Go TeamC/A
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Title: Was It Good For You?
Author: cydnestorm
Posted: 09/04
Rating: NC17
Category: Angst, humour, smut
Content: A/C
Summary: Challenge by Califi posted at Go Team - A/C share a night of passionate lovemaking after Doyle’s death. Afterwards they freak; each in their own unique way and insanity ensues.
Spoilers: Starts at end of Season 1 ‘Hero’ and basically AU from there.
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: GT, NF, anwhere else, just ask.
Notes:
Thanks/Dedication: Thanks to Cali for a terrific story idea. Special thanks to Dusted for her awesome BETA skills and knowing how to be pushy when she needs to be. I would not have been confident enough to post so soon without her help and encouragement.
Feedback: Yes please
Part 1"The good fight, yeah? You never know until you’ve been tested, I get that now.” “Doyle. Doyle. Doyle! Doyle! NO!"
He wasn’t yet ready to accept that his friend was gone. For him friendships had been too few and far between and the void left by this one was not likely to be filled. Angel looked at the girl curled up on the sofa beside him; so small and vulnerable, almost like a child needing to be comforted. He had never seen Cordelia Chase look so defeated.
“Too bad we'll never know if this is a face you could learn to love.” “Why didn't you tell me that you were half demon? I thought we agreed that secrets are bad!” “I wanted to tell you. I was afraid. I thought if I did, you'd reject me.”
He didn’t think she could care for him because he was half demon. Doyle was right though, now she would never know; fate had taken that opportunity away from her. Cordelia nestled into Angel’s side. His body felt cool and more important it felt strong; like maybe she wouldn’t lose him to the evils of their world.
Angel slid his arm from the back of the sofa and pulled Cordelia as close to him as he could. He needed to believe he could protect her; needed to believe he would never lose her.
They watched the video of their friend in silence, words not needed; every emotion exposed in the touches they shared.
“If you need help. Then look no further. Angel Investigations is the best. Our rats are low.” "Rates!” “It says rats. Our rates are low, but our standards are high. When the chips are down, and you're at the end of your rope you need someone that you can count on. And that's what you'll find here. Someone that will go all the way, no matter what. So don't lose hope. Come on over to our offices and you'll see that there's still heroes in this world. Is that it? Am I done?”
“Doyle was right you know. He was afraid I couldn’t care for him if I found out he was part demon.”
Hearing the small voice, meek and passive, Angel‘s un-beating heart clenched inside his chest. Cordelia Chase was never weak, but the young woman held safe in his arms had removed her Queen C armor and Angel made a silent promise to keep her safe. “Don’t say that Cordelia. That’s not what he thought; he just wanted to give you more time before he told you.”
Cordelia pressed her face against Angel’s chest to hide the moist streaks staining her cheeks. He smelled the salty tears that dampened the fabric of his shirt; tears warm like her. He rested the side of his face against the top of her head and concentrated on the sound of her rhythmic breaths. Lulled into a peaceful comfort he pulled unneeded air into his lungs matching his breathing to hers.
“I should go; it’s getting really late.” Embarrassed by her emotions so openly displayed Cordelia pulled herself from the comforting embrace and stood, smoothing the wrinkles from her clothes.
Angel quickly rose from the sofa hoping to stop her from leaving. Angel knew Cordelia would lie in her bed alone until she cried herself to sleep and return in the morning wearing her armor polished with a renewed strength. “Don’t go. You’re right it’s late.” Surprised to realize he didn’t want to be alone either Angel stepped closer and persisted in his quest to keep her with him. Standing so close he could press his cheek against hers he whispered into her ear. “Stay here Cordy.”
Torn between wanting to soothe her pain in the comfort of her friend and be alone to get her emotions in check she hesitated not sure of her answer. The need for control winning she stepped back and shook her head at him. “I can’t; I really need a bath and I don’t have any other clothes here.”
In a single stride Angel closed the gap she had placed between them. He stroked her tear stained cheek knowing her brave front was minutes from crumbling. “Take a bath here. I’ll find you something to sleep in. You can have the bed; just stay…please.”
Her resolve weakening fresh tears pooled and spilled from her tired, red eyes. Emotions were too raw and painful for better thinking. Scooping her up in his arms Angel headed downstairs before rational thoughts could interfere. They would worry about tomorrow later; now in the dark, they only had each other.
Part 2Angel sat on the bed waiting; the covers turned back and ready for her. Cordelia emerged from the bathroom freshly showered and wearing a pair of Angel’s silk boxers that were entirely covered by his much too big silk shirt. Unsure of what to do next she stood in the doorway; the light from the small room casting a halo around her feminine form.
The woman was beautiful; her body only partially covered by his clothes. She smelled of his soap causing Angel to stifle a possessive growl as he inhaled the pleasing aroma into his lungs. Jerking from the bed like a nervous school boy he lifted the covers beckoning her to him. “Come to bed Cordy.”
Never taking her eyes from his she slipped between the cool sheets. Angel lowered the covers gently tucking them around her. “Thank you. I‘m glad I stayed.”
He eased down to sit next to her. Again he thought about how childlike she seemed. But even sadness could not dull her beauty. “You need me and I need you.” He ran his fingers through her hair pushing a few wild strands away from her face. “You sleep; I’ll be right here.”
Angel begrudgingly pulled himself from her. He wanted to crawl between the sheets knowing they would be warm from the heat of her flesh and rest his weary body next to hers. He wanted to be warmed by that flesh but instead made his way to the cold leather chair and settled himself with a heavy sigh.
The vampire needed to get a rein on his emotions. That’s all it was he thought; their emotions were running high. They had both lost their friend. It was natural to feel a need to be close at a time like this. All he needed was some uninterrupted brood time and he would be fine.
Allowing his thoughts to drift, Angel remembered how it had felt to leave Buffy. He looked at the beautiful woman stretched out on his bed as he shook the realization creeping into his thoughts. Her breathing became calm and even and her heart rate slowed as Cordelia drifted deeper into her slumber. Hoping he could finally relax Angel pushed himself from the chair and headed to the bathroom; stopping at the door for one last look as he again pushed aside the revelation trying to take shape. Prying his gaze from the luscious landscape, equally intoxicating and forbidden, Angel entered the bathroom locking the door behind him.
The hot water felt good beating against his tired and tense muscles. Resting his head against the cool tiles he sighed in relief as his muddled mind began to clear. He had been right the first time. All his confused thoughts had been from the pain of losing his friend; the pain of seeing Cordelia so hurt and vulnerable. All this was normal. It was normal. He had to keep telling himself it was normal and it would pass. Squeezing his eyes shut, he rapped his forehead against the tiles that now felt hard. This was not normal. Nothing he was feeling was normal. Normal was not wanting to take your friend to bed, strip her bare and press her hot flesh into yours. Normal was not wanting to bury yourself inside her refusing to ever leave. What the hell was going on? He had gone insane over Doyle’s death; that was the only rational explanation.
He needed to get away from her for a while. He would get dressed and go upstairs; still close enough if she needed him but hopefully far away enough to clear his mind. Angel laughed at his foolishness. Cordelia Chase on a better day would pin his ears back for daring to entertain such sensual thoughts about her. The crush Cordelia Chase had on him when they first met ended exactly two seconds after she found out he was a vampire. Cordelia Chase may accept his vampire state more than anyone he had ever known but she had never given any indication that she was attracted to it. Now Angel was finally feeling better; he could finish his shower and get some much needed rest. Stepping back under the hot spray he began to relax leaving all the weirdness behind. Of course he wasn’t insane and if he wasn’t insane his friend was not in danger of being violated by his insanity induced lust.
“No! Don’t leave me! Come back! …..Angel?” Cordelia’s screams penetrated the locked door invading his refuge. Angel spun the knob turning the water off before jumping from the shower and running to the screaming girl. He found her hovering at the foot of the bed sobbing into the twisted blanket. Not yet realizing he had rushed from the bathroom naked and wet he swept his arms around her and soothed her cries with delicate kisses and soft hushes. Taking them back to the head of the bed he eased her head down onto the pillows keeping her body wrapped inside his.
“Sshhh Cordy. It’s alright. Hush baby. I’m here, don’t cry.” Angel cupped his hands around her face placing a chaste kiss on each tear filled eye. His fingertips caressed the back of her neck with soft, reassuring touches. Strong, gentle hands stroked down her arms before sweeping up her spine to pull her into a loving embrace. Desperate to touch her anywhere he could reach he wanted her to feel his closeness, to know that she was safe.
“Is this what it felt like when you left Buffy; the loneliness?”
Words quivering from the recent sobs echoed inside his head. “What? Buffy? No.” Angel stared into the deep hazel pools that pierced his soul. Did she think he was using her to lessen his loneliness? “Cordy….What are you talking about?” His words a faint whisper against her face.
She lowered her face not wanting him to look at her. “It hurts so much. You just want to feel something that doesn’t hurt so bad.”
Angel cupped her face again and brought her eyes to his. His heart ached with the pain and loneliness he saw there. He wanted to take all the pain into himself and make her whole again. “I know baby, I miss him too but we’ll get through this together. And Buffy…..this has nothing to do with Buffy. This is just you and me Cordy.”
Cordelia nodded her understanding and placed several gentle kisses across his face. Her kisses were warm and sweet against his skin. Angel felt his naked form rub against her and tensed at the realization. Too late for forethought he was grateful he didn’t blush. Her arms slid around his waist; pressing her hands against his back to bring him closer. “Angel you’re wet….and naked.”
His skin and hair, still dripping with the cool water from his shower, had made the sheet wet; made the thin, silk fabric covering her body wet and clinging to her full rounded breasts. “I know.” Kisses hungry and intent covered her face, her mouth, her throat. Loose buttons lost their hold. Fabric separated offering him a teasing view of her luscious breasts. He kissed and licked his way down the exposed flesh. Hands gripped the unwanted fabric that kept her hidden from his touch, his taste. Damp silk collided with damp silk as it slid down her body; the treacherous cloth tossed to the floor in an abandoned heap. He pushed her body into the mattress covering it with his. Finally her hot skin was pressed into his and he would never lock himself away from it again. He devoured her mouth; soft and inviting it opened to his thrusting tongue.
What was she doing? This was Angel. Buffy’s Angel and Buffy doesn’t share. Is this what people do when they’re hurting? She remembered the pain, both physical and emotional she had felt after Xander’s betrayal. She couldn’t remember wanting to do this though. Maybe losing Doyle was different. Maybe that was why her head spun with unfamiliar desire and longing; a desire she didn’t think she could say no to. Following his lead she pushed her tongue past his lips sliding it against his blunt teeth. His lips closed around it sucking on the sweet flavors discovered there.
Her chest tightened with the need to breathe. He reluctantly released her mouth but found a new treasure waiting. He worshipped her breasts with his hands, his mouth, and his tongue. First one then the other; moving back and forth kissing and nipping and sucking and kneading the delicious, perfect orbs. Her body lifted with an ache for more and she tried to fist his hair, needing to press him harder against her. Returning to her mouth, red and swollen from his demanding kisses, he eased himself up with his knees just enough to allow his hand to slide down her moist, slick skin. His touch light and feathery lingered for a moment at her ribs before continuing its journey and resting on her flat stomach. The hand seemingly content to caress the soft fleshy plane itched to feel the warm moisture hidden by her closed thighs. Separating his knees he eased her legs further apart.
Keeping his hand still he interrupted the courting dance of their lips. “Open your eyes baby.” Words filtered through the lustful storytelling sounding in her head. Questioning eyes met his as his hand slid closer to its goal and fingers twirled in the small patch of dark hair. “I can stop. We don‘t have to do this if you‘re not ready.” He needed her to want more; needed for her not to regret him pushing her further than she was ready to be taken. Touches hungry and demanding did not hide the innocence that guided them. His body shook as the angry demon battled with his decision to wait for her consent.
Cordelia had already made her decision not to allow rational thinking to interfere. Desperate to hold onto the fairytale her mind had created she devoured his mouth with hers, just the way he had shown her. Cordelia’s hand trembled as it brushed down his stomach to stroke his hardened length with unsure touches. Angel’s growl became a muffled moan against her mouth as his hand closed around her wet mound. His fingers teased and separated the moist lips. Unskilled hands moving up and down his rigid shaft rattled the barely contained beast. Needing to interrupt her movement he placed his hand over hers. Pulling from their kiss her eyes flashed with confusion. “Was I doing it wrong?”
“No baby. It felt good…so good but I’m so close.” Angel stretched her arm over her head holding it there with his hand. “If you keep touching me like that I won’t last. Next time you can touch me.” Too satisfied with her performance she didn’t try to hide the sly smile that crept onto her face. Angel eased one finger into her slick, tight opening. Responding to the cool invasion Cordelia’s hips lifted from the mattress and she pulled against the hand confining her arm. Angel held her tighter forcing her body down as he pushed deeper into her hot channel. Preventing any movement, he made her wait for his hand to give the pleasure her body sought. Eyes squeezed tight and breaths became pants as his finger repeatedly pulled out and pushed into her; forcing the tight walls to allow his entry. Satisfied he had regained control he released her arm and his mouth travel down to join his plunging finger. As much as he enjoyed her enthusiasm Angel’s ego couldn’t handle the inexperienced girl rocking his control; he had no choice but to punish her with mind shattering orgasms again and again.
Teasing licks tickled the moist lips shielding the wet heat inside causing her hips to squirm and wiggle free of the devilish tongue. Pulling his long finger from its tight encase he smirked at her effort. Determined to bring her first scream he ignored the resulting whine and grabbed her hips as his open mouth latched onto her juicy heat. Her hips bucked against his grip as his tongue probed her hot passage. Bending her legs she placed the flat of the feet against the mattress to push from the invasion. Raising just enough to hover, Angel lifted her hips and jerked the luscious fruit back against his waiting mouth and tongue. “God…stop…too much…wait.” She begged and the demon roared; plunging as deep as the tight walls would allow. His tongue relented briefly to lap against her swollen nub causing her body to jerk and spasm. Victory seconds from being his, he closed his mouth around the source of her protest sucking without mercy. “Jesus….don’t….yes…don’t stop.” As the orgasm took over, her body shuddered and vibrated; legs flailed as small fists beat against the mattress. The juices came in a gushing flow and he lapped and slurped greedy for every drop. He eased his torment to light kisses and nibbles as her body quivered through the lingering explosions. Spent she melted into the mattress sounding a contented sigh. Skin slick with sweat slid up dewy, moist curves and he covered her lips with his; wetting her dry mouth with his juice laden tongue. Angel rolled his body off her; turning on his side and pulling Cordelia into his arms.
Breathless euphoria restricted her words to heavy puffs. “Angel…that was so…you were so…we should open another business…we’d be rich.”
“Doing what?” Angel asked enjoying the sated blush on her skin.
“Selling you…well renting you.”
“You think so, huh. You’d share me with other women if it made you money?”
“I don’t know, maybe; I know they’d pay.” She glanced him a quizzical look. “What about you…I mean you didn’t. Is that what you meant about next time?”
“I’m not waiting for next time Cordy.” He leered at her as he fisted his rigid shaft wanting her to see he was hard and ready. “We’re not finished baby.”
“Huh?” Cordy questioned; surprised by his answer and even more surprised by his hand’s provocative activity.
“There’s much more Cordy. I was just letting you catch your breath…before I take it again.”
“God Ang….” Her words were cut short as he rolled on top of her, capturing her mouth as his weight pressed her into the mattress.
“There’s so much more for us to share.” He whispered between passionate kisses readying her for the next step. “So much more I want to show you.” His words had never rung truer in his head. This wasn’t just one time. This was the first time with many more to follow. He would show her pleasures her imagination couldn’t even began to conjure and he would teach her how to pleasure him. He slid a finger into the already over stimulated passage; easing a second to rest beside it. He flexed and separated the long digits preparing her for the much larger intrusion to come. The warm moisture resumed its flow; coating his fingers as her inner walls contracted in the rising heat. Satisfied she was as ready as his talented fingers could accomplish he fisted his shaft, now bulging hard and bursting with an ache to be relieved.
Mounting her he lifted her legs just enough for her knees to bend spreading her wider to allow his hips to settle between them. He pushed until the head of his shaft felt the resistance that guarded her young innocence. Her heartbeat accelerated as her breathing turned into a gasping pant. Instinct warned her to push against this new invasion; the first had sent her into a sensual overload but pain had not been a part of it. Gripping her shoulders to stop her struggle Angel stilled his movements. “Cordy please don’t ask me to stop…not now.”
“I won’t it’s just that I haven’t….and this feels…uh…”
“I know baby; but you trust me?
“Of course; but…your big all over aren‘t you?” Angel chuckled at her nervous prattle.
“Then relax Cordy and let yourself trust me to do this. I promise in a few minutes this will make anything you felt earlier a faded memory.” Anticipating his delicious promise she nodded her consent; slipping her arms around his broad shoulders and clasping her hands at the back of his neck.
Angel busied her anxious thoughts with kisses deep and passionate and began a series of short, shallow thrusts. Relaxing and feeling a little more confident she returned his kisses with newfound ardor; pushing her tongue out to battle with his. Believing his restraint was already stretched well beyond its limit Angel pulled almost completely out of her before clutching her hips and thrusting back in. Breaking past the barrier he buried his engorged shaft to the hilt and settled his weight fully over her trembling form.
Cordelia dug her long, crimson dipped nails into the flesh of his neck hoping the rasping burn would stop before splitting her apart. He held her trapped under his heavy weight; relishing the heat that radiated through his shaft as her barely yielding core closed tight around him. “Jesus, Cordy.” So hot inside he thought his flesh would burn in the wet fire.
Restraint shattered, he pulled and pushed then followed with strokes and thrusts. Her body learning the dance and now eager to join; round, feminine hips lifted and rotated squeezing the already tightfisted hold on his burning sex trapped inside. They danced and played spreading and blending the dew like moisture that covered their skin.
Her core, still virginal tight, constricted as the impending climax washed over her causing Angel’s body to jolt from the intense burning squeeze surrounding his buried shaft. Feeling her near the edge he plunged, pounding her with relentless abandon; wanting them to ride the waves together. “Now baby, cum for me Cordy.”
Cordelia Chase discovered a secret place filled with exploding stars that bathed her with passion vibrant colors. The liquid fire swallowed Angel body and soul. His rigid shaft plunged into searing heat as his soul surrendered to cool, blue flames. “Angel!” She screamed as her body was saturated and overflowed with a shower of radiating lights and colors. Angel clung to the woman writhing beneath him as he rode the celestial explosion. Desperate to sate the hunger he spread her wider beneath his thrusting hips. Pulsing walls of molten heat squeezed and sucked his throbbing shaft deeper into her depths. “Cordy…heaven. Yesss...take it.” He hissed his plea coating her flame with his milky, cool seed.
“Please Angel. Yesss.” Lifting her hips she met his final thrust milking the last droplets of his soothing cream; she cursed the world that had kept this place hidden from her far too long.
Angel rolled his weight off her and settled on his back; tugging Cordelia with him so that her body rested on his. Her head on his chest he smoothed the wet, shiny hair from her face; blowing cool puffs against her hot skin.
Exhausted and content they drifted into a peaceful slumber; the world outside their sanctuary forgotten.
Part 3Mmmmmmm…..warm……..soft….. Angel’s eyes fluttered opened, his view drawn to the beautiful, naked woman draped over him. For the first time in the hundred years that the demon had coexisted with the soul, Angel had slept without the nightmares of his soulless past. The woman lying secure in his arms had led him to this tranquil haven. Last night he made love to Cordelia Chase. No, Angel reminded himself, he made love to Cordy. Somewhere in the last eight hours things had changed; they had changed.
Memories scattered and collected, recalling the hours before his peaceful rest. A menagerie of thoughts swirled through his now painfully awake brain, bumping and colliding. Betrayal. Had he betrayed Buffy? They were no longer together, hadn’t been for a long time. Worse, had he betrayed his friend currently snuggled in bed with him? Maybe he had taken advantage of her emotional state; too emotional to heed common sense telling her to leave last night. He had persuaded her to stay; had coaxed her into their lovemaking. And maybe, Angel thought, he was looking for things to worry about, looking for a reason to brood. She hadn’t seemed upset last night. In fact, Angel reflected on their passionate night feeling quite proud of himself, Cordy seemed rather pleased.
Angel looked at the women again, her body pressed tight to his. Beautiful, his mind whispered; the after glow of their love making still lingering on her skin. Angel couldn‘t remember ever getting so lost in making love to a woman. Deciding to enjoy their new discovery Angel eased himself from under Cordelia’s warm, soft body, careful not to disturb her. Quietly dressing in sweats and a tank, he sauntered to the kitchen to prepare breakfast that he would serve to her in bed. Maybe he did not even need to get dressed other than boxers; after all, they were still mourning their friend and would probably want to spend the day in bed.
Flavorful aromas mingled and blended with a heavy, musky smell creating an unusual concoction that invaded her senses. Eyes heavy with sleep struggled to open; blurry vision scanned her surroundings. The tasty aroma making her stomach grumble with hunger was drifting from the kitchen. The musky smell was imbedded not only in the sheets surrounding her but her skin as well.
She listened to his activities in the kitchen clanking above the volume of classical music she didn’t recognize. Realization hit like a hard slap on her sleep lined face. She had sex with Angel. What was she thinking? Evidently she wasn’t. Had she not listened when she explained to herself that Angel belonged to Buffy? Evidently, she had not.
The need to escape before he returned to find her awake overrode the demand for food grumbling from her stomach. She needed to get out of Angel’s apartment, out of Angel’s bed. More important Cordelia needed not to be naked. Once home she could think more clearly and decide how best to handle what was sure to be an awkward situation. Easing from the bed, Cordelia tiptoed to the bathroom hoping to avoid detection by his vampire senses.
Glad to be clothed again Cordelia didn’t even care her clothes wore yesterday’s dirt and grime. Now if she could just figure out where her purse was she would be on her way. She couldn’t risk getting upstairs and not finding it there. She would never be able to make her way back down without being heard. Not in the bathroom, not on the chair, under the bed? Cordelia crouched down so that she could view the hidden space. No purse and not a single dust bunny in sight. Leave it to Angel to find time between saving the world and brooding to vacuum under the bed.
The scene that greeted Angel produced a giddy, butterfly flutter in the pit of his stomach. His girl down on her knees, that enticing, firm ass arched in the air. Spending so much time with other body parts, he had not enjoyed that particular delight. No worry, Angel thought, he would put that little morsel on his list of Cordy pleasure for them to experience. “Cordy, what are you doing?”
Damn. Double Damn. Damn Angel and his obsessive cleanliness.
“Why did you put your dirty clothes back on? I would have gotten you something to wear.”
“I….well I….I need my purse Angel. I need to go.”
Go? “Go, why do you need to go?” Angel questioned her nervous responses, holding the tray laid heavy with breakfast.
“Umm, that really smells good but Dennis must be frantic worrying where I am.”
“Call him. Tell him you’re staying here today.”
“Uh Angel, I’m already late for work and we both know I work for an anal retentive vampire that constantly complains about my work ethics.”
Angel set the tray on the foot of the bed and approached the anxious girl, whose face was a rosy blush and heartbeat was so fast, Angel feared Cordelia might faint from the blood rush. “Come on, lets get you showered and into some clean clothes, then we’ll have breakfast in bed.”
“Shower! Bed!”
“Yes” Angel chuckled “shower, clean clothes, food and I’ll bet your boss would be very understanding if you needed to spend the day in bed.”
“Bed! Angel I‘ve got to go. Smells really good though.” Really good, damn I’m hungry. “I’ll be back in a little while.” Yea right. Without another word, Cordelia turned and ran up the stairs.
Angel listened to her fast-paced stomp across the upstairs floor; heard her stumble and curse just before the outer door slammed behind her. So much for spending a lazy day in bed. He returned the tray, full of uneaten food, to the kitchen where he deposited it on the counter with a heavy plunk.
Angel trudged into the bedroom and plopped down on the lonely bed. He pressed a pillow to his face and inhaled her sex drenched, female scent. She needed time to think this through, after all this was a new experience for her. He just needed to give her some time and everything would be OK; she’d think, they’d talk and hopefully he’d get that lazy day in bed he had been denied today.
Should he call and make sure she was all right? No, she had not even had time to get home yet. Cordelia would return to the office in a few hours and he could talk to her then. Angel reached for the phone and dialed the first few numbers before slamming it back down on the beside table. Don’t call you idiot. What are you a lovesick puppy?
Cordelia impatiently turned her key inside the stubborn apartment door lock. Her jerky, twisting movements doing nothing to help the situation. "Dennis, open the door. Gees taking your first nap in like ever? Wake up and let me in!”
Ever her hero and anger set aside, Dennis slipped open the locks and swung the door open. She rushed inside bolting every lock and chain before leaning her weight against the door. Safe at home she could finally relax and catch her breath.
Cordelia could feel the cool air swirling around her, Dennis making his presence and irritation known. “Sorry Dennis, sorry I didn’t call; you won’t believe the night I had. Let me get a hot bath and I’ll tell you all about it.”
The cool, swirling puffs were instantly gone; seconds later hot water and bubbles were filling the tub. “You’re the best Dennis. What would I do without you?” Cordelia spent the next hour soaking and sharing with Dennis the heart breaking story of losing Doyle and the mind blowing story of her night with Angel.
Part 4
Having showered and dressed hours ago, Angel was now pacing…pacing and fuming. He looked at the clock for the umpteenth time, twelve thirty. It had been over twenty-four hours since the girl bolted from his apartment. Angel glanced at the clock again, even when late Cordelia arrived at the office by noon. Was she ever coming back?
Cordelia stood outside the office door plucking up the courage to go inside and face the irate vampire that had stuffed her answering machine with unreturned messages. She had decided the best way to handle this situation was to ignore it. Ignore it and it would eventually go away. What else was she supposed to do? She had lost her virginity to a man that doesn’t love her. A man that was clearly in love with someone else. Her virgin state had been very important to her, still was; no longer having it didn’t make it any less important, just less intact. That night hadn’t meant anything to him. It couldn’t have; he was too relaxed and casual about it. Angel had been hurting and feeling lonely and she had been available. God what was she thinking; how could she have been so needy to allow that to happen? She had to get her emotions under control; Angel would never return her feelings and the sooner she accepted that the better. Besides nothing was worth losing Angel as a friend and her resentment would only grow if anything like that was to ever happen again. Taking a deep, calming breath, she opened the door and marched inside. Empty. Maybe he went out already. Good. This is good. I get a little more time to prepare.
The almost thunder like heartbeat interrupted Angel’s pacing. He stood and listened to Cordelia standing outside the office door for almost ten minutes before finally coming inside. What was that girl thinking? He was supposed to be the one to over analyze and brood about every little thing. It had only taken him about fifteen minutes to decide what had happened between them was great. Not just great; the best thing to ever happen to him. What was that woman’s problem? He had made it good for her. Cordelia certainly didn’t have any complaints at the time. Well he had called her a dozen times and she hadn’t returned any of them, he certainly wasn’t going to run upstairs and beg her to talk now.
Angel’s steps were lighter than the air around him. The door to the outer office was slightly ajar and from the dark of his private office, he could easily follow her movements. Angel noticed the slower heart rate and calmer breathing and knew Cordelia must have assumed he had already left. He checked his clothing one last time, new gray sweater, black pants and no lint or wrinkles. Damn. You are a lovesick puppy. Get out there and intimidate the girl with some of that man-pire savvy that made you famous.
Angel walked up behind his unsuspecting prey and silently waited for her to turn around. Cordelia lay against the broad, cool structure only seconds before jumping back and squealing obscenities at the irritating vampire. “Damn it Angel! You so need a bell. If you don't want it hanging around your neck we can always shove it up your smart-ass.” Angel couldn’t hide the pleased smirk even if he wanted to and of course, he didn’t want to. Oh God, please don’t want to talk. Just smile and walk away. Cordelia plastered a big smile across her face and scurried to her desk, grabbing various papers as she pretended to read.
Angel followed without hesitation; standing as close as he could without actually touching her. He finally had her where she couldn’t avoid him and it was pay back time for ignoring him. Act casual, invade a little of that personal bubble she’s always demanding and watch her squirm. “We need to talk.” Damn it! Spike’s right I am a poof.
Spinning around too fast Cordelia collided with Angel’s broad form. He grabbed her arms to steady her and to keep her snug against him. That’s right little girl, I’ve got you now. “Cordy are you OK?” His words thick with fake concern.
“I..I..I….Oh look, it’s Kate!” Relief washed over Cordelia; she had been saved by the detective’s timely interruption. “Detective Lockley, come in. How are you? Do you need to talk to Angel?
Angel stared in disbelief at the woman pressed against him. What the hell does she think she’s doing?
Cordelia ignored Angel’s irritated glare as she continued to ramble. “Well right here he is and with nothing to do, so just go right on in to his office. “Angel, Detective Lockley is here to see you.” Hearing the angry growl Cordelia swatted Angel on his shoulder prompting him to turn his attention to their visitor. “Angel, say hello to Kate.”
“Hello Kate.” Angel released his grip on Cordelia with a jerk and followed Kate to his office. Just before the door closed behind them, he turned back toward the source of his frustration. “We’ll talk later.”
“Sure big guy, whatever you say.” A bright and confident smile etched across her face. Yea right. Pfft. Cordelia puttered around the office trying to decide whether to leave or stay and face the pissed off vampire.***
“I really appreciate your help Angel. We’ve been working this case for weeks and getting nowhere.” The door to Angel’s private office opened to the silent, empty reception area.
“No problem Kate, I’m glad you came to me. I’ll check out some of my sources and let you….damn it.” Angel made wide determined strides to Cordelia’s desk, yanking open the drawer that should be housing her purse. “Damn it.” Angel hissed into the empty space.
“What is it? Is something wrong? The detective questioned, confused by Angel’s erratic behavior and unhealthy obsession with the metal drawer.
“No. Yes. Cordelia left early without saying anything.”
“Oh. Maybe she’s just running an errand. Ok then I need to get back to the station. You will keep me informed of anything you find out?”
“Yea sure, I’ll call you as soon as I know anything.”
“Great.” Walking to the door Kate glanced back at the mysterious private detective that was still hovering over the empty drawer. “Angel I’m really sorry about your friend. I know how hard it is to lose one of your own.”
Angel slammed the drawer shut with the shove of his foot. “Thanks Kate, it’s been really hard…for both of us.”
“Maybe that’s why she left early Angel. She just needs more time to deal with the loss.”
“Huh…yea maybe.”
“I’ll see you later and call me.” The door closed as her last words sounded.
Needs more time? She needs something all right but it’s not time. Doesn’t matter though because I have plenty of what she needs and I’m going to start giving it to her right now. Angel punched the numbers he had dialed repeatedly over the last twenty-six hours and waited for the inevitable answering machine to pick up. “Cordy pick up. We have a case and I need your help working it.”
Cordelia listened to Angel’s voice. Sounds calm. Maybe he’s to busy with this case to be angry with me. Case, working a case; if it has anything to do with Kate Lockley I doubt we’re getting paid.
“Cordelia…pick you the phone.” Angel’s irritation a little more evident this time.
Cordelia picked up the phone, crossing her fingers that Angel would only want to talk about their new case. “Hey Angel. We have a case? Are we getting paid?”
“No. I don’t think we’re getting paid. Kate’s having trouble with a case she’s investigating and I told her we’d help her out.”
“We? Since when do I work cases? You never wanted me to work a case with you before.”
“Well it’s just the two of us now and besides for this case I need a woman for my partner.”
Woman? “Woman, why do you need a woman?”
“Look I’ll be over right after sundown and I’ll explain everything to you then.”
“You’re coming here? Shouldn’t I meet you at the office?”
“No that would just take up more time. I’ll need to check how you’re dressed and if you need to change we’ll be there, not at the office.”
“How I’m dressed? It’s a stake out, right? I’m wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. What difference does it make what I’m wearing?”
“Look, I don’t have a lot of time right now. I need to check with some of my sources before tonight. I’ll explain everything when I get there. Just stay at home and get plenty of rest, you’re going to need it.” CLICK
Cordelia stared in disbelief at the abruptly ended call. What the hell is that psycho vampire up to? Fine, I’ll rest. Look at me relaxed and resting. Damn it, I’ll rest his undead, fat ass if he thinks he’s going to play games with me. “Pfft.”
Angel flipped the hanging sign to ‘closed’ and locked the outer office door. Grabbing his cherished copy of Shakespeare’s ‘Taming of the Shrew’, he strolled toward the elevator. Angel glanced at the clock; he had almost four hours before sundown. He would read in undisturbed peace, enjoy the anticipation of the night ahead and Cordelia Chase would pace with worry over his cryptic message. Think you can play with me little girl. Let the master show you how to play. Can’t wait to show you my toys.