Title: Drawn To You
Disclaimer:- We own nothing…*Insane1 sobs*…oh Mrs O-Town owns Mel and this version of Cordy's Parents, though… *Insane1 adds* But, I'll make a deal with Joss and Marti and M.E and all them guys…If you give me Angel and Spike and Gunn and all the other sexy guys…you can keep the girls…as much as I like their characters…I'm more than content with my…er…*your* guys…*and* you can totally destroy Dawn too…I don't mind on that one…I actually don't like her…can u tell? *Mrs O-Town adds* I don't think they can…
A/N from Mrs O-Town:- Me? Oh! *clears throat* Hi! I'd like to welcome you to the first chapter of our fic! Insane1 and I have been working on this for about…a few weeks and a *lot* of applause goes to her for writing the breathtaking beginning *Insane1 blushes* of this and accepting the plot idea I sent her. Honestly, it's amazing how telepathic we are. She has the exact same taste as me when it comes to writing and I think that's why it was so easy to get this fic done because we both knew what we wanted. It's totally C/A all the way (except the beginning where there are hints of C/G, D/A and B/A …but hey! We will deliver. Anyway, I guess I should pass it over to Insane1 so we can get to the *actual* fic cos I know you don't want to wait any longer. Read and enjoy…and review!
A/N from Insane1:- Well…look at what we've done! Yup…that's right…Mrs O- Town and I are the Angelic Devils (aka Deadly Duo on a bad day) and we've got this whole little AU thing cooked up. I can't believe she put up with me on this, but hey…I'm proud of the product. She's an amazing writer and we actually managed to get around all the problems with her being in the UK and me in Oz. I wonder if you can pick who wrote which parts…hmmm…^_^ My side of the summary? Well…its AU…dah…and in an alternate reality. Basically we're using the characters, but there's nothing supernatural about it. Sorry…but I had to take a break from that. Plus when Mrs O-Town dropped this little story line into my lap…I couldn't resist. ^_^ And we're both big C/A shippers…so guess what it is gonna be…hmmm I wonder…^_^ Anyhows…I've said my part. Byes and…oh yeah…POST A REVIEW! POST 50 IF YOU WANT! I'm a feedback addict! I need it! I want it! I must have it! Oh…we've also set up a new email account so you can contact us both easily…without doing two separate emails or whatever…okay…I'm gone for real this time…^_^
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She stared across the table into his big, beautiful eyes. Somehow, she knew exactly what he was about to say. He leant forward and took her perfectly manicured hand in his, carefully avoiding the lone candle sitting between them.
She stored the moment in her mind, making sure she took into account every perfect detail. After all, this would be something that she would cherish forever.
A shy smile played across his striking features, the flickering light from the candle illuminating his spiky brown hair. He rubbed her hand tenderly. She glanced down at the romantic gesture for only a second, bringing her eyes back up to view his. She loved looking into those eyes. Nobody else had eyes like his. They were so...soulful.
"Cordelia," He began softly, delicately pronouncing her name as only he could. It sent the same shivers down her spine each time he said it and she had met him a year ago. One year exactly this evening, as it happened.
She smiled her 1000-watt smile back at him. "Yes?" She never was the type of girl to beat around the bush. With all her wealth, beauty and prestige she didn't have to act coy. And now, she had finally found a man that loved her, for who she really was, not the plasticated image she presented when flirting with boys when she was in high school. He understood that she didn't play the 'Damsel in distress' act to secure her relationship. He had, on many an occasion, told her how much he admired her strength, courage and will power. She was his princess. She ruled his world.
Hell, she was *Queen C* for god's sake! Always had been and always would be. But, contrary to popular opinion, she was more than a cold, heartless bitch. She was emotional and, at the moment, she was *almost* certain she was falling in love with the man in front of her. (She knew that she cared more than deeply for him, in any case.) But, she was also reserved and cautious.
The last time she had opened her heart to someone was back in high school. Xander Harris had been her love interest back then and she had given everything that had ever mattered to her up just to be with him. Things had been going great for them...at least she thought they had. Turned out that Xander had had other ideas, realising too late that he had feelings for his best friend. Poor Cordelia had been crushed.
But, being the strong, self-efficient and independent woman that she was, Cordelia Chase had pulled herself out of that rut and moved on in her life. Now she had finally found this wonderful man and he loved her more than anyone else ever had - Tonight was testament to that.
He had set up an elaborate candlelight dinner for two with champagne and romantic music...The whole enchilada. Of course, this wasn't the first time, But it was different.
Cordy watched as he bit his lip nervously, her radiant smile encouraging him as he tried to find the right words to say. She knew that he loved her more than anything. She knew that he would give her whatever she asked for without blinking. She also knew that she could trust him with her life. But tonight he was going to tread where no man had ever stepped foot before.
"Cordelia," He repeated her name, looking into her stunning hazel eyes. "I love you."
"I know you do." She replied, catching her breath dramatically as he swept himself around the small circular table to kneel before her on bended knee, clutching her hand to his chest delicately.
"I've been wanting for the longest time to say this to you," He said, his loving gaze never wandering from hers. "I would love for you to be my wife." Before she could respond, he let go of her hand and pulled out a small velvet box from his jacket pocket. Opening it and offering the diamond encrusted ring to her he asked, "Will you marry me, Cordelia Chase?"
"Yes." She breathed, tears of joy forming in her eyes. "I will marry you, Roger Gregory."
She held her hand out and allowed her fiancé to slip the giant rock...er...*engagement ring* onto her slender finger. Once this was completed, she threw her arms around his neck and met his perfect lips with her own, melting into a kiss so fused with romance and sexual tension a chainsaw couldn't even carve through the atmosphere. This would probably one of the happiest moments of her life.
When she had met Roger "Groo" Gregory, she had been on one of her family's frequent vacations to Tuscany. They had bumped into each other on the beach and clicked instantly. When it dawned on her that he owned a gorgeous apartment in LA, only a few hours drive from her elegant family mansion in Sunnydale, she knew it was a match made in heaven.
This man was perfect for her! Not only did he have a perfectly toned and muscled body to die for, his personality was just as beautiful. This man was gentle, loving, caring, concerned whenever she got those damned migraines of hers...and to top it all off, was completely selfless.
This man was also so alluring that he had earned the nickname Gruesome from his friends, which then became shortened to 'Groo'. She really loved calling him that. It was unique. It was special. And it was her man's nickname. He was nobody else's...just hers. She sighed. Tonight was perfect. It was exactly the way she'd wanted tonight to be.
*~*~*~Meanwhile at a Club in LA *~*~*~*~*
"So…you wanna go back to my place. It's a bit more…uh…private." The blonde batted her eyes at him, running her hand up his trouser leg.
"But we just met…oh, I don't know…" He looked at his watch. "3 seconds ago."
She leant forward, her nose inches from his, staring into his big brown eyes, a hint of mischief in hers. "What's the matter? You don't wanna play?"
Liam was getting sick of this. This was definitely *not* the way he'd wanted tonight to be. In the past 5…count 'em… 5 minutes he'd been propositioned *10* times. "Look," He informed her sternly, losing any evidence of tact. "I'll tell you what I've told the last 9 girls. I'm not interested. Thanks but no thanks."
This girl, however, wasn't going to take no for an answer. Her hand managed to find its way even further up his thigh as she grinned at him. "Pretty please? I promise you won't regret it."
He sighed. This was going to be a long night. "You're right. I won't regret it." He said, smiling his patented smile back at her. He could pinpoint the exact moment her heart melted. Liam wasn't going to deny it, he was a womaniser. The girls really fell for the tall, dark and handsome thing and he played it for so many things. But he *really* hadn't been looking for an easy lay tonight. He leant even closer to the young woman in front of him and watched as she smiled in conquest. "Do you know why?" He whispered seductively.
She swallowed and breathed "Why?" Closing her eyes, just waiting for confirmation. Willing those luscious lips of his to meet with her own.
"Because…" He said softly, gently prying her hand from his thigh and placing it on her knee, leaving his on top, forcing her to note his power over her. Leaning further forward so that when he spoke, his lips would brush lightly over hers, he finished "…Because I'm not going to take you up on that offer. End of story."
Her eyes batted open the second she heard the word 'not'. She stared into the determination maintained in his gaze. She saw the glint in his eyes as he spoke, that told her he was enjoying stirring her up. He was every bit a sexual predator as she was and she didn't like it.
Liam watched her eyes open abruptly. He hated doing stuff like this...it brought back so many memories. Ones that he really wanted to forget. But this girl had seriously asked for it.
"You asshole." She said, pulling herself from him and storming away from the bar in a huff.
Liam half-smiled to himself. Mission Accomplished.
"Another happy customer, then?" A familiar voice joked behind him.
Liam turned to face his friend. "Lorne…Long time no see." He stood and the two shared a manly hug, thumping each other on the back as only men do.
The owner of the club laughed as they pulled apart. "Too long if you ask me…I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me."
"I've been busy…doing odd jobs here and there, visiting family, wanting to tear my father to pieces…the usual." Liam smiled and decided to change the subject before his friend could badger him about his issues once again. "Looks like business has picked up again." He looked around and motioned at the large crowd on the dance floor.
"Angelcakes," his friend replied, knowing how much he hated the name. "You have no idea. It couldn't get any better."
"I thought I told you to *never* call me that."
"Must have slipped my mind. Want a drink? Its on the house."
"That'd be great."
Lorne signaled the bartender and before too long, Liam had a beer in his hand. The two began to catch up on each other's lives, making jokes at their past. Liam 'Angel' O'Malley had missed these bonding sessions. His detective agency was going nowhere with all the pro-bono 'hero' work he was doing, but he was determined not to give up. He had a once in a lifetime chance of meeting with a really high paying prospective client in a week or so. If he got that right, proper business was sure to pick up. His other career as a talented artist had been put on hold, even though his artwork was bound to rake in more money than this 'helping the helpless' thing he'd cooked up.
Ah yes…the helping the helpless thing. Liam sighed once more as he thought about it. He was 27 now, and had a lot to make up for. For as long as he could remember he'd been a wild child; going out all night partying, drinking, smoking and sleeping around. He'd learnt early on in life that he was extremely good looking and worked out that he could use that to get *anything* he wanted from a girl. He'd also learnt that it was a hell of a lot easier to be the jerk that never calls the morning after, instead of sticking around and wasting time with idle chitchat. Liam had been a world- class chauvinist and asshole.
Unfortunately, he'd also enjoyed it.
Anyhow, he'd been a huge disappointment to his father, a strict Irishman with incredibly strong Catholic beliefs. The two never got along and the more his father told him that he was a failure, the more Liam would rebel.
When Liam had finally been kicked out of home he'd met a girl that wasn't like any of the other girls he'd encountered. Darla. Now he shuddered at just the thought of her name. She was just as cruel and ruthless as he used to be. She'd see a man she liked, lead him on, practically leech the hope and life out of him to get what she wanted, discard him and repeated the process with another. She was just like the woman he'd encountered tonight.
Liam and Darla had clicked immediately and she turned him into a full-blown sexual predator, much like herself. It sickened Liam to look back on this. Once he'd enjoyed teaming up with Darla to break people apart, both emotionally and relationship wise. Even though he was known amongst the woman as 'the one with the Angelic face' (and viola nickname!), he was evil. He wouldn't have admitted it back then, but he'd also been in serious need of psychological help. One day, though, Angel 'woke up'.
Somehow, he'd realised that what they were doing was wrong and Darla had thrown him out on his ass for growing a conscience. So, once again, Liam was out on his own, and he'd met Buffy. From the beginning he'd known they weren't right for each other. For starters she'd seemed too young at the time. She'd still only been in high school and he'd been...older. 6 years in fact. And that was a lot when he wanted to go out to clubs and stuff and she was still a minor...but they'd tried and he'd loved her all the same...until he figured out that they really weren't going to work.
He'd ended the relationship and she'd been heartbroken. But, little did she know that she had taught him a lot of things about himself and now he knew what he had to do. He knew that he had to atone for his sins. He was set on a path of redemption.
After setting up AI (Angel Investigations) he started helping people out, ridding them of stalkers and the like, without asking for any monetary payback. He was actually trying to live up to his nickname and his company's motto: 'Angel Investigations...We help the helpless.'
"Angel" His friend's voice shook him from his thoughts.
"Yeah?" He replied, his eyes glued firmly to his beer. He didn't need counseling right now. He needed to get drunk. *Very* drunk. But, he knew that wasn't an option. He'd promised himself that he'd prove his father wrong even if it was the death of him.
"What's been going on with you? You're putting out a severe Grizzly Bear vibe." Lorne prodded.
Angel shrugged, knowing that he would eventually have to tell his friend. With a sigh he relayed his current woes. The torment. The anguish. The guilt. His anger at his father from their last clash. It had all gotten worse after he left Buffy. All the bad memories of his past flooded him and he couldn't escape them. "...And so I'm stuck in this dead-end job atoning for my past. It's pissing me off more than you can imagine." He finished, downing the last of his drink.
"That's it." Lorne instructed, pulling out a cell phone. "You've got to get over this brooding thing. I've got no other choice. I'm calling in the guys."
Angel laughed. 'The guys' were a bunch of his best friends. They always managed to pull him out of these funks. Of course they always managed to get him into a lot of sticky situations...but they were a great bunch. So, maybe tonight was going to be better after all.
*~*~*~*~*~*Cordy*~*~*~*~*~*
Telling her parents had been easy; her father was good friends with Groo's father and knew of Groo's impending plans of marriage. Her mother wasted no time in calling everybody at her bridge club to let them know of the engagement. Cordelia went to bed, with her 1000-watt smile still plastered on her face and her heart pacing a thousand times a minute in excitement. She could get used to the attention.
*`*~*~*~*~*~Angel*~*~*~*~*
Well...that had been fun. Angel thought, pulling himself up the stairs to his apartment. Of course, he'd had a *little* bit too much to drink as he usually did when those guys were involved...but it wasn't in a bad way. They'd partied and socialised...and now he was tired. He crashed onto his bed, a contented smile stuck on his angelic face.
~*~*~*The Next Week*~*~*~
*~*~*Cordy*~*~*
Cordelia downed another two aspirins. Her migraines seemed to be getting worse, especially with all the hubbub. All day for the past week, the conversations revolved around the wedding and Cordelia was sick of it. All people asked was 'What sort of wedding was it going to be?' 'Was it going to be big or small?' 'What colour were the napkins going to be?' and they hadn't even set a date yet! She was seeing less and less of her fiancé Groo, which is why it was so hard to set a date for the wedding. Finally, she managed to have a few minutes alone with him.
"Groo?" she asked him as he wrapped his arms around her as she stood next to him.
"Hi, honey. I haven't seen you all day," he said kissing her cheek.
"All week, actually," she mumbled, "When do you think the wedding should be? We really should set a date," she said. Groo moaned.
"Yeah, well I thought you were taking care of all that. I don't really know. You set a date and arrange everything and I'll be there," he said, turning his attention back to his laptop.
"Oh-kay…" Cordelia said. She looked at the calendar on the wall. "How about July 25th?" she suggested.
"What? Oh, honey, I'm sorry, I have a big meeting that day. Why don't you choose another one? Now, I really have to get back to work okay?" He said, losing interest in the conversation.
Dejected, Cordelia nodded and left.
"Groo?" she said again when she got to the door. She got a mumble as a reply. "I love you,"
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Me too," Groo replied, not even looking up at her.
*
Cordelia lay on her bed, sick of all this when her little sister came in and lay next to her. Cordelia smiled at the 16 year old mini-her. She couldn't believe how much her sister was growing up. She'd always been her baby sis…now she was more like a best friend, for which Cordy was glad…especially at times like these, when she *really* needed someone to talk to.
"You ok?" Her sister asked.
Cordelia shook her head. "This is getting so tedious," She answered. Her sister hugged her. "I just wish I could get away. Have a break or something and then come back. When we got engaged, everything seemed so surreal. I needed time to let it sink in, but so far, it hasn't," Cordelia continued, looking at the floor.
"You should."
"Should what?" Cordelia asked, not really knowing what her little sister was getting at.
"Go on vacation. I'm sure no one will mind. It'll give us a break too,"
"Oh, Mel…I can't do that,"
Mel nodded, her perfect brown hair swishing around her shoulders elegantly. "Sure you can. If you're not happy, then I'm not happy. And if I'm not happy-"
"-Nobody's happy," Cordelia finished off with a chuckle, "Are you sure no one will mind?" She became serious, but worried. Mel shook her head, to which Cordelia asked, "Where do you suggest?" now satisfied with Mel's approval.
"Tenerife?" Mel replied, holding up a holiday brochure, which had been on the bed.
Cordelia had been looking at possible honeymoon destinations. She'd really liked this one and for some strange reason, felt drawn to it. Her heart fluttered, as if willing her to jump at the opportunity. She smiled wanting to follow her intuition. "Yeah…Tenerife."
~*~*~*Angel*~*~*~
"Tenerife?" Angel asked his friends. They nodded eagerly. "I'm not sure…" he began as he held the brochure, scanning over the hotel they had picked.
"What's not to be sure about? The sun, the sand, the sea…the girls…" His best friend made sure he stretched out the last word.
Girls? Angel thought to himself, running his hand through his gelled brown hair. "Girls?" he repeated aloud.
They nodded again. "Yeah, they really dig that destination. Maybe you could find another cheerleader there."
Angel chuckled and took a long sip of his beer. "Why the sudden need to go on holiday?" he asked suspiciously. The three men shrugged.
"It's winter here. All the chicks are covering up. We all *know* that's not really your style…" Lorne joked. The others nodded and chuckled along.
Angel sighed in submission and rolled his eyes. "When do you lot wanna go?" He found himself asking, taking another sip.
"Tomorrow,"
Angel's beer flew from his mouth. "TOMORROW?" he repeated, wiping his chin.
They nodded. "Yeah, we sort of already booked it and we didn't know how to tell you, especially with that Buffy chick you broke up with last month or whenever it was. Man, she really hated your guts after that." His best friend commented.
"I can't go tomorrow," Angel complained.
"Why?" they demanded.
"I have a job interview,"
"Skip it," his friend, Charles Gunn, said almost immediately.
Angel shook his head. "Gunn, You know I can't do that. I need this job, I've been waiting for an opportunity like this for as long as I can remember…"
"Come later," The young black man pleaded. He was *not* going to let Angel become Mr. Doom and Gloom again.
"What?" Angel said, as if it was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard
"Get a later flight out."
"Please?" The others whined in unison. Angel swore they were worse than 5 year olds.
He sighed again. This time pointedly. "Fine," he said, calling the travel agency. After a couple of minutes, he turned to them. "The next available flight out is in three days,"
"Take it. We'll meet you there," Wes, the third member of his little gang, instructed. His British accent crisp and resolved. There was no arguing with them and Angel knew it.
"I'll take it," Angel informed the travel agent as his friends cheered and chugged down their beer. He looked at them, shook his head and laughed.
~*~*~*~*Cordelia's house*~*~*~*~
"It's booked. I'm flying out in three days time," Cordelia said. Her parents and Groo sat in front of her, not too pleased.
"I wish you had asked us," her mother said simply, crossing her arms.
"Please? It's only for two weeks. She'll be back happy *and* tanned." Mel argued.
"You're going alone? Are you sure you don't want Groo or anyone to come?" Her father asked.
"Dad, all I've heard since the engagement is wedding talk. If I go alone, I won't have to think about it and when I come back, I'll be ready," Cordelia insisted.
"I don't want you to get hurt…or…you know…meet anyone."
"Dad!" Cordelia warned. "I can look after myself," Groo sat in silence, still glued in front of his laptop. "Groo, honey, are you sure *you* don't mind?" Cordelia asked him, kneeling at his side.
"I'm sure. I have a lot of work to get on with anyway," he said, kissing her for the first time all week.
"Are you sure you're cool about it?" She asked again. Her parents thought for about a minute and then nodded. Mel and Cordelia shrieked in excitement.
"Great, so I guess I'm going to Tenerife," Cordelia said, beaming.
~*~**~*~**
A/N: Okay so I guess it's a *little* long. Honestly, we didn't know how long it was going to be. We just wrote little bits, emailed them to each other and then melted them together with a giant hypothetical blowtorch.
And now it's up to you to let us know our efforts didn't all go to waste ^_^
Leave a review…please?
Disclaimer:- We own nothing…*Insane1 sobs*…oh Mrs O-Town owns Mel and this version of Cordy's Parents, though… *Insane1 adds* But, I'll make a deal with Joss and Marti and M.E and all them guys…If you give me Angel and Spike and Gunn and all the other sexy guys…you can keep the girls…as much as I like their characters…I'm more than content with my…er…*your* guys…*and* you can totally destroy Dawn too…I don't mind on that one…I actually don't like her…can u tell? *Mrs O-Town adds* I don't think they can…
A/N from Mrs O-Town:- Me? Oh! *clears throat* Hi! I'd like to welcome you to the first chapter of our fic! Insane1 and I have been working on this for about…a few weeks and a *lot* of applause goes to her for writing the breathtaking beginning *Insane1 blushes* of this and accepting the plot idea I sent her. Honestly, it's amazing how telepathic we are. She has the exact same taste as me when it comes to writing and I think that's why it was so easy to get this fic done because we both knew what we wanted. It's totally C/A all the way (except the beginning where there are hints of C/G, D/A and B/A …but hey! We will deliver. Anyway, I guess I should pass it over to Insane1 so we can get to the *actual* fic cos I know you don't want to wait any longer. Read and enjoy…and review!
A/N from Insane1:- Well…look at what we've done! Yup…that's right…Mrs O- Town and I are the Angelic Devils (aka Deadly Duo on a bad day) and we've got this whole little AU thing cooked up. I can't believe she put up with me on this, but hey…I'm proud of the product. She's an amazing writer and we actually managed to get around all the problems with her being in the UK and me in Oz. I wonder if you can pick who wrote which parts…hmmm…^_^ My side of the summary? Well…its AU…dah…and in an alternate reality. Basically we're using the characters, but there's nothing supernatural about it. Sorry…but I had to take a break from that. Plus when Mrs O-Town dropped this little story line into my lap…I couldn't resist. ^_^ And we're both big C/A shippers…so guess what it is gonna be…hmmm I wonder…^_^ Anyhows…I've said my part. Byes and…oh yeah…POST A REVIEW! POST 50 IF YOU WANT! I'm a feedback addict! I need it! I want it! I must have it! Oh…we've also set up a new email account so you can contact us both easily…without doing two separate emails or whatever…okay…I'm gone for real this time…^_^
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She stared across the table into his big, beautiful eyes. Somehow, she knew exactly what he was about to say. He leant forward and took her perfectly manicured hand in his, carefully avoiding the lone candle sitting between them.
She stored the moment in her mind, making sure she took into account every perfect detail. After all, this would be something that she would cherish forever.
A shy smile played across his striking features, the flickering light from the candle illuminating his spiky brown hair. He rubbed her hand tenderly. She glanced down at the romantic gesture for only a second, bringing her eyes back up to view his. She loved looking into those eyes. Nobody else had eyes like his. They were so...soulful.
"Cordelia," He began softly, delicately pronouncing her name as only he could. It sent the same shivers down her spine each time he said it and she had met him a year ago. One year exactly this evening, as it happened.
She smiled her 1000-watt smile back at him. "Yes?" She never was the type of girl to beat around the bush. With all her wealth, beauty and prestige she didn't have to act coy. And now, she had finally found a man that loved her, for who she really was, not the plasticated image she presented when flirting with boys when she was in high school. He understood that she didn't play the 'Damsel in distress' act to secure her relationship. He had, on many an occasion, told her how much he admired her strength, courage and will power. She was his princess. She ruled his world.
Hell, she was *Queen C* for god's sake! Always had been and always would be. But, contrary to popular opinion, she was more than a cold, heartless bitch. She was emotional and, at the moment, she was *almost* certain she was falling in love with the man in front of her. (She knew that she cared more than deeply for him, in any case.) But, she was also reserved and cautious.
The last time she had opened her heart to someone was back in high school. Xander Harris had been her love interest back then and she had given everything that had ever mattered to her up just to be with him. Things had been going great for them...at least she thought they had. Turned out that Xander had had other ideas, realising too late that he had feelings for his best friend. Poor Cordelia had been crushed.
But, being the strong, self-efficient and independent woman that she was, Cordelia Chase had pulled herself out of that rut and moved on in her life. Now she had finally found this wonderful man and he loved her more than anyone else ever had - Tonight was testament to that.
He had set up an elaborate candlelight dinner for two with champagne and romantic music...The whole enchilada. Of course, this wasn't the first time, But it was different.
Cordy watched as he bit his lip nervously, her radiant smile encouraging him as he tried to find the right words to say. She knew that he loved her more than anything. She knew that he would give her whatever she asked for without blinking. She also knew that she could trust him with her life. But tonight he was going to tread where no man had ever stepped foot before.
"Cordelia," He repeated her name, looking into her stunning hazel eyes. "I love you."
"I know you do." She replied, catching her breath dramatically as he swept himself around the small circular table to kneel before her on bended knee, clutching her hand to his chest delicately.
"I've been wanting for the longest time to say this to you," He said, his loving gaze never wandering from hers. "I would love for you to be my wife." Before she could respond, he let go of her hand and pulled out a small velvet box from his jacket pocket. Opening it and offering the diamond encrusted ring to her he asked, "Will you marry me, Cordelia Chase?"
"Yes." She breathed, tears of joy forming in her eyes. "I will marry you, Roger Gregory."
She held her hand out and allowed her fiancé to slip the giant rock...er...*engagement ring* onto her slender finger. Once this was completed, she threw her arms around his neck and met his perfect lips with her own, melting into a kiss so fused with romance and sexual tension a chainsaw couldn't even carve through the atmosphere. This would probably one of the happiest moments of her life.
When she had met Roger "Groo" Gregory, she had been on one of her family's frequent vacations to Tuscany. They had bumped into each other on the beach and clicked instantly. When it dawned on her that he owned a gorgeous apartment in LA, only a few hours drive from her elegant family mansion in Sunnydale, she knew it was a match made in heaven.
This man was perfect for her! Not only did he have a perfectly toned and muscled body to die for, his personality was just as beautiful. This man was gentle, loving, caring, concerned whenever she got those damned migraines of hers...and to top it all off, was completely selfless.
This man was also so alluring that he had earned the nickname Gruesome from his friends, which then became shortened to 'Groo'. She really loved calling him that. It was unique. It was special. And it was her man's nickname. He was nobody else's...just hers. She sighed. Tonight was perfect. It was exactly the way she'd wanted tonight to be.
*~*~*~Meanwhile at a Club in LA *~*~*~*~*
"So…you wanna go back to my place. It's a bit more…uh…private." The blonde batted her eyes at him, running her hand up his trouser leg.
"But we just met…oh, I don't know…" He looked at his watch. "3 seconds ago."
She leant forward, her nose inches from his, staring into his big brown eyes, a hint of mischief in hers. "What's the matter? You don't wanna play?"
Liam was getting sick of this. This was definitely *not* the way he'd wanted tonight to be. In the past 5…count 'em… 5 minutes he'd been propositioned *10* times. "Look," He informed her sternly, losing any evidence of tact. "I'll tell you what I've told the last 9 girls. I'm not interested. Thanks but no thanks."
This girl, however, wasn't going to take no for an answer. Her hand managed to find its way even further up his thigh as she grinned at him. "Pretty please? I promise you won't regret it."
He sighed. This was going to be a long night. "You're right. I won't regret it." He said, smiling his patented smile back at her. He could pinpoint the exact moment her heart melted. Liam wasn't going to deny it, he was a womaniser. The girls really fell for the tall, dark and handsome thing and he played it for so many things. But he *really* hadn't been looking for an easy lay tonight. He leant even closer to the young woman in front of him and watched as she smiled in conquest. "Do you know why?" He whispered seductively.
She swallowed and breathed "Why?" Closing her eyes, just waiting for confirmation. Willing those luscious lips of his to meet with her own.
"Because…" He said softly, gently prying her hand from his thigh and placing it on her knee, leaving his on top, forcing her to note his power over her. Leaning further forward so that when he spoke, his lips would brush lightly over hers, he finished "…Because I'm not going to take you up on that offer. End of story."
Her eyes batted open the second she heard the word 'not'. She stared into the determination maintained in his gaze. She saw the glint in his eyes as he spoke, that told her he was enjoying stirring her up. He was every bit a sexual predator as she was and she didn't like it.
Liam watched her eyes open abruptly. He hated doing stuff like this...it brought back so many memories. Ones that he really wanted to forget. But this girl had seriously asked for it.
"You asshole." She said, pulling herself from him and storming away from the bar in a huff.
Liam half-smiled to himself. Mission Accomplished.
"Another happy customer, then?" A familiar voice joked behind him.
Liam turned to face his friend. "Lorne…Long time no see." He stood and the two shared a manly hug, thumping each other on the back as only men do.
The owner of the club laughed as they pulled apart. "Too long if you ask me…I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me."
"I've been busy…doing odd jobs here and there, visiting family, wanting to tear my father to pieces…the usual." Liam smiled and decided to change the subject before his friend could badger him about his issues once again. "Looks like business has picked up again." He looked around and motioned at the large crowd on the dance floor.
"Angelcakes," his friend replied, knowing how much he hated the name. "You have no idea. It couldn't get any better."
"I thought I told you to *never* call me that."
"Must have slipped my mind. Want a drink? Its on the house."
"That'd be great."
Lorne signaled the bartender and before too long, Liam had a beer in his hand. The two began to catch up on each other's lives, making jokes at their past. Liam 'Angel' O'Malley had missed these bonding sessions. His detective agency was going nowhere with all the pro-bono 'hero' work he was doing, but he was determined not to give up. He had a once in a lifetime chance of meeting with a really high paying prospective client in a week or so. If he got that right, proper business was sure to pick up. His other career as a talented artist had been put on hold, even though his artwork was bound to rake in more money than this 'helping the helpless' thing he'd cooked up.
Ah yes…the helping the helpless thing. Liam sighed once more as he thought about it. He was 27 now, and had a lot to make up for. For as long as he could remember he'd been a wild child; going out all night partying, drinking, smoking and sleeping around. He'd learnt early on in life that he was extremely good looking and worked out that he could use that to get *anything* he wanted from a girl. He'd also learnt that it was a hell of a lot easier to be the jerk that never calls the morning after, instead of sticking around and wasting time with idle chitchat. Liam had been a world- class chauvinist and asshole.
Unfortunately, he'd also enjoyed it.
Anyhow, he'd been a huge disappointment to his father, a strict Irishman with incredibly strong Catholic beliefs. The two never got along and the more his father told him that he was a failure, the more Liam would rebel.
When Liam had finally been kicked out of home he'd met a girl that wasn't like any of the other girls he'd encountered. Darla. Now he shuddered at just the thought of her name. She was just as cruel and ruthless as he used to be. She'd see a man she liked, lead him on, practically leech the hope and life out of him to get what she wanted, discard him and repeated the process with another. She was just like the woman he'd encountered tonight.
Liam and Darla had clicked immediately and she turned him into a full-blown sexual predator, much like herself. It sickened Liam to look back on this. Once he'd enjoyed teaming up with Darla to break people apart, both emotionally and relationship wise. Even though he was known amongst the woman as 'the one with the Angelic face' (and viola nickname!), he was evil. He wouldn't have admitted it back then, but he'd also been in serious need of psychological help. One day, though, Angel 'woke up'.
Somehow, he'd realised that what they were doing was wrong and Darla had thrown him out on his ass for growing a conscience. So, once again, Liam was out on his own, and he'd met Buffy. From the beginning he'd known they weren't right for each other. For starters she'd seemed too young at the time. She'd still only been in high school and he'd been...older. 6 years in fact. And that was a lot when he wanted to go out to clubs and stuff and she was still a minor...but they'd tried and he'd loved her all the same...until he figured out that they really weren't going to work.
He'd ended the relationship and she'd been heartbroken. But, little did she know that she had taught him a lot of things about himself and now he knew what he had to do. He knew that he had to atone for his sins. He was set on a path of redemption.
After setting up AI (Angel Investigations) he started helping people out, ridding them of stalkers and the like, without asking for any monetary payback. He was actually trying to live up to his nickname and his company's motto: 'Angel Investigations...We help the helpless.'
"Angel" His friend's voice shook him from his thoughts.
"Yeah?" He replied, his eyes glued firmly to his beer. He didn't need counseling right now. He needed to get drunk. *Very* drunk. But, he knew that wasn't an option. He'd promised himself that he'd prove his father wrong even if it was the death of him.
"What's been going on with you? You're putting out a severe Grizzly Bear vibe." Lorne prodded.
Angel shrugged, knowing that he would eventually have to tell his friend. With a sigh he relayed his current woes. The torment. The anguish. The guilt. His anger at his father from their last clash. It had all gotten worse after he left Buffy. All the bad memories of his past flooded him and he couldn't escape them. "...And so I'm stuck in this dead-end job atoning for my past. It's pissing me off more than you can imagine." He finished, downing the last of his drink.
"That's it." Lorne instructed, pulling out a cell phone. "You've got to get over this brooding thing. I've got no other choice. I'm calling in the guys."
Angel laughed. 'The guys' were a bunch of his best friends. They always managed to pull him out of these funks. Of course they always managed to get him into a lot of sticky situations...but they were a great bunch. So, maybe tonight was going to be better after all.
*~*~*~*~*~*Cordy*~*~*~*~*~*
Telling her parents had been easy; her father was good friends with Groo's father and knew of Groo's impending plans of marriage. Her mother wasted no time in calling everybody at her bridge club to let them know of the engagement. Cordelia went to bed, with her 1000-watt smile still plastered on her face and her heart pacing a thousand times a minute in excitement. She could get used to the attention.
*`*~*~*~*~*~Angel*~*~*~*~*
Well...that had been fun. Angel thought, pulling himself up the stairs to his apartment. Of course, he'd had a *little* bit too much to drink as he usually did when those guys were involved...but it wasn't in a bad way. They'd partied and socialised...and now he was tired. He crashed onto his bed, a contented smile stuck on his angelic face.
~*~*~*The Next Week*~*~*~
*~*~*Cordy*~*~*
Cordelia downed another two aspirins. Her migraines seemed to be getting worse, especially with all the hubbub. All day for the past week, the conversations revolved around the wedding and Cordelia was sick of it. All people asked was 'What sort of wedding was it going to be?' 'Was it going to be big or small?' 'What colour were the napkins going to be?' and they hadn't even set a date yet! She was seeing less and less of her fiancé Groo, which is why it was so hard to set a date for the wedding. Finally, she managed to have a few minutes alone with him.
"Groo?" she asked him as he wrapped his arms around her as she stood next to him.
"Hi, honey. I haven't seen you all day," he said kissing her cheek.
"All week, actually," she mumbled, "When do you think the wedding should be? We really should set a date," she said. Groo moaned.
"Yeah, well I thought you were taking care of all that. I don't really know. You set a date and arrange everything and I'll be there," he said, turning his attention back to his laptop.
"Oh-kay…" Cordelia said. She looked at the calendar on the wall. "How about July 25th?" she suggested.
"What? Oh, honey, I'm sorry, I have a big meeting that day. Why don't you choose another one? Now, I really have to get back to work okay?" He said, losing interest in the conversation.
Dejected, Cordelia nodded and left.
"Groo?" she said again when she got to the door. She got a mumble as a reply. "I love you,"
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Me too," Groo replied, not even looking up at her.
*
Cordelia lay on her bed, sick of all this when her little sister came in and lay next to her. Cordelia smiled at the 16 year old mini-her. She couldn't believe how much her sister was growing up. She'd always been her baby sis…now she was more like a best friend, for which Cordy was glad…especially at times like these, when she *really* needed someone to talk to.
"You ok?" Her sister asked.
Cordelia shook her head. "This is getting so tedious," She answered. Her sister hugged her. "I just wish I could get away. Have a break or something and then come back. When we got engaged, everything seemed so surreal. I needed time to let it sink in, but so far, it hasn't," Cordelia continued, looking at the floor.
"You should."
"Should what?" Cordelia asked, not really knowing what her little sister was getting at.
"Go on vacation. I'm sure no one will mind. It'll give us a break too,"
"Oh, Mel…I can't do that,"
Mel nodded, her perfect brown hair swishing around her shoulders elegantly. "Sure you can. If you're not happy, then I'm not happy. And if I'm not happy-"
"-Nobody's happy," Cordelia finished off with a chuckle, "Are you sure no one will mind?" She became serious, but worried. Mel shook her head, to which Cordelia asked, "Where do you suggest?" now satisfied with Mel's approval.
"Tenerife?" Mel replied, holding up a holiday brochure, which had been on the bed.
Cordelia had been looking at possible honeymoon destinations. She'd really liked this one and for some strange reason, felt drawn to it. Her heart fluttered, as if willing her to jump at the opportunity. She smiled wanting to follow her intuition. "Yeah…Tenerife."
~*~*~*Angel*~*~*~
"Tenerife?" Angel asked his friends. They nodded eagerly. "I'm not sure…" he began as he held the brochure, scanning over the hotel they had picked.
"What's not to be sure about? The sun, the sand, the sea…the girls…" His best friend made sure he stretched out the last word.
Girls? Angel thought to himself, running his hand through his gelled brown hair. "Girls?" he repeated aloud.
They nodded again. "Yeah, they really dig that destination. Maybe you could find another cheerleader there."
Angel chuckled and took a long sip of his beer. "Why the sudden need to go on holiday?" he asked suspiciously. The three men shrugged.
"It's winter here. All the chicks are covering up. We all *know* that's not really your style…" Lorne joked. The others nodded and chuckled along.
Angel sighed in submission and rolled his eyes. "When do you lot wanna go?" He found himself asking, taking another sip.
"Tomorrow,"
Angel's beer flew from his mouth. "TOMORROW?" he repeated, wiping his chin.
They nodded. "Yeah, we sort of already booked it and we didn't know how to tell you, especially with that Buffy chick you broke up with last month or whenever it was. Man, she really hated your guts after that." His best friend commented.
"I can't go tomorrow," Angel complained.
"Why?" they demanded.
"I have a job interview,"
"Skip it," his friend, Charles Gunn, said almost immediately.
Angel shook his head. "Gunn, You know I can't do that. I need this job, I've been waiting for an opportunity like this for as long as I can remember…"
"Come later," The young black man pleaded. He was *not* going to let Angel become Mr. Doom and Gloom again.
"What?" Angel said, as if it was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard
"Get a later flight out."
"Please?" The others whined in unison. Angel swore they were worse than 5 year olds.
He sighed again. This time pointedly. "Fine," he said, calling the travel agency. After a couple of minutes, he turned to them. "The next available flight out is in three days,"
"Take it. We'll meet you there," Wes, the third member of his little gang, instructed. His British accent crisp and resolved. There was no arguing with them and Angel knew it.
"I'll take it," Angel informed the travel agent as his friends cheered and chugged down their beer. He looked at them, shook his head and laughed.
~*~*~*~*Cordelia's house*~*~*~*~
"It's booked. I'm flying out in three days time," Cordelia said. Her parents and Groo sat in front of her, not too pleased.
"I wish you had asked us," her mother said simply, crossing her arms.
"Please? It's only for two weeks. She'll be back happy *and* tanned." Mel argued.
"You're going alone? Are you sure you don't want Groo or anyone to come?" Her father asked.
"Dad, all I've heard since the engagement is wedding talk. If I go alone, I won't have to think about it and when I come back, I'll be ready," Cordelia insisted.
"I don't want you to get hurt…or…you know…meet anyone."
"Dad!" Cordelia warned. "I can look after myself," Groo sat in silence, still glued in front of his laptop. "Groo, honey, are you sure *you* don't mind?" Cordelia asked him, kneeling at his side.
"I'm sure. I have a lot of work to get on with anyway," he said, kissing her for the first time all week.
"Are you sure you're cool about it?" She asked again. Her parents thought for about a minute and then nodded. Mel and Cordelia shrieked in excitement.
"Great, so I guess I'm going to Tenerife," Cordelia said, beaming.
~*~**~*~**
A/N: Okay so I guess it's a *little* long. Honestly, we didn't know how long it was going to be. We just wrote little bits, emailed them to each other and then melted them together with a giant hypothetical blowtorch.
And now it's up to you to let us know our efforts didn't all go to waste ^_^
Leave a review…please?