Title: Somebody To Love
Author: Luckylyn
Posted: 11-06-2003
Email:
Rating: R
Category: Season 3 BTVS
Content: B/A (don’t kill me. It won’t last), C/W, C/A eventually
Summary: What if Cordy and Angel became friends on BTVS?
Spoilers: Season 3 BTVS
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: Just Fic, Midnight Tempest
Notes: This fic begins after that episode where Buffy breaks up with Angel after he pretends to lose his soul to trick Faith.
Feedback:
Thanks/Dedication:Part 15
Xander braced himself as he walked into Cordelia’s room. He’d had all night to think of what he needed to say to her and still didn’t have any idea. He just knew he had to talk to her and hear from her what exactly was going on. He couldn’t forget the hurt in Buffy eyes from the night before.
“The place looks good,” Xander said looking around her room. “The stains on the carpet perfectly match the stains on the wall. And coordination is so important when decorating.”
Cordy didn’t laugh like he hoped she would. Cordy assumed Xander’s sudden appearance on her doorstep was because she had told the others about her parents leaving her on her own.
“Look, Xander,” Cordy said. “I don’t need your pity over my situation.”
“That’s not why I’m here,” Xander said. “Although I am sorry about that.”
“Then why are you here,” Cordy asked him sounding suspicious.
“I saw you with Angel last night,” Xander said.
“And that’s your business because?” Cordy asked, raising her defenses.
“Buffy was with me,” Xander said.
“Oh,” was all Cordy could manage in reply. She was surprised Buffy hadn’t shown up at her door. “So you’re here to yell at me in her honor.”
“He’ll never make you happy,” Xander said suddenly. “Buffy’s been miserable the past three years.”
“You didn’t care much about my happiness when we were dating. Why care now?” Cordy asked him.
Xander wasn’t sure how to reply to that, “I wish things could have been different. Things just happened that I never expected.”
Xander paused and then looked Cordy in the eye, “But I’d like to be your friend now.”
“I don’t think I can be friends with you,” Cordy said sounding sad instead of angry. She didn’t trust him, but she wasn’t sure she still hated him.
Xander didn’t look surprised at her reply, “I figured that’s what you’d say, but a guy’s got to try, right? I am sorry.”
“It doesn’t matter anymore. It’s over,” Cordy said walking towards her door and opening it so Xander could leave.
Xander had so many things he wanted to say to Cordelia but had no idea how to say them.
“You’re leaving with him aren’t you?” Xander asked refusing to leave.
“Yeah, Sunnyhell is over for me,” Cordy said.
“You could get out of this,” Xander said. “You could go on without him and not have to deal with demons and apocalypses.”
“So could you, but you’re still here,” Cordy said. “You’ll never leave her.”
“I couldn’t go,” Xander said not wanting to think about his feelings for Buffy. “Are you sure he won’t leave you?”
It was a difficult question for Cordy to think about. She believed Angel loved he,r but she knew him well enough to know that he might leave her in order to protect her. She just hoped she would always be able to make Angel understand she didn’t need him to protect her from him.
“Are you trying to talk me out of loving him?” Cordelia asked with a raised eyebrow.
“You love him?” Xander asked her softly.
“Yeah, I do,” Cordy said.
Xander didn’t know how to reply to that. The jealous ex-boyfriend in him felt the pain of realization that he and Cordelia could never find their way back to each other. The part that felt protective towards Cordy worried she would get her heart broken all over again. And then the part of him that was worried about Buffy and how she would handle things took over.
“There isn’t just you and Angel to think about. You know how you felt when you found me with Willow?” Xander asked hesitantly. “That’s how Buffy felt seeing you with Angel.”
Cordy nodded slightly acknowledging to herself that Buffy was probably heartbroken, and she felt badly even though she fought the urge to feel guilty.
“There is nothing I could say to make Buffy feel better, Xander,” Cordy said suddenly wondering what he wanted from her. Suddenly she felt fresh anger at Xander.
“I didn’t go after Angel and he wasn’t sneaking around with me while he was with Buffy. Nothing happened between us until he broke things off with her. You should go,” Cordy said. All the vulnerability that had been in her eyes a moment ago was gone.
Xander left the room feeling frustrated. He felt like for a moment he and Cordelia had connected; that they actually understood each other and then it all went downhill.
***
Wesley was surprised to find Angel standing at his door..
“Is Cordy alright?” Wesley asked before Angel could say a word.
“She’s fine,” Angel said suddenly feeling uncomfortable. “There’s something I need to discuss with you.”
Wesley nodded and said, “Come in.”
They sat in the middle of Wesley’s small one bedroom apartment.
“There was something you wanted to discuss?” Wesley prompted.
“How much do you know about the curse?” Angel began.
***
Angel thought over his meeting with Wesley as he drove home. He had known that talking to Wesley might not exactly inspire hope. Wesley had cautiously told Angel that it may take years to find a way around the curse if there even is a way. But Wesley had promised to do everything he could to help Angel and with that Angel finally began to understand what Cordy saw in Wesley.
When Angel entered the mansion he was surprised to find Cordy there looking upset. She sat on his couch lost in thought.
“Baby,” he said instantly sitting beside her with his arm around her.
“Buffy saw us last night,” Cordy said.
“Did she confront you?” Angel said.
“No, Xander gave me the heads up,” Cordy said.
“I have to talk to her,” Angel said getting up from the couch and then he turned to Cordy. “Will you be here when I get back?”
“Yes,” she replied walking towards him to give him a reassuring hug. “I’m not going anywhere.”
He rested his forehead against hers and said, “Me either. I’ll be back.
He then let her go and walked out of the mansion to find Buffy.
****
Buffy felt Angel presence behind her in the cemetery.
“You lied to me,” she said simply turning to him. She said it with a mixture of anger and confusion.
“I didn’t lie,” Angel said.
Buffy just turned to walk away from him, and he followed walking beside her.
“You told me that you and Cordy were just friends,” Buffy said as an accusation.
“We were,” Angel said and then added. “And then it became more. But nothing happened until you and I were broken up.”
“We’ve only broke up two days ago,” Buffy said wondering when Angel had begun cheating on her.
“What happened between me and Cordy was unexpected? When I broke things off with you I had no idea I’d end up with Cordy,” Angel said.
Buffy wasn’t certain if she believed him or not. Lately he’d been even more of a mystery, and she wondered if she ever truly knew him at all.
“How did it happen?” Buffy asked hestiantly.
“It just happened,” Angel said. “It wasn’t planned. Cordy and I were both surprised by it.”
“Were you lying when you said Cordy wasn’t the reason we broke up?” Buffy asked.
“There are reasons for me to leave that have nothing to do with Cordy. You know that.” Angel replied.
Buffy then asked him the question she wasn’t certain she wanted the answer to, “Do you love her?”
“Yes,” Angel said hating the wounded look in her eyes.
Angel knew Buffy really loved him, and he had loved her. He would always love her. Another woman might have thrown him out of her life after everything that had happened between them but Buffy had tried to be with him in spite of it. But love just wasn’t enough to heal the wounds and make things work. Angel hated being the one to hurt the woman he loved and felt he owed for first making him feel loved and alive.
Buffy felt like he had slapped her. She had thought they had that big undying love and that no matter how bad things got nothing would ever come between them. She didn’t understand how it all could have gone so wrong.
“All those things you said that I deserved and you couldn’t give me,” Buffy said sounding defeated. “You can’t give them to her either.”
“I know,” Angel said.
“So why can it work with her and not with me?” Buffy said tearing welling up in her eyes.
Angel wasn’t sure how to put it all in words and so he simply said, “She’s my best friend and you and I were never friends.”
“Do you think if we had been friends or if they wasn’t a curse we could’ve worked something out?” Buffy asked trying to find a way to hope for more.
“Even if there were no curse, things between us couldn’t have worked,” Angel said. “And I don’t know if you and I even know how to be friends with each other.”
“You don’t know that for sure,” Buffy said. “We never tried.”
“Why didn’t we try?” Angel asked.
Buffy had no reply. They stood together in painful silence. Angel was tempted to reach out and hold to offer her some sort of comfort, but he figured she would get the wrong idea.
“I just can’t deal with this right now,” Buffy said walking away from Angel.
Angel let her go with a heavy heart and went back home to Cordy.
Part 16
Cordelia stared at the dress hanging on her bathroom door and smiled. It had been such a surprise. Xander bought her a prom dress. She had thought they had said everything there was to say and that a friendship between them was impossible. But in typical Xander fashion, he did something sweet making it difficult for her to stay angry even when she was certain she was justified. She still thought a real friendship would be too difficult. Buffy would always be between them because she was Xander’s first priority even when he and Cordy were dating. Plus, Angel was Xander’s least favorite person. But Cordy was beginning to think Xander’s friendship would be worth the difficulties.
Cordelia finished her makeup and hair and then slipped into the dress. She answered the knock on her door and smiled at Angel as he entered her room.
“You’re beautiful,” Angel said simply, and the look in his eyes saying more than words could.
Cordelia smiled at him as she gave him a soft kiss on the mouth, “You don’t look too bad yourself.”
She stepped away from Angel just long enough to put on her shoes. He studied her and admired her dress.
He frowned slightly, “I’m not sure about this.”
Cordy looked at him intently, “The whole prom thing or the whole Buffy’s going to be there thing?”
“The whole Xander bought you a dress and you’re wearing it thing,” Angel said not likely how jealous he sounded.
Angel did have he concerns about Buffy, but he knew Cordy deserved to enjoy her prom night. He just wasn’t thrilled with the idea of Cordy softening towards Xander.
Cordy walked towards Angel and adjusted his tie, “This dress isn’t a ‘I bought you this dress because I want you thing.’ This is a ‘I want us to be friends so I bought you a dress to show I still care thing.’”
“What if he does want you back?” Angel asked.
“It doesn’t matter. I’ve already got my guy,” Cordy said wrapping her arms around Ange’s neck as he leaned in to kiss her.
***
Angel and Cordelia walked in to the prom arm and arm. Angel was a little worried about the inevitable confrontation with Buffy, and he suspected Cordy was worried as well. Cordy had been tempted to just skip the prom, but she didn’t want to be a coward where anyone especially Buffy was concerned. Wesley was the first to greet them.
“You look absolutely ravishing,” Wesley said to Cordy and then turned to Angel. “Would you mind if Cordy and I had a dance?”
“Yes,” Angel replied.
“No,” Cordy replied, raising her eyebrow at Angel.
She then took Wesley’s hand and headed towards the dance floor. Angel had started to think of Wesley as a good friend, but he still didn’t like how close he was to Cordy. Angel still remembered Cordy’s former crush on the watcher.
“Angel,” Xander said by way of a greeting.
“Xander,” Angel said.
“If you hurt her, I’ll stake you,” Xander said.
“I can respect that,” Angel replied and then Xander walked away.
Angel didn’t relax until Cordy returned to his side.
“I saw you and Xander,” she said.
“He wanted me to know he’d stake me if I ever hurt you,” Angel said.
Cordy smiled slightly, “That’s sweet but totally unnecessary. I’m perfectly capable of staking you myself.”
Angel laughed and said, “You’re a dangerous woman.”
“You better not forget it,” Cordy said leading him to the dance floor where he happily wrapped his arms around her.
Cordy saw the humor in his face change to more serious expression, “What is it?”
“If you ever had to, you could, couldn’t you?” Angel asked.
“Stake you?” Cordy wondered and Angel nodded.
“Yes,” Cordy replied looking into his eyes. She then rested her head against his chest and he held her tighter.
“Thank you,” Angel said hoping she would never be forced to make that decision.
Buffy walked into the prom and the first thing she saw was Angel and Cordy slow dancing and holding on to each other as if they feared letting go. It was a sight she expected to see and that she had prepared herself for and yet she still felt surprised by it. Buffy was grateful they were leaving Sunnydale after graduation because she didn’t think she could ever get used to Angel and Cordy being a couple. She felt a hand on her shoulder.
“For a woman who just finished getting rid of a pack of demons, you look pretty amazing,” Xander said offering her his arm. “In fact, for anyone you look amazing.”
“Thanks,” Buffy said smiling slightly though her heart wasn’t in it.
Buffy was grateful that Xander had insisted on taking her to the prom. She didn’t want to be alone when she had to face Angel and Cordelia as a couple.
Angel noticed Buffy before Cordelia did. They exchanged a look where Buffy was the first to look away.
“Do we say ‘Hello’ or do we get some punch?” Cordy asked him.
“Punch,” Angel replied, holding her hand as they walked off the dance floor.
“So you are each going to pretend the other doesn’t exist until after we leave?” Cordy ask.
“I don’t know what to say to her,” Angel said.
“Me either,” Cordy admitted.
“Cordelia Chase not knowing what to say. Not possible,” Angel said, smiling at her.
“It’s happens,” Cordy replied with a shrug and then said. “I’ve got to powder my nose. I’ll be back in a few.”
Angel watched her as she walked away. Wesley then walked up to him.
“Have you told Cordelia about your looking into the curse?” Wesley asked him.
“I wanted to wait until I had something concrete to tell her,” Angel explained.
“Well, I think I may have found something. I’ll have to do a little more research, but it’s a definite possibility,” Wes said hesitating.
“I’m not going to like it am I?” Angel asked him.
“There’s a substantial risk involved,” Wesley replied.
“It could kill me?” Angel asked.
Wesley shook his head, “It could remove your soul permanently.”
Part 17
Prom had ended and instead of going to the after party at the Bronze. Angel and Cordelia decided just to go back to the mansion. Cordy could tell something was weighing on Angel’s mind. He been quiet and distracted on the ride home.
“What are you thinking?” Cordy asked as she watched him sit in his favorite arm chair.
“I asked Wesley to look in to a way around the curse,” Angel said.
“And you don’t like what he found?” Cordy asked sitting in his lap.
Angel wrapped his arms around her and held on tightly.
“There’s a trial I can under go to win a permanent soul,” Angel began.
“And if you lose?”
“I lose my soul permanently,” Angel explained.
“Maybe Wes can find another way,” Cordy said looking at him intently.
“I want to be with you,” Angel said.
Cordy leaned in and kissed him slowly. When they parted their lips remained barely apart.
“Are you willing to risk everything for this, Angel?” Cordy asked him concerned.
“Yes,” Angel replied and then Cordy slapped him on the arm and left his arms.
“Cordy?” he asked nervously.
“You are such a guy. Sex isn’t everything,” Cordy exclaimed. “We’ve got so much good between us. It’s not just your life you’re risking. Think about all the people Angelus could hurt.”
And then tears fell from her eyes, “You’d be gone forever, Angel.”
“I’m afraid if I don’t do this one of these days we’ll cross the line and then Angelus will appear anyway,” Angel said. “He’d destroy you Cordy. I can’t allow that.”
“We’ve been careful. We’ll keep being careful,” Cordy said as she paced back and forth.
“No we won’t,” Angel said with certainty. “That first night when I kissed you if Buffy hadn’t interrupted us what do you think would have happened?”
Cordy had no response. She knew exactly what would have happened. They would have let passion sweep them away and then Angelus would have made an unwelcome return.
Angel continued. “Every time I kiss you, every time I touch you I don’t want to stop. And one day I won’t.”
Cordy stood still absorbing his words, “You are so certain everything will go wrong. I admit maybe someday we will get carried away but that’s no reason to rush in to something even more risky. At least, if I make you perfectly happy we can recurse you. But if you fail the trial there is no fix. We still have time, Angel. Wesley may find another way.”
Cordy went back to sitting in his lap. She caressed his cheek.
“This is hard for you isn’t it?” Cordy asked him.
“I’m so close to what I want, but I still can’t grasp it,” Angel said. “Sometimes I think it would be easier if we just stayed apart, but I can’t do that. I need you too much.”
“Maybe we should cool things down?” Cordy suggested.
“Not tonight,” Angel said nuzzling her neck. He just needed to touch her.
“Not tonight,” Cordy agreed seeing the sadness and need in his eyes. “But tomorrow you and I will start concentrating on the friendship stuff and less on the hot and heavy. Maybe we could...”
Cordy didn’t finish her sentence because Angel was kissing her. There was desperation in the way he held her to him. She forgot everything she’d planned on saying. She wondered if he was trying to make a point about how overwhelming passion could be, but she decided she didn’t care. Cordy wanted to be with Angel any way it was possible. She figured it meant this was their last night in each others arms like this until a cure for the curse was found. Cordy wanted to give him that. She wanted that for herself. She didn’t know if it made things more difficult or easier.
Angel placed his head against her breast feeling her heartbeat, enjoying her warmth. Her hands were in his hair as she kissed his head.
“Let’s go to bed?” Angel said.
Cordy nodded and got off his lap. Angel wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked up the stairs to his bedroom. He pulled her close once they entered the doorway and kissed her softly tenderly urging her mouth open. Cordy removed his jacket and unbuttoned his shirt without breaking the kiss. Angel hugged her close as he reached behind her to unzip her dress.
“You’re beautiful,” Angel said unable to take his eyes off her.
Cordy smiled and looked him straight in the eye, “So are you.”
Angel gave her an almost childlike defenseless smile. There was so much Cordy wanted to say to him, but he was kissing her again. He lead her towards the bed and laid down beside her. He kissed his way down her body but stopped before reaching the place Cordy desperately wanted his mouth to be.
“Angel,” Cordy pleaded.
He kissed the inside of her thigh and then he tasted her sending waves of pleasure all over Cordy’s body.
Angel and Cordy were both so absorbed with each other they didn’t realized they were being watched from the window.
Part 18
Angel woke up alone in the middle of the afternoon. He reached over to Cordy’s side of the bed and was unhappy to find it cold. He walked downstairs to find Cordy sitting with Wesley on his couch.
“Morning, Angel,” Cordy said getting up to give him a chaste kiss on the cheek.
“Good afternoon,” Wesley said.
Angel just sat down in the couch and grabbed Cordy so she could sit in his lap. She laughed at the surprise of his movement. Then he gave her a proper morning kiss which got interrupted by Wesley’s uncomfortable cough.
“Hey, Wesley,” Angel said.
“We were just discussing the situation,” Cordy explained.
“Without me?” Angel asked raising an eyebrow
“You were asleep. Besides you and Wes have been talking about this stuff for a while now,” Cordy said. “I’m just catching up.”
“From what Cordy tells me,” Wesley began. “You intend to forego the trial in favor of researching other possibilities.”
“Nothings been decided,” Angel said. He didn’t like the way Cordy’s body suddenly stiffened. He half expected her to leap out of his lap, but she stayed where she was.
“I thought we agreed it was too much of a risk,” Cordy said.
“Either way it’s a risk,” Angel said. “I just want to consider my options carefully.”
“I don’t like you being at risk,” Cordy said.
“I don’t like you being at risk either,” Angel agreed.
“It’s safe to assume you won’t be making your decision until after the ascension?” Wesley asked.
“Yeah, I think that’s where my attention should be focused right now,” Angel said.
“There’s time to possibly find another option,” Cordy said.
“I will continue my research,” Wesley said and then he stood up. “I think maybe I should get back to it.”
Cordy got out of Angel’s lap and gave Wesley a hug, “Thank you for looking into this for us. Are you sure you won’t stay and have tea or something?”
“No,” Wesley said deciding that Angel probably wanted to be alone with Cordelia. “Another time.”
“We’ll hold you to that,” Angel said, shaking his hand.
After Wesley left Angel turned to Cordy and asked, “Are we going to argue about this?”
“Yes,” Cordy said. “But not today. We’ve got to a limited time to spend together before the ascension which could be the end of the world. I want to spend it being happy with you.”
Angel wrapped his arm about her waist and leaned down to kiss her, but she dodged him.
“Today you are giving me your credit card we are getting you some new clothes,” Cordy said showing him that she had already had his credit card in her pocket.
“How good of you to just help yourself to my wallet,” Angel said wryly.
Cordy smiled proudly, “I was looking through your closet and decided you needed a change from all the black. Vampires are allergic to sunlight; not good fashion sense. ”
“Black is fine,” Angel said stubbornly. “Black is classic.”
Cordy refused to be deterred, “I need to teach you not to fear color in your wardrobe. Then tonight, after the scoobie meeting, I’m taking you out to a movie and dinner. Then you will drop me off at my motel where we may or may not argue, but I’m hoping we just have a discussion where you don’t get all stubborn and impossible. Or we could skip that and just make out. I’m feeling weirdly optimistic. Does that work for you?”
Angel smiled at her, “It’s fine for me as long as I don’t have to actually go shopping with you.”
“And here I thought you were the bravest man I knew,” Cordy teased.
Angel shrugged, “The mall’s a scary place.”
“I’d protect you,” Cordy promised, giving him a lingering kiss.
“But who will protect me from you,” Angel said.
Cordy laughed, “It’s three hours til sunset. Meet me here or at the Mall? I won’t make you go in,” and then she added. “Maybe.”
“I’ll meet you here,” Angel said. “There some things I need to take care of today in order to prep for our move.”
Angel gave Cordy a quick peck before she pulled out of his arms and started to walk out the door. But Angel called her name.
“I get to decide what we do tomorrow,” Angel said.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Cordy said walking out in to the sunlight.
Angel watched her go trying to just enjoy the anticipation of her return rather than worry over what the future could bring.”
***
“It was weird,” Buffy said. “Seeing them together like that.”
Buffy couldn’t stop thinking about Cordy and Angel together at the prom. They were a real couple.
“Really weird,” Xander agreed.
“They looked happy though,” Willow said and instantly regretted it. She looked at Buffy, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault, Willow,” Buffy said. “Cordy makes Angel happy.”
“Not too happy, I hope,” Xander said.
Buffy made a face, “I don’t want to think about that.”
“I wished we’d tried harder,” Buffy said.
“You and Angel?” Willow said.
“Yeah,” Buffy said. “I think I took for granted that he would always be there so we could get away with ignoring our problems.”
“Do you think it will last?” Willow said.
“I don’t know,” Buffy said knowing that deep down she didn’t expect Angel and Cordy’s relationship to survive. Buffy held on to that hope that she and Angel would always find their way back to each other no matter what.
“Cordelia deserves better,” Xander said and then turned to Buffy. “So do you.”
“Angel isn’t a bad guy, Xander,” Buffy said. “It’s just...”
“What?” Willow prompted when Buffy suddenly stopped talking.
“She’s here,” Buffy said gesturing towards Cordelia who just walked into the Men’s clothing store across from them.
Buffy walked out of the food court where they had been seated and walked towards Cordy.
“Buffy, where are you going?” Willow asked.
“To say hello,” Buffy said. “I’m not going to hide from her.”
“This is a bad idea,” Xander said following behind her.
Cordy was looking at a blue shirt for Angel when she heard Buffy say, “Hello Cordy.”
“Hi,” Cordy said looking at Buffy and the others. “So you all decided to grab some mall time?”
“Yeah,” Willow said.
“Hey Cordy,” Xander said smiling at her slightly.
“We didn’t talk last night,” Buffy said.
“Angel and I weren’t sure if we or he should approach you,” Cordy admitted. “You didn’t approach us either.”
“Well, bumping into each other is bound to happen,” Buffy said. “I thought we should get it over with.”
“We have that ascension meeting tonight,” Willow pointed out.
“And then Angel and I will go on patrol like usual,” Buffy said curious to see Cordy’s reaction. A small part of Buffy might feel better if she knew Cordy was threatened by her.
“So you feel up to patrolling?” Cordy asked her surprised.
“Angel and I still have a job to do,” Buffy said.
“I think Angel will be pleased about that,” Cordy said although she was concerned by the look in Buffy’s eyes.
“So we’re all going patrolling,” Xander said inviting himself along.
“I wanted to ask....” Buffy hesitated. “Did things really just happen between you and Angel or were you going after him?”
“It just happened.” Cordy sighed and said, “We’ll never be able to be friends will we?”
“It’s like you said before we aren’t friends,” Buffy said. “And I think it’s a safe bet we never will be now.”
“Maybe not,” Willow said. “Over the summer with Angel gone...”
Xander and Cordy’s eyes meet and then she looked at Buffy.
Cordy shook her head, “I’ll be gone too.”
“He’s taking you with him?” Buffy asked in shock.
Cordy nodded, “I was planning on getting out of this town anyway.”
“Was it your idea to leave?” Buffy asked.
“Not for Angel,” Cordy said. “I was just as surprised as you were when he decided to make the move.”
Buffy remembered how shocked Cordy had been when she’d told her Angel was leaving Sunnydale.
“Did he know about your decision to leave Sunnydale before he decided to leave?” Buffy asked.
“Yeah,” Cordy said not understanding why Buffy kept pushing the issue.
“You’re the reason he wants to leave,” Buffy concluded.
“It’s more complicated than that,” Cordy said. “Angel wants to find a purpose for his life.”
“And he doesn’t think he can find it here?” Buffy said.
“If Angel and I had never got together he would still be leaving,” Cordy said.
Buffy didn’t believe that and said, “There’s no way to know that.”
“Angel’s the one you should be having this conversation with,” Cordy said. “I don’t think you want answers from me.”
“I’ll talk to him tonight,” Buffy said walking away with Willow.
Xander lingered, “You know Angel’s not my favorite person...”
“He loves you too, Xander,” Cordy replied with a smile.
Xander returned the smile and said, “It’s just good to see you happy.”
“I’ll expect to hear from you after I’m in LA,” Cordy said.
“We’ll keep in touch,” Xander promised. “I’d better go and catch up with them. I’ll see ya.”
“Bye,” Cordy said as Xander walked out of the store.
***
The Mayor was looking over the photographs that were just brought to him as Faith walked in to his office.
“I found the serum that will poison Angel...” she began to say.
The Mayor interrupted, “We’re going to have to rethink our plan.”
He handed her the photographs of Angel and Cordy in his bed., “I’m thinking she might not be so distracted trying to save a cheating boyfriend. She just might stake him herself.”
Faith laughed and said, “B’s head is going to explode when she finds out.”
“According to my sources, the cat’s already out of the bag,” the Mayor said smiling pleasantly. “We just need to figure out how to use this to our advantage.”
Part 19
Angel and Cordy left the Scooby meeting in the library after Angel returned from patrol with Buffy. After seeing the, expressionless look on Angel’s face and the hurt on Buffy’s, Cordy could tell it hadn’t gone well. Angel and Cordy left the meeting and got in his car as he drove them to the movie theater.
“So how was patrol with Buffy?” Cordy asked him. “I guess that’s a bad question since it seems it obviously didn’t go well.”
“I don’t think she really saw you and me as a couple until she found out you were leaving with me,” Angel said.
“So what did she think we were?”
“I don’t know. She just assumed I was leaving you behind, and now that she’s knows better she takes our relationship more seriously,” Angel said pulling up in front of the theater.
“She assumed we were just messing around,” Cordy said shaking her head. “As if it were impossible that we could really be in love.”
“I keep hurting her,” Angel said. “I never wanted to do that.”
Cordy removed her seat belt and slide over to Angel’s side of the car letting him wrap his arm around her as she rested her head on his chest. For once, Cordy didn’t quite know what to say.
“We don’t have to do dinner and a movie tonight,” Cordy said. “We could just go home or you could go and try talking to Buffy again.”
Angel knew how important it was to Cordy that they get some time together before the ascension because anything could happen. He didn’t want her changing her plans for their evening. He wanted them to have a chance to just have fun together.
“Are you trying to get out of buying me dinner and a movie?” Angel said. “Because you aren’t getting me into bed without at least buying me dinner first.”
Cordy laughed and said, “I can’t believe all the trouble a girl has to go through just to get her boyfriend to put out.”
Cordy kissed him then and got out of the car. Angel followed wrapping his arm around her as they entered the theater.
***
During the week, Angel had convinced Cordy to give up her motel room and just move into the mansion with him. He even gave Cordy her own room although sometimes they’d just fall asleep in his bed.
“Don’t get used to this,” Cordy warned, waking up with him the morning before the ascension.
“I’m already used to it,” Angel said. “Why can’t you just move into the apartment I picked out for us in LA?.”
“I’ll stay there at first, but then I really have to get my own apartment,” Cordy said. “We agreed to be more careful and that’s not going to happen if we are living together.”
Angel kissed her neck and got out of the bed, “I’ll make you breakfast.”
Cordy knew the argument wasn’t over, but she was willing to put it aside. After all with the ascension, this could be their last day together.
“So what do you want to do today?” Cordy asked him as she followed him into the kitchen.
“Just be with you,” Angel said.
“I like that plan,” Cordy said getting some blood from Angel’s fridge and heating it for him. “What’s with all the food in the fridge? I thought we were leaving after tomorrow.”
“I invited Wesley over to dinner tonight,” Angel said.
Cordy smiled, “That’s great. He shouldn’t spend the night before the ascension alone in that apartment of his.”
“I figured you’d feel that way,” Angel said.
In the end, he was glad that Cordy had pushed him into a friendship with Wesley. The phone rang and Cordy answered.
“Hey Wes,” Cordy said. “I hear your coming over tonight.”
“Tell Angel not to make dessert,” Wesley said. “I’m bringing one of those cakes from that bakery near my flat.”
Cordy turned to Angel and said, “I’m leaving you for Wesley. He’s bringing me chocolate tonight.”
“All right that’s the end of your conversation with Wesley,” Angel said taking the phone from a laughing Cordelia. “Hello Wesley.”
“I didn’t mean to break up your home,” Wesley said laughing. “Maybe I won’t bring that cake tonight.”
“Do you really want to incur Cordy’s wrath when you promised her chocolate and then didn’t deliver,” Angel said.
“That’s a good point,” Wesley said. “How about you meet me for a beer before dinner and you can pick up the cake?”
“Sure,” Angel said.
“Actually, I really wanted to a chance to discuss something with you alone,” Wesley said. “I’ve been rethinking my research into the curse, and I think I’ve really hit on something. I didn’t want to mention it to Cordy before I told you.”
“I’ll meet you at that pub on center street,” Angel replied and then he and Wesley hung up.
“Wes and I are grabbing a beer before dinner tonight,” Angel said and Cordy smiled at him.
***
Faith sat in a limo across the street from Angel’s mansion with the Mayor sitting beside her.
“He’s meeting the watcher for a beer,” the Mayor repeated taking off his head phones.
He’d had Angel’s phone taped in order to pick up information about the Slayer. He’d been unsuccessful taping Buffy’s phone.
“So we don’t have to think of a way to get him to leave her in the house alone,” Faith said intently watching the house.
“I’m not getting the enthusiasm for your work I’m used to seeing,” the Mayor said. “Don’t disappoint me.”
Faith looked away from the mansion and said, “I won’t fail.”
“That’s my girl,” he replied. “You know what I’ve got a craving for some IHOP.”
He pressed the intercom and told his driver, “Let’s go. I’m having a pancake attack.”
***
Angel and Wesley sat at the bar side by side.
“So you were rethinking the curse?” Angel prompted.
“I’ve spent so much time just trying to secure your soul, I just didn’t really think about the curse itself,” Wesley said and then handed Angel a paper.
“That’s a variation on the original curse but that would allow you to be perfectly happy,” Wesley said.
“Will this work?” Angel asked afraid to hope.
“I have every reason to believe it will,” Wesley said. “After the ascension, we will use the orb and hopefully anchor your soul.”
“Why wait until after the ascension?” Angel said, getting up his seat at the bar.
Wesley quickly followed after him and said, “We’ll need Willow.”
***
Cordy put the chicken in the oven at exactly 7pm as Angel instructed. This way dinner would be ready by the time he and Wesley returned from the bar. He’d pretty much done all the preparation for dinner, and Cordy enjoyed having a boyfriend who could cook.
Cordy had just enough time to take a long bath and get dressed up. She was right to put her travel alarm clock on the sink to wake her just in case she feel asleep. Cause her eyes were firmly shut when the annoying beeping woke her. She got out of the bathtub and walked into the bedroom wearing Angel’s robe.
That’s when a hand reached over her mouth. The handkerchief wet with chloroform knocked her unconscious before she could even think of fighting back. Faith picked her up and brought her downstairs.
***
The doorbell at Buffy house rang and her mother answered. There was no one standing on the porch, but there was a manilla envelope lying on the floor.
“Buffy, there’s something for you at the door,” Joyce called.
Buffy came down the stairs and took the envelope. She opened it and was horrified to find picture of Angel and Cordy naked and in bed together. In her shock, she just dropped the pictures to the floor.
“Buffy,” Joyce said concerned.
Joyce picked up the pictures and looked at them, “I’m so sorry sweetheart.”
Then Joyce noticed at note that was among the pictures.
Joyce read it out loud, “Guess who’s back.”
Buffy looked at her mother and said, “Angelus.”
Buffy quickly got some weapons together and ran out the door. This time there would be no hesitation. Angelus would be eliminated.
***
“Thank you for helping with this,” Angel said after Willow finished the incantation.
“Your welcome,” Willow said. “Buffy’s my friend, but you are too. Besides after what happened with Xander, I owe Cordy one.”
Angel turned to Wesley, “So that’s it?”
Wesley smiled at Angel, “Your soul is secure.”
“Let’s go have some dinner with Cordy,” Angel said walking out of Wesley’s apartment. “Willow you’re invited.”
“Thanks but Oz and I have plans,” Willow said smiling at Angel. “I’d better go meet him at the bronze.”
“Do you need a ride,” Wesley offered.
Willow shook her head, “I’ve got my mother’s car.”
“I assumed our dinner would be canceled tonight,” Wesley said after Willow left.
“Cordy would hate it if I came home and didn’t bring you with me,” Angel said. “It’s important to her for all of us to have time together just incase the worst happens tomorrow. But let’s make it an early evening.”
“Of course,” Wesley said, patting his friend on the back. “I’ll go get Cordy’s cake.”
By offering to go to the bakery, Wesley guaranteed that Angel and Cordy would get some time alone so Angel could tell her the good news. Angel was whistling when he entered the mansion, but there was smoke in the kitchen. He ran in there and turned it off. Cordy had let the chicken burn. Angel remember Cordy saying something about a long bath. She had probably fallen asleep.
But Angel realized she wasn’t upstairs. He could detect Cordy’s scent as coming from the living room, but something was wrong. He couldn’t hear her heartbeat. He found her lying on his couch.
“Cordy?” he said, already knowing she wouldn’t answer. “Cordy?”
He held her lifeless body in his arms. She was still warm, but she couldn’t be saved. He saw the bite marks on her neck, but he couldn’t quite comprehend it. He just sat there holding her.
“Cordy?” he said again as if expecting an answer.
That’s how Buffy found him as she walked into the mansion and aimed the crossbow’s arrow at his heart.
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