Go TeamC/A
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Part 4, Let the Games Begin Cordelia easily relaxed into Angel's comforting and very male body as he sauntered into the Bronze like God's gift to women everywhere. His heavily muscled arm draped lazily over the brunette's shoulder and he nuzzled her hair.
“Asswipe at ten” the vampire warned under the pretense of kissing her soft hair, Angel grazed his cheek across the silky, held back strands and inhaled the natural scent deeply, committing it to his memory bank.
“I'm not playing Name That Smell Hans Soulio so you can shove it up your, uh, nice firm and muscular ass!” what? It was his ass too and it wasn't fat.
“Thanks for the heads-up” Cordelia turned her face into his, letting his lips softly slide down where he flicked his tongue out to taste her lips a little, making her start. “Dog much? What's with the licking?”
“Spread em babe, I'll show you licking!”
“Just tasting, nothing wrong with that is there?” Angel commented in reply as he led her purposely past the table where Buffy and the others normally sat. Neither he nor Cordelia even gave it a sparing or pitiful glance.
The first people Cordelia attracted attention from were Harmony and Aura, her not-so-best-friends. “Cor” Angel purred, tilting her chin up so her eyes once again locked onto his. “I'm gonna get a drink ok sweetheart? You want anything?”
“Um, I don't suppose you could smuggle me a cocktail?” this would be the very first time she laid it on thick. Her hazel eyes widened, her glossy lower lip pooched out and her shoulders swung back and forth. “Please Angel? I've been a really good girl”
“Oh she's a bad little kitty Hans, get the girl a drink or two. Make it them Screaming Orgasms, triple!”
Angel gave her a stern look, tracing her pouting lower lip with a gentle sweep of a cool fingertip. “Think you can handle an Orgasm sweetheart?”
“Oh… My… God…! That is just so hot” Harmony swooned to Aura as she openly looked the man in black leather up and down. “Did you hear him? He's so masculine!”
“Shut her up will you? I'm trying to flirt here for Satan's sake. Can't a demon get any anymore without being interrupted?!”
“I think” Cordelia purred right back at him, her wide eyes unblinking as her tongue darted out to wet her upper lip with a slow, beckoning caress. “I can handle anything you want me to swallow”
“Red alert! Hans Soulio's launching!”
Angel visibly gulped but recovered quickly when he caught the gaze of a certain blue-eyed blonde that was glaring in his direction. The vampire saw the look of angered frustration on her face and figured she'd been watching him the whole time. “C'mon Cor” he murmured “Come with me, who knows what you might end up swallowing”
Cordelia caught the edge to his purred lilt, immediately the realization hit that they were putting on a show. Angel felt the rush of tension through her and slung his arm back around her waist protectively and noted how his show of care had her relaxing into him again. That hadn't happened with Buffy, the blonde had tensed at his touch but this was new and he liked he made someone safe.
“Can't you wait baby?” she asked coyly, bringing a hand up to twirl a strand of her hair around her finger in a classic flirt move that brought a grin to his face. “I can't, my tongue seems kinda dry, I need something cool on it. I tell you what” Cordelia met his gaze flirtatiously. “I'll get the drinks and you wait here. That way I can surprise you”
“Think you can?” Angel enquired genuinely, “I've been around sweetheart, I don't think there's anyway you can surprise me but feel free to try”
“Is that a bet?”
“What does the winner get?”
Cordelia paused deep in thought for a second or two before answering, “The winner gets whatever she…”
“Or he” Angel added with a pointed stare, this flirting thing was fun.
“Or he wants. Deal?” she held out her hand for him to shake it and seal the deal. Cordelia smiled when he kissed the back of her hand instead. “Tasting again are we?”
“Get the drinks Cor, will you be able to get something stronger than soda?” Angel asked, openly taking the piss over her age and griped about her not being able to get served alcohol.
“If I can, then you'll be surprised won't you?” Cordelia responded easily, winking at the vampire she sauntered off leaving him in the company of two openly drooling teenagers.
“So you're dating Cordy now?” Harmony asked, hoping he'd say no when it was plainly obvious he was.
“No, I'm just using her so she'll wash my dishes” Angel replied sarcastically as he watched the way Cordelia's ass held a very tantalizing sway. The leather moved with her body's natural rhythm and clung to her curves. As his eyes tracked her, he saw the reason why she wanted to go too the bar; Xander.***
Cordelia reached the bar a little flushed, she'd felt the vampire watching her and couldn't help the smug feeling she got when she clicked he was checking her ass out. She looked good and she knew it, it was one thing to feel good about yourself but it was another when somebody didn't use words to tell you. In her opinion, actions spoke louder than words and his actions made her feel truly wanted.
“What can I get you?” Trevor, the bartender, asked with a smile at her. He'd known this girl for years; he waited for her father's parties from time to time and got paid very well for doing practically nothing.
“Trevor” Cordelia stated her greeting, “I don't suppose I could have a Jack Daniels, smooth and off the rocks please? And a multiple Screamer?”
“Cordy, I can't serve you alcohol you know that” Trevor told her seriously, “I could lose my license”
“Please Trevor?” came the asking nicely, then came the mega-watt smile and the coy, little shrug. “It's a special occasion” she told him, “You see, my boyfriend and I”
Xander listened in when he heard his ex speak about a new boyfriend and felt a flare of envy rise up in his gut.
“Are celebrating the fact that we're serious after a hitting a few speed-bumps on the track and I want something special” Cordelia told the barman, fully aware of Xander's undivided attention.
“Serious? I thought he'd gone behind your back and you're telling me you're back that dolt?” Trevor asked in shock.
Cordelia squashed the humiliation that even Trevor knew about the Harris situation. “No, not that other guy, he was one of the speed-bumps. I mean that man over there” she turned to look at Angel and pointed him out, hiding her laughter when she saw him being talked to by Harmony who's mouth seemed to be moving rapidly.
Trevor nodded, “And you and he are serious? As in a major couple?” he asked, “I saw him with that blonde girl last week”
“Another speed-bump, you know how a guy feels guilty and can't break up with a girl because he feels she needs him?” Cordelia remarked, her voice and face full of pity for Buffy. “Well, he was with her for a year and I couldn't wait so I dated Xander Harris because he's Buffy's friend and it was the only we could be around each other without actually acting on it” she explained.
“It was hard on the both of us, being around each other day after day without being able to do anything about it” her expression went from pitiful to longing in a single second. “It wasn't as if either one of us would cheat you know? The funny thing is, he and I were the ones that got betrayed by both Xander and Buffy, so we wasted an entire year of happiness just to make sure those two didn't get hurt”
Again, Trevor nodded in understanding, “I get it, so you and that guy were platonic because those people you were dating needed you?” he asked with a frown. “That sucks, but you and he have finally got it on?”
Cordelia beamed at him, her face glowing with pure delight and her smile rivaled the sun. “It's taken a year but yeah. Cordy Chase has finally met her match and she couldn't be happier”
“You deserve it girl, lemme get you your drinks on the house since it really is a cause for celebration and I love a good love story!”
Xander had lost track of the conversation when he turned to see who Cordelia had pointed out to be her serious boyfriend. Now, he was staring at the smug face of Angel, who was openly watching the brunette with undisguised lust. He felt a sharp stab in his chest when he noticed Cordelia now returning the vampire's lustful stare, he refused to let Angel have his ex, he'd already had Buffy and he was no trying to sink his fangs into Cordelia. Did Buffy know about this?***
Angel watched with open amusement as Cordelia sauntered back from the bar with their drinks. He was sure she'd pointed him out so she could get served with alcohol and couldn't wait to hear her say he'd won their little bet. A game of pool would be nice actually!
“You got it” he commented, “What did it take for you to get served?”
Giving him a smug look, Cordelia handed him his Jack Daniels making sure her fingers touched the back of his hand. “The love story of the century that's what. Just to keep you updated, refer to Asswipe and Buffy as speed-bumps!” she took a sip of her creamy cocktail and her eyes rolled back at the delicious taste of Baileys, Tia Maria and Chocolate Liqueur.
“Tasting is good” she told him as she licked her lips suggestively, the cream of her drink had her lips a little sticky. Cordelia sampled her drink again, this time a little “Mmm” popped out as she swallowed.
He couldn't help but get dragged into the game, Angel smirked a smirk that was pure Angelus as he teased her lips with a fingertip. “See, I told you there was nothing wrong with tasting”
Cordelia had no chance to reply for her words were cut off by the feel of his soft, cool lips pressing down on hers. Her eyes widened even more, a shocked squeak popped out and was quickly muffled by Angel as he darted his tongue out to tease her mouth. She responded from the slightly ticklish sensation and parted her lips, allowing him entrance to the warming heat of her mouth.
He could taste the thick, creamy texture on her tongue and mouth; the taste was like hazelnut coffee with a chocolate after taste. Vampires had no sense of taste but he was certain he could taste the Orgasm on her.
“Take her home then you can really taste an Orgasm on her tongue!”
The vampire moaned lightly, increasing the soft pressure just a little and deepening his impromptu kiss with her. His tongue graced over hers, the cooling effect of him against hers was almost bliss. Cordelia tilted her head to one side and raised up on her tiptoes while Angel bent down a little, his hand coming up to stroke her hair while she fisted the leather material of his jacket, flexing her hands and enjoying the feel of it on her skin.
He massaged her mouth expertly, dipping his tongue rhythmically in and out of her mouth, causing her whimper to get lost under the intensity of his kiss. Angel gradually and reluctantly decreased the pressure until he was simply brushing his lips over hers in a light whisper of a touch.
Searching his face for answers, Cordelia blinked rapidly a few times and she forced her thoughts to a stand-still, causing total and utter mental grid-lock. That was not part of the plan, the plan was to date a few times, hug once or twice, flirt outrageously and go home. Kissing wasn't supposed to be involved in this at all, and Angel knew he was going to be eating his balls in blood stew tomorrow by the look in her eye.
“Okay pal…” Cordelia got ready to blast him for that little shock when he popped fingertip back on her mouth and pressed down silently telling her to shut up.
“Save that for later we're being watched, I gotta plan” Angel muttered to her, his voice loud enough so only she could hear. Whenever a man stated he had a plan that was the time to start worrying, she'd seen some of her father's planning with DIY and it wasn't pretty. Come to think of it, maybe that's why he always hired people to do stuff now!
“Lay it on me then” she insisted just as quietly, “But don't think you're getting away with that”
“I don't doubt it” Angel swung Cordelia in the opposite direction to the Slayer and led her towards a table. “Play along, I have a plan” he repeated.
“I heard you the first time” she hissed in annoyance but leaned into his guidance and let herself be manhandled by the vampire. Cordelia placed her cocktail on the table top and went to pull the high stool out from under the table when Angel stopped her.
“Allow me” he purred and took over the job; Angel pulled the chair out, removed his jacket and sat on the chair. Cordelia frowned at him then grinned wickedly when he slapped a hand on his thigh, “C'mere sweetheart”
“You are so bad!” she slid on slender leg over his thigh before copying the move with her right leg until she was perched entirely on his lap. Cordelia returned his naughty glance with one of her own and graced him with a smirk. “Justice will prevail!” she whispered.
Buffy had been sat routed to the spot when Angel had turned away from her; it was as though he hadn't known she was there. She had seen them kiss or Angel kissing her more to the point and that had left a burning hole in her heart. Now he had Cordelia Chase sitting on his knee like they were hopelessly in love or something which she knew was impossible because Angel loved her.
“It's gotta be a trick right?” Xander's hate-filled voice brought her out of her thoughts as she looked at him. Her blue eyes filled with hurt, accusations and spite; Buffy drew her lips into a tight line and turned back to watch the vampire and cheerleader fawning all over each other.
“I don't know what the hell is going on, but I'm going to find out” she hissed to him as she kept on watching her boyfriend and her nemesis. Just because she had technically broke up with him didn't mean that she didn't want him back. She made a mistake and she knew that, she'd been giving Angel space to figure things out, it looked like that was a mistake too.***
“Asswipe and the Slayer are watching” Angel murmured to her, “I've always wondered if he follows her around to stop his collar from choking him”
Cordelia sniggered, “Nah, he just likes to sniff her ass”
Angel reached around the girl on his lap, causing her to shift in his lap to make it easier on him. “Stop moving!” he warned her with a wicked tone to his voice as he took a sip of his smooth drink.
“You've been doing well so far Hans, I have to hand it to you. But don't you dare tell her to stop!”
She reddened a little but refused to let him embarrass her with a male comment like that. Cordelia inched back on his thighs, sniggering to herself when she felt Angel's hand hold her still. “What? I had to get more comfortable cus there was this hard thing…” she let her voice trail off when noticed Xander and Buffy staring right at them, they'd obviously moved to a closer table. When did they do that? It didn't look as though Angel knew either.
“I'll give you a hard thing, sweetheart” the vampire purred and then muffled his yelp of pain when he felt her pinch his thigh hard. Looking away from Cordelia's neck, Angel raised his eyes to see his ex and Xander glaring at them. He couldn't stop the small bang on his heart when he saw the hurt on Buffy's face, despite feeling like she'd betrayed him he still didn't want to hurt her…
“It's that exact line of thinking that has you in this situation in the first place you dickwad. News flash Hans, people do get hurt because that's life. Enough about her, grope the Cheerleader!”
Cordelia curled her arm under Angel's, hugging him in support. The hatred she felt towards Xander didn't show on her face, if she was honest with herself she felt nothing for him right now. In fact, neither Xander or Buffy were worth the energy Angel and her were investing in them. But if their plan was working, who was she to end it?!
Angel moved his hand from her hip, sliding up to her stomach and he slowly traced circles over her bare skin, carefully avoiding her bandaged injury. “It's working like a charm” he whispered to her and used his other hand to stroke her thigh. Her skin was tanned, smooth and heating up under his soft caress, the vampire resisted the urge to explore her thighs further and stilled his movements.
“What are you doing? That kinda touching wasn't part of the plan and neither was that kiss” Cordelia whispered back under the guise of grazing his cheek with her lips. A breath of exotic warm air tickled his cheek as she spoke to him, it didn't take a genius to see she was a little uncomfortable with his sudden show of intimacy.
“We have to show them we're having the romance of the decade right?” Angel pointed out. “It won't look very good if we're acting like we can't stand the sight of each other would it? And besides, they're eating it up and I'm enjoying this, it's kinda childish fun!” he paused for a second. “When I say childish fun what I mean is…”
“Childish revenge?” Cordelia offered helpfully with a grin.
“Exactly”
“So did I surprise you in getting the alcoholic supplies?” she asked lightly as she finished off her drink with a last gulp.
Angel knew what was coming, “What if I told you no you didn't surprise me, would that make me the winner?”
“If, and only if, I believed you” Cordelia responded dryly as she glanced at him with wary eyes “And it also depends on what you want” she knew she had won the bet but couldn't help but be a little curious as to what he would want her to do.
“You like pool?!”
Part 5, To Bitch or not to BitchThe sky was its usual clear, cloudless blue and the sun was just already engulfing Sunnydale in its hot rays. Cordelia checked her make-up in her rear-view mirror once more before getting out of Angel's car. She smiled at his thoughtful behavior and tucked the keys into her little, cute bag. The sleek convertible was a stark contrast to her Corvette, his was black and classy while hers was red and modified.
She ran her fingertips over the hood, moving them to press the quick release button just above the bumper fully intending to check out the engine when a sight stopped her from doing that. Cordelia raised her eyebrow as she watched Willow approach Oz timidly, the brunette could see the red head biting her lip as she took baby step after baby step towards him.
It was when Xander shouted to Willow that Oz noticed his ex-girlfriend was there and when he looked up at her, the red head had already turned to see what Xander wanted. How the hell could I have missed stuff like that? She wondered angrily, not at them but at herself. She felt like a stupid and naïve little girl that believed every lie she was told, in way she was a stupid and naïve teenager. But not anymore, they wouldn't make a fool of her anymore.
Cordelia looked down at her clothes, she wore an emerald green knee-length skirt with a cream top and kitten heeled mules set off the outfit nicely. She still felt as though something was missing from it, what was she missing?
Attitude!
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and opened them again, the dull irises that had been dull and void were now filled with a spark, making the hazel hot enough to melt the polar caps!
“Ah, much better” Cordelia said to herself as she slung her bag over her shoulder and prepared to saunter into school. She walked with her head held high, her posture straight and a look that told people just who was boss. Offhandedly, she wondered how long it would be before Buffy started yapping at her ankles, trying to get the lowdown on her and Angel.
It took the petite Slayer almost half a day to come up to her, and Cordelia was happily eating her lunch in the cafeteria. Her lunch consisted of a Greek yoghurt, a red apple, a Galaxy caramel and two ham, cheese and tomato sandwiches. It was part of her new regime, if you were what you ate then she was gonna be God damn yummy!
This was how Buffy found her in the cafeteria, enjoying the last few chunks of her Galaxy caramel and sighing into her vending machine purchased hot chocolate. The blonde made a show of sitting noisily down in the chair next to Cordelia and putting her hand on the table with a little slap.
“I don't know what game you're playing with Angel, Cordelia, but I suggest you stop” Buffy told her, this wasn't a threat it was a warning. Her blue eyes flashed with the promise of what she would do if Cordelia didn't leave Angel alone.
She had two choices here, she could bitch and show Buffy just how angry she was but that was indirectly giving Xander the reaction he wanted. Her other choice was to not give him the satisfaction of letting him know he hurt her. For some reason, Cordelia thought that men found it easier to deal with their mistakes if a woman showed her anger.
She chose option two and just didn't give Buffy anything to tell Xander.
“Stop what? Stop seeing my boyfriend? Lemme think about that for a second… No!” Cordelia replied easily and popped the last chunk of chocolate into her mouth. “Have you noticed how his gaze looks like my hot cocoa? You could drown in that heated gaze…!”
“Whatever you're doing, stop and stay away from Angel”
“I've already told you no, how many more times do I have to repeat myself? God, I'm not a parrot!” she exasperated with a hidden smirk as she licked her lips of the caramel and 'mmm-ing' at the sweet taste. “Angel was right, there's nothing wrong with tasting!”
“I know you're only doing this because you think it'll get to me, but you're wrong because I know Angel would never fall for a girl like you. He'd rather go back to hell” Buffy said in a low, knowing voice that really grated on Cordelia's nerves. The blonde sounded so smug, like she knew everything and that was one of her pet hates.
Gasping in mock shock, Cordelia looked at Buffy with hurt-filled eyes, “So you do know it was Angel and not his demon that you sent to hell?” the brunette swallowed and covered Buffy's hand with hers comfortingly. “You don't have to worry how he's handling being back, I'm taking really good care of him. You can sleep easier at night now you know he's okay”
Angel had told Cordelia about Willow's spell working, Buffy was stunned speechless and her previously smug blue eyes were now filled with accusing suspicion. “He told you?”
“How else do I know? Oh, allow me to congratulate you on being there for him by the way, I thought for sure you'd leave to give him space but weren't you support-o-gal!” Cordelia removed her hand from the top of the Slayer's, picked up her napkin and daintily wiped her mouth free of crumbs. “If you're through threatening me, I have to be somewhere because my boyfriend's expecting me home after lunch since I have free periods all day”
“You're not fooling anyone Cordelia I know that Angel still loves me, not you. Me. He knows that I left him because I don't wanna set Angelus loose again. Unless that's why he's with you, because he knows you can't give him perfect happiness” Buffy continued to talk as she followed the brunette out of the cafeteria.
“Actually, I haven't slept with him yet” Cordelia corrected the annoying, squeaky voice in her ear venomously. So she felt a little jealous that Buffy had slept with Angel first, but she was more than sure she could give the vamp a whole new world of bliss despite the fact she'd never slept with a man before.
“He's using you to make me see how wrong I was and when I see him, I'm going to tell him I made a mistake and he'll understand like he always does then he's gonna drop you. Do you know why he's gonna drop you?” Buffy lashed out and grabbed tight hold of Cordelia's arm to stop her from walking away.
“No but I'm sure you're gonna tell me!” Cordelia replied as she humored the blonde and listened to her words. When would Buffy ever learn? Intimidation from a teeny blonde just didn't happen, not with her anyway. “Come on then woman! Spit it out, I have important stuff to do today. I'm making blood slushies!”
Ignoring the remark about blood slushies, Buffy carried on with her point. “Angel's going to drop you so fast because he knows me and he knows you. Out of me and you, who do you think he'd pick? You're a shallow, vicious bitch who didn't even talk to him after you found out he was a vampire. So why the hell would he wanna know you now?”
Those words did hurt a little, but not the bitch insult, it was the fact that Buffy was right about her not even talking to Angel after she found out he was a vampire. And right now, she had to think quickly. “Angel knows why I stopped talking to him Buffy” Cordelia remarked coolly, “The fact that he's vampire didn't come into it at all and he knows this” okay, some self-humiliation could be worked in here! “He knew I liked him even when he was dating you, that's no secret…”
“I know and he didn't even give you a second glance. That should tell you something…”
“If you'd let me finish” Cordelia gave her a pointed look with a sweet little smile. “I'm not ashamed of my crush, why should I be? Angel's a good man… Vampire… Manpire. He's like a 6” 2 walking Greek statue with fangs, he's good company, funny, way smart and he wouldn't hurt anybody. So why should I be ashamed to admit I had a crush? He knows I stopped talking to him because I was embarrassed that he knew I found him attractive so for my own sake, I cut off connections”
The brunette gave a fake yawn and cut the Slayer's next words off, “As much fun as this isn't, Angel is expecting me at home so I'll see you later, have a good afternoon!”
“Not before I see Angel first” Buffy vowed as she watched Cordelia practically skip down the hallway. The blonde narrowed her eyes before turning away, doubts that this was just a game being played by them inching in and making cracks in her confidence. Hell would break loose if this was real.***
It had taken Xander all morning to work up the courage to go too Cordelia's house seeing as they both had free periods for the rest of that day. He found himself outside the double gates at the bottom of the Chases' drive, waiting for someone to answer on the intercom.
“Chase residence, who is this?” came a voice with a Hispanic lilt that was definitely not Cordelia.
“Hi! It's Xander from Cordelia's school, is she in?” he asked hoping the maid didn't know about his little escapade with Willow and the trouble it had caused.
“I sorry Ackbar! Cordelia is no home, at her Angel's house” Rosario read the note Cordelia had given her.
“Uh, thanks anyway” Xander clicked the off button, staring long and hard before making the decision to go Angel's mansion to see things for himself. The teenager ran a hand through his floppy, dark hair and sighed, “God, I've really screwed things up haven't I?”***
Keeping her stare straight, even and emotionless Cordelia looked at Angel daringly as she shuffled the deck of cards. “Are you sure you wanna go there with me pal?”
“I've been playing Poker for over a hundred years Cor, I don't think you could beat me” he replied in a smooth, confident voice as he stretched his lean body out on the floor. Angel raised an eyebrow at her equally confident leer and watched as she first split the deck, flicked the cards one by one and then split the deck with one hand.
“Ah, but you've never played Poker against my father and grandfather” she told him, “I have and until you've done that, don't underestimate me. Okay, Jacks to open, more aggressive and Trips to win!”
“Dealer waits” he reminded her and watched as she dealt out seven cards to each of them and picked up his own. Angel had a perfect Poker face as he focused on his cards, he had one Ace, two Tens, a Five and three Threes. Angel glanced over at Cordelia as she picked up her cards and studied her hand, he could cheat and use the reflection in her eyes to tell him what she had…!
“Stop looking”
“Little miss know it all iddn she?!”
“I wasn't…” Angel denied quickly.
“Um, yes you were. I saw you and I've been playing this game a long time too so I know when people are cheating so stop or else…!”
“Go on Hans, cheat away! You have my express permission to find out what the Or Else means!”
Cordelia looked at him with a pleased smile, he looked worried at that threat and that pleased her immensely considering she had nothing to go on in her hand. Not that she was really looking at what she had, she was too busy looking at him! Angel looked about as good as a vampire could get; the plain white muscle shirt left his shoulders and arms visible, while keeping his chest hidden from view which was disappointing!
He had an amazing physique, shoulders held harsh lines where his neck and back muscles stood out. His arms were equally heavily muscled with biceps that curled into solid, prominent evidence of overwhelming masculinity. It was like Angel's entire physical stature had been carefully detailed by women who knew what a man should look like and sculpted by women who agreed entirely!
He was wasted on Buffy who hadn't appreciated what he'd done for her in the slightest. If she really had him, she'd make damn sure he felt appreciated in every possible way. But he wouldn't want her!
“Check it out! She's checking my bod out! Look all you want sweetheart, touch me even more!”
Angel scratched his chin a little, he wasn't exactly sure how to handle her open study of him. Hardly anyone in the last century had come within close distance of him, let alone feel secure enough to play cards with, threaten and punch him. Cordelia was one of the most courageous people he knew and he admired her for the personality he had thought of as bitchy. The girl opposite him was a contradiction in herself.
Her simple honesty was enough to scare people away from her, giving them the impression she was downright rude or bitchy when it was simple honesty. But on the other hand, he was learning Cordelia Chase was anything but simple. She was wasted on Xander Harris, the fact that he hadn't known what he had was proof of that. He'd gone after someone he could handle, someone more in his league.
“And you are? Excuse me while I laugh my fangs away! Lose the soul and we'll talk!”
Cordelia was way out of Harris' league and Angel had known that from the start, that's why he was so shocked that the boy had cheated on her. If he had her, there was no-way he'd hurt her like that and he'd make damn sure she knew that. But she wouldn't want him!
Today she was relaxed, sitting cross-legged and barefoot in his version of a living room; on some blankets he had brought down since he didn't have a rug or carpet. Her green skirt was bunched up around her waist and that would have given him a welcome view if it hadn't been for her shorts! Her legs were bronzed, long and slender with small feet decorated with green nail polish that matched her skirt.
The sleeves of her top were pushed up to her shoulders exposing her firm and toned arms. Her long hair swept up in a messy ponytail where the ends swished across her shoulders every time she moved. She looked young like that, she looked sweet and pretty and Angel knew he couldn't stop staring!
The mutual drooling was interrupted by a knock on the door, causing both of them to blink and return to Earth with a crash. Angel coughed, a little embarrassed by his staring, if he had a blood flow he knew he'd be beetroot red. “I'll just be a minute” he told her, his voice had lowered an octave and he had that smooth Jack Daniels tone again.
“Okay, I'll watch you answer the door!” Cordelia replied as she nudged her head towards the front door with a smile.
Another knock annoyed the vampire and he swung the door open, “Harris” Angel growled a little. What did he think he was doing coming here? His hardened gaze centered on his more than unwelcome visitor, feeling smug when the kid flinched slightly.
Xander? What was he doing here? Cordelia's thoughts mirrored Angel's as her body jumped a little, causing her stitches to pull and a hiss of pain to spill from her lips at the jerked movement. “Guess I can't make my dramatic return to cheering just yet” she mumbled and reached for her little bag with her painkillers in. They weren't strong and according to her doctor, they weren't meant to relieve the pain completely. “If they did, you wouldn't know if it was getting worse” she mimicked the doctor's patronizing tone perfectly.
Angel's attention instantly went from glaring at Xander to Cordelia, “You okay sweetheart?” he asked in genuine concern as he knelt next to her, searching her face. His eyes went to her side then back to her grimacing expression, “You're hurt”
“I jumped and pulled my stitches a little, that's all. A coproximol will suffice… Or a shot of Vodka!” she joked, touching his cheek with her hand. “I'm fine Angel, really. Go see what message Xander has from Buffy while I peek at your cards!”
Xander watched the entire scene play out in front of him, it was like waking from a bad nightmare only to find that you were awake to begin with. “So it's true” he stated from the doorway, “You're playing boyfriend-girlfriend with Deadboy”
“Don't call Angel Deadboy, it's rude” Cordelia chastised Xander without snapping in anger. When Angel looked at her in surprise of her friendly tone, she gave him a private smile and he knew she was up to something so he went with it.
“What should I call him then? The host with the most?” Xander shot back at her quickly.
Angel stood to face him with a big, gleaming grin on his face. “I should thank you Xander” he stated, suddenly changing the conversation with an ability to rival Cordelia's.
“Excuse me here, what am I missing? You thank me for what?”
“I should be pissed at you, really I should” Angel told him.
“Of course you should, now lets see some Xander-shaped carnage!”
“If it hadn't been for you and the Slayer, Cor and I would never have gone for what we wanted” Angel continued. “What with me being sent to hell and Cor almost dying, we both agreed that life's too short to let anything get in the way of being happy. It took you and Buff to make us see that so thanks... Is there anything else?”
Xander went to retort but stopped himself, looking at Cordelia who's gaze was locked onto Angel like he wasn't there. “No” he replied tonelessly, “No, there's nothing else” he'd speak to Buffy before he said anything else and he'd go from there.
“In that case do you mind” Angel glanced at the door hintingly “Cos we were about to play Strip Poker when you interrupted. I don't share” without waiting for an answer from Xander, the vampire gave him a wicked smirk. “If she cheats, she's getting spanked!”
A now stunned Xander stood facing a closed door with sounds of muffled girlish giggles, male laughter and a loudly gasped...
“Angel, who knew?!”
Part 6, First Date and Flustered“You could have drove home you know” Angel remarked knowingly to the brunette at his side. It had been her idea for him to walk her home, not that he minded in the slightest of course, but the truth was he was tired of playing their game. He felt like he was sliding down to Buffy's level and dragging it out longer than necessary. But when she had wickedly suggested a stroll home through the graveyard, he couldn't resist at all.
Cordelia beamed at him, “I know but then we wouldn't be having this romantic moonlit stroll through the park” she knew it wasn't a park but that didn't mean she couldn't fantasize did it? Curling her hand around his bicep, she gave it squeeze then giggled when Angel trapped her hand between his forearm and bicep. “You really are a showoff aren't you?” she half teased and sneaked a glance up at him.
He couldn't help it, she made him feel good about himself and made him think that he was worth something. Every time she looked at him, he could swear blind the lust was genuine unless that was just him wishing it was. They had been playing the revenge gig to the hilt for just over a week now and he was starting to believe it was more than just a game and wanted to know if she did feel for him.
Those few days after Buffy had left, Angel had sworn blue that he would rather burn to death than ever feel for anyone else but within two weeks, he was wishing for it, for Cordelia to give him some clue if it was real for her. It was getting real for him and if this wasn't real for her, then he wanted it to stop now.
But if it wasn't, then she would walk away and he'd have no Cordelia, that thought made him sick.
“Makes me sick too, all I'd have to look at is the inside of your tiny mind and that ain't fun. Think of me for a change will ya? Souls are supposed to be caring little things but mine doesn't even care about its very own demon. How many other souls can say they have their own demon huh?”
Removing her hand from his bicep, Angel threaded his fingers through hers and sighed with contentment when Cordelia immediately responded to him by clutching back.
“Says the pot” Angel shot back with a knowing glance that had her giving him a shocked look.
“I do not show off thank you!” Cordelia cried out in response, she'd looked around for any sign of Buffy or Xander when he moved to hold her hand. Seeing neither, she relaxed and leaned her head on his arm. She wished this was real between them, but if playing up Xander and Buffy was the only way to be near him then she'd take it. Even if she was over the bitterness about her situation and she had Angel to thank for that.
“You're gorgeous Cor and you know it” Angel scoffed at her, not realizing he'd just admitted he found her attractive.
“You think I'm gor-geous, you wan-na hug me, you wan-na date me!” Cordelia teased with a big smile, the vibrations of her laughter running through him. Hazel eyes sparkled at him under the moon, reflecting like little crystals and her lips, always clear and glossy, sparkled just as much. The soft light highlighted her skin and contrasted stunningly against the waves of mahogany silk.
She seemed so different now to when he first bumped into her, she was always lively, bright and warm when at first she'd been harsh, almost lifeless with the only joyful thing was getting out of hospital. Angel liked to think he had a part of bring her back but he wasn't sure he did, it was all her; she'd saved herself and saved him too.
Cordelia looked at Angel as they walked so slowly through the graveyard, the moon was shining off him, making his pallor glow almost mystically and making his cocoa gaze black and bottomless. Lately, he'd had this secret, little smile on his face like he'd done something he shouldn't and knowing him, probably had. The leather of his jacket hung on his powerful frame perfectly as always and completed his trademark look. She could never imagine how wrong he'd look without that jacket and wondered if he wore it too bed!
“What if I did?” Angel asked haughtily, “Would that be so wrong?”
“Would what be so wrong?” Cordelia asked, she'd missed that because she'd been hard at work staring at him and drooling!
“To, you know, find you gorgeous and, um, wanna date you?” if his heart could beat, he'd be having his very first coronary. As it was, he was forcing himself not to shake in nervousness as he waited to see what she'd say in reply.
“Could I have a more wussy soul? Nope, didn't think so. For Satan's sake you thick twat, just fucking give it to her. Xander has nothing on you!”
“So you do think I'm gorgeous and wanna date me?” she returned with a shy smile that created dimples at the corners of her mouth.
“I knew she had dimples first… Fuck off!”
“Stop with the rhetorical questions Cor, they piss me off” Angel stopped walked and moved so he stood in front of her with a seriously questioning look on his face. “Would it be so wrong if I wanted to date you?”
“Angel, we are dating and you can find me gorgeous if you want too. Though I'm kinda glad you do find me gorgeous!” Cordelia responded as she bit her lip nervously before carrying on. “Wasn't this kind of serious talking that got you into trouble with Buffy?” she asked lightly. “The way I see things Angel, feel free to disagree with me here, but we're having fun together and we're more than friends I'd say. So why don't we take things as they come? That way either of us don't feel pressured or anything?”
To be honest, Angel felt a little relieved by her words; he didn't think he could take the stress of another relationship based on angst. But still… “You still didn't answer my question! Would it be so wrong to wanna date you?!”
“Of course not, it'd be wrong to not wanna date me! Would it be wrong if I wanna date you?” she asked him, vaguely noticing he had locked his hands around the small of her back, fingertips grazing the top of her ass. Her entire body was tingling with the anticipation of both his answer and a bolder touch. She felt like she was on her first date, excited and elated but nervous and shy; she wanted so much just to kiss him but she didn't dare!
“Of course not, it'd be wrong to not wanna date me!” Angel retaliated quickly, he watched as her nose scrunched up a little as she silently laughed at his response. There was no Xander or Buffy around, this was real; they were real and it wasn't a dream.
“So this romantic stroll through the park is our first official first date?” Cordelia's smile wilted as she looked around her 'park.'
“Um, you do know we're not in a park don't you?” he asked in slight concern, maybe she'd hit her head earlier!
“Uhhhh Angellllll…!” she whined, “You had to ruin my fantasy didn't you? You couldn't let me drown in Denial for just a little while could… Uh-oh, I hope you're up for a workout cus we got some company” Cordelia's eyes zeroed in on three vampires approaching her and Angel, what they wanted was clearly written on their game faces.
They would never have a normal night would they? If it wasn't Buffy and Xander, it was demons, if it wasn't demons then it was plain old vampires. Angel sighed in defeat as he looked at her apologetically, “Sorry, I hope this isn't a prelude of dates to come”
“Don't apologize Angel, kick ass” Cordelia hissed and stepped away from the upcoming fight, keeping her eyes trained on the other vampires. “I hope you vampires know what you're doing here, you've just ruined his first date and you're so gonna get it”
Angel shook his head and willing his smile to get off his face, he didn't want to be grinning like an idiot while fighting, it just wasn't the done thing!
For Cordelia the whole fight was a bit of a blur, though it was fast but not fast enough that she couldn't appreciate Angel's skill. He moved with grace, ease and rhythm; it was easy to see he had trained himself to be like that. It wasn't just the training, anybody could be trained in martial arts these days but it took talent to be able to pull it off like he did. Though she hated to admit it, Buffy had the same type of talent but that could be put down to her being a Slayer.
Angel was a vampire and she supposed his talent could come from the extras he had at his disposal, but she'd also seen Buffy fight other vampires that didn't have his talent. Cordelia nibbled on her finger as another smile flickered at her lips, thoughts ran through her head about Angel and what other talents he might have!
The tantalizing scent of female arousal filled the air, causing Angel to become temporarily distracted and he took a punch that sent him stumbling back a little. A little growl pierced the air when he slid into game face and really lost his temper.
Rubbing his jaw, Angel appeared thoughtful as he spoke sarcastically. “Did I ask for a fight? No. All I wanted to do was walk my date home, kiss her goodnight and maybe get invited in for coffee if I'm lucky! But you had ruin that and now you've hit me. Do I have piss me off written all over my forehead?”
Cordelia blinked a few times as dust floated around her and Angel was the only vampire near her. When did he stake them exactly? One minute he was shouting at them and then she'd turned dreamy when he said he wanted to kiss her goodnight. Looking at him with a hazy gaze, she nibbled on her fingertip a little more as she took in his game face.
Prominent cheekbones, ridged forehead, yellowish eyes and fangs; why was he attractive like that when other vampires were pretty ugly?
As if to realize he was in vampire guise, Angel made a move to shake it off when her voice stopped him.
“How come you're cute like that and other vampires are butt ugly?” she asked bluntly, “I didn't think it was possible for a guy to suit fangs and tigers' eyes but there ya go”
“I know I'm a good lookin fella sweetheart, and I just knew she likes a little demon in her man. She keeps up that sweet scented way of telling me and she'll have a little demon in her too!”
“This is cute?” Angel deadpanned and frowned at her, his ridges crinkling up around the corners of his piercing gaze. He raised a hand to touch his nose looking as though he was exploring his face for the first time.
“Yes you dumb shit, you are a vampire. Give Hans Soulio a medal… OW, those are sharp you know?! Stop it, it's my finger too”
Cordelia laughed when Angel prodded his own fang and cut his finger, now he stood staring at said injury with a look of embarrassment on his face which was quite funny seeing a vampire look stupid! “Aww, did you hurt yourself baby?” she purred and walked over to him with one eye looking to make sure she missed the mud patches in the grass. “Want me to kiss it better?”
With a pout, Angel nodded and held his injured but already healing fingertip out for her to kiss better. Cordelia brought his finger to her glossy, pursed lips and planted a tiny kiss on the end, little sensations made his body throb with anticipation as he thought of what else she could kiss better. She parted her lips, sliding them softly over his finger and curled her tongue around the tip, sweeping over the healing cut.
“Prelude of dates to come my ass, prelude of what's to come if she does that on my cock!”
Shallow, unnatural breaths made his chest rise and fall as Angel watched Cordelia place one last little kiss on the tip of his finger before grinning up at shyly. “All better now?” her voice husky and light at the same time.
“All better. Lets get you home so I can have my goodnight kiss and coffee!”