Title: The Waltz
Author: LaLa247
Posted: 11-10-2003
Email: LatinaGrrl2000@yahoo.com
Rating: NC-17
Category: AU (alternate ending) to “Couplet”
Content: C/A
Summary: “Their waltz was breaking him down and making him go insane. Two steps forward to what could be, and three steps back to what could never be.”
Spoilers: End of S3
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: Anywhere, just tell me where.
Notes: This popped into my head while listening to Gunnar Madsen’s “Anna”, which you can listen to here.
Feedback: It's a must. Please do.
Thanks/Dedication:"If you love somebody, let them go. If they return, they were always yours. If they don't, they never were."
-Anon
“I did something for you tonight. Now I need you to do something for me. Don't come in tomorrow. In fact, don't come in for a couple of weeks. Take Groo someplace nice. Someplace where there’s a lot of sun. You'd like that.”
Cordelia Chase stared hard at the man in front of her, unsure of what he was saying. He was beaten up, yet he didn’t look tired. He didn’t look like he was in pain- at least, not physical pain. Something flashed in his eyes, and for the first time, she wasn’t sure what it was. It wasn’t the dull look of never-ending inner torment, nor the bright spark of happiness or amusement she was still trying to get used to after nearly a year. This was something new. Something was hurting him now. “Angel...”
“Promise me.” Angel said quickly, cutting her off. His eyes closed for a moment, almost fearful that she wasn’t going to let it slide. That she was going to make him listen to her, and make him back down on his word. His sacrifice.
She held the wad of cash tightly, the skin of her palm turning white, then an angry red.
“Please.” He added weakly, hoping his face was blank of all expression.
The concern in her eyes told she wasn’t buying it.
“Okay.” She muttered, turning to walk out of the hotel.
Angel flinched slightly, although the jab was purely emotional. He honestly didn’t expect her to agree to it so quickly, at least not without a struggle. But there she was, leaving. Leaving him.
She suddenly stopped, spinning around and facing the vampire. Her hand lifted, touching his chest lightly, her fingers brushing against the hole in his shirt. “You sure you don't need some patching up yourself?”
Her touch nearly killed him.
“No, I-I'm good.” He lied, giving her a slight smile. “Didn't hurt a bit.”
She nodded quickly, moving her eyes to the floor. She turned away from him once more, reaching out for Groo’s hand. He took it, and they headed for the door. Her breathing quickened unconsciously as she felt Angel’s eyes burn into her.
Not Groo. Not them. Just her.
Her head turned towards Angel one last time as Groo opened the door. He didn’t turn to leave the lobby, nor did he simply look away. There was no reassuring smile, or a wave to bid her goodbye. There was nothing but that gaze. He just stared at her- sad, lost, and alone.
Their eyes locked, and she saw the pain in his eyes. He wasn’t even hiding it for her sake now.
A slight tug brought Cordelia back to earth, and she glanced at Groo, who stared at her questioningly. A tight, forced smile stretched on her face, and he smiled back. He pulled her out of the hotel, and she got one last look at Angel.
Her smile faded.
And it was then he lowered his head, his eyes no longer on her. She opened her mouth to speak; yet, nothing came out. She wasn’t even sure of what she was going to say, or how to say it. The need to say something- anything- filled her...but she said nothing.
Angel’s eyes lifted, and she was gone.
The door closed, and he let out a shaky breath. If he were alone in the hotel, he imagined he would’ve dropped to the couch and just laid there. But he wasn’t alone. There was Wesley right behind him.
“Wes.”
“Angel.”
Angel turned to face his friend, who held a book in his hand. “Go home for the night, okay?”
He frowned, glancing at his book. “A-Alright. But...I was just deciphering a potential prophecy-”
“Tomorrow, Wes. It’s not important.”
Concern filled Wesley’s face as his eyes lifted to gaze at Angel. “Are you alright?” Angel nodded quickly, heading for the stairs. “Where’s Cordelia?”
“Gone.”
His feet felt heavy as he climbed the steps towards the second floor. They got heavier as he walked down the hallway towards his bedroom. Something jumped in him when he felt his son’s steady heartbeat as he got closer.
His baby boy was sleeping.
At least someone was peaceful.
A turn of the knob, and he walked inside the bedroom. The lights were dimmed, leaving a glow just near the white crib in the center of the room. The light ticking of the clock slightly comforted him, and the sounds of Connor breathing even more so. He stripped off his shirt, throwing it on the bed.
He stretched and instantly grimaced, the sharp pain reminding him his wounds hadn’t healed yet. Not the physical ones, and not the emotional ones.
He could’ve kicked himself for not speaking up before she left. It was so simple- ‘no, Cordy, I don’t want you to leave me. I want you to stay’. Or even- ‘Cordy, I have something to tell you’- BAM. He could’ve done it before he had gotten her that stupid potion. Her odd behavior and Groo standing right outside be damned- he should’ve said something.
But no, he had just done what she wanted. And he couldn’t take it back. He couldn’t take it back and now she was gone for God knew how long.
The dance was annoying him at this point. Their waltz was breaking him down and making him go insane. Two steps forward to what could be, and three steps back to what could never be. Stiffness restricted them from moving forward, but the music pushed them on. He kept missing the steps, and she kept dancing without him.
It drove him mad.
He stopped in front of the crib, watching his son. A smile crept on his face as Connor’s eyes opened- almost as if the child felt his presence. The boy stared at his father, and Angel grinned back, despite himself. This was his son. This child needed and wanted him.
He wasn’t alone.
A slight chuckle escaped his lips as he bent over, scooping Connor up in his arms. “Hey, little man...” He murmured, planting a kiss on the child’s cheek. “Wanna keep your old man company?”
The boy let out a gurgle, offering Angel a smile.
Angel embraced Connor in his arms, hugging him carefully. He walked absently around the room and put a little bounce into his step, nuzzling his face in the child’s neck. “Mama’s gone away for a little bit, okay, Connor? So, it’s just you and me in the morning from now on.” He whispered, the bounce fading. “She’ll be back though. I hope.”
He pulled the boy out at arm’s length, gazing at him. “We’ll be okay on our own, right?” He smiled slightly, and Connor smiled back. “Yeah...we don’t need a pretty lady to take care of us...” He hugged his son once more. “We’re going to be fine...”
* * * * *
“Princess?”
Cordelia’s head jerked up, and she spun towards her bedroom door. “Yes, Groo-y?”
The tall warrior stood in the doorframe, gazing adoringly at her. “I contacted what you call the travel agency. A shaman who calls herself Mary said we can go to the land of Bahamas tomorrow morning.”
“Shaman?” Her brow furrowed in confusion as she stared at him. Then, her eyes widened in realization. “Oh! The travel agent!” A look of apprehension came upon her face. “Tomorrow?”
He nodded, stepping into the room and walking towards her. “Tomorrow! We can go to the Land of Paradise. Like the book said.”
She nodded, giving him a tight smile. “Tomorrow...”
“You’re packing, I see.” He nodded towards her open suitcase on her bed. “I will be taking with me the clothes of Angel’s that I found in the corner of your closet the other day.” He frowned slightly. “Why were Angel’s clothes in your closet when he has a home of his own?”
Cordelia ran a hand through her short hair, giving a small shrug. “Angel stayed here a lot...with Connor. Remember Connor? You saw him, right?” Groo nodded. “Well...sometimes Angel and Connor slept over and he brought an extra pair of clothes- Angel always stayed on the couch,” She added quickly. It wasn’t exactly a lie; he did sleep on the couch. Sometimes. “But since he forgot his clothes, I hung them up so they wouldn’t get messy.”
A large smile spread on Groo’s face. “You are indeed a saint of the people...”
She let out a nervous laugh, shaking her head as he embraced her. “No...I’m not.” He leaned down, his lips gently grazing her cheek. She danced silently as he moved his mouth towards her lips. A turn of her face, and his mouth was buried in her hair. She pulled away, returning to her luggage. “I-I need to pack, Groo- okay?”
He nodded, nearly bowing to her. “I shall leave you with the task, Princess.” He moved out of her bedroom and into the living room.
A moment later, he began to converse with Dennis.
Cordelia shook her head, returning to her bag. She stared down at the clothes. All reds and whites and blacks. Definitely not appropriate colors for a Caribbean vacation. She abruptly gripped the sides of the suitcase, jerking it upward. The clothes flew out of their places and rained onto the bed and floor. Her eyes fell on the bottle resting on top of one of her many dresses.
She scooped up the bottle, staring at it. She sank to the edge of the bed, rotating the container between her palm and fingers. Was she really going to do this? Was she that lonely that she was willing to com-shuck with the dim bulb in the other room?
Her head tilted as she attempted to glance at Groo in the other room. She got his back.
Her heart jumped slightly. He looked just like Angel from behind. Black leather jacket, black slacks, and that spiky gelled hair. He turned and caught her stare, offering her a smile.
Her heart dropped.
The effect of his smile wasn’t the same as with Angel. With Groo, it was like a tiny child beaming at her, and she simply gave a grin in return. But with Angel...it was such a rare thing- a genuine smile from him. His whole face lit up, and she couldn’t help but smile back.
It truly made her joyful when he was happy.
She moved her eyes away from Groo, not bothering to return the smile. Doubt began to cloud her thoughts as she continued to just sit there. The bottle was cold and smooth against her warm, soft hand. He had gone out of his way to get her a potion...just to make her happy. Her eyes shifted to the pile of hundred, fifty, and twenty-dollar bills on her night table. He had given her the money from the potion back...and then some. Nearly two thousand dollars.
He needed that money, and he had given it to her.
Angel’s face still stuck in her mind- that look of complete sadness. The last time she had seen that look was when Buffy had visited the office, that Thanksgiving two years ago. And yet here it was again, long after she had thought he had broken the habit of brooding. He looked like he had lost his best friend.
Had he?
No, he had Gunn and Wesley and Fred. They would keep him company. And, obviously, he wouldn’t have sent her away if he didn’t know he could survive without her. He did what was in both their best interests.
A frown appeared on her face.
Then what was it? What was that look?
She was thinking too much about it. It was nothing! He was obviously tired and injured- her scolding of him probably didn’t help any. But why did she snap at him? She felt like she was back in high school, digging into Xander Harris and enjoying the flashes of hurt in his eyes before he insulted her back. It was just like high school...except Angel didn’t fight back.
However, he respected her more than Xander did, right? He was of the age of chivalry- no insulting there. He knew how to appreciate women, and how to treat them right. Insults weren’t a defense mechanism for him.
But acting like he didn’t care was.
He didn’t care; though- she was a grown woman, allowed to have her own life outside the agency. Angel knew her life couldn’t revolve around him. She had to be able to be a twenty-something with other twenty-somethings. She couldn’t sit and age away without living a little. Of course, he was going to give her a chance to be a normal girl. And of course, he was going to take the opportunity to brood in the dark about Buffy and why his car got ticketed.
But then why did he look like he wanted to go with her?
She had to remember that he had been acting weird since the ballet. She had been too. It was definitely an atypical situation. They were both doing things that they really shouldn’t have been- and enjoying it. Spell or no spell, they were both weirded out by it. Then came that speech Angel had attempted before Groo appeared.
What was that?
There were too many questions and not enough answers, and she couldn’t understand why she was fretting about it so much. It was over and done with- he had pretty much given her a paid vacation, the tickets were brought, and so she would go off with Groo into the sun.
Uncertainty be damned.
Cordelia abruptly stood, stepping towards the living room. “You know what, Groo-y? I’ll buy some clothes when we get there. Nothing here works.”
Groo gave her a wide grin, and she returned it weakly. “So be it, Princess.”
* * * * *
Angel poked his head into the garden, careful to avoid the rays of sun shining in. “Fred.”
Winifred Burkle looked up from her place on the cold stone bench, and grinned. “Hi, Angel.” She tilted her head towards the little man in his arms. “Hi, Connor!”
The vampire brought a finger to his lips. “He’s sleeping.” She immediately covered her mouth, and he smiled down at the child. “We had a long night...some drinking...some Scrabble...” Fred giggled, and he shifted his smile to her. “Where’s everyone?”
“Wes is still at his apartment, sleeping, I guess. Charles is getting us breakfast- and you some blood.” Her eyes widened slightly, and she pointed at Angel. “Cordy called!”
His ears perked up slightly, and he straightened up. “Did she?”
“Yeah, she just wanted to say bye, and that they’re going to the airport in about an hour. She said we have her cell number if we need her.”
Angel’s smile faded and he nodded quickly, moving his eyes back to his son. “Won’t be necessary. She should just relax and...” He trailed off, nodding once more before moving back inside the hotel.
* * * * *
She was surrounded by darkness, and welcomed it. She was used to it, and it actually comforted her more than light. But then there was that loud sucking sound, and she didn’t welcome it. It was annoying. She missed the old family jet.
“Princess?”
Cordelia’s eyes opened, and she gazed at Groo in the seat next to her. “Yes?”
“Are you alright? Did you sleep well?”
She let out a shaky sigh, shaking her head. “N-No, I didn’t, Groo-y.” A slight smile appeared. “I was thinking.”
He leaned over, the sun from outside catching on his pale skin. “About what, Princess?”
“A lot.”
“Like what?”
She frowned, staring at him. “Why are you so nosy, Groo?”
“Nosy? I don’t...” He trailed off, frowning. “Understand.”
A slight laugh escaped her lips, and she patted his wrist gently. “Nevermind. I was...I was just thinking about this trip. How much Angel spent- it’s his money, remember? It must’ve set him back...” She shook her head slightly. “I’m just hoping I don’t get a vision, ‘cause then Angel’s going to worry- he has enough to worry about, right? And I’m just hoping he can survive without me for a while...God knows he depends on me for everything.”
His eyes lowered slightly. “So, you were thinking about Angel, then?”
“No- what? No!” She laughed loudly, and several people turned to stare. She lowered her voice, patting Groo’s arm again. “No, I was just worrying about the agency, Groo-y. I’ve been with them so long, it’s just weird to be without them. I worry about them.”
“You mean Angel.” It wasn’t a question, more a statement of fact. However, he seemed to be a bit confused, as if he were asking her to tell him otherwise.
“I mean the group, Groo.”
He nodded, leaning over and kissing her softly on the lips. She barely returned it. “Okay, Princess.”
She turned away from him in the seat, staring out the window. One of the airplane’s wings was right in front of her, and she stared at it. “What time is it, Groo?”
“Time?”
Her eyes shut tightly in slight irritation. “Those numbers on your watch, Groo.” Silence. She sat up abruptly, grabbing his arm and jerking it towards her face. She moved the watch around so the face was in front of her.
7:21 am.
Nine minutes to go, and she would be on her way to Paradise.
Doubt continued to fill her mind, and more so- guilt. If she left, it was as if she were leaving Angel and his mission. It was like she had found something better. But that wasn’t the case, he had let her go willingly.
So why did she feel so unsure about it?
She faced Groo, who continued to stare at her. “I’m not sure about this, Groo.” She said quietly, unable to stop the words before they came out.
“What are you not sure about, Princess?” Groo asked just as quietly, alarm in his voice.
“This- this...” She glanced around the crowded plane nervously, and then began to unbuckle her seatbelt. “I’m nervous about flying. Always have been.” She stood, grabbing her carry-on bag. “I need to get off.”
Groo pull off his seatbelt, following her as she walked hastily down the aisle to the exit. Her blue sundress caught on a seat, and she quickly jerked her skirt away. She smiled slightly at the stewardess before walking out of the plane.
Groo followed.
Cordelia walked hurriedly down the wide hallway of the airport, stopping and spinning around. “Groo.”
He stopped in front of her, smiling. “Yes?”
“Okay, first, stop smiling.” His smile disappeared. “I’m sorry- I freaked out. We don’t need a vacation, right? We can just stay here, right? Stay here with the group and help the helpless and all- we would be bored in...in Paradise.”
Groo studied Cordelia’s face, and she grew nervous. Something in his eyes changed, and he lowered his eyes. “We shall go back to the hotel, Princess, and you shall see Angel.”
“What?” She replied sharply. “Angel? Why Angel?”
He smiled, almost sadly, and reached over, taking her bag. “You always see him, Princess...”
“What do you mean?” She couldn’t figure out why she was suddenly close to panicking, as if he had figured out some dark secret about her.
“I mean,” He said quietly, leaning over and planting a kiss on the side of her head. “We will go back to the hotel, so you can return to the agency.”
She stared at him. “Are you mad?”
Groo started to walk down the path, offering her his hand. She took it slowly, and he led her down the lane. “Of course not, Princess. We will have many chances to go to Paradise. But now, you feel the need to be with your Champion.” He smiled. “It was written.”
“What was?”
He merely smiled at her, lifting her arm and kissing the back of her hand. “Princess, you are tired. I will be quiet so you can be in peace.”
She nodded quickly, slightly relieved that Groo had decided to be silent. Now if she could just get him to stop calling her “Princess”. His hand was warm, and she couldn’t help but think about how weird it felt. She was so used to Connor’s tiny hand, or Angel’s cold one. But now she had this warm, protective hand holding hers, and she didn’t know how to react to it.
The automatic doors slid open, and Groo and Cordelia exited the airport. They stood silently on the sidewalk, and Cordelia slowly pulled her hand away from Groo’s, lifting it in the air. “TAXI!” She yelled.
* * * * *
“Connor, please...” Gunn pleaded with the child, bouncing him in his arms. The boy continued to scream his displeasure, his eyes shut tightly and his mouth scrunched up. “Yo, Connor- we have a good relationship, man...don’t do this to me...”
“Give him to me.”
Gunn lifted his head towards the voice, and smiled. “Cordy!”
She grinned, jogging over to the two, her black sandals thumping on the floor. She held her hands out, and Gunn released Connor. She grinned brightly at the small child in her arms. “Hi, Connor Wonnor...” She cooed, and the boy’s cries slowly died down. She peered at Gunn out of the corner of her eyes. “Woman’s touch.”
Gunn rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah- why the hell are you here? Fred said you and Groo were goin’ on vacation.”
“We were.” She said quietly.
He stared at her expectantly as she smiled at Connor. “Well...” He prodded. She ignored him, running a hand over Connor’s light hair, slowly growing in. “Where is the big lug?”
“He’s paying for the taxi.”
“Oh.”
Angel ran down the stairs, bottle in hand. “Okay, Gunn- I got the-” He stopped in his tracks, his eyes on Cordelia. “Hi.”
She lifted her head and froze. She willed a smile on her face. “Hi.”
“I-I thought you were on...” He trailed off, glancing at Gunn for support.
“They didn’t go.” Gunn answered simply, patting Cordelia on the back lightly before exiting the lobby.
Cordelia returned her gaze to Angel. “I freaked out. I didn’t go, and Groo followed.”
He moved down the rest of the way, walking to her side. He quickly moved his eyes on his son, trying to appear indifferent. “Why did you freak out?”
“Planes. Flying.”
Angel stayed quiet for a long moment, gently placing the warm bottle in front of Connor’s face. He tilted it, carefully pushing the nipple in the boy’s mouth. The boy sucked on it greedily, his little hand holding onto the plastic. “You flew all the time with your family, didn’t you?”
“Yeah...”
“Ah.” He paused. “You look pretty.”
She grinned slightly. “Pretty messy.”
“Pretty pretty.”
Her eyes met his, and her smile grew. A second later, one appeared on his face. There went that smile again. And she felt herself melting. “Thanks.” He simply nodded, lowering his gaze.
The door opened, and Groo slipped inside. He stopped, watching Angel and Cordelia, who hadn’t even turned to look at him. It was as if she had forgotten he was still there. “Princess?”
Angel turned first, staring at Groo. He grew visibly uncomfortable, taking half a step away from Cordelia. It was stupid of him to assume that she had just left the man...of course he would be there. “Hey.” He reached over, taking Connor from Cordelia’s arms. “Sorry about the trip.”
“It’s what my Princess wanted.” Groo replied shortly.
“Hm.” Angel gave the man a tight smile and moved away from Cordelia. “Tough luck.”
“Yes.”
Cordelia faced Groo, holding her hand out. As much as she hated to admit it, the tension was there. From Groo...and from Angel. “Come on, Groo-y. You’re not a stranger around here.”
Angel’s eyes lowered and he quickly moved towards the office. “I’ll leave you two...”
She opened her mouth, and then quickly closed it as Groo took her hand. She stared at Groo, grinning. “See? Isn’t this better?”
Groo forced a smile. “If you say so, Princess.”
She nodded. “Yes, I say so!” She rubbed the back of his hand with her thumb. “This is much better than a boring vacation in a stinky island...”
“Shall we go to your home, Princess?”
She frowned. “Why?”
His eyes lowered, then lifted, and she could’ve sworn she saw a flash of annoyance there. “We haven’t had a moment of peace. We’ve always been here...or talking about Angel.”
A laugh escaped her lips, and she shook her head. “You’re being silly, Groo...”
“Am I, Princess?”
His words hit her like a rock, and the guilt stabbed into her sharply. There wasn’t anger in Groo’s voice, only a distinct sadness. “Groo...”
“Please, Princess. I want to be with you. Alone.”
Cordelia smiled slightly. “Okay.” She glanced towards the office, and Groo quickly pulled on her hand, bringing her attention back to him. “Let’s go.”
Groo led her to the door for the second time in less than a day, and she followed. He opened the door and led her out into the bright sunlight- a place Angel couldn’t go, no matter how much he looked like he wanted to.
And this time, she wouldn’t look back for him.
* * * * *
Groo watched Cordelia rush about, crossing his arms. “Can we sit for a while, Princess?”
“Eat your desert. I’m not done with my story, Groo-y.”
“I’m sure it will end with Angel, Princess.” He muttered.
“Groo-y, shush. See, Connor was crying, and when I came, he stopped...so I was needed!” Cordelia laughed slightly, gathering the dirty plates off her table. “See? My intuition is never wrong. Good thing we came back before a smelly demon showed up.”
“Yes, Princess.”
She walked over to the kitchen, dropping the plates in the sink. Almost immediately, Dennis turned on the faucet, and water began to wash over the dishes. She picked up the dishwashing liquid, pouring the blue gel on top of the plates. A moment later, a sponge floated over and began scrubbing. “Thanks, Dennis.” She whispered.
A cool breeze passed her hair.
She turned around, facing her boyfriend. The man sat, staring at her. And was clearly not happy. What ever smile that was on her face faded, and she gazed at him almost fearfully. “What’s wrong?”
“I tried to ignore it, Princess.” Groo said quietly, standing.
“Ignore what?”
He walked towards her, a sad smile appearing on his face. “It had been many months...nearly a year...and I thought your love for me would still be pure.”
Her eyes widened slightly. “It is! It’s so very pure, Groo.” She flashed him a bright smile.
He shook his head. “No...your love is pure for him.”
“Him?” She frowned in confusion. “Who’s him?
“I think you know, Princess.”
She did know.
“N-No, I don’t.”
Liar.
Groo touched the side of her face gently, running his thumb over her chin. “Princess, I think we both know your true Champion is not in front of you. I have seen the way he has looked at you, and I’ve seen the way you have looked at him. Both true and pure.”
She touched the back of his hand, suddenly feeling nauseous. “What are you talking about, Groo?” She whispered.
“Angel.”
“What.”
“As you have talked of him, now I must. He makes your heart glad, doesn’t he, Princess?” She opened her mouth, yet nothing came out. “You make his heart glad as well, I can see that.”
Cordelia’s eyes began to well with tears that she couldn’t explain, and she shook her head again for a reason that she couldn’t explain. “Groo...”
“I am not for you, Princess. I truly see that now.” He released her, and started to back away. “I see it in your eyes, and I hear it in your voice.”
She leaned against the wall for support, letting out a shaky breath. “Groo...please.”
“Tell me I’m wrong.” He pleaded suddenly, gazing into her eyes. “Tell me you love only me...and not as a commoner. Tell me you love me as your Champion. As your equal.”
She opened her mouth to tell him.
And nothing came out.
Groo smiled, and his hand went to his chest. He clenched his fist, resting it on his heart. “Forever and ever, my Princess.” He said softly. “You will be in my heart.” With that, he turned and walked towards the door.
She followed him quietly, her mouth opening and closing. A squeak escaped her lips, and he was gone. The tears fell down her face, running down her cheeks and to the floor. She was alone. She was without Groo. She was scared.
And he was right.
The phone rang shrilly, and Dennis quickly carried it to her. She grabbed it, holding it to her ear. “Yeah.”
“Cordy.”
Her eyes widened slightly. “Angel?”
“Hey.”
“Hi?” He said nothing, and she frowned, clearing her throat. Her free hand wiped at her face roughly. “What’s up?”
“Just wanted to calm Connor down a bit, let him hear a comforting voice to go to sleep to- mine isn’t working all that well...” He paused. “If you’re busy-”
She sank to the couch. “No, I’m not.” She cleared her throat again. “Groo left.”
“Where’d he go?”
A laugh escaped her lips despite herself. “I’m not sure. He- he’s just gone.” Silence came between them, and she cleared her throat once more. “Let me talk to Connor.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yep.”
“Okay...”
The phone was shifted, and she smiled slowly. “Hi, Connor Wonnor...why aren’t you asleep, little man?”
* * * * *
Cordelia ran a hand through her short hair, buttoning up the white business shirt. She adjusted the black boxers, and then moved towards her bedroom. “Lights, Dennis?”
The lights dimmed.
She sighed, opening the door to her bedroom. The apartment was eerily quiet, and she wasn’t sure how long she could take it. It was just too quiet for her, and she would be sleeping alone.
She tripped over something and looked back at the floor. She scooped up her bag and began to place the items back in it. Keys...mints...lipstick...pen...bottle-
She stopped, gazing at the bottle. The potion. Unused, and unopened.
Her body straightened up, and her eyes remained on the bottle. She gripped it in her hand, moving to the window. Her hand reached up to close the curtain.
And she froze at what she saw.
Angel stood on the sidewalk outside her apartment in front of his car, staring at her. A look of uncertainty passed his eyes, replaced by a sudden joy at seeing her face.
Her grip on the bottle tightened as their eyes met.
Then, as if they reached a definite understanding, both took off, Cordelia to her left, and Angel to his right. She raced out of her room and for the front door.
She flung the door open just as Angel ran up to it, and they both stopped, staring at each other. Energy- and lust- surged through them both as they moved forward, their lips touching. It was an awkward embrace, but an embrace nonetheless.
Angel’s hands flew to her face, cupping it gently in his palms. He moved into her apartment, kicking the door shut with his foot. Her hand moved down to his jacket, trying to pull it off. He did it for her, stripping it off and letting it drop to the floor.
Cordelia walked backward, and Angel forward, towards her bedroom.
His hand shifted down to her shirt, unfastening one button after the other. He peeled the material off her shoulders, letting it slid down her back until it was off her body. His cold hands touched her back and she inhaled sharply against his lips.
A laugh escaped Angel’s lips and hit Cordelia’s, both laughing in near embarrassment. He kicked her shirt to the side, bumping into the doorframe in the process. It broke their kiss and he took the moment to gaze at her.
Cordelia slowly held up the bottle, and he took it, uncorking the top.
He kept his eyes on her as he drank the potion quickly, grimacing slightly at the taste. But he kept drinking the bitter liquid until it was all coursing through him. It wasn’t until it was all gone that the liquid became sweet- and hot. It flowed through him like boiling water, filling every pore with heat.
He exhaled needlessly, grabbing Cordelia’s hips and bringing her to him. Their lips crashed together again, another awkward touch. His bottom lip pressed against her chin, and more nervous laughter escaped him.
Cordelia couldn’t help but giggle at the absurdity of it all- he had drank the potion that she had spent all her savings on and was meant for Groo and she didn’t care. It all just seemed right, for the time.
There were no words.
He pulled off his sweater, tossing it to the side as the back of her legs hit the bed and she fell on it. He lowered himself on top of her slowly, the kiss now gentle. His hands slipped down her body and to her shorts, placing his fingers inside them. He hooked his fingers on the shorts and the top of her panties, removing them.
Angel climbed off her body, moving the shorts and underwear down her legs. He pulled them off as she propped herself up, unhooking her bra. His kisses trailed up her legs and her body, and her breaths quickened with each touch of his lips.
Frustration from the ballet and from nearly four years of dancing around was finally been forced to the surface...and they both welcomed it.
His hands traveled higher than his mouth, running over her arms and her neck, then down her breasts. His eyes caught hers, and she reached over, pulling him towards her. Their lips met again, his hands moving down and pulling off his pants. He wiggled out of them the best he could and she began to help him, tugging hard.
He smiled against her lips, and then moved his mouth to her neck.
Cordelia inhaled slowly as she felt his erection against her thigh, and slowly spread her legs open. He slipped between her legs, moving his head from her neck, his eyes locking on hers. She offered him a slight smile and nodded.
Angel closed his eyes, his lips touching hers in a soft kiss as he moved inside her.
A soft moan escaped Cordelia’s lips as she gripped his shoulders, letting him move in her completely. He embraced her in his arms, careful not to crush her. Their mouths met hungrily as he moved slowly, feeling every rush of pleasure course through his body.
She inhaled sharply, her hips slowly moving with his, her nails digging into his flesh. Waves of pleasure ran up her body and down her hips with each thrust, and she couldn’t believe they were there. Back at the ballet. Back in that moment.
But he wouldn’t lose his soul, she could feel it.
He had the worries of a father, and that wouldn’t go away in one night.
Minutes passed, and he was still slow and gentle. Her leg wrapped around his hip, softly urging him on.
His thrusts quickened at her touch, and her arms wrapped around his back as he moved hard, but gently. A groan passed his lips as he fumbled to kiss her, and she welcomed him.
He started to mouth something against her lips, and she pulled away, eyes on his mouth. His eyes were closed, and it was as if he were in a daze.
She could’ve sworn he said ‘I love you’.
Cordelia smiled, touching the back of Angel’s neck and bringing his face down. Their lips touched softly as he moved faster. She couldn’t stop the moans from coming out, her back arching with each strong movement, his mouth traveling down her neck.
Her hands shot from his back to the bed sheets, clutching them tightly.
Angel’s head lifted as he moved harder, his teeth slowly clenching. He captured Cordelia’s mouth in his, feeling her tighten around him, then release one final time with a shout. It was all he needed as he let go into her, shaking and holding onto her all at the same time.
She breathed hard, her eyes closed tightly. His head lowered, and he kissed her chin softly. Her eyes fluttered open, and she gazed at him. He stared back for a moment before kissing her once more. He had finally danced with Cordelia, and he didn’t miss any steps.
Cordelia closed her eyes once more, hugging Angel to her. “We’ll talk tomorrow.” She whispered, and he nodded slowly against her neck.
End.