounds being ripped open. She just wanted to go hide and not be in Sunnydale.
“That duffle and messenger bag is mine. The others are Angel’s and Wesley’s. The longer one is the weapons bag for emergency.” Cordy said
“Yeah right, Cordelia.” Buffy said
“She is telling the truth. If you don’t believe it that’s your problem, Buffy.” Angel growled
“Okay, Dead Boy.” Xander said
Did Angel just growl at me? He has never done that before to me, Buffy thought. Cordy was thankful for Angel defending her. The Fang Gang quickly got the bags and closing the trunk. The tension in the air was getting very thick. Willow decided to break the silence.
“So, why don’t you stop by Giles later on? We will be there. Maybe we can help with your situation.” Willow said
“Alright” said Angel
“Well, we should go finish up patrolling. Um Angel, would you like to join us? Cordelia and Wesley won’t mind, right.” Buffy asked
“No, Buffy. We had a long trip. It’s best we take care of our business and go back to LA,” he said
Buffy felt a pang of hurt. I don’t understand why Angel is treating me harshly. He came back for me. I’m not going to let him leave without the truth, Buffy thought.
“Well, we’ll see you later then. Bye.” She said
“Yes, see you later then. Goodbye.” Wesley said
Angel and Cordy walked back into the mansion. The Scooby Gang felt confused on what was going on. Only Wesley was the one that said goodbye to them. Wesley walked back into the mansion also and closing the door. The Scooby gang stood alone in front yard of the mansion.
“Okay, that was strange. Cordy didn’t even say anything to me.” Xander said
“I don’t know either, Xander. But we are going to find out. I even bet Cordelia is giving poor Angel and Wesley a hard time.” Buffy said
The Scooby Gang left the mansion. Each one in there confused thoughts of seeing the Fang gang again.
Part 3
Not knowing what to do, the Scooby Gang continued walking. Willow felt the silence needed to be broken. I wonder what brought them back to Sunnydale, she thought.
“What do you think we should do now?” asked Willow
“I think we should head back to Giles apartment. Tell him who is in town.” Said Buffy
Meanwhile at the mansion
Wesley re-entered into the main room. He felt relieved that the Scoobies finally left. The three of them stood quietly in the room. Cordy didn’t want the tears to begin to fall. Why did the vision have to send us here? Of all the places, she thought.
It’s ironic that we are all brooding, Angel thought. He knew Cordy was holding back the tears. Angel could smell the saltiness in the air.
“Are they gone?” He asked
“Yes” Said Wesley
Quickly Cordy wiped away her tears. She looked around the room. Feeling the urge to clean, Cordy began to remove the coverings.
“Don’t just stand there. Let’s get this place cleaned up. Before we see the Scoobies again at Giles.” She said
Angel and Wesley began to move about in the room. Soon, the Fang gang started to get things to some normal order.
At Giles Apartment
Buffy, Willow, and Xander finally reached to the apartment. Buffy pulled out the key, that Giles gave them for an emergency or just visiting moments. Opening the door, they quietly entered the apartment. Giles was sitting comfortable on the couch, reading one of the old books. He heard the Scoobies entering the room.
“Back so soon.” Said Giles
Looking up, he noticed the confused looks on each faces. I believe this is going to be a long night, Giles thought. The Scoobies sat quietly in their favorite spots. Buffy didn’t know how to tell Giles the news of the new visitors to Sunnydale. Before she had the chance, Xander spoke up.
“Deadboy is back.” He said
“Oh dear, what brings Angel back to Sunnydale?” Asked Giles
“You mean, they.” Said Willow
“Cordelia and Wesley are with him.”
Giles looked towards Buffy, he notice the mix emotions in her eyes. Everyone remained silent in the room. Buffy felt torn with happiness in seeing Angel again, also confused to why he is back in Sunnydale.
“They should be here in a few hours.” She said
Giles nodded a Buffy’s comment. Again the room was filled with silence. The Scooby Gang never notices the lingering shadows around them. Watching them in pain silence.
Back at the mansion
The mansion began to look much neater. Cordy started to sneeze from all the dust. Maybe I should get some fresh air. The dust in here is killing me, she thought. Angel sensed on Cordy’s thoughts. How did I do that, he thought.
“Cordy, why don’t you get some fresh air. We can handle the rest of the cleaning.” Said Angel
“Are you sure?” She asked
“Yeah” He said
Quickly Cordy left the room, before she breathed in more dust. Feeling the cool breeze, Cordy felt slightly better. She breathed in the fresh air. Out of nowhere, Cordy thought she heard her name being called.
“Cordelia”
“Who is calling me?” She asked.
TBC