Go TeamC/A
-
Title: All I Want for Christmas Secret Santa for Ando
Author: Califi
Posted: 15/12/03
Rating: Pg-13
Category: Fluff
Content: C/A
Summary: Cordy takes a chance - but does Angel do anything about it?
Spoilers: Early S3
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: Ando's secret Santa
Thanks/Dedication:
Feedback: Yes please
Ando's inclusions:
Mistletoe with a spell put on it
A secret box
Chocolate Ice-cream
Preferably C/A [what else do I write??
"Is everyone dressed yet? Come on; let's go already!"
Angel's head swivelled round – followed by his whole body at the vision that stood before him.
God, she's beautiful! he thought for not the first time. But tonight Cordelia surpassed herself. Angel gulped - hard.
Sheer red silk stockings disappeared into soft leather ankle boots, with spiky heels that must have been at least four inches long. His eyes followed their length to mid-thigh; the start of her white fur trimmed, red velvet dress- fashioned like a Santa outfit- but the 'padding' beneath this suit tightened his groin.
The short skirt flared out and was nipped into her small waist with a wide black leather belt, the silver buckle square and large, emphasising her hourglass figure. Her upper torso covered in red velvet – with a plunging neckline again trimmed in soft white fur, framing her generous cleavage. A black velvet ribbon surrounded her flawless throat, and in the centre, a sprig of mistletoe was attached.
Angel silently groaned, instantly dreading every male they encountered tonight. Topping off the effect was a small Santa hat pinned on her head, her glossy dark hair framing her face.
"You like?" Cordelia asked with a cheeky grin, twirling around, causing the short skirt to fan out, and flashing a strip of sun kissed skin above the tops of those delicious red silk stockings. His hands itched to test the difference in texture of bare flesh and silk.
"Well? Cat got your tongue?" Angel's hot eyes jerked up, noting the hands that now rested on those lovely womanly hips and a raised brow with a slight pout of query on her red-painted mouth. Nope; no cat involved he thought wryly- but it had taken a while to swallow the drool before he could open his mouth safely.
"Um; you- you look… really – festive" he finally stuttered, receiving a roll of the eyes, and something he swore looked like a hint of disappointment in those hazel orbs. Lame! For once, why, sans his newly 'dorked' status, couldn't he have least said something that came close to the describing the absolute gorgeousness of his seer?
"Maybe you should, um, take a coat?" double lame! there went the eyes again.
"And spoil the effect? I don't think so, Grr Guy; I wanna lap up the attention tonight – god knows I don't get it around here" Cordy muttered under her breath.
It was official: Angel definitely didn't find her attractive. What did she have to do to get him to notice she was a living, breathing woman? As streaking naked across the loby was definitely a no-no, then she'd ran out of ideas of how to tempt her friend into being more.
The present tucked in her purse burnt a hole; would it now be wasted – or much, much worse, christened by a certain blonde? Just the thought of her gift being used on the Slayer dried her mouth and caused her heart to drop into her boots.
"Are we ever gonna leave?" She hid her inner disappointment with a dose of snark, which brought a slight frown of confusion to the vampire's brow, who'd been watching the myriad of fleeting emotions running across her lovely face: sadness being the one that won out before irritation covered it.
"Yo! You're lookin' mighty fine tonight – am I gonna need my axe?" Cordy turned to face the young black man descending the stairs, looking delicious in close-fitting black jeans and a blood red sweatshirt with the words "Top Elf" emblazoned across the front in white.
"Why thank you, Gunn; you're a real sweety," her smile so bright that the vampire to the side hunched in on himself morosely. "He gets a smile as warm as a physical caress, and I get a roll of the eyes! How is that fair?" Angel grumbled to himself, turning away to glance towards the office.
"Wes! Are you coming out anytime soon?" his voice a little too harsh, judging by the quick frown Cordy threw his way, and a "what's his problem?' look on her face.
"Make that never!" barked the reply.
Letting out a heavy impatient sigh, Cordy strode towards the office door, completely unaware of the hot brown eyes that followed every sway of those provocative hips. Disappearing inside, the two men waiting heard what sounded like a little scuffle before she re-emerged hanging onto the ex Watcher's wrist.
Man and vampire coughed to smother the snorts of amusement at the frigid glare of the man being unceremoniously dragged into the lobby. Cordy had insisted that they followed a theme for their night out at Caritas for the Christmas do Lorne was holding, and all three men sported black jeans and red sweatshirts- except for Angel, who absolutely refused to wear one with the words "Have a bloody Merry Xmas" across the front.
He'd got away with a deep red silk shirt, reminding the little hell beast that she had bought it him, and wouldn't she like to see him wear it? Angel hadn't been around for over 250 years without learning a thing or two about little fingers and twisting – though he was usually the one twisted impossibly around hers.
"I refuse to be seen in public wearing a top with-with Santa's Little Helper on it! You did this on purpose!" Wesley's glare left the brunette to land on Gunn's top. "That should have been mine – after all, I am the boss." Cordy grinned, and then poked him in the chest.
"Well, tonight I'm the boss, so get that cute little butt into my sleigh for the ride of your life." She click clacked towards the entrance missing the sight of three male jaws hitting the floor with a thud.
"Promises, promises," Angel muttered softly – not that I could do anything about it, though. The depressing thought dogged his heels as he traipsed morosely after them, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
"Well, aren't you looking just scrumptious tonight!" Lorne's eyes gleamed with wicked amusement as his red gaze left the vampire's with a wink and rested appreciatively on the radiant brunette.
"And I'll definitely be sitting on your lap later, sweetcheeks." Cordy giggled and swatted Lorne's chest; Angel just growled and moved nearer.
"One word of advice though, sweety: the mistletoe should be on the hat- you're supposed to kiss under it. Not such a bad place, come to think of it," All eyes fell automatically to what was 'under' the mistletoe before shooting up and away- except for the amber-tinged brown.
"My god! Is this what I came to L.A. for- to be ogled by a bunch of pervs? – Angel, wake up and get me a drink." Cordy flushed under the weight of his gaze, cursing the instant response beneath the soft velvet, and his answering smirk as he noticed.
"Her body finds me hot! – Just gotta get her head to catch up" Somehow, that sounded a lot better in his mind! Muttering incoherently, Angel scooted to the bar, hoping to God she hadn't heard what he'd practically growled.
Cordy had – sort of; but was still at a loss. Was her friend always this strange? She shrugged her shoulders, not really needing to answer that. Turning to Lorne who, by this time was fighting with Wes in an attempt to remove his tightly buttoned jacket, she gave a helping hand causing Wes to stumble as his arms released with a jolt; bumping into a cute little redhead.
"Oh, I do Apologise, Miss!" He stuttered, reaching out to steady the young woman, who glanced at his sweatshirt then looked up with a cheeky grin.
"That's okay – you can bump into me anytime," she replied with a saucy wink, adding fancy 'helping' me to the bar for a drink?" She fluttered her eyelashes and practically dragged him off. Embarrassment turned rapidly to glee as he threw a stunned grin at his friends before disappearing into the crowds.
"English scored! Damn Skippy! Later." Gunn threw off his denim jacket and proudly displayed his sweatshirt before strutting into the crowds.
"Did ya get it?" Lorne looked down at the brunette with a wide smile and a nod.
"Would I forget? Are you sure you still feel up to it, Princess? I know how you feel about airing those generous lungs" he smirked at her expression of faux outrage.
"Well, At least somebody notices." Cordy whined petulantly.
"Oh, he notices, believe me!" Lorne patted her shoulder knowingly, "You want to do this now – or after a gallon or so of you're usual?" he added with a lift of his brow.
"Might as well get it out of the way before I completely lose it – and I've been having lessons, I'll have you know! Get ready to be shortly sockless." Cordy warned with a nervous grin, then took a deep breath and grabbed the Host's hand, dragging him towards the stage.
Angel looked all around him, but no sign of his Seer in sight. He frowned heavily; this is definitely where he'd left her – a thought widened his yes and tightened his gut. Had she been lured away by some 'hot hunk' as Cordy was wont to say on occasion? Dammit! Why had he been such a dick? If he'd made his move sooner, this wouldn't have happened.
There goes my promise of no killing tonight! he thought, stifling a growl; turning towards the stage as Lorne's dulcet tones filtered through the club.
"Ladies, Gentlemen and fellow Demons, have I got a treat for you! We have our very own Santa with us tonight to give you a gift you won't forget in a hurry… Cordelia Chase!" A round of applause, followed by appreciative wolf whistles filled the air as the velvet-clad beauty walked onto the stage.
Angel couldn't believe his eyes. She wouldn't! Although he hadn't had the 'pleasure' of hearing the brunette sing, he'd heard enough from others that it wasn't far off his own pathetic attempt. He just hoped to God the audience were too struck on her outfit to make a fuss…. then growled as he realised that, from her position, anyone standing directly below would be able to see just how those stockings were held up!
With a snarl, Angel strode forward, pushing himself through the avid crowd and became self-appointed body guard/bouncer, clearing a space in front of the stage. Nobody argued, which wasn't surprising, considering his reputation – and that the woman on the stage was labelled as the vampire's exclusive property. Satisfied, he folded his arms and turned to face the stage- just as Cordy opened up with her song:"I don't want a lot for Christmas
Angel's jaw went slack with pleasant surprise; how could the others have been so wrong? Her voice was melodious and sultry, her hips swinging provocatively and hazel eyes sparkling… and looking directly at him. The words registered through the dim fog of lust and love as she sang, seemingly just for him:
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true...
All I want for Christmas is
You... yea yea""I don't want a lot for Christmas
Cordy's heart pounded frantically within her chest with mortal fear as she watched the vampire closely for his reaction.
There is just one thing I need
Don't care about presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas day
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you...
You baby"
He seemed to be enjoying the song – but his mouth, which had been hanging open originally; after his macho display of pushing back the crowd, now slowly tightened; his brown eyes darker than sin as he regarded her silently. She gulped and offered a slight, nervous grin – her breath catching at the answering tilt of those firm lips.
She brushed her fingers against the sprig of mistletoe and her voice strengthened as she continued, never once looking away. The small spell that surrounded the sprig of greenery to give confidence was working a treat.
"Oh I won't ask for much this Christmas
"Good grief! What happened to Cordelia? Is there such a thing as a vocal transplant? - oof!" Wes, who'd appeared at Angel's side with the redhead wrapped around him like a hot, wet blanket, glared at the vampire when his elbow scored a direct hit to his ribs.
I won't even wish for snow
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeer click
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do
Baby all I want for Christmas is you
You baby"
"All the lights are shining
Cordy's confidence grew with each line – and she wanted to believe it was because of the hot amber glint in the vampire's eyes that were definitely not of the bad; lowering her eyelids sexily, she pinned him to the spot as she belted out the last part:
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me the one I really need -
won't you please bring my baby to me..."
"Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas
The crowd roared in approval as she bowed and smiled blindly at everyone before looking down at the manpire who lifted his arms to help her down. Her eyes widened when he slid her down his body before settling her feet on the ground. When Angel's dark head slowly dipped towards her, Cordy sighed with pleasure- her growl matching Angel's when he was jerked away abruptly.
This is all I'm asking for
I just want to see baby
Standing right outside my door
Oh I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Baby all I want for Christmas is, You baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby..."
"Hey Girl! That was well beyond cool!" Gunn swept her up and swung her round before she could tear his eyes out for spoiling her moment; then relented, giggling and enjoyed the dizzying ride.
"I must admit to very being surp- oof! Angel! Will you stop doing that?!" Wes rubbed his ribs with a glare at the sulking vampire, then leant forward to kiss Cordy's cheek. "Well done; that was most enjoyable, Cordelia."
By the time congratulations were over, Angel was thoroughly pissed. Finally, he was gonna get to kiss the girl –and what happens? His friends thwart his plans!
But as he watched them, the pointlessness of declaring his feelings overwhelmed him. What had he, a Vampire- a cursed one at that, to offer this young, beautiful living woman? Earlier euphoria deflated like a lead balloon, and by the time his Seer had returned in front of him, his face had closed off.
"Angel?" Cordy's heart sunk at the familiar neutral expression on her best friend's face. Had she imagined the emotion and desire in his eyes just a few minutes earlier?
"That was really…great, Cordy." Angel dipped his head and pecked her soft cheek, inwardly cringing at the look of sheer devastation on her face at his cool, purely platonic reaction.
Suddenly, all Cordy wanted to do was run home and hide - never to look at another soul again. Angel's response had been more than clear – and her heart shredded in her chest. Pasting a large, totally fake smile on her face, she nodded, and then dramatically brought a hand to her head. Immediately he reached out to support her.
"Vision?" his worried tone, and the instant concern of her friends standing nearby made her feel horrble, but she really needed to get out of there now.
Tears would ruin her make up for one thing!.
"No, it's okay – not a vision; but I have a killer headache. Would you guys mind if I went home?" Gunn and Wes were sucked in by the pallor of her complexion and offered to take her, but she refused with a pale smile,
"I can't let you do that. Lorne will get me a cab- I'll see you tomorrow, and I want all the gossip!" she eyed the redhead and winked cheekily at her friend, who blushed a little and smiled in defeat: when Cordy's mind was made up, nothing- and no one could change it.
"Awwe, Cordy You went to all that trouble with that hot outfit an' all… at least we got to see it anyway." Gunn winked, adding: "I'll make sure I can make your toes curl with 'gossip' of my own."
"Bring some Chocolate ice cream too, and I'll be all ears, I promise." She returned, her smile faltering slightly as she caught the dark shape of her silent 'friend' in her peripheral vision.
Don't think about it, Cor! You'll soon be home…all alone… she swallowed tightly and took a deep breath.
Angel stood slightly apart feeling like the biggest heel – and total fucking idiot in the universe as he watched her pull herself together in front of his eyes.
Until Cordy had sung that song for him – and he knew without a doubt it was for him, he'd had no idea that she returned his feelings. But it wouldn't work – it hadn't with Buffy, and what had really changed?
The only difference being that Angel wasn't prepared to walk away this time- which meant friendship was all he could offer. And it killed him more surely than a stake through the heart to admit it to himself. who'd have thought it!- Me being all altruistic?! He stepped forward.
"I'll take you home – no arguments; this isn't really my kinda thing anyway. I only came because you threatened to put Tabasco sauce in my blood for the next –ever!" He grinned, even though it took all his self-control to do so, and inwardly sighed with relief when Cordy smiled faintly and reluctantly acquiesced.
After a short round of hugs and goodbye, they left in silence. Angel shot her furtive looks all the way to the Plymouth, wanting to say something, but not knowing what to say. The atmosphere between them could have been cut with a knife, and it got marginally worse once they were ensconced in his car.
By the time Angel pulled up in front of her apartment block, he felt like screaming at the unfairness of it all, and had to stop himself from physically restraining her from leaving the car when Cordy opened the door quietly. Then she paused and rifled through her purse.
All through the journey, Cordy fought with herself about the disaster of earlier on. If she'd wanted to know where she stood with Angel, all doubts were now gone.
And now, as she made to exit the car -and leave him, her mind was made up; obviously Angel was still hung up over Buffy Summers, and, after all, Cordy was his best friend; didn't he deserve some happiness?
The fact it wouldn't be with her tore her to pieces, but still…
"Happy Christmas, Angel." Cordy held out the small package towards the vampire, who sat there staring at it in surprise, but making no move to take it.
"It isn't Christmas until tomorrow," he reminded her quietly- desperately hoping this didn't mean he wouldn't be seeing her the next day…or ever again?
"I know that, duh – but when I have a headache like this, it usually means I'll be pole-axed for most of the following day; which means I may be more than a little late." She explained breathlessly, still holding out the gift. He looked at it again, and then shook his head.
"Then I'll wait." He replied softly, "I don't mind." He added. He'd wait forever.
"No; you don't understand! You-you might change your plans tomorrow, and I want to give you time to-to arrange things." Her voice cracked a little, but Cordy was determined.
She wanted to get this out of the way now, or, God help her, she would change her mind, and feel bad for the rest of her, undoubtedly, miserable life. Angel was flummoxed; what was she talking about?
"I'm not changing anything- and why would I upset everyone by doing so? I'm cooking Christmas dinner remember?" He was host to all four of them tomorrow [the fourth being Lorne, who'd wangled an invite via Cordy.]
"Look; just open this, and then you'll understand, ok?" Cordy waved the gift in his face, "please? For me?" sighing heavily, Angel reluctantly took the package, and tore it open under her solemn gaze.
Her quiet determination unnerved him somewhat, and apprehension crawled up his spine; the paper fell to reveal a small wooden box engraved with flowers. He searched, but couldn't find a catch. Cordy reached over and pressed down on the centre rose, and it popped open.
"I've had the box ages- it's great for keeping secret stuff in – thought it would be good for this" she nodded towards the box.
Angel glanced back down to see a bottle with yellow substance nestled within, and he lifted confused eyes to her purposely-blank hazel orbs.
"Lorne recommended this Demon lady to me- she runs the Demon Brothel a couple of blocks from Caritas." Cordy began, lifting her hand to halt his questions. " It's a prophylactic – a potion so you can get…groiny. A paranormal thingy that more or less superglue's that shaky soul of yours – so, enjoy; and say hello to Buffy for me," Cordy shot from the car before Angel could respond, and shot towards her apartment hastily.
Angel sat there for several minutes as his Seer's words sank into his reeling brain.
Superglue… soul… groiny… a smile formed on his face, growing steadily into a full blown grin as he inwardly digested the information. Then two more things occurred to him: Cordy had disappeared into her apartment – and her last few words.
"Enjoy; and say hello to Buffy for me." "Ahh, crap!" Angel was out of the car and knocking on the door within seconds, and growled in frustration when it remained stubbornly closed.
"Dennis, help me out here?" no response. "Look, I'm here to make it right, okay? Trust me... Thanks" Angel entered the still-darkened lounge and walked towards the soft strip of light that glowed beneath the bedroom door, shedding his jacket as he did so.
"Cordy?" the sniffles coming from the heap of red, white and gold that lay on the bed halted abruptly.
"Wh-what are you doing here? I thought you'd be on you're way to good ol' SunnyHell by now." Cordelia was beyond being all giving and nice right now- that had died a death as soon as she'd fled his car.
Angel approached the bed silently, and sat on the edge, next to her hip. Her face was buried in the pillows and her hair surrounded her head. The scent of her tears strangely gave him hope.
"Now why would I be going there?" he asked lightly. Now he was sure, Angel could wait- for now, anyway. A grin curved his mouth as he thought about what the night might just consist of.
"Duh! Don't be dense, Angel; Love of your life, soul mate…Buffy; any of that ring a bell?" she couldn't believe he was here, rubbing it in –why doesn't he just offer to go the whole hog and stick the knife in - and give it a good twist?!
"Well…the second one is a crock- my personal opinion, and the third is way past old history." Angel watched intently as her whole body stilled at his words. and now for the piece de resistance.
"And as for the first; Love of my Life – I'm kinda looking at her right now," he finished softly, a huskiness threading through his tone.
Cordy turned over abruptly and stared at him in shock, not quite believing she'd heard right. Angel held up the bottle and shook the contents lightly, the grin firmly in place.
"So… how do we do this then? Do I drink it? – Does it take long? Cos I gotta tell ya, I'm not really wanting to wait-?" he wriggled his eyebrows suggestively, relieved when a smile crept onto her tear streaked face.
Mascara smeared in smudgy lines along her cheeks, and her eyes were slightly reddened; lipstick faded…but Cordy had never looked more beautiful to him.
"Yes; right away – and neither do I." Cordy answered all of his questions with a mix of uncertainly and excitement.
Before she'd finished, the bottle was drained and discarded, and his body leaned into hers, easing her back onto the mattress whilst his lips latched on and devoured hers hungrily. After several breathless minutes, he lifted his head; his melting eyes dropping to linger hotly on her throat and below, and a wicked smile tugged that perfect mouth.
"Lorne was right about the Mistletoe- how can I resist?" Cordy squealed, then moaned as he kissed every inch underneath that wonderful, wonderful, amazing, magical sprig of greenery- not that she needed it any more!
'Happy' Christmas!!'
Song by Mariah Carey. [All I Want For Christmas is You]
Leave a comment
(used for general site comments/queries also)