Title: A Social Call
Author: Ignited
Posted: 08-14-2002
Rating: PG13
Email: ignitedangel@aol.com
Content:
Summary: Cordy/Angel POV. Angel and Cordy are engaged; they visit Cordy's parents to discuss their wedding.
Spoilers: None, just general knowledge of the series and C/A.
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: As long as my name is on it, go ahead.
Notes: Judging by characterizations, I’d say around the beginning of S2, except they’re together. I found this while scrounging about. I originally planned to use this for a series, but ended up junking the series, and since I don’t have any major stories planned regarding this type of situation, I tweaked it a bit so now it’s a short little vignette. This was written more than two years ago, so my skills weren’t the same as they are now. Feedback is desired.
Feedback: Feedback is appreciated.
The closer we got to Sunnydale, the stiffer Angel sat, and I figured that meeting my parents, the wedding... maybe even 'us' wasn't a great idea. Then again, I should've thought about that long before he proposed to me. Sure, we finally realized after all these long months of being around each other, that there was something between us. And we couldn't keep our hands off each other. But... when he pulled out all the stops, and proposed to me, after a night of icky demon slaying, I was floored.
Angel's never been a really talkative guy. More of the silent, brooding type. What with that whole 'used-to-be-an-evil-vampire' kind of thing. But he's good, now. He doesn't know how to laugh much, or be... well, sociable. I do help him with that stuff, though. 'Cause if I didn't, he'd go all Obi-Wan Kenobi, and be a hermit or something.
Sorry. Too much late night TV. Star Wars was on last night, with Harrison Ford...Yum.
Anyway. Sometimes though, Angel can really surprise me. Like when he looked at me, his shirt all ripped and bloody, while I was covered with different kinds of demon goo, and kissed me, as if I was the most beautiful girl in the world. He really knows how to make me feel special, even if I do look like the creature from the Blue – Black Lagoon. Then, he fished out a ring case from his pocket, one that was also covered in goo. He opened it, got down on one knee, and ...well, you know the rest. Improvisation is the man's middle name.
Now to just find out what his last name is.
I reached over to stroke Angel's arm; he tightened his grip on the steering wheel of his black convertible and shrugged off my hand without saying a word. Jeez... He didn't have to be that touchy. Angel's not very affectionate... all the time. He's pretty much Mr. Stoic guy. Like he's afraid he'll hurt me or something. But he's usually even-tempered. Not now.
I tried another tactic. My hand went underneath his black shirt collar, and I could feel the yummy muscles underneath.
“You know... Cordelia, that can wait. I'm trying to drive.”
I could take a hint. I moved back to my side of the seat. All the way to the door. I felt a little chilly, since Angel left the top down, revealing the dark and murky LA night sky. Great. I chose to wear a little skimpy light blue sweater Angel bought me that day, only because it matched with my nice white miniskirt. And did Angel even bother to ask me if I'm cold?
Nooo. Then again, he doesn't have a body temperature.
Angel was freezing up on me by the mile; you'd think I hadn't spent the last two years warming him up, teaching him to show a little affection. I've known him way longer than that, but not closely. We just went out with different members of the Scooby Gang. Him with Buffy, me with Xander. Ugh. Bad times. So I tried to fill his platter with compassion and affection when I started working for him, besides all that guilt and remorse.
Angel's love and compassion platter was empty until I came along. Well, it had left with a certain blonde Slayer. I was just... the secretary. And then... we got together, confessing that we secretly liked each other. Boy, load… lifted! I then spent five months reaching for his hand, cornering him on the couch to cuddle, planting encouraging kisses that he slowly, but surely returned. It's not that he's not loving, it's just that he feels he has this obligation to brood and be... quiet.
Oh, but I'll learn how to change that.
*
I pulled into the hotel on the outskirts of Sunnydale, and got us a room in the back. I didn't understand why we weren't staying with Cordelia's parents; although I was pretty sure it's because of me. She said it's not. “Trust me, you wouldn't understand,” she said. And she was right. I didn't.
I could try to understand though. Joyce – Buffy's mother – was never really fond of me. Especially when I almost succeeded at killing her back when I was Angelus. Buffy told her I was a vampire, something she never really adjusted to. She knew I cared for Buffy, but wondered if I cared enough. I did though, enough to leave Sunnydale, and go to L.A. And then, Cordelia came to work for me.
Signing her up on the pay roll was the best thing I did in my life.
She's so... Amazing. And – and beautiful, witty, charming... Cordelia tries to teach me how to act around people, something I'm... not good at. Every day is a new experience, learning from her. So now... Getting married... Something I can't believe is happening. But something I've secretly wished for, all this time.
She showered first and I watched her dress through the half-open bathroom door while I got ready. I laid out the outfit she bought for me just for meeting her parents; it wasn't like the clothes I pick for myself. I like black and gray ... dark colors.
The new outfit was a white dress shirt, a dark blue tee shirt, and denim jeans. Something I would never wear willingly. Through the crack in the door, I could see Cordelia putting on an expensive looking dress with small pink flowers. Something she can now afford to buy, since I raised her paycheck. A dress that was great to wear in the warm summer. Not for the still cold spring.
“Cordy, aren't you gonna wear a jacket?”
“Do you think I should?” She started to look for a jacket in her luggage.
“Unless you want to freeze, then get one.”
“Don't worry. You'll be my security blanket!” she yelled.
I smiled to myself, but I couldn't help but feel worried.
*
Her parents' house was big and beautiful, with a circular driveway. I thought it was surprising that they managed to actually keep the house, what with all their tax problems. I guess Cordelia's father has some connections.
The door swung open and I saw an older version of my Cordelia, but with graying hair and an extra 10 pounds... and a man as straight and as hard as an antique high-back chair. Slightly unnerving.
Then again, what gives me the right to talk about appearances?
I hung back as they both gush over their “little girl”. Cordelia fell into her mother's arms. After all, they haven't seen her in more than four years.
Cordelia clasped her hand around my elbow and pulled me toward them.
“This is Angel. Mom. Dad.” Nobody put out a hand or made a sound. I tried to think of something to say. I managed to stare and give a slight nod instead. Then they turned and sort of drifted into the house, while Cordy and I followed through the entry way.
Looks like I'll need to make a better first impression.
*
Angel glanced over at me, a questioning look. I smiled and took his hand. My palm was all sweaty and icky.
We ended up in the dining room, where a dozen of my relatives and family's friends ringed around the oval table. No one got up when we came in, but everyone called and waved something to me, and then my mom introduced Angel to them all. Some of the girls looked Angel over, smiles appearing on their faces. Sure, I get a little pissed at that... But I don't worry that much about it. Angel's not the cheating type. And besides... that vampire's all mine.
Fangs and manly boob muscles included.
Angel and I sunk down into the only two empty chairs, which were at least two feet from another. Jeez. I smacked my chair up against Angel's just hard enough to earn a disapproving glance from my mom; then I reached over and pretended to straighten his collar so I can stroke his neck.
Angel gave me that cute, barely there smile of his, and I knew that he was feeling uncomfortable. I could see it in the way he kept fidgeting and giving me scared glances.
It took a long time for the conversation to get to our wedding; that seemed a little strange. It's all they've talked about, and now that Angel's here?
Nothing.
After what seemed like hours of small talk, I guess I mustered enough courage to speak.
“Mom, I think we should talk about the wedding. Angel and I love that you're taking care of things on this end, but we should get together and go over the details.”
Everyone turned to stare at Angel and me. Like we're aliens or something. Or a vampire and a girl. I never mentioned the fact that Angel's really a vampire to my mom... I just didn't think she'd understand it, or much less take it well.
Mom looked completely shocked, as if this isn't a subject to be brought up with our family and friends there. “I'll give you my file. It's self-explanatory. Whatever you and Adam-- Angel decide, is fine with us. I'll be glad when it's over and things can get back to normal.”
*
And the most important day of our lives- of her daughter's life is dismissed. The conversation returned to child care, the movies playing, and jobs. Cordelia turned to look at me, a wide-eyed expression. Right then and there, I wanted to put my arms around her, and comfort her. Yet the distance between our chairs seemed endless.
Her mother didn't like me. It didn't take a genius to figure that out.
Cordelia did mention those weeks after I fired her once, to her mother, I suppose. I didn't question the woman's feelings; she probably had this idea in her head that I'm a self-righteous bastard. I didn't blame her. What I did... Was wrong. I know that. Yet, I would've liked to push that all behind us, because that's of the past. Another moment in my collection of bad and irrational decisions.
Finally, two of Cordelia's cousins looked at each other and said simultaneously, “Time for us to go!” I guess they were the time keepers, or something. At their signals, the entire table rose as one, corrals kids, gathered coats, and were out the door in 10 minutes.
That was fast.
No time is wasted on hugs or kisses. Cordelia and I stood up, the last ones to leave. Helping Cordelia put on her jacket, I put an arm around her shoulders, as she grabbed a handful of my trenchcoat, dragging me along to her parents. When just the four of us are left, I reached over and shook her father's hand, politely giving a bow in her mother's direction.
I know the times have changed from the Victorian Era. Yet I still act like they haven't sometimes.
Cordelia's father offered a smile in my direction, while her mother said straight out, “I'm not much for ...kissing, but I will hug you.” From about 50 paces. Thanks, lady. Don't do me any favors.
“Mom,” Cordelia began, biting her lip. “Don't you think we need to...y'know, go over other things? Just a 'okay, that's great' doesn't leave me feeling all warm inside.”
“Cordelia. Let's not start. I already have to deal with the insane fact that you think a wedding set during the night time is wonderful. And besides, you're not even having your wedding in a church! This isn't the way I pictured it, honey. I wanted the best for you, something traditional!”
“Well, you know Angel's not... Um, Religious? With all the crosses...Yeah, uh, that's bad. And Angel cannot make it during the day time, 'cause his...schedule doesn't allow it,” Cordelia pointed out, tightening her grip on my coat.
“Angel, don't you think you can change your schedule for the most important day in your fiancé's life? I mean, it is a little selfish of you to not think about how our Cordelia feels about that!” Cordy's mother shouted, giving me a glare.
“Mom! Don't say that!”
“I'm...sorry, Mrs. Chase. If I could, I would. But you know I can't since I... Well, I am a vam--”
“--triloquist!” Cordelia blurted, poking me hard in the hip with her manicured nails. “Ha, ha, Angel, that kills me every time!”
Great. She probably didn't tell her parents. Wonderful.
Sighing, Cordelia's mother raised an eyebrow at me, while her husband just gave a shrug. And then she did hug me, an action that makes me feel uncomfortable, but somewhat relieved. She then cradled Cordelia's cheek with her hand, touching her hair. “Next time, don't get your hair cut without telling me first. Too short.”
Cordelia rolled her eyes. As usual.
Her father then opened the door and told us, “Be careful driving...”
*
As soon as we pulled away from the curb, I scooted over against Angel. I laid my head on his shoulder and squeezed his right arm between both my hands, trying to push some love into him. I was feeling pretty empty myself, but I didn't say anything. I didn't want him to know that I was crying inside.
Angel was quiet all the way back to the hotel, but he never let go of my hand until we had to get out of the car.
“They're really not that bad, you know,” I stammered as he held the door open, and I slipped inside our room, kicking off my heels. I wore that cute little dress just to impress my parents. And for what? They actually gave ME the cold shoulder!
“What do you mean?” Angel asked. He pulled the dress shirt and t shirt over his head, looking like he hoped he'd never have to wear them again. Throwing them to the floor, I could see his chest, as he continued, “It's okay. They're your family.”
I didn't want to talk about them; I held my arms out to Angel.
He took a few steps forward and pulled me to him, crushing me against his chest, and kissing the top of my head tenderly. He rocked back and forth, cradling me in a dance of love and compassion. I started to laugh, since his feet were all tangled up in the shirts.
“That's what I love about you,” he murmured. “You laugh, you cry, you're warm...the most alive person I ever met. Not like...me. I'll show you what I feel from now on.” His hands moved down my back and lingered on my hips. I tilted my chin so he could cover my lips with his; the love in his eyes falling on me as solid as the touch of his hands.
My parents may be like that, but we'll still have the wedding without their help or not. Angel may be a little different tomorrow; he may not. It won't matter, 'cause I'll understand whatever it is he shows me. The important thing is that his love for me was filling this room tonight.
End.