Title: Home Comforts
Author: sachielk@blueyonder.co.uk
Posted: Friend ship/a bit of angst/Romance.
Email
Rating: N-17
Category:
Content:
Summary: Sequel to the standalone Visiting Hours. by request. Angel takes it upon himself to care for injured Cordelia, and things change irrevocably - but for the best?
Spoilers: BTVS3, After 'Lover's Walk'. No 'The Wish, Amends.
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: Angel is more driven by his demon in this, so he may seem a bit ooc compared to cannon. Hell, to me, would have knocked out at least some of his restraint, in my opinion. Plus it never hurts to take the 'lap' outta the dog, lol.
Notes:
Thanks/Dedication: Wonderful ficpic by DamnSkippy. Mwah!
Feedback:Please?
Part 1
Cordelia pulled her denim jacket closer to her shivering body. Although it was quite a warm night, she just couldn't seem to get warm.
“Home sweet home, here I come.” she muttered wearily, as she made her way to the Hospital car park.
Although her parents were still 'occupied' abroad, they had deigned to make sure her car was delivered and ready for her to pick up when she was due to leave the hospital.
Now, feeling like crap, she had to go to a 'home' that was presently vacant of her parents. Rosa, the housekeeper finished at six pm, and as the Doctor had told her at eight, that he would [finally.] give in to her demands to leave; she hadn't wanted to disturb the woman.
In Cordelia's mind, Rosa did more than enough already. - Practically bringing her up without much help from Mummy and Daddy.
“What are you doing out here?” Cordelia nearly jumped out of her clothes at the deep, slightly worried tones of the male voice just behind her.
“Angel. You so need a bell. –Jeez.” a trembling hand clasped to her chest, Cordelia had spun round, and was now regarding the Tall Vampire in annoyance.
“Sorry, Cordy- Can I- do you mind me calling you that?” Angel stuttered slightly, as he shifted, uncomfortable under her 'Queen C' glare.
Her expression quickly melted into a gentle grin at his sudden awkwardness. Cordelia found it quite endearing…the smile vanished as she realised; that in her haste to leave the sterile Hospital room, she'd forgotten all about the Vampire's offer of visiting her.
“And I thought They were rude and inconsiderate.- Way to go, Cordy.” All the warmth felt at his of his automatic shortening of her name flew from her mind, as she rushed to apologise.
“Oh, God. What must you think of me. So totally crass. I forgot you were- maybe coming to visit tonight?” her contrition ended in a hesitant question. She kicked herself mentally for sounding so pathetic.
“Yes, I was…and, please, don't worry about it- are you going home?” Angel glanced around, suddenly realising that her parent's may be with her.
When he realised she was, indeed alone, his gut clenched in anger at the absence. What the Hell was wrong with those people. His dark eyes took in her still-pale features, and the slight stoop as she nursed her side. Then he glanced at the red sports car they stood beside. How was she supposed to drive in her condition?
“Nowhere else to go- except in that Hellhole.” Cordelia grimaced and shuddered theatrically, a slight grin flicked across her features; a captured sunbeam that didn't linger long enough for the sun worshipper to bathe in.
“My parents' are still away- you probably figured that out by now.” A hint of bitterness slipped out from under the uncaring façade she displayed.
Reaching for the car keys, and plucking them from her unresisting fingers, Angel unlocked the passenger door. Opening it, he stood aside, turning back to the now silent young woman.
“I'll drive you home. Is anyone there to look after you?” He asked, as she climbed in, weariness and a touch of pain in her slow movements.
She waited for him to close the door and join her in the car before replying.
“Nope- but I'm pretty much used to it. No need to worry about me. I've spent most of my life on my own in that house.” The Vampire paused, his fingers gripping the key but not turning on the ignition.
For a long moment, he gazed at her averted face. How she was supposed to take care of herself in such a fragile condition was beyond his comprehension. To his mind, Cordelia shouldn't even have been out of the hospital yet. She'd only spent a week there; not at all long enough to heal very much.
Firing the engine, Angel reversed out of the parking spot, then made his way out of the lot. After a couple of minutes, Cordelia realised that they were heading in the opposite direction to her home.
“You're going the wrong way. You should have turned left when we came out. My house isn't this way.” turning to face him carefully, her expression openly displayed her confusion.
“I know. I'm not taking you to an empty house, Cordy; you're in no fit state to be on your own.” Angel didn't take his eyes off the road, but he looked pretty relaxed for a potential kidnapper.
“So, where are you taking me? SunneyHell's Convalescence Hospice?” He ignored her attempt at sarcasm, again hearing only the poignant exhaustion stripping away the usual Cordelia Chase voice he'd heard on so many past occasions.
Any hesitation he'd had about his sudden decision melted away in a heartbeat.
“I'm taking you home- with me” Angel's tone brooked no argument.
And, to be honest with herself, Cordelia was too weak and tired to wrap her mind around the total wrongness of this turn of events. Sitting back, she rested her head against the headrest, and closed her eyes…
***
Although the journey to the Mansion was relatively short, Cordelia was fast asleep by the time they arrived outside.
Turning off the engine, and slipping out quietly, Angel made his way to the passenger side. Opening the door and leaning in, he gently scooped the sleeping young woman into his arms, careful not to jolt her wound.
Easily locking up the car, he walked quickly to his darkened home. Once inside, he paused to drop the deadbolt.
Angel rarely bothered in the past, to secure the Mansion- not that anyone would have ever had the balls to enter the home of the Infamous Angelus; Soul or not. And Human's tended to avoid the place due too it's isolation.
In SunnyDale, you learned early on not to wander in remote places- be it day or night. But the Vampire had mainly left it unlocked for the infrequent visits of his then-girlfriend, Buffy.
The Slayer hadn't made any attempt to visit him since that fateful night; but Angel wasn't about to take any chances now. The last thing either he or Cordelia needed was a confrontation with a suspicious Slayer/Ex.
Taking the stairs two at a time, He practically glided upwards; his supernatural stealth and grace at it's peak in his concern not to jostle his precious bundle. Pushing open the door of his room with a heavily muscled shoulder, Angel moved towards the bed, reaching out a hand to sweep back the single blanket and sheet.
Having no need for the warmth of many covers, His bedding was to a minimum. The only luxury he bothered with was the soft, dark cool silk sheets and pillowcases that Angelus had acquired- Angel couldn't quite bring himself to exchange them for the plain cotton ones tucked away in the ottoman against the far wall.
Placing her gently down, he stood back for a moment, considering his next move.
No way could he let her sleep in her outer clothes- Cordelia would probably waken in the night highly uncomfortable. Whilst not worrying about his ability to disrobe her without waking her- he'd had plenty of experience in that particular, 'Soulless' department.- Angel was more concerned with how the girl would feel, knowing it could have only been him that had done it.
His mind finally made up, he leaned over to remove her shoes, jacket and the cardigan of her two-piece set. Again he straightened, surveying her, a frown between his brows.
Gritting his teeth, he proceeded to remove her form-fitting pants and silk-knit sweater, reminding himself that girls today wandered around comfortably in skimpy bikinis without a second thought.
“This is no different.” He told himself; trying hard not to stare as her –now scantily clad body was revealed to him. The exquisite plains of sun kissed, golden dips and curves were partially obscured by the deep turquoise silk of her bra and panties. “Yeah, right.”
A major part of his mind was glad the soft material wasn't sheer; the Demon within growled in disappointment.
Shaking his head roughly, Angel reached for the pulled back sheet, and was about to cover her, when his gaze latched onto the stark white dressing covering her injury. His eyes narrowed with concern at the small stain of blood at the centre. Fresh blood, he surmised: his nostrils flaring at the spicy coppery scent attacking his senses.
Opening his large closet, Angel retrieved a First Aid box secreted in a deep corner. Buffy had brought it around on one of her visits, arguing that, if she was going to be staying there so much, it made sense to have it around.
He'd forgotten all about it- not seeing much point using it himself. It wasn't something a Vampire would think about, what with super healing powers.
And, besides that one time at Buffy's home, no one else had ever bothered doing something like that for him.
Easing down onto the edge of the mattress, Angel leaned over to gently peel away the hospital dressing. As the lost blood was so recent- probably the walk to her car. He growled softly-, the soft lint lifted easily.
Finding some antiseptic wipes, he carefully smoothed her skin. Satisfied that the stitches hadn't torn, he withdrew a fresh square dressing and placed it over the wound, before securing it with surgical tape. Recalling the actual type of injury, he deftly eased Cordelia onto her side to check the entry wound. The dressing was still pristine. Pleased, he settled her onto her back; collecting the soiled bandages and box.
After disposing of both, Angel again returned to the bed; this time covering the sleeping young woman immediately; averting his eyes from the satiny temptation of the lithe beauty that lay like a sensual, beckoning banquet before him.
After getting a quilted comforter to add to the covers, Angel slipped from the room, leaving the door ajar, then returned downstairs.
If Cordelia was to be comfortable here, then the Mansion needed to be warm- and clean.
Angel hadn't really bothered with anything except the bare necessities since he'd had no visitors since the debacle with Spike; Buffy had been true to her word, and he hadn't seen her for over a week.
Although it hurt at the time terribly, he'd had time to think it over, and found himself agreeing with her decision. After his long stint in a Hell dimension, the cons of their earlier relationship had multiplied.
And, he was loathe to admit, that deep down the thought most prominent in his mind after a demon Hell century of continuous torture, had been the fact that the Slayer hadn't really needed to send him there…his blood was all that had been needed to close the vortex.
But, then again, it was a highly distressing culmination of events. So he couldn't really blame her for not taking the time to check out all the details.
Changing direction away from the kitchen and grabbing his leather Duster, Angel left the Mansion, locking the doors behind him.
The cleaning could wait until he'd filled the cupboards and fridge. He doubted Cordelia would be too impressed by his only stocking O Pos.
Sliding behind the drivers' seat of her car, Angel shrugged off the twinge of guilt at his use of it; he doubted she'd mind in this instance. - But he had less success ridding himself of the surge of excitement and pleasure at the thought of having company for the next few days or so.
Even if it was a girl he'd never considered a real friend before.
Angel ignored his demon's snort of disbelief, and drove off…
***
Cordelia awoke to the muted sound of birds.
For a long moment, she savoured it; her hospital room window had been tightly closed through her entire confinement, and she didn't realise how much she'd missed Nature waking her up. Way better than a Nurse prodding her awake with the insistence of yucky hospital breakfast. Okay; little over a week wasn't that long, but it had felt like an age.
Frowning slightly, Cordelia suddenly noticed something was missing. Although her home was tucked in a decent plot of grounds, the soft hum of traffic was still in the background. Besides the birds, the silence was almost unnatural; reminding her of childhood vacations to a cabin her parents had once owned in the mountains.
The feel of soft fabric beneath her finally opened her eyes- she'd know the caress of silk anywhere. The first thing she saw was dark, floor length drapes, as the bed she slept in faced them.
The large room was quite dark, but a few slivers of light escaped around the edges of the thick material, allowing her too see pretty well. To her left was an antique bedside cabinet, and along the wall a large walk-in closet, and a partially opened door. A glimpse of wall tiles could be seen. A bathroom. A soft oak ottoman rested against the wall just after that.
Her sleepy eyes again flicked the drape-covered wall, following it along till they lit on a solid, masculine chest of drawers, another door, and an upholstered chair near the bed. Her gaze rested on the occupant sleeping in it, hazel orbs widening as she realised where she must be.
“I must be in his room- his bed.” the last thought caused a small shiver to slide down her body; which intensified when she also realised she was practically naked under the covers of the large, wrought iron bed.
Since there had only been the two of them, Cordelia summed up the source of her lack of clothes. A flush surged up her neck, and settled on her embarrassed face.
Angel had seen her naked. - Well; not far from it, she thought, mortified; recalling the flimsy bra and panty set she'd put on last night. Oh God. How was she ever going to be able to look him in the face again? - Never mind direct eye contact.
Although Cordelia wasn't ashamed of her body, contrary to school speculation, no one of the male variety had ever seen as much as the Vampire had- not counting the Doctors at the Hospital, anyway.
The half-cup bra barely covered her full breasts, and the tanga-cut briefs were just as indecent. Thank God they were at least opaque.
-Were they? Lifting the sheet, she checked them out, breathing a small sigh of relief to find she was right- then jumped out of her skin as the silence was broken by a deep, rich voice, husky with sleep.
“I'm sorry, Cordelia. I didn't want you to be uncomfortable through the night.” Angel had woken to the sight of a very flushed young woman, and at the almost panicked way she'd peeked under the covers he hastened to reassure her.
“It's okay- I've seen a lot of women in my time dressed in less than that.” shit. Angel mentally kicked himself. Way to go, Moron. Why not pat her knee like a dirty old man, too? From the look on Cordelia's face, he instinctively knew that same thought had crossed her mind.
“Well, you haven't seen me.” she huffed, the flush deepening enchantingly, as she clutched the sheet to her neck.
I have now. “I'm sorry.” He repeated, awkwardly shifting his large frame in the chair that looked a little too small for him.
At his movement, Cordelia's face softened as realisation that he must have sat there, unarguably uncomfortable, to watch her through the night.
“Oh, Forget it. I've been poked and prodded by a handful of male Doctors the past week or so. I suppose one more makes no difference.” shrugging lightly.
The awkward expression changed to one she couldn't decipher; chocolate eyes narrowing for a split second before his handsome face slipped into neutral, pleasant query.
“How are you feeling today?” he asked aloud; his mind still dwelling on her lightly spoken words.
The thought of those men leering over her caused a twinge of something very akin to possessiveness- and her likening him to 'just another Doctor' stung. What the Hell was that?
He was acting like a jealous boyfriend-, Lover. Which in itself was ridiculous.
Until that night when he'd visited her, Angel hadn't really paid much attention to her as a human being- never mind a potential friend. He shook off his deepening thoughts; tuning into her reply.
“A bit stiff, sore…the hospital gave me some painkillers; but I don't want to take too many. I've seen what they can do enough of my mothers' friends.” and mummy. Cordelia grimaced.
If it wasn't the pills for her many 'ailments', it was the bottom of the brandy decanter. No way was she turning into the same kind of woman.
Angel watched the varying emotions flit across her lovely face, and wondered what had caused the mixture of bitterness, disgust and weary resignation. Rising to his feet, he lifted her purse from the floor besides the bed, handing to her.
“I'm sure this once won't hurt- you've only just come out.” He insisted, walking across the room and slipping into the bathroom.
Cordelia heard the sound of water running, and then he reappeared, carrying a half-filled glass. Reaching into her bag, she drew out the tub of tablets. After a moment of struggling with the childproof cap, the Vampire plucked it from her. Reading the instructions, he easily removed the lid and shook out two tiny yellow capsules.
Taking one from his proffered palm, Cordy popped it into her mouth and quickly gulped down half the water; shaking her head at the remaining one.
“One's enough. They pack a major punch- If I have another, I'll end up in ComaLand for the rest of the day.” she explained, at his stubborn expression; breathing a light sigh of relief when, after hesitating for an endless moment, he replaced the pill and screwed on the cap, placing it on the bedside cabinet.
“okay- but don't let misguided bravado stop you from another if you need it.”
“Yes, Daddy.” Cordelia shot him a cheeky grin before lifting the glass back to her lips. She missed the flash of amber that lit his eyes fleetingly.
She had no idea what that particular comment did to him; and Angel didn't want to look to closely at his knee-jerk reaction.
Maybe it was for the best that Cordelia thought of him in that light- and probably a good idea for him to adhere to it.
Probably…
-But he didn't have to like it.
Part 2
“Wow” You have a nice place. - A bit sparse; but then, you are a guy.” Cordelia glanced around the large dim lounge, and silently wondered if he ever missed the kiss of the sun?
The windows of his Mansion were either painted black, boarded over, or covered in heavy, midnight velvet drapes.
“Don't you ever worry that a gust of wind, or something, could open them?” waving a casual hand towards said curtains, as she glanced over to him.
Angel stood near the doorway, not moving into the room since they'd descended the stairs; Content to watch her as she meandered around, picking things up to inspect them more closely.
“I've never really given it much thought, to be honest.” Though, thinking of it now, he realised his blind carelessness. He'd spent too long ingratiating himself with Humans lately, and had become a little complacent.
Cordelia now stood in the centre of the room, her hands digging deep into the pockets of Angel's dark silk robe.
Seemed her guilt-ridden new friend still liked the finer things in life, where skin was concerned. Also, she would swear that the objects de art she'd seen so far, were the real deal. Growing up with a Father who had fingers even in the Art World-pies had taught her a lot.
Turning towards the silent Vampire, Cordelia swallowed the annoyed words that pushed to come out, at his seeming reluctance to join her. He stood, large hands half hidden in his pants' pockets, a similar pose to hers; and he just…stared.
Cordelia had refused to dress in “yesterday's cast offs.” stating that she usually changed at least twice a day- so no way was she going to wear the same; probably grungy, clothes two days in a row. After offering her the item of clothing, he'd been ordered out of his own room, to allow her some privacy.
So there she stood; her lush, yet small frame devoured by his large, dark red robe. Her ankles and feet the only things visible to his probing eyes. She'd wrapped it around her so snugly; that the neckline crossed over, covering her neck almost completely.
Cordelia Chase was a ravishing sight. – And a big part of him wanted to rush over and unwrap her like a long-awaited gift.
Angel couldn't understand it. He'd only truly 'known' her for a couple of days- yet, the more time he spent in her company, the more aware of her he became.
The initial sympathy that had drawn him to visit her at the Hospital had been tinged with mild attraction- and the realisation that; under her sometimes brash- and frequently sharp façade, lay a sadness and loneliness that reminded him, a little, of his own.
The growing awareness of her true beauty, and a glimpse of her warm heart had escalated the attraction to a simmering desire. It shocked him to his core. He couldn't remember the last time- Soul resident, that he'd felt such an overwhelming physical pull.
Possibly stronger than the physical desire he'd felt for the Slayer; Angel's love for Buffy had always been tinged with pain and guilt. –This new feeling was pure, anticipatory pleasure.
Maybe this set up was a terrible mistake? He should have just taken her home, and walked away. He scowled at the instant tightening in his gut- an instinctive reaction to his mind's logic.
Shifting uncomfortably under his slowly darkening gaze, Cordelia spoke, trying hard to keep her voice to a light, relaxed level.
“As much as I appreciate your concern and offer of being my very own personal 'Lady-in-Waiting',” ignoring the raised eyebrows of her still silent companion, “ I so need some clothes and things- maybe I should just go home?” She'd meant that last part as a statement; but it came out as a hesitant question.
What the Hell was up with her? Had she suddenly regressed to 'Miss-soft-and-delicate'? Cordelia shook her head in self disgust.
He was startled by her question. Was she reading his mind? –Again with that tight feeling at the thought of her leaving. - Only he was a good deal less ambivalent about it now she suggested it. No way in Hell was the clear reply in his head now.
With this last thought in his mind, Angel finally stepped into the room, stalking over to her gracefully until only a few feet separated them. Immediately, Cordelia felt overwhelmed. And it wasn't just the height and sheer breadth of the Vampire. He exuded sexual charisma like most people she knew gave off overpowering, and overused perfume.
Alarm bells went off in her head, and she instinctively stepped back.
Angel narrowed his eyes briefly at her action, but stifled his urge to reach out and pull her closer- much closer than was healthy for either of them.
He wasn't afraid of letting out Angelus: A brief intervention by the Higher Beings who'd sent him back, had made sure that particular loophole in his Curse had been nullified.
Still angry and confused when He'd first came back, angel hadn't even thought of relaying that little 'titbit' to the Slayer…held back resentment that he'd never confessed to her had kept him quiet.
Plus there was never a 'right' time to tell her- not without it looking like he hadn't wanted to continue where they'd left off. It had been left unsaid too long.
No; that wasn't why he held back with Cordelia…Seeing a chance to finally have a real, honest-to-goodness friend was just too precious to destroy by launching an all out sensual attack- especially as she didn't seem interested anyway.
But the thought of her leaving frightened the Hell out of him; even his Demon snarled at the thought.
“No. Don't leave.” Angel paused: even to his own ears he sounded needy and panicked. He paused, inwardly collecting himself.
He could do this. These feelings were probably the result of being afraid of being alone –again.
Yes. That's what it was. the Eureka moment felt more like an excuse; but he shrugged it off without giving it too much thought.
“You aren't as mobile as you'd like people to believe, Cordy- I'll go get whatever you want; I just, um, need a-an invitation to enter your home.” Could he sound any more pathetic?
“Can I do that? - I mean; invite you without actually being there?” If that were true, she would definitely have to be more aware of her runaway mouth in public, Cordelia decided- not noticing his slip with her name for the second time in as many days.
“Yeah; it's kinda kept quiet between Vampires- any chance of getting into someone's' home is a plus- to them.” Angel added, hastily.
“You just need to say I'm invited into your home.” Suddenly, he looked unsure of himself, dropping his gaze to his black leather clad feet.
“You're invited into my home, Angel.” Cordelia's voice was low and soft. When he immediately raised his eyes, the softness was reflected in her face. He released the breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding
***
The rest of the day passed uneventfully. After eating a breakfast cooked perfectly “By an Undead guy who lives on a liquid diet.” as Cordelia so succinctly put it, she allowed Angel to take her back to his room, but insisted he left her to sleep without 'hovering like a Nanny'.
Once he'd cleaned up the breakfast dishes, Angel settled down with a book, trying to pass time quickly so he could leave the Mansion once night had fallen.
After several attempts, Angel threw down the book; inwardly flinching when it bounced off the casual table next to the fireplace. So much for all the care he'd taken with it in the past.
Rising to his feet, he made his way up the stairs and stealthily let himself into his room.
Sliding into the chair, he leaned back, and quietly watched the sleeping young woman curled up in his bed…
Part 3
“Jeez, Angel. Are you trying to push my dress up a few notches?” Cordelia pushed the remains of the late lunch the Vampire had been preparing when she'd finally came downstairs.
Steak, small new potatoes shimmering with butter, and a side salad of juicy tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber and even green apple chunks. He'd been busy.
“You need to build your strength up, Cordy. A few extra pounds won't hurt you.” Angel tentatively sipped his mug of heated pig's blood.
When she'd first sat down, Cordelia had asked him if he was eating too. After watching him hesitating uncomfortably for a minute, she'd rolled her eyes and sighed loudly.
“I know what you are, Grrr Guy. Just eat already. - I'll imagine it's a strawberry Smoothie or something, if it makes you feel better.” then tucked into her meal with obvious pleasure.
After hovering over her uncertainly, Angel eventually decided to do as she insisted.
For the first time since he'd been cursed with a Soul, he drank blood in front of a human. And She didn't react to it at all; continuing to eat her meal, smiling and throwing the occasional compliment about his 'yummy' cooking his way…
“Is that your way of saying I'm too skinny? If I'm skin and bones, what would you call Miss-Little-Likes-to-Fight?” as soon as the words left her mouth, Cordelia regretted them.
She hadn't seen Buffy since before she'd ended up in hospital, but Harmony had rung her; mentioning 'Miss Freak' had got herself a new beau. Cordelia had surmised from that information, that that was why the Vamp hadn't breathed her name since he'd first visited her.
Once upon a time, it was all she'd ever heard- when he deigned to talk to her, that is. Buffy this, Buffy that…where's Buffy. Cordelia quelled the surge of jealousy her thoughts brought to the surface.
“No. You have a beautiful body.” It was Angel's turn to curse inwardly. Shit. He busied himself by rising to his feet and rinsing out his mug extra carefully.
Flicking a quick look over his shoulder, he noted that she looked as uncomfortable as him; then realised it was her unintentional mention of his ex girlfriend rather than him blurting out such a provocative comment. He inwardly sighed in relief.
“Thanks for the compliment.” she murmured, ducking her head to take a sip of juice. She was pretty much used to flattery; knew she wasn't exactly plain Jane, and normally every morsel was collected without a thought…but Angel had sounded so- sincere.
Somehow, that sincerity felt a little too threatening to their tentative building of friendship. Maybe she was reading too much into things lately? The last week or so had been a true nightmare.
Feeling bad about her earlier comment, she glanced towards him. He seemed to be taking an inordinate amount of time washing a single piece of crockery.
“Sorry about the- you know, Buffy thing. I still can't believe you two crazy guys aren't together any more…are you?” Except for her friend's juicy titbit, Cordelia didn't really know for sure how true it was.
Who in their right mind would throw such a hottie aside for a run-of-the-mill high school kid?
Finally feeling comfortable enough to face her, Angel walked over to the table and sat down opposite. Cordelia continued to play with the food left on her plate. Reaching out, he moved it to the side and took the fork out of her hand.
“No, we're not.” He sighed. What to tell her? Buffy's reason's for ending the relationship could have been quashed with four simple words:
“My soul is permanent.”
But he'd let the moment slip through his fingers.
It wasn't just the fact that she was a Slayer and he a natural enemy; other things had niggled him about the whole relationship. Buffy's habit of leaving him standing/sitting on the peripherals of her friends; never trying to draw him into the conversation- unless it had to do with killing/tracking/researching a Demon or Vampire.
Her constant guilt about Rupert Giles; what his Demon had done to the man, who looked upon The Slayer as his own daughter…Angel knew she'd struggled to find a happy medium there, but had never been able to pull it off.
Then there was the Harris Boy. His blatant hatred-, which didn't bother Angel in the slightest; upset Buffy no end. He often wondered if those two would have ever got together if he hadn't arrived on the scene. And there was yet another reason why Angel disliked the boy.
How could someone so obviously in love with a girl, play games with someone else's heart- and then have the audacity to bring yet another one into play?
He really hated that little prick.
Although his eyes were trained on her face, Cordelia knew Angel wasn't looking at her right then. Those melting brown orbs were hazy with deep thought. Had she opened a nasty can of worms? Way to go, Cor. - Alienate the only real friend you've ever had. The noise of her juice glass hitting the table top made her jump. She hadn't meant to slam it down so hard.
But it jerked the Vamp out of his thoughts too.
“She…I- we decided it was for the best to…end it. It wouldn't have worked out anyway; Buffy being the Slayer, and me being…It wouldn't have worked out.” Angel repeated. How long had he been staring unseeingly into her lovely face? By her irritated look, it had been a while.
“She decided? Oh, I see. I'm sorry, Angel.” Cordelia decided then and there, that any chance that he'd maybe been attracted to her, was all in her silly little mind. Stop whining.. –At least you have his friendship. That is all you wanted, anyway.
If she kept repeating it to herself enough, maybe she'd start to believe her own lies.
“As I said; it was inevitable, Cordy. Better now than a few years down the line, before things got- even more complicated.” Angel replied cryptically.
“I like it when you say that.” A smile brightened her face.
“Say what?” His brows rose in confusion.
“'Cordy'.Not many people call me that. My parents' and teachers address me as 'Cordelia', and my so-called friends- who never visited me, by the way. - Shortened it to 'Cor' when they wanted something..” Although the last bit showed annoyance, he didn't pick up any trace of bitterness over her 'friends' lack of concern.
“Then 'Cordy' it is.” a real smile lit up his face, and Cordelia's breath hitched at the beauty of it.
Rising to his feet, angel scooped up her plates and glass. The tingling at the base of his neck told him the sun had finally gone down.
“Will you be alright here alone, while I go to get your things?” Dumping the dishes into the sink, he turned, his expression enquiring. Although He'd left her last night, the Mansion had been secured and she'd been dead to the world. He wasn't sure how she'd feel being left here with the knowledge that there wasn't a soul around for miles.
“Yeah, I'm good. Sorta used to the whole alone thing, remember?” her reassuring smile took the edge off her words.
After agreeing to Cordelia's suggestion that he take her car, Angel left her curled up on a settee, flicking through one of the magazines he'd bought her last night. Her smile of gratitude had sent a warm tingle through his gut.
He knew he was going to miss her badly when she finally left for home. Angel just hoped it wasn't too soon.
Part 4 |