Title: A Little Tradition Between Friends
Author: LaLa247
Posted: 12-26-2002
Rating: PG-13
Email: LatinaGrrl2000@yahoo.com
Content: Holiday fluff with some light smut, C/A, Post WiTW.
Summary:
Spoilers: Birthday and WITW
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: Just ask.
Notes: I could’ve changed the ending of WITW to suit my story, but nah... The story is set somewhere during Couplet- before Cordelia leaves.
Feedback: I live on it.
Secret Santa Fic: To Anni- Merry Christmas!“Bye Groo-y! Wait for me! I’ll be b- ACK!”
The vampire tugged hard on the Seer’s coat, sending her flying out onto the sidewalk. She stumbled a couple of steps, her heels clacking loudly on the cement. Angel rushed past her down the path, his coat billowing in the wind. She frowned and jogged to catch up with him.
He kept his eyes on the space in front of him, Cordelia Chase’s tan jacket sending flashes of color in his reasonably dark and bland view. Her black heels cracking on the sidewalk gave him an enormous headache; her short black skirt gave him something else.
She infuriated him.
Her slender body moved in front of him. She walked backwards rather awkwardly, her hands flailing every once and a while. Their eyes locked, and she offered him a dazzling, million-watt smile. Shivers ran through his body.
She made him giddy.
After a few seconds, he smiled back. A tight, forced smile. He hadn’t had much to smile about lately. His admission of romantic interest in his Seer was interrupted by the arrival of the Groosalugg. His loyal and devoted friend had immediately run into the man’s arms- halting the vampire’s speech. He had silently- however bitterly- dealt with the fact that Groo was here to stay for the time being and he-
“ANGEL!”
Angel blinked, stopping in his tracks. “Hunh?”
Cordelia’s mouth turned down into a perfect frown, her hands on her hips. “I was TALKING to you.”
“What- yeah. Do you recognize anything in your vision?”
The frown disappeared almost immediately, replaced by a sheepish look that was hidden as the Seer lowered her head and started to walk away. “Didn’t have one...”
Angel raced after her as she scampered further away. Coat, coat. Heels, heels. “Hey- hey- hey!” He grabbed her arm, slowing her down. “What do you mean you didn’t have one? A vision? You didn’t have a vision?” She remained quiet, not even to fight for property of her arm. “Cordy?” He tugged her arm to get an answer. “HEY.”
“Oh- alright!” She exclaimed, claiming her arm with a simple jerk. “Dammit, Angel! Christmas is coming and I felt festive and I just wanted to spend a-a...a jolly good time with you! You never go out for Christmas or Kwanzaa or whatever the hell you celebrate!” She shrugged. “I just thought...what better way to spend the holidays than with your favorite, beautiful, lovable Seer?” Another bright smile. “I wanted to make it a...tradition.”
Something inside Angel stirred. He was thrilled beyond belief. He could’ve jumped onto the nearby streetlight ala Fred Astaire and danced with zest and happiness. She wanted to be with HIM, not Groo. Victory! He could’ve done back flips and walked on the wall. He felt like laughing like he had never laughed before and he could’ve smiled until his face was sore and aching. He could’ve-
“Okay.”
Cordelia stared at Angel’s blank expression, and then shook her head. “Gee- how do you really feel, Angel?” She muttered under her breath. Before he could question her any further, she had linked her arm in his, pressing the side of her body to his. She led him through the street fair, decorated with red, green, and gold decorations. The crowd was mostly families and couples, with a few stray trouble-making teenagers here and there. Deck the Halls played on a vendor’s stereo system.
Angel slowly looked around, growing uncomfortable. He turned to his Seer. “What about Groo? He could be-”
“Ah- Don’t worry about him. He has Fred, Wes, Gunn, and Lorne. He might even take care of my Connor Wonner! He's so cute with the puppy dog-”
“Are you sure he’s not going to eat your Connor Wonner? Kinda primitive-” He shot back. Cordelia rolled her eyes and let go of his arm, running up to a table holding silk scarves. She instantly began to touch and pick through the various assortments, her hands enveloped in the different colors.
After a few minutes, Angel followed, standing behind her protectively. Her hand ran over the scarves, her eyes closing at the feeling of her skin on the fabric. He tilted his head, watching her movements carefully. For an instant, he was brought back to the ballet. Her breathing coming in shuddering gasps...her mouth letting out soft moans...her skin soft...her hips moving...lips tasting her mouth, her neck, her stomach...the feeling of desire...lust...
“Look!”
The vampire leaned forward, staring at the rainbow of colors Cordelia held in her hands. “Yes?”
She spun around, her body nearly pressed against his. He could hear her heart beating. Nearly racing with excitement. Her eyes were on the scarves, a smile on her face. He drew in her scent. Soap, strawberry shampoo, some citrus-smelling perfume, and just her. He leaned in a bit more, inhaling. She was intoxicating. Oblivious, she didn’t back away.
“God, aren’t these beautiful?”
“Yeah...”
She looked up, the top of her head slamming into Angel’s face. He stumbled back in pain, holding his nose. She grabbed her head, grimacing. “Angel!”
“Eye uz ookink at da scafs!”
“What?!”
He removed his hand from his face, rubbing the tip and bridge of his nose. “I was looking at the scarves.”
Cordelia sighed, patting her head gingerly. “Which one do you like?”
He stared at the scarves in her hands. The dark burgundy stood out. Strong and dramatic. Beautiful. Like Cordelia. “Red. It’ll flatter your skin...” He trailed off, remembering how smooth her skin was. Almost like the silk in her hands.
“So red?”
“Yes.” She started to reach inside her pocket. Angel stepped forward, pulling out his wallet before her fingers could touch her money. “No- I got it.” She opened her mouth to protest, and he shook his head. “I got it.” A smile crept onto his face, checking the price tag. “It’ll be a new tradition.” He paid the vendor, and then gently pulled off the tag. He took the scarf and wrapped it around Cordelia’s neck. “There.”
She gave him a huge smile, running her fingers down the fabric. “A tradition? Like you buying me stuff?” She squealed, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him on the cheek. “I’ll take it!”
The smile appeared fully on Angel’s face. He was unable to control it. She kissed him again and let go of his neck, dashing off. He followed, jogging a bit to keep up. “Cordy- where are you-”
“How would this look on Connor?” Cordelia demanded, holding up a miniature Santa hat. Angel scrunched up his nose and shook his head. She dropped it and walked on.
He continued to trail behind her. He watched her walk. She had such a unique way of walking. Long, confident strides...straight posture, head help up, hips moving back and forth. She oozed sex when she moved. Whether or not it was intentional. His eyes stayed on her hips, watching them sway. She knew how to dress. Her tan, leather jacket hugged her hourglass figure, complimenting her body. Her short skirt was just the right length- sexy, not slutty. Her heels were roughly four inches in length- enough to show off her long, trim legs. His eyes remained on her legs. He imagined wrapping his arms around her slim waist, her long legs entangling around his hips, his face buried in her soft hair...
She seemed to gain confidence after the whole demonizing situation. She had her full health back, and she showed it off. Gone was the pale face and hollow eyes, replaced by a more cheerful exterior. Like before. He liked it.
She spun around, the scarf sending a wave of color past Angel’s face. “How about this?” She held up a small, brown teddy bear with a Santa hat. He smiled and nodded. She smiled, and then held up her hand when Angel reached for his wallet. “I got this one, Angel. It’s Connor’s Christmas present. A new tradition for him.” She happily paid for the bear, hugging the bag to her chest. An excited look came into her eyes. “He’s going to love me forever, you know that?”
Angel’s smile grew wider, his mind drifting away. His son wasn’t the only one who was going to love the Seer forever. She had been a big part of his change in Los Angeles- and he would admit it to anyone who asked. But he never thought he would be seeing her as more than a friend. He never thought he would be seeing her as a lover...his lover. It scared him a bit. And he liked it.
He came crashing back to Earth went Cordelia’s hand came in contact with his arm. “Ow- what?”
“You had this faraway, dreamy look in your eyes. It was creepy.” She said, straight-faced.
“Sorry.”
“S’ok.”
An awkward silence came between them. “So...” Angel started. “What were you saying?” She stared at him. “What?”
Cordelia frowned. “I was saying how I think Connor should have a more colorful room- starting with his clothes. I read that it helps stimulate behavior and intelligence. Not saying you should change your parenting skills because you’re pretty damn good- it’s just...” She smiled, embarrassed. “Nevermind.”
He grinned. “I’ll take that into serious consideration.” He made a mental note to get a white pair of footie pajamas for his son. “Are you spending Christmas with us, Cordy?”
She hesitated, actually thinking of what to say. “W-Well...I- if Groo- I think- sure!”
“Brilliant.”
She raised an eyebrow at him, and then smirked. “That was actually kinda cute.”
“What was?”
The Seer shrugged, looking at the ground. “That...brilliant. Your tone, I guess. It was...cute.”
“Really...” Angel glanced at his watch, and then frowned. It was getting late. He couldn’t leave the others to take care of his son while he was out with his Seer. Having fun. He started to feel guilty. They would come back with bags of things while the others were stuck in the hotel. But then again, the sooner they came back, the sooner Cordelia would be back with Groo.
Conflict sucked.
He sighed. “Cor- we should be getting back.”
She pouted. “Why? I wasn’t being annoying or spending money-”
“I-I know. It’s just...Connor. And Groo. You know.”
She sighed, her eyes showing her disappointment. “Oh...okay. Fine. You owe me some valuable Connor time then.”
He nodded, gently pushing her towards the hotel. “Deal.”
They walked in yet another awkward silence. Cordelia clutched the white bag containing Connor’s bear in her hands, the red scarf blowing in the wind. She suddenly gasped and dashed off towards a store window. The Champion sighed and followed her yet again.
“What are you looking-” His eyes rested on what was holding her attention. A scene was being played out with electronic dolls. Small children raced across the white blankets substituting snow, a tiny toy dog following them. Flurries of fake snow fell onto the scene, lights shining through the windows of cardboard houses. A tape played a chorus of children singing Deck the Halls. The Seer was absolutely spellbound by the scene, and Angel was entranced by how mesmerized she was to the scenery. “Cordy...”
“I never had this kind of...” She trailed off, her eyes reluctantly leaving the window to focus on her friend. “Did you?”
“No.”
She sighed. “God- oh!” She pointed at two dolls cuddling in the corner. “How cute! Angel!”
He couldn’t help but smile, looking over the display. He straightened up, gazing around the area. His eyes focused on mistletoe just above them. He contemplated the meaning of this carefully. It would be fate- or a coincidence. He could take a chance- but he would be risking a very graceful fist in his face. But this might be his only chance. To hell with that.
“Hey, Cordy.”
“Mmm?” Her eyes darted across the exhibit.
He inhaled deeply, gathering all his courage. “When was the last time you were kissed good?”
Cordelia stood up, turning her head to look at the vampire. A mixture of shock and amusement filled her eyes. “What?”
“A new tradition- When was the last time you were kissed good?”
She bit back a smile, clearly wondering if he was joking or not. Finally, she became serious. “Xander Harris. Four years ago. Buffy Summer’s basement.”
Angel gently placed his fingers under her chin, tilting her head up so she saw the mistletoe. He lowered her head. “Okay.” He leaned down and kissed her softly. To his surprise, after a moment of uncertainty, she began to kiss him back.
Cordelia’s hand drifted to the vampire’s chest, the other touching the side of his face lightly. His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to his body. They both let the kiss get deeper. His hand moved up her neck and into her hair. Both began to remember the ballet. The taste of each other’s lips. The perfect feel. The intensity. The emotion. Everything.
Angel pulled away, his eyes opening slightly. She opened hers, her breathing coming in slight gasps. “Merry Christmas...” He whispered, leaning in again.
Cordelia pulled away completely, giving the man yet another million-watt smile. It wasn’t a normal smile. It was more embarrassed. More uncertain. More giddy. “Happy Holidays!” She ran off to the Hyperion Hotel before he could stop her.
He watched her go, licking his lips slowly. He felt dizzy. And he liked it. “Yeah.” He murmured, his gaze moving down to his hand. He held her silk scarf. He could smell her scent on it. And couldn’t help but smile.
This was a tradition he could get used to.
Angel strolled towards the hotel, pushing the scarf into his jacket pocket. He kissed the girl. Maybe next time, she will really be his. He smiled slowly. He felt like dancing. He felt like singing. The little things mattered- he learned that with his son. This was one of those little things. Her smile. Her mouth. A mistletoe inspired kiss.
With a sudden drive, he hopped onto the nearby streetlight, swinging gracefully to the other side and landing on his feet back on the sidewalk. He walked up the path to the front door, a bit more pep in his step. The smile remained on his face.
“Deck the halls with boughs of holly...”
End.