Title: A Dozen Delights
Author: Gabriella
Posted: 12-24-2003
Email:
Rating: PG13
Category: Light
Content: C/A
Summary: On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: Just Fic, my LJ, and anywhere else, just let me know.
Notes: A Secret Santa fic, inspired by “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. Many apologies because I tried very hard to prevent this from being complete schmaltz but I don’t think I succeeded very well. So be warned, there is schmaltz ahead.
Feedback: Yes please!
Thanks/Dedication: Big BIG thanks to psychofilly for the beta and practically co-writing this with me! LOL, Becky you deserve a big box of chocolates and a massage from NekkidAngel! for all the blocks you helped me overcome. HUGE hugs. Oh, and to starlet2367, Lovin’ Lorne and Kelly22 because they were also always willing to be of help when I was stuck.
Secret Santa Fic for: TactlessBruenette. Merry Christmas! I don’t know whether you were expecting a traditional 12 Days of Christmas but I hope you enjoy this nonetheless.Day 1
“Dennis, I’m home!” Cordelia dropped her gym bag on the table and wiped the sweat off her brow, grimacing. “God, I need a shower.”
She pulled the tie out of her hair and let it fall just above her shoulders, reaching her hand out when a small bundle of letters floated through the air and towards her. She grabbed them, shooting the air a smile and glancing at them with mild interest.
“Christmas card from the mayor. Boring.” She chucked it behind her and Dennis caught it, neatly placing it on the table. “Boring. More boring. Bor – Angel?” She raised her eyebrow at the white envelope without a stamp, eyes darting confusedly through the air. “This is Angel’s writing. Dennis, why is Angel sending me a letter?”
The mirror hanging on the wall misted up and Cordelia saw the words “I don’t know” appear in the glass. She snorted and rolled her eyes.
“Thank you, fellow dead guy.” She ripped open the seal and pulled the letter out, carefully unfolding it. “I bet you do and you’re sworn to secrecy. But remember, you’re meant to be *my* ghost.”
A soft breeze ruffled her hair and she smiled warmly, taking a seat on the couch. She began reading.
Dear Cordy,
Hey. I know this is weird, but could you meet me at the address below at 7 pm tonight? I’ll be waiting for you at the gate. It’s a surprise.
Love you,
Angel
A soft smile fluttered onto Cordy’s face and her stomach flip-flopped. “Wow, Angel’s making with the mysterious romances.” She laughed. “So I guess Scrooge isn’t coming early this year.” She jumped off the couch and headed for her bedroom. “Dennis, can you pick me out a nice dress? If Angel’s gonna surprise me, it’s only fair for me to return the favour.” She shot the air a wicked grin and a wink, and then disappeared into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.
---
Angel glanced nervously at his watch, eyes darting around for any signs of Cordelia’s jeep. He was beginning to regret this whole idea more and more. Cordelia always teased him about being an old guy, why did he suddenly have to acquire the urge to go all unconventional for Christmas? Why on earth had he let Fred talk him into this?
“I don’t know what to get Cordy.” Angel whined, scratching his head and collapsing into the seat behind the counter. “I hate Christmas.”
Fred glanced up. “Don’t be blasphemous. And I told you, get her something original. Something romantic that no one’s ever thought of before.”
Angel frowned. “But this is our first Christmas as a…you know.” He shrugged. “I just…I want to make it special.”
Fred smiled. “Exactly. You wanna do something creative that she’ll always remember.”
“Like?”
“I dunno.” She shrugged. “A song maybe?”
“I can’t sing.”
“A waltz?”
“I can’t dance.”
“A poem?”
“Too schmaltzy.”
Fred huffed and rolled her eyes. Then suddenly, she began jumping up and down, clapping her hands together. “Ooh! Give her lots of little gifts! Cordelia would love that. Like the twelve days of Christmas, ya know? And it works even better cos you’re her true lo - ”
“I am NOT sending Cordelia birds.” Angel narrowed his eyes, involuntarily shuddering. “And that’s hardly original, Fred.”
“You could make it original without sending her birds.”
“I really don’t – how?”
Fred smirked. “Well - ”
“I’m an ass.” Angel muttered to himself, leaning against the gate behind him. His stomach fluttered slightly and he swallowed. Trust Cordelia to be the one person who drove him crazy enough to make him want to act completely out of character for her. Just to make her happy, just so she knew how much he loved her. She was the one who brought him out of his shell, and sure he could be romantic but for crap’s sake! He was about to –
“Angel!” Cordelia’s voice jerked him out of his reverie and he turned his head to see her striding towards him. He’d been so caught up in his thoughts that he hadn’t even heard her approach. He quickly ran towards her, removing the material clasped between his hands from behind his back.
“Hey Cordy.” In one swift move he had the blindfold over her eyes, and tied around the back of her head. Cordelia shrieked and Angel quickly clasped his hand over mouth, his eyes widening. “Ssh, I just don’t – I want it to be a surprise.”
He removed the hand from her mouth only to come face to face with Cordelia’s annoyed frown. “You couldn’t have done that *without* scaring the crap out of me?”
Angel gulped. Great way to start the date. “Uh, sorry.”
Cordelia’s frown deepened at his defeated tone and she made a grab for his hand. “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap.” She smiled. “So, you were saying?”
Angel lifted his eyes from where they had landed on her lips and smiled, regardless of the fact that she couldn’t see him. “I have a surprise for you.”
“Mmm hmm.”
“Hold my hand.” He whispered, pushing open the gate and gently leading her through it. They walked cautiously along the winding path for several minutes until Angel stopped.
Cordy raised an eyebrow. “Are we there?”
“We’re there.”
There was a pause. “So…can I take off the blindfold?”
“Not yet.” Angel bit his lip, squeezing her hand. “Do you have any idea where you are yet?”
Cordelia inhaled deeply, the strong smell of freshly cut grass and greenery hitting her immediately. Then, a bird cooed in the distance, another one echoing the call from somewhere closer to her. Something was familiar, a smell she knew from somewhere before but she couldn’t place it. Cordy frowned. “No.”
Angel smiled, slowly walking her a few steps forwards and turning her towards him before stopping. He gently removed the blindfold from her eyes and Cordy kept them shut until he said, “Open your eyes.”
Her eyes fluttered open and her mouth opened in a perfect “O”, hands coming up to cup the sides the of her face in surprise. “Oh Angel!”
Angel had to work at keeping the smug expression off of his face. They were standing in a small open courtyard, intersected at each 90 degree's by a large oriental bamboo and glass enclosure.
"You - you remembered, but - ?" Confused, Cordelia searched for some clue in Angel's inscrutable expression, but there was only a slight upturn of the lips and an even slighter shrug of his broad shoulders.
In that moment, Angel could have kissed Fred. The surprised and pleased expression on Cordelia's face made every second of doubt worth it. It had been a few months since they had rescued Master Ping from a gang of vampires who had been terrorizing his sanctuary, but Angel had never forgotten Cordelia's awed reaction when he had invited them for tea in his private gardens.
She had wandered from his side uncharacteristically silent as she had peered into the enclosures, each representing a different geographical aspect of Japan, each filled with colourful and exotic birds and beautiful flora. The entire garden was an oasis of calm that had touched something in Cordelia's spirit.
Her eyes narrowed curiously. “But you hate birds.”
“Just chickens.” Angel shrugged, suppressing the shiver that the visual provoked. "Master Ping was more than happy to lend us the use of his garden for the evening."
Cordelia quirked an eyebrow, unable to hide her curiosity at Angel's idea of a surprise. The garden was gorgeous, and Cordelia found the birds soothing, but not a whole night’s worth of soothing. "That was very nice of him, but what exactly are *we* doing here?"
Now for the piece de resistance. "Turn around Cor," he said, simply. She did, and gasped when she saw the table in the middle of the courtyard, the two candles placed in the centre glowing softly in the early evening light. There was a white cotton tablecloth stretched across the surface, and the table was neatly set for two.
Cordelia turned around and stared at him, her eyes wide. “Okay, who are you and what have you done with my boyfriend?”
Angel quirked an eyebrow. “You like it?”
Cordy didn’t answer. Instead, she took two steps closer until her arms were loosely around his waist and her lips were firmly pressed against his. When she pulled away, Angel looked at her in a daze. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
“You do that.” She smiled and Angel untangled her arms from around him, leading her towards the table. He pulled out her chair and she took a seat, then he hurried over to the opposite side and sat down himself. He removed the bottle of wine that rested in the cooler on his right and poured her a glass.
Cordelia grinned at him, shaking her head disbelievingly. “I can’t believe you did this.” She tangled her fingers with his. “I love you.”
Angel lifted her hand to his face and kissed the back of it, winking at her. “I wanted it to be special. So that you’d remember it.” He picked up his wine glass, waggling his eyebrows at her. “And it isn’t over yet.”
“Wow, I don’t know whether to be excited or terrified.” Cordelia winked at him, clinking her glass with his. “Cheers.”
“Cheers.” Angel lifted the cloche in the centre of the table, revealing an exquisitely roasted dish that Cordelia couldn’t identify.
“Ooh…what is it?”
Angel swallowed nervously. First clue Cor. “It’s a partridge.”
“A partridge?” Cordelia turned her confused eyes to him.
He shifted. “It’s uh, a delicacy in Scotland.”
Cordelia stared at him for a whole moment before her face broke into a smile. “Feeling festive, huh?”
Angel shrugged. “You know me…” He carved the first slice of meat and placed it delicately on Cordelia’s plate, frowning when she snorted and raised an eyebrow. “Alright fine, but this is about *you*.”
The smile didn’t leave Cordy’s face but she took a bite of the meal from her plate. Angel watched uneasily as her eyes widened and she swallowed. “Mmm! Did you cook that?”
“Uh, yeah…”
“Ish amashing!” She said, her mouth already busy with chewing another bite. Angel let out a relieved breath and took a bite from his own plate, silently congratulating himself.
Cordy took a sip of her wine and let her gaze wander around her, the soft smile on her face warming Angel’s heart. The birds in the surroundings were freaking him out a little bit, but that smile was well worth it. Then, just as Cordy glanced back at him, two splendid white doves fluttered over them and settled elegantly upon a branch to Cordelia’s right, snuggling against each other. She practically squealed.
“Oh Angel!” Cordelia gazed at the doves, pressing a hand over her heart. She turned and smiled brightly at him. “They’re so beau – are you alright?”
Angel glanced quickly at the birds, then back at her, nodding and removing his hand from where it had been itching his neck. “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.” He laughed nervously. “Just…the birds - ”
“They’re so beautiful!” Cordelia exclaimed, now oblivious to his unease. “Thank you so much for doing this for me, Angel.”
“No, no - ” he coughed. “I’m glad you like it.”
“I love it.” She whispered, squeezing his hand and Angel noticed the mesmerising twinkle in her eyes. “And I’m gonna make sure you find out just how much…”
To the right of her, the nuzzling doves cooed.
---
The door to her apartment flew open and Cordelia stumbled in backwards, Angel’s arms tight around her body, his lips firmly attached to hers. He fumbled for the door handle with one hand, the other still locked around her waist. After a few unsuccessful attempts, the door seemed to shut of its own accord and Angel shot the air a grateful thumbs-up before returning his free hand to the girl in his arms.
Cordelia whimpered when he lifted her off the ground, her legs immediately wrapping around his waist, her hands sliding sensually into his hair and pulling his devouring mouth away from hers so that she could suck in a breath.
Angel simply shifted his attention to her cheek, her ear, her neck, wherever he could lay kisses onto bare skin. One hand slid up the silky curve of her upper thigh, taking the dress she wore with him until his palm was placed flat against the small of her back. He traced the tattoo there with his fingers and Cordelia arched into him.
“Bedroom - ” she gasped, seconds before she was kissing him again, nails scraping down the back of his neck in a way that made him nearly stumble and drop her. Angel pulled her more firmly against him, vainly attempting to direct his feet towards Cordelia’s bedroom.
As it was, they only got as far as the wall, and Cordy felt her back pressed against the hard surface. “Or,” she said breathlessly, “we could just do it here.”
“No.” Angel moved her away from the wall, steadying himself before walking towards her bedroom again. “Too uncomfortable.”
“Says the man who used to have sex involving whips.” Cordelia muttered, throwing her head back when Angel scraped his teeth bluntly along the column of her throat.
“Way to ruin the mood.” Angel grumbled against her neck, reaching for the handle to the bedroom and kicking the door open.
Cordelia snorted. “Whatever Deadboy, I *know* you’re kinky.”
Angel laughed loudly, dropping her sideways onto the bed. She pushed up on her arms and scooted up until her feet were fully on the bed. Angel shot her a sexy smirk, the one he knew made her toes curl, and crawled up her body like the predator he was, hovering over her when they were face to face. “You wanna test just how kinky I can be?”
“Pfft! Angel stop trying to be sexy and just - ”
He kissed her, every ounce of intensity, love and passion he felt towards the woman beneath him encompassed and emphasised in that single kiss, shutting her up.
---
Day 2
Cordelia yawned, stretching her arms above her head and back down to her sides, fully expecting one of them to meet with Angel’s head, followed immediately by his irritated grumble. But all they met was a big, empty space.
Cordy’s eyes snapped open and she turned on her side, frowning at the lack of Angel in her bed. His shirt had moved from the floor…Cordelia rolled her eyes. It was now on a hanger, hanging on the handle of her wardrobe. He probably got up and ironed it, the big anal retentive –
The smell of bacon hit her nostrils suddenly and Cordy sat upright licking her lips. As if reading her mind, her stomach grumbled loudly and Cordy yawned again, getting out of bed and removing Angel’s shirt from the hanger, wrapping it around her.
She made her way out into the living room and turned left into the kitchen, leaning against the doorway, a soft smile fluttering onto her face when she saw Angel bustling around the small room, clad only in his pants from the previous evening. There was a frying pan on the cooker and the table had been laid for two, slices of bacon already on the plates. One of the settings had a glass of orange juice beside it, the other, a glass of blood.
“So feeding me yesterday wasn’t enough?” Cordy asked, smirking when Angel glanced at her in surprise.
“Well, I figured you’d be hungry after the exercise.” He winked saucily at her. “And I told you, the surprise isn’t over yet.”
“Hmm…” Cordy shrugged and came forward, wrapping her arms around his torso and snuggling into him. “You’re such a great housewife.” She looked up at him, resting her chin on his chest. “Can I keep you?”
Angel smirked, leaning down and pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I’m all yours. Now move so I can finish cooking.”
“Wow, you even speak like one.” Cordy laughed and settled on a chair at the table. “So, whatchya cooking?”
Angel removed the pan from the cooker and carefully lifted half the contents into Cordy’s plate, handing her a small box. Cordelia glanced at the lid. “French eggs.” She looked up. “All the way from France?”
Angel snorted. “Genuine French hens.”
Cordy frowned at him. “Not that I don’t love your cooking but two meals in a row? I’ve got to watch the weight gain Angel.” She glanced down at herself and Angel’s eyes followed, down the slope of her neck, the exposed flesh of her throat, the slim silk of her legs -
“Angel?” His eyes snapped back to hers.
“What?”
“I asked if it was low fat.”
Angel scrunched up his face. “I don’t know.”
“You cooked it!”
“Yeah, but – it’s an egg, Cordelia!”
Cordy rolled her eyes, picking up her fork. “It’s just a question.”
Angel glared. “Fine. Yes.”
“Is the milk skimmed?”
This time he growled. “Yes.”
Cordy knew she was pushing his buttons but damn, it was funny. “Are the eggs from free range hens?”
“Yes Cordelia, blah, blah, blah, the eggs are free range – now shut up.” Angel grabbed the glass of blood and took a gulp from it, glaring at Cordelia, who was now laughing. “You drive me crazy.”
“Oh, you know you love it.” Cordy smirked, taking a sip of her juice. “And I’ll let the shut up slide but only because you cooked me breakfast.”
“Which is good?”
“Nummy.” Cordy grinned cheekily, quickly finishing what was on her plate. “So, do I have any more surprises to look forward to?”
Angel winked. “Maybe.”
---
“But you HATE birds!” Cordelia exclaimed, staring at Angel in complete shock. “I know you do, you nearly wet yourself every time you’re around them!”
Angel grimaced. “I do not - anyway, I thought these were pretty.” He reached his hand out and gingerly touched the large silver cage that had been placed in the centre of the Hyperion’s courtyard, its spacious interior housing four small, white pigeon like birds. “And they sing - ”
“Angel, what’s going on?” Cordelia interrupted him, hands on her hips as she stared at his face with suspicious eyes. “Suddenly you’ve developed some sort of bird fetish - ”
“No Cordelia, I just thought you’d like them. They sing and everything!” Angel gave her his lost puppy dog look, inwardly smirking when she caved, just like she always did when he brought out that baby.
“They are kinda pretty.” Cordy smiled at him, touching the cage and trailing her finger down one of the bars. Her smile widened when one of the birds chirped at her, its wide eyes blinking almost cordially. “Thank you, Angel.” She turned and pinned him with a glare. “But don’t you dare expect me to clean out their droppings.”
Angel’s heart dropped.
---
Day 3
“So, how’s the twelve days…sorry my bad, six days of Christmas going?” Gunn asked casually, collapsing on the couch next to Angel.
Angel’s eyes widened. “You - how…who – FRED!”
“Charles, you weren’t supposed to say anything!” Fred scolded from behind the counter, shrinking underneath it when Angel pinned her with a glare. “I’m sorry! I couldn’t resist! It’s just so romantic…”
“Dude, as long as Cordy doesn’t find out, I don’t see the problem.” Gunn slapped Angel on the back, garnering himself a dirty look from the vampire. “So, has she worked it out yet?”
“No.” Angel played with his fingers. “But then again, she’s Cordelia.”
“True.”
“What does that mean? She’s Cordelia?” Fred deepened her voice and crossed her eyes in an unflattering imitation of Angel. “You make it sound like she’s stupid.”
“Okay, first off, I don’t look like that,” Angel frowned at her, “And second, I didn’t mean it that way.” He stood up and walked over to the counter. “Cordelia’s a smart girl but she’s dense as hell about stuff like this.”
Fred shrugged. “Well as long as she likes the gifts, she doesn’t have to - ”
“Oh my God!!!”
Everyone jumped in fright at the loud shriek and three heads swivelled towards the entrance to see a delighted and excited Cordelia bound down the stairs with a small brown package in her hand, the knuckles of which seemed to be catching the light as she ran towards Angel and launched herself into his arms. He caught her easily, grinning when she began peppering his face with kisses.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!” She kissed his cheek, “I love them!” She kissed his nose, “They’re absolutely gorgeous!” She kissed his forehead, his eyes and finally planted a great big smacking kiss on his lips before wriggling out of his arms and running – no wait, bouncing - around the counter to Fred.
“What is – oh my God!!!” Fred squealed when Cordy stuck her hand underneath her face, each of the five fingers flaunting a sparkling gold ring. “They’re so beautiful!”
“Girl, I don’t think you’re meant to wear them all at once.” Gunn smirked, walking over to the squealing women. “Shiny.”
“Damn right.” Cordelia grinned widely at him, wiggling her fingers under his nose. “Be jealous, be VERY jealous.”
Gunn raised an eyebrow. “Oh I am.”
“I definitely am.” Fred smiled, smile widening when Angel winked at her. Cordelia walked back around the counter and laced her arms around Angel’s waist.
“Have I told you lately that I love you?”
“Yeah, but I don’t really get tired of hearing it.” Angel cupped her face and kissed her, languidly, as though he had all the time in the world, until the clearing of a throat caused him to guiltily pull his lips away.
“Not that I don’t love watching you two make with the smoochies – well, actually no, no I don’t.” Gunn scrunched his face up at the display before him. “Take it to a room, please. There are a hundred and one to choose from. Take your pick.”
Cordy’s only response was to stick her tongue out at him.
---
Day 4
“What the bloody hell is going on?” Wesley cried out, eyes darting everywhere at once. “Angel, what’s the meaning of this?”
“What’s all the yellin’ about?” Gunn opened the door and stepped out into the courtyard, closely followed by Cordelia.
“Yeah Wes, I already have enough headaches without – Oh my GOD!” Cordelia’s jaw dropped and she clamped her hand over her mouth, staring at the scene before her in horror.
Angel and Fred stood in the centre of the courtyard, the former with what could only be described as a look of pure terror on his face. He was clinging to one of the trees, balancing on the small, elevated stone wall that circled it, while Fred frantically tried to get the six geese that were squawking and waddling hysterically around the courtyard to stay still.
“Angel…” Cordelia ground out, “What the HELL is going on?”
Angel shot her a guilty look, yelping when the one of the geese squawked at him from somewhere near his feet. Gunn snorted.
“This isn’t funny Gunn!” Wesley chided. “Why on earth are there…six geese in the courtyard?”
Fred glanced at Angel, who chuckled nervously. “Uh, hey! Funny story - ”
Cordelia and Wesley groaned.
“No, no really, you’ll laugh.” Angel grinned winningly, pointing at the cage in the centre of the courtyard. “I uh, rang up to order some food…for them,” he glared accusingly one of the calling birds, frowning when it chirped at him. “And uh, instead of sending me food, they sent me geese!”
Wesley sighed exasperatedly. “Who?”
“The pet shop.” Fred piped in, nodding enthusiastically. “Yeah, Angel said something about…about…not knowing goose…” She trailed off, cringing at her ridiculous excuse and shooting Gunn a dirty look when he burst out laughing.
Cordelia was staring at Angel. “Angel, what’s going on? Seriously, if you have, like, a bird fet - ”
“No!” Angel cried, shooing away a goose with his hand and jerking it back when it made a grab for him. “I don’t have a bird fetish, I just…I’ll take them back, okay?”
Wesley stood there, shaking his head in disbelief for a moment before he looked up and nodded. “Yes…well good. Thank you.” He headed back inside, muttering to himself. “Really, of all the things to - geese…”
Cordy shot Angel another weary look before turning around and following Wesley. Gunn waited until the door had shut behind her before turning to address Angel, the smirk still evident on his face. “I think she’s had enough of the birds, man.”
Angel nodded, swallowing. “Yeah…”
“Yeah?” Gunn shot him a look. “How the hell you gonna pull off the next gift, Romeo?”
Angel shot Fred a panicked look. “Oh crap.”
---
The moonlight shone brightly across the silent lake, its illuminating glow cascading over the water like a ribbon of the finest silk. The water was calm, steady, except for the small, irregular ripples that barely disturbed the surface, due to the slight movement of the quiet swans swimming above it. The moonlight reflected off their elegant white wings, beads of water glistening like crystals hidden in the folds of their still feathers.
Cordelia turned sideways on the bench and nuzzled her head under Angel’s chin, sneaking an arm around his waist and sliding her right leg over his left one. “It’s so beautiful here.”
Angel looked down at her. “Yeah, it is.”
She felt him drop a kiss on the top of her head and he laced his hand through hers.
“You have small hands.” Angel murmured, turning her palm so that the back of her hand was cradled in his own. He skimmed his fingertips over the surface, tracing every line, every curve, smiling when Cordelia sucked in breath.
“Angel - ”
“Hmm?” He lifted her hand and placed a kiss onto her open palm, dragging his teeth along the soft skin and moving his lips to her wrist, her forearm, the crease of her inner elbow.
Cordelia removed her arm from his grasp and cupped his face with her hand, pulling him down and placing a kiss on his nose. She stared at him, her eyes affectionate. “How did I ever go twenty years without loving you?”
Angel snorted. “Well, if it’s any consolation, it’s been a little longer for me…”
“Ha ha.” Cordy chuckled, leaning her forehead against his. “I mean it, Angel. I’ve never been as happy as I am when I’m with you.”
His heart melted and he knew she could see it in his eyes but he smirked teasingly, winking at her. “But only cos of the sex, right?” He curled his hand around her neck, pulling her closer.
Cordy grinned. “Well, yeah. I didn’t realise you were useful for anything else – mmph!”
---
Day 5
“Stop that!” Fred glanced away from the computer screen to swat at Angel’s hand, the fingers of which were nervously drumming on the mantelpiece. “So, what’s left?”
Angel sighed. “Seven down, five to go.”
“Well, you’ve got the milkmaids covered.” Fred ticked the gifts off on her fingers. “Dancing ladies, leaping lords…now where could you find - ”
“The ballet?” Wesley suggested, setting down the cup of tea in his hands. Angel glanced his way. Clearly Fred had clued him in. “It’s terribly romantic *and* it’s a fantastic display of very talented male and female dancers.”
“No man, don’t take her to the ballet!” Gunn looked up from his gameboy with a grimace. “Seriously, we’re talking about tutus, and guys with their big ass packages jumping up and down - ”
“Lords a’ leaping…” Angel smiled knowingly at Wesley, who returned the gesture.
“And you never get a ballet without the ladies dancing.” Fred winked, patting Wesley on the back. “Plus, it has an orchestra.”
“But I already have tickets for the twelve drummers - ”
“Who said anything about the drummers?” Fred winked.
“She’s right Einstein, where else are you gonna find eleven pipers?” Gunn smirked, then shrugged, turning back to his game. “Either way, you take Cordy to the ballet, it’s your funeral.”
“I think it sounds exciting.” Fred said, frowning at him. “And very romantic.”
“It’s magnificent to watch.” Wesley said.
“Yeah, it’s beautiful…” Angel trailed off, his smile fading.
“What’s the matter?” Fred asked softly, eyeing his anxious face. “Angel?”
“I’m just…” He shot her a worried look. “I’m just nervous she won’t like the painting - ”
“Oh, trust me, Angel.” Fred covered his hand with her own, smiling. “She’ll LOVE it.”
---
“For me?” Cordelia asked, taking the large cylindrical package from Angel, turning it in her hands. “What is it?”
Angel sat on the edge of her desk. “It’s a painting.”
Cordelia’s eyes widened. “You bought me a painting?!”
“No!” Angel raised his hands in front of him, taking it from her. “Not exactly.” He walked around the desk, kneeling at her feet. “There’s this beautiful painting by a Dutch painter, Vermeer, that I’ve always loved. But it’s ridiculously expensive - ”
“You stole it!” Cordelia gasped.
Angel frowned at her. “It’s also in an art gallery in Amsterdam.”
“Oh.” Cordy looked sheepish. “What’s it called?”
“The Milkmaid.” Angel bit his lip, wondering if she would catch on. He rushed ahead, well aware that he was babbling. “But I uh, I wanted you to have it because I love it and I love you,” He paused when Cordy smiled. “And I love drawing and I’m…well, I’ve been told…I’m kinda good at it. So…” He handed her the package, licking his lips nervously. “I replicated it for you. I uh, personalised it, so…so it has your face.” He glanced at her. “It’s not very go - ”
The abrupt scrape of Cordy’s chair against the lobby floor cut him off. She quickly stood up and popped open the top of the cylinder, carefully removing the rolled up painting from its narrow confines. She spread it out on her desk until she could see the whole thing.
“Cordy?” Angel asked, when she didn’t say anything for several seconds. “Cordelia?”
Cordelia appeared to be speechless. Angel didn’t know whether to leap with joy or cry and runaway. “Do you like it?” He turned her to face him, noticing how her eyes lingered on the painting, but when she looked at him they were brimming with tears. “Hey, Cordy…” he caressed her face, wiping away the tear that trickled down her cheek with his thumb. He smiled softly. “It wasn’t meant to make you cry.”
Cordelia blinked, placing her hand over his and squeezing it. “I just…I don’t know what to say.” She turned her head and kissed his palm, leaning into it. “You are the most amazing - ” She sucked in a breath when words failed her, but Angel’s smile widened in understanding. She chuckled and shook her head. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to…” She wiped her eyes and glanced at him. “Thank you. I…I love it.”
Angel grinned at her, pulling her into a hug. “I’m glad.” He placed a kiss on her forehead, then gently held her at arms length, pulling an envelope out from the pocket of his trousers and handing it to her. “Now quit crying and open this.”
Cordelia looked at him in surprise. “More presents?”
“Maybe.”
Cordy frowned. “This one isn’t gonna make me cry is it?”
Angel rolled his eyes. “No. At least not until you’re *there*.”
Curious, Cordelia ripped the top of the envelope open and removed the contents. “They’re tickets.” She looked at one closely. “To the ballet?”
Angel smiled widely. “Yup. The Nutcracker. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen it, but it’s a great show. There’s this famous Russian ballet company that’s doing it - ”
“The Bolshoi?”
“Right. So you know them.” Angel suddenly felt foolish for assuming otherwise. “Anyway, they have an amazing reputation, and they’re only in town for a few days.”
“Yeah, I saw The Nutcracker when I was really young but I don’t remember much…” She glanced at him, “How the hell did you get tickets?”
Angel smirked. “Well, sometimes you just gotta use what’s up here.” He tapped his temple.
Cordy raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t beat anyone up, did you?”
“No.”
“Okay,” She grinned. “Should be fun. Do I get to dress up?”
“Of course.”
“I’m in.”
---
“That was amazing.” Cordelia waited until Angel paid the cab and then linked her arm though his as they began walking up the path to the Hyperion.
“Yeah it was.” Angel frowned down at her. “Apart from the part where you fell asleep.”
Cordy snorted, then shot him a sheepish grin. “I’m sorry! It was only for a little while - ”
“Half an hour!” Angel cried out, glaring at her. “And you would have kept sleeping if it weren’t for intermission.”
“I would not! I was really enjoying it. Apart from…the part where I fell asleep.” Cordelia played with her hair, looking down when she received another disapproving glare. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine.” Angel sighed, pulling his arm out of hers but she caught his hand and turned him around.
“Really?”
Angel smiled. “Really.”
Cordy sighed, as if gathering her courage. Then, “Actually Angel, I wanted to ask…why are you doing all of this? I mean it’s not even Christmas yet. What, you just unexpectedly invoked the inner romantic early this year or - ”
“I just wanted to do something special for you, Cordy.”
She gazed at him, her eyes soft. “But…why the ballet? Why the aviary? A little overly unconventional for you, isn’t it?”
Angel stared at her. “You really haven’t figured it out?”
Cordy blinked in confusion. “No…”
Angel turned and began walking towards the Hyperion entrance once again, hands in his pockets, a smile playing on his lips. “Think real hard Cordy…”
Cordelia sighed, ticking the gifts off on her fingers. “Well, there was the ballet, and the rings, and…” she grimaced, “the geese. Uh, what else? There was the aviary with the birds and the partridge - ” Suddenly she stopped, her head jerking up, wide eyes locking with his, jaw dropping. “Oh my GOD…”
Angel grinned at her, slowly walking back toward her, softly humming the familiar tune. “Three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a - ” he reached her, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
“Pear tree…” Cordy whispered, staring at him in amazement.
Angel chuckled. “Well, a roasted partridge, sans the pear tree.” He winked.
Cordelia stared at him in awe for a whole minute before she threw her head back and laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him tight. She pulled away, cupping his face, the wide grin still bright and clear upon hers. “You will NEVER fail to amaze me…”
Angel smiled. “Well, I had a little help - ”
“Wow…” Cordy sighed, still grinning incredulously. “I…I don’t know what to say. Thank you just seems so inadequate.” Her gaze was still one of wonderment. “I cannot believe you did this for me, Angel.”
“You don’t know half of what I would do for you Cordelia.” Angel whispered intensely. His hold on her tightened and she sucked in a breath but his eyes quickly softened in order to retain the light mood. “But, it’s not over yet.”
Cordy raised an eyebrow. “More surprises?”
“Just one.” He smiled. “The big finale.”
“One…” Cordelia trailed off, and Angel could practically hear her brain ticking. “Ten lords, eleven pipers, twelve drummers – you’re not gonna take me to some kind of musical concerto, are you?”
Angel grinned. “Wait and see…”
---
Day 6
“No mustard?”
“No mustard.” Angel handed Cordy the hotdog and took a seat next to her on the plastic pull down. “They started yet?”
“No, the marching band’s still playing.” Cordy took a bite from her hotdog, glancing at him. “I have to admit, I never pictured you as a football fan.”
“I’m not.” Angel grinned. “I just come for the cheerleaders.” He laughed when Cordy thumped his arm. “No seriously, I just…I know *you* like it, so - ”
“Are you kidding me? I used to *be* a cheerleader.” Cordelia smirked.
“I kinda noticed.” Angel intertwined their hands and kissed the back of hers. “Who wouldn’t? It’s every guy’s fantasy. Long legs, short skirts - ”
“Perv.” Cordelia laughed, freeing her hand and ruffling his hair. “Ya know, I think I still have that uniform somewhere.”
Angel’s jaw went slack. “Are you serious?” Cordelia’s eyes twinkled. “Don’t even joke about that!”
“You’re such a dork.” She leaned over, her eyes affectionate, and kissed him gently, squeaking in surprise when his lips clung to hers and he pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Finally she snuggled under his arm, her head comfortably resting on his shoulder where she could see the game, her fingers lacing through his.
In the field beneath them, twelve drummers drummed merrily along with the marching band.
End.